tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73805058337152757562024-03-13T10:48:21.936-04:00Yogi Wisdom Spiritual Centerawaken to your heart's songSwami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-71036378468321604592022-09-04T07:14:00.000-04:002022-09-04T07:14:19.318-04:00My Life's Song - A Journey through Ministry<p> Welcome...</p><p class="font_8">Karen Olesch is a queer UU Seminarian at Meadville-Lombard Theological School and an ordained Swami at The Temple of Kriya Yoga. You can visit her blog called Yogi Wisdom for teachings and guidance in the Eastern traditions. Karen also has a Meditation teaching certificate from the Temple and is a 200-hour certified yoga teacher. </p><p class="font_8"></p><p class="font_8">Karen's current home church is The Treasure Coast Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Stuart, FL. She is currently running the RE program for youth, is a Worship Assistant, and she preaches there on select Sundays.</p><p class="font_8"><br /></p><p class="font_8">Before moving to Florida, Karen served at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Elgin in Elgin, IL. She served as the Worship Chair and taught adult RE courses. </p><p class="font_8"><br /></p><p class="font_8">She is also an adjunct instructor of philosophy, writing composition, and literature and has published several articles on a variety of topics.</p><p class="font_8"></p><p class="font_8">Karen is an activist in her local LGBTQ+ community called The Sanctuary of the Treasure Coast. She served as the former VP and plans events for teens. She also volunteered as a crisis counselor for The Trevor Project.</p>Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-65895705046737545892020-05-13T11:28:00.003-04:002020-05-13T11:28:42.556-04:00Inner Light Gentle Yin Practice<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CCUc-2djupE" width="560"></iframe>Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-22235170295728047722020-05-11T11:25:00.002-04:002020-05-11T11:25:06.099-04:00Inner Light Guided Meditation<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xEVj1JZjrms" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-4523284947900798552020-04-30T07:44:00.002-04:002020-04-30T07:44:04.031-04:00A Short Talk on Love<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2HceT3zAVVU" width="560"></iframe>Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-84880452275067998652020-04-28T09:45:00.001-04:002020-04-28T09:45:37.792-04:00Asana Practice - Balancing<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uxr9V3BCR5M" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-62092576387362056812020-04-25T10:02:00.003-04:002020-04-25T10:02:50.655-04:00Meditation - Visiting the Departed<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EaqVia9JHgY" width="560"></iframe>Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-73191220512250775342020-04-22T10:55:00.002-04:002020-04-22T10:55:49.025-04:00Meditation and Gentle Yin PracticeHello everyone,<br />
Please enjoy this gentle meditation and yin practice. There are a few reflective readings along the way to take you deeper into your heart.<br />
<br />
There were some technical difficulties so go ahead and finish up with your pigeon and then land in savasana to finish the practice.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SBnPr3nLkL0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-46156468607288394412020-04-21T10:00:00.001-04:002020-04-21T10:00:18.079-04:00Alternate Nostril Breathing for Healing<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9uqe58xRkD4" width="560"></iframe>Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-82616157750215121422020-04-20T07:30:00.000-04:002020-04-20T09:39:35.213-04:00From This Practice<b>What is Tarka?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Perhaps one of the most important parts of a strong spiritual practice is the practice of tarka or reflective journaling. Reflection upon your inner and outer life is essential if you wish to progress along the path. These reflections on your life can help you see your mind more clearly. Your relationship to yourself, the world, and others is revealed in each journal entry. We can sometimes be blinded by our own beliefs or trapped in a cycle of thinking that is unhealthy for us.<br />
<br />
Tarka can help us to illumine the way before us, discard old beliefs, and change our attitudes and ways of thinking.<br />
<br />
Tarka is designed to help you reflect upon your life and examine your mind so that you may travel the path of enlightenment with greater ease and harmony.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Today's Tarka</b><br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras book 1 Sutra 29 it states: <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“From this practice all the obstacles
disappear and simultaneously dawns knowledge of the inner Self.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Satchidananda tells us that from this Sutra we can get in
tune with the cosmic power, and through that tuning in, I will feel that force in me and will be imbibed with those qualities; I will get the cosmic vision, transcend my limitations and become
that transcendental reality. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I will not let the mind and body limit me. I will hold something
infinite and raise myself from the finite objects that bind me. This is the way
