Several weeks ago, as I woke up from sleep, I had a vision. I saw a tunnel about three inches in diameter open up near my forehead (third eye area). I heard a “snap” as it briefly opened up for a second. I saw a ring of light around the circle, and in the center of the circle were white, twinkling stars in a black background.
AI generated from my sketch.
I’ve never had a vision like that before. I wasn’t scared, but I also didn’t feel ready to go “down that rabbit hole.” I even questioned if I was ready to dive deeper into my spirituality.
To calm my nervous system, I practiced Ujjayi Pranayama. Here is the practice:
Start to breathe in and out through your nose, naturally (mouth closed).
Then take a slow, deep breath through both nostrils. The passage of the incoming air is felt on the back of the palate and makes an oceanic sound (sa). The sound is audible and loud enough to be heard.
Exhale slowly, deeply, as the outgoing air is felt on the back of the palate and makes a sound (ha).
Repeat the cycle for five to ten minutes.
Ujjayi breathing sounds like the ebb and flow of the ocean.
Ujjayi Pranayama is also helpful when practicing yoga, especially during pain when stretching. I remember reading years ago that yoga can give the practitioner the skills to work with pain.
One more thing, emotions are very powerful. We can use our emotions to send out our intentions into the universe. If you feel a strong emotion, send out a prayer with that emotion as a catalyst for change.
Before I went on the Ayahuasca retreat, I knew it would be a challenging retreat. But that’s what I wanted. It would be different from a typical yoga retreat, offering relaxation, gourmet food, and sightseeing. I remember the quote, “Like tea, you don’t know how strong you are until you’re put in boiling water.”
8 Things I learned from an Ayahuasca retreat:
Trust myself. I trust myself but also ask for help when I need it.
Listen to my intuition – My heart and mind will nudge me to make the best decisions for myself and my family. I want to open my mind even more! I ask, “Spirit, what do you want of me?”
It’s okay to feel “unhinged.” During the retreat, I was an emotional mess. I felt uncomfortable at times. But during the storm, I am learning to take shelter. I also need to prepare for stormy weather. Do I have everything I need to make it through? I continue to learn from life.
Be in the present moment—My breath connects me to the present moment. I can feel the air pass through my nostrils. When I meditate, I focus on the inside of my nose. The nostrils serve as the center of balance and the intersection of yin (left side) and yang (right side) energy. These energies meet and open up the third eye (between the eyebrows).
Find ways to calm my nervous system – I need to feel embodied. I’ve learned that I must start with my body to calm my nervous system, such as through yoga and qigong. I also need divine meditation to purify my mind – it’s the only way to clear my mind.
It’s okay to be alone – Even though I have family and friends in my life, the truth is that I journey in this life solo. I was born solo, and I will die solo. The truth is that I am responsible for my spiritual development. No one can do it for me. I must realize I am alone.
Make my husband and family a priority – During the retreat, I realized that I take my husband for granted. Now, with clear eyes, I see how much he loves me, and I love him. I am so grateful to my husband and family.
Let go – Wow! I didn’t realize that I have way too many thoughts. It’s time for me to LET GO. The more I let go, the more I can be in the present moment. Also, I want to let go of my external world. I don’t want to worry about how many friends I have or what I say to people. I know that I am working with good intentions. After I let go of my external world, I will let go of my internal world (attachment to thoughts).
I am grateful to have learned these lessons. I have renewed intentions to deepen my yoga and meditation practice as well. My focus is on balancing the connection between my body and mind. I want to redesign myself into a brave, intuitive, loving, and mindful person.
To love fully, we must remove fear and pride. - Angeles Arrien
My patient, Joan, who thought she was going to die during the full moon, died today. I felt a sense of relief. She was a kind and considerate woman. I think she had a conscious death. According to Buddhism, it’s beneficial to have a conscious death. Then you are “awake” to the transition and not in delusion.
After finding out Joan died, I thought about my life as I walked my dog around the fairgrounds. The warm breeze reminded me of the summer weather that is slowly fading. The stars blinked, and the sky was calm.
As I walked, I said, “I’m not ready to die. I have too much work to do.” Every day, I feel the importance of a spiritual life—my yogi life. I must continue meditating and practicing yoga, use my time wisely, and read spiritual books in my free time. I can create a life with awareness and higher consciousness.
I also understand that the journey is solo. No one told me this when I was younger! I was told to go to church—everything was about the church. But when I think about it, everything is solo. We are born solo, think solo, live solo, and die solo. Even Buddha asked, “One is one’s own refuge, who else could be the refuge?”
I wish human beings would take their lives more seriously. Just thinking about it makes my heart swell. We all need to wake up from our delusions and put away our phones. It’s a spiritual battle!
