Reflect, Rejuvenate & Rejoice!

The Red Planet Retrogrades

2012-01-24T21:49:00.010-08:00

In Vedic Astrology, Mars, "the red planet" is considered somewhat of an anomaly amongst the planetary clan. It is the planet of action and always ready for battle. Mars, known as Mangala ("the auspicious one") in Sanskrit, is the celestial warrior; adventuresome and fighting for a cause.

Typically, Mars stays in a sign of the zodiac for about six weeks and then moves on to the next zodiacal battlefield. However, Mars is waging its battle in the sign of Leo for an unprecedented eight months.

Mars just turned retrograde at 29 degrees of Leo (30 degrees comprise a sign) and is moving backwards in its apparent motion in the heavens. When a planet is retrograde, it is closer to the earth and can thus exerts more of a gravitational impact. Hence, people often claim to feel the energetic impact of a retrograde planet strongly and some deem it as an unwelcome experience. Mars is also known as vakri - the crooked one - in Sanskrit. This is due to its very unusual transits, as evidenced by its current stay in Leo.

Being a fiery planet in the fiery sign of Leo (ruled by the Sun), Mars wants to act forcefully. Fortunately, Mars and the Suns are considered friendly to each other in the system of Vedic Astrology so Mars feels comfortable in its stay in Leo. However, it is unable to behave normally since it is moving at only a fraction of its daily motion. How this will impact each individual will vary on where their natal Mars is placed, what is natally placed in their birth charts in Leo and also what their ascendant (rising sign) is.

Generally speaking, when Mars is stifled, it can lead to pent up aggression or passive-aggressive behavior. It can also manifest as plans not coming to fruition as quickly as one had anticipated. There may be drawn out battles. Things may simmer for a long time before they boil over.

Physiologically, it may show up as blood stagnation as Mars is connected to our blood and blood circulation. Leo also has to do with the heart, so it is advisable to monitor any heart health concerns which may arise.

The fifth house of the zodiac also has to do with children in everyone's charts. Be wary of arguments with children who may just be venting their frustration. Children may also become more competitive or get more involved in sports activities and excel there. In any horoscope, the fifth house also represents mentors and advisers so it could bring in powerful male mentors and advisers into a person's life. Alternately, you may be called on to serve as a counselor to others. The fifth house also signifies entertainment, so you may feel pulled to engage in some daring activities such as sky-diving or bungee-jumping. With the fifth house of the zodiac also representing intellect, it may bring in some powerful insights.

Additionally, in Vedic Astrology, Mars also is considered to be a significator of siblings in everyone's charts. Siblings may show up powerfully in your life during this time period. You may be able to form deeper alliances with them or get mired in conflict.

Since Mars also is the ruler of Tuesday during the week, be particularly vigilant about accidents or injuries on Tuesdays. Traditionally, in the Vedic system, people honor Hanuman or Ganesha on Tuesdays as a way of propitiating Mars. And in the Roman system, Mars, the God of war was worshiped.

The key during this time is to cultivate patience and not get caught up in frustration. Otherwise, you may miss the powerful opportunities which may arise. Mars ends its retrogression on April 20 and goes direct and finally leaves Leo on June 21, 2012 and moves into Virgo.

You are what you eat!

2012-01-17T16:28:00.004-08:00

We’ve all heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” What does this really mean?
Basically, that everything that we take in impacts us - both physically and mentally. Food can be used as medicine and it can also that which causes us to seek out the correct medicine. Food supplies essential nutrients to our body and these nutrients circulate in the bloodstream and nourish our tissues. If we eat improperly and eat food that is days old, difficult to digest, heavy, full of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, fat and sugars, then our body has to operate under stress and it has a difficult time performing its normal functions. Organs eventually operate under stress and then wear out and there’s need for medical, even surgical intervention.

All the hormones in our meat and dairy have an destabilizing influence on our health and cause abnormalities, especially in children. Kids can become overweight, girls reach puberty and begin menstruation well before their teens, they develop hormonal disorders and more. Avoid BGH (bovine growth hormone) and look for labels in your dairy purchases that label the products as free of any hormones. Rennet in cheese has been linked to ADD (attention deficit disorder).

Start reading labels. See what’s in everything that you are buying. Look at calories, fat content, sugars, preservatives, etc. Avoid trans-fats, genetically modified or genetically engineered products. See if the product has hydrogenated oils, enriched flours, white flour, malt syrup, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame (found in Nutra-Sweet), or the preservative MSG (mono-sodium glutamate). Ask your favorite Thai or Chinese restaurant if they use MSG in their food, and if they do, to make the dish without it. MSG creates a lot of inflammation in the body.

According the Ayurvedic texts, cooked honey clogs the channels and cannot be removed. It’s amazing when you start reading labels and seeing that honey is in your baked goods, crackers, and spaghetti syrup.

Aluminum has been linked to Alzheimer’s. Aluminum is often found in a lot of the stainless steel cookware. Better if it is not the base of the pan. There are reports that non-stick cookware are linked to health problems.

Microwaves are not only carcinogenic, but they kill the prana/chi/life force of the food and alter the molecular composition of the food. If you are what you eat and you are eating dead food, then how does that help us with our health?

Yes, they’re convenient. There are alternatives for the workplace: a hot plate, stainless steel “tiffin” cans from your local Indian grocery store, a thermos for your soup, and stay-warm insulated containers. It’s about making a change in your lifestyle, if you are willing.

What’s your state of mind when you are cooking? What about the person who prepared your food if you’re not the cook?

We don’t just ingest food; we also ingest the information that is on the billboards on the highway, the music we hear, the noise, the pollution, all the conversations that we hear and partake in, all the info on that we read, all the items on the news ……..the list go on. Your brain has to process that information, just as your body has to process whatever it takes in. Unresolved, unprocessed information can result in mental toxins and lead to anxiety, nervousness, ticks, spasms, tremors, anger, or depression. It’s not uncommon for young kids to see something scary on tv and then wet their bed or have nightmares. Adults are no different, but the results manifest differently for them. Our bodies can never be totally at peace if our minds are not at rest. They go hand in hand.

Make small changes, one at a time, and eventually it becomes part of your daily lifestyle. Then you are automatically eating healthier foods. We can make wise, informed choices about what we take in and take charge of our health accordingly.

Be Mindful!y Present

2012-01-16T00:10:00.002-08:00

There’s the saying, “Today is tomorrow that you worried about yesterday.” While it’s humorous, it rings true for the majority of us. We’re so busy worrying about, thinking about, contemplating, planning, getting anxious over what has happened and what has yet to happen. There’s no time to just be. The “to do” list grows. We cram our schedules full of activity but hardly have any time to enjoy them.

We’re so busy trying to rectify past actions that we can’t have gratitude for the present moment.

When someone asks what you did yesterday, or over the weekend, do you often say, “I can’t even remember.” Or do you remark at times, “I can’t even remember what I did today.” This happens more often then we’d like to admit to ourselves, or to others. Why is that? We are so busy trying to achieve, accomplish, and plan, that we fail to rejoice in what is presently presented to us.

Try this for one hour first.

Be present to everything that is happening to and around you. Pay attention to those noises that you usually drown out – your co-workers, the kids, your neighbors, traffic, the radio, etc. Don’t judge them.

Just watch whatever comes up in your mind and do nothing about it.

If you eat, be conscious of what you are eating, how it was cooked, and how it tastes. Really engage your tastes buds and senses. Savor the aroma & the flavor.

If you’re walking up or down a flight of stairs, pay attention to each step as you take it and really notice the steps.

Pay attention to your breath and how you hold your breath when you get stressed, nervous or anxious. Then, it’s easier for things to “get on your nerves” because your nervous system is highly sensitized to all events.

This anxiety leads to an imbalance in the body and the state of dis-ease.

When illness occurs, we start to re-think many things and how we could have prevented it.

We cannot re-live any moment of our lives, regardless of how much we regret it or enjoyed it.What we can do is learn from where we have been, create a plan for where we’d like to go and execute it, and remember to rejoice in the present moment.

Go Fly A Kite!

2012-01-14T10:25:00.006-08:00

The saying “Go fly a kite!” takes on a literal meaning every January 14 in India. This date marks the holiday of Makar Sankranti, as it is called in the state of Maharashtra. Makar means Capricorn. The reason for the celebration is the entry of the Sun into the sign of Capricorn in Vedic Astrology. The sign of Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn. Normally, we pay more attention to the placement of the Moon rather than the Sun, but this day is a marked exception. On January 14, the Sun begins its Northernly movement in the heavens. This commences the beginning of longer and warmer days.

People celebrate this holiday in Maharashtra by climbing on top of tall building and flying colorful kites. They engage in the friendly competition of trying to “cut” another person’s kite from the air. People give their friends and relatives ladus (sweets) made from white sesame seeds and jaggery. Residents either receive or do self-massages with sesame oil (the traditional oil used in Ayurvedic medicine) are also given. It is believed that sesame originates from Lord Vishnu’s body (the preserver of the universe) and that engaging in specific rituals with sesame and sesame oil will rid the body of impurities.

In the state of Gujarat, people celebrate the holiday that they call Uttarayana by having the elders in the family system give gifts to the younger members. Scholarships are also offered to students on this auspicious day. Cows, which are the sacred animal in India due to their quality of providing nurture for others, are specially fed.

In South India, this day is known as Pongal, which receives its appellation for the sweet rice milk that is served on this day. This marks the new year for the residents of the state of Tamil Nadu. Freshly harvested corn is also eaten for the first time.

In the state of Punjab, they partake in an agricultural festival called Lodi. Devotees will bring sweets made with sesame seeds as offering to temple deities.

In Uttara Pradesh, the day is called Khichadi, which is the traditional food made from basmati rice and moong dahl. Additionally, in Madhya Pradesh, the citizens celebrate the day as Sukarat.

Whatever region of India, people reside in, they celebrate with sweets, kites, and with friends and family. Starting the day with the dip in the holy Ganges (pronounced as Gung-ahh) River is done wherever possible to commence the auspicious day. Surya, the Sun God, is also worshiped throughout the country. Fire ceremonies are also a common occurrence. People also give donations of sesame seeds, wheat, jaggery, corn, clothing, and money to the poor.

The origin of this holiday dates back to the epic the Mahabharata, in which the hero Bhishma lay wounded on the battlefield, with arrows piercing his body. However, he persevered until the Sun began its Northern movement and then chose to die.

The Sun is responsible for illumining everything around us and for shedding light on us, both literally and figuratively. Surya, the Sun God, is worshiped by many astrologers to help them illumine the lives of others.

With this year’s entry of the Sun into Capricorn, the Sun will be joining an exalted Mars. Mars is exalted, or at its highest point in delivering favorable results, in Capricorn. Both the Sun and Mars are Pitta (fiery) planets in the system of Ayurveda. The Sun rules the bones and Mars rules the blood. So, it is an auspicious day to commence activities, especially health promoting ones such as yoga.

Meditate on this!

2012-01-13T13:12:00.002-08:00

All too often people say that they can’t meditate, or that they don’t know how.

Meditation is what happens when one sits down with the intention of meditating.

It does not mean that one has to sit crossed leg in lotus pose or padmasana (pud-ma-sun-ah), that they have to say “Om” all the time, or that their minds should be a blank slate.

On the contrary, thoughts still come and go when you meditate. You should not be attached to them. Watch them come and go like clouds in the sky. Do not judge them or follow then.

Sit on the floor or a chair with your spine erect so that the spiritual energy can flow.

You may want to put a cushion under you (if sitting on the floor) or behind you (if sitting on a chair).

It’s good to have a special place reserved just for meditation and to meditate in the same place daily. It’s good to sit on a piece of wool to preserve the meditation energy.

Hands can rest on the thighs or your knees. They can be unfolded, or one on top of another. Some prefer to have their ring finger and thumb touching, in chin mudra, so that there’s a circle of energy created.

If you have a mantra, repeat it and coordinate it with your inhalation and exhalation.

Or, you can meditate on a quality, such as tranquility, love, peace, etc.

Alternately, you can just pay attention to your breath.

There is no set amount of time that you should meditate. A hour is great. If not do five minutes, fifteen minutes, half an hour, or whatever your schedule allows.

Try not to have too many distractions when meditating. Turn off your cell phone, PDA, beeper, tv, radio, home phone etc for that time. The messages, if any, wll be there when you get up.

Meditation is a great way to relieve stress and to clear the mind.

So meditate without any expectations and you may be pleasantly surprised.

Resolve to be Irregularly Regular

2012-01-12T13:27:00.003-08:00

The world's oldest system of healing, Ayurveda, states that we are all comprised of 3 basic principles or energy, which give shape and form to our bodies, mental state and activities. They are: Vata, Pitta, & Kapha. We are born with a balance which is appropriate for us, but then become imbalanced over time, due to both internal and external factors.

Vata, the principle of movement, is aggravated by an erratic lifestyle. The more that Vata is out of balance, the more that an individual engages in irregular regimens. So, the cycle perpetuates itself.

Vata can cause pain, stiffness, insomnia, anxiety, fear, constipation, arthritis, and dizziness to name a few ailments.

The individual with elevated levels of Vata would do best follow a regular routine. If Vata is imbalanced, it can “push” or provoke Pitta or Kapha, and cause them to become out of balance as well.

The best thing to do is to set a regular routine. The Vata individual values his/ her freedom and doesn’t want to the same thing daily. Yet, they often find themselves unable to complete projects, make commitments on time, and maintain their health.

We all tend to prioritize other things in lives than our own health, at one time or another.
Make a commitment for one week to get up and go to bed the same time each day. Eat your meals at the same time each day. Don’t eat on the run. Sit down and eat your food quietly. Eat warm, freshly prepared, well-cooked and flavorful foods. If it’s not possible to have a warm meal, carry some soup with you in a thermos. Don’t eat while driving or talking on the phone or watching tv.

Keep warm and dress properly. Cold will aggravate vata.

Don’t have cold or chilled drinks. Let go of the ice habit.

Exercise but don’t over exert yourself.

Have some spiritual practice, i.e. chanting, meditation, reading a sacred text and commit to it daily.

This disciplined life may seem very unnatural but being irregularly regular could regulate your life a whole lot more.

So try it and see.

Spice Up Your Life!

2012-01-11T13:23:00.003-08:00

While Indians do have lower life expectancies than people living in the West, and they suffer from diseases such as malnourishment and malaria, it’s a well-documented fact that they don’t suffer from some of the same dis-eases as Americans. They have lower rates of heart disease, cholesterol, and diabetes.

One reason that Indians do maintain their health, in spite of all the challenges that they may face, is due to their diet.

Some people still lack refrigeration so the food is freshly cooked. There is a great emphasis on eating freshly prepared, warm food for each meal and having the family together for meals.

Many people don’t have microwaves and are not exposed to that carcinogenic invention.

They use ghee, or clarified butter for cooking and on their food. Contrary to popular opinion, ghee does not raise cholesterol or clog the arteries. Most of the fat is removed in the preparation of ghee. Ghee actually nourishes the tissues, aids digestion, improves brain function, and contains Vitamins A, D, E & K.

The spices used in traditional Indian cooking not only add flavor, but also have medicinal properties.

Nutmeg enhances the tone of the muscles and helps with insomnia.

Garlic boosts the immunity and reduces cholesterol.

Turmeric is anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-flatulent, and a decongestant. It purifies the blood and can be used in the treatment of cancer.

Black pepper is a powerful digestive stimulant. It destroys toxins from the body.

Cardamom is a heart tonic as well as an expectorant for respiratory diseases.

Cinnamon is an expectorant and decongestant, especially for flu and colds. It can be used to treat sinus congestion and bronchitis.

Cumin is anti-inflammatory and aids in digestion.

Coriander is a digestive stimulant and a mild diuretic.

Fennel balances all 3 Ayurvedic doshas. It is good for bad breath and is a mild laxative.

A mixture of these spices is used in most Indian recipes; it not only makes them tasty but also regulates health.

Many Ayurvedic home remedies contain these spices. This makes it easy to heal without having to run to the doctor or pharmacy when you’re not well.

Put these spices on your grocery list and then get cooking!

Something to smile about!

2012-01-10T12:07:00.005-08:00

One oft-neglected regimen in our daily lives is our mouth and dental hygiene. We take our teeth, lips, saliva, etc. for granted until we have a problem. Then we run to the dentist. It is beneficial to get an annual dental check up. When’s the last time you saw the dentist? Make an appointment today if it’s been a while since you got checked for cavities or other possible dental problems.There are methods to make that visit to the dentist a pleasant experience.

Let’s take a look at some ways.

Take a look at your toothbrush. How old is it? The American Dental Association recommends replacing it every 3-4 months.

Brush your teeth first thing in the morning after you get up. Do not consume food or liquid before you brush! Lots of bacteria have built up in your mouth while you slept, so if you start eating or drinking before you brush, then you’re taking those germs into your body as well. It’s beneficial to brush after meals as well, if possible. Make sure you brush before you go to bed. This is a way of removing the toxins that have accumulated during the day and it prevents them for circulating while you sleep.

Get a metal tongue cleaner. The majority of toxins in your mouth accumulate on your tongue, so cleaning your tongue after you brush (and before you rinse out your mouth) is a great way to remove these contaminants. Brush before you consume anything in the morning to avoid ingesting all the bacteria that's accumulated overnight. Do not use a plastic tongue cleaner; they’re usually formulated wrong (in the shape of a triangle). A stainless steel one is best for all body types. Using your toothbrush shaves the papillae (those pink bumps) on your tongue and cause redness. Most health food stores are selling tongue cleaners these days. Hold the tongue cleaner by the corners and scrape your tongue from back to front. Rinse the tongue cleaner and repeat. Wash the tongue cleaner and rinse out your mouth. In both Ayurveda and Oriental medicine, each part of the tongue is connected to a certain bodily organ. Trained professionals use tongue diagnosis to examine where health concerns exist. White coating in a certain area, cracks, indentations, and discoloring are all indicators that some organ may not be functioning up to par. Scraping the tongue early in the morning also stimulates the bodily organs and assists with their optimal operation.

Here's a source online for tongue cleaners:

http://www.banyanbotanicals.com/prodinfo.asp?number=5211

Concerned about bad breath? It originates from the tongue, so keeping the tongue clean will minimize bad breath. Chewing roasted sesame, cumin, coriander, and fennel seeds after a meal minimizes bad breath and aids digestion.

The dangers of fluoride and its links to illness are pretty well publicized these days. Examine your toothpaste and see if it contains fluoride. You may want to make another choice next time.

Dentists say that regular flossing can help prevent lots of dental problems. Make that part of your regular routine; it can take less than a minute and save lots of money down the road in dental bills.

Do you have mercury fillings in your teeth? The hazards posed by these has also been documented. Ask about getting them removed, one at time or all at once, as your budget allows.

A good source of calcium is chewing white sesame seeds. A mixture of sesame seeds and raisins are an excellent source of calcium and iron and make a tasty snack!

Dry lips? Try putting some ghee (clarified butter) on them (ideally the homemade kind made with organic butter).

Have your massage therapist massage your jaw and neck to relieve tension that’s held there. Or find someone who specializes in cranial-sacral therapy.

If your mouth is happy and healthy, then you’ll really have something to smile about! And so will your dentist.

Being Resolute in the Year Ahead

2012-01-09T11:57:00.004-08:00

It's typical for people to make New Year's resolutions each year, again & again. Resolutions are great, but if we become resolute in setting impossible standards for ourselves, just so we can share it with others, and then talk later about how we didn’t quite live up to it, and start the same story over again. Some people are quite successful with their resolutions, but these people are committed to a goal and set reasonable, measurable, and achievable goals for themselves.

It may be a good time to start cultivating healthy habits. Each day for the next week, I’ll make a suggestion on how you can do something that will help restore and rejuvenate you. Something fairly easy that you can incorporate into your life.

It’s time to take a good look at your health. How is your vitality, your digestion? What’s the condition of your joints? Any aches and pains in the body? Have you had repeated colds, sinus congestion, or cough? What about your weight? Be honest with yourself without being judgmental.

Is it time to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, or thyroid?
Do you need to see your chiropractor, acupuncturist or massage therapist for that back pain? What about getting some energy work done to take care of that stress? When’s the last time that you saw your naturopath, homeopath, Ayurvedic practitioner, Chinese medicine doctor, or other holistic practitioner? How long do you want to stay on that prescription medicine that your allopath is suggesting? What about using natural means to heal so that you can lower your frequency or dosage and show your allopathic doctor that a medical condition is not a life sentence? Can you commit to a regular form of exercise? How about joining a gym? Find an exercise buddy. Get a pedometer and strive for at least 10,000 footsteps a day. Buy a yoga pass for a series of classes at your favorite yoga studio. Sign up for some dance classes ... from ballroom to belly. Can you hire a personal trainer for at least a few sessions? Exercise and diet go hand in hand and it would also be wise to re-examine your dietary habits (or lack thereof).

If you’re usually prone to winter colds and congestion, then how about seeing your holistic practitioner to discuss what can be modified in advance this year?

Any health care professional will tell you that the earlier that you catch an illness in the disease process, the easier it is to treat, and generally, the shorter the healing time.

Put your health on your “to do” list and make it a priority. If there’s some niggling problem or something that you’ve been putting off, wait no more. Take charge of your health. Take time for yourself. In the ancient Ayurvedic texts, one form of wealth is defined as good health. Get healthy & wealthy.

HAPPY 2012!

2012-01-01T13:13:00.006-08:00

What we do at the beginning of an event has a large part in determining the outcome.

As a teacher of mine often says, "Good start, good finish."

As the new year dawns, we can set a new tone and tenor for the year. Regardless of what has or has not happened over the last year(s), we can make a fresh start.

