Meditation for the Holidays!

Take a Deep Breath

... Meditation for the Holidays - 2019 Breathe Deep The holidays are a time to gather with family and friends and celebrate our blessings. Society overemphasizes gift giving, eating and drinking rather than getting quiet, conserving and focusing our attention inward. Let's face it, it's time  to refuel like bears and hibernate. It is challenging because our schedules are filled with shopping, writing cards, travel and parties. The end result is we overextend ourselves and become overwhelmed.The solution is to carve out time to meditate, take that yoga class and relax.  These activites will effectively raise endorphines in the brain and enhance a sense of joy and peace. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor this holiday season and invest 20 minutes a day for meditation and prayerful peace. Simple Breathing Meditation: 1. Sit or lie down in a comfortable postion. 2. Place one hand on your belly and one hand on your heart. 3. Observe your breath for several minutes. 4. Gradually adjust your breath by increasing the volume. 5. The first part of your breath fill the belly, then the ribcage, and finally up to your collar bones. Essentially you are splitting the breath into 3 parts and gradually filling the lungs. 6. When you reach the top of the breath, pause and hold. 7. Release the breath slowly and evenly. 8. At the end of the breath, pause and hold it. 9. With each inhalation recite the mantra silently to yourself "Let." 10. With each exhalation recite the mantra silently to yourself "Go." 11. Repeat this pattern of the breath with mantra for 5 to 10 minutes. As thoughts arise, simply let them pass by without a conversation about them.By observing your thoughts without reaction, solutions to any challenges you may be experieincing can freely enter your conscious mind. Let this time of hibernation bring you back to balance. Om Shanti Peace, Mary Jane "Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope some day you'll join us, and the world will be as one." John Lennon Plant Foods A new study identified foods that are particularly beneficial for digestive health, and some that are not. Here's the short list: Legumes and nuts were linked to decreases in potentially harmful bacteria. Higher intake of these foods led to lower levels of markers that are linked to intestinal inflammation. Meat, fast foods, and refined sugar were associated with a decrease in beneficial bacteria and an increase in inflammation. Red wine, legumes, vegetables, fruits and cereals were linked to a higher abundance of bacteria with anti-inflammatory functions. Plant based diets were linked to better energy for cells that line the colon. Plant based protein was found to enhance the synthesis of vitamins and amino acids. Strawberry Basil Milkshake Why not treat yourself this holiday season with a vegan strawberry milkshake. This is one of my favorites from Chloe's Vegan Italian Kitchen. In a blender, combine the following ingredients: 1 cup soy, almond or rice milk, plus extra if needed 1 pint dairy-free vanilla ice cream 2 tablespoons agave 2 cups frozen strawberries 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves You'd be surprised how complimentary the basil is to the strawberries and cream. You'll probably want to eat this with a spoon or at least use an extra-thick straw.   Feng Shui Tips for Holiday Finances Let's face it, this is the time of year when money seems to fly out of your wallet with purchase after purchase. Wouldn't it be nice for every dollar that goes out, two more float in? Let's take a look at some simple feng shui finance tips for this holiday season and all year round.    1. Declutter your environment inside and out. Clutter creates chaos and that is what we are trying to avoid for obvious reasons. It's a good time to release things in your life with autumn recently ending taking with it the  unpredictable movement of (vatta), and over processing of information (metal). The element of water has arrived in full swing so we can freely let go of what no longer serves us and the journey inward can begin.  This sets up for transformation.    2. Assess your color palette for rooms located in wealth areas. New opportunities can elicit potential income building. This is associated with the Northwest direction. Rooms in this area should be either in the colors of either earth or metal hues. To support and assist daily finances, choose wood and water hues in rooms located in the Southeast. Choosing proper colors will support and assist these feng shui money points tremendously. After all, walls take up a great deal of square footage and therefore have a substantial impact.     3. If appropriate, place a water feature or fish bowl in the southeast. The movement of clean water propels energy, and when it comes to finances, who couldn't use more movement here!   4. Place images of generosity in the finance directions (Northwest and Southeast), or in an area you pass through often, such as the kitchen.  It is in the giving that we receive. This is the underlying basis of triggering the Law of Attraction.   5. Incorporate lush plants in your décor. Healthy plants are a symbol of vitality and growth. They are most impactful for finances when positioned in the southeast portent. Be mindful if this direction is the location of a bedroom by placing only one plant, as too many plants in the bedroom can drain your energy while sleeping. Plants do not emit oxygen in darkness, only during sunlight hours.   6. Make sure there is good support to the rear of your home with tall trees, hedging, rockery or fencing. Inside, create support on back walls with heavy furnishings and powerful artwork such as mountain ranges. Good support to the rear of the structure (fu wei), directly impacts finances and health. After all, if you are not healthy, it becomes extremely difficult to produce wealth.   7. Spruce up the front property and entrance to your home to invite healthy energy to circulate. This means trimming back overgrown vegetation and adding landscaping to areas that are barren.   8. Hang a movement device outdoors in the Northwest (metal chime), and Southeast (bird feeder), to attract wealth from outside sources.    9. Refine, Refine, Refine. This refers to finer points of wealth such as the sheng qi (up to 4 points), the Fu wei (up to 4 points), flying star and 4 Pillars. These refined points will require the assessment of a professional feng shui consultant. 10. Meditate before you head out to make your purchases. This will keep your energy focused so you are not distracted by unnecessary items. For additional ways to incorporate good feng shui design see my Feng Shui Designs in a Flash! This CD is filled with feng shui tips for every room in your home including printable templates for your floor plans. Just scroll down to the bottom of my "Publications" page under "Store" tab on my website. Merry Christmas - Happy Hanukkah - Happy New Year! Mary Jane Kasliner      Home About Mary Jane Yoga Feng Shui Consultations Store Events Copyright © 2019 Body Space Alignment, All rights reserved.  You are receiving this email because you opted in to our newsletter at our website, or one of our live classes or seminars. Contact us: consult@fengshuiyoganj.com Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