It’s time to wake up and understand we are golden – so precious. We cannot take our time for granted. We need to examine all earthly things that keep us trapped. We are so valuable that everything in the world wants our attention. Now, we need to decide what will help us grow spiritually.
Thank you for taking the time to read this! I’m sending you words of love, appreciation, and bright guiding light.
Spirit, by GG spiritual message from beyond a signal to be me
We must heal our minds – Bhante Sathi (triplegem.org)
As I become more wise, I see the physical world wants my attention (and takes me away from working on my Self). It is so easy to become distracted and entangled in earthly matters. I must decide where to put my time and energy. Therefore, there are several questions I must ask myself:
What will help me grow towards love and light?
How can I use my energy and presence to help people?
What is worthy of my time?
What is the path of wisdom and self-knowledge?
As a yogi, I must focus on the chakras. Yoga is a noble path. Yoga and meditation keep me clear in my head and calm in my heart. It is the right path for me. I must stay on this path. I need to increase my practice, especially if I am struggling in any way.
The Internet and all computer devices are not the path to wisdom. They are entanglements to the human – something that distracts us from love and light. The dosage matters – small amounts of conscious, wise interaction are okay. Be aware of the addiction and algorithms that keep us enslaved to cell phones.
We are at a crossroads with technology. Some technology is beneficial, but the computer (mainly the cell phone) is damaging humans. Do we want to be entangled with technology?
I am sending a severe warning to all humans. Do not get entangled with a cell phone or any computer device. They are traps to the human mind.
I propose that we use cell phones minimally. Do not allow yourself to be entangled for hours on any device. The computer plays with the ego, and this is not healthy.
We need to bring ourselves back to silence and deep meditation (do not use a cell phone or any device for audio or video meditation). Meditation must be in a distraction-free environment.
As a yogi, I light a candle and burn some incense. I practice gratitude, mantras, yoga, and meditation every morning. In the evening, I recite mantras and meditate before I go to sleep. The mind must be clear (not filled with online garbage).
Become a clear vessel.
We each have a choice – we can set ourselves free or become entangled with technology. What is the path to wisdom and self-knowledge?
About two months ago, my right ear started hurting. I thought I had an ear infection. So, I went to a minute clinic to check on my ear. At the clinic, I discovered my blood pressure was high, and I didn’t have an ear infection. The nurse practitioner said I should go to urgent care right away. But instead, I went to my regular clinic the following day.
My mom has high blood pressure – so it could be hereditary. Also, I am getting older too. I did not take the Covid-19 vaccines (unvaccinated), so I know it’s unrelated. The doctor did some labs, and everything looks great. So, I now need to take my blood pressure twice a week and then report it to my doctor after a few weeks.
I am a health-conscious person, so I get worried about my health. So, I’m trying to manage my blood pressure by taking herbs and CBD oil, practicing deep breathing, exercising, and doing more gentle yoga. I’m also trying to reduce stress in my life.
I know everything’s figureoutable. I noticed that I’m more present in my body and mind when facing challenges. I want to figure out how to solve my problems.
When we have health issues, it’s an opportunity to explore more about ourselves. We can grow and learn through our challenges. Some things can be scary – no doubt. It can turn your life upside down if you’re not feeling well.
But when we look at the bigger picture – it calls us to re-examine our lifestyle. Everything’s figureoutable. We can become closer to God (or our higher consciousness). I know when I’m sick, I pray more. It calls us to go inward and focus on our spirituality.
Thankfully, my ear no longer hurts. And I’m on the road to healing my heart and getting back to a healthy blood pressure.
Yesterday, I went walking with a friend of mine. We both noticed that we had an increase in anxiety. The world continues to change right before our eyes. It’s easy to feel worried and anxious.
We must remember that things can change quickly, and they can change for the betterment of humanity. My friend and I reminded each other to stay positive. My friend, Roxanne, said, “God always wins.”
Remember, emotions carry an energy charge. Emotions of fear and anxiety are lower vibrations, and emotions of peace and gratitude are higher vibrations.
Deep breathing is proven to calm the nervous system. According to Dr. Henry Emmons, “Breathing is integral to our lives, and conscious breathing – breathing done with awareness – can be a terrific way of altering our mood, overcoming depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness. Proper breathing helps to integrate our body, mind, and spirit. It’s also crucial to our brain chemistry.” Here are two breathing techniques to try:
The Calming Breath Technique, by Dr. Emmons from his book, “The Chemistry of Joy,” can help when you feel anxious.
Slowly breathe in through your nose.
Hold your breath for a few seconds.
Breathe out even more slowly through your mouth. Try to make your exhalation take longer than your inhalation. You may structure your breathing, if you like, by counting to four as you breathe in, to two as you hold the breath, and to seven as you breathe out. Make an audible sigh with your out-breath.
