evif eussi eno emulov
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
MINDFUL SOUL CENTER bi-monthly magazine
ARE YOU DIVINE BALANCE MEDITATION RECIPES & FOOD DELICIOUSNESS
THE YOGA DIARIES
C O B R A
OAKLAND BUDDHA
DEJA DREWIT'S SELF-CARE CORNER
WHAT IS THAT? AHIMSA
nual n a n se a a h c One Pur e m Volu o t n iptio r ions c t s a b t i u s Med x i S , sues s I Six
0 0 . $33
US
Self-Care Mindset Inspiration Affirmation Yoga Meditation Lifestyle Art Health Wellness
This
practical
guide
demands
that
you
don’t
merely
think about gratitude but do it too. Chapters are divided into two parts; think and do. The ‘think it’ part includes stories and sometimes facts for contemplation and the ‘do
it’
part
at
the
end
of
each
chapter
includes
actionable steps to take and explore gratitude.
A truly helpful guide! This book has really helpful suggestions to follow to make our lives a bit better. And we all need that now! 5.0 out of 5 stars Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2018, Verified Purchase, Review by SanGui
Customer reviews on Amazon 4.8 out of 5 stars: 9 global ratings
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FEATURES CONTRIBUTORS in alphabetical order
Christine Boyd Miller, PhD Christine is a California mountain mama transplanted from the East coast. In The Yoga Diaries
she explores the obstacles &
challenges she faces as she learns new yoga poses, explores new
ideas
and
attempts
Needless to say that
The Yoga Diaries
she's
not
writing
to
maintain
a
regular
practice.
she shares the benefits & joys too! When
or
practicing
yoga,
frolicking in the redwoods with her son,
she
spends
her
time
hula hooping, cooking,
and helping her husband tend to their garden and bees.
Megan Nolan Megan
is
a
personal
trainer
and
yoga
instructor
with
over
14 years of experience. She has worked with hundreds of clients and
students
who
have
experienced
the
aches,
pains,
and
challenges of having to spend long hours at their desks. As an entrepreneur and working
Movement is Vital
on
the
writer herself she spends pend a lot of time
computer.
She
has
come
up
with
a
plan
to
combat these difficulties and teach us that Movement is Vital with each issue teaching us how to deal with our life at a desk. She runs Vitality Wellness Maui and created the Yoga At My Desk program.
Deja Osbourne Deja
is
an
artist,
an
oracle
deck
creator
and
owner
of
DejaDrewit. Born in Russia and raised in NY, she now lives in California. As a young girl, Deja experienced bullying and as a result developed social anxiety. Drawing was her escape. As she healed she knew that she wanted to inspire and help people through her art but wasn't quite sure how. From 2005 until 2013,
Deja's Self-Care Corner
she
worked
as
a
graphic
artist
and
designer
in
the
fashion
industry. She left to raise a new baby and discovered a way to use her art to help others and started to create oracle decks. Check out her Self-Care Corner.
Charles Sharar Charles Shahar is a clinical psychologist by training, and a social researcher by profession. He has taught yoga and meditation for over 18 years, and is currently living in India. Please visit his website at: www.lightfigures.com
Uncovering Existence 4
SEP/OCT 2020
CONTENTS
15-17
SELF-CARE CORNER Artist Deja Osbourne shares her monthly selfcare and personal power deck picks with us.
ARE YOU DIVINE?
21-26
Charles Sharar explores this question in-depth and shares a meditation for you to practice too
BUDDHA IN THE HOOD 30-32 Intrigued with this story I told a few people about it and Gillian Maxwell of Distinctively Dressed who lives in Northern California ventured there to take a few pix and videos for me to share with you here.
WHAT IS THAT? AHIMSA
40-41
Our regular feature detailing some unusual terms, conscepts and ideas yogic or otherwise.
THE YOGA DIARIES
37-38
Making masks and exploring ahimsa, Christine Boyd Miller, PhD shares her experience with us.
COBRA
45-48
Not only do we explore the yoga pose, we take a look at the Cobra Effect, the Cobra itself and its symbolism too.
MP3 MEDITATION
36
Finding Balance
SELF-CARE CHECKLIST
34-36
It's always important to take care of ourselves so not only can we enjoy this one precious life, we can serve others when our cup is full.
FOUNDATION 08 Masthead
DELICIOUSNESS This issue we're skipping out on the regular recipes and food deliciousness section - we're doubling up for the holidays! Stay tuned.
07 Editor's Letter 04 Contributors 10-13 Goal Tracking Worksheets 28-29 Giving: Fundraising Effort for Dogs
INSPIRATION & POETRY 19
This is Daily Life by Amy Adams
20
Sympathy by Paul Laurence Dunbar
27
Quote: Louis Camuti
42 Upcoming Workshops & Masterclasses, Free Yoga
35
Buddha Jokes
43 TMSC Recommends: Books, Music, Podcasts
52
Quote: Albert Einstein
49 Mindful Soul Center Podcast Episode Guide
SUPPORT THE WORK
54-55 Monthly Moons Holidays, Stones, & Flowers 50
Shop the Back to Basics Yoga Collection
53
Support The Mindful Soul Center 5
[the]
Mindful Soul Center VOLUME ONE, ISSUE FIVE | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 Mindful Soul Center magazine features news and
information
on
all
your
favorite
health,
wellness and spiritual topics like healing, selfcare,
yoga,
meditation,
gardening
and
even
food.
Editor: Amy Adams Editorial Assistant: Ruxandra Badulescu Mascot: Princess Kiki
Features Contributors in alphabetical order: Christine Boyd Miller, PhD Deja Osbourne of Deja Drewit Charles Sharar
Contact us for advertising rates, corrections and other matters via email: hello@themindfulsoulcenter.com
Volume One
is free to read online on our
website as a flipbook.
A paid version to
read on mobile and desktop and printable
website: https://themindfulsoulcenter.com
PDF and print magazine is available.
Buy this issue @ $7.50 USD PDF file, Fillable PDF Worksheets and the MP3 Click here to buy an annual digital ubscription 6 issues @$33.00
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Join our free social network https://mindfulsoul.center Join our Facebook Group Click here to join our mailing list and get the calendar worksheets for free
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Editor's Letter Dear Mindful Souls,
We've all been asked to deal with change this year, allowing us to build resilience. Heraclitus said something like: "No man can cross the same river twice." We cannot. Our lives are in constant motion, and we aren't always awake to that fact and present. That's not a fault or judgement, it simply is that. We do what we can. This brings me to share two things; how the magazine will be going forward and why it is a privilege for me to act as the editor of this publication.
