May all beings be happy and free

Take a few minutes today and enjoy this beautiful mantra and soundtrack.
Lokah
Samasta
Sukhino
Bhavantu
May all beings be happy and free

What is a Mantra?

‘Man‘ means the mind, tra is the method, technique or tool to deliver or carry across, and the purpose of chanting mantra’s  is really to clean the window of the mind.   Mantra’s  have shades  of meaning, in that we don’t take the words literally, but the power of the mantra is in the sound vibration.   You will be guided to different mantras on your life journey, vibrational prayers/affirmations that connect you back to the heart.  Chanting them regularly allows our vibration to link and connect to the energy of the uni verse (one verse)  which is sound light and energy.    Click here for Meditation Challenge

'We are creating with every word we speak, and even with every word we think. When we chant a mantra we are choosing to invoke the positive power contained in those particular syllables. Whether it is for prosperity, peace of mind, increasing intuition, or any of the other multitude of possible benefits inherent in mantras, simply by chanting them we are setting vibrations into motion that shall have an effect. It doesn’t actually matter if we understand the meaning of the sounds or not.'
     The Flow of Eternal Power by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa -

Ganesh Mantra Meditation

New Meditation Challenge starting Sept 07 2014!  It will be shorter this time - 14 days, and we will all do the same meditation, rather than our 40 day challenges when we get to pick our own.

I have chosen to meditate on the Ganesh Mantra.  We will be chanting Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha 108 times.   It is the mantra of new beginnings and  helps removes obstacles both within and without.  With this meditation we connect with the first chakra so when you make the choice to chant this mantra you are aligning yourself with moving forward in your life and getting things done.  Instead of making excuses to ourselves about what is not working, this mantra helps us focus on our goals rather than the challenges.  It is best done first thing in the morning and should take about 8 minutes, followed by a few minutes of silence.  You can download the music from Spirit Voyage or ITunes,  I like the version from Deva Premal's CD - Mantras for Precarious times, or you can use a Mala or click onto the You Tube video below.  I started this mantra at the beginning of summer and I can say it really propelled me forward.  Give it a try and let me know how it works for you.  Click here to Sign Up

Vispassana Meditation

I recently spent a weekend at a Vispassana Meditation Retreat at UBC, hosted by the West Coast Dharma Society here in Vancouver. Vispassana is one of India’s most ancient forms of meditation, rediscovered by Buddha more than 2500 years ago. The word Vispassana means ‘to see things as they are’; it is a way of self transformation through self observation. This is a silent retreat with alternating sitting and walking meditations as well as a Dharma talk by the teacher. You can sit on a chair or take a cushion and sit on the floor. I think what I got most out of the weekend was the reminder of loving kindness to oneself and others, and the mindfulness of actions whether it is walking or eating, and again that being present with everyday activities. Walking in the Zen garden inspired me to come home and be creative in my own garden. Just to spend that time for myself was a treat and I didn’t have to go very far. The next Meditation weekend is in October, for more information click here.

Global Meditation for Peace Aug 08 2014

New Moon, New Year, New Beginnings...

This year January 1st will be more aligned with the cosmos than usual, as New Year's Day coincides with a New Moon which last happened 19 years ago.  This makes it a beautiful time to set your intentions and recommit to your daily Sadhana - Spiritual practice.  When you are quiet and in a meditative space you can connect to the heart, tend to your dreams, clarify your values and listen to the voice of your soul.  Early mornings are a good time, as the ancients tell us that we lose our ego when we sleep so when we awake it is important not to talk, just be still for a while.  You might visualize the sun rising, connect to the Earth and practice some Alternate Nostril Breathing or a little Breath of Fire.  Create your own ritual to centre and ground yourself before you begin, and honour this part of your day by setting boundaries and not letting anything distract you. 

Blessings and peace

Sound of the Gong for Healing

The gong is sometimes used during a Kundalini Yoga Class for relaxation, but imagine the sound of eight gongs!
  
Recently I participated in a Gong Bath at Wisteria Retreat Centre in Ft Langley.  The location is rather unique as the studio is above a barn so you get to say hello to the horses before you go upstairs.
So what is a Gong Bath you might be wondering.  Well, you lay down and get comfortable on a mat and get 'bathed' in layers of sound as Kathy & Paul play these gongs with great co-ordination and harmony.  They start with some drumming and integrate other instruments such as crystal bowls to create a wonderful hour of healing and relaxation. The waves of sound penetrate the psyche, the mind settles down and your worries drift away as you surrender to the energy and vibration.  Before you know it the time is up and the sound fades away as you are brought gently back. 
Besides creating deep relaxation, the gong stimulates the glandular system to a higher level of functioning.  It also impacts the body and its meridians; it helps reduce tension, stimulates circulation and releases blocks.  For this reason the gong can stir up emotions and people react in different ways as feelings get released.
Forever Fit Studio in Cloverdale is hosting a Gong Bath in Sept and October if you are interested in attending, or check out other locations where Kathy & Paul will be playing on their website Harmony of the Spheres 