We can begin by establishing healthier habits in the new year. We can set a regular schedule for ourselves and put it in our PDA/calendar/ date book.

We can be more conscious with our eating habits and what we shop for. We can read the labels more carefully and avoid bring sweets, junk food, and processed foods into the home. We can do away with the microwave and start using the stove again. We can put going to the gym or the yoga class on our weekly schedule.

Take some time for yourself and put that on your calendar. Time when you can sit alone and meditate, contemplate, journal and reflect.

Make time for rejuvenation. Schedule a massage every week, two weeks, or at least every month. Go to your chiropractor or acupuncturist or other your complimentary health practitioner.

Schedule some time to get together with those friends who sent you a holiday card but whom you haven’t seen in ages.

Start your gratitude journal and write in it daily or at least weekly. Reflect on the lessons you’ve learned over the past year and how you can use this information to assist you in the coming year. Let go and don’t hold on to what is not serving you.

Cultivate relationships with uplifting, positive, prosperous people. Are people who drain your energy worth holding on to just because you've known each other forever? Monitor your thoughts more carefully and see if you can let go of the negative stuff. Don’t get caught in the judgment aspect of all this.

Watch “The Secret” or "I am" or similar movies again and get clear on what you desire to create in the coming year and begin the process of making it a reality. Do not focus on the material aspects of the movie or believe that just thinking will make it so. Put your plans into action. Engage in what is for the highest good of all.

Do not put any energy into the 2012 nonsense that is circulating in the media. It is based only on fear, not on actuality. This hype does provide the opportunity for us to re-think and re-shape our lives. If it actually was the last year of our lives, how would we want to live it? At the end of 2012, when we are here again, how will we view the year?

Be vigilant with your time and don’t let the unhealthy distractions deter you from what’s important. Do a periodic check in with yourself and with a buddy in this process.

See what gifts the process can bring and what lessons are revealed. Make adjustments in your journey as necessary, that will be beneficial for you and for others.

The Night Before Christmas

2011-12-24T21:55:00.002-08:00

'Twas the night before Christmas and many were scurrying to & fro
Trying to figure out exactly where the year did go
There had been so much to do
How the year slipped by, they hadn’t a clue
Many a resolution had been made
Yet there were foundations for these which hadn’t been laid
Before another year slips by
There may still be someTwas the night after Christmas and many were scurrying to and fro
Trying to figure out exactly where the year did go
There had been so much to do
How the year slipped by, they hadn’t a clue
Many a resolution had been made
Yet there were foundations for these which hadn’t been laid
Before another year slips by
There may still be some year end strategies for you to try
Go through the year, one month at a time
Reflect on what stands out, ranging from dismal to sublime
See what lesson you may have needed to learn
Remember for what it was that your heart did yearn
What virtues did you cultivate?
Did you take responsibility for your choices?
And realize that you are the master of your own fate?
Did you heed the guidance from the wise inner voices?
Take stock of where you stand in the here and now
Decide what affirmations for 2009 you will avow
Remember it’s not about being perfect every minute of each day
But in being steadfast when things don’t go your way
It’s in staying the course
And not getting lost in regret or remorse
It’s in holding to your vision
Once you’ve made an important decision

December 10, 2011 Lunar Eclipse

2011-12-09T17:30:00.005-08:00

A lunar eclipse is occurring tomorrow.
In a lunar eclipse, there is a full Moon which aligns on the nodal axis. In Jyotish or Vedic astrology and astronomy, each eclipse is given particular emphasis.

In this eclipse, the Moon is in Taurus, as is Ketu, the South node of the Moon. The Sun and Rahu, the North node of the Moon, are in Scorpio.
A full Moon occurs whenever the Sun & Moon are opposite each other in the zodiac. The nodes are always directly opposite each other.

In this particular eclipse, with the Moon and Ketu in Taurus, it takes on an added significance. In Vedic astrology, the Moon is considered to be exalted or very strong, when it is Taurus. And being full, it is also considered powerful. When Ketu (or Rahu) is in Taurus it is considered to be debilitated or weak. When Rahu (or Ketu) is in Scorpio, it is also considered to be exalted. There are varying schools of thought on where the nodes are considered strong and weak. Yet, when the Moon is involved in an eclipse, it is considered to be a sign of weakness.

According to NASA, the peak of the eclipse is 8:30 am Pacific time and it ends at 11:3O am Pacific.

While many people are intent on watching the eclipse, this is never recommended in the Vedic tradition. The mythology related to the nodes, Rahu & Ketu can help explain why.

What follows is a very simplified of the tale. The nodes were a initially embodied in demonic form and they were very desirous of immortality. They heard of a private party where the Gods were celebrating and imbibing amrita, the nectar of immortality. The demon desired to join the party, donned a disguise, and gained admittance. The amrita was passed around the table and the demon tasted it and was then discovered. One of the Gods through a discus and chopped the demon into two halves: the head (Rahu) and the tail (Ketu). The head Rahu, that has now tasted the nectar of immortality is forever questing for that elixir and is never satiated.

Thus the nodes are correlated with illusion and disguise. Since they are "nodes" and not real planets, they are invisible as we are always approximating their position in the sky. Rahu itself has to do with unending questing, desire, ambition, and a hunger for whatever it feels it still needs to attain. There is the connotation of desiring to partake in a situation and with a group where it does not belong. Ketu is usually more often associated with spiritual pursuits, though the theme of questing is still active.

The nodes have the capacity to grab a hold of our mind and make it engage in relentless pursuits, to make the find feel that it has so much more to achieve, to seek another source of stimulation, to unearth a greater challenge. The mind can become unfocused due to the grasping nature of the nodes.

When a person is undergoing a cycle of the nodes, this becomes more pronounced, and will unfold in the forms indicated by the nodes' natal placement and its current placement by transit.
Since this eclipse is visible in North America, it is more significant than one that is not visible on this continent. Just think how many people are figuring out when / how / where to best view the eclipse.

Rather than gazing at the Moon, it's recommended that a person spend the time during an eclipse indoors, engaged in meditation or other spiritual practices and keep an inward focus, rather than an outward focus. It's a time to eat lightly and eat pure foods. Shades should be drawn and food should not be kept out and exposed to the moonlit rays.

In astrology, we speak of the dance between free will and fate. This is a time where we can choose how to spend our late night and our morning. Whatever we do, we can maintain awareness of the state of our mind.

The Slow Mover Hobbles Into Libra

2011-11-14T22:34:00.011-08:00

Om Sham Shri Shanaischaraya Namaha

Like the Jeffersons, Saturn is movin’ on up and there’s gonna be a whole lotta shaking goin’ on. We assess a planet’s impact by seeing what sign of the zodiac it’s in and what that means for us individually as well as those with whom we interact.

The longer that a planet occupies a sign or zodiacal constellation, the more long-lasting its results. We can liken it to our inhabiting a hotel for a few days or being at our residence, which we have occupied for years. While the Moon inhabits each of the 12 constellations for 2.5 days, Saturn stays for 2.5 years. Definitely enough time for us to feel its impact in all our lives.

In the Eastern or “Vedic” system of astrology (Jyotish), Saturn entered Libra tonight. The impact that Saturn has on each individual will vary depending on the personal dynamics of their chart and what planetary cycle they are running. We would pay particular attention to where a person’s natal Saturn is placed and where their Moon is placed. It’s also key to see what is natally placed in Libra, as well as what house of the astrological chart it is for a person (i.e. first house, tenth house, etc.), and what else natally occupies Libra.

Saturn has a strong need for security. Generally, whatever house (or bhava as we say in Jyotish) Saturn is transiting in your chart, you will seek out methods to help make you feel secure about the matter related to that house. Again, you will do so in the way that's indicated by your own personal astrological tendencies.

Saturn, or Shani Maharaj as he is known, is considered to be “exalted” or in a very strong placement when he is Libra. Saturn is connoted with dark places such as basements. It’s moved out of the basement and into a spa and it’s ready to leave its mark. Shani (phonetically shun-nee) also represents that which we shun in our lives. So, a great lesson will be to make peace with the matters of the house that Libra represents in your chart, rather than to continually avoid them.

As an exalted natural malefic, Saturn can be likened to a virulent storm. We know where it’s headed, but we can’t anticipate what damage it will leave it will leave in its wake. The best we can do is to plan ahead and make well-informed choices. Panicking isn’t going to change anything or be in your best interest.

What might this Saturn in Libra bring? The appropriate answer is, “It depends.” It depends on your chart. Remember that in Jyotish, we use the sidereal zodiac, not the tropical zodiac that is utilized in Western astrology, so everything in your chart shifts back 24 degrees, or usually one sign. And we also use the equal house system. If your ascendant is 0 degree Aries or 29 degrees Aries, then your entire first house will be Aries. Part of it won’t be Pisces or Taurus.

The impact Saturn will have in Libra depends on your chart, but here are some generic examples of how these natal Saturn placements may play out, which assumes all other factors being equal. For a Leo ascendant who has a natal Saturn in Libra in their third house, they will have powerful, courageous siblings who will create a lot of conflict.

If you are a Cancer ascendant with Libra as your fourth house, then you may feel the urge to move or make major home improvements. You may find issues with contractors and may feel dissatisfied with the repairs or your new place of residence.

For Capricorn ascendants with Libra ruling the tenth house of career, this Saturn brings a position of great authority or responsibility, but they will feel very burdened by the workload and uncomfortable with being in charge.

Those who have Libra ascendants will come out of a period of introspection or withdrawal. They will take on a new form of exercise designed to help them lose weight. Be careful not to tear or injure your muscles. Their wardrobe and hairstyle may change significantly and they will take a lot of short trips over the next few years.

As an Aries ascendant, Saturn will be in your seventh house, the house of relationships and partnerships. This will be a time for re-evaluating your personal and professional partnerships and taking on the issue of “who’s in charge here?”

Saturn has often gotten a bad rap, in that it is a “malefic” rather than a “benefic” like Jupiter or Venus. Yet, being slow moving, it can teach us very valuable life lessons if we are willing to listen. It can make us stronger by facing up to challenges and help us prioritize things in our life. We cannot work towards achieving moksha if something does not come along to shake us out of our conditioned beliefs and habits and put us on the path of seeking a deeper level of understanding of events. Contrary to popular belief, Saturn is there to help us break free of our patterns and conditioning, rather than punish us. It is a matter of perspective and we often lack the objectivity to step back and look at the events of our lives in a semi-detached manner. That is why people often seek out astrologers or counselors, to help them put what seems to be a blurry picture in focus.

Please note that the more important transit of Saturn into a sign is considered to be its final entry into that sign. Saturn will be in Libra until mid-May and then retrograde back into Virgo (where’s it’s been since 9/9/09) and then re-enter Libra in August and stay until 2014. You may then feel the true impact of Saturn.

Om Sham Shri Shanaischaraya Namaha

Happy Diwali

2011-10-26T07:39:00.003-07:00

May your inner light shine forth radiantly this year!

Happy Navaratri!

2011-09-27T09:10:00.006-07:00

Following Pitru Paksha, the time for honoring our ancestors comes a much more joyous celebration. Tonight marks the first of nine nights of the Indian holiday of Navaratri (also spelled Navratri). Navaratri marks nine days of celebrating the goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Sarasvati.

It is time of celebration, dance, feast, and devotion. Friends and families get together to commemorate these nine nights. They attend large dances, called garbas, where they dance to songs about the goddess. Special prayers are recited to honor and worship each deity.

While there are outer activities done for these celebratory days, there is an inner ritual which also takes place. Each Indian deity, whether male or female, represents certain qualities or traits. There are also myths or stories for each deity which help highlight these traits. The stories serve as teaching tales for children when they are young and as reminders for adults for virtuous characteristics.

The first three nights are dedicated to the mother Goddess Durga. Durga represents righteousness and removing negativities from our lives. As the divine mother, she protects and cares for all, and removes those who wish to cause harm. She is both benevolent and fierce. She remains fixated on her goals and ever watchful of her surroundings. She is fearless and ready for action and is depicted as riding a tiger or lion. Durga has many appellations, including Kali, Amba, Chandika, and Parvati.

Following that are three nights to honor Laskhmi (luck-shmee), who is Lord Vishnu's consort. Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity and abundance. She represents wealth in both material and spiritual forms. She is beautiful and gracious. Lakshmi sits or stands on a lotus flower. The lotus is the flower which is laid at the feet of the Gods. She is dispensing gold coins, so she is not holding on to wealth, but spreading it widely.

The last three nights commemorate the goddess Sarasvati (suh-russ-vuh-tee). Sarasvati is the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, literature, and music. She is dressed in a simple white sari. White symbolizes purity. Knowledge which is obtained from a divine source must be pure. Sarasvati reminds us of the importance of the arts in our lives. She teaches us that knowledge is sacred, and one source of this wisdom is books. She holds a book in one hand and musical instrument called a veena in another hand. There is a mala (the Western equivalent would be a rosary) in another hand, to remind us to worship or recite a mantra. Mantras are usually passed on orally from teacher to student or from a Guru to a disciple.

When we worship these deities, we can take some time to reflect on these qualities within ourselves. How do we embody them? Do we call upon these virtues when we need them? Have we taken time in our lives to protect others, share our abundance and to deepen our knowledge? The holidays return time and again offering us new opportunities for both spiritual and personal growth.

A Sacred Time for Honoring Our Ancestors

2011-09-12T13:25:00.005-07:00

The Indian calendar is lunar based, unlike the Gregorian calendar. The observances during each month are usually spiritual or religious based and rooted in deep tradition.

Today marks the beginning of weeks of Pitru Paksha (Pitt-true Puck-shuh), or Shraadh, which is a time dedicated to honoring our ancestors. It’s a time of remembrance and of offering our gratitude. Indians participate in special rituals and rites during this time. There are specific chants and mantras which are recited during this period.

This is a time when individuals focus on their spiritual practices and meditation. It is typically not a time to commence new ventures or enter into new agreements. Air travel should also be minimized as much as possible, unless it is for spiritual purposes (i.e. a pilgrimage).

Families pay homage to relatives who have passed on and do so on the specific phase of the moon (the tithi) which coincides with the day that the person left his/ her body. Special meals are also prepared for these days, according to tradition.

Pitru Paksha commences on the first day of the waxing (dark phase) Moon in the lunar month of Bhadrapada each year. Pitru Paksha continues through the 26th of this month.

In a Debilitated State

2011-09-08T14:23:00.002-07:00

In Vedic astrology, or Jyotish, we utilize 5 true planets (Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn), the Sun, Moon and the North and South nodes (Rahu and Ketu). These are not the same as the nodes used in Western astrology. We also have 12 houses of the zodiac, from Aries to Pisces. Each occupies an arc of 30 degrees, so the zodiac is a total of 360 degrees. The planets “transit” or move through the zodiac in their own fashion and pace. They move from Aries to Taurus to Gemini… The nodes always move backwards, or in retrograde motion.

The planets, like us, like to be in their own place or somewhere more luxurious. The 7 planets each “own” constellations of the zodiac. They have their own property that they own free and clear – no mortgage. Mars rules Aries and Scorpio. Venus rules the adjoining houses: Taurus and Libra. Mercury gets the next ones: Gemini and Virgo. The Moon gets Cancer and the Sun is regal in Leo. Jupiter owns Sagittarius and Pisces. Saturn is the only planet to own 2 adjoining houses: Capricorn and Aquarius. So the planets are happy when they are in their own sign. They can also be in the sign of a friend or an enemy; and they can be exalted or debilitated. When a planet is exalted it’s in a high state, like being at a spa. It’s well taken care of and can give optimal results (all other factors being equal). When a planet is debilitated, it’s as if it’s living in a run down hotel or apartment in need of major repair. It is weak and does not perform well (all other factors being equal once again). Ideally, we want exalted planets or planets in their own sign to see favorable results.

Last year, we had a very unusual situation where Mars was debilitated (or fallen) in the sign of Cancer for 8 months. Many people reported having difficulties during this time. When Mars is in Cancer, it is at its weakest state of all 12 signs of the zodiac. Mars is the planet of action, it is a kshatriya or a warrior. Mars rules the blood in the system of Ayurveda. Ayurvedically speaking, Mars and Sun are Pitta planets. Mars like to be active and is courageous, decisive and fiery.

When Mars is in Cancer, there is a tendency for people to feel stifled in taking appropriate action, some may resort to passive-aggressive behavior, and there is a greater tendency for more conflict and tension. It is also a time to be more vigilant when driving as there is a greater tendency for accidents when Mars is weak. This year, Mars goes into debilitation from September 9 through October 30.

In Jyotish, people experience planetary cycles from birth through death. The sequence is determined at birth, and is based on the placement of the individual’s natal Moon. For those that are in a Mars cycle, or dasha, they will likely feel Mars’ debilitation the most. Same for those in a Mars bhukti or sub-cycle. Also those who are undergoing the dasha of a planet which is natally placed in a sign ruled by Mars (Aries or Scorpio).

What this means to any specific individual additionally depends on what house Cancer rules for each individual. For an Aries ascendant, Cancer is the fourth house of the zodiac. For a person with Aries rising in the sidereal zodiac (which is about 24 degrees different than the tropical zodiac used in Western astrology), they may have some challenges with fourth house themes such as arguments with mother, car problems, or repairs around their home.

For a Cancer ascendant, Mars is debilitated in the first house of the self. They may feel a great deal of pressure internally and want to let off a great deal of steam, but are unable to find the appropriate outlet. This can cause them to be short-tempered and irritable.

To make the astrological scenario even more dynamic, Venus goes into debilitation from September 10 through October 3. Venus is considered to be debilitated in the sign of Virgo. Venus is the planet of love, beauty, and creativity. People in a Venus dasha or bhukti need to be careful not to rush into new romantic pairings which they could later regret during this time. It’s also a time when some may feel creatively stifled. This is again contingent on what sign the person’s ascendant is and where Virgo falls in their chart.

Regardless of the ascendant, it is important to see the situation as objectively as possible. Take a breath, step back and try to accurately assess the situation and your reaction to it. Don’t rush to jump to conclusions or take hasty actions. Seek the advice of a trusted friend or professional if the issues continue to be troubling. Be clear on what your needs and goals are with any given situation. Give yourself the space you need to reflect on the situation and make sound decisions with the best intentions. Also realize that these are temporary transits and that the planets will only be in these placements temporarily. For those who have these placements in their natal charts, any qualified astrologer can determine if there is modification of debilitation created and offer suggestions to augment this placement, which begins with counseling.

Happy Shivaratri!

2011-03-03T09:42:00.003-08:00

One night of each year in the Indian calendar is dedicated to worship of Lord Shiva.
It is celebrated in the Indian month of Magha.
Vedic astrologers and astronomers look at the phase of the Moon at sunrise to mark auspicious holidays. Given that the phase of the Moon can change during the day, we traditionally focus on where the Moon that morning. For Shivaratri, we celebrate on the 14th day of dark Moon, or chaturdashi. The day after Shivaratri is the new Moon.
Shiva has many names: Nataraj, Mahadeva, Mahesh, Rudra, Ugra, Ardra, Maheshwara, Shambho, Shankara, and the list goes on. Each name describes a specific quality of the lord’s multi-faceted being.
Shiva is “Mahadeva” – the great lord.
On this auspicious and sacred night, it is said that one repetition of the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is magnified 1,000 times.
It is customary people to gather and stay up all night chanting the sacred mantra. People typically fast on this day or refrain from eating grains.
White clothing is customarily worn on Shivaratri.
As we chant “Om Namah Shivaya” (I honor Shiva – the supreme being who resides in each of us), we can connect once again to our own innate divinity and acknowledge that there are multiple facets to our own great being.
We can also recognize the divinity that exists in each of us and honor that time and again.

What's Your Sign?

2011-01-27T23:41:00.004-08:00

So many people have been asking about the news stories about the changing of their Sun signs and the “new” 13^th sign of the zodiac. A quick internet search on this topic reveals hundreds of thousands of articles. What to believe?

The story originated with an article by Professor Professor Parke Kunkle, a Board of Director of the Minnesota Planetarium and Space Discovery Center, located in Minneapolis. The link on the Planetarium’s website referred visitors to an article dated January 14, 2011 in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/style/113100139.html

“Minneapolis astronomy instructor Parke Kunkle affirmed that the Earth’s “wobble” has shifted the zodiac signs. The buzz has raced across the Web like a shooting star….No matter that Kunkle, who started it all, said it was an old story — 2,000 years old, actually — and that astrologers were insisting it wouldn’t change a thing.”

The article continued, “In the article Kunkle affirmed that since the Babylonian zodiac periods were established millennia ago, the moon’s gravitational pull has made the Earth “wobble” around its axis in a process called precession. That has created about a one-month bump in the stars’ alignment, meaning that “when [astrologers] say that the sun is in Pisces, it’s really not in Pisces,” said Kunkle, who teaches astronomy courses at Minneapolis Community and Technical College.”

This news is nothing new to Eastern, or Vedic, astrologers. A little bit of astronomy is necessary to explain this phenomenon. The ecliptic is the Sun’s apparent path around the Earth. The celestial equator is a projection of the Earth’s equator into space. The Sun’s path along the ecliptic crosses the celestial equator but runs at an angle to the equator.

Western astrology used the tropical zodiac. The starting point of the tropical zodiac is the point when the celestial equator and the ecliptic intersect. This is deemed to be 0° Aries. The date that Western astrologers use is the Vernal Equinox, or March 21. This is a fixed date and point every year.

However, since the earth is not a perfect sphere and has a little bulge around the equator, the Sun and the Moon exert their gravitational forces on the earth and cause the earth to spin (somewhat like a top), upright on its orbit. This rotation, or wobble effect, is known as precession. Due to this wobbling, the Vernal equinox moves westward 50.26 seconds every year. This increment may seem minuscule but it has a cumulative effect.

