The state of being connected.
Relationship.
Relate - to establish association
How important is this in your life? Is it a priority to establish association, to be connected. Or is it more important to get your opinion heard and understood or make a point so someone gets it!
We seem to have deeper relationships with inanimate objects than we do with people.
Don't touch my stuff, respect my things, take your shoes off you'll spoil the carpet, don't eat on my couch, that's my special necklace. We need a new car, better house, speed boat, coffee machine, winter wardrobe Bla Bla Bla. Then my life will be complete!
We have to work hard to service all this stuff, clean it, store it, insure it and buy more so we can negative gear, making the stuff more useful. Quite exhausting and not very nourishing.
Where is the true connection. The relationships we long for are hidden under this false illusion of happiness. So little time left to nurture intimacy and the state of being connected.
When we are tired our tolerance is lower and expectations higher. We imagine it is someone else's duty to meet our expectations. Is this what our partners, friends, children should do? Accommodate our beliefs, our issues? Many of these behaviours, beliefs are moulded from our early experiences in life. Do they hold our fears to make us feel better, safe, loved? Are these the conditions of our love, our relationships?
Saturday 23 November 2013
Saturday 11 May 2013
BOUNDARIES
A representation of our personal thresh-hold.
These are dependent on our past experiences and conditioning.
We need to be aware of present boundaries and their strength or weakness. This usually becomes apparent when we feel discomfort around a situation that we allowed and then later felt was not ok.
As the awareness is respected we can then create an intention. I will be more..... I will respect my needs... and commit to staying with this intention until discomfort moves to a different place.
Some people experience a delay in response, which can be days or even weeks to an event. This is a form of shock or trauma. This pattern can relate directly to experiences of a traumatic nature in the past.
If we feel this numbness or inability to connect to a situation or make any decision, it is best to step away. Create space and nourish yourself until the trauma lifts and you can be clearer about your needs.
The strengthening of boundaries is necessary until we can be fully supportive of ourselves and know what is serving our highest needs.
Eventually we can simply be with this knowing and at the same time appreciate everyone is on their own exploration and it is a choice for us to join them or be else-where.
The rigidity of the boundary then becomes the circle of acceptance, understanding and compassion.
COMMITMENT
As Goethe said "Until one is committed there is a hesitancy, a chance to hold back, always ineffectiveness concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans, the moment one commits oneself then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to assist one that never would otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events, issues from this decision, raising in ones favour, all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no person could have dreamed would ever come their way. Whatever you can do or believe you can do, begin it, for boldness has Genius magic and power in it. Begin it Now.
A representation of our personal thresh-hold.
These are dependent on our past experiences and conditioning.
We need to be aware of present boundaries and their strength or weakness. This usually becomes apparent when we feel discomfort around a situation that we allowed and then later felt was not ok.
As the awareness is respected we can then create an intention. I will be more..... I will respect my needs... and commit to staying with this intention until discomfort moves to a different place.
Some people experience a delay in response, which can be days or even weeks to an event. This is a form of shock or trauma. This pattern can relate directly to experiences of a traumatic nature in the past.
If we feel this numbness or inability to connect to a situation or make any decision, it is best to step away. Create space and nourish yourself until the trauma lifts and you can be clearer about your needs.
The strengthening of boundaries is necessary until we can be fully supportive of ourselves and know what is serving our highest needs.
Eventually we can simply be with this knowing and at the same time appreciate everyone is on their own exploration and it is a choice for us to join them or be else-where.
The rigidity of the boundary then becomes the circle of acceptance, understanding and compassion.
COMMITMENT
As Goethe said "Until one is committed there is a hesitancy, a chance to hold back, always ineffectiveness concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans, the moment one commits oneself then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to assist one that never would otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events, issues from this decision, raising in ones favour, all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material assistance which no person could have dreamed would ever come their way. Whatever you can do or believe you can do, begin it, for boldness has Genius magic and power in it. Begin it Now.
Meaning and Purpose
What is Spirituality. What brings your Spirit to the All. What connects you to Life, gives you meaning?
Is it your Beliefs, your Values, your deepest Needs.
Only you know what makes you feel whole.
Not as you rush and Do, not as you think and talk
But in the Stillness of this moment, when their is no distraction, no diversion. For only here everything reveals itself, the pain, the discomfort, the longings, the emptiness.
Beyond the superficial expressions of the ego is peace and pure trust in the essence of life. The perfection of this moment and how we are here, all the time. There is no coming to or being in or working towards this moment, Now. It is present in every breath, every sound, every action as we become more aware of what we do to stay out of this state.
We contemplate, complain, blame, discuss, argue, fight with the superficial layers of consciousness to bounce around in the muck. Instead we could rest, listen, humble, simplify with the discipline of mindfulness and practice loving kindness to firstly ourselves and eventually others.
Practice listening, practice stillness, practice caring for your true nature.
To move forward, we must be still.
Forward is an illusion created by the ego to keep us from feeling a true sense of self. We have been trained from an early age to move away from our true nature.
