Amanda May

New Moon, January 2014

Happy New Moon!  

Image from healingthewoundedfeminine

Every month I take time on this day (or in the 24 hours around this day) to give myself extra time for contemplation.  Its a day when I take an honest look at where I am and consider where I’m going.  Part of this usually includes making a list of what I am grateful for, and what my intentions are for the next month.  

No one needs to see what is written on my list.  This is for me alone.  I limit my intentions to fewer than 10, and as I write them down I spend time feeling as though they have already happened.  I literally bring the feeling that is associated with already having those things (or what I imagine it to be) into my physical body.  With every item written I pause for a minute or so and sit with it.  

Physically putting things down on paper helps seals them into your conscious mind, and magic can happen when you put your desires in writing.  Things shift.  There are good things that happen when you write down the things you are grateful for, too.  Your paradigm for living begins to change and you begin to see the world through a lens of gratitude and abundance.

The New Moon is a good day for a reset.  If I notice that my actions are not aligned with who I want to be or what I want to be doing, I try to look at that without judgement and make changes.

Checking in with yourself regularly contributes to psychological well-being and happiness.  It’s a powerful practice to look at where you are in life and what you have with gratitude.  

I honor the New Moon a time to bring the sacred into my everyday life.  And our lives are the sacred.  As Yogi Bhajan said, “There is nothing more beautiful, more worthy and more conscious, than YOU." 

Sat nam,

Amanda

Wellness, loving ourselves and bliss

I think that one of the greatest gifts we can give the world is to love ourselves.  Loving ourselves = wellness and doing things that are good for us.  Mind, body and spirit.  

What you eat is important to your overall wellness!  Not only is the old adage “you are what you eat” true, but what you think and feel is also a result of what you eat!  

Along with yoga and meditation, I incorporate healthy nutrition as part of my personal wellness ‘trifecta’.  This includes juicing and frequently eating whole, unadulterated foods.

Juicing makes vital nutrients readily available without your body having to do the work of digestion, which then frees it up to expend energy on other things related to your health.  You sleep better and you have more energy while you’re awake.  Food addictions are broken, and weight loss is often a side benefit.  It affects your sports or yoga practice and it becomes easier to go deeper in meditation.

Here’s a picture of the juice I’m loving today.  I've included a before and after picture so you get an idea of the ratio I like to use. 

As you can see, my recipe has got:

1 large bunch of spinach
1 small bunch of cilantro
½ peeled cucumber
1 peeled lemon
1 peeled tangerine
1 peeled lime
1 peeled kiwi
4 carrots
1 apple
peeled ginger

Try it yourself and adjust the ratio to suit your own taste. 

You can juice for specific goals such as liver health, detoxification, beautiful skin and weight loss; or juice for the nutrients and energy.  You can go on a cleanse, or a fast, or just substitute one meal a day with fresh juice.  You might even do it just to fit into your leather pants.  :)  Whatever your motivation, I encourage you to give it a try.

Living wellness means living in balance.  Going overboard or extreme measures don’t work well as long-term solutions.  The ultimate goal is to empower you to live the life you want, so that you are present, effective and enjoying it as much as possible.  

Your practice should help you live life more blissfully.  That’s the point.  Whatever your path is to wholeness and wellness, I support you.  Now go have fun!

Sat nam,

Amanda

For more inspiring information about juicing, see: http://www.rebootwithjoe.com/

Please note:  I am not a nutritionist.  Juicing may not be for everyone!  I share my own experience in the hopes that it will inspire you on your path.

Want Peace of Mind in 5 Minutes? Here's My Favorite 'Down and Dirty Go-To' Meditation

I’m going to share a quick, easy and POWERFUL meditation that is a key part of my tool kit for living well.  It’s one of my “go-to” prescriptions for many situations and I teach it and practice it regularly.

