BSA Yoga Tip

BSA Yoga Tip - 

Develop a spiritual practice that serves to center you and bring you a sense of inner peace. Some examples include Eastern disciples such as yoga and meditation or a spiritual pilgrimage. Any of these practices will keep you in a state of "flow." Mary Jane BSA Yoga & Feng Shui. www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA daily Yoga Intention

BSA Daily Yoga Intention 

Divine Trust: Reliance on integrity, surety, strength and ability with self and know the universe will provide. We are all exactly where we need to be. Feel the strength of the inner warrior as you stand strong in warrior pose 1 & 2. Om Shanti - Mary Jane BSA Feng Shui & Yoga. www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Yin Yang Space Designing

Ying Yang Space Designing. Read more about this informative article.http://www.fengshuiyoganj.com./index.php/news/bsa-feng-shui/item/yin-yang-space-designing?category_id=1

BSA Daily Yoga Tip

BSA Daily Yoga Tip - 

Contentment in life or known as Santosa.By including contentment as an active practice rather than a reaction to an event around us, peace of mind can never finally rely on external circumstances which are always changing and beyond our control. Santosa requires us to enjoy exactly what each day brings, to be happy in whatever we have. Mary Jane BSA Feng Shui & Yoga. www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Cultivating Health and Happiness

Cultivating Health and Happiness
Ancient Disciplines ~ A Path to Finding Your True Self

Follow these 7 simple strategies and find your path to contentment.

No matter how you slice it when it comes to finding health and happiness the key lies within. Connecting to your true self is the backbone to successful living and how you connect with the world around you. Finding out about who you are and why you do what you do is a process and journey available to all of us. It is at the core of our true nature that we find this equanimity. So how do we go about excavating our true nature?
Ancient Disciplines:
Step 1: Incorporate the Feng Shui Philosophy:
The ancient art and science of feng shui explores our natural world and our place in it. When we commune with nature we begin to see the simplicity that exists within the complicity. By connecting to the world around us we begin to live our life according to the laws of nature, and, as a result, we attract peace and harmony into our life. The more we can replicate nature in our living and working spaces the closer we come to realizing our true essence and the ability to find our highest level of health and overall contentment.
Step 2: Take Up The Practice of Yoga:
Yoga is another ancient discipline that honors the true self by focusing on a union or yoking of the mind and body. It is a personal journey and discovery process that uses a combination of poses (asanas) in a moving meditation to uncover the layers or (Koshas) to the divine self (Anandamayakosha). The more you practice this ancient discipline the more you will begin to uproot your true self and find a state of well-being.
Step 3: Practice a State of Contentment:
In yoga, one of the Niyamas or observances is called Santosha. Santosha means contentment or a great happiness and underlying joy that cannot be shaken by life's tough moments. If you let go of constantly wanting your life to be different, you will naturally find more ease and be content with what is.
Step 4: Shift Your Perspective:
Break out of your regular routine and begin to notice how this simple change can impact how you see everything. Changing your perspective can be liberating and help you discover who you truly are.
Step 5: Think Green:
Take the time to respect the planet and in essence you are respecting your true self. Commit to a single day every week and avoid disposable products. Pay attention to what you are consuming and discarding on a daily basis. This is a very empowering self practice.
Step 6: Embrace Silence:
Meditation is the most effective way to cultivate self-awareness. Take time daily to be quiet and simply do nothing. Then just notice the sounds of nature, people, and the pulsation of life itself. This simple act has amazing health benefits.
Step 7: Be Creative:
Let go of logic, strict routines and let your creative juices flow. When we allow our creative side to step forward it has a way of naturally bringing a state of balance into our life. The idea is to enjoy the process and not get hung up on the final outcome.
Cultivating a life of health and happiness is a work in progress. Following the aforementioned steps undoubtedly will assist you in tapping into the wellspring of perfection that dwells deep within. Take your time, honor the process, and most of all relax in the moment.

The copyright of the article Cultivating Health and Happiness in Mind/Body Fitness is owned by Mary Jane Kasliner. Permission to republish Cultivating Health and Happiness in print or online must be granted by the author in writing

BSA Yoga & Meditation

BSA Yoga & Meditation - 

This is a wonderful quote I came across and would like to share with those who follow me.

By relying on the vast wisdom of our intuition, WE are, everyone of us,
in the best spot to decide peacefully
what is the most appropriate for us.

