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My 2 cents amidst the chaos
I overheard a woman say to her friend, “There’s not enough yoga and meditation to counter what’s going on in the world!” They both laughed, but I couldn’t help thinking - actually, that’s exactly what we need more of right now.
Not just the surface level stuff we usually associate with yoga - stretching and a few deep breaths but the whole practice. Especially the 1st limb of the Yoga Sutras: the Yamas. It’s all about how we treat ourselves and each other. The basics - non-violence, honesty, not stealing, self-control, and not being greedy. These aren’t mystical ideas - they are the practical building blocks of healing and connection. If we all made even a small effort to live by those principles, our communities could really start to heal.
The world feels overwhelming right now and No, we can’t fix everything but I believe our main task is to not lose ourselves - not to lose compassion for all beings. The suffering, the chaos - it’s a lot. It’s easy to shut down and feel like nothing we do will make any difference.
Before we can feel which path we need to take, we need to get quiet enough to hear our own inner guidance. Be still and listen to our inner wisdom and intuition so we know what rooms we’re being called into - where our energy is most needed. That’s when it becomes most important to do something, even if it feels small.
Help a neighbor. Donate some time to that cause that’s pulling at your heart the most. Call or visit a friend you usually only text. Smile at a stranger. Every little act of compassion pushes back against the numbness, the disconnection. It reminds us of who we are - messy, imperfect humans who really do need each other now more than ever.
That’s the real yoga. This is how we begin to mend what’s broken and that’s the real medicine.
Other Ways to Raise Your Vibration
The 8 Limbs of Yoga
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are a collection of ancient texts that outline the philosophy and practice of yoga. Central to this philosophy are the 8 Limbs of Yoga, which provide a path toward self-realization, inner peace, and enlightenment.
These sutras go beyond just physical poses; they offer guidance on how to live with more balance, awareness, and a sense of connection to something greater. They emphasize mental and emotional balance, self-awareness, and connection with a higher consciousness.
Ultimately, the Yoga Sutras serve as a timeless guide to spiritual growth and fulfillment.
1. Yama – The 1st limb of yoga is all about how we treat ourselves and others. It includes 5 key principles: Non-Violence, Truthfulness, Not Stealing, Self-Control, and Non-Greed. Practicing the yamas helps us become more aware of our actions and more kind and thoughtful in how we show up in the world.
2. Niyama – The 2nd limb is about personal habits and how we take care of ourselves on the inside. It includes Cleanliness, Contentment, Discipline, self-reflection, and Devotion to Our Higher Power or The Great Mystery. Practicing the niyamas helps build a strong inner foundation and keeps us grounded and focused.
3. Asana – The 3rd limb of yoga is the physical posture. These are the poses we practice in yoga class. it’s about finding comfort and stability in the body so we can sit peacefully and focus the mind and prepare for meditation.
4. Pranayama – The 4th limb of yoga is about breathing techniques that help us to control our breath and increase energy flow in the body. Practicing pranayama can improve our respiratory function, calm the mind, and increase our vitality.
5. Pratyahara – The 5th limb of yoga is about withdrawing our senses from external distractions and turning our focus inwards. By practicing pratyahara, we can cultivate inner stillness and heightened awareness.
6. Dharana – The 6th limb of yoga is about developing concentration and mental focus. Practicing dharana can improve our ability to focus on a single point or object, which is essential for meditation.
7. Dhyana – The 7th limb of yoga is about cultivating a state of meditation. By practicing dhyana, we can enter a state of deep relaxation and inner peace, where the mind is free from distractions and focused on the present moment- the only moment.
8. Samadhi – The 8th and final limb of yoga is about achieving a state of union with the divine or universal consciousness. By practicing samadhi, we can attain a state of pure awareness and experience a state of bliss and oneness with all that is.
🎶 Imagine all the people livin' life in peace...
Some Books on the Subject...
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Chip Hartranft.
Any of Beryl Bender Birch's Books
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How to Breathe Correctly for Optimal Health, Mood, Learning & Performance/ Huberman Lab Podcast
Enjoy this Talk chocked full of knowledge
about the biology of breathing, positive benefits of breathing properly for mood, to reduce psychological and physiological stress, to halt sleep apnea, and improve facial aesthetics and immune system function. He explains how to breath to optimize learning, memory and reaction time.... and much more
Anyone interesting in improving their mental and physical health or performance in any endeavor ought to benefit from the information and tools in this episode.
Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and tenured Professor in the Department of Neurobiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine.
Listen wherever you get your silly podcasts.
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Guided Sleep Meditation with Yoga Nidra Techniques & Night Time Nature Sounds
Can't get to sleep? Try this beautiful partially guided meditation with Ally Boothroyd. You can also download any of her practices.
Ally has a lot of great meditations and yoga Nidra videos. Practicing Yoga Nidra can improve sleep and memory, reduce stress and anxiety, and help manage PTSD.
Ally Boothroyd is a Yoga Nidra educator & YTT facilitator, yoga educator & meditation teacher.
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Jill Bolte Taylor's TED Talk
A true spiritual scientist. Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor's TED talk is a true inspiration.
Check out her books;
My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey
Whole Brain Living The Anatomy of Choice and the Four Characters That Drive Our Life
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How to Find Balance in the Age of Indulgence - Dr. Anna Lembke
After Skool is one of my favorite YouTube sites. A weekly dose of fun and interesting science, ideas, stories, education and more!
Anna Lembke is professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic
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Wim Hof
The Wim Hof Method is a combination of meditation, breathing exercises, and exposure to cold that can help you regulate your stress levels.
Here's a safety video by Wim Hof. Watch the whole thing before jumping into this practice.
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Happy Life Animal Rescue
Need unconditional Love in your life? This is where we found our little white love sponge, Odin.
Happy Life Animal Rescue might be where you get saved :o)
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A Prayer by Pixie Lighthouse
Pixie Lighthouse is one of my favorite warriors of the light. Check out her Website for more offerings
Elizabeth Gilbert's Ted Talk
One of my all time favorite TED talks by Elizabeth Gilbert.
A very eloquent way to describe the creative genius.
A Challenging Practice with Beryl Bender Birch
A Challenging Practice with Beryl Bender Birch
Present Power Yoga practice with, Beryl Bender Birch. This is a modified version of the Primary series 1.5 hrs. Take your inner teacher with you and start out well hydrated.
Tension & Trauma Release
A Challenging Practice with Beryl Bender Birch
Tension & Trauma Release
Dr. David Bercelli's TRE Tension, Stress and Trauma Release.
“SHAKE IT OFF NATURALLY” the latest publication by Dr. David Berceli.
This book contains a self-help, stress reduction exercise technique whose central aspect is the activation of a mild shaking response of the nervous system.