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Editor: Judy Harrison
Asst. Editor: Grace Cavanaugh
Design/Layout: James Farthing
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| Volume 3: Winter
Editors Note:
The experience of winter is upon us, economic winter, political winter,
spiritual winter! Winter surrounds us as never before. Yet in those
deep dark places we come face to face with what is Real, exposing the
bones. And in our nakedness we make room for light to seep in. Its
contrast is blinding against the barren landscape. If your senses are
keen you will recognize that there is something new in this first
light, the crystals of joy. Feel the sparkle of a new beginning. It is
the rebirth of light within all of humanity, the solstice of an
emerging new dawn. WINTER . Change yourself-change the world.
Would you like to view this newsletter online? Visit the
Spirit Fire online Reading Room! You will find this newsletter along with many
other interesting articles posted for your reading pleasure: Spirit Fire Reading Room >>>
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Good News
Changes and Growth at Spirit Fire
____________________________________________
At Spirit Fire
The Telepathy
page has gone public! The Telepathy Study Group is now a public page on
the Spirit Fire web site. Spread the word. These rich teachings of the
Tibetan with explanation and discussion led by Donna Mitchell-Moniak is
a resource that is being offered openly and freely. You can find
downloaded and transcribed podcasts at www.SpiritFire.com/telepathy/studygroup.
In the World
David
Spangler, former member of Findhorn, has written a thought provoking
letter looking at how we have outgrown the individual's long cherished
myth of the hero's journey, stating that in the current age we need to
create a new myth for the collective. He proposes that this can be
found in the community organizer. You can read more at http://lorian.org/davispage.html#gypl 3
Gordon Davidson and Corinne McLaughlin, members of the Center
for Visionary Leadership, share their thoughts about political
evolution and consciousness. Their ideas help us to better understand
these unprecedented times. Read their article "Spiritual Dimensions of
Obama's Leadership". You can find a link to it at visionarylead.org
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Finding One's Voice
by Judy Harrison
I
have often mused as to why I was chosen to mother my two children. What
was the reason that grace brought us together? And, specifically, what
soul gift needed to be developed and nurtured? This pondering found its
way into my meditation and the insight I was given lead me to reason
that I needed to "help them find their voice".
On one hand, that may seem obvious. My youngest child is
profoundly deaf and I spent many years pouring much of my energy and
love into learning to change the vibration of sound into visual
communication that flowed from my hands. In her earliest days, I was
her connection to the world, acting as her interpreter for the lady in
the grocery store or the person behind the fast food counter. I held
classes in our living room to teach this visual language to the
children in the neighborhood so that Emily could communicate with and
have friends. Then, there were the classes at church and the "flying
fingers" club after school that filled my time. But the ultimate work really was
for me to be able to step aside and for Emily to find her own voice; to
find the confidence and courage to give sound a new physical
presentation so that her eyes could see what her ears could not hear,
and her hands could represent what her voice could not communicate.
And, thankfully, she does remarkably well and is able to negotiate the
art of communication with others.
My other daughter, Rebecca, is different. Hers is the harder
voice to find and cultivate. Shy by nature, I painstakingly pushed her
into most interactions in the adult world when she was growing up, from
ordering coffee to asking for a job application. And despite love and
encouragement, her voice is still buried. She imagines reprisal,
cringes from imagined disapproval, and her voice remains stifled under
layers of low self-esteem and fear. How foolish of me to think that she
would "grow out of it". How mistaken I was to think that Emily had the
greater mountain to climb.
In an opportune moment for connecting, I shared with Rebecca
my meditative ponderings. I told her that I often wondered why I was
given the two daughters I had. She quipped up in her own inimical and
self depreciating way, "You mean the deaf one and the weird one?" I
smiled giving her a gentle squeeze and shared my insight about
supporting her and Emily to find their voice. I then told her that this
now is the work of her journey and the challenge of her soul.
As a young adult she must assume the responsibility for her own path.
