Book Club April 6, 2013 Chapter 8

Book Club April 6, 2013 Chapter 8
Mission Possible, (Asking Your Dreams for Creative Ideas)
This chapter focuses on the varied backgrounds of individuals who have used their dreams to help them in their work, in particular scientists and scholars.  She refers to Descartes, who based his work in methodology, algebra, physics and metaphysics on what was revealed to him in dreams.  Voltaire believed that “constructive ideas occur in sleep as well as when you are awake.” Pg 199.  “Mahatma Ghandhi used his dreams to find a non-violent response to England’s Rowlett Act” during the fight for liberation of India. Pg 200 Paul Webster, the author of Love is a Many Splendoured Thing “told his son and others that his dreams were a constant source of inspiration.” Pg 204
This chapter is written to help us “focus on examples of dreams that treat our creative needs centering around our philosophical, religious, artistic and work life.”  Pg 207  She goes on to say that “Dreams can provide some of the most beautiful and inspirational experiences of your life. …Some may show you a purpose in your life when you thought there was none.  I thought this was a very interesting and important point.  These dreams will impact your spirits whether you remember them or not.  However “if you cherish them, allow yourself to recall them, and even seek them out when you need them, they will become a far more frequent, potent influence upon your life.” Pg 208
“Where do these dreams come from?  Do they come from our highest self, our innermost being which has access to universal wisdom or maybe even God?   Our subconscious state of awareness where we have access to all the impressions and experience of our personal lives, which when creatively rearranged furnish us with inspirations that only seem to be beyond our normal powers of perception?” Pg 208 “ Carl Jung suggested that when we sleep we have access not only to our personal unconscious or subconscious but also to the more universal state of awareness he called the collective unconscious.” Pg 209 “Whatever the explanation people do have dreams in which they feel they experience or glimpse some ultimate reality and these experiences have led to the enhancement of their lives.” Pg210
The remainder of the chapter is of the various inspirational dreams that can and have occurred, some with life changing effects.  Some of these dreams are of such monumental significance, they are hard to put into words when the individual awakens, yet while asleep and even in recalling within their minds they understand the significance of these dreams.

Chapter 9, The Twilight Zone.
This interesting chapter was on predictive dreams, dreams where we dream of something before it occurs.  Several people in the dream group have experienced this, so we had some interesting discussion around this topic.  Another area of this chapter and of discussion was dreaming as if you are another individual.  She goes on to talk a bit further about “psychic dreaming” and quotes a professor of Psychology, Dr. H.J. Eysenck, as saying “there does exist a small number of people who obtain knowledge existing in other people’s minds or in the outer world by means as yet unknown to science.” Pg 226.
Gayle goes on to present dreams in which people dreamt something and then it happened sometimes to them, sometimes in the larger world.  She encourages us to read this and see if it inspires any of us to “explore our own psychic abilities.” Pg 226
On page 229 Gayle shares the “idea that we attract to ourselves the kinds of experiences we expect, fear, or generally concentrate on …(which) might explain why people who expect the best of life and dreams seem to have pleasant daily and dream lives.” Pg 229 The opposite idea being true as well, expecting negative and negative occurs.
Dreaming of dead relatives and friends occurs to many.  Some report that the deceased wanted them to know that they are fine, some ask for and receive advice and guidance from those who have passed over.  In this chapter again she talks about seeing the world from another person’s viewpoint or in another time.  Pg 233
She also suggests that if you wonder if you have lived other lives, you can ask your dream maker to let you know.  This too was interesting that sometimes people have the same dream.  Shared dreaming, or dreaming the same dream, raises the question of “whose dream is it really, whose creation? Pg 238.  The end of the chapter she once again has numerous questions to ask your dream maker if you want to experiment further along these lines.  Some of her suggestions are;
What happens after death?
Have I know my husband, (mother, sister) in another life?
What is like to see the world with ______’s eyes?
Thanks again to all who came to join us for dreams and discussion.  It is so interesting to hear all the interviewers questions, as each person in the room picks up on something different from the same dream.
Thanks to you for sharing as we all grow together.  See you next Saturday at 1 for chapter 10.

