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

Beauty is Truth!

English Romantic poet, John Keats in his poem Ode On A Grecian Urn, has an important message on how to approach living that is transcendent and speaks to your own source of true happiness. John Keats suggests is that we elect to identify beauty with truth and truth with beauty we can find peace and happiness. Beauty can be found all around us, from a budding plant to a majestic mountain.

Throughout history, poets, philosophers, and scientists have equated beauty with the peacefulness of a full realized life. Emerson described beauty as "God's handwriting," and urged us all to "never lose an opportunity of seeing anything that is beautiful." Keats goes a step further and equates beauty with truth.

Take a moment and ponder what your truth is. It will undoubtedly be what is real for you, meaning what you experience with emotion or feeling. For example, your feelings of accomplishment or your inspirations are true and therefore beautiful.

Keats goes on to relay the message about nature, and albeit something may appear to be nonviable, has a life force invisible to the eye. This is actually the eternity that Keats refers to when he writes, "when old age shall this generation wastes, thou shalt remain, in the midst of other woe..." This "thou" is a friend to all of us when he says, "Beauty is truth, truth is beauty; that is all ye know on earth, and all ye need to know."

I think about this message every time I look outside my window and see the tree I nursed back to life. Several years ago, I nearly called a tree service to take down a tree in my backyard. Something inside me said not to. I decided to meditate under the tree. During my meditations, I envisioned the tree's roots penetrating deeply into the earth absorbing nutrients. I saw its branches rising high towards the light of the sun. I also spent time talking to the tree, touching it, and practicing yoga beneath it. Every breath I took during my yoga practice I envisioned as a breath for the tree.

As part of the tree healing process, I decided to hang a bird feeder from one of its branches to attract additional life force energy.  I also hung a chime so every time the wind blew it created a sweet sound vibration. Low and behold, what seemed to be a dead tree came to life. This life force that was invisible to my eye is what we can call truth.

When your heart opens to experience beauty, it opens to experience truth. See beauty all around you and you will see truth. Know yourself, and live your truth. This is your authentic self, the person you were born to be, and the life you are meant to live.

Things You Can Do:

• Take time to see what is true for you
•  Be authentic and practice your own truth being independent of the opinions of others
•  Toss judgment out the window and stay with what intuitively makes you happy
•  Spend time in nature every day and notice the beauty in all things

If you would like to further explore powerful aspects of nature and how it impacts you directly, take a look at my third book  Mother Nature a Bridge to Conscious Living. You can also explore ideas of happiness by delving into the Happiness Chronicles - Short Stories and Recipes to a Happy Life. I am the co-author of this book along with seven other like-minded colleagues from around the country and Canada.

Om!

MaryJane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Energy Trends for March 2019: Can You Be a Witness to it All?

