In January I quoted the Veda’s (ancient Hindu scriptures) which say : “the biggest cause for human suffering is forgetting Who we are.”

 

This month as we focus on the 1st chakra, it is our opportunity to connect with our personal “roots”, our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual foundation - our "Who we are".  A balanced root chakra connects us to the here and now, providing the stability we need to endure physical and emotional experiences.

 

Personally, I have been struggling physically which automatically spills over to my emotional and mental state.  I do not feel rooted and grounded to myself physically as I navigate through the effects of the medications I must take to support my cancer healing.  Not only do I feel “off” physically, but there are so many alternative suggestions that I don’t feel “safe” in my healing plan.  This in turn effects me emotionally and mentally, making me feel unstable - it is very clear to me the domino effect, so something has to give!  

First, I am into action and in the process of discovery for alternative treatments, while remaining healthy.  But what can I do right now while these physical symptoms are out of my control?  I can be deliberate and take control of my mind and my emotions through a strengthened spiritual practice - that I can do!  So to sum it up: physically I feel like crap and for right now it is out of my control, mentally and emotionally I am feeling “dull” and out of sorts.  Spiritually…….here’s the work that I can do to be in control of my attitudes and actions!  If I start from the beginning of the chakras, Muladara - the root chakra, I have an opportunity to connect with my true self if I take the time.  I need to use my practices of yoga and meditation to get back my “solid footing”.  One way I can do this is through the "I am that, I am" meditation we have been listening to.

 

Dr Wayne Dyer said “this has been called the most powerful meditation tool in the history of the world. I encourage you to become open to the idea that these sounds, when accompanied by your own I am mantra, can and will provide you with the ability to live a wishes fulfilled life.”

 

I have followed his suggestion and I want to share it with you so it can serve you in what may be an unsettling time for you too.  It's simple: In the meditation - I am “that” That - represents what you want to become as a person, truly who you want to be at your foundation.  It is the “that” that if you are embodying this term, you are solid, grounded and safe.

Write down on paper whatever “That” represents for you. Whatever constitutes your wish for yourself, write it down and in your mind call it “that”.

 

When you close your eyes in the meditation let your mantra be - I am…….  - you are stating it as if what you desire is already a fact, a present fact.  "I am" is the name of “God”, or your highest self.  You are calling that which doesn’t exist for you right now and saying it as it is.  My I am statement is “I am perfectly healthy.”  Write yours out and put it in your phone, on a sticky note, anywhere but repeat it as often as you can during the day, anytime you want to feel more grounded, safe, secure and connected to the present moment.  Life continues to be so unsettling for all of us, but as always we have a choice to step up and do the work and activate some mini shifts or to sit in our discomfort.  What will you choose?

 

 

“I’m Just Saying……”

This week the meditation focused on 2 breathing techniques - 

1.Nadi Shodhana, or “alternate nostril breathing,” is a simple yet powerful technique that settles the mind, body, and emotions. You can use it to quiet your mind before beginning a meditation practice, and it is particularly helpful to ease racing thoughts if you are experiencing anxiety, stress, or having trouble falling asleep.

 

In addition to calming the mind and reversing stress, alternate nostril breathing also:

Improves our ability to focus the mind

Supports our lungs and respiratory functions

Restores balance in the left and right hemispheres of the brain, and clears the energetic channels

Rejuvenates the nervous system

Removes toxins

Settles stress

 

2. Kapalahbhati ,often known as “skull-shining breath,” comes from two Sanskrit words: Kapala, which translates to “Skull,” and Bhati, which means “light.” It’s an exercise that purifies, rejuvenates, and invigorates the mind and body. When you practice this breath, visualize your skull filling with a bright light; this is how its name came about.

This cleansing breath can help you not only release stress and toxins from the mind and body, it can also help release negative emotions, shake off sluggishness, and energize. It consists of a series of forceful exhalations followed by passive inhalations

Kapalabhati breathing:

Cleanses lungs and respiratory system

Strengthens and tones diaphragm and abdominal muscles

Releases toxins

Increases oxygen to cells, purifying blood in the process

Improves digestion

Energizes and clears mind

Focuses attention

Warms body

 

The important thing to remember for this practice is that your inhale is passive and your exhale is the forceful, powerful movement.

Footnote for this breath - It is advised not to practice Kapalabhati if you are pregnant, or if you have high blood pressure, acid gastric issues, heart disease, or abdominal pain. You should also stop or slow down if you feel dizzy or anxious.  However, I couple of minutes of this breath should be fine for anyone.

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Give the meditation a try - after reading all of these benefits - who wouldn't want to practice!!