BSA Yoga & Meditation -

 

 

Put your senses under control by doing the following:

Begin to narrow down your focus on just a few things. This will make it easier to focus on one thing for meditation. It's about a slow and gradual process.

If sitting in one position is too difficult then try a walking meditation. Simply focus on each step you take while walking. Try to connect the breath to that step. Nothing more and nothing less.

A mindful meditation is another approach to calm the mind by simply becomming aware of things that you do and things that ahppen around you.

Finally, try a vibrational meditation. This is simply the repetition of a particular word or sound.
Following any of the above techniques are perfect when it comes to letting go of the senses for meditation.

Om Shanti~
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Meditation & Yoga -

 

 

This is a wonderful quote about love.
"Love is not what we become, but what we already are."
 
- Stephen Levine
After meditating on this quote why not engage with some heart openers in your yoga practice. Camel pose, bridge and wheel are just a few asanas that open up the area of the heart.


Namaste,
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Yoga & Meditation -

 

 

These are some great quotes when it comes to letting go of past situations that cause pain and suffering.
“Turn your wounds into wisdom.” 
 
 - Oprah Winfrey
 
“It's so hard to forget pain, but it's even harder to remember sweetness. We have no scar to show for happiness. We learn so little from peace.” 
 
 - Chuck Palahniuk
 
“Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it.” 
 
 - J.K. Rowling


Namaste,
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Meditation & Yoga - 

The So Hum meditation is simple yet very powerful when it comes to connecting to your breath and inner self. Simply find a comfortable position, close your eyes and begin to tune into the breath with chanting the sound "So" on the in breath and "Hum" on the out breath. You may chant these mantra to yourself with each breath. Try to repeat this breathing pattern for 20 minutes. You'll feel amazing! http://ow.ly/qVRtc

Namaste,
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Mediation & Yoga - 

Fish pose - the 4th basic pose in hatha yoga and the counter stretch to shoulder stand. The main benefit is to open the chest, align the shoulders, increase lung capacity, a gentle stretch for the shoulders and neck muscles, and increase blood supply to neck and thoracic body. While in this pose send your intention through to the heart chakra. Allow the energy to swirl in this space.

Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

 BSA Meditation & Yoga:

I love this quote by Steve Jobs

 

"For the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: 'If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?' And whenever the answer has been 'No' for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something."

Life is about change. Acceptance is going with the flow of life's changes. Notice how nature does not resist but rather accepts the cycles of change.

Namsate,

Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

 

BSA Meditation & Yoga - 

Don't live in the past. Albeit the past is rich in memories and lessons, if we spend all of our time there we are unable to appreciate the gifts that surround us in the present. One of the best ways to appreciate the present is to tune into the breath. Take note of your breathing pattern throughout the day and notice the different way you will experience the present. http://ow.ly/qMcrG

Namaste,
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Meditation & Yoga -  

"In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision." What is your vision for today? Set that vision as your intention for your your yoga practice today. Big or small - a vision is a vision. Enjoy the flow of energy in the process. Breathe in and breathe out!

Namaste,
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Yoga & Meditation - 

Much of yoga is about tuning into a frequency much forgotten. Becoming aware of what's going on inside us and learning how to tame your mind. Here are a few tips to keep your stride in meditation:

1. Take time away for meditation. Try not to rush through the practice. By setting time it shows you have respect for the practice.

2. Meditate in an area where you feel comfortable and let go of any distractions such as your computer or phone.

3. Take time to notice how you feel before and after your meditation.

4. Focus on YOU and nothing else. Take notice of how you are feeling.

5. Keep breathing. The breath has a wonderful way to keep us tuned in. Think to inhale positivity and exhale negativity.

Take your time in the process and do not become discourage if you miss a day. The important thing here is to develop the practice and be kind to self.

Namaste,
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Yoga & Meditation - 

It's hard to beat a person who never gives up. What a profound statement. Today's intention is to move forward on your path. If something causes you to stumble, simply regain your footing and keep going. Staying grounded is beneficial to keep you focused. Any standing poses will help ground the body. Tuning into the 1st chakra -root base by visualizing the color red spinning like a strong vortex of energy around the sacrum area while chanting the sound LUM will root your energy. Carrying some stones such as black tourmaline is also and excellent grounding energy.

Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Meditation & Yoga - 

My Personal Practice in Prince Edward Island

"In any situation, the best thing you can do is the right thing; the next best thing you can do is the wrong thing; the worst thing you can do is nothing." 

Don't wait to strike when the iron gets hot; make it hot by striking!

Some days it is more difficult to get the ball rolling. Just know the Universe has your back and rewards those who take risks.

Om Shanti ~
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Meditation & Yoga - 

A wonderful quote to ponder in your practice today.

"I think we all wish we could erase some dark times in our lives. But all of life's experiences, bad and good, make you who you are. Erasing any of life's experiences would be a great mistake."

 

- Luis Miguel


Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Meditation & Yoga - 

“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

This is a good quote to ponder in meditation today. Is there something that is persisting in your life? Now is a good time to move within and listen to higher self for guidance. Always best to prepare a sitting meditation with several rounds of sun salutations. Om Shanti~

Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Yoga & Meditation - Accepting change - 

Nothing stays the same forever. True relaxation comes not from controlling life's flow, but by allowing yourself to be carried along by the flow without fear of the future or nostalgia from the past. A helpful meditation is to visualize birds in migration. Year in and year out birds migrate with seasonal changes. We must do the same.


Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Meditation & Yoga - 

“When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated. This is why we sometimes attack who they are, which is far more hurtful than addressing a behavior or a choice.” No - is a complete sentence.

OM Shanti ~ Mary Jane

BSA Yoga & Meditation: 

Work this quote into your daily yogic intention today:

Don't bend; don't water it down; don't try to make it logical; don't edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly."

  Find your soul's mission and run with it. Confused? Tune into your higher self by focusing on the 3rd eye point - ajna - between the brow. Sit for at least 20 minutes and information will be revealed to you from higher self. The sound mantra is kshum.

Om Shanti -
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Meditation & Yoga 

Here is a quote to meditate on in your practice today.


"Everything that happens to you is a reflection of what you believe about yourself. We cannot outperform our level of self-esteem. We cannot draw to ourselves more than we think we are worth."

 To work on self esteem focus on the 3rd chakra point - manipura at the solar plexus. The sound mantra is RUM. Doing planks in yoga is a perfect asana to awaken the qi here.

~Mary Jane
www.fenghsuiyoganj.com

Calming Breath Before Sleep

BSA Yoga & Meditation 

Calm yourself for sleep or evening meditation with alternate nostril breathing. This cleansing breath calms the nervous system and opens and balances the main channel or sushumna to calm the mind. Right thumb over right nostril and inhale through the left nostril, use your ring finger to close off left nostril, lift thumb and exhale out the right. This completes a single round. Repeat for 5 to 10 rounds!

Om Shanti,
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Love

BSA Yoga & Meditation 

The intention for today's yoga practice: Love. Here is a beautiful quote: "The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves, and not to twist them to fit our own image. Otherwise we love only the reflection of ourselves we find in them." - Thomas Merton

 
Om Shant -
Mary Jane
wwwfengshuiyoganj.com

The Secret of Making Life Simple Like the Sages Did: Stretch Those Hamstrings

The Secret of Making Life Simple Like the Sages Did: Stretch Those Hamstrings: BSA Meditation & Yoga  Want to stretch your hamstrings and feel relaxed at the same time? First thing every morning roll ou...

Stretch Those Hamstrings

BSA Meditation & Yoga 

Want to stretch your hamstrings and feel relaxed at the same time? First thing every morning roll out your yoga mat and do some sun salutation. Do them very slowly taking deep stretches as your release back into your down dog. Let the breath be slow and steady with each movement through the salutation. Don't bother counting how many you have done as your body will open up at a perfect position. Then move to head to knee forward folds. Once again taking them nice and slow. You will feel so relaxed to start your day. Of course sitting in a short meditation afterwards is the icing on the cake!

