Welcome!
Recently I returned from a yoga retreat to India. Some of the
unforgettable experiences of this trip included spending an afternoon
with Babakishor under a Banyan tree, walking, shopping and meditating
along the banks of the Ganges, being surrounded by the extraordinary
sights and vibrations of the high Himalayas, spiritual power emanating
from age-old sacred temples and generated by our own group through yoga,
chanting and meditation. Climbing the Boothnath temple, visiting the
Beatles Ashram, attending the celebrated Ganga Aarti and Satsang, giving
back to the locals, our excurion to Vashitha Cave, Agra Fort - Fatepur
Sikri, and the Taj Mahal.
India was a trip like no other. Being part of a group of
like-minded people was a strong confirmation of how connected our
spiritual journey is.
In this newsletter enjoy short blogs from my trip and the upcoming energy for the month of December!
Elevate Your Consciousness!
Mary Jane
 Selfless Service
India was an adventure like no other. The combination of beauty,
spirituality, loud noises, colorful clothing, wafting smells, dirt and
poverty was a fusion of opposing forces in every way.
India is referred to as "the Mother." She nurtures, inspires, and
teaches us to live our yoga. It is through personal development and
spiritual evolution we are able to recognize our blessings and be
grateful for them.
In the holy city of Rishikesh, located along the Ganges and surrounded
by the Himalayas, is where our group practiced Yoga, Meditation, the Law
of Attraction and SEVA. Read more...
Babakishor 
This is Babakishor. He lives under a Banyan tree along the Ganges. We
spent the afternoon at his home (under the tree), as he shared divine
wisdom in his native tongue. Albeit we had a translator, the vibration
of his words seem to tell the story without language barriers.
Babakishor is referred to as a Puja. Puja
in Sanskrit means that which is born out of fullness and completeness.
It is to express a heart that which is overflowing with so much
gratitude and joy, that Puja (Pooja) is done. It is said when such a
feeling arises within us, then some action inevitably gets linked with
it also. We express our love towards each other by doing some sort of
action. In the same way, when a devotee is so in love with the Divine,
he wishes to do something or give something to the Divine. Essentially,
whatever we receive from the Divine, we offer it back to him innocently
and playfully.
Babakishor demonstrated his devotion to the Divine through his words and
actions. We watched him return the money we donated for him and serve
us the snacks that were meant for him. As if that wasn't enough, he sent
us off with homemade chai tea on his make-shift outdoor stove.
Babakishor is also described as a Sadhu, a Sanskrit word for "accomplished." It is a way of life in Hinduism that renounces the world of asceticism. The path of the Sadhu is one of a holy man. Babakishor imparted his words of wisdom to follow the path of righteousness.
Before parting ways, Babakishor demonstrated a yoga pose. With the grace
of a swan, he lifted his leg and placed it behind his head. He began
moving his arms like a bird in flight. This is the vision he left us
with, as if to remember to ride the wings of our spirit.
Energy Patterns for the Month of December:
First Phase: Yang Wood over the Water Rat
"Aarti Offering to Ganges"
The
month of December holds wood over water. These two elements work in a
sheng cycle whereby the Rat water branch fuels the heavenly stem of
wood. Water is in its prosperity point this month. Therefore, it
behooves you to be more introspective, measured, adaptable, resourceful
and flexible.
Water relates to the kidneys and the emotion of fear. There is a
tendency for vulnerability to the kidney/urinary bladder system this
month in addition to feelings of angst. Breathing techniques to relax
the mind, and activities such as swimming or yoga to keep the joints
supple, bode well for this month.
There is a direct correlation with career and long-term plan of action.
This is the time to ponder your direction, With the element of wood in
the heavenly position, there is a natural tendency to create and act on
your new ideas. However, this time of year wood is in stage 2 and needs
care. Think of it as a new born baby needing assistance with everything.
How does this translate into everyday life? Take your time with your
ideas/creations and nurture them before sharing with others.
The combination (wood/rat) is progressive and success oriented. There is
a tendency to explore everything this month and find good use for
almost anything. This energy combination is terrific when it comes to
corporate systems and making them work for you. Set your priorities and
work hard to achieve your aims. Security is important and why the
underlying theme this month is to determine your long term plan. The
wood element this month can show up as stiffness in joints/musculature,
and or liver and gallbladder vulnerability.