Book Club Chapter 2: Gayle Delaneys Living Your Dreams

Book Club, February 22, 2013.  Chapter 2
Thanks once again to everyone who came to Book Club.  It was another great discussion on dreams.  Thanks also to those of you who shared dreams, as the more we share the more we learn together.  The dreams are fascinating.
Chapter 2, Dream Incubation (or targeting Dreams for Specific Problem Solving)
The idea of Dream Incubation is not new; it has been used by many over the years, sometimes not knowingly.  Have you ever gone to bed at night thinking about a problem that has really got you baffled?    You feel that you have looked at it in every conceivable manner but have not come up with a solution.   This is the last thing you are thinking about when you fall asleep.  When you wake up, you have an answer.  That is Dream Incubation.
Gayle Delaney has developed a method that she calls “phrase-focused incubation”. )Pg 28)  You set the stage, sending your request to your “higher self, divine power, or collective unconscious”, whichever you feel most comfortable using.  The steps for doing this are as follows:
Step 1.  Pick the right night.  Make sure you are not over tired, have not taken sleeping pills or tranquilizers.  (She does say here if you are on these medications check with your doctor before stopping them).  Also, make sure you have time to write in your journal before going to sleep and also make time in the morning for writing your dream down.
Step 2.  Day Notes.  Before going to sleep, write down your day time activities to get your thoughts and feelings about the day out of your mind and onto the paper.  Just a few lines are fine.
Step 3 Lights!  Take a close look at the problem you would like help with.  Ask yourself if you are ready to examine this problem further and if you are ready to do something about the problem.  On page 30 she goes into the deeper questions to ask yourself.  The one that stuck out to me was asking yourself if living with the problem feels safer than resolving it?  This points out the importance of knowing if you are ready for change.  Get to as many feelings about this issue as possible and get them on the paper.  The more you grabble with the problem, the more likely you will be to get an answer from your dream maker.
Step 4:  Incubation Phrase.  After all your grabbling with the problem, come up with a one sentence question which you want answered.  It is important that this question addresses the deepest and clearest desire you have to understand this problem in a different light.  Once you have your question, write it down in your Dream Journal.
Step 5.  Focus, Camera!  Now, you put your journal beside the bed, turn off the lights and repeat your Incubation Phrase over and over.
Step 6 Action!  Now you sleep.  Now it is up to our unconscious to connect to our higher self or source of wisdom while we are in a sleeping state.  “…Our inner self sees our life and problems more clearly, more objectively, and from a far broader perspective than we usually do while awake.” Pg 33 “The dreams may redefine your problem, translating it from the way you consciously see it into the way your inner self sees it.  The discrepancy can be very enlightening.  The dreams may present alternatives to your dilemma, … introduce you to a whole new area of psychological awareness and understanding. “ pg 34
Step 7:  Record.  When you awaken, write the dream down immediately.  Don’t take time to judge or figure out what it means initially; just write down what you remember of the dream.   Include any feelings you recall from and dream and any feelings you were experiencing as you awakened.  Once you have done this write down any associations you make regarding the dream elements.
Gayle goes on to say that these incubated dreams are often easier to remember and once you have experienced an answer to a problem through dream work, you will experience a sense of achievement and excitement when you think about the dream process.
Dreams in general, incubated or at will dreams, can influence our daily lives if we are willing to take action based on the messages in the dreams.  We gain insights, feel hunches, or feel the need to take action in certain areas of our lives.  They can decrease the time it takes to resolve issues.  They can help us feel freer to try new things and explore new ways of handling difficult problems.  By using our dreams we seem to be able to access a deeper wisdom, giving us the courage to explore and the confidence to be less defensive.
This chapter also goes into individual dreams again and how they were interpreted.  Gayle states that “We do not fool ourselves in dreams, although we can and often do interpret dreams in ways that perpetuate a given cherished point of view.  When a dream is well interpreted its appropriateness and good sense will be apparent.” (pg 44)
I look forward to seeing you all next Saturday at 1.  We will have a different venue this week and will meet at Brioche on the square.  Call or e-mail Judi if you have any questions about this.  Have a wonderful week and sweet dreams!