Mary Jaane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Yoga & Meditation 

Healing is a powerful way to find peace. Try this simple meditation: As you inhale visualize a pure white light of forgiving energy rise up the main channel (spine) and circulate the heart. This light is higher self forgiving not only yourself but others. Now move into total peace and light and allow this pure energy to move through your body and ask the divine presence to bestow his peace upon you.

Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Horse Pose

Horse Pose

 BSA Yoga & Meditation - Horse pose for strong inner goddess. Step your feet wide apart and lengthen spine on inhalation and as you exhale bend the knees making sure they remain over the ankles. Lift your arms out to the sides and bend at the elbows. Draw front ribs towards back spine and do not tuck the pelvic. Enjoy this asana for several breaths and repeat.

Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

 

The Golden Key

The Golden Key

Affirm the following: "I shall never be swayed from my true spirituality. It is beautifully blessed, loving and filled with all goodness. Carry this golden key with you, pressed into your heart center and know it is the key of knowledge within you.

Om Shanti - Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

What Do We Do Postures in Yoga?

Why Do We Do Postures in Yoga?

The main reason we do asanas or postures in yoga is so we can sit longer in meditation. When our mind and body is stressed our whole body tightens up. When this happens our mind becomes more tense. Through yoga postures we begin to relax tense muscles and release the tension within. As a result the mind becomes more relaxed. We think more clearly and can see things for what they really are. The end result is we are able to sit in meditation for a longer period of time and connect to higher states of being.

Namaste,
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Yoga & Meditation 

“Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility.”
- Saint Augustine

Humble warrior is a perfect asana to practice with this meditation quote - Namaste!

Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Yoga & Meditation

BSA Yoga & Meditation: 

“Excellence is never an accident. It is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, and intelligent execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives - choice, not chance, determines your destiny.”

 

 - Aristotle

Set that intention as you move through moon salutations on this yin water ox day.

Namaste,
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Yoga & Meditation 

"While there may appear to be many, different, separate people, they are ACTUALLY all particular momentary concentrations of a single vast energy field."

That's a powerful statement suggesting we need to stop seeing matter and space (emptiness), and instead see only ENERGY! Yogis do this as they focus on prana - the life force energy in all things. No separation, just a continuous wave of energy.

Om Shanti~
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Nature Meditations

 Nature Meditations

Kingsbrae Gardens - St. Andrews - New Bruswick Canada

 August 2013

These meditations are done outside in natural surroundings. They help to awaken the basic intelligence of nature in our awareness and physiology. Our being resonates with the sight of a flower, sound of birds, or a feeling of a breeze. In the nature meditations, we focus our awareness on the experience of nature - sight, sound, touch, smell and perhaps taste. If you find the mind begins to wander simply bring it gently back. 

Basic Nature Meditation - Eye Are Closed

Find a comfortable position either sitting or lying down.Begin with a few deep breaths, breathing deep into the belly to help shift your focus inward. As your eyes close, be present in the moment. Be present to all those things that surround you in nature. Notice how your body feels, as well as the activity of the mind and emotions. Welcome whatever the experience has to offer without resisting anything or trying to change it. Do this for several minutes.

Now bring your focus to everything in your surroundings. Notice the temperature on your skin, the feeling of a breeze, or the sun upon your back. Notice the quality of the sounds that surround you. Move deeply into those sounds. Don't analyze the sounds but rather notice the quality of them. 

Enjoy this state of connecting with nature as long as you would like. This meditation can be varied by focusing in on only one sound and breathing into that sound only. Continue to focus on that sound if the mind wanders. The sound acts as a mantra to quiet the mind and soothe the soul.

Om Shanti~

Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng SHui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

The Words We Choose

The Words We Choose

Kennebunkport - Maine

Do you ever listen to the inner dialogue you have with yourself? More than not the words we choose can be rather negative. Winston Churchill, was the Prime Minister of the UK and had this to say:

"It isn't the things that are happening to us that cause us to suffer, it is what we say to ourselves about the things that are happening."

The truth you believe and cling to makes you unavailable to hearing anything new. So the next time something happens take a moment and choose your words wisely. It will make a difference in the outcome.

