Full forward Bend Pose - Pascimottanasana

Pascima means "west," the side of the setting sun. When the sun sets it grows dark, and we cannot see with our physical eyes. The word "tan," means intense stretch, however, its deeper meaning goes beyond our past self-imposed limitations. This pose is an intense stretch of the west or back side of the body which takes us beyond past boundaries. This pose awakens the back part of our brain, the cerebellum, which is said to be the seat of citta or the subconscious mind.

Seated forward bends bring us into very deep communion with the Divine. This pose symbolizes the coming together of the individual and the universal, closing the gap of separation of Oneness of the Atman and Brahman. This pose is a form of passive surrender. It is a surrender to Self or God.

 

Mary Jane Fengshui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Pyramid Pose

I love this picture I took in Olympic National Park. What a powerful display of water energy. It was in this park I did a great deal of meditating with the elements of nature. The result was the publication of my third book: Mother Nature, A Bridge to Conscious Living.  One of the yoga poses I practiced was pyramid pose. In this pose the head and the heart humble themselves to the earth as the hands offer to the heavens (reverse Namaste mudra).



In this pose there is tension created between the base of the spine and the crown of the head. When we transcend self-imposed limitations while in this pose, we can learn how to go beyond the self-imposed limitations in our lives. Our practice becomes a reminder that no one does anything to us or holds us back, that each of us has the power to make changes and create whatever we wish for ourselves.

Om!

Mary Jane Fengshui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Monday July 24, 2017 Energy Forecast!

Today is considered an initiate day. The energy combinations promote smooth beginnings. It is a day best used in order to ensure the right start on the right foot. Taking a look at the flying star positions for today, it is most notable for financial gain in the southeast portent. Here the auspicious 8 money star resides. As luck would have it, the 2 monthly star, albeit inauspicious comes to assist the beneficial 8 earth star. What does this mean? Take a look at your accessible accounts or those that you can freely deposit and withdraw money from and determine if you are gaining enough interest. In addition, make some financial moves in the market today. In terms of business, this is a day to initiate deals and negotiate ideas that are income producing. The southwest portent also has an excellent energy combination today. It is important to evaluate your partnerships and take a leadership role in initiating goals and aspirations.

What to do in the environment?

• Bright lighting source, gentle movement (incense burner) and money placed in the southeast.
• Place strong earth component in the southwest portent to ground decisions and propel networking between partnerships.

The Daily Pillar:

The water rat releases a great deal of water qualities for today. What does this mean? Communications are strong but does require listening to others for good advice. Perseverance is the name of the game today along with some down time for enjoyment.

The water rat combination specifically is concerned with mental exercise and thinking process. This allows you to relate well to people on all levels. Go with the flow today instead of trying to swim against the current. You'll find you will accomplish a great deal more with this approach. People may be more calculating and shrewd today so just be mindful of that.

Mary Jane Fengshui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com

July 21, 2017 Energy Forecast!

Today, the energy is considered "full." It is a day of abundance best used to support activities and endeavors where more is ideal. Let's view the flying stars and see where the energy is fullest.

The southeast portent holds the financial powerhouse star. Activate this area with movement devices (plug in incense, bright lighting, fish bowl), are all good ideas. It's important to navigate business dealings today with confidence and flexibility.

Female partnership and advice bodes well when it comes to networking and planning for potential new opportunity. Take the lead in matters and keep a positive outlook for a binding agreement. Place the element of earth in the southwest and ground any decision making process today.

If you can successful negotiate and network with leaders in your industry, it will pave the way for long-term career growth and goals. Add strong metal to the northwest and let new opportunities flood the gates.

In terms of the 4 Pillars aspect, the day stem of yin earth rises above the rooster metal branch. This is a sheng cycle of element whereby the branch fuels the stem. Moving your body today in some form of exercise will help to relieve mental stress. Definitely take advantage to get outside and move your body even if it is a short walk, as the earth rooster combination will have you working extra hard today to complete tasks. Digging for the truth is also the characteristics of the earth rooster. Whether it is personal or on a grand level of politics, finding out the truth is a theme for today.