After taking a hiatus from publication, the magazine returns with the fifth of six issues in volume one. Our next issue will come in November 2020, and we'll open volume two in January and end with December getting this publication into an annular cycle of six-issues. In 2021, each issue will continue to be sold as a digital PDF with audio and video, as well as a higher cost print version. We will likely terminate the flipbook format since it is not easy to read on the phone. It is now available to paid subscribers to read on mindfulsoul.center, a mobile-friendly app. That means that the magazine will no longer be free to read unless we attract a sufficient number of subscribers and advertisers. I will keep you posted and announce any upcoming changes in the next issue.
Creating this magazine is a privilege and pleasure to bring you information and resources to ponder and use in your daily life. This vehicle allows me to bring thought leaders together who share diverse ideas and perspectives. So thank you for that privilege. This issue includes timeless articles and features;
Are
you
Divine?
by
Charles
Sharar,
Christine
Boyd
Miller's,
The
Yoga
Diaries,
and
Deja
Osbourne's Self-Care Corner. And of course, we continue to bring you various inspiring stories, poems and quotes as well. This month we share the poem, Sympathy and a multimedia experience of a street corner in California. In usual form, we continue to bring you other articles focused on life on Earth as well as goal setting worksheets. Thank you to all the writers and teachers who have made this issue possible.
Thank you for taking time from your day to unwind, to read and listen to all we have to offer here today. I invite you to explore what is offered here and feel free to respond with a recorded voice message that you can make when you visit this page: https://speakpipe.com/themindfulsoulcenter or you can click on the recording tab on the website.
With a grateful heart, I wish you peace.
With love,
Amy Adams Founder & Editor The Mindful Soul Center
P.S. Write to us and tell us your interests, something you learned or what you want to know about in the realms of meditation, yoga, personal development, spiritual evolution and living a conscious life. Send me an email when you click here amy@themindfulsoulcenter dot com or tag us in a post on IG @themindfulsoulcenter or leave a comment on our FB page https://facebook.com/themindfulsoulcenter.
7
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birthdays
dates. and
yoga
There
other
time and
track
menstruation one,
your
and
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and
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your if
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you
other
still
have
important
space
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areas
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THE MINDFUL SOUL CENTER GRATITUDE
YOGA & MEDITATION
SELF-CARE
JOURNAL
READING
TOP 3 MONTHLY GOALS
30 DAY MONTHS APRIL JUNE SEPTEMBER NOVEMBER
When you meet your goals, share them with us on instagram! No matter how big or small we want to celebrate your success. Share your wins when you post a pic and tag us @themindfulsoulcenter
BIRTHDAYS & OTHER EVENTS
BOOKS I'M READING & THINGS I'M LEARNING:
MENSTRUATION
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
17
18
19
20
21
22 23
9
10
11
12
13
14
24
25
26
27
28
29 30
© The Mindful Soul Center https://themindfulsoulcenter.com
15
THE MINDFUL SOUL CENTER I AM GRATEFUL FOR:
I put this amount of money in my savings:
I took the time to nurture myself this month:
This month I discovered ? about myself:
You can access these calendars and tracker sheets to download when you sign-up for our mailing list - click here. These are fillable PDFS so you can check off the days you do yoga and meditation or track your menstrual cycle. Plus track your goals and other items.
YOGA 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
17
18
19
20
21
22 23
9
10
11
12
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29 30
MEDITATION 1
2
3
4
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8
16
17
18
19
20
21
22 23
9
10
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12
13
14
24
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27
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29 30
© The Mindful Soul Center https://themindfulsoulcenter.com
15
11
THE MINDFUL SOUL CENTER GRATITUDE
YOGA & MEDITATION
SELF-CARE
JOURNAL
31 DAY MONTHS JANUARY MARCH MAY JULY AUGUST OCTOBER DECEMBER
READING
TOP 3 MONTHLY GOALS
When you meet your goals, share them with us on instagram! No matter how big or small we want to celebrate your success. Share your wins when you post a pic and tag us @themindfulsoulcenter
BIRTHDAYS & OTHER EVENTS
BOOKS I'M READING & THINGS I'M LEARNING:
MENSTRUATION 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
17
18
19
20
21
22 23
9
10
11
12
13
14
24
25
26
27
28
29 30
31 © The Mindful Soul Center https://themindfulsoulcenter.com
15
THE MINDFUL SOUL CENTER I AM GRATEFUL FOR:
I put this amount of money in my savings:
I took the time to nurture myself this month:
This month I discovered ? about myself:
You can access these calendars and tracker sheets to download when you sign-up for our mailing list - click here. These are fillable PDFS so you can check off the days you do yoga and meditation or track your menstrual cycle. Plus track your goals and other items.
YOGA 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
17
18
19
20
21
22 23
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
24
25
26
27
28
29 30
31
MEDITATION 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
16
17
18
19
20
21
22 23
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
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© The Mindful Soul Center https://themindfulsoulcenter.com
13
DEJA'S SELF-CARE CORNER
MEDITATE Breathe, sit quietly, and clear your
mind.
ways
of
There
are
meditating
many if
you
don’t have time to sit quietly there
are
ways
to
meditate
when you walk or drive simply by
focusing
on
your
breath
and clearing your mind. Sit in silence for at least 5 minutes and
give
Allow
your
your
process
any
mind
mind
a
break.
to
just
thoughts
that
come to mind.
DECK: MY QUALITY TIME SELF-CARE DECK
DEJA DREWIT Cards and messages by Deja Osbourne of Deja Drewit. Deja creates cards to inspire amd help women overcome obstacles amd fears. Learn more about Deja here.
15
I TRUST IN DIVINE TIMING Whatever
you
are
so
eager
to
have
or
do,
shall be yours when the right time comes. If you are going through a difficult time, this too shall pass. We often think we don’t have time and allow it to stress us out. Time is unlimited and never actually runs out. Live in the
moment.
waiting
Be
period.
present. Some
Find
things
joy
in
cannot
the and
should not be rushed.
Great things are worth waiting for. I like to think
the
better
it
longer will
be.
I
wait Every
for
something,
stumbling
the
block
is
here to teach us. We grow wiser with each experience. When you look back on your life in the future you might ask yourself, “Why was I so impatient?” Everything turned out okay. “Why didn’t I just relax and trust that everything would come together?”
D E C K :
P E R S O N A L
P O W E R
D E C K
17
[the] MINDFUL SOUL CENTER
PODCAST SHARE YOUR STORIES & ASK QUESTIONS
RECORD YOUR MESSAGE Answer a call for stories from one of our episodes or recommend a guest for an interview, tell us a story or let us know what topics are important to you. It's so easy, simply visit the website and on the tab on the right you can leave a voice recording. https://themindfulsoulcenter.com
This is daily life My brain slowly moves from one state to
another,
following
sometimes
the
rhythm,
unaware the
and
ebbs
and
flows of daily life begin. Each day it is not only the light that wakes me but the song of the birds and the change in the temperature and air. If we pay attention,
we
will
notice
subtle
changes feeling through our sens-es, especially
at
dusk
and
dawn.