Namaste,

Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Yoga's View of Creation & The Meaning of Life

Yoga's View of Creation & The Meaning of Life

In Chapter four of Namit's book, he explains how this person Jake comes across a yogi supporting himself on his forearms, with his legs swinging around towards his head or an asana known as scorpion. As he sees this yogi he wonders about how the world was made.

The next day Jake meets up with the yogi again and begins small talk. He goes on to ask the yogi what the yogic philosophy is when it comes to the creation of the world. The yogi explains that in the beginning there was something called chaos. Good and evil, light and dark were all mixed together. But the light wanted to exist, it wanted to be free from the darkness. It wanted its own independence, its own life. It was kind of like a spirit that wanted the separation of good from evil, dark from light, happiness from sadness.

Jake, curious about the light, asks the yogi what this light was. The yogi responds this light was us - Human Beings. It is us who have the desire to live. The world we know, that we live in has slowly been moving from darkness towards the light. Jake responds to the yogi asking if we are all turning into nicer human beings. 

The yogi replies to Jake by telling him we all have good and bad in us. But the good is becoming stronger than the bad as time is going on.

 Jake unsure of the yogi's response asks him to explain this concept further. The yogi asks Jake to use science to explain what emotions are. A scientific explanation for feelings, happiness, sadness, excitement, etc. Jake thinks long and hard about the yogi's question and has no answer. 

The yogi explains to Jake that your feelings come from your spirit not your body. The body is made up of matter and therefore can be scientifically explained but the spirit is not and that is what carries your feelings. Jake being perplexed asks the yogi to further explain the difference between the body and spirit. The yogi replies that albeit the spirit and body are two separate points they are linked. We are both body and spirit and it is the spirit or soul that is the feelings. You are actually your feelings.

The yogi goes on to explain to Jake that matter can be very beautiful and there are many beautiful things in this world. And there is an attraction that each one of us have to these beautiful things.This beauty makes us feel happy. The problem is that we can develop too much of an attraction to beauiful things to a point we want to own them completely and take the beauty for ourselves. We want to own things. Being too attracted to these things brings out the dark side. We are actually happy when we just sit back and enjoy the beautiful things in this world and move back to the light.

Jake understands now and makes reference to how he enjoys just sitting in nature and admiring all the beauty it holds. Exactly says the yogi. You are not trying to own the lake or stop other people from enjoying it. You are understanding that the best things in life are free and not just for you but for everyone to enjoy. As the expression says..."The best things in life are free."

Jake still wants to understand the yogi's point about the good and bad in all of us. The yogi replies how the darkness is the greed towards material things. It causes jealousy and distances us from other human beings. The light is when you enjoy the beauty of this world and want to share it with others. This is the light - happiness and joy. Understanding that liking beautiful things is not bad but wanting them so badly brings out the dark side or greed and separates you from others. That is directly against yoga which means "union."

We are all part of the light that wants to admire all that is beautiful including ourselves but there is this greed towards material beauty that which we must overcome in order to a live a life that brings out our true nature of happiness and sharing. We are put on this earth to share and live in harmony with one another. 

Jake now understanding the yogi sat back to enjoy the peaceful lake and thought about how there was always corruption in this world from our ancestors being ruled by the Romans and others. There is still corruption in the world but much less than there was. Jake realized we are all made up of feelings, and that we come from a place not of physical things but a place of feelings.

Jake sat down for dinner that night and felt the way he saw the world had been rearranged.

Om Shant~

Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

 

The Journey Within : The Power of Sun Salutations

The Journey Within: The Power of Sun Salutations

As a yogi and teacher, I have found that it is when we struggle with what seems to be a physical limitation that deeper lessons of the practice begins to appear. Notice where you seem to be struggling physically and then use the asana as a tool of self-investigation. You will be surprised how much of our personalities are revealed and those scars (samskaras), or deeply ingrained behavior patterns are connected to these limitations.

Sun salutations are a wonderful way to allow the mind to let go and engage with the breath. By turning the focus on the breath, engaging the locks, and finding a perfect gazing point gives you a deeper understanding of the asana and of self.