Vedic astrology accounts for the precession of the equinox. They realize that due to anomalies in the earth’s rotation on its axis, when it returns to the vernal equinox each year, it stops a little short of where it did in the previous year. Vedic astrologers used the sidereal (“based on the stars”) zodiac. The difference between the sidereal and tropical zodiacs is 1° every 70 years. We are now at approximately a 24 °degree difference. We mark the beginning of the Sun entering Aries on April 14, not on the 1^st.

Therefore, if you have the Sun located at 29° Aries in Western astrology, then you would subtract 4° and have your Sun at 5° Aries in Vedic astrology. It does not change signs. However, if you Sun were at 10 °Aries, then you would have your Sun at 16° Pisces in the Eastern system.

It is vital to note that Vedic astrology does not focus on the Sun sign but rather the Moon sign. More specific than the Moon itself is the nakshatra, or which lunar constellation, that the Moon falls into. Each of the 27 nakshatras carries with it defining personality traits and life themes as well as professional pre-dispositions. The ascendant (the sign rising on the Eastern horizon in your locality at the time of your birth) is also important. We are interested in the Sun relative to its placement to the Moon. Is the Moon new or full? With a full Moon, the Sun is opposite the Moon, whereas with a new Moon, the Sun and Moon are close together. We examine the Sun closely during planetary cycles of the Sun.

The other news that has captured the public’s attention about the 13^th sign of the zodiac. The Star Tribune article states, “By the reckoning of Kunkle and other astronomers, astrologers are not only a month off in their zodiac signs, but they are neglecting a 13th constellation, Ophiuchus (Ooh-FEE-yew-kus) the Serpent Bearer, for those born from Nov. 30 to Dec. 17.”

Here we must differentiate between the signs of the zodiac and the constellations. Aries through Pisces form the 12 signs of the zodiac. The word zodiac literally means “circle of little animals.” The Sun travels through these 12 signs on its path through the ecliptic, as these signs are very close to the Sun's transit. There are 88 constellations, which include Aries through Pisces, as well as Ophiuchus. Discussion of Ophiuchus can be traced back to the 1930s. Astrol0gers didn’t feel that it warranted inclusion within the zodiac.

Astrologers utilize the 12 constellations of the zodiac as method of delineating the path of ecliptic amongst which the planets travel. The Sun stays in each sign of the zodiac for one month. While each zodiacal constellation measures 30° of celestial longitude, the constellations all vary in size, due to differences in latitude. Some signs inhabit greater pieces of the sky than others.

To summarize, if you follow Western astrology, your Sun sign does shift back in the Eastern system. Before you cry, “That doesn’t sound like me!”, please bear in mind that Vedic astrology does not use your Sun sign as your defining characteristic, but your rather your lunar constellation. We acknowledge the existence of Ophiuchus as another constellation along the ecliptic but don’t feel it warrants inclusion in the zodiac. The ancient star watchers made observations with their naked eyes over 5,000 years ago in India and its system still holds true to date.

Go Fly A Kite!

2011-01-13T23:47:00.012-08:00

The saying “Go fly a kite!” takes on a literal meaning every January 14 in India. This date marks the holiday of Makar Sankranti, as it is called in the state of Maharashtra. Makar means Capricorn. The reason for the celebration is the entry of the Sun into the sign of Capricorn in Vedic Astrology. The sign of Capricorn is ruled by the planet Saturn. Normally, we pay more attention to the placement of the Moon rather than the Sun, but this day is a marked exception. On January 14, the Sun begins its Northernly movement in the heavens. This commences the beginning of longer and warmer days.

People celebrate this holiday in Maharashtra by climbing on top of tall building and flying colorful kites. They engage in the friendly competition of trying to “cut” another person’s kite from the air. People give their friends and relatives ladus (sweets) made from white sesame seeds and jaggery. Residents either receive or do self-massages with sesame oil (the traditional oil used in Ayurvedic medicine) are also given. It is believed that sesame originates from Lord Vishnu’s body (the preserver of the universe) and that engaging in specific rituals with sesame and sesame oil will rid the body of impurities.

In the state of Gujarat, people celebrate the holiday that they call Uttarayana by having the elders in the family system give gifts to the younger members. Scholarships are also offered to students on this auspicious day. Cows, which are the sacred animal in India due to their quality of providing nurture for others, are specially fed.

In South India, this day is known as Pongal, which receives its appellation for the sweet rice milk that is served on this day. This marks the new year for the residents of the state of Tamil Nadu. Freshly harvested corn is also eaten for the first time.

In the state of Punjab, the residents celebrate on the night of the 13th with a large bonfire and offer sweets into the fire. The night of the 13th is known as Lohari. Then, on the 14th, which the Punjabis call Maghi, they dance traditional dances and partake in a feast.

In Uttara Pradesh, the day is called Khichadi, which is the traditional food made from basmati rice and moong dahl. Additionally, in Madhya Pradesh, the citizens celebrate the day as Sukarat.

Whatever region of India, people reside in, they celebrate with sweets, kites, and with friends and family. Starting the day with the dip in the holy Ganges (pronounced as Gung-ahh) River is done wherever possible to commence the auspicious day. Surya, the Sun God, is also worshiped throughout the country. Fire ceremonies are also a common occurrence. People also give donations of sesame seeds, wheat, jaggery, corn, clothing, and money to the poor.

The origin of this holiday dates back to the epic the Mahabharata, in which the hero Bhishma lay wounded on the battlefield, with arrows piercing his body. However, he persevered until the Sun began its Northern movement and then chose to die.

The Sun is responsible for illumining everything around us and for shedding light on us, both literally and figuratively. Surya, the Sun God, is worshiped by many astrologers to help them illumine the lives of others.

With this year’s entry of the Sun into Capricorn, the Sun will be joining an exalted Mars. Mars is exalted, or at its highest point in delivering favorable results, in Capricorn. Both the Sun and Mars are Pitta planets. The Sun rules the bones and Mars rules the blood. So, it is an auspicious day to commence activities, especially health promoting ones such as yoga. You may wish to visit the website: http://yogastrology.com/ for guidance on yoga asanas specific to the sign of Capricorn. You can download a workbook as well as an audio talk in the "Store" link in the top right hand corner.

ECLIPSING OUR MINDS

2010-12-20T11:49:00.009-08:00

Much has been said about the upcoming eclipse. This is the first time in almost four hundred years that an eclipse has coincided with the solstice. People deem this
particularly significant.

In Vedic astrology and astronomy, each eclipse is given attention. Eclipses occur when either or both the nodes, Rahu (the North node) or Ketu (the South node) fall within a certain astronomical degree of the Sun and / or Moon, depending on the type of eclipse.

The nodes are always directly opposite each other. When it's a new Moon, the Sun and Moon are opposite each other and when the Moon falls on the Rahu/ Ketu axis, there is a full Moon, it's a lunar eclipse, such as tonight. When there is a new Moon, where the Sun and Moon are at the same degree in the same sign, and they are within a certain zone of the nodes, there is a solar eclipse, as is happening on January 4.

The eclipse begins on tonight Monday, Dec. 20th, at 10:33 pm PST (according to NASA). The peak point is at 11:41 pm PST and lasts for 72 minutes afterwards.

While many people are intent on watching the eclipse, this is never recommended in the Vedic tradition. The mythology related to the nodes, Rahu & Ketu can help explain why.

What follows is a very simplified of the tale. The nodes were a initially embodied in demonic form and they were very desirous of immortality. They heard of a private party where the Gods were celebrating and imbibing amrita, the nectar of immortality. The demon desired to join the party, donned a disguise, and gained admittance. The amrita was passed around the table and the demon tasted it and was then discovered. One of the Gods through a discus and chopped the demon into two halves: the head (Rahu) and the tail (Ketu). The head Rahu, that has now tasted the nectar of immortality is forever questing for that elixir and is never satiated.

Thus the nodes are correlated with illusion and disguise. Since they are "nodes" and not real planets, they are invisible as we are always approximating their position in the sky. Rahu itself has to do with unending questing, desire, ambition, and a hunger for whatever it feels it still needs to attain. There is the connotation of desiring to partake in a situation and with a group where it does not belong. Ketu is usually more often associated with spiritual pursuits, though the theme of questing is still active.

The nodes have the capacity to grab a hold of our mind and make it engage in relentless pursuits, to make the find feel that it has so much more to achieve, to seek another source of stimulation, to unearth a greater challenge. The mind can become unfocused due to the grasping nature of the nodes.

When a person is undergoing a cycle of the nodes, this becomes more pronounced, and will unfold in the forms indicated by the nodes' natal placement and its current placement by transit. Currently, Rahu is in Sagittarius and Ketu is in Gemini.
Today, the Moon is in Gemini and the Sun is in Sagittarius. The Moon stays in a constellation (i.e. Gemini) for about 2.5 days and the Sun remains in a constellation for 30 days. This tendency of questing also breaks out during an eclipse. Since this eclipse is visible in North America, it is more significant than one that is not visible on this continent. Just think how many people are figuring out when / how / where to best view the eclipse.

Rather than gazing at the Moon, it's recommended that a person spend the time during an eclipse indoors, engaged in meditation or other spiritual practices and keep an inward focus. It's a time to eat lightly and eat pure foods. Shades should be drawn and food should not be kept out and exposed to the moonlit rays.

In astrology, we speak of the dance between free will and fate. This is a time where we can choose how to spend our evening or night. Whatever we do, we can maintain awareness of the state of our mind.

Starting the New Year Off Right

2010-11-06T11:27:00.003-07:00

Happy New Year! Today marks the first day of the Indian new year. Yesterday was the festival of Diwali (dee-vaah-lee) or Deepavali (deep-uh-vaah-lee) – the festival of lights. Deepa means light and avali means a continuous line.

Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama back home after a 14 year period of exile. The residents of Ayodhya (I-yo-the-yah) celebrated his homecoming by lighting rows and rows of lights. Rama symbolizes the past of righteousness or dharma. His return is a metaphor for the victory of our good over evil, light over darkness. Indians celebrate Diwali by wearing new clothes and honoring the goddess Lakshmi (luck-shmee), the goddess of prosperity. Traditionally, Indians celebrate new year’s by going to their local temple first thing in the morning, starting off the year on a reverential note and receiving blessings for the coming year. The first money spent that year is an offering to a temple or some charity, to begin the year with an act of giving. Women cook and share sweets with friends and family. Sweets stand for the sweetness in life, which we all savor. Sukhadi (soo-khuh-dee)- a sweet made from butter, jaggery and wheat flour is usually cooked and offered for the New Year.

There is not the tradition of pressuring ourselves to make and keep new year’s resolutions. Resolutions are great, but if we become resolute in setting impossible standards for ourselves, just so we can share it with others, and then talk later about how we didn’t quite live up to it, and start the same story over again. Some people are quite successful with their resolutions, but these people are committed to a goal and set reasonable, measurable, and achievable goals for themselves.

The first three items purchased in the new year in a traditional Indian household are moong beans, yogurt and salt.

Since this is not the New Year as marked by the Roman calendar, it may be a good time to start cultivating healthy habits, to prepare us for the holiday season, to get a head start on those new year’s resolutions, and to take the pressure off sharing the list with others.

It’s time to take a good look at your health, especially with Thanksgiving fast approaching. Thanksgiving can often be the time when we over-stuff ourselves. How is your vitality, your digestion? What’s the condition of your joints? Any aches and pains in the body? Have you had repeated colds, sinus congestion, or cough? What about your weight? Be honest with yourself without being judgmental.

Is it time to check your blood pressure, cholesterol, or thyroid?
Do you need to see your chiropractor, acupuncturist or massage therapist for that back pain? What about getting some energy work done to take care of that stress? When’s the last time that you saw your naturopath, homeopath, Ayurvedic practitioner, Chinese medicine doctor, or other holistic practitioner? How long do you want to stay on that prescription medicine that your allopath is suggesting? What about using natural means to heal so that you can lower your frequency or dosage and show your allopathic doctor that a medical condition is not a life sentence? Can you commit to a regular form of exercise? How about joining a gym? Find an exercise buddy. Get a pedometer and strive for at least 10,000 footsteps a day. Buy a yoga pass for a series of classes at your favorite yoga studio. Sign up for some dance classes ... from ballroom to belly. Can you hire a personal trainer for at least a few sessions? Exercise and diet go hand in hand and it would also be wise to re-examine your dietary habits (or lack thereof).

If you’re usually prone to winter colds and congestion, then how about seeing your holistic practitioner to discuss what can be modified in advance this year?

Any health care professional will tell you that the earlier that you catch an illness in the disease process, the easier it is to treat, and generally, the shorter the healing time.

Put your health on your “to do” list and make it a priority. If there’s some niggling problem or something that you’ve been putting off, wait no more. Take charge of your health. Take time for yourself. In the ancient Ayurvedic texts, one form of wealth is defined as good health. Get healthy & wealthy.

WHAT DO WE SEE?

2010-09-09T14:12:00.002-07:00

Accordingly to Vedic mythology, thousands of years ago, astrologers prepared a compilation (a samhita) of all the horoscopes of everyone who would ever be born and each individual’s future births as well. The Gods became angry at how this information was being used and cursed astrologers to always disagree. It seems to hold true to present day.

People who have had readings with multiple astrologers often ask the question why each one tells them something different. After all, aren’t they all looking at the same chart? The answer is yes and no.

We are looking at the same chart, though the layout may be different but we don’t necessarily see the same thing. I often liken this to looking at a piece of art; we all have a different perception on what we see. We focus on different details.
Or, if we take the analogy of watching a movie in a theatre; everyone in the theatre sees the same movie but when you ask them about it after the show, each of them remembers something different. What one person focuses on is not the same as what the next person found to be riveting.

Another factor to consider is the astrologer’s training. Vedic astrology originated as and continues to be an oral tradition. Students met with their jyotish guru, or astrology teacher, in person for extended periods of time. The guru was also trained by his (usually a male) guru. The guru would expound on the materials written in the ancient texts or shastras. The texts were not meant to be read without having a proper teacher further explain what was written. To find a true teacher in any ancient subject these days is a rare gift. Many people feel they can read modern texts and materials online and that will provide them with sufficient information for detailed interpretation.

The study of jyotish is essentially a lifelong study for a dedicated student. It’s like peeling an onion which has endless layers. We keep getting closer and closer to the core as we continue to explore its depths.

Yet even astrologers with similar training won’t necessarily see the same chart. Due to their own mental impressions and conditioning, each may find differing points of relevance in a chart. And each house in a chart has various significations. For example, the fourth house relates to property, education, mother, vehicles, and home, among other things. One astrologer may focus on how Venus in the fourth house gives a nicely-decorated home while another may discuss how that Venus gives a luxurious automobile. Who is correct? Both potentially, depending on other astrological factors. We also look at the stage in a person’s life and supporting charts to determine what will come to the forefront and whether it will be something enjoyable or troubling.

More important than what an astrologer sees is for the astrologer to determine how the client will view a certain event. Some people have the art of turning lemons into lemonade while others go into a frenzy at the slightest disruption of their daily schedule. The trained astrologer must be able to enter the chart through the lens of the client and determine how the client interacts with his/her world. Does the person see the glass as half-empty or half-pull? Does the person focus more on themselves or others? Is the individual hyper-sensitive or can he/she roll with punches?

Taking the client’s perspective and then adding analysis, insight and depth to the interpretation can add a deeper dimension to the reading and thus assist clients in better interacting with their environment- however they see the world.

TIMING IS EVERYTHING

2010-09-06T21:26:00.003-07:00

The Byrds sang, “To Everything Turn, Turn, Turn …There is a season Turn, Turn, Turn…And a time to every purpose, under Heaven…A time to plant, a time to reap…”
We have all experienced various phases in our life from childhood to education to illness…relationships…career ups and downs, family situations, etc.

We plant seeds for future happiness and prosperity and expect a certain type of outcome which doesn’t always show up as we’d anticipated. Some things come easily and fall into place with little difficulty. There are other situations that we struggle with for months or even years. We start something thinking it will be a no-brainer and despite our best efforts and good intentions, it does not go anywhere close to the way we had envisioned it. But others who follow the same steps seem to succeed at it. And we are left wondering what the key to success is.

In Vedic astrology, we believe that the beginning of an event helps set the tone for its outcome. Individuals, couples and businesses place great emphasis on finding the best time for a journey, buying a new home, moving, marriage, starting a new venture, etc so that it achieves the desired outcome.

Just how is this determined? An astrologer examines the individual’s birth chart and sees where the planets are situated natally, and also takes into consideration where the planets are currently placed by transit in the heavens. Another factor considered is what planetary cycle a person is experiencing and what that activates in an individual’s natal chart. The proposed event or undertaking is also reviewed in conjunction with the person’s chart and transits. Astrologers look at the phase of the Moon when selecting an auspicious time, or muhurta (known as electional astrology in Western astrology). A waxing (or bright) Moon is always preferred to a waning (or dark) Moon and a full Moon is considered to be extremely auspicious. The constellation, or nakshatra (phonetically nuk-shut-ra) that the Moon is in is also a primary consideration. Each of the 27 nakshatras has certain characteristics associated with it and each is favorable for particular types of events.

If a new business is to be started, then the proper phase of the Moon, the nakshatra, the type of business and the owner(s) chart(s) are all factored in to arrive at the most suitable date to incorporate. Once the business begins, once again, muhurta is employed before signing contracts, moving offices, acquiring another business or expanding the existing one. This is to help ensure that the business prospers and does not face any major obstacles in its progress. Once a business is incorporated at a certain date and time, then that business has its own “birth time” and an astrologer can analyzed the indications for the future of the business in the same way that a human’s birth chart is read.

Undoubtedly, picking the date and time for an undertaking has its constraints and limitations. It’s often the case that there’s a set period of time in which an event needs to occur and the ideal time for this undertaking falls outside of that constraint. For example, someone may need to move in the month of September but the best time for that individual to move may not be until the month of October. So, the astrologer does his or her best and finds the most suitable date in September. They may suggest a date in October when the individual starts sleeping in their new home as way to augment the less-than-perfect date of the move.

Birth charts can also be analyzed to determine when a relationship is likely to occur, when a relationship may face difficulties, when a new job offer may happen, when health issues may present themselves, when there will be periods of financial gains or losses, and multiple other matters of concern to most individuals.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “This time, like all times, is a good time, if we but know what to do with it.”

Farewell to the Big O!

2010-01-03T14:43:00.019-08:00

On November 20, people all over the world were saddened to hear about the impending loss of an old friend. Someone whom they had gotten to know over the last 25 years was going to be moving to another realm. It garnered much media attention as there were not only emotions, but also millions of dollars at stake.

Yes, Oprah Winfrey is ending her uber-successful talk show in 2011.
She had bought her OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) TV cable channel in 2008. The yet-to-be-launched network will mark the next phase of her career.

Astrologically many factors have contributed to this decision. Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954 at 4:30 AM in Kosciusko, MS. In jyotish (Eastern or Vedic astrology), Oprah has a Sagittarius ascendant. Sagittarius is a fire sign, known for its expansive activity and is symbolized by the archer. Her ascendant is in the nakshatra or constellation of Mula. Mula is symbolized by a bunch of roots tied together. One of the traditional meanings of Mula is being pulled up by one’s roots and having to be re-planted. Thus it connotes major reversals of fortune in one’s life. Oprah started out in poverty and has become one of the most successful entrepreneurs of all time.

Oprah’s 10th house of career and social status is in Virgo, ruled by Mercury. Oprah is currently experiencing her Sun dasha (major astrological cycle) and her Mercury bhukti (astrological sub-cycle). Sun and Mercury are natally located in her 2nd house, which indicates speech and money, among other significations. They form a raj yoga (combination for pre-eminence). Thus, the announcement has garnered further media attention.

Saturn transiting her 10th house of career causes her to analyze and re-strategize her career. This combination also triggers a rise in her status. It’s likely that many awards and accolades will be given to Winfrey on the heels of this announcement. Honorary degrees may be conferred upon her. She may receive a Presidential appointment to a task force or committee or take on an honorary ambassador type role.

When the announcement was made, Sun and Mercury were both transiting Scorpio, her 12th house. The 12th house connotes endings and “loss”.

This loss is likely to translate into visible gains for her. While Oprah may be disappearing from public TV, there’s no doubt that the move to cable TV will keep her in the public eye. There will be a tidal wave of media coverage when the network begins airing and she will undoubtedly make it her OWN.

When the OWN network is launched in January, 2011, Oprah will be entering her Venus bhukti. Sun and Venus form a dhana yoga (combination for wealth) in her second house. Both planets are placed in the nakshatra of Shravana, which is connected with orally transmitted knowledge. Shravana is ruled by the Moon, which is located in Oprah’s 12th house in Scorpio. Scorpio is ruled by Mars, and Mars is also natally placed in Scorpio in her chart.

One meaning of the 12th house is expenditures, so while Oprah will make financial gains, there will be concurrent expenditures. These may come in the form of large investments. The 12th house also indicates foreigners, so Oprah will likely make sizeable charitable contributions to international relief organizations.

The Moon rules Cancer, which is Oprah’s 8th house. One indication of the 8th house is health issues. Moon and Mars are placed in the 12th house, which also symbolizes hospitalization. Since Mars is an indicator for surgery, she may undergo an operation. However, with Mars well-placed in her chart, she will come out of any health crisis without great difficulty.

Oprah begins her 10 year Moon dasha in the fall of 2011. Her Moon and Mars conjunction form a Chandra-Mangala yoga, another combination for wealth. Oprah’s Moon is situated in the nakshatra of Anuradha, which is known for uniting groups of people for a common cause or goal. One feature associated with a Chandra-Mangala yoga is involvement in activities related to or geared towards women. Oprah will focus on her girls’ school in South Africa and may choose to expand its operations or establish similar institutions in other areas. This process won’t be without its trials and tribulations, as the Moon rules the 8th house of scandal. Although her activities may be put under a microscope, resulting in some sleepless nights for Oprah, she will ultimately be successful in her endeavors.