5 Sutras for the Aquarian Age

Sutras are like threads, that string life together, words to live by.  The Yoga Sutras of Putanjali have sustained the world for over thousands of years in their perfect wisdom.  Astologers have determined that every 2000 years or so we transition between an age, and each age has its own theme.  The Age of Pisces was 'I believe'.  The theme of the Age of Aquarius is 'I know.' 
So  this new age of Aquarius calls for its own words and wisdom by which to live.  Yogi Bhajan gave us these 5 simple truths which he called the 5 Sutras of the Aquarian Age: 

1.  Recognize that the other person is you.
2.  There is a way through every block
3.  When the time is on you, start, and the pressure will be off
4.  Understand through compassion or you will misunderstand the times
5.  Vibrate the Cosmos, the Cosmos shall clear the path

Dancing as Meditation

Today is International Womens day and as we honour the Sacred Feminine, why not spend a few minutes dancing! Dancing as Meditation has been used through the ages in many cultures. It stimulates the first and second chakras and invites creativity and expression. Here is a clip from the Osho Retreat in India where dancing is part of the meditation program.

Seasons Greetings

Happy Solstice

Solstice is a time for quiet reflection and contemplation, light a candle or go outside in mother nature.  As this cycle ends, tomorrow will be a new beginning, bringing in light and hope for our future.

12.12.12

Today is a great day for Meditation and Prayer.  At 6.30PM tonight Pacific Standard Time there will be a Global Meditation when many people from around the world will be meditating at the exact same time.   The intention is to uplift humanity and bring about a positive change.  You can do any Meditation you want and if you would like to join in the guided meditation here is the link. Master Shift
Otherwise I suggest the healing Meditation of Chanting Ra Ma Da Sa

Cherokee Morning Prayer

This beautiful song was sung by Cherokee Women as part of their morning prayers, facing the sun and welcoming the new day.

Global Meditation 12-12-12

Day 40 - Congratulations!

Congratulations to those of you that have completed your 40 days, well done!!  It always feels so good to have committed and seen it through to the end, although Meditating is an ongoing practice and I hope you will continue.  I know a couple of you will continue with the same meditation you have been doing but some of you would like to change.  Thank you to those who responded to my question about what you would like to address for the Summer and a common theme is Meditations to help with Anxiety, Fear and Worry.  So I will be making suggestions in the next few days. 
We also have a few people that joined later, Wahe Guru!!  A couple of you have been missing some days but are continuing to get back into your Meditation as soon as you can which is wonderful and reminds me of this beautiful quote from Buddha

'Each morning we are born again,
What we do today is what matters most'

Summer is here - Happy Solstice

Day 38 - Headaches

Here are 3 videos using Kundalini Yoga and Meditations to help if you have a headache, lifestyle considerations and prevention.

Day 37

Day 36 - Quick Energizers

Are you feeling a bit tired, restless or out of sorts?   Here are some quick fix suggestions.

1.  Stand with your legs slightly apart and bring your hands up over your head hugging your ears.  Clap the hands 8 times so the entire surface of the palms are firmly struck.  Then bend forward and strike the ground with the palms 8 times.  Repeat for a minute or so.  Clapping massages the brain.
2.  Standing, raise the left leg to the chest while raising the right arm straight up.  Then alternate arms and legs, co-ordinating with a powerful breath for 1-2 minutes.  This exercise helps balance left and right hemispheres of the brain.
3.  For your Nervous System - Stand or sit, look at the tip of your nose.  Extend arms out straight to both sides, keep them straight with no bend in elbows and turn the palms down.  Criss-cross them in front of you, horizontally, alternating over and under, while chanting Har continuously with the tip of the tongue each time the arms cross.  Continue for 3-11 minutes.  Works on your ability to 'Do' and gets rid of your 'junk'.  Chanting Har stimulates the meridians in the upper palate and sound and mantra have a powerful positive effect on the glands.
4.  Right Nostril Breathing.  Block off the left nostril with the left thumb, and inhale and exhale long and deep through the right nostril.  To end inhale through both nostrils, holding the breath 10 or more seconds, then exhale.  Sit calmly and enjoy the energy for a few moments.
5.  Stand Tall and raise hands over head and shake the entire body for 1-2 minutes.  Works on the nervous system
6.  Sit down on the floor and stretch your legs out straight.  Reach for your toes, and stretch your nose to your knees.  Continue for 2 minutes - this helps  boost your energy

Day 35