March 2019 Energy Trends: Can You Be a Witness to it All? View this email in your browser March 2019 Energy Trends: Can You Be a Witness to it All? Welcome to Body Space Alignment Newsletter!  Today, I we will share with you the energy trends for the month of March so you can work with it in the most beneficial way to prosper. The underlying theme this month is to become the witness to everything around you. The most impactful way to accomplish this is to practice mindfulness, or the ability to focus your awareness in the present moment. In this newsletter, I will highlight aspects of your life and health to be aware of this month, along with a few short articles and yoga poses that are helpful to balance the energy. Elevate Your Consciousness! Mary Jane   The Ebb and Flow of Water Chi: The month of March brings in the element of water associated with the depths of the ocean. Water is an element that defines our ability to go with the flow, communicate effectively through active listening, to be introspective, philosophical, and rely on the wisdom of those before us, and your own. When the element of water is deficient there is a tendency to worry, doubt everything, have difficulty completing tasks, and an inability to cope with change effectively. Balanced water chi helps us to access our innate kindness and openness to all things so we are able to stand back and become a witness without judgement. The kidneys and bladder are the main organs that correspond to the water element, along with our bones, joints, teeth and ears. With that being said, these areas can present with challenges or discomfort this month. >From a Feng Shui perspective, the trigram this month is Kan (pronounced "con"). It represents the middle son, our career and life path. It is associated with the waterways in nature, but specifically corresponds to the depths of the oceans. In other words, it is the unknown areas in life that hold our greatest fears, yet reveal the most beauty and wisdom. Every time we encounter the element of water be it through swimming, washing, or simply listening to the sounds of a plunging waterfall, gentle trickling stream, or the pitter patter of rain fall, we have the opportunity to gain insight about its divine essence and our own. Like the vast oceans that make up most of the earths surface, our life journey requires us to delve deep within. This month, the energy calls us to ponder the path, the journey, and long-term plans for our life. The sages tell us that if we are not happy, joyful and loving when doing our work, then something has to change. We can take the opportunity this month to examine what we are doing and make sure we are doing it for the right reasons. Some questions to ponder include: How are you serving others? How is your service a benefit to others on a deeper level? Is it a benefit to you? Can you stand back and be a witness to it all? What does your heart say verses what your mind says? Is there a difference? Additional Areas Impacted This Month:  From the Feng Shui Lo Shu Grid (9 houses), the trigram Kan will move the other trigrams into other houses in the grid following a specific sequence known as the Sigil of Saturn. As a result, it gives you an idea of the type of energy you can expect for various areas of your life this month. Head and Neck/ Females: You may notice head cold, sinus pressure and stiffness in neck this month. Males: You may encounter stomach upset and challenges when networking with females. Travel can be tricky, so take precautions when packing and especially eating out. Digestion/Neck/ Feet: Difficulty can arise for males this month. Creativity/Fun: Stifled a bit this month although there is a tendency to want to create a great deal. Work through your thoughts of what you want to create and slow the pace down to be most effective. Relationships: Joyful, but watch for undermining behavior from female. This is a cutting energy between females, especially youngest daughter with mother. Career: Excellent, especially for males taking leadership role. Goals/ Mission: Chaos and challenges arise. Avoid major changes when it comes to your goals this month especially for females. Eyes, circulation, cardio-vascular system and small intestines are challenged this month, especially for females. Knowledge/Self Exploration: Best to explore through journaling and literature this month. Wrist/Arms/Shoulders: Pressure this month especially for males. Be mindful when exercising and sleep positions. Resources: Plenty available through family support. There is some resistance however. Wealth/Finances: Stick to your mission and objectives without making any major shifts for best results. To find out how this energy is reacting in your personal environment and how to support it by setting up a flying star consultation report.   Feeling Tangled Up and Uncertain? This is the time of year when things may seem all tangled up. There is uncertainty, malaise, heaviness, and an overall feeling of fogginess. Late winter is the time of Kapha dosha in Ayurvedic philosophy. Kapha dosha is a combination of the element earth and water. The earth is moist from harsh weather making it feel unsteady under our feet. When our footing is uncertain, we lose our equilibrium and have difficulty managing everyday decisions. You may be wondering how the time of year can impact how we manage our life. The answer is simple. Everything is connected from the smallest atom to the highest mountain peak, and everything in between. Read More!   The Warrior of Peace Creates a Peaceful Environment: The warrior poses are beautiful and challenging named after the mythical Hindu warrior Virabhadra. Practicing the three forms of virabhadrasana is about honoring the fight against our own ignorance and ego, and to cultivate the strength and courage to do the right thing in challenging situations. The story goes like this. Shiva created the warrior Virabhadra to avenge the death of his beloved wife Sati (known as Shakti). Daksha, Sati's father, didn't approve of Sati's marriage to Shiva. One day Daksha decided to hold a festival at his home and didn't invite Shiva or Sati. His daughter was hurt by her father's action. Sati decided to go to the festival and confront her father. Daksha asked her why she came when she wasn't invited, or was it that she had finally come to her senses and left that "beast of a husband." His daughter was so upset and humiliated that she decided to take her own life. She does so by throwing herself into the sacrificial fires...Read More!  Spring on the Rise! In just a few short weeks spring will arrive according to the Gregorian Calendar. This is the energy of the Rabbit, the element of yang wood, and strong desire to start something new! The Rabbit, in Chinese astrology, is a symbol of longevity and said to derive its essence from the moon. There is an overall soul of graciousness, kindness and sensitivity when it comes to the Rabbit. There is an underlying tranquility and sense of good judgment that you can count on with this energy. Monetary gains are linked with the Rabbit, especially when it comes to striking bargains or alternative strategies. Albeit the Rabbit appears to be docile, it also possesses a strong will and self-assurance to a point of being narcissistic. Caution and discretion is of the utmost importance, as well as being overly deliberate. The aforementioned are all qualities that you may notice this month. Yang Wood: The beginning of spring according to Feng Shui philosophy, is associated with yang wood. New buds will soon purge through the soil of the earth and require focused energy to do so. The element of yang wood aligns to the trigram Zhen (pronounced "jen"), and is associated with our health, heritage, roots, culture and family lineage. It is our ability to create in life with the influence of those around us. It is a male gender trigram and aligns to the liver (yin), gallbladder (yang), feet, neck, tendons, muscles and ligaments. Emotionally, the element of wood gives us  confidence and the ability to be pragmatic. However, it can also leave us short tempered if we are unwilling to move with the ebb and flow of life changes. Environment: This is a good time to pay attention to the East and Southeast areas of your environment making sure they are nourished by the element of water (actual water or virtual water). Virtual water in design includes water images, seashells, starfish curved designs or blue and black accent colors. Wood elements are also suggested in these directions such as real wood, columnar shapes, florals, plants or green accent colors. Images of family, your heritage or culture will bode well in the East while fortunate blessings, things of desire, or images of the wind such as sailboats or birds will work well in the Southeast. Any landscape scenes will also activate the wood element directions of the East and Southeast. For more information on how to design your environment for harmony using the five elements see my publications page. My Feng Shui Designs in a Flash CD is really simple to use and highly effective.   Helpful Yoga Poses This Month:  The combination of water to wood is considered a sheng cycle in 5 element phase theory in Chinese medicine and Feng Shui philosophy. This is very beneficial for harmony and growth to ensue. However, since water will continue to fuel wood, and with spring approaching wood is peaking, it is wise to add fire qualities to keep wood from over expanding. Working with poses that activate the navel chakra (water) and the solar plexus (fire), with distinct poses to open energy for the kidneys, bladder, liver and gallbladder organs will flow with the energy patterns this month. Furthermore, moving the body in vinyasa style is powerful to mimic the yang component of spring rising. Here are a few poses to consider this month:   Butterfly Pose Seated Forward Fold/Caterpillar Cow Face/Shoelace Pigeon/Sleeping Swan Double Pigeon/Square Pose Wide Angle Seated Forward Fold/Dragonfly Boat Pose Chair Pose Plank Pose Sun Salutations Happy March! If you missed my 2019 3 part series of how to manage the year of the Earth Pig click here! Om! Mary Jane   Shop the Feng Shui Store