Mary Jane Fengshui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com

8 Angle Pose

This is a pose that can be a little scary. It is best to warm up your hips before attempting this pose with the following poses:

• Happy Baby
• Forward fold rag doll variation
• Wide leg forward fold
• Lunges

Once you feel warmed up, have a seat and extend both legs out in front of you. Keep your left leg long and bend your right knee and hug into our chest. Relax your shoulders downward and sway your leg side to side to open up your hip. Bring your right leg and the underside of your knee to rest on top of your right shoulder. Cross your left ankle over your right and make sure your right shoulder is under your right knee. Make sure your hands are firmly planted on the ground shoulder distance apart. Start to bend your elbows as you squeeze your legs together. Reach your chest forward and transfer your weight onto you hands. Stay for a few breaths and repeat on the opposite side.

Watch my full video here and have some fun!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbVSDyT-9t8

Om!
Mary Jane Fengshui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com

The Ebb and Flow of the Ocean Breath

The power of the primordial sound of the ocean pulls into the ujjayi breath. It reminds us of the tranquility we can find within ourselves. Pantanjali said that if you focus on the trachea, hunger and thirst will be subdued, meaning that we can overcome cravings. Therefore, when we practice the ujjayi, and the breath creates friction as it moves into the trachea, cravings are abated.

If we want to access higher, more expansive aspects of the brain, we should use the breath. Each time we breathe to our fullest capacity, the breath has the potential to move to different folds of the lungs, stimulating and creating new pathways in the brain. Therefore, it is possible to intensive awareness and experience more expansive states of awareness.

Enjoy this video of the ocean I took the other night before my meditation. See if you can sync your breath to that of the ebb and flow of the ocean waves.

Om!

MAry Jane Fengshui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Extended Side Angle: Utthita Parsvakonasana

Saturday Morning Practice Thompson Park, NJ

Side angle or Utthita Parsvakonasana literally means to rise upward. It is a pose with a deeper meaning representing the changes that occur in life. It is a pose that enters the gateway of transformation by letting go of the old, rigid beliefs and limited perspectives.

In this pose, the bent knee forms a right angle. When the arm and hand are in alignment with the lower leg, a square is formed. This is the yantra for the root chakra, a symbol of Ganesa, the Lord of thresholds who protects the spiritual practitioner from any inner or outer obstacles that may arise.

This pose is an extension of warrior 2, yet requires more concentration to hold the body  in equal awareness. Some key points in this pose to remember are as follows:

1. Make sure the bent knee creates a right angle to the earth, yet the knee doesn't extend past the toes.
2. You can either place the right elbow on the thing for greater extension or bring right palm or fingertips down to the floor, either in front of the bent leg or behind it.
3. Inhale to the back, expanding the breath across the entire back.
4. Exhale and elongate the spine into the front body allowing the spine to rotate and lift the heart.
5. The rotation of the head and neck comes from the base of the torso, as both thighs externally rotate.
6. Stay in the pose as long as the breath is calm.

This pose releases inner and outer intercostal muscles, freeing the breath through the release of the lungs and diaphragm. On a spiritual level, side angle prepares us to live on the earth plane an in the inner dimensional states of consciousness at the same time.

Om!

Mary Jane Fengshui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Follow me on Twitter: fengshuiyoga4u  and YouTube: Mary Jane Kasliner

Daily Energy Forecast : July 14, 2017!

Today, Friday July 14th, 2017 the energy follows as such:

The overall energy for today is considered to be rather rough. It is best to avoid major projects or decisions as a result. It is far better to focus on loose ends and wrap up unfinished business.

In terms of the star combinations there are a few notable energy interactions. They are as follows"

Northwest: This area has a fortuitous energy combination, that if handled properly, can result in financial gain. I suggest bright lighting, water movement via a fish bowl or plug-in incense burner and paper money with terminating crystal pointing upward. Keep you mind open to advice from leader or patriarch. Connect with your closest networks and keep apprised of current information.