HAPPY NEW YEAR (AND NEW DECADE)!

2010-01-02T09:51:00.002-08:00

There’s something very special about the first snow in winter. It puts a fresh white coat on everything and even beautifies the bare trees. When the sun glistens on heaps of fresh snow, we are captivated by the shining brilliance of the landscape.

It’s similar to applying a fresh coat of paint. There’s a different nuance to the furniture and our attention is drawn to aspects of the room or home that we hadn’t noticed much before. We can decide to add trim to the wall, hang new curtains, put up new paintings or photographs. It provides the feeling of greater potential for the dwelling.

In the same way, a new year grants us the opportunity to hope again. We get to start with a clean slate. We can pack away the unwanted reminders of the previous year and put them in permanent storage. The fresh new dawn of the new year confers upon us the power to imagine what we’d like to create for the upcoming calendar year. The possibilities are limitless. Just as a painter paints a landscape, we can paint the masterpiece of our vision for the future.

This is a time when we can call in the adage, “As you think, so you shall become.” Carve out some quiet time to envision what you’d like to manifest, accomplish, create, or release in the new year. A new decade also awaits us. There is a wealth of untraveled paths which we can explore. We can travel to new places, learn a new language, play a musical instrument, or train in a new skill or trade. On a more mundane level, we can modify our dietary habits, set better exercise regimens, schedule time for meditation and self-reflection. We can set our priorities for the coming month/ year/ decade and keep a list of those priorities visible and handy at all times, and make decisions accordingly.

The commencement of this new decade also provides the perfect opportunity to review and reflect on what strategies served you well in the past decade and which could benefit from being modified.

Goals can be set incrementally and measured at pre-specified time periods. Start with simply scheduling appointments for the coming weeks from which you would benefit. Spend an hour or so clearing out that clutter you didn’t quite get to last year. When you’re done, schedule another hour. Start to organize your tax receipts. And take some time to do something, however small, which uplifts your spirits.
There’s something very special about the first snow in winter. It puts a fresh white coat on everything and even beautifies the bare trees. When the sun glistens on heaps of fresh snow, we are captivated by the shining brilliance of the landscape.

It’s similar to applying a fresh coat of paint. There’s a different nuance to the furniture and our attention is drawn to aspects of the room or home that we hadn’t noticed much before. We can decide to add trim to the wall, hang new curtains, put up new paintings or photographs. It provides the feeling of greater potential for the dwelling.

In the same way, a new year grants us the opportunity to hope again. We get to start with a clean slate. We can pack away the unwanted reminders of the previous year and put them in permanent storage. The fresh new dawn of the new year confers upon us the power to imagine what we’d like to create for the upcoming calendar year. The possibilities are limitless. Just as a painter paints a landscape, we can paint the masterpiece of our vision for the future.

This is a time when we can call in the adage, “As you think, so you shall become.” Carve out some quiet time to envision what you’d like to manifest, accomplish, create, or release in the new year. A new decade also awaits us. There is a wealth of untraveled paths which we can explore. We can travel to new places, learn a new language, play a musical instrument, or train in a new skill or trade. On a more mundane level, we can modify our dietary habits, set better exercise regimens, schedule time for meditation and self-reflection. We can set our priorities for the coming month/ year/ decade and keep a list of those priorities visible and handy at all times, and make decisions accordingly.

The commencement of this new decade also provides the perfect opportunity to review and reflect on what strategies served you well in the past decade and which could benefit from being modified.

Goals can be set incrementally and measured at pre-specified time periods. Start with simply scheduling appointments for the coming weeks from which you would benefit. Spend an hour or so clearing out that clutter you didn’t quite get to last year. When you’re done, schedule another hour. Start to organize your tax receipts. And take some time to do something, however small, which uplifts your spirits.

Happy Maha Shivaratri!

2009-02-23T23:34:00.003-08:00

One night of each year in the Indian calendar is dedicated to worship of Lord Shiva.
Shiva has many names: Nataraj, Mahadeva, Mahesh, Rudra, Ugra, Ardra, Maheshwara, Shambho, Shankara, and the list goes on. Each name describes a specific quality of the lord’s multi-faceted being.
Shiva is “Mahadeva” – the great lord.
On this auspicious and sacred night, it is said that one repetition of the mantra “Om Namah Shivaya” is magnified 1,000 times.
It is customary people to gather and stay up all night chanting the sacred mantra. People typically fast on this day or refrain from eating grains.
White clothing is customarily worn on Shivaratri.
As we chant “Om Namah Shivaya” (I honor Shiva – the supreme being who resides in each of us), we can connect once again to our own innate divinity and acknowledge that there are multiple facets to our own great being.
We can also recognize the divinity that exists in each of us and honor that time and again.

One Month Into the New Year

2009-01-31T22:48:00.001-08:00

January has moved along, like the gusty winds of winter. It’s carried in some unanticipated directions. It’s blown open some new doors of possibilities and made us close others which we’ve had to force open.

The year has heralded in some much needed change. We’ve embraced hope again and ready for the dawn of a new era. Just as the change in leadership has altered the world looks at us, we are also changing the way that we look at our world. There is the audacity of hope for what lies ahead. Circumstances may be trying, but we know that we can weather the storm.

The passing of the first month of the year marks a critical juncture where we can continue with old patterns or reinforce the positive changes that will carry us forward for years to come. We must be willing to drop old patterns of being and doing that have outlived their usefulness. As we continue to evolve, the way that we interact with our inner and outer worlds must change in accord with that.

We think that the weather holds us back from changing our exercise patterns or shopping more regularly at the health food store. We put off appointments to the dentist or the chiropractor or acupuncturist till there are more hours of daylight. We wait for the change in season and when that is heralded in, we have to book our vacations, attend family and social events and put everything on hold once again.

The cycle continues and we forget our goals and priorities. This is the ideal time to re-evaluate your priorities. What is your vision for the year? How willing are you to commit to make it a reality? Can it wait another year? Another month? Another week? In Latin, there’s a saying, “Carpe diem.” It means, “Seize the day!” Embrace the opportunities that are presented and take hold of the reins of your life.

Just as the new administration is wasting no time in making changes to the global, socio-economic and political environment, we can also forge ahead without restraint on the road to a brighter future. We can no longer put off what needs to be done. We must examine situations which we’ve been reluctant to handle as they are too sensitive, too delicate, too messy, or too tough. Knowing that the problem won’t just go away, it is time to take action. Take the high road and brave the winter cold and storms. You’ll come out a stronger and happier person once you do.

Commit to re-visiting your vision daily and re-affirming what your ideal life is like. Seek advice where needed. Exercise good judgment. Work with clear and dharmic intentions. Act in accordance with what is uplifting for both yourself and for humanity. Create a community of trust and support. Remember you are a reflection of the company that your keep. This includes your thoughts. Make a diligent effort to re-program the negative circuitry.

It is the dawn of a new era – both nationally as well as for us individually. Yes we can!

Being Resolute

2009-01-01T23:37:00.004-08:00

Happy 2009! It’s that time of year again. If you haven’t done so already, it’s certainly been on your mind. It’s what everyone is talking about, next to how fast 2008 went by. Yup, what are your new year’s resolution is the question to ask. It’s a lot easier to ask than answer. Even the thought of it makes us all cringe to some degree. It brings up years and years of memories of resolutions that were made and not achieved. I didn’t lose that weight. I didn’t get to the gym as often as I vowed to, especially after all the money that I spent on that membership. I didn’t give up sugar. I didn’t learn that foreign language. Whatever the resolution was, chances are that you didn’t quite achieve it as you had planned at the beginning of the year. So, you affirm to do it again this year. And how many years have you made the same resolution without crossing the finish line? What effect does this have on you except to beat yourself up or feel sorry for yourself or have one more thing to share with your friends to confirm how you don’t have your act together?

How did this uplift you or others? How did this contribute to your personal growth? What is the point in this exercise in futility? If you truly examine your resolutions, you may examine that they really relate to your external circumstances rather than your internal circumstances. They may to do with your body or what you consume or how much wealth you accumulate or what possessions you have. Many of them do not have to do with what feeds your spirit or soul.

Most of us are hard enough on ourselves and don’t need another excuse to add to the list to beat ourselves up or to question our worthiness. Yes, it’s beneficial to set goals and hold ourselves accountable to them and to continually better ourselves. Agreed, but if we use these goals as a springboard to feel worse about ourselves, then they are counter-productive. The more that we feel down about ourselves, then those feelings serve as an impediment for us to be productive in any arena of our lives. The list that shows us how unworthy we are grows larger and then we can’t propel ourselves forward because the “not good enough” list serves as an anchor that prevents us from truly sailing through life to our desired destination.

So perhaps instead of going through the routine process of making resolutions, you change your tactic this year. Resolve to be kinder, gentler to yourself and others, to see the glass as half full, to help others more, to be more loving and less judgmental, and to do what feeds your soul. Resolve to make time for joy and follow your passion more. Resolve not to make the same new year’s resolutions again.

From Wrong to Right

2008-12-28T23:20:00.002-08:00

It’s easy at the end of a year to focus on what didn’t happen – which resolutions you didn’t keep, how much weight you didn’t lose, what projects you didn’t complete, the soul mate you didn’t meet, etc. It’s human nature and it’s second nature to look at the half empty glass at the end of the year.

When those champagne glasses are clinked on new year’s eve, the glass is full and we are focusing on what will happen and setting our sights high. We are not thinking, this is the year where I won’t do this and I won’t accomplish that. Not at all; we are looking ahead.

So pretend that this is new year’s eve, if need be. Focus on what you did accomplish. Focus on the little and large things that you manifested. How was your intuition honed? What acts of kindness did you practice? You may not remember, but the recipient is not likely to forget them.

Do you have any new skills at the end of this year that weren’t there on 365 days ago or even two months ago?

So you could easily iterate all the challenges that showed this year. The ones that you thought you’d never survive. Well, even if they are not completely over, you are still standing. The financial crisis has come and continues, but you have managed thus far. There may have been challenges with health, or relationships or family problems. Think of how you’ve been pro-active in certain situations when you would have just been reactive in the past.

If problems did not present themselves, we would not learn and grow from them. We would continue to be stuck in the same old rut. The rut that we resolve to get ourselves of every year. We wouldn’t evolve spiritually or emotionally. We could not use our painful experiences to help others. We would not have worldly wisdom which can’t be gained from a book, cd or podcast. The school of hard knocks only hands out diplomas to those who play on the rough and tumble streets.

At the end of the year, take a few minutes, and select your beverage of choice. Here’s to the year that was, for better and for worse. On new year’s you can toast the year that will be. It’s a fresh new slate, but you’re a better person than a year ago. All that you’ve experienced has left an indelible mark on you and guided you in your ongoing spiritual evolution.

'Twas the Night After Christmas

2008-12-26T23:09:00.003-08:00

'Twas the night after Christmas and many were scurrying to & fro
Trying to figure out exactly where the year did go
There had been so much to do
How the year slipped by, they hadn’t a clue
Many a resolution had been made
Yet there were foundations for these which hadn’t been laid
Before another year slips by
There may still be someTwas the night after Christmas and many were scurrying to and fro
Trying to figure out exactly where the year did go
There had been so much to do
How the year slipped by, they hadn’t a clue
Many a resolution had been made
Yet there were foundations for these which hadn’t been laid
Before another year slips by
There may still be some year end strategies for you to try
Go through the year, one month at a time
Reflect on what stands out, ranging from dismal to sublime
See what lesson you may have needed to learn
Remember for what it was that your heart did yearn
What virtues did you cultivate?
Did you take responsibility for your choices?
And realize that you are the master of your own fate?
Did you heed the guidance from the wise inner voices?
Take stock of where you stand in the here and now
Decide what affirmations for 2009 you will avow
Remember it’s not about being perfect every minute of each day
But in being steadfast when things don’t go your way
It’s in staying the course
And not getting lost in regret or remorse
It’s in holding to your vision
Once you’ve made an important decision

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2008-12-22T19:29:00.002-08:00

Sending some holiday cheer
To you and those you hold dear

May you have a festive holiday season
And celebrate for many a reason

As the holiday lights shimmer and glow,
May circumstances in your life start to smoothly flow

May abundance display its many faces
May your worries dissipate and leave no traces

Set your intentions strong and clear
And implement those choices throughout the year

May you be firm in your resolve
May your perceived limitations dissolve

May you stand in your own light
And have a year that's very bright

As the new year arises,
May it be filled with pleasant surprises

May you take time for what makes your heart sing
May your cherish the blessings that the year will bring

May the new year have a beautiful start
May you give with all your heart

May your vision for 2009 bear fruit
As you stand in your own truth

Here's hoping that 2009
Turns out to be a year that's truly divine

The Official Day of Giving Thanks

2008-11-27T20:03:00.000-08:00

Thoughts of Thanksgiving usually connote food and well, more food. A time to get together with family and friends and share a variety of dishes. It’s a day off and the precursor to the holiday shopping season. Planning for Thanksgiving is often accompanied by great stress, especially if you are the one hosting the dinner. There is the home to clean, groceries to be purchased, food to be prepared, a table and silverware to be set, drinks to be served, seating arrangements to decide, leftovers to be distributed, and cleaning up.

Grace or a prayer is traditionally said before the meal. On some occasions, we go around the table and say what we are thankful for. That does not take more than a few minutes per person. Then the hosts and guests dig in. A good time is had by all and most people complain they ate too much.

If we look at the title of this day, it is the day of giving thanks. It’s a time to pause and reflect on what we have to be grateful for in our lives. Our health, our homes, our possessions, our loved ones, and our jobs. There is also our values, the lessons we have learned, the teachers in our lives, the air that we breathe, the organizations to which we belong, and so on.

People usually find it easier to accentuate the negative rather than the positive. We say what we don’t like about something that what we do like. We focus on what is lacking rather than acknowledging what is there. We strive for what we don’t have instead of being content with what already exists. That is the nature of the human condition.

Breaking that pattern can take time. A simple way to start is with a gratitude journal. Keep it by your bedside. Each morning when you arise, write down five things which you are grateful for. This can include the ability to walk unassisted, the carpet that supports your feet, having had a good night’s sleep, the sun that is shining through the windows, and the alarm clock that is set to your favorite radio station. Each night before you go to sleep, write down five more items that you are grateful for. It can be having had enough food to eat during the day, connecting with a friend, the car that brought you to work and back safely, wearing your favorite pajamas, or the new book which you just purchased. This list can go way beyond five if we choose to.

Getting into this practice daily helps us cultivate an attitude of gratitude. We can begin to see the glass as half full rather than half empty. Then the little gestures in life become more memorable, such as when someone pays you a compliment or when another driver lets us get in front of them. We remember to list these events in the gratitude journal. Our heart eventually becomes fuller and we want less for ourselves and ideally can be more giving to other. That is become we have much to be thankful for.

From Yes I Can to Yes I Did

2008-11-22T20:46:00.000-08:00

Regardless of your political affiliation, you’ll undoubtedly agree that this has been an historic election.

Having been at Grant Park on Election Night, it was perfectly clear that those of us gathered knew that Obama was going to win; we held the belief that he was going to be the next President of the U.S. We had been doing our visualization of President Obama in the White House long before the polls were open.

And when he walked onstage, we knew that he knew as well. Obama displayed a determined confidence and was ready to get down to the business at hand. He knew the auspicious responsibility that lay ahead of him and was prepared to take on the great tasks at hand. This was a time for celebration but was also the time to set the course for the coming four years. It was a momentous occasion.

We can all give ourselves credit for the role that we played in this historic election. Whether it was volunteering, attending fundraisers, making sure others voted, researching the candidates’ stands in the primaries, voting early, or holding the vision, we all played a key role in the process.

The collective consciousness held a belief which became a reality. While this was done on a national scale, it can be personalized to our own lives as well. Each of us has certain belief systems and ideals. We have a box which we’ve created and we’ve placed ourselves inside it. This is the box of possibilities. We think we can only achieve x but not y. We are only capable of this but not that. Every once in a while we may poke a hole and try and expand the box a little further – just enough to stretch our comfort zone.

The first step in getting out of our own way and expanding the box is to create affirmations or statements for intentions which we would like to fulfill. Get clear on what you want, visualize it, write it down, practice affirmations, make a vision board; do whatever resonates with you. Believe that “Yes I can do this.” Do not follow “Yes I can” with “This will never work out” or “The odds of this happening are slim to none”. These types of self-defeating statements will serve only to negate whatever progress you are making. Hold the vision that what you choose to achieve can manifest, that it is doable, that you are greater and more powerful than you or others would have imagined. Do not allow yourself to be ruled by your limited view of yourself or how others view you.

Step out of the darkness of the box and into the light. Darkness cannot exist in the light. Create a bigger box for yourself. Take a risk and set plans in motion to achieve your intended goals. See how powerful and determined you can be when you have set a strong intention. If obstacles or challenges arise, deal with them in a calm and rational manner. Keep the intention and goal in mind. Set small, manageable steps to achieve your target. Allow yourself some flexibility with dates and deadlines. Experiment with new methods to reach your desired result. Be willing to fall and get back again. Learn to avoid the same potholes in the future. We cannot achieve anything without making an effort. If we can be our own best friend and #1 supporter, think of how much we can achieve. There is no time spent on negativity, doubt, worry, anxiety, vacillation, or resignation.

Work towards your goal in a directed fashion and know that you will cross the finish line. Then you can say, “Yes I did!”

Happy Diwali

2008-10-28T09:41:00.001-07:00

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The Financial Roller Coaster

2008-10-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

The financial markets have been quite tumultuous lately, both in the U.S. and abroad. There have been wild swings in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, with it moving in a trading range of 800 – 900 points in a day. This is unprecedented. It is easy to get caught up in the all financial prognostications of gloom and doom. Negative news always seems to get more attention than the positive news. And as a society, there’s a tendency to focus on what isn’t working, rather than what is.

Having watched the financial markets for about two decades, I still had to take pause as well when I witnessed the roller coaster ride that the markets were taking last week. And it was interesting to see that the only thing more volatile than the market last week was investors’ sentiments. People wanted to rush to “get out of the market”. They were worried about the safety of their money at the bank, if their financial portfolios would ever recover, and if they would be able to retire as planned.

Granted that it takes great resolution to stay focused during these times. We’ve worked hard to earn money and it’s so easy to panic when we see the value drastically decline in a matter of days and to see it steadily decrease over time. This anxiety that we feel about the stock market can easily transfer to other arenas of our lives. We are worried about the stock market, and then we store this tension and release it unexpectedly as bouts of anger or frustration or do into deep depression and despair. None of these, of course, helps our portfolio.

It’s important to remember that the Dow Jones, which is most reported index in financial news, is comprised of only 30 stocks. These 30 stocks are said to be representative of their industries, but they are still just 30 stocks. And since they are actively traded, and widely held, they are likely to be volatile anyways since so many people have ownership in them. A broader classification is to see what the S&P 500 index is doing. The S&P is comprised of 500 stocks, and can paint a much broader picture of the stock market.
This financial upheaval provides us with an opportunity to re-evaluate our investment goals, to really test our risk tolerance, and to pay better attention to how we allocate our financial resources. Prepare both short and long-term goals. Have money set aside for financial emergencies. Contribute regularly to a retirement plan. One way is to have money deducted monthly from a bank account, so that you can “dollar cost average” the price that you pay for a mutual fund. If you need assistance with preparing or reviewing your financial goals, consult a financial advisor.

A diversified portfolio is very important in any market. Being too heavily weighted in any industry or in any stock or fund is risky. One should also have their money spread between stocks, bonds, cds, mutual funds, and money markets. Some are even investing in heavy metals lately. This is best done through purchasing gold or silver coins, rather than the commodities market. The commodities market is considerably more volatile than the stock market. The percentage that goes into each category will depend on how soon you will need the money and your risk/return profile.

Consider having a professional money manager handle your money if you are not able to watch it on a regular basis. Managed accounts start at $50,000. Another way to get professional money management is through mutual funds, where you can usually buy in for $100, if you agree to a monthly contribution. Here you get a diversified portfolio of stocks and / or bonds and there are money managers who regularly re-allocate the portfolio. All investors participate in the dividends, gains and losses.

Remember that the stock market has historically outperformed every other investment vehicle over the years. While past performance is no guarantee of future return, we have witnessed how quickly the stock market can rise when investors regain their confidence. Many see a down market as a great buying opportunity, knowing that what goes down must go back up again.

The next time that the market goes on a wild ride, make sure you board a different train. Ride the peace train.

National Ayurvedic Conference

2008-10-11T08:10:00.001-07:00

The annual NAMA (National Ayurvedic Medical Association) conference will be held in Chicago next week.
It will be held at the Westin O'Hare from October 16 - 19.
There will be talks on Ayurveda, Jyotish (Vedic Astrology) & Yoga.
Some of the speakers include Dr. Vasant Lad of the Ayurvedic Institute, Dr. Sarita Shrestha from Nepal, Dr. David Frawley, and Dr. David Crow of Floracopeia.
There is also a concert by Russill Paul.

You may register for all or part of the conference, and it can be done on-site.

Details and the full schedule can be found at:

http://www.ayurveda-nama.org/ayurveda_conference/NAMA_Conf_08/index.html

Everyone is welcome to visit the exhibitor booths for free.
I will be at the Banyan Botanicals booth (booth #1), so make sure you stop by and say hello.
Banyan will be offering a free gift for conference participants and there will be samples of some products available as well.