Feeling Tangled Up and Uncertain?

Photo: Mary Jane Kasliner

This is the time of year when things may seem all tangled up. There is uncertainty, malaise, heaviness, and an overall feeling of fogginess. Late winter is the time of Kapha dosha in ayurvedic philosophy. Kapha dosha is a combination of the element earth and water. The earth is moist from harsh weather making it feel unsteady under our feet. When our footing is uncertain, we lose our equilibrium and have difficulty managing everyday decisions. You may be wondering how the time of year can impact how we manage our life. The answer is simple. Everything is connected from the smallest atom to the highest mountain peak, and everything in between.

Albeit the earth is muddy during Kapha season, it is necessary for spring to rise. In essence, these two elements work to support growth. From the Chinese perspective however, these two elements fight one another. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Here's why. Water, the element of winter from the Chinese system, and the secondary element of Kapha from the Indian Ayurvedic system, corresponds to our life path. It's our earthly journey, the long haul, where we have been and where we are going. It is associated with our kidneys, ancestors, and overall energy. For you to realize where you are going in life it requires introspection, a delving inward to discover if you are on the right path. Meditation is a perfect way to get inside and tune out the outer world. It is a practice that naturally activates a grounding and stable sensation in the mind and body. This is essential to counteract the otherwise "foggy" feelings this time of year can present.

If things didn't seem confusing enough, there is a third underlying element this time of year. From the Chinese system, yang wood begins to rise in the beginning of February marking the mid-point between the winter solstice and vernal equinox. Yang wood is very active. In nature, it is working overtime so new shoots can sprout in spring. This requires a great deal of focused energy. In everyday life yang wood presents as a constant need to create, spin new ideas, start new projects and continual movement. With these qualities underlying the heaviness of Kapha, the result is a tugging between Tamas (lethargy/illusion), and Rajas (driving of motion). It's no wonder why you might feel all tangled up.