Book Club: Living Your Dreams

Book Club February 16th  Living Your Dreams by Gayle Delaney
Thank you to all for coming today.  We had a small but interactive group so some good discussion on dreams.  Thank you also for sharing your dreams, as that is how we can all learn and grow together!
Gayle Delaney opens her book with her dream of visiting a famous movie producers home.  Sometime during the dream, she realizes that the home is actually hers.  When she awakens she realizes that the dream is explaining the idea that we are all producers of our own dreams.  We do not need experts to analyze and explain our dreams to us, we just need to learn some of the questions to ask ourselves or to have a dream partner with whom we can share our dreams.  After all we are the creators of the dream, so who better than ourselves to interpret it.  It just takes a bit of practice and a few pointers.
Gayle Delaney’s model of Dream Interpretation begins with the assumption that we are all the producers of our own dreams. The second assumption is that we are all the writers of the dream, these are our own “works of art”.  The third assumption is that we are the director of the show.  You pick which emotions are to be played out and how animated it needs to be.  The fourth assumption is that we are all the stars of our dream.  Other people may seem to appear, but they actually represent a part of yourself that is needing attention in some way.  The fifth assumption is that dreams not only have meaning, but they serve a purpose, they are bringing a message.  They are trying to help us in our day-to-day life.  Pg 6-7
On page 8 & 9 Gayle refers to incubating dreams.  She discusses this in more depth next chapter.  The idea behind incubating dreams is to ask a question about a current problem in your life and then dream on it.  Often a solution will be presented in the dream.  This is something that has been used historically by many cultures.
I like Gayle’s description of dreams on page 11.  “…the dreams themselves are not the same as the experiences with our inner resources.  They are instead translations of these basically nonphysical, nonmaterial comprehension into terms we can understand.  We, the dream makers, translate direct experience that is imageless, timeless, and spaceless into images and sequences that make sense to our three-dimensional, physical, world oriented consciousness.”  We put our experiences into a form that can relay the message in a manner it can be understood and received in a non-threatening way.  As she says “you don’t want to dramatize or exaggerate too much for fear that you won’t sell the movie”. Pg 12 “Dreams offer an experience of understanding, not a lecture or book describing the experience.” Pg 13
You can tap into your dreams with a bit of practice and guidance.  Some dreams are self-explanatory, others are more like dramas, and will take a bit more time to make sense of.  All are important.  She states that after all her years of working with dreams she believes like Freud that the major issues we dream about are “love and work.” Pg 14 Some people are afraid to discuss their dreams as they find them embarrassing, yet sorting them out and taking the time to find the message is so important.  Our “Dream Maker” is not trying to humiliate or embarrass, just to help us learn.  It is only when we ignore our dreams that the intensity escalates just to get our attention that something in our lives needs to change.  “Never forget that your dream producer is trying to touch your life in a meaningful way.  He or she will help you solve problems and will try, bit by bit, to renew and transform your life.  But your dream producer needs your help.”  Pg 22  We need to take the time to remember, look at, question and sort through the previous nights “story”.  These messages are interesting to receive.  Now for the important step of acting on what has been received.  We need to use this message by taking action, putting a new idea or plan into place in our lives.  Using our dreams this way can help us live our lives more fully.
Gayle gives several dreams and their interpretations in chapter one as well.  I encourage you all to read these as a starting step in learning how to interview.
Next week we will discuss chapter two, but please try to read Chapter 3 as well, as it talks more about interviewing for dream interpretation.  That way we can all actively participate in the interview process and the sharing of dreams.
This week, please keep a note pad by your bed so you can write down your dreams as soon as you wake up.  If you feel too tired and it is the middle of the night, do try, but at least write down the jest of it to help you remember in the morning.  Even if you only remember a snippet of a dream, write it down.  Bring your Dream Journals to Book Club next Saturday at 1.

Share Your Inspiration: Meet Jae Bradford

My Miracle

 

 

 

 

 

After 3 ½ years of rather severe health issues with my aging parents (who I love dearly), I realized my stress level was “off the chart”. I was anxious, depressed and nervous all of the time. I started taking Yoga classes with Sandra in June of 2012 because I knew I needed to have something in my life that was just for me. I really didn’t know what Yoga was all about so I signed up for 1 month, then signed up for the next 3 months. I had found something that was all mine and I enjoyed the classes so much. The peace and positively that I had been looking for began to seep into my life. I became more patient, accepting and my stress level much more manageable.

Sandra held a breathing class on September 22, 2012, which I decided to attend.  I had started smoking cigarettes when I was 17 (40 years ago) and had been trying to quit smoking for 39 of those 40 years. No program, health issue, drug, hypnosis, acupuncture or anything else that came along lead me to stop smoking.  Smoking had become such a burden and just plain exhausting but I just couldn’t quit. I had not planned to stop smoking when I attended the breathing class, but that next week I started really concentrating on breathing in a new way. One week after that special class, I stopped smoking. Today December 28th, marks my 3rd month without a cigarette. I am overjoyed to be relieved of the burden. I truly feel like a miracle has happened for me.

Last month I went for my annual “well woman” exam. My doctor said “I see that you have stopped smoking…did something happen to lead you to this”?  I said “Yes, I started taking Yoga and am learning how to breathe”. She asked me what class I was taking, I told her about Sandra and INDRA’S GRACE, she said “That is wonderful, I have a lot of patients that take her class, I am so happy for you”.

I wanted to share this before January 1, 2013. This year on New Years day, my #1 resolution won’t be “Stop Smoking”, because I already did that and I know in my heart that I will never smoke again. Yoga and Sandra have improved my quality of life and probably saved it. Thank you, Sandra

Another Breathing class is on January 26th and I will be at that class as well. If learning to breathe has helped me this much, it can help anyone do anything!