And I will be holding an Ayurveda & Yoga workshop at the Chicago Yoga Center on Saturday November 22 from 2 - 5 pm.
We'll discuss Ayurvedic concepts and learn how to incorporate these principles into your yoga practice.
Please pre-register. Further information can be found at:

http://www.yogamind.com/workshop_Madhavi_Rathod_Ayurveda.shtml

Please check out the latest issue of Yoga Chicago for my interview with Dr. Vasant Lad of the Ayurvedic Institute.

Most importantly, be the change you wish to see in the world and don't forget to vote!

Nine Nights of the Goddess

2008-10-08T20:56:00.002-07:00

Tonight is the ninth evening of the Indian holiday of Navaratri (also spelled Navratri). Navaratri marks nine days of celebrating the goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati.

It is time of celebration, dance, feast, and devotion. Friends and families get together to commemorate these nine nights. They attend large dances, called garbas, where they dance to songs about the goddess. Special prayers are recited to honor and worship each deity.

While there are outer activities done for these celebratory days, there is an inner ritual which also takes place. Each Indian deity, whether male or female, represents certain qualities or traits. There are also myths or stories for each deity which help highlight these traits. The stories serve as teaching tales for children when they are young and as reminders for adults for virtuous characteristics.

Durga represents righteousness and removing negativities from our lives. As the divine mother, she protects and cares for all, and removes those who wish to cause harm. She is both benevolent and fierce. She remains fixated on her goals and ever watchful of her surroundings. She is fearless and ready for action.

Lakshmi is the goddess of prosperity and abundance. She represents wealth in both material and spiritual forms. She is beautiful and gracious. Lakshmi sits or stands on a lotus flower. The lotus is the flower which is laid at the feet of the Gods. She is dispensing gold coins, so she is not holding on to wealth, but spreading it widely.

Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom, knowledge, literature, and music. She is dressed in a simple white sari. White symbolizes purity. Knowledge which is obtained from a divine source must be pure. Saraswati reminds us of the importance of the arts in our lives. She teaches us that knowledge is sacred, and one source of this wisdom is books. She holds a book in one hand and musical instrument called a veena in another hand. There is a mala in another hand, to remind us to worship or recite a mantra. Mantras are usually passed on orally from teacher to student or from a Guru to a disciple.

When we worship these deities, we can take some time to reflect on these qualities within ourselves. How do we embody them? Do we call upon these virtues when we need them? Have we taken time in our lives to protect others, share our abundance and to deepen our knowledge? The holidays return time and again offering us new opportunities for both spiritual and personal growth.

Honoring Our Ancestors

2008-09-15T21:33:00.000-07:00

There are so many holidays these days that you can find on a calendar or for which you can send someone a greeting card or e-card. There are months or weeks to honor different charities or medical causes or ethnicities. And retailers often capitalize on any holiday to get the consumer to shop.

All these holidays focus on outward activities and often expenses. You never see a “Meditation Day” as a holiday.

The Indian calendar is lunar based, unlike the Gregorian calendar. The observances during each month are usually spiritual or religious based and rooted in deep tradition.
We have just begun two weeks of Pitru Paksha (Pitt-true Puck-shuh), which is a time dedicated to honoring our ancestors. It’s a time of remembrance and of offering our gratitude. Indians participate in special rituals and rites during this time. There are specific chants and mantras which are recited during this period.
This is a time when individuals focus on their spiritual practices and meditation. It is typically not a time to commence new ventures or enter into new agreements. Air travel should also be minimized as much as possible, unless it is for spiritual purposes (i.e. a pilgrimage).

Families pay homage to relatives who have passed on and do so on the specific phase of the moon which coincides with the day that the person left his/ her body. Special meals are also prepared for these days, according to tradition.

Pitru Paksha continues until the 28th of this month.

What Are You Holding Onto?

2008-09-14T20:58:00.000-07:00

An attachment is something that we are bound, or tied to, joined with, sometimes even devoted to. There is a wide spectrum which attachment can take, depending on the object of the attachment.

There are various forms of attachment. We may be attached to our friends and family. We may be attached to a certain form of exercise or to our ipod.
We may be attached to maintaining a certain status in society. Attachment may take the form of having to play a certain video or computer game compulsively. There is certainly the attachment to television, which can start at a young age.
And, many of us are attached to our computer or PDA or cell phone (or all of these), whether we choose to admit it or not.

Certain forms of attachment serve a purpose in life, such as wanting to stay healthy for our loved ones, or getting exercise by taking the beloved dog out in all kinds of weather. Even getting to the gym or yoga class daily is a form of attachment that many people share. Yet, when a person is not in good health and pushes themselves beyond their capacity in order to get their exercise in, then that is an unhealthy attachment.

There are plenty of people who are devoted to looking youthful and go through numerous painful and expensive procedures to maintain their looks. This is a non-ending cycle of countless Botox injections, liposuction, facelifts and the like.
Ultimately, all these procedures take their toll on the skin and the body and what was once attractive looks glaringly unnatural. If one wants to lose weight, is the best alternative to staple the stomach so that it can’t perform its normal function?

There is the attachment to shopping and acquiring items. While it’s nice to have a few purses, how many can one use at a time? This can apply to shoes, to shirts, or other items of clothing. It can be something like pens, or magnets or cds or perfume or gadgets. Whatever the item, one should examine the utility of the object and whether it will truly be used before purchase and how often it has been used after purchase. Would it be better used if it was donated somewhere? Would someone else you know enjoy and use it more?

It is not easy to part with things that we hold dear, but ask yourself if it is the item that you truly cherish or the thought of having the item around. Letting go of things and changing our surroundings can be just the thing to bring us more happiness. This process can also create the space for something greater to enter our lives if we allow it to happen.

SAVING IT UP FOR A RAINY DAY

2008-09-13T21:41:00.003-07:00

There’s the old adage, “Save it for a rainy day”. It refers to holding on to something in the event that it might be needed. Commonly, it refers to hording your pennies or dollars for future occasion. However, it can also be applied to other situations as well. We all have things that we hold on to for future occasions. Some of collect plastic dining ware, others keep boxes, some keep clothes that they hope to fit into again, while yet others have tons and tons of catalogs. Whatever the item(s), we all have our reasons for why we have held onto what occupies more space, time and energy than is typically necessary.

If we look at the root cause of holding on to items that we don’t really need, the real reason is usually something other than what we think it is. It may be a sense the item represents something to us symbolically and keep more of that around helps us feel better. Or, it may be that the object gives the person a sense of security. What if it’s the trendy thing to have lots of bracelets or earrings or more cars than you will ever need? There’s the desire to fit in, to look good, to do what others whom you admire or wish to emulate are doing.

And it’s easy to say that it’s not hurting anyone or causing any trouble, so what’s the big deal? On one hand, nothing. Yet, on the other hand, a lot. Have you considered how much time has been spent on acquiring the items? How much energy is required for their storage and upkeep? What about keeping the item current or trendy? Are things too crammed in your home because there’s no place to put anything anymore?

With the rainy season upon us, many rainy days are presenting themselves. Days where it is conducive to stay indoors. Days when there are storms and it’s best not to have the ty or computer on all day. There are days when the power is out. These may be good times to reflect on what you are holding onto and why.

Another Type of Fall Cleanse

2008-08-31T21:38:00.001-07:00

Fall is a great time to rejuvenate and detox the body. Many people take a retreat or undergo a cleanse at home.

What we do with our outer environment is reflected in our inner environment. If our home is a mess, we feel more stressed than if it is tidy. There’s no worry if people drop by unexpectedly or where you put what. If we over-schedule our days, then there’s a greater sense of anxiety and feeling of wanting to accomplish more than we are actually capable of handling.

So while rejuvenating your body, set aside another time to refresh your outer environment. Get rid of those newspapers and magazines that have piled up and that you are not going to read. Call the catalog companies that keep sending you booklets that you never requested. Save some trees and reduce clutter simultaneously. Go through your computer and delete files and folders that you don’t need. Freeing up space on your hard drive will improve your computer’s performance.

Set up a filing system if you don’t have one already. If there are files that are overflowing, then see what non-essential items are there. If needed, separate files into more specific sub-topics. Invest in an organizational system for your office, bedroom, storage closet, hall closet, garage, or whatever needs it.

Open the fridge. Check your expiration dates and see which items need to go. For items that you are good but you know you are not going to use, give them away. This includes food, dish towels, dish sets, all those miscellaneous mugs, silverware, plastic ware, etc.

Go through the closet. Anything that still has tags on it years later needs to be given to a friend or to charity. Is it time to get rid of your favorite pair of sweats or jeans that are too worn out? For clothing that doesn’t suit your style anymore, find a new home for it. Separate clothes into sections that divides casual and dressy.

Are there records or cds or tapes or 8 tracks that really need to go? How much space are they taking up? How about putting some of those home movie video tapes onto dvd? Get a storage system for your music. Consider organizing it by genre or alphabetically.

Set aside specific times to do these activities and avoid other distractions during this time. Your home will look just as great as you feel after the cleanse process. Then it will be a cause to rejoice!

The Difference That A Minute Makes

2008-08-27T21:15:00.000-07:00

When anyone has an astrology reading, the astrologer asks for the client’s date, place, and time of birth. Everyone has the first two components memorized, but usually not the third. It’s common to hear, “I was born in the morning” or “My mom said I was born at….” Or “It was just after midnight”. Approximations come easily even though the time is sketchy. Few people realize the importance of having accurate timing when it comes an astrology reading, and not all astrologers look to verify just how precise the timing that the client provides may be.

It’s remarkable how many people go for an astrology reading and provide the time that they have in memory. When prompted and coaxed by the astrologer to pull out and double check the birth certificate, the client often realizes that was in their memory does not match what is written on the birth certificate.

The birth place utilizes the latitude and longitude of the locale, which influences which sign was rising on the Eastern horizon at the time of birth. The birth time provides the key to the ascendant or first house of the horoscope. There are 12 signs of the zodiac, and each of the 12 rotates as the ascendant, approximately every 2.5 hours. The ascendant may change faster or slower depending on where the locality is in relation to the equator.

The ascendant gives shape to the individual’s personality, vitality, and how they interact with their world. This is all colored by what planets may be in the first house or influencing the first house. Since there are 9 planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu), there are multiple possible permutations. The strength of each planet adds another layer.

In simple terms, a strong ascendant can help the individual make lemons out of lemonade. A weak ascendant can make the individual cry over spilled milk.

Even if the time listed on the birth certificate is utilized, there is no guarantee of its accuracy. Different hospitals use different methods for recording the birth time. Some use the time of the first cry, others the time the cord was cut, yet others the time that the head emerged or the full body emerged, and others look at the clock after the fact and estimate the time of birth. Additionally, the hospital clock may be off by a few minutes from the universal clock, so the time recorded may be inaccurate for this reason.

Most people think that a few minutes is no big deal. Yet, can you recall times that if you’d been somewhere just a few minutes sooner…you wouldn’t have missed that train…or you would have gotten some giveaway…or you would have seen that old friend who just left…or you could have gotten to the shop before it closed…or you would have been the one that got that last item before the other person did. Gwenyth Paltrow was in a movie called “Sliding Doors” which tells the tale of a woman who misses a train and how her life unfolds due to missing the train and in a parallel universe, what happens if she catches the train. It also provides an insight into our destiny and how we are bound to have certain experiences in life.

Often one minute can change the entire ascendant, for example, from Aries to Taurus. Or one minute can change the nakshatra, or constellation, that the ascendant lands in. There are marked differences between each nakshatra as far as personal propensities, career paths, health challenges, and overall life themes. Furthermore, there are numerous harmonic or divisional charts utilized in jyotish, each of which focus on a specific arena of a person’s life. There is a chart for relationships, for career, 3 that pertain to health, siblings, spiritual inclinations, parents, education, etc. While every astrologer does not look at each divisional chart in depth, they usually focus on the charts which are relevant to the consultation.

Even if one or two or three minutes doesn’t change the ascendant or the nakshatra in the main chart, it can often change the divisional charts, which are calculated in another fashion. To gauge how an individual will do with relationships or career, it’s important to examine the main chart as well as the divisional charts for each subject. If the timing is off, then the reading may not be as accurate.

So how does one figure out if the timing is correct? The astrologer should look at the birth time and see what changes by moving the time forward and backwards by a few minutes. If there are significant changes, then the astrologer needs to ask the client about specific periods in their life and see whether the indications that are shown in the chart came to fruition. For instance, if the time is accurate, then a combination for prosperity that was shown to occur five years ago should have happened. If not, then the time needs to be “rectified”.

Rectification is a time consuming process which requires great attention to detail.

But, it is necessary for a proper reading. It’s especially useful when a client comes who does not have a birth time listed on their birth certificate or can’t locate their birth certificate.

I often utilize a detailed questionnaire for instances when the birth time is questionable. The client has to dig into their memory bank for this process. An accurate birth chart should show the highlights or low points of an individual’s life in various arenas.

In jyotish, every minute counts. Often more than most people would have ever realized.

Time for a Tune-Up

2008-08-21T15:42:00.001-07:00

We would probably all agree that the summer has flown by, while the winter usually drags along. The much anticipated summer is drawing to a close, like it or not. The weather has gotten a bit cooler. we see that summer clothes are disappearing from the retail stores, and kids are getting ready to go back to school.

Summer may surprise us and linger longer than usual, as it did last year. Yet, the leaves will change color and our schedules will change as the season changes. We may go out less or try to fit in the last bit of summer fun. Perhaps a vacation is in order. Or at least a mental holiday, if nothing else.

A change in season is an opportune time to give our body a tune-up. We have stickers on our cars that remind us when to change the oil. And if we don’t do our regular maintenance, then some kind of warning light will go off eventually. Or the car may not function as well as it used to, and then we know to take it in to get fixed.

Our bodies have the same kind of maintenance requirements. We do need to give it a regular tune-up. We just prolong it longer than we do with our cars. We know that the car can only do some much once it makes noises or takes longer than usual to do perform a regular function. Similarly, the body may not be as spry as before. There may be some cracking and popping of the joints. It might be getting harder to read small print. Whatever the issue, the body sends us its own warning signals so that we can maintain its proper function.

If we are really in tune, we pick up the early signs. If we are too busy with other stuff, we ignore it and the later wonder what happened to cause the health issue.

Take out your PDA/ appointment book/ calendar and schedule a time for a few days to do a cleanse or detox. Start out a few days before by eliminating all the processed food, sugar, fried food, and other unnatural substances from your diet. See a holistic health professional to get you on the right track on about the specifics of cleansing.

Schedule down time where there is no cell phone or PDA or computer to demand your time and energy.
Take up a regular meditation practice.
Make time to listen to your body.

Journal about what is happening.

Get to bed at a reasonable hour (i.e. before 11 pm)

Eliminate one unhealthy person/ habit / situation from your life permanently.

Saw no to other commitments if they do arise.

Set aside at least 2 days (ideally one week).

There are seven tissue systems in the body and each requires one day to cleanse.

As for that car, let it have a break as well. Stay put and let the car rest along with you.

You won’t need to jump start the car if it’s idle for a few days, it’ll be ready and rearing to go, just like you.

"The Simpsons" as Ayurvedic Archetypes

2008-07-13T16:43:00.001-07:00

While a multitude of means exist to describe each Ayurvedic body type, the explanation can be simplified by referring to commonly known figures. Television is a universal medium. Characters from the popular FOX series, “The Simpsons” easily embody the Ayurvedic archetypes.

Vata is the principle of movement. Vata predominant people tend to be active and crave stimulation. They enjoy change and are full of ideas. Young Bart Simpson is very typically Vata. He is always getting into trouble because of one new idea or another. He likes to try new things, but not stick to them. The worst thing for him is sitting around and doing nothing.

We have Lisa Simpson who fits the Pitta archetype perfectly. Pitta people are ambitious, inquisitive perfectionists. They are lifetime learners and are very much “project people”. Lisa is Bart’s sister. She is at the top of her class and an expert on a variety of subjects. Lisa is a fighter for social justice. She is skilled at organizing events and executing them.

Homer Simpson is the father of the family. He embodies the Kapha constitution. Homer is the stereotypical couch potato. He loves sitting around, watching tv, and eating donuts. The other place he frequents regularly is Moe’s pub. Kaphas enjoy routines and can get quite sedentary in their ways. They love sweets and are usually somewhat overweight.

For a glimpse anytime into Ayurvedic archetypes, just tune into a “The Simpsons” episode.

Declaring Your Independence

2008-07-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July. It’s the 222nd anniversary of the birth of this nation. July 4, 1776 was a historic moment that has been commemorated annually. It marked a beginning for the country and fresh new start for the people of the U.S. People declared their freedom from what was previously restricting and holding them back.

So, on this holiday, take a moment between the barbeques, parades, and fireworks and reflect on what you may need to be freed from. Is there something or someone that is holding you back? What can be done to change that? Have you been afraid to declare your freedom and move forward into uncharted territory? Is it time to update that resume, quit that job, let go of that unhealthy relationship, or join the gym? Do you need to stop responding to every email and returning every phone call within the next 12 hours? Are there toxic old friends who you need to stop seeing?Maybe it’s time to stop giving all the time and start receiving. Or, is it time to ask for what you want? Is it time to make yourself a priority rather than someone’s option?

Perhaps you need to start saying “no” rather than “yes” to every invitation. Stop doing things out of obligation or guilt. Release what is holding you back from pursuing what you really feel moved to do.

Declaring your personal independence takes a lot of courage and fortitude, but see how free you’ll feel after you do it! Happy Independence Day!

The First Day of the Second Half of the Year

2008-07-01T19:45:00.001-07:00

Today is the beginning of the second half of the year. A time for new beginnings. An opportunity to refresh and renew your resolutions. An opening for making further advancements on your path.

So here are some ideas on what you can do to make progress with your goals or resolutions, and to make it a very memorable 2008 (in a good way)!

- Review your new years’ goals and / or resolutions and see where you are. Modify them if necessary
- Journal about how the last 6 months have been
- Commit to a regular exercise schedule for the month
- Make a plan to eat out less and cook at home more
- Re-visit your dream board or create a new one
- Do something that puts you outside of your comfort zone
- Put yourself first and do something that you enjoy
- Get out there and enjoy the beautiful summer weather!
- Put on some music that you like and dance. Rick Springfield has just added his catchy new songs, “What’s Victoria’s Secret” and “Venus in Overdrive” on his My Space page. You may enjoy listening.
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=91277394
-Do one thing that you’ve been putting off for a long time. You’ll be so relieved when it’s done.
- Get a massage/ manicure/ pedicure/ reflexology session/ Reiki treatment/ astrology reading/ numerology reading/ tarot reading
- Attend the free summer festivities in your area
- Connect with that old friend that you haven’t seen in a while
- Acknowledge whatever you may be feeling and don’t judge it
- Give yourself an hour to curl up with a favorite book and turn off the phones
- Make a budget for the rest of the year
- Review your financial portfolio. No need to panic. Stocks have historically yielded the highest returns over time over any other investment vehicle, but you need to make sure that your investment vehicles are commensurate with your objectives.
- Put on a fancy outfit for no reason
- Have an extra long meditation session
- Delete all those unnecessary emails that you know you'll never get to
- Visualize how the rest of the year is going to be and watch it unfold

Enjoy the rest of the year and embrace whatever comes your way.

The First Half of 2008 Comes to a Conclusion

2008-06-30T13:28:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, and like it or not, half of the year is over. It doesn’t even seem that long ago that we were ringing in the millennium. Time flies, whether we are having fun or not.

So, it’s a perfect time to reflect on what has occurred so far. What are the most memorable moments for you so far this year? What has worked out as you had visioned? What has exceeded your expectations/ hopes? What has not happened that you had been hoping for or anticipating?
What has brought you the most joy? And sorrow? Have you been able to live in the present moment or are you too busy re-living in the past or anticipating the future?
Take a look at what goals and resolutions you set for the year. See what needs to be amended and what can be checked off the list.

Also study your vision board and see what has borne fruit. See what items may need to be added. Or, perhaps it’s time to make another board.

While we can’t re-live the past or change what decisions we made, we can certainly take a moment to reflect on what lessons have been learned. Everything can present an opportunity for personal growth, no matter how challenging the circumstances. The lessons may not be apparent, but can be uncovered over time or with the help of an advisor.

Write out your vision for the rest of the year and take time to vision it. Create some affirmations to reinforce these ideals. As the holiday approaches, take some time to rejuvenate. Then, take the necessary steps to positively move forward with your vision and goals.

Cultivating the Art of Patience

2008-06-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

We’ve all heard the saying, “Patience is a virtue.” We all know what it means. We get it. But when needed most, we don’t necessarily have it. It falls into the “easier said than done” phenomenon.

It seems so simple. We must learn to be patient. Good things come to those who wait. And wait and wait and wait it seems. And we wonder how long do I have to wait? How soon is long enough? How long till you really get tired of waiting?Whether it’s the same pattern repeating itself over and over again or waiting for your lucky break or waiting for that all important email or letter, it can at times create a deep groove in the brain. Running to the computer in the morning, hoping to get word about that all important subject. Racing home to the mailbox and seeing whether it finally arrived. Going on that next interview and seeing yourself getting the job.

Hmmm…kinda makes you wonder. Obviously, there is a lesson to be learned other than cultivating patience. So what is it? It could be non-attachment to an outcome. It could be being fine with the status quo. It could be cultivating equipoise - being fine with the “good” and the “bad”. How about that whole notion of divine timing? Perhaps that’s the lesson. Or it could be putting in your hours or working your way up to an outcome. But the mind is stuck in that groove so the lesson is less than apparent. Is the lesson giving up your story? If you don’t have your story, then it’s really difficult to identify with that deep groove. That groove is created
from living your life and seeing the patterns arise in daily life.