In the Chinese system of elements it requires three elements for energy to flow. In this season there are three elements interacting; earth, water and wood. There is a struggle however between the earth and wood and earth and water. Whenever elements struggle there is friction and discord, as a result it impacts how you manage your life on a daily basis. Albeit there are deeper assessments that I take into consideration when evaluating my client's personal energy, the macrocosm impact of seasonal changes is substantial for everyone. For flow to return and stabilize these elements from disrupting one another, it is beneficial to infuse one more element. In the Chinese system this element is metal. It is an element that normally rises in the fall season. From the Indian map perspective this dosha element aligns with vatta or air. Metal is an element of precision and clarity. It is malleable and organized. Air (vatta), is required when speaking, and therefore is associated with the throat chakra or our ability to speak our truth.

Putting It All Together:

Now that you have the low down on what's happening with all these elements, this is what you can do to bring a state of harmony into the mix.

• Daily meditation practice to ground and center yourself. If meditation isn't your thing, then yoga, qigong, tending to your herb garden or plants will work just fine. The idea is to tune out all the noise from the outer world and tune into your inner world.
• Organize your daily routine by setting realistic goals and keeping track of what you are doing via a notepad. Refer to it throughout the day and notice where you may have derailed from your plan. Sometimes taking a new route is beneficial, so don't beat yourself up if you needed to revise your plan.
• Think before speaking and acting. Metal is a quality of precision, so be precise with your words and actions. 
• Tune into your intuition. It is a powerful pathway to revealing your truth. You'll know when you are off course, as your body will give you indicators.

How to Work With the Power of Nature:

Make no mistake, God knew exactly what he was doing when he created the earth and the cycles of nature. We all have free access to this information, and if used wisely, it can assist us on our earthly journey and spiritual growth. The answers exist all around us if we are willing to take notice.

In 2011, my husband and I took a trip to the Pacific Northwest to celebrate my 50th birthday. It was on that trip I really moved into the workings behind the wisdom of elements in nature. This came to me during meditations while hiking through Olympic National Park. As a result of my meditations, I decided to write my third book, Mother Nature a Bridge to Conscious Living.  It never seizes to amaze me how nature speaks to us if we are willing to take the time to listen. If you want to really understand how the power of nature aligns to your personal energy, I discuss this in my book. Plugging into a simple formula you can learn more about yourself, what force of nature you align with, and how to work with your energy in an impactful way.


Om!
Mary Jane Kasliner
Feng Shui Yoga Girl - www.fengshuiyoganj.com

The Warrior of Peace

Rishikesh, India

                                                                

The warrior poses are beautiful and challenging named after the mythical Hindu warrior Virabhadra. Practicing the three forms of virabhadrasana is about honoring the fight against our own ignorance and ego, and to cultivate the strength and courage to do the right thing in challenging situations.

The story goes like this. Shiva created the warrior Virabhadra to avenge the death of his beloved wife Sati (known as Shakti). Daksha, Sati's father, didn't approve of Sati's marriage to Shiva. One day Daksha decided to hold a festival at his home and didn't invite Shiva or Sati. His daughter was hurt by her father's action. Sati decided to go to the festival and confront her father. Daksha asked her why she came when she wasn't invited, or was it that she had finally come to her senses and left that "beast of a husband." His daughter was so upset and humiliated that she decided to take her own life. She does so by throwing herself into the sacrificial fires of the festival.

When Shiva heard of the news of his wife's death he was devastated, and then enraged. In anger, he torn out one of his dreadlocks and threw it to the ground. Virabhadra was created, springing up from the anger of Shiva. Virabhadra was a terrible being with a thousand arms, three eyes and a garland of skulls.

Shiva ordered Virabhadra, meaning auspicious hero" to kill the guests at the festival. Virabhadra did this and also cut off the head of Daksha.When Shiva saw the aftermath of this bloody battle, his anger left him and he felt remorse. The slain gods were miraculously healed and Shiva replaced Daksha's head with that of a goat. Daksha and the other gods honored Shiva calling him "Shankar," the kind and benevolent one.