Happy Breathing, Blessings and Love,

Jae Bradford
Feel free to email me.  jaebeach@bellsouth.net (Subject Indra’s Grace)

Book Club: Eknath Easwaran Meditation

Book Club November 24th Chapter 7
Chapter 7, Spiritual Companionship
Thank you to all who came and took part in this great discussion on Spiritual Companionship.  We spent the time discussing the many twists and turns in our lives that have led us to this group of like-minded and like hearted people.  And as was fitting for the time of year, we gave thanks for Sandra coming to Weatherford to give us a gathering place not just for Yoga, but a safe place for learning and growing in ways we needed but had not put into words.  As Eknath says on pg 190, “…an essential part of the spiritual life is coming together with those who are spiritually minded, those who want to promote our growth and who want us to promote theirs.”  Thank you Sandra!!
Along this same line, on page 190 he goes on to compare pursuing a spiritual life as to swimming upstream.  It is challenging and “we need friends, loyal companions”.  “…We have to do the swimming… but it is easier if we swim together with those who encourage us, set a strong pace and will not stop until they reach their destination.”
Spiritual growth requires that we live and interact with others. We can read about it but it requires putting it into action for real growth to occur.  This can create challenges as when close family and friends see change it can create uneasy feelings in them, resulting in teasing, or angry outbursts, yet as he says eventually “…everyone responds deeply to the growth of goodness and wisdom in a child, a partner or a parent.” Pg 192 He goes on to say that “rich relationships with a number of people constitute one of the great blessings on this earth.” (page 193)  It is when we withdraw unto ourselves that we become depressed, it is only in turning outward and being with others that we can turn away from the negative thoughts and forget about our problems.
Having a spiritual household means being mindful towards each other.  Spending time meditating together, saying our mantras before meals, using meal time as a pleasant visiting time with family and friends, and just generally tuning in to each other throughout the day.  On page 195 he says “…every meal should be a sacrament, in which we strengthen not only the body but the spirit too.”  We can use this time to share lovingly with those we care about, taking time with food preparation, and taking time to eat, savor and enjoy the food and the company.
Take time for recreation, it is important to keep the body moving and healthy.  It is also important have fun.  Join with family and friends to engage in things you all enjoy.  Or take a solitary walk repeating your mantra.  Get in touch with nature.  Get up and get moving and give thanks for being able to do so!
Chapter 8, The Mystics
Eknath states that Mystical literature “differs from other forms of writing in that as our understanding deepens, we draw more from it.”  He goes on to say that although it is very important to read these inspiring writings, it is important to use what we receive and put it into action.  “One contemporary thinker put it very well when he remarked that if we had to choose between uniting ourselves with God and hearing a lecture about it, most of us would hunt for a good seat.” (Pg 202) The believe that we can learn all we need to know from books is mistaken. We can and need to read inspirational literature and use it to lay the foundation for how we choose to live our lives.
He lists many sources of inspirational writings;  Saint Teresa of Avila,  Saint Teresa of Lisieux, The Upanishads, the gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, the Bhagavad Gita.  All of these are inspirational and can be used to set the stage for a life lived more fully.  First though we must put the book down and live here and now in physical form, creating and maintaining meaningful relationships with others.  When the challenges occur if we can be more like Saint Teresa of Lisieux (Pg 209) She tells the story of a fellow nun in the convent around whom she felt great distress, there was not anything about this person she felt drawn toward.  Saint Teresa decided that instead of avoiding her, she would seek her out and smile at her.  One day the nun asked Saint Teresa what it was about her that she was so drawn to that in fact made her smile every time they met.  Sister Teresa wrote in her diary that night, that what she saw every time she met up with the other nun was Jesus.  She was able to look beyond and see the best in her.  Let’s all practice this with each other, now more than ever before.  When we feel encouraged to take sides, judge things as right and wrong, and focus on the physical trappings let’s pull back a bit, look beyond the obvious and find the pearls that are all around us.

We will plan to have Book Club again in the New Year. The book is yet to be determined. Enjoy your holiday season and practice grace, love and kindness to all!

Book Club: Eknath Easwaran: Meditation

Chapter 6 – Putting Others First

This concept sounds so simple.. is so simple… and yet we tend to over think which leads to hesitation, which leads to inaction.  We need to just do it… put others first.  What a great chapter to discuss the week before Thanksgiving!  Mr. Easwaran describes it as a “great secret’ (p. 165).   Examples given of putting others first include the making of a favorite dish or even going on a salt-free diet for a year with your grandson (true story)… the key seems to be having a positive outlook to go along with the action… compassion from the heart.  We must get over our own swollen concern for ourselves.  He likens this to a disease known as elephantiasis (badly swollen legs).  “Puffed up by our self-will, we look out at the world through the distorting medium of our likes and dislikes, hopes and fears, opinions and judgments.  We want everyone to behave as we think they should – the right way.  When, naturally enough, they not only behave their own way but expect us to do as they do, we get agitated.  And what we see through this agitation makes up our everyday reality.” (p. 167)  WOW…reality is distorted by agitation brought on from self-will!

To find the balance we seek and to learn compassion of the heart, we must deal with our ego.  Yes the “me,” “my,” “mine,” “myself,” and the big “I.”  The word ego, comes from the Latin for “I.”   (p.167)  We want to be served first, but this drive will not led to happiness. Check out the “little monkey” story! (p.169)  How many times do we get “caught” because we can’t let go of our own stuff!   We discussed the lyrics to a Rolling Stones song… You can’t always get what you want..try sometime…you just might find…you get what you need.  Be content… look outside your our own persona (term used for the face masks worn in ancient Greek and Roman plays.)  ” Our much valued personalities are usually just like these masks – rigid and inflexible”… not able to let go, just like the little monkey.  We work up a particular concept of who we are and strive to live it whatever the circumstances.(p.170)  When we stop trying to live up to an artificial image of ourselves, our real personality bursts forth – vivid, appealing, unique. (p. 171)  This will bring a continuous presence of joy because our consciousness will not be divided… we will be true to ourselves.