I get rid of all the obstacles and my path is made easy.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This morning, I am thinking about the words “from this
practice” – this causes me to ask from what practice? The practice of yoga, of course, but what more specifically? The answer, for me, is that these words mean, I should focus on the heart and live my life from a heart centered practice. This means, I let my heart
speak and make my choices from my heart, not from what my mind is telling me I
have to do. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think “from this practice” can change depending on where I am in
the practice. All the choices still remain from the heart, but I think about
what it is that informs my practice in any given moment. For example, perhaps
my “from this practice” today is a focus on a different sutra and what that
informs or from what I hear someone say to me that I want to reflect further
upon. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Like maybe in this moment I am experiencing grief and I say from this
practice I am gaining x,y,z. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I think this type of practice makes the obstacles disappear because
I am practicing from a full state of awareness and the knowledge is coming from
and giving to my inner Self. It is about being fully present in each moment as
it arises. There are no obstacles if I come from this place, only moments.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In your journal today, think about this sutra and what the words "from this practice" mean to you. Where are you in this present moment? How will this inform your practice?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shanti,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swami K</div>
<br />Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-77526115192285139962020-04-13T08:13:00.002-04:002020-04-13T08:13:29.520-04:00The Sacred AUM<b>What is Tarka?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Perhaps one of the most important parts of a strong spiritual practice is the practice of tarka or reflective journaling. Reflection upon your inner and outer life is essential if you wish to progress along the path. These reflections on your life can help you see your mind more clearly. Your relationship to yourself, the world, and others is revealed in each journal entry. We can sometimes be blinded by our own beliefs or trapped in a cycle of thinking that is unhealthy for us.<br />
<br />
Tarka can help us to illumine the way before us, discard old beliefs, and change our attitudes and ways of thinking.<br />
<br />
Tarka is designed to help you reflect upon your life and examine your mind so that you may travel the path of enlightenment with greater ease and harmony.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Today's Tarka</b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras book 1 Sutra 29 it states: “From
this practice all the obstacles disappear and simultaneously dawns knowledge of
the inner Self.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here, Patanjali is referring us back to book 1 Sutra 28. The
practice he is referring to is the practice of meditating on and repeating the
mantra AUM. This mantra can become the center of our lives, not only while we
are meditating or practicing asana, but also in our daily living. Patanjali
speaks of AUM as the word that refers to God’s name. When taken in this
context, our practice of the word AUM helps us to become one-pointed on our
surrender towards God. It is this surrender that can remove all of our
obstacles and help us transcend our mind and our body. We merge with God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However,
some people do not believe in God and many that are drawn to the path of yoga
have different spiritual beliefs. If that is the case, can we still find
meaning in this Sutra and can we still apply it in our practice in a more
secular way? I believe we can, particularly when we focus on the last part of
the Sutra, “the inner Self.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our practice of yoga is meant to yoke us to our essence or
inner Self. That Self that is unchanging. That Self that remains stable despite
what happens internally with the fluctuations of our mind and externally with
the fluctuations of our world. So, by continued practice or repetition of AUM,
we can tune in to our essence, our Self. Again, this brings us to the same
place. We surrender to Self. We merge with Self. We become pure Self. This
grounds us and helps us to achieve a calm center. This center is like an un-moveable
mountain. The mountain remains in some form even while things from the world
attempt to disturb it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In your journal today, reflect on this Sutra and your
relationship to it. Do you identify more with surrendering to God, surrendering
to Self, some variation of both, something completely different? What is the
meaning of AUM to you and how is it useful in your life?<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<br />
Shanti,<br />