And then we wonder if we are really not entitled to owning that dream home or getting that promotion. Maybe it is not meant to be. We have visualized, done our affirmations, created that dream board, written out how the scenario is supposed to be. So what is the hold up already?
What is the true belief system that we hold? Do we really believe that we deserve this? That it will happen? Are we good enough to get what seemed like a dream?Perhaps the lesson is to do our best. Make the effort. Believe that it will come as and when it should. Then let it go. Release it into the universe and surrender it to a greater power. Get on with what is working and what you can create in your life.

Setting Up an Ayurvedic Kitchen

2008-06-17T20:27:00.004-07:00

Ayurvedic cooking gives equal importance to food prep as it does to the process of dining itself. Thus, it's important to have the proper utensils in place before you start cooking. Some may already be in your possession. It's best to approach it in steps.

First, you will need stainless steel pots of various sizes. Stainless steel is preferred to aluminum. Pots and pans with reinforced bottoms are also preferred. The sizes may vary depending on how many people you typically plan to dine with. A large and small skillet with lids are essential for basic sautéing. Also at least one medium or large stainless saucepan with a lid. You should also invest in a stainless steel pressure cooker, at least 4 oz. size. They usually last a lifetime and can be used to prepare a variety of foods.

To prepare your food, get a wooden chopping board. The plastic kind are more susceptible to bacteria. Professional chopping knives, both large and small are a great investment as well. Have a few different size mixing bowls, either glass, ceramic or stainless steel. A tea strainer and a few larger strainers will often come in handy. The other essential is a blender or a min-blender.

A rolling pin is also a staple in an Ayurvedic kitchen. You'll also require a vegetable peeler as well as measuring spoons and cups. Stainless steel is preferable again, but plastic will suffice. Utensils are key in Ayurvedic cooking.

Purchase some stainless steel serving spoons, a large soup ladle, and some tongs. Additionally, buy some wooden spoons for mixing, as metal is a good conductor of heat and should not be left on the stove for more than a few minutes.

Different size oven trays and glassware which is oven-safe are also useful to have.

All Indian households have a masala or spice box to store regularly used spices in one place. They can be obtained at any Indian grocery store. You might also want to get an apron and some dish rags to clean up any messes. In addition to oven mitts, it's beneficial to have some trivets or hot plates handy to place those hot dishes on.

Cooking ingredients are vital and will be covered in a separate discussion.

Television Characters Who Embody Ayurvedic Body Types

2008-06-09T15:53:00.001-07:00

We all have different learning methods. Some learn visually, others through the auditory channel, and still others by reading. One way to engrain Ayurveda in our thinking patterns is associate Ayurvedic types with common characters that we see on t.v.

We have Archie Bunker of “All in The Family”, who sits in the same chair all the time. He hates to get up or be disturbed when he’s reading the paper. He’s had the same friends for years and has very fixed views on the world. Archie is very much a Kapha.

Another popular Kapha personality is Cliff Huxtable of “The Cosby Show”.

He is the warm-hearted doctor who loves his family, as well as his desserts. Cliff, like Archie, is a little on the heavy side.

Archie’s wife, Edith, whom he calls “Dingbat”, is a Vata type. She is always harried, somewhat spacey, and feels she always has to be doing something.

Woody from “Cheers” was also a Vata type. He is somewhat of an air-head and forgetful. The “Coach” on “Cheers” was even more Vata than Woody.

Mrs. Huxtalbe is a Pitta personality. She portrays a smart, successful lawyer who always has a witty comeback. She is well organized and maintains her professional and family life as well as an extended social network.

Who would you select to embody each of these types?

Letting go and letting G(o)od

2008-05-24T20:35:00.001-07:00

We really try and control situations in our lives. We want to know what will happen, how, and when.
We want every detail so we can plan ahead, so that we can avoid surprises. We want to be the one in charge, not someone who gets surprised. We want it the way we like it, not another way.

It’s easy to say that we are flexible and open-minded and can “go with the flow”. When the tide starts flowing in the opposite direction, see who puts on the life preserver first or runs to the lifeguard.

In astrology, we speak about the 4 aims of life: dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. Dharma is doing our duty in life. Kama is participating in pleasurable activities, and moksha is freedom from the cycle of death and re-birth.

Artha relates to security. Security can take multiple forms: food, shelter, clothing, money, etc. It’s the knowledge that we have what we need and that it’s not going anywhere anytime.

Certain things in life are fated and yet we can also exercise free will in our lives. There’s a destination that we have to reach, but we can control how we get there. We can walk, bike, take a cab or bus or motorcycle, skateboard, car, hitchhike…

What we encounter along the way on the journey is part of the lesson.

Whenever there’s a sharp turn or a speed bump, we hold our breath, anticipating any danger which may lie ahead.

Sometimes we cling so tightly to something that we are afraid to lose that we can barely breathe.

It may help to loosen the grip and let your circulation return to normal.

Something good may be awaiting, yet we’re too busy wondering and worrying about negative outcomes that nothing positive is allowed to express itself.

How often do people use expressions such as, “This will never last.” “I can’t believe this happened.” “I always have bad luck.” “Good things never happen to me.”

What about putting a positive spin on things for a change?
It’s beneficial to plot our journey and set a course for ourselves, yet we cannot micromanage every detail along the way. Unanticipated events may unfold. When they do, attempt to remain on course, yet be open to what the hidden blessings it may contain.

Don’t be so easily swayed when the tide changes. Remain constant in your vision and goals. See what new doors may have opened as time goes by and see what unearthed treasures may have been brought in by the high tide.

Playing Mind Games

2008-05-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

Our mind can get the best of us at times. Often more frequently than we may be aware of or are willing to admit.

We think we must have or do something because of the mind. We obsess on it until it’s achieved or there’s some outcome to the situation. If things don’t happen the way that we’d like, then we go over the details over and over again, like a non-stop ferris wheel. You get on it, but can’t get off and it gets really tiresome seeing the same scenario each time we go around.

Someone has to turn it off and that someone is you. You are the passenger and the agent in charge of the machine.
When the mind wants to re-visit another situation or idea or repeat the same thought pattern over again for the 1,000^th time, you can pull the lever and choose another option. You can say, “I choose not to go there this time. This doesn’t serve me and I’m going to get off this ride.”

This reprieve may last for 5 minutes or 5 hours or 5 days. Whatever the length of time, just stand firm in your resistance and refuse to engage the mind. If it does what it does, then once it’s done, don’t ponder over the details again and again.

It gets you nowhere, as you know.

Find some positive activity to focus on that can a specified outcome. Perhaps give yourself a time limit to achieve said outcome. Stay focused and stay on track and stay away from mind games.

REFLECTING ON THE ACT OF REJUVENATION

2008-05-22T21:52:00.001-07:00

So if you have taken some time for yourself and done something for you, how has it been? Have you been able to fully enjoy it?

Or did you let other priorities get in the way?
Maybe you did something that you wanted to do; something that others don’t relate well to or that doesn’t “fit” the idea that others have of you.

Maybe you spent more time, energy or money on an activity than you normally would.
Did it bring you some happiness or peace of mind? It’s great to be the giver, but it’s also nice to receive once in a while. Often we stay on one side of the equation, rather than creating a balance.

Only when we take time to replenish ourselves and nourish our souls can be heal our bodies from the inside.

Rejuvenation doesn’t have to be expensive but it can still weigh on us.
Guilt can creep in easily as can the dictums of “do this” and “don’t do that”.

Those rules seem to be set in stone and we can’t recall when they were originated. Yet we cling to them for dear life. They offer us some security and some strange sort of comfort. We know what is expected and what is not. We know what is permissible and when we’re coloring outside of the lines. But coloring outside the lines never hurt anyone. It’s a chance to express who you are and to feel what you feel. The only permission you really need is your own.

If no one has been neglected or hurt and no disaster has befallen you as a result of some time for “me”, then relax and enjoy what you did (or better yet, didn’t do because you were taking a pause from your normal routine).

Give yourself permission to do it again (or do nothing for once).

PRIORITIZING FOR THE MONTH AHEAD

2008-04-30T20:36:00.000-07:00

As another month draws to a close, we can pause and reflect on the month that has passed and look ahead to the upcoming month.

Just as the month is changing, the season is changing and it unfolds new possibilities for us. The days are getting longer, there is more sunlight and it’s getting warmer in most places. More time can be spent outdoors and getting fresh air and exercise.

With a quarter of the year over, you can re-examine your new years’ resolutions, goals or intentions and see what needs to be re-evaluated or re-iterated.

Set some priorities for the coming month, both personal and professional.

Once you’ve prioritized, put them aside and take another look at them and see if there’s anything you’d like to alter.

See if you’ve put some “down-time” as a priority.
And where do you fit in on the priority list?
We all strive for self-improvement, but if we continually put anything and everything above ourselves, then how can we truly evolve?
Sometimes it’s a fine line between being true to ourselves and being kind to others. Only when we take time to reflect and rejuvenate can we stand in our true power and then be in a position to best assist others.

Re-Acting to Situations

2008-04-29T11:23:00.000-07:00

The word react means that we “re-act” to a situation or stimulus. We have developed a certain conditioning to an external event which triggers something internally. We react and have a “re-action”. We display the same behavior over and over again. Often, this is a self-defeating pattern.

If a situation is recurring over and over again, then it may be beneficial to pause next time it occurs. Rather than reacting, take a moment to first acknowledge what your reflexive reaction is likely to be. See if you can alter it in that split second. Try another path. Just be with what is. Or, see if you can find a lesson in all of this. See if there is even a hidden blessing. Even if you can’t alter it, then take time to witness what the reaction was, and then don’t react to the reaction. You may be better prepared next time.

Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. So, if we wish to change the outcome, we must re-think and re-define our strategy and approach to a situation.

Once we stop reacting, we can finally change self-defeating patterns. This will help us move along our life path more consciously

The Art of Not Projecting

2008-04-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

The grass always looks greener on the other side. It’s easier to see someone else’s glass as half full and yours as half empty. It may be more applicable in some situations than in others. When you have an area of your life that doesn’t satisfy you, then that situation is likely to stay in the forefront of your mind. This leads to looking to the outside world for the answer on how to remedy the situation. We see how someone has that part of their life just right and how you’d really like to be in their place. Then you wouldn’t have to deal with this challenging situation.

This is a tendency that we all fall into, sooner or later. And often unconsciously.

Yet, we never truly know what another’s version of reality is. Even if the person shares about his/ her life, we ultimately add our own coloring or judgment to the situation. We think if only we had that car, that amount of money, such a great job, such a loving partner, that kind of physique, etc, then we would be truly happy. In these moments, we fail to acknowledge that everyone has their own karma. Karma means action and by acting, we produce results. These results accumulate and lead to further actions and consequences.

We need to learn our own lessons. We have our own destiny in life. And if we were to step into someone else’s shoes, they may not be as comfortable as they appear from the outside. There are definitely details that you have not taken into consideration.

People often say, “You’re so lucky because you…..” (fill in the blank). While the recipient may be grateful for the compliment, this gets tiresome after a while. Undoubtedly, the person is assessing what you have stated and thinking how fortunate you are to have a situation that they do not perceive as ideal in their own life.

Next time such a projection arises, take a moment and pause before you fall into a state of lack or jealousy. Acknowledge what is going well in your life. If you see something that is working well for a person, it may be more constructive to ask that individual for guidance on how to achieve that state or how to maintain it. Ask the person about the lessons that they learned along the way and what they had to go through. Listen and learn.

RE-THINKING YOUR WATER INTAKE

2008-04-06T14:03:00.000-07:00

When I individually meet with clients for an Ayurvedic consultation, I often ask them, “How much water are you drinking?” Unfailingly the response from the majority of people is, “I’m sure I’m not drinking enough!” This comes regardless of their age, weight, and specific health concerns. My point in asking is to ascertain how their water intake may be impacting the rest of their health, not to make a judgment. Yet, there seems to be an innate conditioning engrained in the brains of the general American population.

We have all heard that we should drink 8 glasses of water a day. However, consider if you are living in Alaska or Hawaii and how the temperature and daily routine might impact your water intake. On a personal level, think of how your level of activity varies in the summer as compared to the winter. If you’re active and performing vigorous activity such as running or tennis or playing basketball, you’ll likely sweat more and will need to replenish the water that’s been eliminated from your body.

As we all know, our body is primarily comprised of water. We require water for taste, to digest our food, and to maintain the water electrolyte balance in our bodies.

According to Ayurveda, we are all born with a unique constitution and can be generally classified as having 1 or 2 dominant body types. Vata constitutions are very active and usually lean in frame; they can do well with 8 glasses of water a day. Pitta types are usually medium build, can be quite ambitious and they tend to sweat more than the other two types. They tend to push themselves beyond their capacity both physically and mentally. Depending on the type of activity they are performing, they can do well with 5-8 glasses of water a day. Kapha types are less likely to perform physical exercise and can usually function with less than 8 glasses of water a day.

The amount of water consumed should depend on the season, your body type, current state of imbalance, and your level of physical activity. It’s very important not to become dehydrated, especially during the summer.

Drinking too much liquid with or directly before or after a meal can dampen the agni, or digestive fire, and make it more challenging for our food to digest. Drinking water that is chilled also is harder for the body to assimilate. The cold quality will constrict your capillaries and this makes it more difficult for nutrients to pass through.

Going on a “water fast” is not necessarily a quick and easy diet strategy. Consuming more water than your kidneys are able to filter puts a great deal of stress on them and can lead to water retention, frequent trips to the bathroom at night, and potentially more serious health problems.

Guidelines are very useful guideposts, yet it is equally beneficial to assess what your current physical needs are and listen to what your body needs.

Creating a Feast in the Kitchen!

2008-03-16T16:29:00.003-07:00

Common complaints that I hear are, “I can’t cook” or “I don’t have time to cook”.
We can ALL cook, we just don’t all choose to do so. Granted, some people are more naturally talented as cooking than others, but they all had to start somewhere. Many people see cooking as a chore; it may be time for a change of perception about this. Cooking can actually be quite fun if you see it as an adventure rather than a burden. You can do it alone, with a friend or as a group. There’s the chance to experiment with different recipes. I don’t usually use recipes but rather prefer to see what I can concoct with a variety of spices, grains, and vegetables. If I don’t like the way it turns out, I don’t repeat it again. More often than not, I am pleasantly surprised with the result. I do my best with whatever I make, and have no attachment to how it turns out.

As for not having time to cook, there’s another false belief that it takes hours to cook anything substantial. Wrong again. Many tasty items can be prepared in under an hour. Some cooking lessons may be in order initially if you are a novice. You can learn how to stock your kitchen, what kinds of utensils to use and how to prepare balanced meals. This is ideally done in conjunction with an ayurvedic consultation, so that you can prepare foods that are best for your particular constitution.

A gas stove is always preferred over an electric one, if there is a choice. It’s more difficult to regulate the temperature on an electric stove and cook food evenly, so it requires greater practice and patience. Get rid of your microwave so there’s no temptation for a quick fix. The harmful effects far outweigh any time savings.

For breakfast, you could try cooking oatmeal. Oats that are called steel cut oats are much tastier than the rolled or quick oats, but they take a lot longer to prepare. Adding appropriate spices enhances the flavor of your oatmeal and provides greater nutritional value.

Invest in containers that keep food warm so that you can take it to work. It’ll also help minimize expenses spent on eating out. Try not to eat at your desk as much as possible. For lunch, you can bring soup in a thermos and some vegetables, along with a grain, like couscous or rice. You can buy some hot/cold containers that keep your food the right temperature so there's no need to microwave. Keep some flax seed oil in the fridge at work and add it to your food.

Try and eat dinner relatively early. It takes 6 hours for your food to digest, so the earlier you eat, the better for your digestive tract and overall health, and the better your sleep will be. Have a whole grain along with some vegetables. You can also have tofu, tempeh, or seitan. It’s ok to have dessert, but avoid white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, vanillin, and other unhealthy sweeteners. Maple syrup, agave, or stevia are some of the preferred sweeteners. Eat food while it’s warm and drink a warm or room temperature beverage with your meals. You may be pleasantly surprised trying different herbal teas.

Create an enjoyable dining atmosphere, chew your food mindfully and enjoy what you’ve created. Make a cooking date with yourself every week. It’ll be something to look forward to!

THINK BEFORE YOU EAT!

2008-03-02T20:53:00.003-08:00

People often say that they don’t know how to cook and thus tend to eat out. Or, they complain that cooking is too difficult and too time consuming, so they eat out or skip meals or eat junk food. The old adage, “You are what you eat” hold true for all of us. If we eat rough, dry food, we experience dryness, stiffness, and roughness in our bodies. If we eat hot spicy foods, then we experience inflammation and skin conditions. If we eat heavy foods, then the weight is a lot easier to put on than it is to take off.

We live in a society that craves instant gratification. While fast food may be a convenience item and save time in the short run, it does not do so in the long run. Eating processed, unhealthy, fatty, high caloric, unmindfully prepared, chemically preserved foods creates more toxins in our body over the long run. This leads to multiple health ailments, discomfort, multiple visits to the doctor, and perhaps even a lifetime of being medicated. So, what we feel we may be saving in the short-run certainly doesn’t even itself out in the long-run.

We use phrases like “eating on the run”, “grab something to eat”, “get something at the drive through”, “gobble something down”, “gulp down my drink”, etc. We pay no attention to what we are putting in our bodies or how we are ingesting our foods. This is not giving our bodies and our digestive systems the attention that they deserve. If we aren’t mindful about what goes in and how, then how can we expect our digestive system to comply? How many people do you know who suffer from acid indigestion, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, etc? It’s not a lifelong sentence, unless we make our habits a lifelong habit.

There’s no time better than the present to start implementing healthier routines to lead a happier, more fulfilling life.

IT'S ALL ABOUT CHOICES

2008-02-29T20:32:00.003-08:00

There is the inexorable dance between free will and fate that plays throughout our lives. This is something that those who are interested in astrology strive to understand and those of us who practice and study astrology endeavor to walk this fine line.

Certain things in our lives are fated at birth and indicated in our charts. We cannot change our parents or our birth circumstances or how we are raised. We have particular predispositions and preferences and interests that will reveal themselves throughout our lifetimes. This is all fixed karma.

If we step back a moment, we can see specific patterns that continually repeat themselves. While we may be unable to immediately stop their occurrence, we can choose to change our reaction to it. With a reaction, we re-act the same situation over and over again. We can act constructively rather than re-act unconstructively. This is unfixed karma.

And then there are the gray matters, the karma that’s a mixture of being fixed and unfixed. The choices we make daily with our diet and activities. There are pre-dispositions to the types of foods we prefer and how we may organize our days. Yet, we do not have to be a slave to our chart, but can make positive, uplifting choices.

One of my favorite movies is “Sliding Doors” starring Gwyneth Paltrow. It depicts the life of a woman and shows what happens when she catches a train and when the same woman misses that train. Different events unfold, yet inevitably she experiences what she must and faces the lessons that are essential for her life. How the events unfold varies. She exercises choice in facing daily events and reshapes her life in a method that is uplifting for her.

So, if things are not unfolding as you wish, choose and continue to be pro-active, set strong intentions, and learn the lessons, however they present themselves.

AYURVEDA & JYOTISH: AN ASTROLOGICAL APPROACH TO WELL-BEING

2008-02-04T17:34:00.001-08:00

I previously wrote about how the sister sciences of Ayurveda, Jyotish (Vedic or Eastern Astrology), Yoga, Sanskrit and Vaastu Shastra. Two sciences which are inexorably woven together are Ayurveda and Jyotish. While astrology can take a lifetime to truly master, people inevitably are curious about “what my chart says” and “how my future looks”. The most common questions that I receive are regarding relationships, career, and finances. Yet, a common tenet in the Vedas is that health is the greatest measure of wealth. Without our health and vitality, it’s difficult for people to work productively, maintain harmony within ourselves, and conserve resources effectively. When well-being is not present, then we can exert a lot of time, energy, and finances on the pursuit of our health. This can often distract us from focusing on other arenas of our lives.

Everything in the universe is intertwined. Ayurveda is based on the theory of the five elements (the pancha mahabhutas): ether, air, fire, water, and earth. Vata, the principle of movement is made up of ether and air. Pitta, the energy of digestion and assimilation, is comprised of fire and water. And Kapha, the energy of structure and lubrication, is formed from water and earth. In Jyotish, we also classify each sign of the zodiac, as well the planets, with an associated element. Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are the fires signs; Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn are Earth signs; Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are Air signs; Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are Water signs. Sun and Mars are Pitta planets; Jupiter is Kapha; Saturn is Vata; the Moon and Venus = Kapha and Vata; Mercury is all 3 doshas. Someone with many planets in water signs may be emotional and sensitive, while someone else with planets in fire signs may be much for action-oriented and one who takes a great deal of time to articulate their emotions. Astrological compatibility between individuals (romantically, professionally, or within a family) will depend on the interplay of the planets and houses amongst two charts.

The ascendant or first house of a person’s horoscope, which is dependent on a person’s time of birth, gives shape to a person’s personality and their physicality. While there is no substitute for pulse diagnosis in assessing a person’s constitution and their current imbalance (prakruti and vikruti), the nature of an individual’s first house will certainly help define the person’s physical tendencies and Ayurvedic constitution. For example, if a person has a Leo ascendant (which means that their first house spans from 0° to 30° Leo), and Sun and Mars are in the ascendant, then we would certainly expect the person to have Pitta predominant in their constitution. The person may be prone to Pitta disorders, such as hives, rashes, inflammation, and acid indigestion. We would also examine what other planets are aspecting the ascendant as well as what planetary cycle a person is experiencing.