The myths behind yoga poses are metaphors. In this case, Virabhadra can be seen as a metaphor for striving to overcome our own weaknesses. The growth of our "spiritual warrior" means we need to develop courage, unwavering focus and determination to deal with life's challenging moments. Warrior poses are about rising up out of your own ignorance. This is the path to self-realization and peace.

Om!

Mary Jane Kasliner

Feng Shui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Consciously Choosing the Seat You Assume

Yoga is consciously choosing the seat you assume. This is not only the posture you choose, but implies every position in life you find yourself. Yoga becomes a practice on and off the mat impacting the choices you make so that the consequences are success and happiness. 

As humans, we have a built in mechanism when it comes to making choices in our life, which is following our intuition and the signals of comfort and discomfort that your body generates as a result of these choices. This in essence is the law of karma, which utilizes body awareness to make karmically correct choices.

Practicing yoga postures enhancing the mind-body integration. In other words, yoga postures enables you to be more aware of the signals your body is sending you. By and large, our minds are very busy and miss this important data. The practice of yoga helps to quiet the mind so you can pay closer attention to your body messages. The increase in body awareness enhances your general level of emotional and physical comfort that acts as a gauge for right action. 

Take time to practice yoga postures. Remain fully present as you move through your practice. Allow yourself to move through your body's resistance. Ultimately you will begin to mobilize the energy in the body. Energy that moves freely and smoothly impacts movement of thought as well as the movement of air, the movement of muscles, blood and elimination. On a cellular level, the movement of DNA molecules, hormones and other physiological aspects in the body. Health is the result when energy is moving harmoniously.

As you continue to move the energy in your body you'll naturally want to move the energy in your environment. You'll notice where there is clutter blocking natural flow and remove it. Any stagnant areas in you home will be suddenly noticeable and you'll be compelled to liven them up with proper lighting or vibrant plant. Your body is an extension of your environment. The two are constantly interacting and feeding off one another. What you do to one you will ultimately do to the other. 

Om!

Mary Jane

Feng Shui Yoga Girl - www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Mindfulness and Our Senses

Butchart Gardens - Photo by Mary Jane Kasliner

How do our senses come into play when it comes to mindfulness? By and large, the first three layers of mindfulness hone in to our inner world (our sensations, emotions and thoughts). The forth layer of mindfulness opens up of our attention to the outside world. This is where our sensory system has a tremendous impact. We notice what we are seeing, hearing, touching, smelling and tasting. Intuitively, (our 6th sense) awakens in this process, if we allow it to. The process of this stage of mindfulness is being able to let life unfold around you and watching how you respond to the daily changes that will undoubtedly occur.

While walking through the Butchard Gardens in Victoria, British Columbia, my sensory system was on a natural high. The magnificent colors, land typography, smells, sounds and textures swirled around my mind like a ballroom dance. My inner world was impacted by the external world, and in this case, in a positive way. Notice how I suggested the external world had a positive impact on my internal world. In other words, this type of mindfulness segues into a clinging to desire, not just to the environment, but also the sensations and thoughts the environment triggered.

The human condition is one where we gravitate towards the pleasant things in life and avoid the unpleasant. Mindfulness is the ability to relax and be open to both sides of the coin - taking the good with the not so good and remaining nonjudgmental either way. Easier said than done, but worth the effort to simply let things unfold and expect the pendulum to swing in both directions.

It's not to say you shouldn't imbue your environment with pleasant things. You should absolutely do that. It is far better to look at pleasant artwork, a beautiful plant or the wafting scent of sweet roses than not too. The point is to take in the external environment as a witness , as oppose to coveting it as a means to exist.

Om!
Mary Jane
Feng Shui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Acknowledging All Things

Photo by Mary Jane Kasliner

The sound mantra Om, is considered the sound of the universe, all knowing and all potential. If you consider Om as the beginning, middle and end of everything: your day, your yoga practice, your life, you recognize the impermanence of all things. We inflict suffering upon ourselves when we grasp to the notion that things will remain the same. This is just nonsense. Even in nature, everything is always in a process of growing, stabilizing, and dissolving. When we chant the mantra "Om," it is one way of acknowledging these processes within us, connecting us deeply to nature and all things.

Om!

Mary Jane Feng Shui Yoga Girl - www.fengshuiyoganj.com