Life's Sacred Flow

Life's Sacred Flow There is a natural cycle of life, moving through beginning, sustaining and letting go. By attuning to the natural rhythms, you can tap into the intelligence from which these natural cycles arise. The cycles of nature can teach us about how things are connected, and how to align with the natural flow. Honoring the "wheel of the year" reminds us of life's sacred flow. By and large, the wheel of the year focuses on the solstices and equinoxes or the observance of solar energy. From planting to reaping to winter to summer; the seasons were of great importance to our ancestors. Their basic survival depended on the cycles of nature and how to work with these cycles. The wheel of the year is also a depiction of yang and yin, light and dark, heaven and earth. It gives us a way to integrate opposites into our life to find balance and ultimately to dispel the illusion of separateness. For example, during the summer solstice when the energy is yang, the sun is bright, and the days are longer, we learn to stay connected to higher self, inner wisdom and our soul's intention. The winter solstice is a time when the days are shorter, nights are longer and darkness reaches its peak. It is a time for reflection and the planting of new seeds for growth to occur as we anticipate the return of the light of the sun.   Intention is focused on how you are "being" in the present moment. Turning Inward Learn to trust the inner Guru by turning inward. The winter solstice is a time for reflection, to turn within so you can align your mind and spirit for new beginnings. Yogi Bhajan once said, "Look Outside, Become a Victim. Look Inside, Become a Master." Eventually we all come to learn the outside world, and all its promises, just doesn't cut it. We must turn our gaze inward. Taking time to move inward is a practice meant to reconnect you to your true self and your soul's intention. In the process, you'll come to notice what you are present to. The witness or the mind sheath "Vijnanamaya Kosha" is the aspect of ourselves that brings awareness to what we think, feel, believe, and do. The witness is the agent of awareness, acceptance, integration, and ultimately change. One of the easiest ways to become the witness is to close your eyes and breathe deeply and consciously. Skillful breathing is smooth and free of strain. Spending even a few minutes a day in quiet breathing is enough to begin the practice of moving inward and discovering your true nature. Yin Yoga During the winter the earth pulls inward. This is not unlike our own energy that naturally looks to curl up on a couch and snuggle with a warm blanket. Alternating your yang (active) yoga practice with yin yoga is perfect as the poses naturally work the deeper tissues of our ligaments, joints, deep fascia networks and even our bones. The focus of yin practice is to bring stimulation to the connective tissues. The primary focus of a yin practice is often on the connective tissues of the hips, pelvis and lower spine.The approach of yin yoga is to effectively "stress" or "load" the connective tissues. In yin yoga, the student sets up in such a way to release muscular effort and then remains in the pose for several minutes. The idea is to enter the pose nonagressively until you meet an intelligent edge. Once there, become still and muscularly soft, inviting gravity to do its thing. The pose is then held for several minutes so to fully nourish the energy channels fueling the area and body organ system affiliated with the pose. See My Calander of Yoga Classes Feng Shui Energy December marks the month of the 1 water Kan trigram.This trigram represents the white foam from the ocean waves activated by the phases of the moon. The moon represents the cyclical nature of all things. Nothing remains the same but rather moves, cycles and transforms. This includes You. Ask yourself, "How am I transforming?" Look at this question from a  larger perspective by examining your life experiences. Do you have a plan? If so, can you see it, feel it, touch it, and hear it? The trigram Kan invites you to set the journey in motion knowing there are many paths to choose from along the way. Rely on the wisdom of the elders, your past endeavors, and what you have learned from them. It's all part of the plan. This trigram resonates very closely with your career path and intimately interacts with your intentions and Dharmic route. You know if you are off track as your heart or throat will feel closed off. Your inner and outer worlds should communicate with ease, no hinderances or fears. If not, you are not being true to "self." This trigram is associated with the urinary bladder system, ears and hair on your head. Any of these areas become vulnerable this month.  December Active Points East: Money and resources are strong this month. It's a good idea to rely on family input for resources and financial acumen. Place strong fire quality (bright lighting or incense burner) in the east along with money to activate this auspicious star. Southeast: Future income and opportunities are based on clarity of vision for plans to meet your goals and aspirations. Place a healthy plant in the southeast this month for growth and upward movement. West: Ideas for new business and or projects are strong this month. It does require creativity and "outside the box" concepts. Place water element in the west to fuel this very active star! North: Set aside time for networking in your industry this month. The energy is strong for new clients, mentors and guidance for future connections and business success. Add metal element to the north sector to cultivate assistance. Quiet These Areas South: Place strong bronze element and ring a bell frequently as the energy of this star can create overall chaos making it difficult to remain goal focused. Southwest: Place virtual water cure here to ease the undermining energy of this star that can can cause you to question the element of trust in your close relationships. Northwest: Stomach flu or food poisoning for male is possible this month. Add metal element here to drain the negative aspects of this trigram.   Take advantage of my publications or feng shui take home training programs and enhance your life and those around you! Also available are 4 Pillar of Destiny life readings. These are extensive reports approximately 30 pages in length. They make fabulous New Years gift for self or family member. Email me for further details. Many Blessings This Holiday Season!   Home About Mary Jane Yoga Feng Shui Consultations Store Events Copyright © 2019 Body Space Alignment, All rights reserved.  You are receiving this email because you opted in to our newsletter at our website, or one of our live classes or seminars. Contact us: consult@fengshuiyoganj.com Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.