So…If we throw off our masks and ask…what do we want…look deep, remember you have no mask…just raw you. Mr. Easwaran says we are looking for peace of mind, lasting relationships and love. That this is the power of life itself.  He also quotes several others…”If you want to find your life, you have to lose it” – Jesus.  “I have the greatest ambition imaginable.  I want to make myself zero.” Gandhi
Saint Paul defines love…
“Love is patient; love is kind and envies no one.
Love is never boastful, nor conceited, nor rude; never selfish, not quick to take offense.
Love keeps no score of wrongs; does not gloat over others’ sins, but delights in the truth.
There is nothing love cannot face; there is no limit to its faith, its hope, and its endurance.
Love will never come to an end.”
That is a love powerful enough to dissolve our self-will, bring us peace of mind and lasting relationships. (pages 172-175)

We can learn to love and refrain from our self-centered ways… it comes down to our attention.  We must give thought to our steps.  Mr. Easwaran believes love can fairly well be summed up in a single word: patience.  “If we want relationships that deepen with the passage of time, relationships that help us grow, we have to remain loyal through the bad times as well as the good, to accept the differences as well as the congruency’s.  This is what we learn to do when we try patiently to put the other person first.” (pages 179-181)

Discussions then turned to Thanksgiving…Family…Mending Estrangements…Many opportunities for graceful yielding!
“Persevere in forgiveness…forgiving those who have wronged us, and ourselves for our wrongs of the past.  Choose to trust, rather than live in fear of the future.  Past and future, those twin burdens, fall away, and here, in the present moment, we are free to love unconditionally, wholly.” (pages 183-186)  We also decided that it never hurts to find something nice about everyone… your hair looks nice today, what cute shoes, they just hugged Grandma…it doesn’t matter what it is.  If you are truly having a problem with someone, find something positive and cling to it!  A positive thought is just a thought away.  Look to find sweetness and joy in putting others first.

Judy will be back next week to finish out our book study.  Thanks to all who came!  Happy Thanksgiving and remember to create your own symphony…with much love, Marcy Atchley

“To live content with small means; to seek elegance rather than fashion, to be worthy, not respectable,
and wealthy, not rich; to study hard, think quietly, talk gently, act frankly, to listen to stars and birds,
to babes and sages, with open heart, to bear all cheerfully, to bravely await all occasions, hurry never.
In a word, to let the spiritual unbidden and unconscious grow up through the common.
This is to be my symphony.”
– William Henry Channing
(1810-1884)

