Seeking Knowledge From the Tree of Life

Trust - Seeking Knowledge from the Tree of Life! View this email in your browser

Welcome!       Mother nature continues to show her beauty this month through white and pink flowering Dogwoods and vibrant spring flowers. If you think about it, Spring is really a time of spiritual renewal and a display of  God's presence and power.      There are many ways to renew the energy in and around yourself to better balance your life. What a better time than spring to reprioritize or even re-invent who you are. This month, the focus is self-trust and discovery through the Tree of Knowledge. Enjoy these energy trends for May and how to work with them effectively.       Elevate Your Consciousness! Mary Jane   Self Trust and Tree of Knowledge! I'm not one who is deals with heights very well. However, during a recent trip to Ireland, my husband and I decided to traverse the Bray Head Cliff Walk. Albeit breathtaking, at times I was hesitant. Taking some slow deep breaths, hugging the mountainside, and relying on self-trust, were helpful especially in those areas that didn't have barrier walls. The month of May is welcomed by the architype energy of the Snake according to 4 Pillars Chinese Astrology. The snake is said to hold the key to the mysteries of life with its sights fixed and gaze unchanging. The sign of the snake is one of a philosopher, theologian, deep thinker and trusting inner instincts rather than any outside advice. The snake sheds its skin to let go of the old form otherwise it will die. The symbolism of  snakes' shedding their skin is necessary for interior growth. It reminds us that the same type of process can occur for humans. We grow, we need to let go. Releasing what no longer serves us is never easy but it is an important part of the self discovery process. If we are to evolve we need to let go of what no longer works in our lives. This includes old patterns, beliefs, thoughts and close-minded opinions. When you let go of the old ways there is room to expand and allow a healthy life to unfold. Self-trust is a key component in the process for a new refreshed self to emerge. The transformational energy of the snake is associated with the element of fire. The fire can be translated as Shen or "Spirit" or "Mind," and implies our consciousness and our presence. Spiritual truth and wisdom lies within oneself, in the cave of stillness, in the cave of calm intuitive wisdom, in the cave of the spiritual eye. Seeking Knowledge: This month also brings in the quality of higher knowledge through the trigram Gen. Gen is represented by the element of earth that is naturally produced by the element of fire. You can look at this process as your spirit (fire), dwells within the house (your body), or physical matter (earth). Seeking higher knowledge or self-knowledge leads to states of higher awareness and self-realization. Seeking the Tree of Life  means to gain self-knowledge. This month focus on your spiritual journey, self-trust and letting go of fear. When we are fearful we disconnect from our inner spirit, close down our heart and held captive to the outer spirits of materialism. We can't seek inner knowledge if we are busy with the materialistic. Just as nature is expanding this time of year, we too can expand rather than constrict our spirit. Lead with your heart in whatever you are doing and notice how your spirit expands. Embody wisdom by being close to the earth, seeking the quietude of meditation practices and gaining self-trust. When you seek for the greater good and in service for others, and align your thoughts, words and actions the spirit is strengthened and progress is achieved on the conscious path - the Tree of Life. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46.10 : Bob Dylan received an Oscar for writing and performing a song with the refrain "I used to care, but times have change." If we are to derive the truth about ourselves from the media or from the material world, well, perhaps it is best not to care. Vidya refers to direct knowledge of the soul. In yogic philosophy, direct knowledge  of the soul brings immediate relief from the ceaseless suffering we incur from the material world. To get something from the outside in order for us to feel OK on the inside is a mistake. Reflect in stillness and connect to another reality, the reality and truth of your soul.         Preserve the Earth & Renew Your House: Spring is a great time to refresh and renew your environment but it is important to be mindful of Mother Earth in the process. Here are 5 simple ways to achieve that. 1. Think about installing energy saving lighting. There are so many fabulous lighting fixtures that are simple to install and look great.  2.  Design with organic fabrics. There is nothing like the look and feel of natural fabrics, not to mention the health benefits that go along with these design choices. 3. Choose eco-friendly furniture from sustainable sourced wood. There are other fantastic recycled materials that are also available for your design needs. 4. Don't underestimate the look and value of antiques. The vintage look is very popular and a great way to achieve a second life of use. 5. Donate, Donate, Donate. What a wonderful way to conserve yet help others in need by giving to organizations like Habitat of Humanity. Did you know that each year over 280,000 tons of waste are diverted from landfills through donations? Bonus... Elevate the element for earth this month in your home by placing crystals and stones in a beautiful ceramic bowl. The northeast direction is a wonderful area to boost this element and align to spiritual awareness. Increase financial possibilities by placing a strong terminating crystal in the center of your home. Activate further with plug in incense burner and bright lighting.                 Cliffs of Moher - Ireland Yoganometry: Codes of Creation in Movement Yoganometry - Codes of Creation in Movement has begun! Wednesday evening 7-8:30PM at Thompson Park Tulip Room. This unique yoga sequence is a copyright and Registered Trademark developed and owned by Mary Jane Kasliner.  Plato (a philosopher in ancient Greece during the classical period) maintained the theory that the 5 platonic solids were the basis of the whole universe/everything. When working with the Platonic Solids, you are engaging the geometric codes of creation to enter into the electromagnetic energy streams of higher dimensional consciousness. The set postures in this practice becomes an invocation for these codes of creation, to enter into our field of consciousness through the cosmic gateway of yantra or shape of the poses. The five Platonic Solids, hold all the wisdom, knowledge, and experiences of the Universal Mind.  It is the means through which evolution occurs. They are found in everything in the Universe including the human body in our cells, tissue and organs of our bodies. The practice begins with a rolling form of pranayama with kubaka (retention). The set sequence is practice on one side at a time to create a portal from earth to heaven, and then a gateway from heaven to earth.  Each posture awakens the encoded cell memory of how our bodies manifested through these forms. The goal is to create complete harmony in the mind and body through the sacred form of the 5 platonic solids. Class is closed for this series. Contact Mary Jane to enroll in the next series. Yoga Poses to Consider this Month: Strong connection to the earth so that you can root as you rise into the fire of your spirit. Here are a few poses to consider practicing: Supported Malasana - Prayer Squat Salabhasana - Locust Pose Satu Bandha Sarvangasana - Bridge Pose Janu Sirsanana Seal Pose Warrior 1 What Yin Yoga Means to Me: I recently completed a 75 hour Yin Yoga training at Inlet Yoga under the tutelage of Marije Paternotte. This was a fabulous experience and wonderful addition to my yoga teaching and practice. For me, yin yoga means...Read more here!                  Blue Lagoon - Iceland Wisdom Buffet Writers: I am proud and honored to be part of the Wisdom Buffet Writers. We are a group with a common thread - Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese Philosophy of living in harmony with the natural rhythms of the Universe. This 6 book series is complete! All books are available in hard copy and E-Book formats on Amazon and Barnes & Noble online stores. Visit: www.thewisdombuffet.com  to read more about this project. Books can be order directly from the website. You may also visit my personal website: www.fengshuiyoganj.com to order books or directly from Amazon and Barnes & Noble.   In dedication to my father. May you rest in peace Dad. July 24, 1929 - April 14, 2019 All my love, Mary Jane