This
is
daily life.
The daily life of a bird, a dog, a cat, a plant,
or
any
living
being
on
earth
changes each day with the light. The morning brings together a murder of crows, they depart and go about their day,
later
evening
to
meet
before
again
returning
in to
the their
resting place. At once, the sparrows' chirp and pigeons coo. The dog rises and stretches with her paws pressing lightly
but
audibly
on
the
floor.
The
dawn chorus begins. This is daily life.
Then
there
are
moments
in
days
when
the
sun
the
dance
in
the
sky
and
and
time
-
moon
eclipse
one
another or there are equal parts light and
dark
as
Whatever
the
the
experiencing
seasons
cycle at
of
the
change.
nature
moment,
we we
are can
recognize them. Light casts shadows, both
co-exist
simultaneously.
This
is
daily life.
Darkness, the vast empty space that makes
the
comes. notice
light
When as
the
I
of
am
stars
possible
present,
seeping
I
midnight
take blue
turns black even though it is less so in the
city.
Later
as
we
settle
down
to
restore our bodies, we enter the void, sleep comes. This is daily life. Darkness
is
by
no
means
the
mere
absence of light, it is the origin. The vast
abyss,
the
place
seemingly of
infinite,
creation
and
it
is
trans-
formation - from the formless to the form. when
The we
sun
still
cannot
see
is
shining,
it.
This
is
even daily
life. by Amy Adams
19
by Paul Laurence Dunbar (b. 27 JUN 1872 d.9 FEB 1906)
I know what the caged bird feels, alas! When the sun is bright on the upland slopes; When the wind stirs soft through the springing grass, And the river flows like a stream of glass; When the first bird sings and the first bud opes, And the faint perfume from its chalice steals— I know what the caged bird feels!
I know why the caged bird beats his wing Till its blood is red on the cruel bars; For he must fly back to his perch and cling When he fain would be on the bough a-swing; And a pain still throbs in the old, old scars And they pulse again with a keener sting— I know why he beats his wing!
I know why the caged bird sings, ah me, When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,— When he beats his bars and he would be free; It is not a carol of joy or glee, But a prayer that he sends from his heart's deep core, But a plea, that upward to Heaven he flings— I know why the caged bird sings!
Sympathy From and
Lyrics
Company
Domain
and
Angelou's
of in
the
was
famous
bird sings!
Hearthside
1899. the
This
by
poem
is
inspiration
poem
-
I
know
Dodd, in
the
behind why
the
Mead Public Maya caged
Are You Divine? by Charles Sharar Who are you? When asked such a question most individuals would reply that they are a human being, with a body and a mind. Most of us have wondered what happens to our being when the body dies. Do the personality and identity dissolve along with it? If a higher
aspect
of
our
being
survives
the
body’s
death,
does
it
exist before the body was born? If so, how long has it existed for and will it exist forever?
To even attempt to answer such questions we need to define the nature
of
our
being.
If
our
being
survives
death,
then
it
is
obviously more than just an individual body. If we believe it has incarnated
many
times
on
this
earth
and
has
donned
many
different bodies and assumed many personalities, then what is it that has survived throughout and between such sojourns?
This is where the idea of the soul comes in. It is assumed, at least by most of the world’s religions, that we have an individual soul. Again, if we believe in reincarnation, we may also posit that the memories of individual lifetimes are stored by the soul as seeds or potentialities, between lives; and that these have an impact, albeit
an
unconscious
one,
on
our
current
dispositions
and
behaviours.
Finally, we can ask whether there is anything of our being that remains
unchanged
experience
as
an
and
unaffected
individual
soul?
We
by can
anything call
it
that
“pure
we
being”
because it seems to reflect our essence or originality. Does this pure being live forever? If so, then would the comings and goings of an individual’s body have any relevance to it? Moreover, is my pure being different than your pure being?
21
Where can we look to answers to some of these basic questions? Most religions have something to say about such topics. I think I must have annoyed some clergy in my younger years by pestering them with questions such as, “Will I live forever? And if so, what is the difference between God and me?”
They would wince, reflect for a few seconds, and say something that they hoped would satisfy my curiosity. I remember one of them
saying
remember
that
being
we
are
struck
all,
by
in
essence,
that
answer
a
part
and
of
God.
feeling
I
also
somewhat
confused. “If God is infinite and absolute,” I thought, “then each part of God must be infinite as well. So why couldn’t he say we are God? Why was it forbidden to even entertain such a notion?”
Yet, I was constantly entertaining such a notion, the implications of which were staggering. If I am ultimately divine, that would mean that my being is immortal. That would further imply that the real me was never born and never dies. This thought certainly left me reeling with excitement. The trouble was that it was just an idea. I had no experience of my real Self as divine.
I realized very quickly that the answers to such questions could not be approached by relying on conjecture or imagination. Nor were they the subject of analysis or reason. They simply could not be understood by the imperfect instrument of the human mind. These
were
not
points
of
an
intellectual
argument
or
some
concepts used for ego gratification, but rather they represented the loftiest levels of our awareness. As you might guess, I am not talking about human awareness here.
I
also
understood
demonstrated knowledge sense
that
of if
that
that our I
our
deep
underlying
put
my
capacity
down, true
attention
we
to
nature. on
ask
must
such
have
questions
an
Moreover,
these
issues
inherent I
had
the
sufficiently,
eventually some kind of light would shine through and provide me with the direct illumination, for which I was seeking.
The Path to Divinity The reader at this point might think I am presenting a hypothesis here —— that our nature is ultimately divine. They may consider this proposition to be plausible, but they might think that further evidence would be necessary if they are to be convinced. What proof
do
I
have?
Or
they
may
have
already
reached
a
similar
conclusion but wonder that if their existence is so divine, why are they so wrapped up in their mundane daily affairs?
First, I can’t offer proof that your nature is divine. You have to get that knowledge for yourself. But maybe I can make suggestions about
how
suggest
to
ways
get to
that
direct
maintain
that
experience. state
attained such insight or revelation.
of
Perhaps
divinity
I
once
can you
also have
ytiniviD ot htaP
As I imply above, divinity is not a subject for your mind. That means it is not sufficient to think you are divine, or to just say it, or to try to behave in ways that you think divine beings might behave. All of these actions fall way short of having the knowledge of the self as divine.
In
other
words,
there
is
a
difference
between
thinking
and
knowing. This is a critical point because the intellect cannot grasp the nature of the divine. We can use various adjectives to describe divinity: unchangeable, undying, absolute, formless, all-pervading. But
these
are
all
descriptions
that
the
intellect
uses
to
try
to
understand something that is unfathomable.