Northeast: I would suggest strong metal element here to propel the auspicious water from the sea star. In your meditation today, focus on your long-term goals. Take time to record words that come to mind while meditating. Seek the path for longevity instead of short-term results.

Southeast: My suggestion is the element of metal to assist the white star from the heavens. Be open to male advice when it comes to new opportunities and take financial advice from a trusted advisor. Be willing to listen and communicate ideas to those you trust. You may actually place virtual water here too to being flexibility in your ideas and financial outlook.

In terms of the Day Pillar combination:

The water stem combines with the tiger branch. This is a flow of the elements naturally from heaven to earth building harmony. However, let not the mind take too much in today otherwise your body will feel the stress. Balance is always the best way.

The water tiger is pretty open-minded and inclined to new ideas and experiences. There is also a natural ability for this combination to judge the truth and not be fooled. It is an excellent combination for making the right deal. Just be mindful of procrastination measures today as the water tiger combination is notorious for that. Concentration on the long-term outcome proves to be most beneficial today.

Mary Jane Fengshui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Rain Never Stops a Yogi

A little rain never stops a yogi. Today, from Yoga 365, we learn how yoga enables us to access spirit by opening up the creaky corners of our bodies. Our muscles soften and lengthen, and we feel more powerful through the openness that we begin to experience. When we feel open, we can more readily tap into something that we often call spirit - a feeling or sensation that shapes our dreams and connection with the greater world. To access our spiritual selves we need to tend to our physical selves, because body and spirit are not separate. Yoga keeps our bodies open, enabling us to access spirit.

Today, no matter what the weather is like, roll out your yoga mat and take the time to move through some poses. Do whatever feels right for your body. Do not worry about doing every pose. It is far better to savor the poses you choose to do and the journey it takes to arrive in the pose. This is how way to access the deep hidden areas physically in your body and the subconscious. For transformation occurs. You must awaken what lies deep within and bring it to the surface.

Om!

Mary Jane Fengshui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Fun Farm to Table Garden!

This is the cutest farm to table local garden. Today, while I was doing some errands, I decided to pull out my camera and take a video of this fabulous yet simplistic garden. It has great feng shui! 

The owner of the restaurant uses all organic ingredients grown in this charming garden. Take time to view my video so you get an idea of how the garden is organized. Without realizing it, this restaurant owner incorporated  feng shui principles. Let's take a look.

Varying Heights:

I always suggest my clients incorporate varying heights in their landscape and garden designs. This gives the eye room to roam. Furthermore, it is fantastic to encourage energy to flow and keep the garden fresh.

Mixed Materials:

This is another great feature to this garden and definitely a feng shui plus. If your contemplating designing a garden or landscape area on your property, choose multiple materials to include in the design. You'll see in my video there is a mixture of metal  and wooden containers to hold plants and vegetables. Different materials give off varied vibrations and add to the garden experience.

Seating:

There are several areas in this relatively small garden for people to sit and enjoy nature. This is fabulous as it allows the body to rest while activating the sensory system, including scent, sight, sound and of course taste with a delicious farm to table meal.

Barriers:

There are several places in the garden with natural landscape barriers that successfully contain this garden oasis from a busy roadway and parking lot. The evergreen archway is a wonderful way to attract people to come and enjoy the garden views. 

Enjoy!
MaryJane Fengshui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com

The 5 Elements: Wood Fuels Fire To Create Earth

I've been discussing the elements found in nature and used in feng shui practice for the past few weeks now. Utilizing short videos for my explanations, I believe is very useful in understanding the cycle of "five" in nature and how they impact our daily lives.

Today, I posted a short video on my YouTube channel showing mature wood fueling fire and as a result ash left behind to become part of the earth's soil.  Okay, so it seems simple enough, we've all seen fires and the ash it leaves behind, but what is the significance in our daily lives? The element of wood, from a feng shui perspective, represents the projects we take on in life. When wood is strong it has the ability to propel energy and stimulates us to engage further with our projects. As a result, it fuels our passion (fire), and we settle in to what makes our heart sing - a state of joy. In other words, we find our soul's mission by expounding on our natural abilities and talents. In doing so we not only serve self, but we extend our passion to serve others. This is the way; the Dharmic path. When we are on right path we develop a sense of security, stability and confidence (earth), to make sound decisions and binding relationships.