Each individual practitioner's journey is different, both in terms of pace and progressed sequence of the salutation. Perhaps your particular journey is to focus on one posture in the sun salute series and perhaps that posture is the area that is challenging you physically. Don't move beyond that point of the salutation sequence. This will allow the mind to become familiar  with the sequence and give the body time to fully absorb the benefits and lessons that each asana represents before moving on.

Namaste,

Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Simplify Your LIfe!

Simply Your Life!

To lead a simple life can bring much joy. There are a few easy things you can do to simplify your life and get things moving in the right direction.

1. Go Easy on Finances:

Financial success is relative. It is important obviously to make money but how much money do you really need? It all depends what type of a lifestyle you feel you need to support. Living simple means less financial demands and more free time so you can grow spiritually. When we work all the time to constantly feed the goal of "making money" it takes away from precious time to focus on what really matters. In the end it becomes a waste of time. 

The first thing to consider for financial freedom is not to adopt a lifestyle that demands you to work all the time. Don't buy expensive items which you cannot afford. Once you are under a mountain of debt it becomes difficult to climb out from under it and find financial freedom. So forget about keeping up with the "Jones."

Setting up streams of passive income is a great way to move towards less work and more freedom. Not always a simple task to achieve but if your are in the right conscious state of mind the Universe will provide you will opportunities to do so.

2. Find Peaceful Relationships:

There are few things worse then rocky relationships. Let's face it, when we engage in relationships that are not healthy it consumes energy and leaves our mind in a state of chaos. A chaotic mind is not free to enjoy life, be happy and connect to spirit. 

It's not to say that you will not encounter a stress-free relationship with others but practicing forgiveness, compassion or simply dropping unhealthy relationships goes a long way when it comes to freeing the mind and body of stress.

3. Seek Balance in Entertainment:

For some reason we have become a society that needs constant stimulation and entertainment. We can survive without the latest IPhone, large screen TV or hottest vacation spot. A good old fashion picnic in the park can turn out to be one of your fondest vacation memories. Be creative when it comes to entertainment and you'll find out how satisfying it can really be.

Try engaging in these simple ways to simplify your life and you will free up time to get to know your true self. This is what really matters when it comes to joyful living.

 Namaste,

Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng Shui Master & Yogi

Dive into the Sea with Your Mind, Body & Spirit

Dive into the Sea with Your Mind, Body & Spirit

Imagine yourself diving into the sea and the moment your body penetrates the water it transforms into a warm light. You immediately feel weightless as you glide towards the brightness.The luminescence that embraces you melts all feelings of worry and anxiety. All is well. There is no where to be and no one to be. Instead, you feel yourself rooted to the seabed and swaying gently with the rhythm of the water in perfect harmony with all things.

Namaste,

Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Take a Leave of Your Senses

 Take a Leave of Your Senses

Take a leave of your senses. This meditation involves concentrating on the core of your self while remaining aware  of sensual experience on the periphery. Sitting in a meditation posture, close your eyes. In your mind, check off what you see, hear, feel, smell and taste. Revisit each sensation and say goodbye to each of them. As you do so, send your attention that was absorbed in your senses to your spirit, at the core of your being. Remain in this state of spiritual freedom as long as you can.


Namaste,

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

Acceptance

Acceptance

Trust in life's flow. If you are struggling with something, it could be you are trying to force the issue. Instead, sit back and accept whatever happens. That which is rightly yours will come to you. Nothing takes place before its designated time.

Mary Jane - Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Ways to Find Inner Peace

Ways to Find Inner Peace

Ways to Find Inner Peace

There are many different ways to find inner peace. For some, religion holds the key and yet others believe that the spirit alone can't transport you to that realm. It is thought the mind, body and spirit must reunite to reach that internal place of peacefulness. How to unite this triad can be as simple as following the feng shui and yogic philosophy.

Feng Shui

The feng shui philosophy is based on the belief that you can create harmony in your life through your surrounding environment. The ancient feng shui masters observed the heaven and the earth learning the ways of natural harmony. They studied the five elements of earth and how these elements interact with one another. Observing the rain from the heavens and how it nourished the vegetation (wood) that fueled the fire that scorched the earth and created ore deep within. This is a harmonious cycle of the elements keeping nature in a state of balance.