The intellect of a human being functions solely in the realm of space and time. Anything beyond this dimension is beyond the
ehT
horizon of its appreciation. The true nature of divinity cannot be held as a concept, simply because ideas are finite. The divine is absolute, meaning it has no limits, dimensions or qualifications.
An even more subtle understanding is that divinity is not even an experience. Experience relates to the human mind. The process involves
an
experiencer,
the
experience
and
the
object
of
experience. When you leave the realm of mind, this distinction dissolves.
The
experiencer,
the
experience
and
the
object
of
experience become one and the same.
The
divine
being
experiences
itself,
or
knows
itself,
as
being.
However, for the sake of expression, I will refer to this process as the
“direct
experience”
of
divinity.
One
can
only
directly
experience their divinity when they drop their mind. What do I mean by dropping the mind? As long as there are waves in the mind, meaning thoughts, we are still dealing with in the realm of mental experiences. But I am not speaking about trying to
control
your
thoughts
through
an
effort
of
will
or
somehow
banishing them from your mind’s eye.
When you “try” to do anything, your ego-mind is involved in the application of your individual will. The process I am referring to relates more to a surrender of the ego-mind to the divine. This is not
necessarily
an
easy
thing
to
do.
It
is
neither
an
accomplishment nor a goal. It is a state of just being.
The significance of what I have just said is that we have a human nature (body-mind-ego) and a divine nature. Our human nature represents a manifestation that is constantly in flux —— appearing, changing
and
dying.
Divinity
is
immutable
and
eternal.
It
represents our originality.
Divinity, been.
therefore,
The
never
implications
appears
here
are
or
disappears.
truly
It
staggering.
has If
always
you
can
connect to your inner divinity, you will come to know that you were never
born,
nor
will
you
ever
die.
The
body-mind
(in
fact,
the
world) is just a dream, a false reality. We just need to wake up from it.
23
there
a
technique
that
could
offer
you
a
path
to
your
originality? Is there some formula you can use to know your Self as divine? I have found three key ingredients that will lead one’s attention to their divinity:
implementing a regular practice of
meditation; finding a spiritual teacher who knows their nature as divine; having a strong desire to unfold one’s inner divinity.
Any technique that connects you to the divine must involve the transcendence of human consciousness. But the transcendence I speak
about
is
very
specific.
For
instance,
you
can
use
psychotropic drugs to alter your consciousness and open your mind and senses to some incredible experiences. But you are still dealing with mental and fleeting experiences here.
The transcendence I am referring to is a state of being that is always
there
senses.
It
but
is
which
the
you
reality
cannot
behind
detect
the
mind
with
your
and
mind
between
or the
thoughts. And while this reality permeates the thoughts, it has nothing to do with your individual identity because as long as you consider yourself to be an individual, you are a human being.
How do we dissolve our individual identity and become one with our absolute nature? The first step is to develop a practice that reverses
a
mistaken
impression
that
we
have
had
since
the
moment of our birth: that we are defined by our humanity, by our existence as a form —— namely, that we were born, that we exist as a body —— and that we eventually die.
The
most
effective
consciousness
into
method
divine
I
know
for
consciousness
transforming is
meditation.
human I
don’t
mean meditating on your thoughts, or on an object; but rather, meditating regular
on
your
practise
being.
because
it
This is
type
difficult
of
meditation
requires
to
undo
years
many
of
identification with your body-mind.
How do you meditate on your own being? Some people use a mantra or sacred sound to shift the frequency of their thoughts to a more refined level. Others use their breath to calm their body and mind and lift their awareness. Some people chant to open their heart to a more sublime reality and achieve a mindless state. Others simply meditate on the blue-black space in front of their closed eyes until their mind dissolves into it.
All these methods trigger, what is called, “the Kundalini Energy.” This force is described by the ancient yogis, who noted that as the
Kundalini
rises
through
the
etheric
spinal
cord,
the
consciousness likewise rises through the different dimensions or planes of existence until it finally blows through the top of the head.
At
that
moment,
the
person
transcends
their
individual
identity and achieves a beatitude that is beyond space and time.
eniviD eht gnirevocnU
Is
this
sounds
remember
is
a
bit
that
by
mechanical.
attaining
a
The
important
mindless
state,
thing
your
to
inner
divinity is revealed to you. Meditation has the advantage that the more you do it, the more the texture of your consciousness is transformed.
Eventually,
your
life
will
become
a
meditation
in
itself, and you will be connected to your divinity throughout.
Maintaining
a
regular
practice
of
meditation
is
a
challenge
because there are so many distractions presented by this world. There is plenty to keep us busy and occupy our mind. The world pulls
at
us
from
so
many
directions.
The
key
is
to
turn
our
attention inward and reverse the flow of our consciousness. This is not an easy thing to do.
Again, I have found meditation to be the best way to do this. Meditation will foster a detachment from the world. Gradually its hold on you will diminish, and you will no longer feel its pull. A detachment thoughts
is
and
also
fostered
feelings
will
from
no
the
longer
body
seem
and so
mind.
Your
immediate
or
eniviD eht gnirevocnU
All
compelling.
Is meditation the only way to reach the divine? Prayer is also a way to open a spiritual channel; but in prayer, one generally prays to an
agency
outside
of
their
being,
hence,
a
certain
duality
is
maintained. In meditation, on the other hand, the being focuses on itself until no such separation exists.
For those looking for a specific technique of meditation, I provide a guide to what I call “space meditation” at the end of this article.
The second factor related to uncovering your inner divinity has to do
with
finding
someone
who
has
already
attained
that
knowledge, and who can help guide you to a realization of your divine nature. The relationship between a spiritual teacher and their disciple is a very personal one. You just have to make sure that the teacher is not only knowledgeable but egoless as well.
Finding the right spiritual teacher is not something that happens merely through an effort of the individual will. I believe the forces that pull the seeker to the teacher happen on a level that is not comprehensible to the human mind and has nothing to do with happenstance.
The teacher who is, himself or herself enlightened, will provide a mirror in which the divine is most directly reflected. Their very presence
will
consciousness. gaze,
and
lead This
even
you
to
presence their
states is
that
reflected
thoughts.
All
in
transcend their
can
human
words,
lead
to
their deep
transformations on the part of the disciple.
The final factor related to uncovering one’s divine nature has to do with desire. It is not enough just to think about it. If you want to
uncover
your
inner
divinity,
your
life’s
purpose
must
be
to
unfold the knowledge that your being was never born and will never die. This goes beyond faith and philosophy. It is more like an awakening of consciousness from the human to the divine.
25
A Space Meditation A
meditation
into
your
technique
divine
for
nature
is
tuning
to
focus
attention on the blue-black space in front of your closed eyes. You should not strain while gazing at the space, but rather keep your eyes relaxed. The gaze
itself
should
be
at
a
point
between the eyes and slightly above the line of sight. You can imagine that you are staring several inches in front of your face.