Swami KSwami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-66281983918356254312020-04-05T12:37:00.002-04:002020-04-05T12:37:35.201-04:00The 3 Gunas<b>What is Tarka?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Perhaps one of the most important parts of a strong spiritual practice is the practice of tarka or reflective journaling. Reflection upon your inner and outer life is essential if you wish to progress along the path. These reflections on your life can help you see your mind more clearly. Your relationship to yourself, the world, and others is revealed in each journal entry. We can sometimes be blinded by our own beliefs or trapped in a cycle of thinking that is unhealthy for us.<br />
<br />
Tarka can help us to illumine the way before us, discard old beliefs, and change our attitudes and ways of thinking.<br />
<br />
Tarka is designed to help you reflect upon your life and examine your mind so that you may travel the path of enlightenment with greater ease and harmony.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Today's Tarka</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In yoga philosophy, there are 3 guanas or 3 states from
which we live. There is a balanced, harmonious state called Sattva. There is a
passionate and higher energy state called Rajas and there is a lower energy or
dull state called Tamas. All 3 states exist within us and we experience these
varying states of energy throughout the day. For example, in the morning, I
tend to be in a high energy state. This is when my mind is busy and when I tend
to do my work. Later in the day, I tend to feel sleepy or dull and I may take a
nap in the afternoon sun. When I am meditating, I tend to feel as though I am
in a more balanced state of awareness. There is not too much rajas or too much
tamas. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In each moment of our day, we can do a self-check in to see
where we are and then from that place add a little tamas or a little rajas to
bring us back into a sattvic or balanced state. For example, when you do your
check in, you might find that your mind is restless and you really feel like
you just need to move. If you are feeling overly restless, you can take some
calming breaths or slow down your breathing to bring yourself into a more
balanced state. You could also sit down to read a book or just listen to some
music. On the other hand, you might feel lazy, depressed or unable to get
motivated. If this is the case, you could use the breath of fire technique to
attempt to get yourself back into balance. You could also do a yoga practice
that is intense for your level or go for a walk.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In your journal today, record how you are feeling right now
and what state you feel you are in. Make a list of activities you can do that
will fire you up a bit when you are feeling low and make a list of things that
can bring you down when you are feeling more up. Refer to this list when you
need to in order to help bring you back into a more balanced state.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shanti,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swami K<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-11161881464220161182020-04-04T10:06:00.001-04:002020-04-04T10:06:16.001-04:00Free Awaken Yoga Via Zoom<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Free Awaken Yoga </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Thursdays at 6pm</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Sundays at 11am</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Via Zoom - Sign Up on Class Schedule Page</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MYMS6bl-W8ehIpDYam-h27YmbT45VTRjt1BzETRksUqwoL6f2Z0U1PUJ6ZEwxji9OdyOoBM-XsRTluiGZnmde9L3YYSueVs9qYTmV7zrUKk8X-jebGiKmCaCxEX8RdofNGZ3PDTfVqE/s1600/DTE+Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="248" data-original-width="476" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3MYMS6bl-W8ehIpDYam-h27YmbT45VTRjt1BzETRksUqwoL6f2Z0U1PUJ6ZEwxji9OdyOoBM-XsRTluiGZnmde9L3YYSueVs9qYTmV7zrUKk8X-jebGiKmCaCxEX8RdofNGZ3PDTfVqE/s320/DTE+Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-83307973597528961572020-04-02T08:45:00.001-04:002020-04-02T08:45:06.915-04:00Surrender<br />
<b>What is Tarka?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Perhaps one of the most important parts of a strong spiritual practice is the practice of tarka or reflective journaling. Reflection upon your inner and outer life is essential if you wish to progress along the path. These reflections on your life can help you see your mind more clearly. Your relationship to yourself, the world, and others is revealed in each journal entry. We can sometimes be blinded by our own beliefs or trapped in a cycle of thinking that is unhealthy for us.<br />
<br />
Tarka can help us to illumine the way before us, discard old beliefs, and change our attitudes and ways of thinking.<br />
<br />
Tarka is designed to help you reflect upon your life and examine your mind so that you may travel the path of enlightenment with greater ease and harmony.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Today's Tarka Practice</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Patanjali’s book on the Yoga Sutras, we are taught that
there are 3 things we must do in order to progress along the path. One of the
most important but most difficult is to surrender. This is called Isvara
Pranidhanam. It is with this teaching we are encouraged to dedicate the fruits
of our actions to God or humanity (depending on your beliefs). When we act out
of pure awareness or act from the heart, we are steady and calm along the path.
