Burning zeal in practice, self-study and study of scriptures, and surrender to God are the acts of yoga. – Patanjali
Acts of Yoga
Death is Like Floating on Water
Death is like floating on water.
There’s a lot of death in my life right now. My father died, a childhood friend died, my best friend’s grandma died, and now my hospice patient died. I was with my hospice patient, Glenda, during her last moments.
Glenda laid peacefully in her hospital bed. She was motionless except for her slow, rhythmic breathing. I gave her a gentle foot massage. As I rubbed her feet, I noticed that I kept my eyes on her face. I knew at that moment; I was bearing witness to her death.
I do not know what it is like to die in this life. I am still living! However, after I did some Reiki for Glenda, I had a feeling of death. I balanced her Chakras, with my hands, starting with her head and then down to her feet. When I hovered over her high heart chakra, I felt a tingling sensation and vibration. There was a lot of peace and acceptance in Glenda. She died that night. The next morning during my meditation is when I received the message that death is like floating on water.
When I float on the water, I have to relax my whole body and trust that I can float. If I’m nervous or scared, I can’t float. There is a surrendering that happens. Maybe death is like that. When we die, we need to relax and trust the process. And surrender.
Surrender to something familiar and unfamiliar. A journey of comfort and love.
Choose to stay with your experience, seeing it not as the death of the self you’ve come to know, but the birth of your new life as Light. – Llyn Roberts
Namaste, world.
Meditation is Simple!
“Life is complicated, but meditation is simple.” – Bhante Kamalasiri (www.triplegem.org)
Life can be complicated. We have our jobs, bills to pay, children and elderly parents to take care of, household tasks, etc. But meditation is simple! When we sit on the cushion, we must remember not to make it complicated. Just sit on a cushion or a chair, close your eyes, and watch your present breath. If thoughts come into your head, just observe them, and then return your attention back to your breath. Don’t worry if you’re not doing it correctly or not sitting long enough. Just sit. Make it simple!
Namaste, world.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness – The Key to Freedom
My dad died four weeks ago. One thing that I have learned so far since his death is that I need to forgive. I forgive to let go. Resentment and fear hold me back. How can I make myself light as a bird? Forgiveness.
After my dad had died, I was surprised about how people reacted. For example, all my co-workers knew that my father died, but only a few said anything to me. I understand that some people do not know what to say. So, therefore, in this case, I need to forgive people who did not acknowledge my dad’s passing.
I am learning that I have to do what is right in my heart and mind. No matter what other people are doing, I need to do what is right.
Please remember from my older post “Metta for All,” that we all need to show loving-kindness and active interest in others. When you show someone that you care about them and think about them – this is true Metta. Your presence and compassion create the spiritual leap we need as humans.
When I walk down a busy street, and I make no eye contact with other humans – this is not loving-kindness. When I walk down a street, and I make eye contact and chat with strangers – this is loving-kindness.
When my co-worker’s mother was just in the hospital, and I do not show concern or ask questions – this is not loving-kindness. When my co-worker just attended a funeral, and I express concern, ask questions, and offer help – this is loving-kindness.
Remember small gestures of kindness go a long way.
Namaste, world.
Divine Nature
I took this photo on August 10th, 2016, in New Zealand. I used my Nikon camera, and I did not download the photos until I got home. After I saw this picture, I could not take my eyes off it. Each day I look at this picture, I see more and more symbolism. When I first saw the photo, I recognized a bearded man or an angel wearing a robe. When I looked closer at the head, I could also see a veiled woman. Today I noticed the figure holding an Egyptian ankh.
According to Wikipedia, the ankh is known as the breath of life or “life,” and is an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic character. The character represents the concept of life, which is the general meaning of the symbol. The Egyptian Gods carry it by its loop, and it appears in the hand of almost every deity in Egyptian pantheon (including Pharaohs).
This photo that I took of an angel blows me away. When I look at this picture, I see magic and mysticism. I know for a fact that we are not alone. This photo is proof that angels are with us all the time. We are divine creatures. We are taught early on in life that we are sinners, not divine beings.
Beloved sisters and brothers, we are divine.
When I was in New Zealand, my dad died. He died on Sunday, August 7th, 2016. I was wondering if I would receive a sign from him. He knows that I love photography. In my mind and heart, this photo is from him. He wanted me to see heaven, and to know that life continues after death. For one photo, he pulled the veil between this dimension and the dimension that he entered.
I am changed forever.
Namaste, world.
Guided By the Present Moment
Living in the present moment can transform your life. What would it be like if you have no expectations? What possibilities would open up? Can you trust yourself?
I am learning to live in the present moment. It’s not always easy since I’m a planner. Also, I noticed that I am hard on myself. I need to trust myself more. For example, one week ago, I did hospice massage for a patient that I have seen for a few months. Well, my patient’s wife walked in the room. We chatted about his massage, and then I mentioned that he’s doing well and may not continue receiving hospice services. I received this message via email from my supervisor that morning (I did not tell my patient’s wife that). My patient’s wife was clueless about the news and seemed shocked to hear it. She said that she hopes hospice services will continue.
I left that room kicking myself. I told myself, “I shouldn’t have told my hospice patient’s wife information that I don’t know if she received.” In the hospital world, everything is confidential. However, as I spoke to my patient’s wife, I was in the present moment. I had love and concern in my heart. After the conversation, I sat in my car and thought about words and messages. Maybe this information was beneficial to my patient and his wife. Maybe this information will help her be proactive.
When I live in the present moment, I need to learn to trust my words and trust my intuition. They may hold crucial information. This society locks us in with rules and customs. Society says to do this, talk this way, don’t talk like that, etc. When I honor myself and my words, I no longer fear that I am saying the wrong thing.
Namaste, world. I will be visiting New Zealand for two and half weeks. I will write more when I return mid-August.
Voyagers on Earth
We are voyagers on the Earth through space, as passengers on a ship, and many of us have never thought of any part of the vessel but the cabin where we are quartered.
S.P. Langley
Making Progress in Life
You are a living example that your are living. And as you are living, you want to improve. You want to be better than you are. This is the golden vitamin which will enable you to progress. – B.K.S. Iyengar (from “The Tree of Yoga”)
Message of Love and Compassion
A message to all those who read these words: Deep compassion is needed all over the world. It is time to open your heart and feel compassion for our fellow beings. Increase your vibration with love in your eyes and a smile on your face. Keep going, keep going. Do not give up. Keep giving like the sun that shines upon you. Your love and compassion will heal our brothers and sisters. Namaste.
Universal Love
Tunnel Vision 8 