meditation
Celebrating meditation guidance and gurus.
Little Jumping Mouse
There once was a mouse. He was a good little mouse. He kept his nose close to the ground like all good mice should. He spent his days collecting and storing grain for his people. One thing bothered him though, he kept hearing a roaring in his ears. Now and then he would ask his friends if they also heard this roar in their ears but they never did. They did not understand what little jumping mouse was talking about and the more he brought it up, the stranger they looked at him. Little jumping mouse decided never to speak of it again. He tried to ignore the sound but there came a day when it simply was no longer possible. He finished his mouse duties and decided to follow the sound in his ears.
Hyapatia LeePublished 7 years ago in LongevityThe Wheel of Life
The wheel of life is a wonderful tool for self-discovery. It can be used during the Flowering Tree exercise but it stands alone as a way to gain a better understanding of our life. The positive and negative uses of the male and female energies will give us an example of behaviors that we may have seen illustrated by others or in our own behavior. Remember, we all hold male and female inside ourselves. Women will be capable of both positive and negative uses of male energy and visa versa. Familiarity with the behaviors associated with the directions on the wheel will make it easier to recognize negativity when we see it. When we know someone is using negative energy we can either try to help them, if they are receptive, or avoid them in order to protect ourselves. Helping a person who is using negative energy is demonstrated by simply showing them love, listening to them and asking questions that will lead them to discover more about how they feel and finding better ways to express themselves. It does not entail telling them how to live their life. If we recognize this negative behavior in our own actions we have taken the first step in moving towards using energy in a more positive fashion. It is wise to think about one's behavior often, especially if one is unaccustomed to the practice.
Hyapatia LeePublished 7 years ago in LongevityNew Year, Same Me
With the first month of the New Year almost fulfilled, there are changes all around us; like the suddenly over crowded gym that used to be your solace, or the painfully short contact and social media list that underwent a few adjustments, its all in the spirit of a "fresh start." Yet, why do we feel the need to wait until the start of a new calendar year for a clean slate? These tips will encourage you to put yourself first at times we forget to the most.
Shaunna NelsonPublished 7 years ago in LongevityA Conversation With Buddhist Insights Co-Founders, Bhante Suddhāso & Giovanna Maselli
Going out to Rockaway Beach has been on my mind for a while now ever since I heard about Buddhist Insights' new retreat center. I meditate daily and I also happen to help people see their minds by teaching meditation. I met Co-Founders of Buddhist Insights Bhante Suddhāso and Giovanna Maselli, in upstate NY when I attended their first organized weekend retreat last fall. Their mission is to connect monastic teachings with lay-people and now have a home right here in Rockaway Beach, NYC. Usually one has to travel a couple of hours to go on a get-away meditation or yoga retreat, but not anymore. Last week they hosted their first week long meditation retreat Dec. 26 - Jan. 1, 2017. Not to worry if you missed it... they are plugging away at keeping programing flowing.
11 Happiness Habits
It's hard to define happiness, even if we all seem to be searching for it. But it's not as elusive or abstract as you may think.
Happiness is a Choice
There is an aspect of life whereby all creatures unite. It is often said to be the key to success in every way and without it we feel like something is missing. It is something we all strive for and want even though we sacrifice it way too often, and way too easily. It is absolutely free of charge and actually, it is our birthright.
Jackie MazzarellaPublished 7 years ago in LongevityGuru Quotes That Inspire Me
Gurus have become synonymous with intellects, leaders or spiritual guides. In Hinduism, a spiritual teacher who passed on the knowledge of the Vedas (a body of liturgical literature) was a guru. Many ancient gurus, were believed to be the living embodiments of a particular deity's spiritual truth. Their words of wisdom ring true in a world where many of us question contemporary leadership and society's spirituality. Guru quotes inspire us to look deeper within ourselves for spiritual guidance.
Frank WhitePublished 7 years ago in LongevityHow To Blend Teas
Originally when my first tea blends came into creation, I was wild about making teas that were not only tasty but provide a healthy beverage for people. So many times, herbal concoctions for health and wellness just tasted bland and brittle to my palate. Today, I am still very passionate about this aspect of blending, but have expanded my repertoire. When you visit any local tea shop or mega store like Teavana, you will find an expansive selection of green, white and black tea varieties, as well as herbals (often referred to as tisanes).