As a feng shui consultant, the cyclic nature of these elements can be applied to the internal and external environment. Balancing these elements according to directional positioning of rooms imbues the space with peace and harmony. According to the laws of attraction, vibration and frequency “like attracts like;” therefore, spending time in a peaceful environment will translate to feelings of tranquility. This translation occurs via the limbic system – ancient brain. This system interprets design features such as yin and yang, natural materials and elements, sounds, textures and scents primarily through our senses. When these features are balanced and of natural quality the energy frequency is pure and the perception is one of tranquility and pleasure. 

Feng Shui creates a peaceful environment because its roots lie in nature. A calm green garden with a soothing sound of a water fountain can convey a sense of peace to you. This feeling of calmness eradicates the feeling of worry, anxiety or fear.  If you embrace feng shui based on the ancient teachings, you can successfully surround yourself with a harmonious and peaceful environment. This is one way to achieve inner peace as the mind and body reunite to connect to spirit.

Yoga & Meditation

Meditation is the science of reuniting the soul with infinite spirit or God. By meditating regularly, you will awaken your soul and begin to live consciously. Through the discipline of meditation, we learn to concentrate within and discover our unshakable peace.

Inner peace is one of the first fruits of meditation. Greater clarity, understanding and guidance from within are also benefits of meditation. It brings greater harmony and joy to your relationships and family life. It harmonizes the life forces within the body releasing stress and promoting health and vitality.

Conventional yoga wisdom holds that nothing prepares your body for meditation as well as regular asana practice. However, only practicing yang forms of yoga will present an issue when trying to sit in meditation for long periods of time. Balancing with yin sources of yoga practice by stretching connective tissues with a slow steady load elongates these tissues making it easier for you to sit in meditation.

Concentrating on forward bends, hip openers, backbends and twists are all beneficial when it comes to holding your upright seated position for meditation. As you know, all seated meditation postures aim at one thing, holding the back upright without strain or slouching so that energy can run freely up and down the spine or what is known as the main channel sushumna.

Namaste,

Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

 

Happiness

 Happiness

Here is a great quote to ponder.

"When you're happy for no reason, you bring happiness to your outer experiences rather than trying to extract happiness from them. You don't need to manipulate the world around you to try to make yourself happy. You live from happiness, rather than for happiness."


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

Summer Solstice Feng Shui Style

Summer Solstice Feng Shui Style

Today represents the longest day of the year. Many relate to the summer solstice as the first day of summer but in reality it is mid-summer or when the fire energy and the sun are at peak level. In feng shui, the fire element is the strongest. It aligns to our soul's mission in life, our dreams and aspirations. 

Today is a perfect day to honor the fire within the body and your space. The fire element is associated with the power of the suns energy or the south. It's a great idea to open up the windows and let the sun shine in throughout the home but especially in the southern rooms. Take a moment to spend some time in these rooms. Make note of how they feel and if the fire element is vibrant. Fire represents images of animals, people, the sun or diamond and triangular shapes. Candles are also a great representation of the fire element along with any fire color hues such as red, burgundy, purple or bright yellow. Also make sure the fire element is represented in all your rooms. Little touches here and there go a long way and are perfect to lift the energy in an otherwise yin area.

Take time to reflect on what your goals, aspirations and life purpose is. Write them down and take a few moments to meditate and see them unfold in your life. A vision board is also a great idea for today. If you have one perhaps it is a good time to refresh it. Finally, take time outdoors today and perhaps make an offering to Mother Earth with a short ceremony including making a fire. This will open the fire within your soul.

Happy Summer Solstice!