Here are just a few things that it can help with:

To reduce stress

For managing anxiety (i.e. I use this for flying, public speaking or anything else I am nervous or afraid of)

To boost creativity

For mental clarity

For peacefulness

To increase happiness and contentment

To lower heart rate

To improve sleep

For bringing ones’ self to a rational state of mind if overly emotional

To work through difficult situations

For rest

To work through fears

To move through depression

For mindfulness

To prepare for deeper meditation

Its called Alternate Nostril Breathing.  Ta-Da!!!  If that sounds pretty simple, it is!  But don’t let the name fool you – this meditation is an ancient treasure beyond value.  The best part about it is that it can be practiced anywhere, by anyone - regardless of experience level.  

To begin, all you need is a comfortable place to sit (or stand), and a timer. 

Here’s how you practice Alternate Nostril Breathing:

1. Sit upright and elongate the spine so the lungs have lots of room to expand.
2. Cover your right nostril with your thumb. 
   I use my right hand because I am right handed, but which hand you use is not overly important.
3. Close your eyes.
4. Inhale as deeply as you can through your LEFT nostril only. 
   Don’t worry if you’re congested or have a reduced ability to inhale through your nostrils.  Do it anyway and do your best.  This will help you expand your capacity.
5. Release your right nostril and cover your left nostril with your index finger.
6. Exhale out your RIGHT nostril.
   Pay attention to exhaling all the air from your lungs.  Let it go.
7. Continue the cycle with your eyes closed until the time is up.
   
   

Try making this a regular habit for 5 minutes every day.  Or do it for 3-5 minutes anytime you need a quick recharge. 

Let me know how it affects your day and how you use it to enhance your quality of life…because, after all…that’s WHY we practice.

As the yogis say, ”Breath is life”.  Enjoy yours.

In the spirit of mind, body and spirit wellness: sat nam and love,

Amanda

PS  If you have any questions, drop me an email at kundaliniyogabliss@gmail.com.

Need Another Reason to Meditate?

It’s a New Year, I’m in a new home, in a different country and making a new life for myself.  Thoughts about how that will look, and what I’m creating have been on my mind a lot these days.  

I woke up today with the thought of freedom on my mind: mental freedom.  It’s one of the best reasons to have a meditation practice.

One of the most powerful skills we can develop is to learn how to take distance from the drama and antics of the mind.  Meditating helps us to become a witness, a watcher, of our thoughts - and realize that we don’t have to identify with them.  Our thoughts are actually not us.

The simple truth is that constantly running after thoughts, desires, or running away from fears takes us nowhere.  When we do this, or are subject to dramatic emotional ups and downs, we aren’t free.

Guru Nam said, 

“Since meditation leads to self-awareness, and self-awareness leads to conscious living, meditation is an essential key that takes you out of the loop of automatic living.  When subconscious patterns are neutralized, they cannot overpower a conscious person.  As a result, the mind puts itself at the service of the soul.”

Our thoughts never turn off.  The mental script we run never ends.  Are you aware of yours?  

Meditating returns us to consciousness.  It puts the conscious mind back in control of the drama.  It doesn’t mean we won’t still feel things, or think, or get upset, or be challenged.  But rather, what it means is that instead of automatically reacting to stuff (or thoughts) we develop the ability (and strength) to choose our actions mindfully.  Life becomes more peaceful and enjoyable.

That’s freedom.  That’s mindfulness.  And if you ask me, that’s something worth resolving for more of in 2014.

Sat nam.

I just spilled coffee on my yoga mat

I spilled espresso on my yoga mat.  Yep, I’ve just outed myself.  I’m that kind of yogi: I drink coffee.

Part of the reason my practice is so powerful is because it enhances my life.  And by that I mean my normal, regular life as a woman / mother / partner living in a first-world country in the 21st century.  With respect to those who choose to do so, I don’t live in seclusion a cave on the side of a mountain.  I live in a suburb.  I’m also not an ascetic.  I believe we are meant to use the ancient, proven wisdom and power of yoga and pranayama to make life work better for us now.  I don’t believe that we have to ‘qualify’ to gain access to this wisdom or in order to attain its benefits. 

Sure, some may say there are drawbacks to ingesting caffeine.  Some might even say that real yogis don’t do that.  I say moderation is key; if I tip the scales out of balance then I personally will deal with the repercussions.  It’s my own choice.  That’s karma.

