During a recent conversation (thanks Deri and David), I discovered the elusive nature underpinning the compelling attractiveness of charisma. Interestingly, the three of us agreed its presence was recognizable within seconds of meeting someone. However, after researching some standard definitions on…
In order to be happy, have you spent your life resisting social pressures to be normal? Has anyone said to you, “Why can’t you be like everyone else?” I can certainly relate having elected not to be a wife or…
(Hyde Park Gate image by Phil Bird) During the elevated emotional and verbal vitriol of the American mid-term elections, this Arabian proverb came to mind — The words of the tongue should have three gatekeepers: Is it TRUE? …
At various times in our lives, each of us experiences the feeling we could do anything we desire. It’s a powerful and uplifting sensation, so much so, we can usually recall the last time we felt this way. Conversely, we…
When was the last time you experienced confusion? We all know that feeling of not being able to move forward on a project or make a decision to act. Maybe we are racked with self-doubt or simply lacking the knowledge…
I began my meditation practice in 1992, almost 30 years ago. Without question, meditation was and is instrumental in transforming my thoughts, feelings, words and actions. I have more mental, physical and creative energy in this second half of…
Over the past week, a discussion on “coming from the heart” versus “coming from intuition” led me to a new direct experience about awareness and integration. Before I go any further, I need to briefly explain what I mean by…
This past weekend, I had a thoughtful conversation with several yoga students on a subject near and dear to my heart—divinity. This is often a confusing word, particularly in yoga, which is classified as a spiritual practice and philosophy and…
Autumn is looming on the horizon. In Northern climates like mine this means a whole host of activities emerge necessary to prepare us for the eventual snowfall. Whether we northerners like winter or not, it is surely on its way…
Backbends that Counteract Strain and Fatigue With gardening season approaching its end, one sure cure for a gardener’s tired back is to bend it the opposite way. Of course in yoga vernacular, we call that back bending. The Ustrasana (Camel…
Use gardening to connect with Mother Earth Right up there with yoga asana, gardening is a profound healing and meditative practice. In creating an indoor or outdoor green oasis, we enable the emotional and mental healing so necessary for when we…
Strong joints equal perfect poses Not everyone can do yoga poses, but everyone can do yoga actions. The purpose of each yoga action, presented in the many articles published here, is to awaken the intelligence of the body. The required shift…
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