Now, view the short video if you haven't already and see the simplicity that nature chooses to show us how to be motivated (like the wood) to fuel our passion (like the fire), so we feel secure in life (like the earth).

Things You Can Do in Your Environment:

Here are few simple things you can do to make sure your environment is supporting these elements that will in turn support you:

East & Southeast Portents:

• Real plants
• Fresh flowers
• Green or blue color hues
• Water features actual or virtual
• Wood flooring
• Floral accents in design
• Columnar shapes
• Wood furnishings

South Portent:

• Strong plants
• Fresh flowers
• Green or fire color hues
• Candles
• Leather accent pieces
• Animal prints
• Star, diamond or pyramid shapes
• Fire-pit

Southwest or Northeast Portents:

• Stone accents
• Earth or fire color hues
• Square or rectangular shapes
• Plaid or checked patterns
• Images of wisdom/ angels /meditation/books (Northeast)
• Paired images/friends/romance (Southwest)
• Candles
• Leather accents

Make sure you tune into my YouTube channel for all kinds of videos on feng shui and yoga!

Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Yoga 365: Loving Yourself

Today, from yoga 365, the lesson is to love yourself so you can love the world. For many of us it is difficult to love thyself, as if it were self-indulgent. The reality is that in order to love others, you must love yourself first. Today, invite your yoga practice to become an affirmation of self-love, a way of treating yourself with the same love and attention that you might offer another. Loving yourself is loving the world!

Om,
Mary Jane
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Daily Energy Forecast!

Happy Friday! Today, July 7th is considered a Refresh Day! This makes most things you engage in beneficial especially if it concerns a new business or starting a new position at work.

The Bazi or 4 pillars for today is interesting, as the day pillar and the month pillar are exact - yin fire pig. This combination is sure-footed especially when it comes to following intuition. Highlight your strengths today and this month and play down your weaknesses. Be mindful of overindulging especially when it comes to finances.

This is an energetic combination requiring you to manage your excitement or outspoken comments. Take time to appreciate the benefits of a current situation and be realistic when reaching for things that could be out of your reach. Save time for family today and this month especially since it is the main energy trend for July (3 Zhen).

The sheep's overall energy is about unity and being home. There is a natural tendency for the sheep to be mindful of special dates such as birthdays and anniversaries so make sure you plug in to those who are close to you and send them a card on their special day. The sheep can also be a worrier and pessimistic about events. Try to step away from the doom and gloom perspective and instead enjoy the little things that come your way. The sheep also prefers not to make decisions, but rather follow along and then complain if things don't turn out just right. Avoid this mistake from the beginning and rely on your intuition and choices. Good things come naturally this month if you simply let go and trust in higher self.

Flying Stars:

Activate the northeast portent with moving water and bright lighting. Investigate real estate options today and tap in to others who can teach you a thing or two when it comes to networking and leadership qualities.

The north portent is also a great energy when it comes to career advancement and steady growth. Take advice from male and contemplate what your next move is in terms of your long term plan. Add metal element here to propel this auspicious combination of energy.

Be mindful of how much you can take on in terms of new projects and ideas. he energy in the east is really strong for launching new business and ideas. Add strong fire to balance this otherwise overactive energy.

I would say that is enough to focus on for one day. It is obvious that the energy is calling for all to contemplate our long-term goals and move in the direction of something new.

Namaste,

Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

JUly 2017 Feng SHui and Yoga Energy Trends!