My job is now relegated to look and support from the sidelines. I know
that this touched a chord. I also know that, for her, this is a
lifetimes work. This conversation led me to ponder my own journey of
finding my voice and the many layers through which I have been taken.
Unlike my own children, my physical voice and emotional voice
were well established when I entered this life. However my fear of "not
measuring up" and musing about "how much there is to know" oriented me
early on to expand my concrete mind so that I could speak with the
voice of reason, and be judged equal to the company I found myself in.
This, of course, became a never-ending search and one that I eventually
understood to be an impossible venture. And so, I began to listen to
that "still small voice" as I searched for what was REAL in the way of
both truth and knowledge.
This lead me to still deeper soul searching (literally), as I
unearthed the glamours, illusions, and erroneous core beliefs that
prevented my personality from becoming soul infused. Through this
process I found still another voice, that of the intuition. This comes
at the juncture where one realizes, as Donna Mitchell-Moniak states,
"What you think is what you think, but consciousness is something
different." Lest this process sound glamorized, let me assure you that
it is filled with many fits and starts and does not happen nearly as
smoothly as my pen may seem to indicate. Rather, it has been my
lifetimes journey. What I have come to appreciate as I tread this path,
is that each vehicle (physical, emotional, mental, soul), each plane,
has a distinct voice and as we move forward it behooves us to find that
voice anew. Beyond the voices of personality, we move on to become the
resonant expression of the Plan (our purpose for being), activated in
concert by Divine Will. This is the goal of evolution. As we move from
individual being back to the collective to become group conscious, we
learn to find our note and sound it harmoniously as part of the living
voice of divine expression.
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The Path of the Eight Means of Yoga
Grace Cavanaugh
Most
organized religions put forth a specific path for their adherents to
follow as a plan or blueprint for advancing their spiritual practices.
The Eight Means of Yoga is one such path which stems from Hindu
practices. The sutres of the Eight Means are found in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali,
which are said to predate the teachings of the Buddha. The Eight Means
are an essential component of Raja Yoga and can be considered a
blueprint for enlightenment, and, if practiced, will lead to union with
the divine.
The Eight Means are easier to follow if divided into three
parts, since each is directed toward a definite goal. The first has to
do with character building and ethical development, the second with
stilling the body and mind, and the last with holding the mind steady
in the light of the soul.
The first two Means, Yama and Niyama, are directed toward outer and inner purification of the vehicles: physical, emotional, and mental.
Yama is directed toward our
relationship to the outside world. It is basically the practice of
harmlessness and of embracing our dharma in order to fulfill our
obligations in the environment where fate has placed us. The second
Means Niyama, on the
other-hand, has to do with internal purification, devotion, and service
to the divine as discovered in the minds and hearts of all of
manifestation. Yama and Niyama are geared towards character building,
which is a quality of the soul, and when followed will eventually lead
to illumination. When walking the path, it is first necessary to purify
the vehicles in preparation for the birth of Christ in the heart. There
is no movement ahead until we have reached a certain level of
purification. Perhaps an example from everyday life would be helpful.
If we have an AM radio, we will not have access to FM programs even
though the radio frequencies are present in the atmosphere. The same
could be said about the television. If we are using an analog TV, we
will not be able to access HD stations. The frequencies are available,
but we may not be able to tune into them. So, too, higher spiritual
vibrations are ever present, but not available to us if we do not have
the right equipment, a more refined vehicle. All of the Eight Means
assist in purifying and controlling the vehicles so that the higher
vibrations are more and more available to us.
The next three Means, Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara assist in stilling the body and mind. As we do this, we become more open to the inflow of the divine.
Asana is more than posture
and correct attitude. It is about how we stand, and what we stand for.
In asana, we gain perspective, see things from a different vantage
point; it is about building the Antahkarana, the link between body and
soul. It enables us to stand in the center of a multi-dimensional view.
The asana of the soul is detached, dispassionate, and inclusive, and
based on knowing, understanding and relating.
Pranayama is the sum
total of cosmic energy; controlling the breath is the easiest way to
control prana. Breath is the life principle, everything breathes.