Book Club: Meditation by Eknath Eawaran Chapter Three

Book Club, October 27, 2012, Chapter 3  Slowing Down
This was a great chapter and many of us at Book Club identified with it.  To begin the chapter Eknath tells about coming to America and being stunned at the speed with which everyone travels, whether on foot or in a vehicle, while eating, shopping, etc.  Most of what we do in North America is in a rush.  He describes life in India as going at a much slower pace, comparing it to that of an old bullock cart which goes about 3 miles an hour.  He states that he decided when he saw the rushing that he was not going to be rushed, he would go the speed of a bullock cart unless there was an emergency, then he would push his pace up to 4 miles an hour!  He states that “speed becomes a habit we do not know we have…it is mainly physical (initially)… but we become habituated to going faster and faster and speed gradually takes over the mind.” Pg 88 “Such a mind cannot take the time to perceive its own rapidity.”  In other words our bodies are rushing, our minds are racing and we are not aware that there is another way, we consider this life. It is when we rush that we make careless mistakes, have accidents and become like robots, we don’t even know why we are rushing sometimes, it becomes a habit.
When we rush, we impact others often in a negative way.  We become unaware of others feelings, we ignore others as we rush on by, and our anxious energy invades the space of all around us, making it hard for others to relax.  Fortunately, when a calm person comes into the room, the opposite effect can occur.  It is only when we become more self aware that we can choose to make a choice in our own lives how we will live.
Rushing impacts our health in negative ways, from ulcers to cardiac problems, anxiety disorders and depression.  It is our ways of thinking that create this, so we must become aware of our thoughts and make choices regarding our lifestyle.
Eknath states that there has been found to be a connection between the “hurry syndrome and the competitive drive so much encouraged today.” Pg 97 This competition can be at work or at play, either way it creates real problems for us.  “Winning and not enjoyment becomes the goal…” pg 97 “hurried work and work done under pressure yield no joy…or satisfaction” pg 105 This explains why so many people walk around looking stressed and unhappy.  We have created so many deadlines for ourselves, we have difficulty saying no, and because we are rushing along, we are not taking the time to choose what is mandatory and what can be given up.  We just continue to follow along the same old path.
An aware person (one who is not rushing) cannot only bring calm to a room, but is a deliberate individual who “acts promptly in emergencies…In every case the response will be appropriate and freely chosen, not dictated by compulsion.” Pg 108
It is also important when returning home from work, to leave work behind and be attentive to family and friends.  He says “think of your job as wearing apparel.  You walk in, slip into your occupational coat…at the end of the day, you take off this coat and hang it on a hook;  you don’t stuff a sleeve into your back pocket …and drag the rest on the ground behind you all evening long.” Pg 109 It is as important to be with family and friends in a mindfull way as it is to be mindfull at work.  He says that many people do not know how to relax.  “They have become addicted to excitement and excessive external stimulation.  Some head to the movies about demons and disasters certain to elevate their blood pressure and jolt them out of their humdrum experience.”
How can we reverse this?  He suggests getting up early.  This sets the pace for the day, you no longer have to rush, you have time for meditation, a leisurely breakfast with family, getting to work a bit early to visit with co-workers.  Then before leaving work for home, tidy up your work area, put things in order.  Choose to do in your off hours what stimulates and revitalizes you, avoid things that drain you.  When in your day you start to feel stressed, stop a moment and repeat your mantrum, this will help you slow the mind a bit.  If the phone rings and you are busy, let it ring.  As he says …”a phone call constitutes a request to talk to us, not an imperial command.” Pg 113 Be discriminating in deciding what has to be done and what can be delegated or just left off your to do list.  It is only once you become aware that you have choices that you begin to feel freedom.  “Making these changes will not be easy or painless…but the benefits are magnificent.” Pg 115  “We have embarked on a new course that will bring us abundant energy, better health, increased peace of mind, and more harmonious relations with others, rich creativity in work and play and a longer, happier lifestyle.  Pg 115

Next week we will meet on Saturday, although we had previously put on the Sunday.  So, Saturday Nov 3rd at 1  until 2:30
Place:  950 Hilltop Drive, behind the Weatherford Post Office
Take Santa Fe, turn east at the lights in front of the Post Office, (that is the only way you can turn), go about 2 blocks and it is the new stone building on your right.  Out front is a sign that says Stewart, Brooks & Bates.  Come around to the back door.
See you there!

One lady shared with me her concern about starting to Meditate even though she knows that she can’t do it every morning.  I know that Eknath says do it every morning for best results, yet I feel that  meditating when you can gets you started and then see how it works to go on a daily basis.  I encourage everyone who reads this to meditate.  Pick a time, a spot where you will be undisturbed and begin.

See you all next Saturday.  Have a great week.

Meditation by Eknath Easwaran

Book Club, October 20th 2012.  Chapter 2 The Mantram
First, thank you to all who joined us at Book Club.  What an interesting and interactive group we had.  The energy in the room was amazing; of course it was the same room in which we had meditated an hour earlier and I know that helped us along as well.
Chapter 2 on the Mantram starts off with Eknath telling of the elephants in India, who are decorated in beautiful colors and are part of the Festival Parade that travels through the small winding streets on Festival Days.  Along the streets are the vendors selling their fruits and    vegetables.  As an elephant walks, his trunk is in perpetual motion, swaying from side to side and of course helping himself to whatever he finds.  As the street vendors are very simple peasants, they cannot afford to have their produce eaten by the elephants as they walk by, so the elephant trainer (mahout), asks the elephant to grasp a stick in his trunk.  Once the elephant has something to hang onto, and is doing this for his trainer who he loves, he holds the stick aloft and the procession goes through the streets without incident.
This Eknath says is what a mantram does for us, it gives us something positive to focus our minds upon, as we go throughout our day.  This becomes increasingly important when we start to feel stressed, or upset about something.  It is very comforting to be able to grab onto our mantram and bring ourselves back to center.
In a class I am taking right now at the School of Metaphysics in Fort Worth, in this week’s lesson we are discussing goals.  The formula we are looking at is Goal +Purpose + Activity = Success.  I think this ties in beautifully with this story and with the mantram.  It is up to each of us to determine our Goal.  For each it will be a little different, we are each unique.  The next step is to identify the Purpose behind the goal, why am I doing this and how strongly or passionately do I feel about this goal?  This will be key in the next step which is Activity, for it is only when we take action that anything happens.  In Yoga, the body doesn’t feel any different watching someone else do Yoga, you must do it yourself.  The same with the mantram, we can read about it all we want, but until we have a purpose or a reason why we choose to try it, nothing is going to change within us.
I had a perfect opportunity to try this as I was reading this very book 2 weeks ago.  I was in the doctor’s office waiting room.  I pulled out my book to read the intro, then chapter one, then chapter two.  By the end of chapter two I realized I could be like the elephant and hold onto my stick or I could get upset.  I closed the book, and I choose to try the mantram.  It was very helpful to keep my mind from going further into angst mode.  We all have these opportunities throughout the day, take them and use them wisely.
This chapter has so much great material.  He gives us many choices of words or phrases for the mantram and encourages each of us to find one that resonates with us and stick with it.  He feels that by changing your mantram, we will be like the farmer who starts drilling for water, then tries a new spot , and then another new spot, and he never does find water.  Do what works for you, but initially you may want to try his suggestion.  Eknath does say it is important to choose a spiritual word or phrase “that has been sanctified by long use-one of proven power, that has enabled many men and women before you to realize the unity of life.” Pg 69  He feels the mantram can “permeate and utterly transform our consciousness.” Pg 61  The aim is to “drive the mantram to the deepest levels of consciousness, where it operates not as words but as healing power.  So avoid anything that holds you to the surface level; otherwise, you are in the position of someone trying to dive to the bottom of a lake while wearing water wings.” … avoid counting your repetitions or using your rosary, … (as in) keeping track of numbers or remembering what your hands are doing binds you to the physical level.”  Pg 71
The mantram is different from meditation in that you can use it anywhere, with eyes open or closed.  There is no ritual, just repeat the word over and over.  “Skill at holding the mantram increases with practice. …(initially) the grip feels tentative…in time the fingers grow stronger and the mind can grasp firmly…after a long while, the mind… has a permanent hold on the mantram.” Pg 85
I encourage everyone to read the chapter, find your mantram and realize your purpose for practicing your mantram and then take action.
See you all next week at our NEW LOCATION and NEW TIME.
1  until 2:30  at 950 Hilltop Drive, behind the Weatherford Post Office
Take Santa Fe, turn east at the lights in front of the Post Office, (that is the only way you can turn), go about 2 blocks and it is the new stone building on your right.  Out front is a sign that says Stewart, Brooks & Bates.