Phase 2 Energy Pattern for December
 Boothnath Temple Rishikesh, India
The trigram Xun rotates into the central position of the loshu grid this month. In
nature, this trigram represents the gentle breeze of late spring. It is
receptive, as it is associated with yin or female energy. Essentially,
the hard work is already done by its male counterpart (Zhen). Therefore,
keep your focus on how you can eventually promote your ideas and
realize the benefits they can potentially bring. Spend time nurturing
your ideas. Treat them like your baby and then watch them grow and
mature.
Xun
trigram also represents fortunate blessings – all those things we are
grateful for and continue to want in our life. This includes material
aspects such as cars, home, clothing, etc. It is important we practice
an attitude of gratitude and give freely. Such behavior increases the
energy frequency around us generating more blessings.
Xun
is indirectly associated with relationships. Therefore, it is important
to nurture those around you this month. Make a concerted effort to
spend quality time with friends and family. Plan something special and
enjoy every moment. This trigram is associated with the hips, thighs and
pelvic area. Be mindful of these body parts, as they can be vulnerable
this month.
 Beatles Ashram Rishikesh, India
Other Areas of Attention:
The energy is strong in three additional aspects this month:
1. Resources are readily available to you this month as long as your
vision matches your soul's mission.Take time to create a vision board
and keep your energy in alignment with it. During meditations this
month, see yourself already accomplishing your desires. See it, feel it
and know it is already yours!
2.
Listen carefully to partner when it comes to long-term planning for
career/life journey. Include those closest to you in the process, as
their advice is invaluable. Be willing to be flexible and mindful of how
you take this advice. Employ good organizational skills and think
things through before proceeding.
3. Keep the ideas flowing this month when it comes to your career. Make
certain they are in complete alignment with your highest mission. This
is the way to ultimate success. Remain grounded and organized for best
results.
Yoga Poses and Foods This Month:
 Beatles Ashram Rishikesh, India
With double wood and water fueling, fire is needed to balance the flow.
There will be a natural tendency to want to flow like water in your yoga
practice this month and that is fine. However, to keep the cycle of
flow moving and balanced, fire is needed. Check in with poses that will
stimulate manipura (solar plexus) to build heat (agni) and restore
balance.
- Plank Pose
- Warrior 3
- Bow Pose
- Boat Pose
- Sun Salutations A & B
- Seated Twists
- Bellows Breath
Foods for Balance:
Water Foods: Fish, chestnuts, carrots, cabbage, sea vegetables
Wood Foods: Squash, beans, cucumbers, strawberries, grapefruit, sesame seeds
Fire Foods: Brussel sprouts, celery root, beets, buckwheat, flaxseed, asparagus
Taj Mahal & Fatepur Sikri
 Fire Element Recipe: Breaded Celery Root
2
organic lemons, 1 celery root, 8 ounces unsalted butter, 3 eggs, 1 cup
flour, freshly ground pepper, sea salt, 1 bunch fresh basil, 1 clove
garlic, 1 shallot, 2 tablespoons small capers or cranberries, dash of
paprika, 1/2 cup virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon mustard, 1/4 cup water,
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tablespoons heavy cream.
* Note: Vegans use egg and butter substitute!
Directions:
Grate and zest lemons and squeeze juice. Put lemon zest and juice in
large bowl. Peel and quarter the celery root, then cut into thin slices
and mix in bowl with lemon juice. Mix well.
Put a skillet over medium-low heat and add unsalted butter and let it melt. Skim off white foam as it rises to the top.
Beat the eggs and put flour in separate dish. Drain celery root slices,
and dip first in beaten egg, then in the flour, and fry until crisp and
golden in the hot butter. Season to taste with pepper and sea salt.
Sprinkle with lemon juice.
Finely chop basil and peel and mince garlic and shallot. Mix capers,
paprika, olive oil, garlic, and shallots, and pepper to taste, sea salt,
mustard, water, vinegar, and a little more paprika. Stir in basil and
the cream. Serve the sauce with fried celery root slices.
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