If we act from the heart and dedicate each of our actions to God or humanity,
this is an act of surrender. We discover that we do not own anything or possess
anything. Instead, we are just the keeper or trustee of the skills we are
embodied with. To share that skill and leave it as an offering to the universe,
we deeply surrender any expectations we have of gaining something. When all
expectations are discarded, we are free.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In your journal today, reflect on a skill that you have that
you could share with someone else. Once you have reflected on that skill, take
action. Do something today for someone without having any expectations or
receiving anything in return. Open your heart and surrender completely to what
you can offer in this present moment. Practice this technique again and again
until it becomes a habit and you will be free.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Shanti,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swami K</div>
<br />Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-36080604592574124612020-04-01T06:58:00.005-04:002020-04-01T07:02:49.356-04:00Your Mission Statement<b>What is Tarka?</b><br />
<br />
Perhaps one of the most important parts of a strong spiritual practice is the practice of tarka or reflective journaling. Reflection upon your inner and outer life is essential if you wish to progress along the path. These reflections on your life can help you see your mind more clearly. Your relationship to yourself, the world, and others is revealed in each journal entry. We can sometimes be blinded by our own beliefs or trapped in a cycle of thinking that is unhealthy for us.<br />
<br />
Tarka can help us to illumine the way before us, discard old beliefs, and change our attitudes and ways of thinking.<br />
<br />
Tarka is designed to help you reflect upon your life and examine your mind so that you may travel the path of enlightenment with greater ease and harmony.<br />
<br />
<b>Today's Tarka Practice</b><br />
There are many reasons you may find yourself practicing yoga. Perhaps you came to yoga to belong to a community of like-minded people. Maybe you came to yoga to heal physically and / or emotionally or maybe you just love the way your body feels after a strong and powerful practice or a slow, more restful practice. Some people prefer power yoga, others restorative and everything in between. Many people like to create a balanced practice and do some very challenging practices on some days and more yin based practices on other days.<br />
<br />
Today, I want you to reflect on why you practice yoga? If you could write a yoga mission statement for yourself, what would it be?