Luc Enaut

BSA Yoga Daily Tip

BSA Yoga Tip: 

How you treat yourself during a yoga session is how you treat yourself outside of class. If you rush through your practice then most likely you are rushing in other activities.If you immediately give up on a pose then most likely that is what you are doing in other life situations. Do you push yourself too hard in yoga? Perhaps you find you push too hard in life. Life is one big pose so be aware of how you approach it. Mary Jane BSA Yoga. www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Powerful Energy Meditation

Meditation for Powerful Energy

It is best to start this meditation in easy pose. You can also practice this meditation in shoulder stand; however, it requires an advance posture as your hands will be in a mudra position over the solar plexus area.

Begin by sitting in easy pose with a straight spine and chin slightly tucked creating a stream-line of energy from the base of the spine to the 3rd-eye point (point between the brows). Interlock all of your fingers with the exception of your sun (ring) fingers, these fingers should be pointing straight up. The right thumb locks down over the left thumb. Place this hand mudra several inches away from the body and in alignment with the diaphragm level. The ring fingers will now be pointing outward from the body at 60 degrees.

Close your eyes and begin to tune into the rhythm of your breath. After several rounds of a relaxed breath, inhale deeply and chant the sound "ong," on a long exhalation (10-15 seconds). The sound mantra is created through the nose, so the mouth is held slightly open, but no air exits the mouth. The sound comes from the nose and palate area. Take your time with this mantra so you feel a vibration in the top of the mouth (palate). Continue this mantra for 8 minutes. It is actually fantastic to do this mantra to clear out any congestion in the upper respiratory system. As a result your eyes will be brighter and your earring clearer and you're breathing smoother. Not to mention it will clear out unwanted chatter in your mind so you can think more clearly.

The sound mantra awakens the 3rd-eye point (ajna) and in doing so it connects to higher self. The sound vibration comes through the central nervous system or main channel (shushmana) vibrating the thymus at the same time. It is important to remember to allow the sound to come from the back of the nose while the mouth remains open.

This is such a powerful energy meditation that doing it only five times you will feel completely energized and in a state of bliss. If you want to feel more self love, this is the meditation to practice. If you choose to do this meditation in shoulder stand make sure you use a wall for support as your hands will be in mudra position in front of the body and not able to stabilize the pose.

Namaste,

Mary Jane - www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Designing a Sacred Space

©Mary Jane Kasliner, AAS, BS, ACFSI, RYT
How to use Feng Shui to create a private sanctuary and renew your soul


There are 7 key design components to incorporate in your room décor in order to soothe the mind, body and soul.
In traditional Chinese culture, a specific room, preferably towards the center of the home, is designated for prayerful meditation and thanksgiving. This is a wonderful concept that we can all benefit from, especially in this day in age when an overabundance of activities fills our day with little time left for spiritual renewal.
From a Feng Shui perspective, the home is an extension of our body, our well-being, and our livelihood. With that in mind, it behooves us to take note of our immediate surroundings and determine if the elements, materials, symbols, colors, sounds and smells are conducive of living holistically.  Many times we strictly look for esthetics when it comes to decorating our space and bypass the little things that can make a difference between feeling fragmented or whole.
Adequate Space:
If your home is large enough, then dedicate one room as your “sacred space” if possible in the Northeast sector of the home.  In Feng Shui practice, this direction naturally resonates with the higher self, meditation and spiritual growth. When space is limited, consider setting up a portion of a room (NE sector) with items that hold deep meaning for you.
7 Key Principles:
Creating a space that will nurture the mind, body and soul is easy.  Incorporate these 7 items into your space and feed the spirit that dwells within.
1.    Sacred Objects:  Place religious icons, spiritual books, CD’s or anything that represents spirituality to you. 
2.    Incense and Candles: The scent generated from the incense represents a spiritual offering and will naturally elevate the energy within the space.
3.    Natural Elements: Incorporating nature’s elements connects your energy with the energy of the Universe.  Plants, rocks, and crystals are just a few examples that will augment this connection.
4.    Water: Water is a source of nurturing, healing, and spiritual purification. A water fountain provides a sound quality that mimics nature and can uplift your spirit.
5.    Life Force: Life force energy reminds us of the never-ending energy source in the Universe. It connects us to the infinite energy within our soul.
6.    Color: Color is one of the most powerful elements within a space that can elevate energy while healing the mind, body and soul.  Adding touches of purple will activate the 7th chakra, our highest energy or divine point.
7.    Sacred Shapes of Geometry: Geometric shapes represent the stages of “Becoming.”  It provides a direct access to the spiritual and material forces of creation. The ancient sages believed that by incorporating symbols of sacred geometry into the architecture would allow the soul to grow. A nautilus shell, sunflower, plants or any spiral design will naturally imbue the space with divine harmony.
Designating a space in your home for spiritual renewal is the quintessential ingredient behind “holistic living.”  When we create a space with nature’s symbols and objects of deep meaning, we begin to nurture the self and our creativity in life. Spending time in this room will renew your soul and align the body to its natural spiritual essence.