Mary Jane  - Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

The Jewels Within

 The Jewels Within

Don’t go outside your house to search for jewels.
Don’t even bother with that excursion, my friend.
There are jewels inside yourself.
Precious, profound and ready to be discovered.
These jewels are just like flowers.
Some are taking root.  They are in the process of being fertilized and getting ready to sprout.
Others are growing and budding , preparing to flower.
There are also beautiful blooms inside, brimming with fragrance and lively vitality.
Others are in stages of decline, getting ready to retreat, recycle themselves,
and naturally cycle back to the beginning.
Like a bouquet of flowers, there are jewels within you.
There is a sparkling ruby red jewel and it’s so stabilizing and protective.
There is an orange carnelian jewel too.  It lights up your senses, creativity and ability to feel.
There is a beautiful amber jewel, radiating confidence, inner strength and courage.
There is an emerald jewel too.  The glowing emerald green jewel is loving, forgiving and kind.
There is a bright sapphire blue jewel shining with truth and sparks your creativity.
There is an amethyst glowing inside that awakens your intuition and shows you the big picture.
There is a crystal clear diamond, shining with spirit, connecting the Holy Ones with you.
Don’t go outside your house to search for jewels.
Don’t bother with that excursion, my friend.
There are jewels inside yourself,
waiting to be discovered, polished and ready to beam beautifully.


Om Shanti - Mary Jane - Feng Shui Master & Yogi
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

The Simplest Advice

The Simplest Advice

In a sense, the simplest advice we have heard about God is also the most profound. At least once a day, let go and let one situation be handled by God or your soul or whatever agent of higher wisdom you choose. Hmm, sounds so simple yet why is that so hard for us to do? Is it the fragile ego that gets in the way? Something to ponder for the day...

Namaste,

Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Yoga & Meditations June Style

Yoga & Meditations June Style~

Back in action for the summer! This is a great time to get into sun salutations. Start your practice with with some easy breath work while moving into some cat-cows to loosen the mid-body. Step to the top of your mat to powerful mountain pose. Tucking the tailbone under, drawing the belly up and back, draw the chin in and release the shoulders down the back. Inhale deeply as you raise the arms overhead taking the gaze upward. Exhale and bend forward from the hip joints and draw the torso and of the groins and open space to pubis bone up to sternum. The idea is to lengthen the front torso. If possible bring fingertips to the floor slightly in front beside your feet or bring palms to back of ankles. Turn the thighs slightly inward during the fold. Lift and lengthen with each inhalation and each exhalation move fully into the forward fold. Inhale and raise half way to a flat back position and exhale fold again.

From standing forward fold move into high lunge, bending your knees on an inhale send your left leg back while laying your torso on the right thigh. Exhale and step the right foot back into high plank looking forward and lifting the chin.  In plank pose draw the belly up and back towards the spine making sure your wrists are beneath the shoulders. Press the outer arms inward and widen the shoulder blades. From this position lower to 4 limb staff pose or chaturanga.  With an exhalation lower the body and legs a few inches from the floor while thighs rotate slightly inward.  Keep space between the shoulder blades and do not let the elbows splay out to the sides.

From 4 limb staff pose move to upward facing dog. Inhaling pressing the hands firmly into the floor with tops of feet to the mat as if you were trying to push yourself forward along the floor. Straighten your arms and lift the torso and legs off the floor on the inhalation keeping the thighs firm and rolling slightly inward. On the exhalation shift to downward facing dog. Lift the sitting bones towards the ceiling while pressing the heels towards the floor. Do not lock out the knees and make sure you widen the shoulder blades. Take a few breaths here and step the right foot up between the hands back to high lunge followed by the left foot into your forward bend.  Inhale and reverse the swan dive with arms over head and exhale to mountain pose.  Repeat this sequence and often as you like while bowing to the light above and within.

Simple Meditation to Follow:

Sit in easy pose allowing the sitting bones to root into the earth. Lengthen the spine and slightly tuck the chin. Allow the backs of the hands to rest on the knees and tuck the thumbs inward allowing the remaining fingers to wrap around the thumbs. This is a very grounding and relaxing hand mudra position. Take several rounds of Hum Sa breath - in through the nose and release out from the nose repeating the sound "Hum" on the in breath and the sound "Sa" on the out breath. Turn the gaze inward and focus on the point between the brow. Take in the ambient sounds of nature and capture the peace within.

Om Shanti!

Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng Shui Master & yogi
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Learn How To Breath!

Learn How to Breathe! 

Breathing is key to yoga practice and to meditation. Its what brings the poses to life and gives yoga its flow. The idea is to keep your awareness on your breath continuously as you move in and out of a pose or when sitting in meditation.