On this evening of a full moon, I can feel the potential of a new reality. I ask myself, “What is my wildest dream?” I use my imagination to see “pictures” of my wildest dream. I can see myself traveling to strange and exciting lands, connecting with people all over the world. I can see and feel the energy of all living things – especially the spirit of horses – I am like a “horse whisperer.” I can see myself riding my horse “Black Knight” like a carefree Goddess.
The world is different because of my understanding of energy. Everything is alive with its vibration and light. I fear nothing, and I have special powers to jump great distances and even fly. I play my flute to please the unseen spirits. I laugh with joy because I know the secrets.
Life is a journey, and my teachers step forward to guide me. I can time travel and travel to worlds unknown to my present reality. I continue to learn because I want to discover myself over and over again. I am the “star” of my show.
Yoga shows me how to open my Chakras and expand my energy. I see myself going beyond my current limitations. I am a Yogi throughout my lifetimes. In my “wildest dream,” I visit sacred locations all over the world.
I am pure love and compassion. I have recovered my true value, and I am ready to help anyone when needed. I unite with the oneness of everything! In my dream, there is harmony in the Universe.
You and I are multidimensional beings. Come dream with me.
Everything to be imagined is an image of truth. – William Blake
We are born in this lifetime for a reason. We must help our fellow human beings – it is our most important task, especially now with the worldwide pandemic. Please step-up to your leadership role. There are several things we must do:
Show people how to develop consciousness (awareness) and how to retain it.
Encourage people to meditate every day.
Control and manipulation in energy form will come from the technology that we use every day (smartphones, computers, television, and smartwatches, etc.). Help people limit their screen time. The pandemic is pushing us more and more to use technology (especially children).
Teach people how to keep the love energy running – instead of fear-based energy. Give them the tools (meditation, Reiki, prayer, mantras, symbols, connect with angels/teachers, scripture, visualizations, love-mantras, etc.). Love energy is power and protection (armour = protection + amour = Love).
Teach people how to access their holographic brain. We need to understand the concept of living multidimensionally. We have access to the past, present, and future. We can heal past events.
Remember, energy is connecting to information. What kind of information is beneficial to us? And what kind of information is damaging?
Help people move the focus of their spiritual practice from yoga to pranayama (start with alternate nostril breathing). The breathing practices balance the human brain. Everyone should still do yoga and meditation every day.
Teach people how to use intention and how to open their third eye.
Help people realize there is strength in their religious and spiritual beliefs. Everyone needs to stay connected with their church or spiritual center.
Every morning, I do the Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskara). It’s a great way to stretch my body and prepare for the day.
The Sun Salutations is an old age practice from Vedic times. The 12 asanas (poses) are symmetrical and rhythmic. I encourage everyone to do the Sun Salutations. Do each cycle 12 times – the diagram above shows one cycle.
Here are detailed instructions for the asanas (taken from Atma Darshan Yogashram Teachers Training, Bangalore, India):
1st Asana (a) Place feet together. (b) Stand up straight, feeling the straightness in the back; stomach in. (c) Join the palms together in Namasker and place them in front of the chest in an attitude of prayer. (d) Relax the whole body.
2nd Asana (a) Raise both arms above the head, stretching them fully upwards and backwards. Do not bend the elbows. (b) The distance between the arms should be shoulder width. (c) Bend the upper trunk back as far as possible without losing balance; keep eyes open. (d) Drop head back (e) Feel the stretch in the abdomen, chest, throat, and compression in the back.
3rd Asana (a) Bend forward to try and touch your toes with your fingers or hands. The ideal position is with the palms flat on the ground by the side of the feet with fingers pointing forward and in line with the toes. If the ideal position cannot be achieved yet, don’t force the body to do so. Go as far down as possible without straining; let the hands hang loose. Knees straight. (b) Try to touch the knees with the forehead without bending the knees. (c) Feel the stretch in the back, hamstring muscles and spine, as also the compression in the abdomen.
4th Asana (a) Bend the knees. (b) Take the right leg as far back as possible and let the knee touch the ground. (c) Bend the left knee, arch the back and tilt the head backwards gazing at the ceiling. The chest will be pressed against the left knee. (d) Keep the arms straight and in the final posture; the weight of the body should be taken on both hands, the left foot, the right knee and the right toes. (e) Feel the stretch on the inside of the thigh, on the abdomen, chest and throat; feel the compression in the back of neck and the small of the back.
5th Asana (a) Straighten the left leg and place the left foot by the right. (b) Raise the buttocks up and lower the head so that it lies between the two arms, towards the knees. (c) The body should form two sides of a triangle, with the buttocks as the apex. Push your nose towards the knees. (d) Legs and arms should be straight and try and touch the ground with your heels feeling the stretch in the hamstring, neck and back muscles; as also the compression in the abdomen.
