11.20.09

Charity- a local way to help.

Posted in Uncategorized at 2:03 pm by Administrator

In the news this week, I heard that 1 in 7 Americans are not getting enough food. (That’s insane.)

I teach all my public classes at Northwood Christian Church, 46th & Central in Indianapolis and their food pantry needs help. More families than ever are coming to the church on Saturday mornings for assistance and the small congregation simply cannot keep up with what is needed. Anything you can donate would be very appreciated.

And while we’re at it, the church also offers a yearly “Christmas Store” for the children of the food pantry patrons. They very much need new toys or cash donations by November 29 so they may hold their “store” event December 5.

Thank you in advance for whatever you can do to help. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

Ishvara Pranidhana

Posted in Uncategorized at 1:57 pm by Administrator

Self-surrender. Here in the west, we may have a problem with surrender (as in defeat). After all, as a nation we embody the archetype of the rebel. In our quest for self-realization we work, we change, we meditate like a crazy person, and then – zip. Where’s our bliss? Perhaps we have been thinking we have to do everything on our own and have forgotten to ask God for help. Surrender, surrender, surrender. All day long, surrender to God. Let go and let God. Surrender your ego and be open to grace that comes your way.

Svadhyaya

Posted in Uncategorized at 1:51 pm by Administrator

Self-study, also studying scriptures and anything that motivates you. Self study goes way beyond our western approach to psychotherapy, although that certainly has merit. Start with studying the stories of saints and sages, those who have “made it” and who inspire you to do the same. Then apply as much of their experiences to your life as possible and find the light within.

Tapas

Posted in Uncategorized at 1:47 pm by Administrator

Self-discipline or literally, tapas means “heat.” Tapas can mean whatever gives you the motivation to change yourself, the drive, the transformational fire that keeps us on path. Start gently. Say, you notice that when you eat sugar you feel stiffer and your meditation isn’t up to snuff. An option might be to eat sugar every other day and observe yourself. Then begin to choose the good over the pleasant.

Santosha

Posted in Uncategorized at 1:44 pm by Administrator

Contentment. Give up trying to impress people you don’t even know with all your shiny stuff and be grateful for what you have, especially in these economic times. Acceptance of who you are and what you have makes contentment and happiness a conscious choice. Being in the moment is a good thing.

Saucha

Posted in Uncategorized at 1:41 pm by Administrator

Now we enter the niyamas (observances). Saucha is purity – physical purity by cleansing the body inside and out (and the yogic cleansings may seem extreme!), verbal purity (akin to verbal non-violence), and mental purity – garbage in, garbage during your meditation.

Aparigraha

Posted in Uncategorized at 1:38 pm by Administrator

Non-possessiveness. Enjoying the things of the world without attachment. It’s important to fulfill our desires, to use the Law of Attraction and bring the things, people, and events into our lives that we want to experience, but true, lasting happiness lies only within.