Our Culture is one of Fear. Firstly we need to contact the fear that inhibits us so we can take care of it and transform it. Like a small child lost in the dark, we need to find them and take their hand to guide them to the light. Assure them that they are safe and Life is supportive.
To find them we need to be still and listen with all our senses.
Physical - sound, sight, touch smell taste
Emotional - vibrations, contraction, intensity
Mental - patterns and formations of thought, intensity
Spiritual - deep feelings, knowing, trust in Life
As Tich Nhat Hahn says "Be still and Know"
Practice stillness day to day through mindful movements and action
Meditation. Ask yourself what you need
Listen and nurture the aspects of you that need support.
What is Spirituality. What brings your Spirit to the All. What connects you to Life, gives you meaning?
Is it your Beliefs, your Values, your deepest Needs.
Only you know what makes you feel whole.
Not as you rush and Do, not as you think and talk
But in the Stillness of this moment, when their is no distraction, no diversion. For only here everything reveals itself, the pain, the discomfort, the longings, the emptiness.
Beyond the superficial expressions of the ego is peace and pure trust in the essence of life. The perfection of this moment and how we are here, all the time. There is no coming to or being in or working towards this moment, Now. It is present in every breath, every sound, every action as we become more aware of what we do to stay out of this state.
We contemplate, complain, blame, discuss, argue, fight with the superficial layers of consciousness to bounce around in the muck. Instead we could rest, listen, humble, simplify with the discipline of mindfulness and practice loving kindness to firstly ourselves and eventually others.
Practice listening, practice stillness, practice caring for your true nature.
To move forward, we must be still.
Forward is an illusion created by the ego to keep us from feeling a true sense of self. We have been trained from an early age to move away from our true nature.
Our Culture is one of Fear. Firstly we need to contact the fear that inhibits us so we can take care of it and transform it. Like a small child lost in the dark, we need to find them and take their hand to guide them to the light. Assure them that they are safe and Life is supportive.
To find them we need to be still and listen with all our senses.
Physical - sound, sight, touch smell taste
Emotional - vibrations, contraction, intensity
Mental - patterns and formations of thought, intensity
Spiritual - deep feelings, knowing, trust in Life
As Tich Nhat Hahn says "Be still and Know"
Practice stillness day to day through mindful movements and action
Meditation. Ask yourself what you need
Listen and nurture the aspects of you that need support.
Monday 14 January 2013
Restorative Yoga
The untapped Gem
Our culture has learned to live Chronically stressed.
Habits and fears of modern day life such as health, children, work, family, conflict, relationships, trust issues. over-working, over-doing, worry, and general 'not enoughness' generate the physiological response of fight or flight. Adrenals over working to constantly pump stress hormones. The body loses benefit from Nutrition because digestion and illimination are effected. Sleep is disturbed and the body's natural capacity to heal itself is comprimised. Conditions such as high blood pressure, ulcers, immune disfunction, reproductive problems, depression are more likely to be triggered by the lack of balance.
The best Medicine for Stress is Relaxation. To be deeply rested. A state where there is NO movement, no effort and the brain is quiet. Even during sleep we can experience muscular tension and activity due to dreaming so deep rest is more beneficial than sleep.
Hetbert Benson MD (researcher in stress reduction) coined the phrase 'relaxation response' describing the physiological and mental responses that occur through conscious relaxation. He described this as 'a physiological state, characterised by a slower heart rate, metabolism, rate of breathing, lower blood pressure and slower brain wave patterns'.
Restorative Yoga is an enjoyable experience of deep rest that can relieve the effects of chronic stress.
Using props to completely support the body so it may let go and relax. Poses gently move the spine in all directions supporting the yogic wisdom that wellbeing is enhanced with a healthy spine.
As we spend so much time sitting and standing, blood and lymph fluid accumulate in the lower extremities and inversions which reverse the effects of gravity enables fluids to be returned to the upper body and heart function is enhanced
A posture such as Viprita Karini, legs up the wall, according to physiobiologist, Roger Cole Phd, alters hormone levels thus reducing brain arousal, blood pressure and fluid retention.
Lets start with introducing the Powerful Trio.
SAVASANA - Basic Relaxation Pose
Lay down on the yoga mat with a bolster or pillow under the knees and support under the head and neck, cover the eyes with a light cloth or eye pillow.
Benefits - releases muscle tension, reduces fatigue, improves sleep, enhances immune response, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, helps to manage chronic pain. Stay in pose 5 - 20 minutes.
SUPTA BADDHA KONASANA - supported Bound Angle Pose
The pose of Surrender.
Lay on the yoga mat on a propped up bolster (use block or rolled blankets to prop up bolster or pillows)
Bring the soles of the feet together and let the knees fall out to each side. Place a rolled blanket under the thighs so there is no strain on the inner thighs holding legs open. Relax arms down to mat or rest on blankets if chest opening is too strong. Cover eyes with light cloth or eye pillow.