Next Meditation Session is Saturday, November 3rd from 11:00 to 1:00 PM!  See you then!

Meditation By Eknath Easwaran: Chapter One Book Club Notes

Book Club October 13, 2012
Meditation:   A Simple 8-point program for translating spiritual ideals into daily life.
by     Eknath Easwaran
Thank you to all who joined us today to discuss this interesting and informative book.  It was fun to get together and discuss some of the ideas Eknath Easwaran addressed in the Intro and Chapter 1.
Eknath Easwaran is from a small village in India and came to live in New York City in the 1970’s.  Coming from such a small village where people moved slowly, he was shocked to see how rapidly Americans moved from place to place.  He states that the first time he rode in a car on the Freeway, he thought there was a race going on and he was in it!  We take as normal our everyday rushing about, driving fast, eating fast, multi-tasking, meanwhile as a nation we are getting sicker, more stressed, more depressed and generally going about feeling unfulfilled.  This book is about slowing down, living mindfully and finding inner peace.
Eknath states that Meditation is a systematic technique for taking hold of and concentrating to the utmost degree our latent mental power.  Pg9   It consists in training the mind, especially attention and the will, so that we can set forth from the surface level of consciousness and journey into the very depths.  Pg 10 As we become more and more adept at this our “fits of emotion begin to lose their power to dictate our behavior.”  We begin to see choices, we live more in the moment and we feel freedom.    Pg 11 He goes on to state “all that we are is the result of what we have thought”.  By changing the very mode of our thinking, we can remake ourselves completely.  Pg 11.
This Eight Point Program consists of:
Meditation
Repetition of the mantram
Slowing down
Giving one-pointed attention
Training the senses
Putting the welfare of others first
Spiritual companionship
Reading from the scriptures and mystics of all religions

Discoveries of meditation are that we are not the body (stage one), we are not the mind (stage two) and in the third stage of meditation we find out who we really are and in doing so we develop a skill in living that brings out the beauty to your relationships, you discover that you and others are one. Pg 27