Shop the Feng Shui Store Copyright © 2019 Body Space Alignment, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in to our newsletter at our website, or one of our live classes or seminars. Our mailing address is: Body Space Alignment 287 Daniele Dr. Ocean, NJ 07712 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list Shop the Feng Shui Store Copyright © 2019 Body Space Alignment, All rights reserved. You are receiving this email because you opted in to our newsletter at our website, or one of our live classes or seminars. Our mailing address is: Body Space Alignment 287 Daniele Dr. Ocean, NJ 07712 Add us to your address book Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

What Yin Yoga Means to Me...

Blue Lagoon - Iceland 2019

What is Yin Yoga?

Everything in the universe is transmutable. Simply put, energy can not be created or destroyed. It simply changes form. 

There is a direct relationship between your energy and the energy that surrounds you. The interaction between the energetic patterns of the macrocosm (greater), and microcosm (lesser), directly influences your thoughts, behavior, health and overall life experience. Therefore, it behooves you to take a mindful approach in your daily activities, how you design your environment, and those you choose to interact with – one of the three jewels depicted by the Buddha referred to as a (Sangha). 

The importance of the aforementioned is paramount on your earthly journey to self-realization. Yin yoga is one of the many tools you can utilize on your path to enlightenment, and in my opinion, is an invaluable tool especially in today’s culture and climate. The increasingly rapid pace of life causes problems for your physical, mental, spiritual and relationship health. Most of us are caught up in the rat race, keeping crazy routines that leave us no time for rest and relaxation. 

Yin yoga encourages you to slow down, to pay attention and deepen your awareness between your body and your mind. It is a practice that enables you to become aware of these subtle sensations that may or may not arise. Simply put, it is a practice that focuses on maintaining your presence – to be in the here and now. 

Unlike other yoga disciplines, yin yoga aims to target the deeper structures of the physical body such as the ligaments, connective tissue, tendons, and fascia. This is the market difference between other forms of yoga. I like to see it as a cross-link to an awakened spirit delving past the outer layers (koshas) to authentic self. In the process, you have the opportunity to cultivate awareness of inner silence, and connect to the light within.

Yin yoga in many respects can challenge the ego (ahamkara), the aspect of me or mine. I say this, as many tend to formulate an initial impression of this static practice as too easy. This of course is the ego jumping to conclusions, and in my mind, is actually to the contrary. Yin yoga challenges both the mind and body. It reconditions the mind and body to settle down, to be still, and to be with what is. It is a practice to discover your path forward to recognize and release the patterns and emotions that hold you back and by breaking through these barriers, you are able to discover a deeper level of your being and the world around you. 

Yin yoga is a practice that has the capacity to transform your body, mind and spirit – a   reconnection to your true self, and a way to discover who you are meant to be and what you are meant to be doing.

Om!

Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com