I believe that ANY practice that requires you to give something up that you truly love (as long as it doesn’t harm another) is not aligned with truth.

Yes, I drink coffee.  I’ve also been known to eat non-vegetarian cuisine, drink alcohol, sleep in late, wear makeup and follow fashion.  Oh yeah, I like to dance, too. 

No, I don’t do all of these things while I practice.  :-)

The point is that I do enjoy them.  At the same time I believe in truthfulness, discipline, commitment, compassion and humor.  I hold a deep respect for the sacred teachings that I bring forward to others and if you’ve had a session with me you know that there is no question about that.  There is no duality here: I am who I am.  I happen to have many facets.  I don’t believe in suppressing the pieces of myself that may not fit into someone else’s idea of who I need to be.  I can love the things I love and do what I do, and it’s OK: I am still a yogi. 

Yes, my practice is a tool that I use to enhance my life.  It helps me cope with stress and deal with challenges gracefully.  I am happier and it keeps me level-headed.  It strengthens my body and improves my physical health.  The bottom line is that it makes me a better human being - mind, body and spirit. 

I hope you have a practice that does the same for you.  Whatever it is.  It’s possible to have one regardless of where and how you live.  But don’t take my word for it; find out for yourself.  It’s worth the effort.  Even if you occasionally spill something on your yoga mat.

Sat nam,

Amanda

Coping with stress

We all live with stress.  It doesn’t matter how complicated your life is.  This is one commonality that we share as human beings, despite differences in where we may live and what we do.  Different things affect people in different ways, too - so what may not be a big deal to someone else could be enormously stressful to you.

You may know that some amount of stress is actually good for you. Learning to manage stress well is critical to having good health of mind, body and spirit.  Here’s a short list of seven simple and powerful ways to successfully handle stress as gracefully as possible.

1.  Write it down

It can be tricky to stay focused during times of stress.  Make a list of what’s essential and prioritize.

2.  Don’t layer

Keep life as simple as possible during times of high pressure.  Eliminate the activities that aren’t essential.  That may include people.

3.  Sleep

A healthy amount of sleep can mean the difference between peacefulness and cray-cray.  Easy things can become difficult in a hurry when you’re sleep deprived, emotions more dramatic, obstacles seem larger.  We don’t feel as good physically, and frankly, we’re just nicer when we are rested. 

Take an 11 minute nap!  Don’t know how?  Go to yoga; that’s one of best skills you learn from savasana.

4.  Meditate

Meditating every day doesn’t just keep your mind disciplined; it helps you keep a healthy perspective about what you’re going through, too.  It’s also really good for your body in terms of counteracting the negative effects of stress and it helps you relax. 

Plug yourself into the best, most brilliant source of wisdom and power, which is YOU.

5.  Sweat

Enough can’t be said about the positive benefits – mind, body and spirit – of daily exercise.  This is a critical activity that should absolutely be kept in your life when the heat is on.  There is a clear connection between physical and mental activity, and science has been studying the positive effects of physical exercise and brain function.  It also helps you sleep.

Don’t have time for a full workout?  Fit in what you can. Even a short one is better than nothing.

6.  Keep it clean

Keep your diet as light and as clean as possible.  This means getting as many whole, healthy foods into your diet as possible.  Load up on the fruits and veggies.  Watch out for comfort eating! 

7.  Laugh

It’s been proven that just the simple act of smiling actually makes us happier.  Life’s stressful situations are always more palatable with laughter.  Laughter really is the best medicine.

The moment Divine

Where is your mind? Is your attention on the present moment, or are you thinking about the past or future? 

To bring your focus back to Right Now, inhale as deeply as you can, hold your breath as long as you can, and exhale. Repeat this cycle for 2 minutes.

As Osho said, “This moment is the door to the divine”. Rest in it.

Authenticity and owning your sh*t

Today’s food for thought is so simple that you probably learned it in kindergarten.  The idea is: be honest. 

Now take a second to go beyond the seemingly obvious implications and think about it:

How often do you say yes when you really mean no?