Chapter 1 Meditation
Eknath suggests it is virtually impossible to have a blank mind, so he suggests that we use a prayer with which to meditate, it needs to be spiritual, positive and with the idea of putting others first.  The prayer that he uses and suggests that we start with is the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi.  “This beautiful prayer has an almost universal appeal, holding so much spiritual wisdom he (St. Francis of Assis) drew upon as he undertook the almost total transformation of character, conduct, and consciousness. “ Pg 29 The prayer itself is also on page 29.
He recommends that we be seated with eyes gently closed, then having memorized the prayer, we recite it silently at a slow and steady pace.  It is important that the pace is slow, as if the pace is quick, the mind does not slow down.  “Concentrate on one word at a time, and as you concentrate on the sound you will automatically be concentrating on the meaning as sound and sense are one. “ Pg 33
The mind will try to distract us with jumbling the words, replacing the actual words with silly words, thinking of what needs to be done today, but do not be distracted, go back to concentrating on the prayer and the rate at which you are repeating it.
The reason for an inspirational passage is to focus the mind first and foremost and getting it focused on something that will help us when in real life we are in a difficult situation.  It helps us determine the essentials from the non-essentials.  The second reason for an inspirational passage is so that we begin to resemble and actually become whatever we give our attention to.  Pg 38 “all that we are is the result of what we have thought.” Pg 39
The best time for meditation is first thing in the morning.  “The dawn brings freshness, renewal.  Birds and other creature know this; we the “crown of creation’” do not seem to.”  Pg 41” Strike a bargain with yourself, no meditation-no breakfast.”  Pg 42 “Half an hour every day at the same time until it becomes a reflex, this is the best way to meditate. “ pg 44  The place should be calm and clear and should be the same every day.
“The correct posture for meditation is to sit erect with the spinal column, the nape of the neck and the head in a straight line.” You may place your hands wherever they are comfortable.  You can sit in a straight back chair or cross legged on the floor, sitting on a cushion or rug.  Pg 46
When you feel yourself getting drowsy, as so often happens as you start to relax,” move away from your back support and give your full attention to the prayer.“  Pg 48 “If from the earliest days you can remain awake throughout meditation, you will be able to descend from the surface level right into the unconscious and walk about completely aware.” Pg 48
It is important that we get enough exercise, eat a well balanced diet and get enough sleep if we want to meditate without so many distractions.  The mind will still try, so it is important to once again go back to the words of the prayer.  Pg 51
It is important to meditate for 30 minutes at a time and no more or less.  Staying in meditation longer than 30 minutes may trigger deeper emotional responses, so stick with the set time.  If in that period of time you feel fear about what is happening, open your eyes for a moment, go back to the prayer and then when you are comfortable close your eyes again.  If you see bright lights, hear sounds, just keep focused on the prayer, do not be distracted by these images.
To make progress in meditation you must be regular.  Put your meditation first and everything else second.  “…learning to control your mind is difficult…(yet)what you are seeking is glorious beyond compare.” Pg 56
Come join us next week October 20th  at 2PM for Chapter 2.  Also, next Saturday Sandra will be leading a meditation class at 11 so come join us as we share our meditation time together.  Contact Sandra if you plan to be at the Meditation Class.  Have a great week and peaceful meditating!

Fall Holistic Remedies to Keep You Healthy!

 

Fall is in the air but with it comes the responsibility of taking better care of your body!  If you skipped your breath work and vitamins this summer it is time to recommit to your body to help boost your immune system through the coming months.
Remember when cooler weather hits grab your sweater.  Although you may enjoy the change, cooler weather can “shock” your body and make you sick.  Do you ever notice that the first round of colds comes right after the first round of cooler weather?  Be gentle to your body and grab a sweater so that the transition for your body to fall is more gentle.  If you feel like you are getting sick.  GET TO BED!  Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is sleep. Sleep allows your body to recharge, rejuvenate, and refresh.  Also, manage your stress!

Below are some of my favorite fall remedies.

Triphala:  Healthy digestion and elimination is key to a healthy immune system.  Today more than ever people are suffering from digestive issues.  Processed foods often time do not have the proper amount of fiber to support proper digestion and elimination.  Triphala is an ancient ayurvedic herb that is traditionally used for maintaining a healthy digestive tract. It is commonly taken for sluggishness, constipation, bloating,  and indigestion. Acting to gently enkindle the digestive fire while removing excess toxins from the intestines, Triphala supports healthy digestion and proper elimination.    To learn more about triphala click here.  Available at the studio for $15.

Netipot:  If you’re one of the millions of Americans dealing with sinus problems, you know how miserable the headaches, facial pain, and clogged nasal passages can be. Nasal irrigation, a natural therapy that uses salt and water is a wonderful alternative to conventional medicine to help flush out the nasal passages.  Neti pots are a wonderful tool to use and are an ancient yogic tradition. For more information click here.  We offer ceramic neti pots at the studio for $20.

Nasya Oil:  Can be used to help with sinus congestion, dryness of the nasal passages, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, headaches, hoarseness, mental lethargy.  For more information read here.   Nasya, Nuturing Your Nose.  Available at the studio $11

Umcka Cold Care:  One of my absolute favorites.  The moment I feel like I might be coming down with something I always start Umcka my trusted friend!  I always try to keep a bottle on hand.  Here’s an entire blog about  Umcka.  Available at your local health food store.

Elderberry:  Elderberries have been a folk remedy for centuries in North America, Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa, hence the medicinal benefits of elderberries are being investigated and rediscovered. Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity, to lower cholesterol, to improve vision, to boost the immune system, to improve heart health and for coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections and tonsilitis. Bioflavonoids and other proteins in the juice destroy the ability of cold and flu viruses to infect a cell. People with the flu who took elderberry juice reported less severe symptoms and felt better much faster than those who did not. Available at your local health food store.