6th Asana (a) Bend your arms and lower your body to the ground, first touching the ground with the two knees – go slightly forward on your hands so that the chest and chin touch the ground between the hands. (b) Raise hip and abdomen slightly off the ground feeling the pressure in the small of the back.
7th Asana (a) Straighten your arms, move your chest forward, arch your back and tilt your head as far back as possible so as to stare at the ceiling. (b) Lower the thighs so as to come in contact with the ground. (c) Toes shoulder be turned under with feet together. (d) Feel the stretch on the abdomen, rib cage and throat; and compression at the back of the neck and the lower back.
8th Asana (a) Raise the buttocks up and lower the head so that it lies between the two arms, towards the knees. (b) The body should form two sides of a triangle, with the buttocks as the apex. Push your nose towards the knees. (c) Legs and arms should be straight and try and touch the ground with your heels feeling the stretch in the hamstring, neck and back muscles; as also the compression in the abdomen.
9th Asana (a) Bend the left leg to touch the ground with the left knee, simultaneously bring the right leg up placing the right toes in line with the fingers between the arms. (b) Arch back and tilt your head back so as to stare at the ceiling. (c) Feel the stretch on the inside of the thigh, on the abdomen, chest and throat; feel the compression in the back of neck and the small of the back.
10th Asana (a) Bring the left foot up and place it in line with the right. (b) Straighten both knees and bring the nose as close to the knees as possible and palms and fingers as close to the ground as possible. (c) Feel the stretch in the back, hamstring muscles and spine, as also the compression in the abdomen.
11th Asana (a) Rise and raise arms above the head, bending the upper trunk and head backwards without losing your balance. Do not bend the elbows. (b) The distance between the arms should be shoulder width. (c) Feel the stretch in the abdomen, chest, throat, and compression in the back.
12th Asana (a) Straighten the trunk and bring the hands in front of chest to join the palms in a Namasker, relaxing the whole body.
Surya Namaskara
Here are some benefits of doing the Sun Salutations:
Loosens up joints, flexes all muscles, and massages all the important internal organs
Creates breath awareness, helps us to breathe correctly (slow and deep), and increases oxygen
Reduces anxiety and stress
Increases circulation in vital organs (heart and lungs)
Opens your chakras and harmonizes the whole body/mind complex
Aligns with the meridians and sen lines
Prepares your body and mind for meditation (creates mental clarity)
About five days ago, I woke up with mild vertigo*. I get vertigo occasionally. Sixteen years ago while I was swimming in the ocean, a wave crashed down on my head, and I hit my head on something. Ever since then, I am vulnerable to getting vertigo. A head cold or stress can set it in motion.
If you have ever had vertigo, you know that the room can spin around. It can be scary. When I have dizziness, I use a drishti to anchor my gaze. A drishti is a focal point. I stare at one spot or object. I do not let my eyes off the object or spot. According to Wikipedia, a drishti, or focused gaze, is a means for developing concentrated intention. It relates to the fifth limb of yoga (pratyahara) concerning sense withdrawal, as well as the sixth limb dharana relating to concentration.
When I teach yoga, I instruct my students to use a drishti; especially for balance poses. I say to my students, “Steady eyes…steady pose.” And when I have vertigo, I must use a drishti. It is the only thing that keeps me from spinning around and around.
This past week when I had vertigo, I thought about what if I need to close my eyes. For example, if I am resting or sleeping or even during an emergency situation. So this week I practiced using an inner drishti. And when I did use the inner drishti, I found comfort and stability. I felt like I could manage my vertigo symptoms and it eased my fear of vertigo.
My inner drishti is a red rose. I picture in my mind the beautiful rose, like the photo above. I remember my time walking through the Wilson Rose Garden at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. I steady my eyes on the rose. I can see its delicate petals. I remember its fragrant smell.
I encourage everyone to pick an inner drishti. Practice using it. Maybe when you do the tree pose or some other balance pose, you can close your eyes and practice your inner drishti. Or practice using it before you go to sleep. Pick one image. It must be something beautiful, something you love. It should also be something you can see in nature or real life. Why? Because I think it will connect your brain with a positive memory, and this will trigger a pleasant sensation.
You have a powerful mind. You can use your inner drishti as a tool to calm your mind, increase concentration, and reduce fear.
Namaste, world.
*Suggestions if you have vertigo: get the over-the-counter medication called Bonine, receive physical therapy, wear Sea Bands (acupressure bands).
About five days ago, I woke up with mild vertigo*. I get vertigo occasionally. Sixteen years ago while I was swimming in the ocean, a wave crashed down on my head, and I hit my head on something. Ever since then, I am vulnerable to getting vertigo. A head cold or stress can set it in motion.
Tunnel Vision 8 