Conscious breathing brings rhythm to the life. Breathing into the heart
brings expansion and love; breathing into the mind brings illumination
and understanding. Breath expands, purifies, illumines and helps us to
become quiescent and receptive.
Pratyahara is
a process of abstraction, a detachment from and readjustment of the
lower vehicles, the physical body, the emotions and the mind. It is a
process of withdrawal, drawing consciousness inward, bringing all
sensory capacity to the center to create a clear channel for the
energies to flow.
The last three Means relate to holding the mind steady in the
light of the soul. This practice will eventually lead to oneness with
the divine.
Dharana is deep
concentration, being present to the moment, and holding the mind steady
and unwavering in the light of the soul. Concentration generates light,
luminosity, and clarity.
Dhyana, or meditation, has
as its goal complete and ongoing rapport with the soul. As a result, we
become more illumined and expansive, and are more content and joyful.
It is said that true meditation occurs when we can hold the mind steady
for a period of 11 seconds without being distracted.
Samadhi is a higher form of
meditation during which we are absorbed into the One Life. Whereas,
meditation is of the soul, Samadhi is of the spirit; it is contact with
the Monad and results in bliss.
Yoga means union, a method to attain enlightenment,
at-one-ment. The Eight Means are a blueprint, steps to take in order to
reach this union. It is important to note that there are multiple
levels on each of these Means and, consequently, they are a practice of
many lifetimes. The practice pertains to all vehicles: physical,
emotional, and mental so that if, for example, we are practicing
harmlessness it is to be observed on all levels of our functioning,
physical, emotional, and mental. As we practice Asana, we are not only
conscious of our physical posture, but are concerned about where we
reside in our daily living. If we reside in the emotions, we are prone
to frequent upset and hurt feelings. Likewise, if we stand as soul we
are detached, content, and loving. As we proceed, the work at first is
fairly obvious since we have many faults to correct and glamours to
dissolve in the process of controlling the vehicles. Eventually, the
work is subtler as one works layer by layer in perfecting the form.
Gradually, divine energies are substituted for the dense matter of the
form, and we eventually become one with All that IS. The training ever
continues.
Reference: Light of the Soul by Alice Bailey and the teachings of Donna Mitchell-Moniak.
|
Turning the Wheel of Meditation
by Donna Mitchell-Moniak
Everything
changes and grows. Philosophies, understandings, and practices must
expand as humanity does. We now know the world is round and that we
will not fall off its edge. We now understand the interconnectedness of
all existence. At this time in human spiritual unfoldment, I would
suggest, there is a need for an evolution in our understanding of
meditation and meditation practices.
To quote myself from the Spirit Fire website:
"It has become clear to me that the
vast majority of 'meditative' practices of the last several thousand
years (going back to Patanjali) taught the practitioner concentration
and then took concentration to various lengths. Deity yoga, guru yoga,
mantrayana, sutrayana, chakrayana, mandala contemplation, chöd,
esoteric healing practices, distant viewing, and more are all uses of
the skill and achievement of concentration (dharana) to one extent or
another. Concentration is the creation of an aggregate-we gather
(pratyahara) everything to center, squeeze it/concentrate it, then will
ourselves to hold this compacted point. Since this is a form of union
(an aggregate is a union) then it is understandable how people, myself
included, have experienced a wide variety of union states. Yet this, in
many respects, is only the beginning. Meditation, yogically understood,
is born from the luminescence of concentration. Compassion pours forth
from the stability of peaceful abiding within concentration. This means
that dharana (concentration) when actually achieved is a very refined
and heightened state of realization. To seek it and practice it is the
way of the wise, not only because of its tremendous benefits to self
and others, but because only from dharana (concentration) is dhyana
(true meditation) and enlightenment possible."
