Timeless Philosophy of Socrates

Timeless Philosophy of Socrates

During Socrates lifetime he wrote nothing down yet his wisdom has formed the bedrock of western philosophy. Socrates was viewed as a great teacher with the innate ability to question his students in such a way that they were able to find the truth out for themselves. He had a way of leading others to reconsider their own limitations, a way for them to realize their own inadequacies.

Socrates was a big believer of independent thought. He questioned every orthodox belief and decided independently if it was worth pursuing. Socrates looked at issues from both perspectives; he did not allow himself to be tied down to one belief system.

So the question is...Can we think like Socrates? Can we be individual thinkers?



Namaste,
Mary Jane Kasliner ~ Feng Shui Master & Yogi
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Words of Wisdom

The Sage ` Tao Te Ching

Honest people use no rhetoric;
Rhetoric is not honesty.
Enlightened people are not cultured;
Culture is not enlightenment.
Content people are not wealthy;
Wealth is not contentment.

So the sage does not serve himself;
The more he does for others, the more he is satisfied;
The more he gives, the more he receives.
Nature flourishes at the expense of no one;
So the sage benefits all men and contends with none.

May we all find the sage within ~

Namaste,

Mary Jane ~ Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Make Peace Everyday

Make Peace Everyday

Does our spirit wish it had one more day to say "I forgive you." Sages explain: without the material, Spirit as pure spirit is more sensitive. In this state of ultimate surrender, there is no ego to buffer regret or hurt. There is utter defenselessness and only peace. So why not make peace everyday. We need peace here and now while we are alive. We need peace inside us, around us, and between us. We all need a peace that relaxes us, rejuvenates us, heals, stabilizes, strengthens us and charges us to spread the will of joy, love and laughter...

Make peace everyday~

Namaste,

Mary Jane Kasliner ~ Feng Shui Master & Yogi
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Giving ` Tzedakah

Giving ~ Tzedakah

Tzedakah literally means righteousness in Hebrew. It refers to justice, kindness, and ethical behavior. Giving to those in need is an act of justice. All people have a legal right to food, clothing, and shelter that should be honored by more fortunate people.

Why not give to someone in need today. There are many ways to give; simply choose one that resonates with you.

Namaste,
Mary Jane Kasliner ~ Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

The Lotus Flower

Photo: Mary Jane Kasliner
Butchart Gardens - Victoria, BC


In Buddhism the lotus flower is the symbol of being faithful. The lotus flower inspires people to continue striving through difficulties and show their best part to the outside world no matter what the circumstances may be. This is understood as being just like the lotus flower, bringing beauty and light from the murky darkness at the bottom of the pond.

The sacred lotus, Nelumbo nucifera, is an important spiritual symbol in Eastern religions. It represents purity, divine wisdom, and the individual's progress from the lowest to the highest state of consciousness.

The enchanting paradox of the lotus is that it grows in muddy waters, emerging unblemished by pollution.

Enjoy the lotus!

Namaste,

Mary Jane Kasliner, Feng Shui Master & Yogi
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

5 Key Principles To a Good Life

Photo taken by: Mary Jane Kasliner
Wahkeena Falls Pacific Northwest


1. Relax: This principle is not to be brushed over. It is the key to developing the right approach towards life and all the twists and turns that inevitably come your way. If you can stay relaxed you will have a chance to break the reactive pattern of automatic response to conditions, thus, meeting more of the moment with more of your being. It all begins will having this ease of being. To relax means to not be easily swayed by the pull of dualities. Neither buying excessively into the promises of gain nor fearing excessively the consequences of loss.
2. Witness: This is a big ask I know. No human being ever has or probably ever will be able to bear witness constantly to all that is taking place within their mind and body. That being said, the more you can do it the more awareness will illuminate the inner walls of your mind, thinking and emotions.

3. Affection: Forgive, be kind, be thoughtful, be nice, be good, be sensitive, be loving, be compassionate. All in all, it’s the practice. It is easy to do all of the above when things are going your way, but, can you do all of the above when things are not? We can put up our best when all is good, but, can you do the same when you don’t get what you want? When someone insults you? When your ego takes a hit? Will you be able to side with affection under duress or will the subconscious, hidden, egotistical nature take control? That is the real test of adhering to this principle of affection and be warned it is not easy.

4. Honesty: Absolute honesty I should say. In word, deed and behavior. You will have fun with this one. Just give it a try and you will be amazed by how much you learn about yourself. How hard the mind works to manipulate perception and procure security, without any consideration to what is true.
5. Courage: By courage here, I also mean self-confidence and self-belief. Courage is important on two fronts. First, the path to enlightenment is ultimately walked alone. Without courage you will not get very far, as at the first sign of danger you will balk. Second, to live a good life means to live according to your passion and if you lack courage you are going to play it safe always and never take the necessary chances to follow your heart.

Here's to a good life!