There
is
a
focus.
It
corresponds
reason
for
this
to
a
point
of
centre
of
energy known as the Ajna chakra or Third Eye. When the Ajna is activated, the
mind
gets
dimensions rational pressure
beyond
plane. is
blown
to
the
linear
Sometimes
felt
in
the
other or
heat
brow
or
chakra,
and its activation may result in seeing brilliant lights and interesting visions. If you are wise, however, you will not get
preoccupied
with
such
exper-
iences.
The
important
thing
is
to
maintain
your attention on the space. The lights and curly-cues will eventually dissolve, but
the
space
will
always
remain.
At
some point, the fullness of the space will
envelop
background
you. of
That
pure
space
is
the
consciousness,
which permeates all.
When you
you
are
“out
are
not
there�,
focusing
focusing at
on
the
your
something
space,
attention
apart
from
your being. That is because you are not using your physical eyes to look out in front
of
you.
Rather,
your
being
is
focusing on itself. When you merge into the absolute space, your divine nature will then be revealed to you.
Love of animals is a universal impulse,
h c i h w n o d n u o a common gr . t e e m y a m s all of u
By loving and un derstanding anim als, l l a h s s n a m u h e w s p perha come to understand each other.
LOUIS J. CAMUTI
27
l u o S l u f d n i M e h T e h t e g v n o i c L u g d o o r D t In er's new line of Cent products Click on any of the images below to visit the site and purchase a cozy graphic t-shirt, tank-top, yoga shorts or lap top cases and support the dogs.
Women's Cap Sleeve Top
Every time you buy a 'dog love' t-shirt, tanks, yoga shorts and more! A donation ranging from $7 to $15 (determined by product) is made to
White
$29.95
Available in a variety of colors $29.95
Black
Grey
$29.95
Yoga Shorts [Black Stitching] $38.50
$29.95
support 16 rescue dogs.
Canvas Ready to Hang Prints
Framed Poster Blk or White Frames Available
$38.50
The Mindful Soul Center Fundraising Effort
You can find more Dog Love products in the shop
$38.50
The Mindful Soul Center Fundraising Effort Anywhere from $7 to $15 USD from items sold in the Dog Love product line will go towards the purchase of items listed below to help 16 rescued dogs to be cared and provided
for
the
rest
of
their
lives.
When
you
support
this
effort
you
get
something in return - knowing you are helping the dogs and a cozy t-shirt or cute tote bag. 15 of the 16 dogs are over 7 years old. One is only 3 and was dumped on the
side
of
the
road
with
2
other
pups.
Because
this
shelter
exists
they
have
shelter, food, volunteers who pet them and visit them daily.
Current needs for the shelter at this time:
For every t tote you pu -shirt or $15 goes trchase $7o aid the dog shelter
Special food for Lourde - Lourde is allergic to most dog foods. He cannot eat the same foods that are given to all the other dogs. Medication for Tigruta and Rex
A water pump to bring water onto the property.
If we can get the pump installed we will be able to have fresh water for the dogs year round and we will no longer need to refill the plastic water
bins
that
freeze
during
the
winter
so
they are only good for approximately 8 months
New roofing is needed over some of the dogs compartments. Some leak and need immediate repair before the harshest months of winter come.
per year. Cost is 4k.
A solar powered motion detector light to help protect the premises (no electricity on the property)
29
SACRED SPACE: THE BUDDHA OF OAKLAND Drug
dealers,
sex
workers,
and
a
lot
of
garbage, including old furniture, piled up and became an annoyance and an eyesore in
the
Eastlake
neighbourhood
of
Oakland in Northern California where Dan Stevenson
and
his
wife
Lou
live.
They
were exasperated. One day they decided to take action and put a concrete Buddha in the area across from their home where the garbage was frequently piling up. Dan affixed the Buddha to a slab of concrete. That was in 2012.
About
four
carefully people
painted
started
Buddha was
months
-
the
white
offerings
pears,
gold
someone
Buddha
leaving
oranges,
painted
later,
and
and
his
and
to
the
coins.
eyes
He
were
carefully painted in over time.
They inadvertently created a sacred space.
Eventually, an entire shrine was erected around
the
Buddha
joined
him
mercy
Quan
people
-
and
including Yin.
began
to
As
other the
time
come
to
‘friends’
goddess
passed,
of
local
venerate
the
Buddha and leave offerings. Every feast day
the
local
Vietnamese
community
comes and brings Dan and Lou gifts. At least
70
people
come
each
day
to
venerate the Buddha.
31
Over time the local drug dealers, users, and
sex
Crime
workers
neighbourhood. when
moved
dropped
Phoebe
podcast followed
the
area.
82%
in
the
in
2015
That
was
Judge
of
interviewed up
from
over
Dan
four
back the
Dan.
Criminal Criminal
years
later.
He
reported that more and more people have come.
It’s
even
on
maps
with
reviews.
Click on the Buddha to go to RadioPublic and listen to CRIMINAL'S podcast episode 15 entitled: He's Neutral
Periodically
some
damage
is
inflicted
upon the site and each time something is destroyed it just gets bigger. What was once a single statue of Buddha has now become
not
just
a
sacred
space,
sacred place.
Videos & photos: Gillian Maxwell
but
a
$7.50
Buy this
Print Quality PDF MP3 audio meditation
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SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 2020 | Volume One, Issue Five
Every issue in Volume One of the Mindful Soul Center magazine is free to read online as a flipbook. Sometimes though reading a print copy is preferable, or you might want to keep something like a recipe, a worksheet or even the meditation from this edition without having to search for it again. The magazine is available to purchase. Get the details below.
HERE'S WHAT YOU GET WHEN YOU PURCHASE THE MAGAZINE: A print quality PDF file that you can download and print if you choose. Especially useful if you like to have hardcopies of the recipes or you simply like to read text IRL offline. Download and keep the mp3 audio file of this issue's meditation and listen on your favorite device, anytime, anywhere. The monthly calendar worksheets as fillable PDFs without having to sign-up for the mailing list. You can update them on your favorite device or you can print them too. A special wallpaper for your phone and desktop [jpg files]
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33
d n a t s g o d t o h a o t p u s e o g " ! g k n n i o h m t y t r s e i v A Buddh Make me one with e and says: " Why did the Buddhist coroner get fired? He kept marking the cause of death as “birth" What happens whe totally absorbed w n a Buddhist becomes working with? He ith the computer he is enters Nerdvana : -)
35
Balance a guided meditation If you're feeling anxious or stressed take a few minutes to get it together and connect with your intuition. This music meditation will relax your mind and body so you can reset and find your place of center. When we're centered and calm, we are more connected to intuition allowing us to make choices with more ease. Heavy tasks become lighter.