Human beings are at a point of significant unfoldment in every
regard; and there is no aspect of human living or interaction that is
not included in this unprecedented surge forward of awareness. As a
result, there must be a turning of the wheel of meditation. These
turnings have happened along our collective way. Shakyamuni Buddha
turned the wheel from its Patanjali roots and forms of practice thus
making the sutras and techniques more simple, and open to everyone. No
longer did one have to be a brahmin or an ascetic to learn meditation
or its life practices. Then Nagarjuna turned the wheel of meditation,
and wrote of practices that unfold into Openness-Voidness and Non-Dual
states. Naropa took this and turned it again, bringing Non-Duality back
into the body, giving practices that lead to the embodying of these
sublime realized states. The Six Yogas of Naropa are the unseen
foundation for many specific highest tantric practices and their states
of liberated consciousness. Yeshe Tsogyal and Machig Labdron (two
Tibetan women yoginis) took meditation further. Their practices and
teaching led their disciples into the worlds of suffering so as to,
through meditation, alchemically undo the stains of suffering and
assist humanity to do the same.
Prayer and contemplation have equally evolved through Christ,
the visions and poetry of Hildegard and the saints, and of Rumi, Hafiz,
and the mystics who entered the suchness of Compassion. And in modern
times, Insight, TM (Transcendental Medtation), and Vipassana meditation
practices have assisted many people to establish composure, open and
quietened minds, and consideration (mindfulness) as part of everyday. I
question if these were turnings of the wheel of meditation. More so, I
think these are examples of the wheel rolling its way into the West.
I believe Awareness Meditation™, as offered through Spirit
Fire, is a new turning of the wheel of meditation, and that its use of
the fundamental aspects of meditation is perfectly adjusted to humanity
now. Overall, consciousness and the personal subtle systems of human
beings have evolved. This difference must be acknowledged in meditative
practices as well as in all areas of health and well-being including
"Western medicine" and the holistic sciences such as acupuncture,
ayurvedic healing practices, and body yogas.
Certainly, I do not place myself on par with any of the great
ones listed above. Nevertheless, Awareness Meditation is born of my
heart-mind, and deep understanding of the evolution of consciousness,
the human subtle systems, and the processes of realization that have
graced my life.
Again from the Spirit Fire website under heading of School of Meditation:
All meditative practices and
training, whether Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Sufi, or Shamanic, have
three primary levels. Some names used for these levels are:
beginner or enterer, intermediate, advanced
outer, inner, and secret
form, comprehension, realization (dmm).
Preparing
the vessel of our body, mind, and consciousness for higher realized
states and their dynamic energy effects upon our bodies requires
understanding gained from the outer and inner practices. Historically,
the secret or advanced practices that lead to realization have been
given orally and through transmission by one who has been liberated
into and sustained those states. And although many texts exist that
explain some of the secret teachings, the secrets are not given, thus
the texts remain veiled and poetic. Awareness Meditation is seeded with
all three levels which germinate as the meditator is ready for the next
level of unfoldment.
The School of Meditation at Spirit Fire is just that: a
school, teaching and training in a new form of meditation. All
meditation, anytime in history and anywhere in the world, has the same
principles and fundamentals to the practice. The uniqueness of each
practice lies in the emphasis on any one part and the philosophic focus
of the practice overall. Insight meditation has the focus of insight
leading to mindfulness. Transcendental meditation has the goal of a
theta state of the mind, thus transcending the coarser emotional and
mental states. Shamanic meditation takes us into the dreamworld of
archetypes and visions where dream, as understood by Aboriginal people
around the world, is more real than the illusion of outer reality.
The uniqueness of Awareness Meditation is in the instruction
and guidance given. Instruction in meditative training is imperative if
the person is to learn a technique and achieve its results.
Practitioners are led to and through a comprehensive understanding of
themselves as human beings. Every part: body, breath, chakras, senses,
mind, emotions, reality, and illusion, are used as points of entry and
revelation. Humanity is ready for a meditative practice that is a rich
blend of:
the use of the subtle
the use of the obvious
the inherent magnetic and luminous nature of Consciousness
one's inherent desire for betterment whether
in the form of tranquility, creativity, self-empowerment, spiritual
development, or directedness.
