Welcome!
Mother nature continues to show her beauty this month through white
and pink flowering Dogwoods and vibrant spring flowers. If you think
about it, Spring is really a time of spiritual renewal and a display of
God's presence and power.
There are many ways to renew the energy in and around yourself to
better balance your life. What a better time than spring to reprioritize
or even re-invent who you are. This month, the focus is self-trust and
discovery through the Tree of Knowledge. Enjoy these energy trends for
May and how to work with them effectively.
Elevate Your Consciousness!
Mary Jane
 Self Trust and Tree of Knowledge!
I'm not one who is deals with heights very well. However,
during a recent trip to Ireland, my husband and I decided to traverse
the Bray Head Cliff Walk. Albeit breathtaking, at times I was hesitant.
Taking some slow deep breaths, hugging the mountainside, and relying on
self-trust, were helpful especially in those areas that didn't have
barrier walls.
The month of May is welcomed by the architype energy of the Snake
according to 4 Pillars Chinese Astrology. The snake is said to hold the
key to the mysteries of life with its sights fixed and gaze unchanging.
The sign of the snake is one of a philosopher, theologian, deep thinker
and trusting inner instincts rather than any outside advice. The snake
sheds its skin to let go of the old form otherwise it will die. The
symbolism of snakes' shedding their skin is necessary for interior
growth. It reminds us that the same type of process can occur for
humans. We grow, we need to let go. Releasing what no longer serves us
is never easy but it is an important part of the self discovery process.
If we are to evolve we need to let go of what no longer works in our
lives. This includes old patterns, beliefs, thoughts and close-minded
opinions. When you let go of the old ways there is room to expand and
allow a healthy life to unfold. Self-trust is a key component in the
process for a new refreshed self to emerge.
The transformational energy of the snake is associated with the element
of fire. The fire can be translated as Shen or "Spirit" or "Mind," and
implies our consciousness and our presence. Spiritual truth and wisdom
lies within oneself, in the cave of stillness, in the cave of calm
intuitive wisdom, in the cave of the spiritual eye.
Seeking Knowledge:
This month also brings in the quality of higher knowledge through the
trigram Gen. Gen is represented by the element of earth that is
naturally produced by the element of fire. You can look at this process
as your spirit (fire), dwells within the house (your body), or physical
matter (earth).
Seeking higher knowledge or self-knowledge leads to states of higher
awareness and self-realization. Seeking the Tree of Life means to gain
self-knowledge. This month focus on your spiritual journey, self-trust
and letting go of fear. When we are fearful we disconnect from our inner
spirit, close down our heart and held captive to the outer spirits of
materialism. We can't seek inner knowledge if we are busy with the
materialistic.
Just as nature is expanding this time of year, we too can expand rather
than constrict our spirit. Lead with your heart in whatever you are
doing and notice how your spirit expands.
Embody wisdom by being close to the earth, seeking the quietude of
meditation practices and gaining self-trust. When you seek for the
greater good and in service for others, and align your thoughts, words
and actions the spirit is strengthened and progress is achieved on the
conscious path - the Tree of Life.
"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46.10 : Bob Dylan
received an Oscar for writing and performing a song with the refrain "I
used to care, but times have change." If we are to derive the truth
about ourselves from the media or from the material world, well, perhaps
it is best not to care. Vidya refers to direct knowledge of the soul.
In yogic philosophy, direct knowledge of the soul brings immediate
relief from the ceaseless suffering we incur from the material world. To
get something from the outside in order for us to feel OK on the inside
is a mistake. Reflect in stillness and connect to another reality, the
reality and truth of your soul.
 Preserve the Earth & Renew Your House:
Spring is a great time to refresh and renew your environment but it is important to be mindful of Mother Earth in the process. Here are 5 simple ways to achieve that.
1.
Think about installing energy saving lighting. There are so many
fabulous lighting fixtures that are simple to install and look great.
2.
Design with organic fabrics. There is nothing like the look and feel of
natural fabrics, not to mention the health benefits that go along with
these design choices.
3.
Choose eco-friendly furniture from sustainable sourced wood. There are
other fantastic recycled materials that are also available for your
design needs.
4. Don't underestimate the look and value of antiques. The vintage look
is very popular and a great way to achieve a second life of use.
5. Donate, Donate, Donate. What a wonderful way to conserve yet help
others in need by giving to organizations like Habitat of Humanity. Did
you know that each year over 280,000 tons of waste are diverted from
landfills through donations?
Bonus...
- Elevate
the element for earth this month in your home by placing crystals and
stones in a beautiful ceramic bowl. The northeast direction is a
wonderful area to boost this element and align to spiritual awareness.
- Increase
financial possibilities by placing a strong terminating crystal in the
center of your home. Activate further with plug in incense burner and
bright lighting.
Cliffs of Moher - Ireland
 Yoganometry: Codes of Creation in Movement
Yoganometry - Codes of Creation in Movement has begun! Wednesday
evening 7-8:30PM at Thompson Park Tulip Room. This unique yoga sequence
is a copyright and Registered Trademark developed and owned by Mary
Jane Kasliner.
Plato (a
philosopher in ancient Greece during the classical period) maintained
the theory that the 5 platonic solids were the basis of the whole
universe/everything.
When working with
the Platonic Solids, you are engaging the geometric codes of creation to
enter into the electromagnetic energy streams of higher dimensional
consciousness. The set postures in this practice becomes an invocation
for these codes of creation, to enter into our field of consciousness
through the cosmic gateway of yantra or shape of the poses.
The five Platonic Solids, hold all the wisdom, knowledge, and
experiences of the Universal Mind. It is the means through which
evolution occurs. They are found in everything in the Universe including
the human body in our cells, tissue and organs of our bodies.
The practice begins with a rolling form of pranayama with kubaka
(retention). The set sequence is practice on one side at a time to
create a portal from earth to heaven, and then a gateway from heaven to
earth. Each posture awakens the encoded cell memory of how our bodies
manifested through these forms.
The goal is to create complete harmony in the mind and body
through the sacred form of the 5 platonic solids. Class is closed for
this series. Contact Mary Jane to enroll in the next series.
Yoga Poses to Consider this Month:
Strong
connection to the earth so that you can root as you rise into the fire
of your spirit. Here are a few poses to consider practicing:
- Supported Malasana - Prayer Squat
- Salabhasana - Locust Pose
- Satu Bandha Sarvangasana - Bridge Pose
- Janu Sirsanana
- Seal Pose
- Warrior 1
What Yin Yoga Means to Me:
I recently completed a 75 hour Yin Yoga training at Inlet Yoga under the
tutelage of Marije Paternotte. This was a fabulous experience and
wonderful addition to my yoga teaching and practice. For me, yin yoga
means...Read more here!
Blue Lagoon - Iceland
 Wisdom Buffet Writers:
I am proud and honored to be part of the Wisdom Buffet Writers.
We are a group with a common thread - Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese
Philosophy of living in harmony with the natural rhythms of the
Universe. This 6 book series is complete! All books are available in
hard copy and E-Book formats on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online
stores.
Visit: www.thewisdombuffet.com to read more about this project. Books can be order directly from the website. You may also visit my personal website: www.fengshuiyoganj.com to order books or directly from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
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