Headphones are recommended but, of course you can listen without them if they interfere with your comfort. You
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experience the benefits of this meditation track. Sit comfortably on the floor, on a pillow or chair with your hands facing up. Hit play and close your eyes and allow yourself to relax into the meditation. This piece will place you in a relaxed meditative state. Do not operate
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To listen for free, simply click on the button and a new window
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Finding Balance Through Ahimsa Making Facemasks: A Lesson on Ahimsa By Christine Boyd Miller
Ahimsa is an ancient yogic principle rooted in nonviolence. It means causing no harm toward any living thing; the earth itself. I’ve been trying
to
live
my
life
according
to
this
principle
and
it
has
had
a
profound effect on my general outlook and how I react to conflict. My greatest conflicts lie within though, and practicing ahimsa inwardly is more challenging for me than practicing it toward others. As I grow daily through my ahimsa practice toward the earth and other living beings, I am becoming kinder to myself.
I
have
struggled
on
and
off
with
depression
for
several
years
and
recently have been trudging through the deepest depression of my life since my sister died seven months ago. In the dense fog of tragedy and pain, practicing ahimsa has been a saving grace. It has also become crystal clear to me that if I don’t take care of myself with love and kindness, I don’t have the energy to express ahimsa outwardly.
I’ve always thrown myself into taking care of others as a way to avoid dealing with my problems. After a while, my reserves become depleted and I have a convenient excuse for not taking care of myself. Like the proverbial oxygen mask - if I’m not healthy, I can’t practice ahimsa toward the earth and all its beings.
When the shelter-in-place (SIP) orders began, I used the opportunity to throw myself into my yoga practice. My local yoga studio took all of its classes online so I could, and still can, practice yoga in real-time with my
teacher
and
fellow
yogis
every
day.
In
the
beginning,
I
even
attended two classes a day sometimes. My goal was to bring yoga into my quarantine routine. After a few weeks, a combination of factors interrupted virtual
my
classes.
new I
was
routine, hard
I
on
pretty
much
stopped
myself
about
it
at
attending
first,
but
my
once
I
remembered to look at the disruption through an ahimsa lens, I started to feel better about it. I’m struggling to get back to a regular yoga practice, perhaps a less ambitious one. I’ve realized that practicing ahimsa every day keeps my yoga practice alive even if I’m not attending class.
Shortly after the SIP, a friend of mine started a mask drive for our county’s homeless population. I have a sewing machine that, until a couple of months ago, I could barely figure out how to thread. Next to my barely used sewing machine was a bin full of fabrics that I had intended for years to turn into beautiful clothes. I’ve always wanted to learn how to sew but have never been able to move it up the chain of ever-piling priorities. The mask drive was the ideal opportunity to both practice ahimsa toward my community and learn how to sew.
37
Making Facemasks: A Lesson on Ahimsa For weeks, I threw myself in making masks for the drive and anyone in our
small
town
who
needed
one.
It
felt
energizing
at
first
to
do
something helpful for my community. Ultimately though, I fell into my typical pattern of helping others as an excuse to neglect my own needs. The weeks of mask-making coincided with the six-month anniversary of my sister’s death, her birthday, and my canceled trip back east to plant an
oak
sapling
above
her
body.
Making
masks
became
a
good
distraction from the pain. I kept myself too busy to confront my pain and work on healing it.
Eventually, the masks took over and I found myself exhausted from staying up too late. An old rib injury flared up from sitting for hours at a time, hunched over the sewing machine. I could no longer keep up with the constant mess scattering the house as my four-year-old who I was too busy to play with, turned every room and piece of furniture into some new imaginative, and very messy world. I haven’t attended more than a yoga class every week or two since I started making masks. The lack of exercise and exhaustion combined with avoiding my emotional pain and depression predictably led to the resurgence of bad habits and
self-neglect.
How
quickly
mask-making
went
from
a
conscious
practice of ahimsa to a breakdown in its purpose.
I still have a tall pile of mask squares cut out and ready to sew. I haven’t sewn a mask in six days. I will sew them when I can do so with balance. I’m taking some time off to think about what it means to practice ahimsa. If I am neglecting my own needs, I cannot practice ahimsa toward others. These last few days, I’ve caught up on overdue playtime with my son and am slowly cleaning my way through my messy house. I am allowing my pain and grief to surface, so I can process it, difficult as it is. I have a long way to go before I break free of the deeply learned self-harming tools that only serve to indulge my depression.
Practicing ahimsa requires balance as well as the acknowledgment that I am a living being so therefore worthy of receiving the very ahimsa I seek to spread toward others. Taking the time to make a healthy meal, brush my teeth, or go for a walk in the woods with my son all contribute to living my life with ahimsa as my guiding principle. So does making masks for my community, just not too many.
Self-care Check-in EAT THREE MAIN MEALS GO ON A 24-HOUR SOCIAL MEDIA DETOX FIND A QUIET SPOT TO MEDITATE LIGHT AN AROMATIC CANDLE DO A GRATITUDE LIST PRACTICE DEEP BREATHING LISTEN TO GOOD MUSIC MOVE YOUR BODY CATCH UP WITH A FRIEND VISIT A FAMILY MEMBER SPEND TIME OUTDOORS HAVE A MINI PAMPER SESH CUDDLE A PET TRY SOMETHING NEW READ A BOOK
CLAY FACIAL MASK SOFT SOCKS WALK YOUR DOG OR CAT :-) WARM BLANKETS LUNCH BY MYSELF GO FOR A WALK TIME WITH FRIENDS TIME WITH FAMILY AFTERNOON NAP DAILY MOOD TRACKERÂ COOK A MEAL
Make it a habit to take care of yourself ! 39
the Jain symbol for Ahimsa
What is that? Ahimsa and the Yamas... What? What is that? Ahimsa
or
principles
non-harming that
form
is
the
the
first
Yamas
or
of
five
ethical
self-restraints
in
Patanjali's seminal work, the Yoga Sutras. These ethical principles
are
first
found
in
ancient
Vedic
texts
long
before Patanjali set out to codify the yogic path to selfrealization. It is part of the Raja* yoga system as the term
is
used
in
modern
times
and
is
sometimes
used
interchangeably with Ashtanga yoga. Ahimsa is also the first of the five precepts taught in Buddhism. Before we delve into the concept of non-harming, let's talk about the purpose of the Yamas and briefly list them.