Awareness Meditation is this. There are three levels of Awareness Meditation:
Awareness Awakens
(beginner) brings one to a greater realization of all that is not
recognized, but which is beckoning one to greater awareness. This level
of practice is immediately applicable throughout the day, not just
during one's sitting or walking practice. We are awakened, and no
matter how aware or awake we thought we were, we awaken to more.
Awareness Deepens
(intermediate) broadens the efficacy of one's practice. With this
level, one's mind begins to experience very real changes. Dharana sets
in with all its possible glorious, refined, and conscious results.
Awareness Now! speaks
of a level of beingness, not just meditation. Yet it is also that-true
meditation. True meditation is when consciousness itself is the
meditator, not the mind or the personal contemplative process.
Throughout human history, those who have achieved stabilized,
profound, and repeated states of meditation had very clear, detailed
instruction. We cannot just sit and expect our mind to stop churning;
or merely count breaths and expect rhythm to permeate our life.
Instead, we can find and then rely on a method that makes sense to our
mind, uses our sensibilities, and brings order to our subtle fields.
This creates the ground-of-being for our meditative practice. Awareness
Meditation is such a method.
A practitioner's comment: "I
wanted to take a moment to share about my ongoing process with the new
Awareness Meditation. I have immersed myself in it with consistency and
it is doing its work. Solidity and stability are cornerstones of my
experience. With those in place rather quickly during the meditation,
concentration is available and I seem to seamlessly flow into another
space-one that is more spacious, lighted, and infusing. I feel the
cells of my system changing. They feel transparent and expansive. I
feel plugged in. In spite of its gentleness, this kind of meditation
brings dramatic results."
Humanity is becoming brand new. We have done so many times in
our history, and at each juncture something philosophical or spiritual
assisted the process. The new might have seemed to have been scientific
or exploratory, political, or economic, but blatantly or quietly there
was a factor present that helped unfold the human consciousness in a
new way. The externals of change in our times are in every conceivable
aspect of human existence. And I believe the spiritual rudder through
these seas of change will be meditation. All meditation practices that
have served humanity up until now will still do so, just as the wheel,
fire, or shelter. But I also think it is obvious that humanity must be
met with a new form of meditation born of the excellent practices of
the ages, but equally born of the new forms of consciousness available
to unfolding humanity.
The School of Meditation at Spirit Fire and Awareness Meditation
|
IX The Hermit
by Grace Cavanaugh
In the stillness of the moment
Everything takes on a different cast
Colors are brighter and clearer
Sound is sweeter and purer
The unseen begins to take shape
Thoughts become illumined and clarified
Would that we would give ourselves the gift of solitude
It is there for the taking
A new world to be tasted and relished
The
Hermit stands steadfast and erect, clad in an unadorned hooded monk's
robe. In his right hand he carries a wooden staff, and in the left a
lantern illumined by a six-pointed star. It is a stark and somber
picture, with ice-capped mountains in the background and little else.
Despite the dearth of symbols, what is presented speaks volumes.
First is the number of the card, nine. Nine is the number of
completion, of the perfected man, of the initiated one prepared to work
with the Ashram. Next, we are drawn to the lantern illumined by a
six-pointed star. This symbol, which also stands for the perfected man,
indicates the objective life balanced with the subjective life
overshadowed by the Spirit, the perfect union of the human and divine,
where the lower vehicles are balanced with their higher counterparts.
The lantern suggests that the Hermit is illumined, can light the way to
his own unfolding, and also assist those who want to follow. The staff
he carries symbolizes, among other things, the Antahkarana, relating
personality to soul. His asana indicates how he stands in the world,
where he stands, and what he stands for. Firm of foot with strength and
conviction, we see him looking down from the mountain. He has gained a
new perspective and now views the world with different eyes. He is 'in
the world not of the world' and "he treads the way of man, but knows
the ways of God."