Benefits - Opens chest and heart, opens pelvis, physiologically allows for deep opening and letting go, improves breathing, helpful during menstration and menopause. Stay in pose for 10 to 30 mins
Viprita Karini - Legs up the wall
The pose of inner Strength
Bring yoga mat to a wall, place a blanket or bolster against wall, roll onto bolster or blanket and put legs up the wall. Support neck if needed with blanket and cover eyes with light cloth or eye pillow.
Benefits - reduces the systematic effects of stress, quietens the mind and refreshes the heart and lungs, great for varicose veins, fluid retention and swollen legs.
Not recommended if experiencing eye pressure, hiatal hernias, heart problems, sinus infection, spondylolysis, during menstration, after third month of pregnancy.
Otherwise an extremely beneficial pose to practice daily for 5 to 20 minutes
Our culture has learned to live Chronically stressed.
Habits and fears of modern day life such as health, children, work, family, conflict, relationships, trust issues. over-working, over-doing, worry, and general 'not enoughness' generate the physiological response of fight or flight. Adrenals over working to constantly pump stress hormones. The body loses benefit from Nutrition because digestion and illimination are effected. Sleep is disturbed and the body's natural capacity to heal itself is comprimised. Conditions such as high blood pressure, ulcers, immune disfunction, reproductive problems, depression are more likely to be triggered by the lack of balance.
The best Medicine for Stress is Relaxation. To be deeply rested. A state where there is NO movement, no effort and the brain is quiet. Even during sleep we can experience muscular tension and activity due to dreaming so deep rest is more beneficial than sleep.
Hetbert Benson MD (researcher in stress reduction) coined the phrase 'relaxation response' describing the physiological and mental responses that occur through conscious relaxation. He described this as 'a physiological state, characterised by a slower heart rate, metabolism, rate of breathing, lower blood pressure and slower brain wave patterns'.
Restorative Yoga is an enjoyable experience of deep rest that can relieve the effects of chronic stress.
Using props to completely support the body so it may let go and relax. Poses gently move the spine in all directions supporting the yogic wisdom that wellbeing is enhanced with a healthy spine.
As we spend so much time sitting and standing, blood and lymph fluid accumulate in the lower extremities and inversions which reverse the effects of gravity enables fluids to be returned to the upper body and heart function is enhanced
A posture such as Viprita Karini, legs up the wall, according to physiobiologist, Roger Cole Phd, alters hormone levels thus reducing brain arousal, blood pressure and fluid retention.
Lets start with introducing the Powerful Trio.
SAVASANA - Basic Relaxation Pose
Lay down on the yoga mat with a bolster or pillow under the knees and support under the head and neck, cover the eyes with a light cloth or eye pillow.
Benefits - releases muscle tension, reduces fatigue, improves sleep, enhances immune response, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, helps to manage chronic pain. Stay in pose 5 - 20 minutes.
SUPTA BADDHA KONASANA - supported Bound Angle Pose
The pose of Surrender.
Lay on the yoga mat on a propped up bolster (use block or rolled blankets to prop up bolster or pillows)
Bring the soles of the feet together and let the knees fall out to each side. Place a rolled blanket under the thighs so there is no strain on the inner thighs holding legs open. Relax arms down to mat or rest on blankets if chest opening is too strong. Cover eyes with light cloth or eye pillow.
Benefits - Opens chest and heart, opens pelvis, physiologically allows for deep opening and letting go, improves breathing, helpful during menstration and menopause. Stay in pose for 10 to 30 mins
Viprita Karini - Legs up the wall
The pose of inner Strength
Bring yoga mat to a wall, place a blanket or bolster against wall, roll onto bolster or blanket and put legs up the wall. Support neck if needed with blanket and cover eyes with light cloth or eye pillow.
Benefits - reduces the systematic effects of stress, quietens the mind and refreshes the heart and lungs, great for varicose veins, fluid retention and swollen legs.
Not recommended if experiencing eye pressure, hiatal hernias, heart problems, sinus infection, spondylolysis, during menstration, after third month of pregnancy.
Otherwise an extremely beneficial pose to practice daily for 5 to 20 minutes
Wednesday 9 January 2013
Building a strong Foundation
Building a strong Foundation for Life
Any real structure requires a strong Foundation.
We cannot imagine that we will have resilience for the challenges of life if lunch is a pie and soft drink and enjoyment is slothing around judging people and projecting our frustration on the pet.
We were born into a body so lets begin by respecting its amazing capacity to be healthy and stop testing it and support the process of life. A mystery.
"Do you know what your kidneys are doing right now" I thought so...
What you do know is that its good to be in the body and living life.
Sit with this thought for a while. Bring your awareness to the saying "I love my body"
Any real structure requires a strong Foundation.
We cannot imagine that we will have resilience for the challenges of life if lunch is a pie and soft drink and enjoyment is slothing around judging people and projecting our frustration on the pet.
We were born into a body so lets begin by respecting its amazing capacity to be healthy and stop testing it and support the process of life. A mystery.
"Do you know what your kidneys are doing right now" I thought so...
What you do know is that its good to be in the body and living life.
Sit with this thought for a while. Bring your awareness to the saying "I love my body"
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