The Five Yamas The
Five
Yamas
or
self-restraints
are
a
set
of
ethical
guidelines meant to help us manage our desires and to create
healthy
relationships
with
others
creating
balance in our lives. Meant to regulate our bodily and minds' desires the five principles known as Yamas are: Ahimsa or non-harming, Satya or truthfulness, Asteya or non-stealing, senses, five the
and,
Brahmacharya Aparigraha
self-restraints, eight-fold
yoga,
make
path
up
the
or
or
together of
Raja
code
moderation
of
non-possessiveness. with Yoga
of
the
second
taught
ethical
in
the
These
limb
of
Ashtanga
conduct
in
Yoga
philosophy.
Ahimsa aka Non-violence or Non-harming The principle of non-violence applies to all living beings since
not
spiritual another
only
do
energy being
they
possess
the
we
also
recognize
to
hurt
oneself.
is
essence it.
To
of
Hence, cause
divine
to
no
hurt
injury
includes deeds, words, and thoughts. When we live our lives by this principle, we create space for peace and trust
and,
by
extension,
we
reduce
insecurity
with
others as well as reducing the fears that taint the mind. *Raja
The Yoga Sutras
century
Patanjali did not create any of the Yamas or propose new path
ideas of
in
the
Yoga
Yoga
Sutras,
towards
yoga
modern
instead,
he
self-realization.
outlined During
a
his
lifetime and for hundreds of years following his death the Sutras were memorized by practitioners until one day, they were finally recorded in print.
raja
a
the
Swami
yoga
PataĂąjali. is
-
with
took
when
Vivekananda the
on
the
Yoga
this
19th-
equated
SĹŤtras
of
We can surmise to say that
misnomer
meaning
term
meaning
in
since
Hatha
it
has
Yoga
another
and
other
historic and modern meanings as well, including a path of meditation.
Probably the most well-known modern proponent of the ethical principle of Ahimsa was Mahatma Gandhi.
41
october 2020
Free the
masterclasses
masterclass
2nd
they
week
are
of
to
introduce
October.
important.
This
the
You'll
concept
learn
masterclass
of
what
will
chakras
they
are
prepare
during
and
you
why
for
the
workshops should you decide to take them.
CHAKRA BASICS MASTERCLASS FREE in the FB Group October 2020
Paid workshops WORKSHOP NO. 1 GROUNDING & BALANCE Focus on the Lower Chakras
In
the
and
take
stress
how
and a
our
go
deeper
at
stress
responses
we
yogic
just
we
look
-
don't
deal
with
to it
perspective.
look
at
a
problem
-
We but
find ways to balance and unblock
WORKSHOP NO. 2 CONNECTING TO YOUR INTUITION Focus on the Upper Chakras
our
energetic
meshed For
one
we'll
cover
the
lower
chakras connecting us with earthly life and our heart. In part two, we'll move from
the
heart
to
the
1000
our
grounded
You'll part
with
body
instance,
stay
In
a
resilience
from
$47
workshops,
also
learn
how
workshops
WORKSHOP 1 & 2
please
email amy@themindfulsoulcenter.com
each.
You
both
or
both
balance
ease.
they are $33.33 USD
one
times.
to your intuition/higher-self with
more
take
to
your chakras, and how to connect
Priced
can
to
body.
how
difficult
of consciousness. If you want to learn the
learn
en-
petaled
lotus that connects us to the vast sea
about
is
physical
you'll in
that
workshops
following the masterclass. Namaste!
weekly free virtual yoga
separately
If the
you
$47
take
price
is
$47.00 US for both.
Wednesdays via zoom join the facebook group to get access
MUSIC
MC YOGI
THE BASICS You know
TMSC PLAYLIST FOR YOGA #5
one of the
bandmates from their huge hit. More people
click here to listen on
need to know about and
YouTube
listen to The Basis.
OLEG BYONIC Oleg
Byonic
aka
Oleg
Nagovitsyn
is
a
Russian
musician,
working in the direction of electronic music, in the style of Chillout,
Ambient.Oleg
began
his
musical
career
as
a
rock
musician, he was a rhythm guitarist and solo guitarist. Since 2008, he continues his musical career in electronic music.
less
P O D C A S T S START WITH THIS Jeffrey bad
Cranor
writing
podcast
is
and
Joseph
not
writing.
designed
to
put
Fink
believe
Start
your
With
ideas
the
in
to
listeners
consume
two and
short
assignments:
something
to
is
a
motion.
Each episode centers around a writing topic. give
only
This
They
something
create.
Make
something—anything. Then make something else.
THE PROF G SHOW We
live
in
bifurcating innovation week
a
winner-take-all
into
those
economy
and
best-selling
entrepreneur from
Scott
who those
author, Galloway
economy are who
part
that’s of
aren’t.
professor answers
the
Every and
questions
listeners on who’s winning and losing, and
how you can get ahead.
BANANAS Kurt
Braunohler
and
Scotty
Landes
discuss
the
strange, fascinating, and just plain bananas news from around the world. They do guests and shows without sometimes too and share their own funny stories
too.
When
you
need
a
good
laugh
have
a
listen.
TMSC RECoMMENDS 43
Cobra The snake, a yoga pose, an effect and symbolism The cobra, like other snakes and serpents, can trigger a primal fear in human beings. After all, they are part of the reptilian family one of the most ancient and adaptable forms of life on this earth. Almost all can bite, some are poisonous and,
some
eyelids,
unnerving tongue,
will
they
for
and
strangle
cannot
humans.
their
their
blink
jaws
prey.
which
They can
can
smell
Without be
quite
with
their
unhinge,
allowing
them to swallow all the nourishment they need at once. Their skin is a conglomeration of tough scales that appear smooth and sometimes shiny. Although it is quite dry, it helps them to move with ease and protect them from adversity.
All of the known cobras are venomous. Many of them
are
capable
producing
a
hood
of
when
rearing
upwards
threatened.
The
and black
desert cobra and the coral snake are cobras that do not rear upwards, nor do they produce a hood when threatened. However, they are still highly venomous.
a yoga pose: cobra aka Bhujangasana In cobra pose, your body reflects back the look
In
of a cobra’s raised hood as you raise your head
muscles
lifting the chest with an inhale, then we exhale
length of your spine and keep our body upright -
lowering
When
the erector spinae. It also helps to strengthen
with your
the gluteus maximus muscles. More important-
down
to
a
relaxed
state.
mimicking the alert state of a cobra — head
raised
as
your
lower
body
rests
on
the
ly,
fact,
cobra
cobra
and
pose
strengthens
tendons
can
that
strengthen
the
extend
other
group
the
lesser
of
whole
‘worked’
ground — there is something very empowering
muscles like our gluteus medius and minimus of
as
ancient
the buttocks, both of which help to stabilize the
animal. Like the cobra, we become powerful as
you
embody
pelvis. Hence, we experience the benefits of a
we
more
strengthen
the
our
energy
spine
and
of
this
increase
agility
able to move with more ease in our daily lives.
agile
and
supple
spine
and
improved
posture through the practice of this pose.