The symbols taken together suggest that the Hermit has been to the
mountaintop, and descending with a deeper and more expanded meaning of
service. He is a wise and illumined teacher, and many will accept his
guidance. He travels with no baggage since he has for many lifetimes
purified his vehicles by detaching from physical comforts, emotional
needs, and mental distractions, wanting nothing for the separated self.
He is now ready to be the light for all who seek his guidance. We note
that he is not secluded in a cave or monastery, but rather accessible
to all while he continues to live with the realities of every day
existence. He has his two feet planted firmly on the earth; the earth
is his home and humanity is his family. He knows we are not separate
but one, and as such, each of us depends upon and affects the other for
good or ill.
Astrologically the Hermit is associated with Virgo. Virgo is the birth
of the Christ in the heart. It is a sign of perfection and service, a
perfection of form and correct orientation to service. Service has many
levels, it begins with selfishness and the serving of one's own needs,
it moves gradually to service of the group, be that family or humanity,
and finally to complete service to the will of the One. In Virgo spirit
and matter unite, and throughout many lifetimes we toil to perfect the
form so that it can indeed be a worthy vessel for the abiding Christ.
In a sense then, the advanced Virgoan becomes the symbol of the
six-pointed star, the balance of spirit and matter, the divine man. The
Hermit has achieved a level of this perfection and realizes that true
service is service to the spirit in all of manifestation, the meaning
behind 'Nameste'.
This card calls out to the Hermit in each of us; it is the inner voice
calling us to times of solitude, to enter within and reflect on the
meaning of life and our place within it. It calls us to true service,
the discovering and honoring of the inner light in all beings. In our
busy world, it is not easy to set time apart for quietude and
meditation. When we do however, we reap the rewards of joy and
contentment available to all of us, so that we, too, can become a light
in the darkness.
|
STRESS, PERCEPTION AND THE SUBCONSCIOUS MIND - Part 1
by Martha Henry-MacDonald
I'm
so tired!! I'm so busy!! I'm so stressed!! There aren't enough hours in
a day!! I can't sleep! I can't stay awake! I have no time for myself!
Just leave me alone! Have you heard any of these expressions lately?
More importantly, are you feeling like this?
There are many types of stresses in everyday life. These may be
perceived or received as positive, joyful, and exciting, such as the
stress experienced at the birth of a baby, a new relationship or
beginning a new job. Many stresses may be perceived as negative, for
example, balancing family, work, financial challenges, worries, and
anxieties. There can also be stress from trauma, pain, illness,
extremes of temperature, and low blood sugar. You name it, we humans
can stress about it. For some of us, it has become an art form.
The stressful stimuli, be they physical, emotional or mental, real or
not, rational or not, activate the HPA Axis - the hypothalamic
pituitary adrenal axis. Once the HPA Axis is activated, a cascade of
sympathetic nervous system responses begin i.e., the fight or flight
response. The HPA Axis is an absolutely essential system which releases
stress hormones, including adrenalin and cortisol, from the
hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain, via the adrenal glands.
Notice how your body reacts when you are stressed. The resulting
cascade of hormones produces: increased heart rate, increased
respiratory rate, increased blood pressure, and sweating. The blood is
preferentially redistributed from the viscera (organs) to the
extremities so that you can run or fight, and as a consequence, you may
feel restlessness in your body.
The fight or flight response is a potentially lifesaving mechanism, if
we are facing a grizzly bear or need to react quickly for safety or
survival. But, those extreme stresses aren't the typical stresses for
the average person. Our typical stresses often involve our sense of
responsibility and duty in managing family, work, time, finances,
children, or aging parents etc., but they still have the same resultant
cascade of hormones released and their physiological out-picturing in
the body.
If theses high and chronic levels of stress hormones are not
dissipated, by fight or flight or some other type of exercise and
movement, the hormones will stay in the system up to ten times longer
because they are released from the blood stream more slowly. This can
lead to chronic dis-ease, and dis-comfort in one's life.