There are twelve constellations of the zodiac. Each sign of the zodiac as well as each house corresponds to a particular body part. Aries and the first house represent the head and face. Taurus and the second house represent the throat, Gemini and the third house represent the shoulders and ears…and so the flow of body goes with Pisces and the twelfth house representing the feet. Unless one has an Aries ascendant, Aries is not the first house, so it requires careful interpretation on the part of a trained astrologer to know which body parts may have health challenges, and at what periods of time.

Aside from the first house (ascendant or rising sign), a trained astrologer also looks at the sixth house in a chart for acute health issues, the eighth house for chronic health issues, and the twelfth house for periods which may require hospitalization or retreat from society. Having planets in or aspecting any of these houses does not in itself indicate that there will be ill health. The inherent strength of each planet and house has to be examined, as do planetary cycles and transits. Additionally, the divisional or harmonic charts which relate to health must be scrutinized to see when health challenges may occur. Ideally, if a person is prepared for periods where there may low vitality, then they can augment this with Ayurvedic herbs and lifestyle regimens specific to their needs. Ayurveda is both preventative and curative so this guidance may be even more beneficial if applied when astrological periods deem that vigilant attention to one’s health is necessary.

Ayurveda also places great emphasis on the qualities or gunas that correspond with each dosha. Sun, Saturn, and Mars are dry planets, while Jupiter, Moon, and Venus are wet, and Saturn is windy. If dry planets primarily influence the ascendant, then the person may be prone to dryness; if it is mainly wet planets, then the person may have issues with bloating or circulation of fluids within the body. This information can be used in conjunction with the correlations of body parts to each house, to determine which parts of the anatomy may be prone to specific health conditions. The second house represents the mouth, and an astrologer can discern the type of food that an individual eats by examining the second house. Dry planets placed in the second house, as well as dry planets transiting the second house for an extended period of time, will cause hoarseness, sore throats, gas, and even constipation (the result of eating too much dry food). Vata will be aggravated accordingly.

Knowledge of what bodily systems are weak or prone to illness can empower to take better care of our lives with appropriate diet, counseling, and exercise. There are yoga asanas that are specific to each of the doshas as well as to particular organs, which can be used to tone and maintain the body. Each of us may have health challenges that we face within our lifetimes, but we can use the tools found in the Vedas to be proactive, rather than reactive, in maintaining with our well-being so that we can lead a harmonious life each day.

All Things in Moderation

2008-01-26T19:21:00.000-08:00

One of the greatest challenges we have as humans is making changes. Even if there are situations in our lives that we are discontent with, it can be safer, more secure to continue repeating patterns of behavior that reinforce the existing situation. Yet, we simultaneously complain about the situation to just about anyone and everyone.

For example, we dislike our jobs. What do we do about it? Complain about the working situation, do our tasks begrudgingly, struggle along, and count the days until Friday. We could choose to be proactive about things that we dislike, look for creative solutions to challenges, get involved in committees in your workplace, or join professional groups that relate to our skill set or where we aspire to be. We can update our resume and network to find what we are looking for. We can establish informational interviews or volunteer with organizations that we’d like to join. We can take classes and learn new skills. If the company offers tuition reimbursement programs, take advantage of them.

It’s always easier for many people to see the negative side of a situation rather than the positive. The glass half-empty or half-full situation comes into play daily. We may say that it’s half-full but is that reflected in our thoughts and actions?

People are often complacent and stay in a situation rather than risk the unknown.
This static behavior promotes Kapha. We get stuck in our routines, habits, and patterns and are afraid of what lies behind door #2. So we stick with the known of door #1, even though we are unhappy with its content.

Those with a strong Mars in their chart are often prone to being more adventuresome (depending on its placement) and taking risks, often to extremes.

Then, there are others on the opposite end of the spectrum. They are constantly changing everything: jobs, hair color, residences, relationships, clothing, etc. This leads to erratic patterns in sleeping, eating, and lifestyle. It’s hard to commit or hold on to something when we are constantly seeking new stimuli in a particular arena of life. This aggravates Vata, which is mobile and changeable.

Ayurveda teaches “all things in moderation”. It requires that we strike a balance in each aspect of our lives. What that point of balance is will be unique for each individual. It is up to us to discover that fine line and walk it daily and make adjustments as we alter the course of our lives.

INTENTIONALLY SPEAKING

2008-01-17T20:40:00.001-08:00

We’re two weeks into the new year.

Have you set an intention for the year?
How about creating a vision?
You can write down who you desire to be in this year, what you will strive to achieve, what quality or qualities you want to embody. You can list your spiritual progression, career endeavors, charitable acts, the contribution that you will make to your family/ community/ the world.
You can choose to walk your talk.

You can decide to make time for yourself to pursue what is most necessary for your personal evolution.

Write out what your focus and goals for the year will be; whether it is personal or professional.

Set a time frame for which you will achieve certain benchmarks.

Have a periodic check in process with yourself, a friend, or mentor.

Intentions are best written in the present tense, using action words.

Ideally, they should be one or two sentences. No longer than a paragraph.

They can be revised later during the year as you gain clarity in certain matters.

Keep them where they will be visible daily.

Be careful with whom you share your information. Share it with positive uplifting people who will support you in the process of achieving your dreams and goals.

You may wish to form a group that meets periodically to check in with each other and offer counsel and a friendly ear.

Take time daily to vision your goals. Create a dream board and keep it where you can see it daily. Cut out photos and phrases that resonate with what you desire to create.

Moving Flexibly Through the Winter

2008-01-11T20:31:00.001-08:00

Winter is usually not anyone’s favorite season. It gets dark early, it’s cold, we experience dryness, and feel less energetic. All this manifests both physically and mentally in many cases.

With darkness setting in early, we may want to stay in once we get home or not go out if we don’t need to. We are less prone to exercise in the winter. SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) is very common in the winter. With the lack of sunlight, it can lead to feeling down or depressed. It’s vital to be vigilant about getting out and getting some fresh air, as weather permits, and spending some time in the sunlight, even if it’s in the car. There are companies that sell lights which mimic the rays of the sun and which can work with SAD.

Plan some evening activities to get out and about so that you don’t confine yourself to the home.

The cold weather and harsh winds can have a drying effect on our skin. When we try to continually moisturize, we often find ourselves repeating the process throughout the day. The reason for this is that we are dry from the inside and that is being reflected on the outside on our skin. Lotion is not the solution. Most cosmetic lotions contain chemical products that are harmful to the skin, even those that claim to be “natural”. We need to lubricate our joints and organs internally to relieve this dryness. One way is to avoid eating foods that are dry, rough, and uncooked. Another is to avoid dehydration. For our skin, the best thing to do is to get some organic sesame oil and take a small handful and give yourself an oil massage, especially covering the areas that are dry. Allow it to stay on your skin for at least 15 minutes. Put on an old robe or something that can get oily and then take a warm shower or bath. Water is a great carrier and will allow the oil to lubricate the body internally and relive the dryness. A note of caution: oil can make your bath tub very slippery, so make sure you have some mats in your tub and walk carefully. Wash the tub thoroughly after each use, and don’t let children use the tub after you’ve showered. Ayurveda establishes a direct link between body and mind. If we are feeling dry outside, then there can be a link to feel dry inside, or vice versa. We lack what they call, the “joie de vivre” in French. There’s a lack of motivation, or feeling that we’re stagnant in what we’re pursuing, or the creative juices may not be flowing as easily as they usually do. So, engage in this oil massage practice regularly and you’ll see and feel the difference.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2008-01-01T18:15:00.000-08:00

What we do at the beginning of an event has a large part in determining the outcome.

For example, if you leave late for a meeting, then you’re likely to arrive late. If you don’t plan properly for an event, then you things may not go as you’d anticipated or you may have to scurry to attend to details at the last minute.
As the new year dawns, we can set a new tone and tenor for the year.
Regardless of what has or has not happened over the last year(s), we can make a fresh start.

We can begin by establishing healthier habits in the new year.

We can set a regular schedule for ourselves and put it in our PDA/calendar/ date book.

We can put going to the gym or the yoga class on our weekly schedule.

Take some time for yourself and put that on your calendar. Time when you can sit alone and meditate, contemplate, journal and reflect.
Make time for rejuvenation. Schedule a massage every week, two weeks, or at least every month.
Go to your chiropractor or acupuncturist or other your complimentary health practitioner.

Schedule some time to get together with those friends who sent you a holiday card but that you haven’t seen in ages.

Start your gratitude journal and write in it daily or at least weekly.

Reflect on the lessons you’ve learned over the past year and how you can use this information to assist you in the coming year.

Let go and don’t hold on to what is not serving you.

Cultivate relationships with uplifting, positive, prosperous people.

Monitor your thoughts more carefully and see if you can let go of the negative stuff. Don’t get caught in the judgment aspect of all this.

Watch “The Secret” again and get clear on what you desire to create in the coming year and begin the process of making it a reality.

Be vigilant with your time and don’t let the unhealthy distractions deter you from what’s important.

Do a periodic check in with yourself and with a buddy in this process.

See what gifts the process can bring and what lessons are revealed. Make adjustments in your journey as necessary, that will be beneficial for you and for others.

REFLECTING ON THE YEAR

2007-12-28T20:02:00.000-08:00

As the year draws to a close, it is human nature to reflect and review the year. And it is often our tendency to think of the would have, could have, should have list. The resolutions that have not been kept. What did not happen is emphasized, rather than what actually did happen. We forget all that we did accomplish, the small achievements, how we touched people’s lives, the daily difference we made in the lives of others.

Look at how you have progressed, evolved, grown as a person. Even if you didn’t do your spiritual practices daily, aren’t you another place than you were a year ago? If you didn’t make it to the gym as often as you’d wanted to, didn’t you make the effort to get there every so often? Did you do better with your diet?
Are you more aware of your behavior, eating patterns, how you spend your time, the company you keep, etc?
What have you let go of that didn’t serve you?

Did you act with the highest of intentions? If so, then don’t be so attached to the results. You’ve done your best.

Did you make some time to do what you enjoy?
What have you learned this year that you can bring with you into the coming year?
If there are things that you wish you’d done differently, then carry that knowledge with you into the future and you’ll have a plan of action for the new year.

That’s already a big step forward.

Top Ten Things to be Grateful for when Standing in the Checkout Line

2007-12-19T21:29:00.000-08:00

10. For the opportunity to meet other interesting people in line and exchange holiday hosting and gift ideas

9. For finding what you needed that day

8. For the freedom to have so many stores and locations to choose from; this is a luxury not afforded in many countries

7. For the variety found in each store

6. For the cashiers and store employees that help facilitate the shopping experience

5. For your legs that support you and allow you to stand in line

4. For the source of income that pays for your purchase

3. For the mode of transportation that got you to the store and will take you home

2. For having people on your list who are near and dear to you that you can shop for

1. For the joy of giving

The Season of Giving

2007-12-15T18:54:00.002-08:00

Holiday time is supposed to be a joyous occasion. A time for family, sharing food and gifts, vacations, and festivities. Yet, all too often, we get stressed with the “to do” list for the holidays. There’s shopping, baking, travel planning, party planning, finding babysitters, making room for guests, writing holiday cards, trips to and from the airport, more shopping, gift wrapping, lines at the post office, winter weather, and multiple invitations to festivities which requires even more shopping. It can really take its toll.

There’s the endless question of what to get whom and then trying to anticipate what they’re going to get you. Trying to remember what you got each other last year. Then, there’s the unexpected gifts and you’re left feeling badly because you didn’t buy that person a gift. Often, there’s the Secret Santa at the office, your mail carrier, newspaper delivery person, maybe your dry cleaner, dog walker, babysitter, etc. It’s overwhelming at times. There are gifts to exchange or return.

What has happened to the season of giving?
It’s like we’re giving all we’ve got and getting burnt out in the process.
This doesn’t seem to be what was intended.

Yet, we continue this mania every year and swear we won’t do it again next time.

How do we break the cycle?
We can set an intention for how we want the holiday season to be.

Who do we really want to spend it with and where do we want to be?
Set your priorities and set about making it happen.

If you’re going to be traveling, then make plans several months in advance. It’ll save you time and money in the long run.

Don’t just buy for the sake of buying at the last minute. Try and plan ahead. If there are people on your annual gift list, then buy items for them during the year and keep them till the holidays.

Go to the after Christmas sales and stock up on wrapping paper, cards and ribbons when items are reduced in price.

For the kids, get them things that can really stimulate their intellect and teach them skills, rather than toys that will be discarded after a few days.
Give away toys that aren’t being used so that children who really need them will be able to receive them.

Set up “wish lists” online so that you don’t receive gifts that you’ll have to return.

Shopping on line (securely) can also save time so you don’t have to run from store to store and save money with not using so much gas.

Buy gift certificates to avoid returns and exchanges. You could give a certificate to the recipient's favorite retail or grocery store, for a massage, a movie rental subscription, an alternative healing modality, movie tickets, to a restaurant, for an astrology reading, a day at the spa, museum tickets to a special exhibition, the dry cleaner, etc.
Or, you could gift a personal service: babysitting, offering your vacation home, or a free initial consultation for a service that you offer professionally.

If you don’t really need anything or know people who have everything, ask for or give a donation to a favorite charity.

Rather than trying to cook for everyone yourself, ask friends to come over early and help or have a potluck. Or, order out.

Don’t feel that you have to go to every holiday party to which you are invited. Rather, set up a time when you and others can meet in a smaller group setting and actually have a real conversation.

Get a massage, a manicure, a pedicure, take a day off from work, extend your meditations, or do whatever you need to give yourself a break.

It is the season of giving, but you have to remember to give to yourself or you’ll be depleted. It’s ok to put yourself first, turn off the phones, and take a break so that you can be rejuvenated for the holidays. It’ll be the best gift you can give yourself.

Sister Sciences

2007-11-21T21:34:00.000-08:00

The word yoga means union. When we typically use the word we mean yoga asanas, or poses. Asana is one of the limbs of Ashtanga (ashta = eight and anga = limbs) Yoga as described in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The word sutra means thread, that which ties everything together. We know that everything in the universe is interconnected. The ancient seers, or rishis, of India cognized the Vedas, the world’s oldest recorded texts: the Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, Rg Veda, and Atharva Veda. Then there are the Upavedas, which expound on the information found in the Vedas, which includes Ayurveda. Then there are the Vedangas – the limbs of the Vedas, and this includes Jyotisha (“Vedic” astrology).

The ocean of information from the Vedic sciences is vast, but closely woven together.

Just we cannot separate our physical and mental bodies from each other, we cannot separate the inter-connected aspects of our lives. Our health is linked to our home lives. Both are part of the karmic pattern indicated in our astrological charts. Our health is also linked to how we take our seat (or asana) in the world. Do we hold a steady pose or do we waver? Can we get back into position if we lose our balance? Can we truly surrender in child’s pose or do we hold back a part of ourselves?

Ayurveda is the sister science or healing modality that is most closely used with yoga in the East. It is widely accepted in India that an adept Ayurvedic physician is knowledgeable of Sanskrit (in which the ancient texts are written), Yoga, Jyotish, Hastha Samudrika Shāstra (Palmistry), and Vāstu Shastra (the ancient art of harmonious placement of objects or Vedic architecture). Feng Shui is the Chinese outgrowth of Vāstu Shāstra. A skilled Ayurvedic practitioner uses pulse diagnosis to assess an individual’s health and then recommends dietary changes, prescribes a mixture of herbs specific to the individual’s condition, suggests healing yoga poses for the person’s constitution or doshic imbalance, and counsels the individual based on what their astrological chart and palm indicates.

An astrological chart is a road map of a person’s karma. The word karma means action. Every action, past, present or future leaves leaves an imprint and creates an impact. For example, we can take action by going to a yoga studio and engage in regular practices with a qualified instructor and that can lead to good health and increased vitality. Alternately, we can push ourselves into holing asanas beyond our capacity and for extended periods where we exhaust ourselves; these actions may adversely impact our health. Karma is not something that we are the passive recipient of; it is a two way street.

There are indications of health in our chart. The ascendant or first house gives a description of the person’s overall vitality and personality. There are also houses that are correlated to health in one’s chart. The chart describes one’s regimens, routines, exercise patterns, chronic health ailments, and acute health issues.

In Jyotish, we run planetary cycles from birth to death. Each of us run the same set of cycles, but what we run and when depends on where our Moon is placed natally. There are also harmonic or divisional charts that relate to health and vitality. Using these all in combination with an Ayurvedic diagnosis and person’s health history can be the guide posts to a healthy life.

There are the static indications of health in a person’s life, shown by the natal placement of the planets in a chart. Then we also have the dynamic indications, which is an interplay of the planetary cycles that a person runs and transit of the planets through the 12 houses of the zodiac. For instance, if we are running a Saturn period, then we want to see where Saturn is transiting as well as where it is placed natally in a chart and what it would indicate for such an individual.

Then, recommendations could be made accordingly for diet, herbs, yoga asanas as well as astrological remedies. Remedies may take the form of Sanskrit mantras. Mantras have healing effects on the organs as well as on the subtle bodies. Because each sound in Sanskrit has a particular vibration, it is crucial that the mantra be pronounced correctly. Incorrectly pronounced syllables or words will produce another outcome. Many sounds in Sanskrit are not part of the English dialect, so it is best to learn from a native speaker whenever possible. Even the word mantra is often mispronounced. It is man (as in Monday or mundane) -tra (as in truck).

Other astrological remedies may include the recommendation of gemstones, as well as when to start and stop wearing them. There may be suggestions of other karmas, such as charitable acts, fasting on certain days, the wearing of auspicious colors on a particular day, reading a particular scriptural text, etc.

Remedies are often prescribed for periods when there may be challenging indications found in a chart. There are also times when an astrological chart may be a good time to commence certain health-promoting activities.

Health-promoting activities include diet and daily regimens. Both the chart and the lines and shape of the palm indicate dietary preferences. The Ayurvedic practitioner knows rules of food combining, eating for your constitution as well as for the season, and how to cook a variety of meals using healing spices.

We look not only at what is our bodies ingest, but also at the environment in which we live. Incorrect placements of doorways, windows, furniture, and objects in and around our homes can have disharmonious results. This can be conflict in our relationships, diminished prosperity, or ill health. This is another feature which the counselor needs to take into consideration.

The links are connected, like pieces of a puzzle. Seeing where all the parts fit into the whole helps us keep perspective in our lives. It helps us maintain that state of union that we all seek. This is yoga.

You are what you eat!

2007-11-16T21:01:00.001-08:00

We’ve all heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” What does this really mean?
Basically, that everything that we take in impacts us - both physically and mentally. Food can be used as medicine and it can also that which requires us to seek out the correct medicine. Food supplies essential nutrients to our body and these nutrients circulate in the bloodstream and nourish our tissues. If we eat improperly and eat food that is days old, difficult to digest, heavy, full of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, fat and sugars, then our body has to operate under stress and it has a difficult time performing its normal functions. Organs eventually operate under stress and then wear out and there’s need for medical, even surgical intervention.

There is much that we can do daily to help reduce the chance of medical problems. We can begin by being mindful of what we are ingesting. Eat freshly prepared, organic food as much as possible. There are usually some family owned produce stores that sell organic produce at reasonable prices. There is the farmers’ market. There are local farms that deliver organic produce to your neighborhood. All the hormones in our meat and dairy have an destabilizing influence on our health and cause abnormalities, especially in children. Kids can become overweight, girls reach puberty and begin menstruation well before their teens, they develop hormonal disorders and more. Avoid BGH (bovine growth hormone) and look for such labels in your dairy. Rennet in cheese has been linked to ADD (attention deficit disorder).

Start reading labels. See what’s in everything that you are buying. Look at calories, fat content, sugars, preservatives, etc. Avoid trans-fats, genetically modified or genetically engineered products. See if the product has hydrogenated oils, enriched flours, white flour, malt syrup, high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, or the preservative MSG (mono-sodium glutamate). Ask your favorite Thai or Chinese restaurant if they use MSG in their food, and if they do, to make the dish without it.

What’s your state of mind when you are cooking? What about the person who prepared your food if you’re not the cook?

We can make wise, informed choices about what we take in and take charge of our health accordingly.

Being Mindfully Present

2007-11-15T21:19:00.002-08:00

We’re so busy trying to rectify past actions that we can’t have gratitude for the present moment.

Try this for one hour first.

Just watch whatever comes up in your mind and do nothing about it.

If you eat, be conscious of what you are eating, how it was cooked, and how it tastes. Really engage your tastes buds and senses. Savor the aroma & the flavor.

If you’re walking up or down a flight of stairs, pay attention to each step as you take it and really notice the steps.

This anxiety leads to an imbalance in the body and the state of dis-ease.

When illness occurs, we start to re-think many things and how we could have prevented it.

We cannot re-live any moment of our lives, regardless of how much we regret it or enjoyed it. What we can do is learn from where we have been, create a plan for where we’d like to go and execute it, and remember to rejoice in the present moment.

Meditate on This

2007-11-14T13:22:00.002-08:00

All too often people say that they can’t meditate, or they don’t know how

Meditation is what happens when one sits down with the intention of meditating.

It does not mean that one has to sit crossed leg in lotus pose or padmasana (pud-ma-sun-ah), that they have to say “Om” all the time, or that their minds should be a blank slate.

On the contrary, thoughts still come and go when you meditate. You should not be attached to them. Watch them come and go like clouds in the sky. Do not judge them or follow then.

Sit on the floor or a chair with your spine erect so that the spiritual energy can flow.

You may want to put a cushion under you (if sitting on the floor) or behind you (if sitting on a chair.

It’s good to have a special place reserved just for meditation and to meditate in the same place daily. It’s good to sit on a piece of wool to preserve the meditation energy.

If you have a mantra, repeat it and coordinate it with your inhalation and exhalation.

Or, you can meditate on a quality, such as tranquility, love, peace, etc.