© by Mary Jane Kasliner ~ All rights reserved.

About the Author:
 Mary Jane Kasliner is a professional Accredited Feng Shui Consultant of the London Institute and Nationally Certified in Hatha Yoga.  She is the owner of Body Space Alignment and the Teaching Tortoise School of Feng Shui. She has received world-wide media coverage by the Associated Press and CN8 Television.  Mary Jane is the author of several feng shui books, design CD and feng shui training CD’s. she is a Red Ribbon member of the International Feng Shui Guild

BSA Daily Yoga Tips

BSA Daily Yoga Tip - 

You are the only one that creates your reality. Tip #1 for yoga practice. Plan on a regular and realistic time to practice even if it is only 20 minutes once or twice a day can bring significant results. Mary Jane BSA Feng Shui & Yoga. www.fengshuiyoganj.com

BSA Daily Yoga Inspirations

BSA Daily Yoga Inspirations# - 

A beautiful and inspiring quote by Deepak Chopra:

The possibility of stepping into a higher plane is quite real for everyone. It requires no force or effort or sacrifice. It involves little more than changing our ideas about what is normal." -- Deepak Chopra

In your yoga practice today infuse the breath with "changing our ideas about what is normal."

Namaste ~ Mary Jane - www.fengshuiyoganj.com

7 Lessons to Live By in 2013

7 Lessons to Live by in 2013

Lesson #1: Overcoming Fear

They say the best way to learn something is to dive right into it. Be prepared to fail but this is how we learn. Only those who are asleep make no mistakes. If we stay aligned to truth then fear will have no choice but to fade away.

Action: Make a list of those things you fear and then plan to take on one of those fears each day.

“It was a high counsel that I once heard given to a young person, “Always do what you are afraid to do.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lesson #2: Intention & Desire

Our thoughts determine our reality. When we stop thinking about what we don’t want and begin thinking about what we do want, our lives begin to transform. Instead of working against our desires and intentions, we move into alignment with them.

Action: Create a list of your intentions and desires. Wherever you go, take this list with you. Read it when you wake up and before you go to sleep.

 All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become.”- Guatama Buddha

Lesson #3: Happiness

Happiness comes from an inner peace, understanding and acceptance of life; a perspective of truth that opens your eyes to the beauty of life all around us. Happiness cannot be achieved by external status, it must be an internal state that we realize when we see our innate perfection.

Action: Realize that happiness is a choice. In every decision you make ask yourself “how can I respond to make myself happy and fulfilled?”

“Happiness depends more on the inward disposition of mind than on outward circumstances.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Lesson #4: Self Acceptance

When we stop trying to be what we are not, we realize our authenticity. Before we had knowledge, we were completely authentic. We learn to use knowledge to measure and judge, which is a powerful tool we have as humans. However we create an image of perfection in our mind of what we should be, but are not. We confuse knowledge for nature. We believe in the lie of our imperfection. When we realize this we can reclaim the truth of our perfection and live in love and acceptance.

Action: Make a commitment to never go against yourself. Practice non-judgment of self and others.

“If a house be divided against itself, that house cannot stand.” – Jesus

Lesson #5: Appreciation & Gratitude

How many times do we count our misfortunes rather than our blessings? When we take time to open our eyes to the miracle of life we can see the many gifts that have been given to us. Remembering all the wonderful aspects of life and all the reasons you are blessed can immediately shift our mood. We can move from sorrow and despair to appreciation and hope.

Action: Each time you find yourself complaining about something, re-direct your focus to something you are grateful for. Make a habit of transforming your awareness of troubles into an awareness of abundance.

“So much has been given to me, I have not time to ponder over that which has been denied.”
– Helen Keller

Lesson #6: Simplicity

Perfection is not when there is nothing to add, but when there is nothing more to take away. As Bruce Lee once said “the height of cultivation always runs to simplicity.” True mastery of our lives is realizing the simple joys of life, removing distractions and clutter from our lives.

Action: The art of simplicity is knowing what to take away. Recognize when you are spending time on unimportant things, then shift your focus to important things.

“I made this letter longer than usual because I lack the time to make it short.”
– Blaise Pascal

Lesson #7: Realizing your Dreams

In order for us to achieve our dreams we need to know what they are. Writing down exactly what it is that you would like to achieve in life is a geat starting point. Then try breaking it down into smaller parts or something you can do each day to bring yourself closer to your dream. VIsualizing it coming to fruition is a wonderful step in the right direction.

Action: Create a vision board or whatever motivates you to move towards your dream everyday.

“If you don’t know where you are going, you’ll end up someplace else.”
– Lawrence J. Peter

Namaste,

Mary Jane Feng Shui Master & Yogi