How often do you say something or do something to please another person just to be liked?  Or because you don’t want to cause waves?

How often do you bury hurt feelings and choose not to own up to them, wearing a mask on your persona? 

Look, I’m not suggesting that you unload yourself upon someone in a way that’s burdensome, vindictive, or to create drama in your life.  You can be honest and tactful at the same time.   It may not always be appropriate to be entirely unrestrained with your communication, either.  I’m assuming that you’ll know right timing and context.

It does take knowing oneself well enough to know when you are suppressing feelings, or agreeing to do something you don’t want to.  And I won’t argue that upon occasion it might even be the correct course of action.  However, what I am suggesting is truthfulness.  I am suggesting that you take stock of where you are, how you feel and how you’re acting.  Stand up for yourself.  Own your sh*t and be responsible for it.  

That actually takes bravery and self-respect.  Guess what happens when you do that?  You become a beacon of light for other people and you raise consciousness.  

Be respectful, yes.

Be tactful, yes.

And be HONEST.  Be authentic. 

How refreshing would it be to trust that you could take people at face value?  To know that when someone gives you their opinion that it’s actually the truth?  Or when they agree to something, or treat you in a certain way, that it’s authentic?

Maybe I’m naïve, but I believe that if we all did this the world might just become a better place to live.  For everyone.

Autumnal Equinox Meditation

I make it a part of my personal practice to honor the Equinox with a short mindfulness meditation.  If you’d like to join me, I’ll guide you through it.  

Before you begin, find a quiet, comfortable place to sit down.  

Light a candle, and / or burn some incense. 

Then settle in and play this audio. 

Autumnal Equinox Blessings

Hi friends,

It’s that time again.  September 22 marks the date when the sun crosses the earth's equator, and night and day are equal length all over the world.  It’s the Autumnal Equinox. 

The nature of our world is change.  Everything changes, all the time.  The Equinox marks the progression of the seasons as they cycle.  As nature journeys into a new season, we humans naturally tend to reflect this with our activities.  Moving into winter, our activities reflect a slowing down, a time of going within and journeying inward into the self.  Conversely, the progression from spring to summer is a time of increased energy, ‘outwardness’ and growth.

It’s important to honor change.  The Equinox is an apex of energy, and a powerful time to bring your awareness into the present moment.  It’s a great time to review the past, look at your ‘Now’ and set a positive course for the future.  Following are some suggestions of what to do during this time frame.  

Ground yourself outdoors

Take time this weekend to spend quiet time outside, wherever you live.  Being quiet heightens our other senses and helps us pay attention to the present moment.  Notice the smells, the sounds and the colors around you.  Look at the sky.  Consider our planet and appreciate what we have.  Take it in, and as you do, know that this moment is fleeting.  

Move your body

Dance, exercise, laugh, sweat.  Be alive.  Enjoy your body and your experience of life.

Reflect upon your own harvest

Think about all the things you have in your life.  What have you manifested?  What do you love?  What are you proud of?  Do you have any goals that you are striving for?  Dreams?  What do you want to change? 

Reflect upon your responsibilities

What are you committed to?  Family, relationships, work, projects, goals. 

How’s your physical and mental wellness?  The choice of how you take of your body is yours.  Are you taking good care?  

Is your life in balance?

Are you taking care of your mind? 

Are you nurturing your heart? 

Are you having fun? 

If you aren’t satisfied, now is the time to commit to a change.

Be grateful

No doubt about it, sometimes responsibilities are difficult.  But the Equinox is a time to be grateful.  Even for mistakes; rather than waste time in regret, make amends, figure out the lesson and move on.

Often what we need to save ourselves from the most is ourselves.  Pay attention to your thoughts.  It’s important to keep your thoughts at a high level of consciousness during this time.  And gratitude is high consciousness. 

The energy of this Equinox supports personal change, expansion and growth.  Use the momentum of this energy to support your personal transformation.  If you are unhappy, now is the time to make the commitment to yourself and bring the change you desire into your life.  Just remember you can do it.  YOU have the final say and the choice of how you want to live is yours.