Alternately, you can just pay attention to your breath.

There is no set amount of time that you should meditate. A hour is great. If not do five minutes, fifteen minutes, half an hour, or whatever your schedule allows.

Try not to have too many distractions when meditating. Turn off your cell phone, PDA, beeper, tv, radio, home phone etc for that time. The messages, if any, wll be there when you get up.

Meditation is a great way to relieve stress and to clear the mind.

So meditate without any expectations and you may be pleasantly surprised.

Be Irregularly Regular

2007-11-13T17:28:00.000-08:00

Vata can cause pain, stiffness, insomnia, anxiety, fear, constipation, arthritis, and dizziness to name a few ailments.

Keep warm and dress properly. Cold will aggravate vata.

Don’t have cold or chilled drinks. Let go of the ice habit.

Exercise but don’t over exert yourself.

Have some spiritual practice, i.e. chanting, meditation, reading a sacred text and commit to it daily.

This disciplined life may seem very unnatural but being irregularly regular could regulate your life a whole lot more.

So try it and see.

Add some spice to your life!

2007-11-12T19:47:00.007-08:00

While Indians do have lower life expectancies than people living in the West, and they suffer from diseases like malnourishment and malaria, it’s a well-documented fact that they don’t suffer from some of the same dis-eases as Americans. They have lower rates of heart disease, cholesterol, and diabetes.

One reason that Indians do maintain their health, in spite of all the challenges that they may face, is due to their diet.

Some people still lack refrigeration so the food is freshly cooked. There is a great emphasis on eating freshly prepared, warm food for each meal and having the family together for meals.

Many people don’t have microwaves and are not exposed to that carcinogenic invention.

The spices used in traditional Indian cooking not only add flavor, but also have medicinal properties.

Nutmeg enhances the tone of the muscles and helps with insomnia.

Garlic boosts the immunity and reduces cholesterol.

Turmeric is anti-septic, anti-bacterial, anti-flatulent, and a decongestant. It purifies the blood and can be used in the treatment of cancer.

Black pepper is a powerful digestive stimulant. It destroys toxins from the body.

Cardamom is a heart tonic as well as an expectorant for respiratory diseases.

Cinnamon is an expectorant and decongestant, especially for flu and colds. It can be used to treat sinus congestion and bronchitis.
Cumin is anti-inflammatory and aids in digestion.

Coriander is a digestive stimulant and a mild diuretic.

Fennel balances all 3 doshas. It is good for bad breath and is a mild laxative.

A mixture of these spices is used in most Indian recipes; it not only makes them tasty but also regulates health.

Many Ayurvedic home remedies contain these spices. This makes it easy to heal without having to run to the doctor or pharmacy when you’re not well.

Put these spices on your grocery list and then get cooking!

Something to smile about!

2007-11-11T19:09:00.003-08:00

One oft-neglected regimen in our lives is our mouth and dental hygiene. We take our teeth, lips, saliva, etc. for granted until we have a problem. Then we run to the dentist. It is beneficial to get an annual dental check up. When’s the last time you saw the dentist? Make an appointment today if it’s been a while since you got checked for cavities or other possible dental problems. There are methods to make that visit to the dentist a pleasant experience.

Let’s take a look at some ways.

Take a look at your toothbrush. How old is it? The American Dental Association recommends replacing it every 3-4 months.
Brush your teeth first thing in the morning after you get up. Do not consume food or liquid before you brush! Lots of bacteria have built up in your mouth while you slept, so if you start eating or drinking before you brush, then you’re taking those germs into your body as well. It’s beneficial to brush after meals as well, if possible. Make sure you brush before you go to bed. This is a way of removing the toxins that have accumulated during the day and it prevents them for circulating while you sleep.

Get a metal tongue cleaner. The majority of toxins in your mouth accumulate on your tongue, so cleaning your tongue after you brush (and before you rinse out your mouth) is a great way to remove these contaminants. Brush before you consume anything in the morning to avoid ingesting all the bacteria that's accumulated overnight. Do not use a plastic tongue cleaner; they’re usually formulated wrong (in the shape of a triangle). A stainless steel one is best for all 3 body types. Using your toothbrush shaves the papillae (those pink bumps) on your tongue and cause redness. Most health food stores are selling tongue cleaners these days. Hold the tongue cleaner by the corners and scrape your tongue from back to front. Rinse the tongue cleaner and repeat. Wash the tongue cleaner and rinse out your mouth. In both Ayurveda and Oriental medicine, each part of the tongue is connected to a certain bodily organ. Trained professionals use tongue diagnosis to examine where health concerns exist. White coating in a certain area, cracks, indentations, and discoloring are all indicators that some organ may not be functioning up to par. Scraping the tongue early in the morning also stimulates the bodily organs and assists with their optimal operation.

The dangers of fluoride and its links to illness are pretty well publicized these days. Examine your toothpaste and see if it contains fluoride. You may want to make another choice next time.

Do you have mercury fillings in your teeth? The hazards posed by these has also been documented. Ask about getting them removed, one at time or all at once, as your budget allows.

A good source of calcium is chewing white sesame seeds. A mixture of sesame seeds and raisins are an excellent source of calcium and iron and make a tasty snack!

Dry lips? Try putting some ghee on them (ideally the homemade kind made with organic butter).

Have your massage therapist massage your jaw and neck to relieve tension that’s held there.

If your mouth is happy and healthy, then you’ll really have something to smile about! And so will your dentist.

New Regimens for a New Year

2007-11-10T20:56:00.000-08:00

Today marks the first day of the Indian new year. Yesterday was the festival of Diwali (dee-vaah-lee) or Deepavali (deep-uh-vaah-lee) – the festival of lights. Deepa means dharma (sacred duty) and avali means a continuous line. Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama back home after a 14 year period of exile. The residents of Ayodhya (I-yo-the-yah) celebrated his homecoming by lighting rows and rows of lights. Rama symbolizes the past of righteousness. His return is a metaphor for the victory of our good over evil, light over darkness. Indians celebrate Diwali by wearing new clothes and honoring the goddess Lakshmi (luck-shmee), the goddess of prosperity. Traditionally, Indians celebrate new year’s by going to their local temple first thing in the morning, starting off the year on a reverential note and receiving blessings for the coming year. The first money spent that year is an offering to a temple or some charity, to begin the year with an act of giving. Women cook and share sweets with friends and family. Sweets stand for the sweetness in life, which we all savor. There is not the tradition of pressuring ourselves to make and keep new year’s resolutions. Resolutions are great, but if we become resolute in setting impossible standards for ourselves, just so we can share it with others, and then talk later about how we didn’t quite live up to it, and start the same story over again. Some people are quite successful with their resolutions, but these people are committed to a goal and set reasonable, measurable, and achievable goals for themselves.

Since this is not the New Year as marked by the Roman calendar, it may be a good time to start cultivating healthy habits, to prepare us for the holiday season, to get a head start on those new year’s resolutions, and to take the pressure off sharing the list with others. Each day for the next week, I’ll make a suggestion on how you can do something that will help restore and rejuvenate you. Something fairly easy that you can incorporate into your life.

If you’re usually prone to winter colds and congestion, then how about seeing your holistic practitioner to discuss what can be modified in advance this year?

Any health care professional will tell you that the earlier that you catch an illness in the disease process, the easier it is to treat, and generally, the shorter the healing time.

Winter is upon us

2007-11-06T20:00:00.000-08:00

It is November and while we’ve been having atypical weather everywhere, the true taste of winter is just around the corner. Ayurvedically speaking, winter can easily imbalance both Vata and Kapha doshas (body types).

Vata is cold, dry, rough, and mobile. Kapha is heavy, static, cool, and dense. While we can consider the doshas on opposite ends of the Ayurvedic spectrum, it is still possible for both to be vitiated during winter. Vata is the principle of movement and it enjoys change but would do well with following a routine. Whenever we skip meals, eat erratically, eat on the go, Vata is likely to get vitiated. Vata is made up of ether (space) and air. Winter often brings the wind-chill, lake effect winds, and gusts of cold air. While Vata is primarily situated in the colon, it is also located in empty spaces and the bones. So, when we don’t cover our heads or necks and let the wind enter our ears and chill our bones, then this lends to Vata becoming vitiated. Vata is aggravated by cold; the cold quality constricts our capillaries. When this happens, nutrients cannot properly circulate throughout the body and they don’t reach the extremities. It’s common for people with a Vata imbalance to have cold hands and feet. Eating cold food or having chilled drinks further irritates Vata, especially when the external environment is already cold. People with a Vata imbalance tend to have dry, rough, cracked skin. Eating dry, rough food like salad, raw vegetables, and wheat grass juice will cause more dryness in the body and increase the Vata disturbance. The dry quality in the body can cause aches, stiffness, cracking and popping of the joints. As the primary seat of Vata is in the colon, a common complaint when Vata is imbalanced is constipation. If there is dryness in the body, then our digestion and elimination is impaired. One way to counter-act dryness is to do an oil massage before showering. Sesame oil is beneficial for balancing Vata. Massaging and then showering helps the oil internally lubricate the body and removes dryness from the inside out. Just make sure there are bath mats in the tub as it can get pretty slippery!

The primary principle in Ayurveda is that like increases like. To counter the dry, rough, cold qualities, we would balance it with qualities like oily, unctuous, and hot. This is both in diet and in our environment. Taking cold showers, keeping the windows open at night in the winter, exposing our extremities to the cold further provokes Vata and Kapha in the disease process. Advanced Vata disorders can eventually lead to illness such as Parkinson’s, rheumatism, sciatica, and muscle wasting.

Whereas Vata enjoys activity, Kapha is more likely to enjoy inactivity. Kapha is made of water and earth, which are both heavy. A person with a Kapha imbalance gets the typical “couch-potato” syndrome. Since there is not a lot of activity, nutrients once again do not circulate properly in the body and the digestive fire slows down. A major theory underlying Ayurveda is that if the digestive fire (agni) is strong, then one is free from dis-ease. The primary location of Kapha is in the stomach, where it is present as the gastric-mucosal secretions. If digestion is impaired, then the person can suffer from constipation. In the winter, we are not as motivated to go out and exercise, and this increases the heavy and static qualities of Kapha. There can be weight gain, especially if a person consumes heavy foods such as sweets, cheese, meat, and beans. When metabolism slows, it can also lead to hypothyroidism. Kaphas tend to be hot all the time, so they favor cold food and drinks. An excess influx of the cold quality in the body will increase Kapha. Kapha is also present in the mouth as saliva and as bronchial secretions. When Kapha builds up, it leads to colds, cough, and congestion. Dairy products, which provoke Kapha when taken in excess, should be minimized when a person has sinus or chest congestion. Further provocation of Kapha can lead to edema, tumors, and diabetes. Kapha people need to stay active, minimize sweets and dairy products, reduce intake of cold products, and eat light, well-spiced meals.

There seems to be a commonly held belief that no one is immune from illness in the winter season. It’s time to change that belief system. By following proper diet and lifestyle regimens most appropriate for our doshas, we can boost our immunity and lead healthier, fuller lives this season. Winter may be upon us, but we can get a leg up on our health first.

The Holidays Commence...

2007-10-12T20:29:00.001-07:00

Today marks the first night of Navratri (pronounced Nuh-vuh-rah-trii (as in bee)) in the Indian calendar.
Nav = nine and ratri = night.

So it is the night nights that are dedicated to the celebration of the goddess.

The first three days/ nights are dedicated to the goddess Durga (pronounced dour (rhymes with tour) gah (rhymes with hah))

The middle three nights are to honor the goddess Lakshmi (pronounced luck-shmee not lock-shmee.)

The final three nights propitiate the goddess Saraswati (pronounced Suh-ruhss-vuh-tea).

The goddess represents the divine feminine power in each of us. In Sanskrit, it is known as the Shakti (pronounced Shuck-tea not Shock-tee).

Durga is the fierce form of the goddess. She is depicted riding on a lion (sometimes a tiger) and has six or eight arms. In them she holds a conch, a discus, a sword, a bow, a trident, a mace and a lotus. One right arm is held out palm face out in abhaya (fearlessness) mudra. Durga means invincible. Durga is a protector; she removes suffering, injustice, and cruelty. As the divine mother, she constantly watches over all beings on earth with vigilance. There are 108 names for Durga. Among them are Kali (Kah-lee), the very fierce form of the goddess, and Parvati (Par-vuh-tee), the consort of Lord Shiva, the protector of the universe.

Lakshmi is the goddess of abundance, love, beauty, and good fortune. She sits atop a lotus flower and has four arms. One arm holds a lotus flower, another a conch shell, yet another arm is distributing an endless stream of gold coins, and another is giving blessings to humanity. The word Lakshmi comes from the Sanskrit word lakshya which means aim or goal. She is the goddess of both material and spiritual prosperity. Her four arms represent the four aims of life: dharma (duty), artha (security, which means money), kama (enjoyment) and moksha (liberation). There are elephants depicted on either side of her. Lakshmi is the consort of Lord Vishnu (or Narayan), the operator of the universe.

Saraswati is the goddess of wisdom and the classical arts. Saraswati is traditionally dressed in white and holds a veena (a classical Indian stringed musical instrument, similar to a sitar), a book, and a crystal mala (necklace). Her four arms represent the four Vedas or the four ancient books of Vedic knowledge. She is holding one of the Vedas. The mala represents spirituality; people often use a mala as a focusing tool for repeating a mantra. She is depicted near a flowing river and her vehicle is a swan. The swan is the only creature which can filter out just the milk from a mixture of milk and water. Thus, the swan holds the power of discrimination. This is in line with Saraswati’s connotation with purity. Lord Ganesha is always propitiated before any undertaking to remove any obstacles which may present themselves. In the course of study or any academic endeavors, students are taught at an early age to propitiate Ganesha and then Saraswati. There is also an invocation done for the student/ teacher relationship. Books are considered as sacred knowledge and it is disrespectful to put any book directly on the floor or to touch it with your feet.

Navratri represents a great time of celebration. There are pujas and festivals and dances (called garbas). Abundance, music, and beauty are celebrated. Sweets are baked and shared.

On the inner level, regardless of our race or religion, this is a time to embrace the power of the divine within all of us. Each of us has both a soft, tender side as well as a fierce, protective side. When do we exhibit each of these attributes and to whom? What side do we embrace?

Navratri follows the time of Pitru Paksha (Pit-true Puck-shuh), the time when we traditionally worship our ancestors. This is a time when we pay homage to those who have come before us; we act with reverence to those who have made it possible for us to exist in this lifetime. We remember from where we have come. Certain rituals are undertaken to pay respect to the departed.

Following this somber time is Navratri. After the nine nights of Navratri is Dassera (Duh-saay-rah), the celebration of good over evil. This holiday is held in honor of Lord Rama and his victory over the demon king Rāvana in the land of Lanka.

In November, we will celebrate Diwali (Dee-vah-lee), the celebration of lights, and then that will culminate in the Indian new year.

Like life, we move from dark to light, from contemplative to celebratory, and from looking back to planning for the future. With this procession of activities, we are able to reflect on the past and then take time to rejuvenate ourselves and rejoice in the new year.

The Act of Leaving

2007-10-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

There are some leaves that are nestled in the space in my car near the windshield wipers. They’re dry and curled up now, but at some point they were bright green and more vibrant. As I was driving today, I realized that they’ve been there for a while now. I haven’t done anything about them or paid much attention to them until today. I figured that they’d blow away in the wind when I was driving down the highway, but they didn’t. That was surprising. But perhaps the leaves had found a little niche (both literally and figuratively) and there was no reason for them to move.

Yes, I am personifying the leaves. However, it got me to thinking that we are often a lot like those leaves. We get so caught up in some old place, some old pattern, which doesn’t serve us. At some point, we may reach the realization that this mode of operating is not for our highest good. Others may have realized it long before we did. Yet, we’re often reluctant to do so. One of the things that people fear most is change. Even when it’s what they need most. We get so habituated to certain modes of being that we can’t think outside the box and imagine what it would be like to do something else, to be somewhere else, to think differently, or to react differently. We have trained our minds and bodies to accept the present reality. We’ve developed a routine and we don’t want to change it. With routine, it’s all predictable. We have a given set of parameters from which we operate our daily life. We know where we “fit” and we know where everything “goes”. If we were to change that, then there’d be a lot of unknowns.

As Abraham Maslow said, the need for security is paramount. Security relates to who we are in society. Our second chakra (pronounced chuck-ruh not shock-rah) is the swadhishtana chakra. Swa means self and sthana is a place, a dwelling. It is the abode of the self. Who we perceive ourselves as often has to do with our place in society. It’s the family or groups or social circles that we belong to. It’s where we can go and feel safe. Each chakra has a sound associated with it; the sound for the swadhishtana chakra is vam (pronounced “vum” – rhymes with hum).

When we contemplate a move to a new place, or actually do re-locate, there’s a lot that goes into the process besides from packing, moving, finding a place to live and all the logistical details. We ponder who we know there, perhaps if there is a local meditation center there that is part of our spiritual path, if there is a local chapter of a society that we belong to, what is the age and background of our future neighbors and/or co-workers. So many factors to weigh. Ultimately, we want to know if we will fit in, if we will be comfortable, if we can regain that same feeling of security that we now have.

In Ayurveda, there is vata, the principle of movement. It governs everything that moves in our body, from our respiration to our physical activity. Movement is necessary, but then excess movement can imbalance us greatly. Surely, you know the person who is constantly changing their jobs/ relationships/ hair/ wardrobe/ furniture/ spiritual path/ apartment, etc. These people have a challenge with maintaining any sort of routine, often to their detriment. Excess vata imbalances can result in excess dryness in the body, cracking popping of the joints, constipation, undue anxiety and fear, and an array of other physical and psychological issues. There are methods to treat vata imbalances, but to keep vata pacified requires self-effort. Essentially, it requires the individual to change. And while these individuals thrive on change, they often resist changing their habits. So the cycle continues.

Astrologically, we can predict times that a person will move or at least contemplate a move. There is of course free at play, but the karmic forces are fairly strong. When things get set in motion that require a move, i.e. new job, relocation for work on part of the individual or spouse, family situation, etc, then our old patterns resurface and we resist this change. People often ask if they should move. What will the new job be like? Will this move help them find love? There’s often a pre-conditioning that has already taken place before anything has even occurred. Fear, anxiety, worries set in. What the move may actually be meant to do is to shake up out of our habitual patterns and to begin a new chapter of our lives. Yet, we resist and resist and the fear persists. When we can look at the situation with a fresh pair of eyes, then we see the situation in another light and what it can truly offer.

Once we get to the new location, we often re-think our decision. Perhaps we shouldn’t have made this move. Maybe we should just head home again. And those that actually make the move back at some point are often in for a surprise. They realize that while you can go home again, and home is where the heart is, it’s not the same home that you left and yearned to return to. You realize that everyone has moved on with their lives and the memories that you had frozen in your mind are only that – memories. People have made new friends, developed other interests, had more kids, changed jobs, etc. While they’re thrilled you’re back, it’s not entirely possible to regain that same routine again. And then, you realize that you’re not the same person who left. You’ve evolved and changed along the journey. What used to enthrall you no longer does to the same degree. Hadn’t thought of that before, huh?

The way out often lies in being flexible, going with the flow, being open to new experiences and all those other clichés. What has to happen so that you can achieve some peace of mind is seeing this as part of our spiritual growth, looking objectively at what has transpired, and what you’d like to achieve. What contribution or mark do you want to make in this world? How long do you want to linger on what has been or could have been or should have been? How about embracing the present moment and all that it has to offer?

Is it me or is it just my chart?

2007-09-24T21:09:00.000-07:00

There often seems to be confusion on the part of the general public about what an astrological chart represents. It tells the story of our personality, conditioning, personality traits, preferences, etc. It certainly gives us habitual ways of behaving. The goal of astrology is to illumine such tendencies in our lives so that we can interact with them in a more productive way. Once certain patterns in our lives our highlighted, we can make informed, educated decisions about whether behavior could be altered to achieve a desire result, what tact to take, when to take advantage of opportunities for particular arenas of our lives, and how to use our innate strengths in a manner which is more aligned with our environment.

Your chart is not meant to be the handy excuse for acting inappropriately or refusing to take action when action is warranted. That is the easy way out. And we cannot just say, “Well, my astrologer said I’d have bad luck for the next couple of weeks/months/years, so I’m not even going to try and do anything till that period is over.” While there may be “bad luck” indeed for a particular area of our lives, there may be another area which deserves your attention at that time. There may also be another way of interpreting or reacting to the situation, which a skilled astrologer would be able to point out.

In my experience, predicting mundane events such as moves, travel, purchase of a new car, etc can have their application in an individual’s life. However, there are much more significant uses for astrology in a person’s life. Going back to SWOT analysis: If we are able to capitalize on our strengths, work with our weaknesses in a productive manner, take advantages of opportunities at appropriate times, and mitigate threats (i.e. ill health, financial issues, lawsuits) by using appropriate strategies, then we can live a more enriching life.

While you are taking a ride in the car of destiny, it is imperative to remember that you are the driver and that you ultimately have control on the type of car you’re driving, whether you use directions or not, how you handle re-routed traffic, how you interact with other drivers and pedestrians, what you fill your mind with while driving, who is in the car with you, and how you choose to reach your destination. You are not a back seat driver or the passenger. Thus, it is important to be engaged in our lives and simultaneously maintain the awareness that we are here to experience the fruits of past and present actions. If we take a wrong turn, then we have to turn around and get back on track. It is not insurmountable. Acting with strong intentions and responding in an appropriate manner is vital. Re-acting the same way over and over again to a given situation will only serve to perpetuate it.

Take a step back and pause and see how you can alter your perspective or reaction for the benefit of yourself and of others.