When we learn how to breathe properly the mind and body benefit tremendously. The breath quiets the mind and keeps the focus present. It also oxygenates the body and with more oxygen we feel physically better.

The following are some simple breath ratios to consider during yoga practice or simply in meditation.

1. Relaxing effect: Inhale for count of 4, hold for 1 count and exhale of count of 8 and hold for 4 count.

2. Balanced effect: Inhale count of 8, hold for 1 count, exhale 8 count and hold for 1 count.

Try these simple breath ratios and see how relaxed and balanced you become.

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

Show Me the Money!

Show Me the Money!

So who wouldn't want more money right now. Let's face it, money is simply another form of energy. With that being said, when was the last time you evaluated the energy of your money? Why not start from the beginning and take a look at how your environment aligns to money energy. Can you walk into your home or office and feel the essence of wealth? Well if you can't, then it is time to make some changes. Here are a few areas to get the energy flowing towards wealth.

1. Clean it up or throw it out! That's right, it's time to let go of the "stuff" that is stifling money luck. Focus points include front entrance, north, northwest and southeast areas of home of office.

2. Paint it! A fresh coat of paint does wonders to lift the energy and create a wealthy feel. Choose the color of MONEY for the southeast areas and the color of GOLD for the northwest. 

3. Let it flow! Invest in a beautiful water feature and get that money flowing into your bank account. Water out front should flow towards the structure instead of away from it. You want to capture the funds not give them away.

Start with these simple changes and I know the phrase, show me the money will soon become I've got money!

Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

The Sage in YOU

 The Sage in YOU

 

Very profound point by the sage Bodhidharma


The fools of this world prefer to look for sages far away. They don’t believe that the wisdom of their own mind is the sage. 

The sutras say, ‘Mind is the teaching.’ But people of no understanding don’t believe in their own mind or that by understanding this teaching they can become a sage. They prefer to look for distant knowledge and long for things in space, Buddha-images, light, incense, and colors. They fall prey to falsehood and lose their minds to insanity.

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

Inspiration To Tackle Your Lofty Goal

 Inspiration To Tackle Your Lofty Goal

One of the greatest sages of all time, Pantanjali has this to say:

 “When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.”
― Patanjali

Take that inspiring quote and fuel your mind, body and spirit with it. There is nothing you can't accomplish today!

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

BSA Meditation & Yoga

BSA Yoga & Meditation ~ 

Here are some simple meditations to get you through a stressful moment. Place your right hand above your  left with forearms parallel to the earth and at heart level. Inhale deeply through the nose and raise the arms to eye level, then exhale and lower arms back to heart level. Repeat several times. Another simple stress relieving techniques is to take the thumb to index finger and then to next finger, etc. to pinky finger and repeat the words:"Peace begins with me." Om Shanti ~ Mary Jane #BSAYoga & Meditation. www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Yoga & Meditation Tips

BSA Yoga & Meditation Tips:

 Bringing the yogic attitude to work - 1. Do work that suits your nature. 2. Throw yourself completely into your work - take action with it! 3. Surrender to the outcome - do not set your heart on the results. 4. Do your work as service - it is not about the work that you do but rather the attitude you bring to it.. And always ask yourself: "Who and what does this serve" before taking any action. Namaste, Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Daily Yoga & Meditation Tip

BSA Daily Yoga & Meditation - 

Here are some great quotes to live by:

You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete."

- R. Buckminster Fuller

"Men are born soft and supple; dead they are stiff and hard... Thus whoever is stiff and inflexible is a disciple of death. Whoever is soft and yielding is a disciple of life."
- Tao Te Ching

Take ownership of your thoughts and actions. Stand strong in principle but be willing to be flexible. ~Om Shanti Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Yoga & Meditation

BSA Yoga & Meditation 

Easy pose - Sukhasana. This basic yet powerful crossed-legged position requires effort while staying connected to a part of yourself that is innately joyful and at ease. When we are able to act this way - both on and off the mat - we are able to move through life skillfully without panic or fear. There is an inner life that you can discover in this pose that creates conditions for a relaxed yet alert state in both body and mind. Here's to Sukhasana pose!