45
practising cobra pose Cobra pose is an energising backbend. As with all yoga poses our level of flexibility and opening can differ as we bend and stretch our back. Start with a lower cobra or ‘baby’ cobra as you warm your body and build from there. Warm your body sufficiently before
fully
expressing
the
pose.
Also,
keep
in
mind that inhaling and exhaling plays an important part — as we bend and stretch — as we open, we inhale and exhale as we release.
in sequences It is also an essential part of the traditional sun salutation aka Surya Namaskar practised in Hatha yoga. This pose is frequently practised as the first in the series of back bending asanas followed by Locust aka Shalabhasana and Bow aka Dhanurasana postures.
how to practise the pose How to practise the pose:Begin by lowering your body down to the ground. Your body is facing downward. Your hands are underneath your shoulders, and your feet pointed to the back wall. Keeping your hands and feet in place, you slide and raise the chest forward and up, open your shoulders - pulling them away from your ears. Be aware of the point of extension as you lift, going as far as you can without straining your back. Keep your elbows slightly bent, arms close to your body pushing up to a comfortable position. Tilt your head back and lookup. The best way to check if you are not too high is to take your hands off the floor for a moment so that the height you are at will be comfortable and safe. Your hips and thighs remain grounded on the mat.
As you hold
this pose, your legs are active; they are extended downward from the hips, with the tops of your feet pressed into the mat.
benefits This pose nourishes the spine and strengthens and tones the lower back increasing agility rejuvenating the spinal nerves
and
stretches shoulders,
relieving
and
stress.
strengthens
abdomen
and
This
the
powerful
muscles
buttocks
-
in
backbend the
chest,
strengthening
each
opens
vertebra
the
chest,
of
the
spine
allowing
for
in
this
deeper
pose.
Cobra
breathing.
pose
Also,
it
stimulates digestion and helps relieve constipation. This posture is an excellent tonic for women as it significantly helps
to
alleviate
menstrual
problems.
It
is
also
recommended as a remedy to alleviate sciatica and low back
pain.
Some
traditional
yoga
texts
assert
that
pose increases body heat and destroys all disease.
this pose
the
spine and improving posture. A rich supply of blood flows to
when to avoid
this
1. Cobra pose should be avoided if you are suffering from a hernia. 2. If you have injured your back only do
this
with
pose
your
physical
after
family
consult-ing
chiropractor,
therapist,
or
another
health specialist. 3. Pregnant this pose.
women
should
avoid
47
symbolism These ancient creatures are found
in
art
and
throughout
the
worldwide. part
As
of
creation
symbols ages
an
intrinsic
the
whole
of
the
snake
is
associated with danger and death,
death
and
rebirth,
and initiation. It correlates with all of these things for a variety the
of
reasons.
most
obvious
process
of
One is
of
the
shedding
its
skin. As it outgrows its old skin, the shedding process begins begin
first to
snake
as
its
cloud
eyes
over.
enters
The
into
a
trancelike state and, as the shedding
begins
its
eyes
clear as it begins a new life. There are numerous meanings which warrant its own detailed lay
eggs
When new
analysis. and
the
life
Snakes
bury
egg
the
a
world
alone fending for itself. To survive,
it
must
be
The
cobra
effect
is
when
a
strategy is implemented and yields
unintended
conse-
quences making the problem worse.
Usually,
the
used
concerning
mic
stimulus
policy.
The
term
an
or
term
is
econopolitical
originated
in India under British rule.
them.
hatches,
enters
cobra effect
self-
sufficient and resilient.
“The British government was concerned about the number of venomous cobras in Delhi. The
government,
offered
a
therefore,
bounty
for
every
dead cobra. Initially, this was a
successful
large
strategy
numbers
were
killed
for
Eventually, prising
snakes
the
reward.
however,
people
as
of
enter-
began
to
breed cobras for the income. When
the
government
became
aware
of
reward
this,
program
the was
scrapped, causing the cobra breeders less
to
snakes
cobra
set
the
free;
population
increased.�
worth-
the
wild
further
MINDFUL SOUL CENTER
PODCAST GUIDE LATEST EPISODES The podcast was inbetween seasons but I did a few episodes anyway when I felt called to share. Here are the latest episodes since the last issue of the magazine.
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THE INVISIBLE DISEASES WE CLASSIFY AS EATING DISORDERS, AN INTERVIEW WITH LIBBY PARKER QUITTING SMOKING, FAT YOGA & MENOPAUSE 5 HABITS OF A SUCCESSFUL YOGI
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A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty. ALBERT EINSTEIN
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SEPTEMBER 2020
Stones
Flowers
blue sapphire
aster and morning glory
Holidays 7 Labor Day in the US Labour Day in Canada 18 Rosh Hashanah, at sundown 22 Autumnal Equinox at 1:31 PM UTC or 13:31. There are equal hours of daylight and darkness at this time 27 Yom Kippur 29 Michaelmas an ancient Celtic “Quarter Day” marking the end of the harvest season
Moons & Astrological Events 2 — Full Corn Moon 17 — New Moon
Astrological Signs Virgo and Libra
In the next issue of
Mindful Soul Center Vol. 1, Issue 6, Nov/Dec 2020 In the next issue of Mindful Soul Center magazine, we’ll explore shadow and light as we move into winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
What is that? Spiritual Materialism or Spiritual Bypassing The Mother: Dark and Light Eclipses Solar and Lunar Our Shadow Sun Salutations Recipes for pumpkin pie, pumpkin soup, amazing and delicious chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and more for the holidays!
You can also look forward to our upcoming Holiday Shopping Guide for Yoginis and Mindful Souls :-)
15
OCTOBER 2020 Stones
Flowers
opal and tourmaline
cosmos and calendula aka marigold
Holidays 1 Chinese Moon Festival 12 Canadian Thanksgiving 12 Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the US —a holiday that celebrates the history and cultures of indigenous peoples native to what is today the United States. 24 United Nations Day 31 All Hallows’ Eve
Moons & Astrological Events October 16 — New Moon October 1 — Full Harvest Moon October 31 — Full Hunter’s Moon and Blue Moo October 13 — Mars at OppositionFor most of the month of October, the light of Mars will grow brighter the
than
second
even
Jupiter,
brightest
which
planet
in
is
generally
the
sky.
The
brightness of Mars will peak on October 13 when the
planet
reaches
opposition.
Earlier
in
the
month, on October 6, Mars will get as close as 38.6
million
miles
from
Earth,
its
closest
approach until 2035, according to EarthSky.
Astrological Signs Libra & Scorpio
Upcoming Astrological Events November & December 2020 November 29-30 — Lunar Eclipse December 13 — Geminid Meteor Shower December 14 — Total Solar Eclipse December 21 — Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn
55
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