We, of course, complicate matters with poor diets and the increased use
of caffeine and sugar, justifying their need just to get through the
day. This further stimulates the secretion of stress hormones, keeping
us in fight or flight mode and depleting the adrenal glands. This
upsets the blood sugar balance as well, which can have tremendous
effects on our mood. Have you heard the advertisement that "America
Runs on Dunkin Donuts"? What would we do without our caffeine and
sugar?
Do you often become sick during stressful times? When the
HPA-Axis is in overdrive, the adrenal hormones directly suppress the
immune system. We need to understand the implications of living a high
stress oriented life. Have you ever made "stupid" decisions while under
stress? There is a reason for that. Stress causes a preferential
redistribution of blood flow from the forebrain (executive reasoning
and logic), and the prefrontal cortex (conscious volitional action), to
the hindbrain (instinctual brain/automatic responses). This gives us
less access to our conscious awareness and intelligence when we are
under stress because we revert to more instinctual responses.
There is an additional problem in that so many of the fears,
triggers, beliefs, and expectations of ourselves and others that
stimulate the fight or flight response are held in the "subconscious",
that is, below the level of our conscious mind. Therefore, if we do not
make a significant effort to observe our actions (thoughts, words, and
deeds) we are usually not aware of the triggers or sets off our stress
response. Often we may not know that a fight or flight response is
occurring. Those around us are probably acutely aware of it, and if
they are brave enough to mention it.... On the other hand, we may be
conscious of our response but feel helpless to change. Many will
respond, "That's just the way I am," and they keep spinning and
spinning.
By acknowledging the subconscious mind as a vessel for our
patterns, habits, triggers, and beliefs, we come to realize that the
subconscious mind is a gift. It is a very powerful processor of the
perceptions from both our internal and external environments. The
subconscious mind can process 20,000,000 bits of environmental
stimulation per second, while the conscious mind processes forty bits
of stimulation per second. (Norretranders 1998)
If you are driving down the road and someone pulls out in
front of you, it is best if the quickly acting instinctual mind reacts,
rather than the slower, rational mind. By the time the rational mind
figures out what to do, it may be too late. The subconscious mind
allows us to walk without consciously trying to control each movement.
It enables us to drive a car for miles safely and with quick reactions,
without quite remembering how we arrived at our destination. So this
instinctual mind with its huge processing abilities actually frees up
our conscious mind, with its far slower and limited processing
abilities, to do what needs to be done with conscious awareness. (We
will continue our discussion of the subconscious mind and why we repeat
the same stressful behaviors over and over again in Part 2.) But, there
is much that can be done to help our stress levels with just the
information discussed thus far.
1. Train the Observer - the Observer is the part of you that
consciously observes your thoughts, words, actions, patterns, habits
etc. Take a few minutes each evening to review your day including your
actions, reactions, and responses to your internal and external
environments. It is important to be non-judgmental. The purpose is to
observe where you are in balance and where you are out of balance. We
need to be aware of imbalances before we can make any changes.
- Physical body - Possible observations may include: fatigue,
tremors, racing heart/palpitations, headaches, constant movement due to
stressful energy, or lethargy, aches and pains or restlessness, bowel
irritability. We may also experience a sense of a well-rested,
relaxed/non-stressed body, and good vitality.
- Emotional body - Possible observations may include: worry, anxiety,
fear, excitement, butterflies, pressure, easily brought to tears, mood
swings, depression, or a sense of hopelessness. On the positive side
there may be a sense of peace and harmony, ease and alignment, "all is
right with the world", and happiness or joy.
- Mental body - Observe how your mind is thinking and processing
data. Observations may include: a very busy, active, cluttered mind, or
clear and precise thoughts, and expression of thoughts in words and or
writing. Does your mind feel cloudy, blocked, blank, or so busy that
you can't focus or quiet it down? Are you able to concentrate, complete
your work well and problem solve?
2. Adequate rest - It is important to observe your body's need for
sleep, and give it what it needs. Ideally, there should be good
vitality during the day, without a sense of exhaustion or need to sleep
during the day. That being said, however, studies have shown that a 15
minute cat nap is more energizing than that afternoon cup of coffee.