Namaste,
Mary Jane Kasliner ~ Feng Shui Master & Yogi
www.fengshuiyoganj.com


*Master of Meditation Techniques information~

Photo taken by: Mary Jane Kasliner
Pacific Northwest ~ August 2011

Patience ~ Confucius

"Do not be desirous of having things done quickly. Do not look at small advantages. Desire to have things done quickly prevents their being done thoroughly. Looking at small advantages prevents great affairs from being accomplished."

This is a wonderful quote from Confucius. All too often today we feel rushed to meet deadlines or to simply check more items off our list. The reality is when we rush we fight against the natural rhythm of life and timing for things to be completed. When we force the issue we only experience anxiety, fear and indecision. Patience has immediate results and those results can be seen with peace of mind, confidence, and ease in making decisions.


When we allow the necessary time to complete a task great things can be the result. So try moving towards your true self and let go of trying to finish things quickly.

Have a patient filled day!

Namaste,
Mary Jane Kasliner ~ Feng Shui Master & Certified Yoga Teacher

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Kindness

Spreading random acts of kindness is a way to bring peace into the world. Enjoy the top 10 "kindness quotes" and start your day on a positive note!

1. “A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.” ~ William Arthur Ward

2. “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” ~Princess Diana

3. “Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt

4. “Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.” ~Lao Tzu

5. “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” ~Mark Twain

6. “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” ~Dalai Lama

7. “What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?” ~Jean-Jacques Rousseau

8. “Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.” ~Samuel Johnson

9. “Real generosity is doing something nice for someone who will never find out.” ~Frank A. Clark

10. “Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ~Leo Buscaglia

Enjoy your day!

Mary Jane Kasliner ~ Yoga Teacher & Feng Shui Master

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Personality ~ Wisdom From the Sages

Personality ~ Wisdom From the Sages

The word "personality" comes from the root "persona," a Greek word meaning "mask" and the process of playing role in theater. These masks create different personalities. An individual soul wears a particular mask according to its predispositions (son, daughter, husband, wife, etc.). We create attachments for ourselves and a completely new personality. In doing so we forget our true nature and create pain, troubles and perplexities in external life which are actually the faces of ignorance. In this state we become helpless and lose self-confidence. and fell powerless.

All this suffering is simply because we forget our true nature and begin to identify ourselves with objects of the world. When we lead with the spirit with drop the mask of "personality" and find a peaceful mind, self control and confidence. The inner dweller leads and is at peace.

Let's find our Inner Dweller today and let "it" take the lead.

Namaste,
Mary Jane Kasliner - Yoga Teacher & Feng Shui Master
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

True Consciousness

Our True nature is not limited. It is like a vast ocean. When we touch supreme consciousness through meditation, then we are boundless, we are everywhere, we are eternal.

Try infusing meditation in your daily routine. Begin with five minutes in the morning by sitting quietly and focusing on the eternal breath. Just allow the breath to roll in and roll out like the waves of the ocean. As the thoughts float in just allow the breath to guide them back out. With each breath sink deeper into self and uncover the true state of "self." Here you will begin to sense the vastness of our nature, the peace that resides within.

Namaste,
Mary Jane
Feng Shui Master & Yogi
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Conquer Self ~ Buddha

Conquer Self ~ Buddha

"It is better to conquer yourself than to win a thousand battles.
Then the victory is yours.

It cannot be taken from you, not by angels or by demons, heaven or hell."

never an easy task to quiet the mind of negative chatter. When we can begin to master that aspect, then self can be conquered.

Have a peaceful day!

Mary Jane
Feng Shui Master & Yogi
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Discover Your True Passion

Discover Your True Passion

So many people go through life wondering what their soul's mission is. Here is a simple meditation to help move you in the right direction.

• Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
• Focus on the breath and let go of everything else.
• Now call to mind the following questions and tell the universe you are ready for answers.

1.What is it you like to do for its own sake without any any concerns of reward or compliment?

2. If you won the lottery how would you like to spend the rest of your life?

3. If you were informed you were to die shortly, what would you regret most not spending your time doing?

4. No matter where you are on earth, what do you see yourself doing regardless of location?

5. What activity do you find yourself coming back to in life?

6. What activity can you not seeing yourself do without?

Without a doubt what you love to do may not be easy to actually move it into action, but when you commit to doing it you will no longer work another day in your life.

Namaste,

Mary Jane Kasliner ~ Feng Shui Master & Yoga Teacher
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Spiritual Path

When we seek to understand the Universe and become one with it you are on the spiritual path. The Universe listens to every word and thought you have and grants your desires. So to truly begin your spiritual path simply state the words "I'm ready." The Universe will then start showing you signs (coincidences) to indicate it has heard you and responding to the call.

Number sequences is a common way the universe speaks to us. Other ways are through signs, sounds or smells. When you ask a question look, listen and feel for the response from the universe. You will know and understand the response. It will make sense to you. Be open-minded and attentive and look out for patterns of certain things that are emerging in your life.

Begin today with a meditation and ask the Universe whatever you need to guide you on right path.

Namaste,
Mary Jane Kasliner ~ Yogi & Feng Shui Master
www.fengshuiyoganj.com