For example, your mission statement might be something like this: I practice yoga in order to feel a sense of connection and community with others who share my passion for serving myself and serving all of life.<br />
<br />
Go ahead and write your mission statement in your journal and please feel free to share your mission statement in the comments box below.<br />
<br />
Shanti,
Swami KSwami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-32445076895791000082020-03-23T11:53:00.001-04:002020-03-23T11:53:41.532-04:00Awaken Yoga<b>Please check our class schedule for our new Virtual Yoga classes. They are being held via zoom and will give you the opportunity to connect with others during this challenging time. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>To register for the free classes click on the "Class Schedule." Next, scroll down until you see the "Calendar." Click on the class and a box with registration details will open up. Click on the given link to register.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I'm looking forward to our time together. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>I will be adding additional classes soon so check back with us often.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>I will also be posting a daily reflection and tarka practice beginning in April. This is your opportunity to deepen your practice by reflecting on a yoga teaching and recording your thoughts in your personal journal. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>May you find many blessings on this journey....</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Shanti,</b><br />
<b>Swami K</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-21973464511761139682014-10-28T07:32:00.001-04:002014-11-05T08:51:34.620-05:00Take A Break<br />
Hello everyone - it is time to take a break from your reflections, relax and absorb all of the tarka you have done so far. It is now a time for rest. Please take some time to rest and let the teachings sink in. A part of transformation is to internalize everything you have learned about yourself and rest is a part of that transformation.<br />
<br />
I appreciate all of your hard work on this inner journey to the self.<br />
<br />
If you have stopped by during our break, please feel free to work your way through the past tarka exercises.<br />
<br />
<br />
Shanti,<br />
Swami KSwami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-31761045336505865552014-10-20T04:38:00.003-04:002014-10-20T04:38:57.693-04:00A Time for RestHello everyone - it is time to take a break from your reflections, relax and absorb all of the tarka you have done so far. It is now a time for rest. Please take some time to rest and let the teachings sink in. A part of transformation is to internalize everything you have learned about yourself and rest is a part of that transformation.<br />
<br />
I appreciate all of your hard work on this inner journey to the self.<br />
<br />
Shanti,<br />
Swami K<br />
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<br />Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-63785102995276423042014-10-18T05:00:00.000-04:002014-10-18T05:00:01.835-04:00ReflectionsPlease take the weekend to reflect on your journal entries this week. Look for patterns in thinking, explore ideas in more detail, and summarize what you learned about yourself this week.<br />
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Swami KSwami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-90150682337481104862014-10-17T05:00:00.000-04:002014-10-17T05:00:07.748-04:00Day 5 - The Benefits of Better Breathing<b>Daily Reflection</b><br />
This week we will be talking about the breath. The breath or prana (life energy) plays an essential role in our lives. While we normally don't think much about our breathing and it happens automatically, in yoga, we learn to work with the breath in many ways. The practice of pranayama or controlling the breath (or life force) is vital because it helps us to live better and more harmoniously. It improves our healthy, our vitality, our creativity and our thinking. Although breathing is one of the simplest things we can do, we have often lost touch with our own breath so this week will be all about rediscovering our breath and the relationship we have to it.<br />
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Some of the benefits of better breathing are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Reduced stress<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Calm and quiet mind<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Better connection to your inner self<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Reduced anxiety<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Improved focus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Reduced anger and irritability<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">More compassion<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">In your journal write down which of these
benefits you feel you would like to work on right now in your life. What would
be the most helpful to you?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Swami K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-38931901881095511422014-10-16T05:00:00.000-04:002014-10-16T05:56:10.835-04:00Day 4 - Let Your Body Breathe<b>Daily Reflection</b><br />
This week we will be talking about the breath. The breath or prana (life energy) plays an essential role in our lives. While we normally don't think much about our breathing and it happens automatically, in yoga, we learn to work with the breath in many ways. The practice of pranayama or controlling the breath (or life force) is vital because it helps us to live better and more harmoniously. It improves our healthy, our vitality, our creativity and our thinking. Although breathing is one of the simplest things we can do, we have often lost touch with our own breath so this week will be all about rediscovering our breath and the relationship we have to it.<br />
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So by day 4, you should have at least a beginning understanding of the way the breath works in your body. You most likely have discovered some places that the breath gets stuck or you may have found you are a shallow breather. You may also have found that you tend to hold your breath sometimes.<br />