July 2017 Feng Shui & Yoga Trends. Welcome to BSA - The Conscious Alignment of Energy It's hard to believe we are already in the month of July. Summer is in full swing and the energy of fire is beginning to wane. This month my focus of discussion is the 5 Elements in Nature and the monthly energy trends. In terms of your yoga practice, I'll delve in to two poses; Padmasana and Tolasana. Happy July! Mary Jane Kasliner   The Power of Three: The trigram 3 Zhen is the central star for the month of July. This star represents family, health and roots to our heritage. It is an arousing thunder type of energy as seen in weather patterns. In nature, it represents a tree's graceful and vertical energy stretching its branches high into the skies; as it soars, guidance is present. The roots reach deep into the earth and find strength. This support system is the same dynamic as the family; it provides roots so you may know strength. Strong roots enable you to meet any obstacle head on without toppling over. This energy teaches us to build a strong constitution physically, mentally and spiritually. The holy trinity, or power of three, is recognized in many religions such as Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the sustainer), and Siva (the transformer), or the Father , Son, and Holy Ghost. In yoga, the trinity is seen as the sacred inverted triangle of downward dog when we offer the coccygeal plexus to the heavens. The energy of three encourages us to work diligently to transform ideas into reality. Everything is new and waiting to be brought forth. Cultivate this month and live fully and in joy. Points to Perk Up: Southwest: Bring clarity to your vision and goals this month by delving deeper into relationships. Others will assist your mission if you let them in. Add strong fire to this portent and fuel your goals with through the assistance from others. North: Think before acting on the job as it will impact your long term goals. Keep real estate options open this month and allow room in your financial portfolio for steady growth. Add strong wood and moving water to this portent along with bright activity. Northeast: Travel is important when it comes to enhancing knowledge and your meditation practice. Look to take leadership position and interact with those who share common interest with you. Add strong earth qualities to this portent. East: Family may be the connecting point this month when it comes to long term goals and career move. Listen to elder advice. Add water element to this portent and go with the flow. Fire Sheep: The fire element this month takes a yin softer approach and therefore is easily directed to serve our needs. However, there is always a need to maintain awareness when it comes to this element, as things can easily become explosive. Leadership and decisive nature is associated with the element of fire. Take the initiative this month in whatever you are doing and infuse a healthy dose of creativity. The fire sheep combination is sure-footed especially when it comes to following intuition. Highlight your strengths this month and play down your weaknesses. Be mindful of overindulging especially when it comes to finances. This is an energetic combination requiring you to manage your excitement or outspoken comments. Take time to appreciate the benefits of a current situation and be realistic when reaching for things that could be out of your reach. Save time for family this month especially since it is the main energy trend for July (3 Zhen). The sheep's overall energy is about unity and being home. There is a natural tendency for the sheep to be mindful of special dates such as birthdays and anniversaries so make sure you plug in to those who are close to you and send them a card on their special day. The sheep can also be a worrier and pessimistic about events. Try to step away from the doom and gloom perspective and instead enjoy the little things that come your way. The sheep also prefers not to make decisions, but rather follow along and then complain if things don't turn out just right. Avoid this mistake from the beginning and rely on your intuition and choices. Good things come naturally this month if you simply let go and trust in higher self.   The Elements in Nature : Read my full article by clicking here:   Watch my video on the elements in nature below, as I cover a few of them in a sheng and controlling cycle at Franklin Lake Park.   Yoga Time! Padmasana or Lotus pose is a perfect pose when it comes to opening the hips, increasing knee flexibility, prevents arthritis and osteoporosis while toning the abdominal organs to promote proper digestion. The mental benefits include: focus of the mind, reduces stress and enhances mental clarity. You want to avoid this pose if you suffer from low back pain, hip, knee or ankle injury. The perfect finishing pose or counterpose is staff or dandasana pose. Tolasana Pose is simple to transition into from lotus pose. This pose is perfect to strengthen the arms, wrists and abs as well as calms the mind and improves balance. You should avoid this pose if you have and shoulder or wrist injuries and if you suffer from tight hips, knee or ankle challenges. BE sure to view my video below on Padmasana and Tolasana poses! Wood Uproots Earth and Water fuels Wood! Earth Dams Water! Padmasana & Tolasana Poses