Jillian SprucePublished 7 years ago in LongevityParty Girl to Yogini: The Truth About Being a Yoga Teacher
Life is full of transformations. Five years ago, Yogi Kim Stetz wrote about her transformation from Party Girl to Yogini. Today, at 48 she owns her own yoga studio, Savasana Station in the East Village. Time may have gone by, but the story remains the same. We, as human beings are truly undefined. How does one go from a party girl to a yoga teacher? The forward progression of being.
How to Stay Human
I am not alone in total confusion with the prospect of our President-elect moving into the White House. In waking up November 9th after a few hours sleep, I was grateful I wasn't alone in befuddlement when the time came to get out of bed. Alcohol made it easier the night before - in the morning not so much. A familiar feeling from many years ago consumed my body, my very achy head. At least I was feeling something.
The Ego
What is the ego? There has been talk of this going on as far back as Freud however there is such a variety of interpretation that it seems to fall somewhere in the area of mysticism. It is something that is found in everyone which is why this topic is fascinating. The dichotomy between the opposing functions of the ego is where much of the confusion lies. Some define ego as a driving force. As something we need to stay motivated and survive in the world. Others are completely against the ego knowing that it is not in fact the ego that drives us but our mind in the witnessing state. Witnessing is that state where we feeling like we are in the “zone,” so to speak. Where we are pure existence doing something we love or enjoy and are fully immersed in. It is a separateness from the body which we identify with. Our body and mind are so grounded in what we think & feel that it sometimes takes a lifetime to undo the conditioning and in most cases several lifetimes. Which one is right: science or mysticism? Both. In order to access our true self we need to step outside of the confines of the mind. Ego is what keeps us from the core of our being which is pure bliss. Acting from this place allows us to use the mind in an efficient way. The mind is like a highly technical invisible computer located in everyone that has vast capabilities of both great things & mass destruction. When the mind hinders our well-being the ego is present. Keeping this as technical as we can, one can say many people suffer from the fluctuations of the mind (Ego) which is in short what keeps us from our own equanimity. It has also been speculated that the mind is the origin of all disease as it relates to the cause and or our attitude about it. Science has figured out many ways to help control the mind mostly through the use of medication by inhibiting the feelings & thoughts that are troubling us. This method only treats the symptoms of the mind instead of eradicating the source of problem. Mysticism would suggest facing these feelings head on with a number of different lifestyle changes and techniques. The latter has proven to be very effective however extremely difficult to maintain. It is usually when life becomes difficult and throws us a curve ball that we tend to seek out these types of lifestyle changes. A good first step is looking at our adversities as a catalyst for future positive change. There are numerous ways to commence this lifestyle change however conquering just one at a time could be an approachable way to begin living these practices slowly and in a way that will facilitate the consistency needed. The practice of yoga, mindfulness and meditation has found its way back into the mainstream even though it has been around for thousands of years. People are realizing that no matter what lifestyle they have, their are bodies crave the benefits of stretching, releasing stress from their body and mind, an overall calmer presence and just plain happiness. I have encountered so many different types of people on and off the mat opening up to me about how much they know yoga and mediation can help them. It is calling out to so many people now which makes me want to get the word out as far and wide as possible. It is not easy, but with help it can happen. The first step is establishing a strong mind body connection by attending a yoga class that resonates with you. There are many different teachers and styles out there so allow yourself to explore what is our there and once you find it, do your best to stay consistent with the practice. The benefits will begin to flourish in your life and you will begin to wonder how you survived without it!
Jackie MazzarellaPublished 7 years ago in LongevitySuper Cheap Ways to Live Healthy in the New Year
You don’t need the latest yoga bralette, the fanciest juice cleanse, or a personal trainer to eat healthy, stay fit and sane, keep your house clean the natural way, and be good to the planet. If those match your goals for the New Year, read on for ideas on how to do it all on the tiniest budget. (And I DON’T mean a middle-class income - I’m talking here about things that I’ve done when my husband was in law school and I stayed home with my son and we lived on less than $20k per year.) It doesn't have to be beans and rice and weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth if you do it the smart way, so get excited to learn how you can live a good life no matter how small your paycheck.
Sarah QuinnPublished 7 years ago in Longevity