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The goal is to let your whole body breath - to feel the breath everywhere. We can use different pranayama techniques, like the one we tried yesterday to learn to gain greater control of the breath.<br />
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In your journal write down where you think you need to gain a greater control over the breath and why. How do you think this will help you?<br />
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Swami K<br />
<br />Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-54586716225371034072014-10-15T05:00:00.000-04:002014-10-15T05:00:03.815-04:00Day 3 - Alternate Nostril Breathing<b>Daily Reflection</b><br />
<br />
This week we will be talking about the breath. The breath or prana (life energy) plays an essential role in our lives. While we normally don't think much about our breathing and it happens automatically, in yoga, we learn to work with the breath in many ways. The practice of pranayama or controlling the breath (or life force) is vital because it helps us to live better and more harmoniously. It improves our healthy, our vitality, our creativity and our thinking. Although breathing is one of the simplest things we can do, we have often lost touch with our own breath so this week will be all about rediscovering our breath and the relationship we have to it.<br />
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Today we will practice and reflect on alternate nostril breathing. This technique helps to quiet the mind as well as open up the channels on both the left and right side of the body. I have noticed that it is very helpful to use this technique with asthma and it also works well with anxiety.<br />
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Please watch this short video for the technique.<br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/KG7fX3i81dw" target="_blank">Alternate Nostril Breathing</a><br />
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After you have practiced the technique record your reflections in your journal. Which nostril felt blocked? How did your mind feel after practicing this technique? Did you find it easy or difficult?<br />
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Swami KSwami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-74940464247367190232014-10-14T05:00:00.000-04:002014-10-14T05:00:01.063-04:00Day 2 - Breath Discovery<b>Daily Reflections</b><br />
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This week we will be talking about the breath. The breath or prana (life energy) plays an essential role in our lives. While we normally don't think much about our breathing and it happens automatically, in yoga, we learn to work with the breath in many ways. The practice of pranayama or controlling the breath (or life force) is vital because it helps us to live better and more harmoniously. It improves our healthy, our vitality, our creativity and our thinking. Although breathing is one of the simplest things we can do, we have often lost touch with our own breath so this week will be all about rediscovering our breath and the relationship we have to it.<br />
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Today, I will have you lie down in Savasana. Just rest and don't try to control the breath. Try to notice your breath pattern. Are you breathing mostly in your chest? Your abdomen? Your throat? Can you feel the breath in the limbs of your body? Your toes? Your fingers? Where do you feel the inhale? Where do you feel the exhale?<br />
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After you observe your breath in Savasana write down the answers to the above questions and reflect on the breaths movement and your breathing pattern.<br />
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Swami KSwami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-48907884641944041092014-10-13T05:00:00.000-04:002014-10-13T05:00:08.859-04:00Day 1 - The Breath of Life<b>Daily Reflections</b><br />
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This week we will be talking about the breath. The breath or prana (life energy) plays an essential role in our lives. While we normally don't think much about our breathing and it happens automatically, in yoga, we learn to work with the breath in many ways. The practice of pranayama or controlling the breath (or life force) is vital because it helps us to live better and more harmoniously. It improves our healthy, our vitality, our creativity and our thinking. Although breathing is one of the simplest things we can do, we have often lost touch with our own breath so this week will be all about rediscovering our breath and the relationship we have to it.<br />
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In your journal today, I want you to begin by just simply observing your breath. Just notice it in your body. Where do you feel it? Is there anywhere in which it feels stuck or restrained? Where does it flow easily? How do you feel about your breath? Does breathing come easily to you or do you suffer from an illness or medical condition that makes it hard to breath? Write down any thoughts you have on the breath and its role in your life.<br />
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Swami K<br />
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<br />Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-3995539914550139362014-10-11T05:00:00.000-04:002014-10-11T05:00:05.353-04:00ReflectionsPlease take the weekend to reflect on your journal entries this week. Look for patterns in thinking, explore ideas in more detail, and summarize what you learned about yourself this week.<br />
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Swami KSwami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7380505833715275756.post-24931775370248119202014-10-10T05:00:00.000-04:002014-10-10T05:00:06.933-04:00Day 5 - Meditation 4 Object of Beauty<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><b>Daily Reflection</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Please listen to the
following short audio meditation after reviewing the post on October 6th. In
your journal write down any reflections you have about this meditation and your
experience with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="http://clyp.it/dspz24iw" target="_blank">Meditation 4 - Object of Beauty</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Swami K</span></div>
Swami Khttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13623069598729226791noreply@blogger.com0