Sleep deprivation leads to decreased concentration, increased errors
and accidents, decreased speed of reflexes, moodiness, and more.
3. Good nutrition - "Garbage in → Garbage out". We would never
give our dogs a cup of coffee, a donut, and a cigarette in the morning.
Learn the nutritional needs of your body type and supply them. Remember
that healthy fats are important. Do you know that the gall bladder
needs adequate fats in order to empty? Do you know that if you do not
consume enough calcium, your body will leech calcium from your bones to
use it as needed elsewhere? Adequate fluid intake is essential. Do not
count caffeinated beverages - as you will "pee out" more than you take
in. Keep yourself well hydrated.
4. Exercise - Any amount helps. Ideally, work towards 30-45
minutes of exercise 5 times per week. Aerobic exercise helps your heart
and lungs, clears the mind, and helps release those stress hormones;
weight bearing exercises help build bone density. Park your car far
from your destination and walk. Take the stairs. The brain needs
exercise to stay healthy as well. There is, however, such a thing as
over-doing it. The body breaks down tissue before it builds up, so rest
days are important for healing and strengthening.
5. Challenge your mind - learn something new, drive a new route. The brain remains plastic through life as long as we use it.
6. Breathe consciously - Just observe your breath as it flows
in and as it flows out. Being conscious with the breath brings you into
the present moment. When you are in the present, there is no worry or
regret about the past, and no concern for the future - because now, the
present moment, is where we are focused.
7. Meditate - Give yourself the gift of meditation. Studies
show that it counteracts the influences of the fight or flight
mechanism by slowing heart rate and respiratory rate, decreasing blood
pressure, reducing anxiety and increasing memory. It brings a sense of
wholeness and peace, a connection with the higher self and with spirit.
Meditation can raise consciousness. (Try one of Donna's meditation
CD's, or better yet, attend an Awareness Meditation weekend.)
8. Invite yourself to be fully present in the moment. Enjoy
your family, and friends. Take the time to make eye contact and learn
to really listen, at all levels. Sense what is meant behind the words,
which requires us to be in the moment. Life is such a gift - be an
active participant and have fun.
9. Gratitude, Gratitude, Gratitude. Sense, know, and express
gratitude for all people and situations in your life. Breathe in the
nurturing sunlight, dance in the rain, and feel the support of mother
earth under your feet. Know that the universe is very direct and
presents to us opportunities for growth, love, and wisdom. Next time -
Part 2 : A closer look at the subconscious mind.
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Upcoming Programs
With Donna
Mitchell-Moniak
Esoteric
Astrology T. & Th. 7-9pm
starting Feb. 3 for 4 weeks
296 Washington Street
Arlington, Ma. Call Donna @ 413 624-3955 for
info
Meditative Retreats Awareness
Level 1 Wed.-Sun. Feb. 11-15;
Level 1
Wed.-Sun. Mar. 11-15;
Level 2 Wed.-Sun.
April 15-19
Spirit
Fire Meditative Retreat Center Leyden,
Ma. Call Donna @
413 624-3955 for
info
With Martha Henry
MacDonald
Esoteric Healing Level 1
April 4&5 9am-5pm
Center @ Westwood
Westwood, Ma.
contact mhenrymac@yahoo.com for
info
With Donna
Mitchell-Moniak & Martha Henry MacDonald
Discover the Self:
Energy Psychology and the Science of Vibration May 16-17 9am-5pm
Center @ Westwood
Westwood, Ma. contact
mhenrymac@yahoo.com for info
With Judy Harrison
Full Moon & New
Moon Meditations
FM Mon. Jan. 12 @ 7pm NM Mon. Jan. 26 @ 7 pm
FM Mon. Feb. 9 @
7pm NM Mon. Feb.23 @ 7pm
FM Mon. Mar.9 @ 7pm NM Mon. Mar.27 @ 7pm
First Parish Brewster Brewster, Ma. call Judy @ 508 896-6362 for info |
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