Warrior Poses

Warrior 1 - Japanese Gardens Oregon

     All three warrior poses challenge us to fight for the innocent in a concentrated devotional way. The warrior poses are a reminder to contemplate your thoughts and actions in an intelligent way. Legend has it, when Shiva discovered his wife's self-immolation as a result of her fury and great sadness towards her father's rejection of Shiva, he became enraged. As a result, he created Virabhadra from his dreadlock, the great warrior, who rose out of the ground (think warrior 1 pose, palms together, face upturned), drew his sword (think warrior 2, arms open), and sliced off Daksha's head (his father-in-law).

Warrior 2 - Japanese Gardens Oregon

     When Daksha's head fell to the ground, Virabhadra bent to pick it up and reach forward to place it upon a stake (think warrior 3, arms reaching forward).

Warrior 3 Variation Arms - Cliff of Moher, Ireland

     The shocking act caused quite an uproar among the people. It is said in the world of gods things can happen instantaneously. Sati, Shivas wife, donned a new body and scolded Shiva for beheading her father. Sati knew her father was unkind to Shiva but she realized Shiva's actions would not solve the problem to make her father accept him. It was at that point Shiva realized he let his emotions dictate his actions. The problem was, he hadn't thought at all. 

     The warrior code of behavior recognizes that life is not always a bed of roses. It's hard and requires difficult decisions. Challenges arise and can shake us to our core. It is often our impulses, like Shiva's, that lead us to seek revenge. Things rarely go as planned. We deal with disappointments and failed expectations on a daily basis. So how can we resist the impulse of a heated moment? There is a profound Yoga Sutra that gives the perfect solution:

" In order to preserve an elevated state of mind, be happy for those who are happy, cultivate compassion for those who are sad, feel delight for those deemed to be lucky, and experience indifference toward those perceived to be wicked."

     This story shows that even the gods can make mistakes; albeit their mistakes are useful in teaching us valuable lessons. Keep the yogi mind on and off the mat and become warriors out in the world. This is the way to preserve an elevated state of mind. It's not easy to be a warrior especially when you are fighting against a reactive mind. There are, and always will be, plenty of times to do our best and make things right.

Om!

Mary Jane - Feng Shui Yoga Girl 

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Be Creative With Surya Namaskar!

Get Creative With Surya Namaskar This Month 

View my short video and have some fun!

My Favorite Weather is Bird Chirping Weather

Photo by : Martha Geiger

 On June 21, 2019, the summer solstice rolls in.  The summer solstice, also known as mid-summer, occurs when one of the Earth's poles has its maximum tilt towards the sun. It happens twice a year in both hemispheres, and when it does, the sun reaches its highest position in the sky and is the day with the longest period of daylight.

It's the time of year our spirits begin to wake up and stretch. There is a yearning to be out, feel alive, move about and celebrate. Click here and explore some ideas of how you can enjoy the energy of the summer solstice. Included in this article are pictures from my yoga hike at Huber Woods and Surya Namaskar video.

Get creative this month and take advantage of the joyous energy that enters through the loshu grid for June. Incredible creativity flows with ease in an orderly environment. Be inspired by your rich imagination and transform your lofty ideas into reality.  With the summer solstice upon us, you can count on clear vision to guide you through the process. 

Your ideas will flow from a point deep within as you connect to cosmic consciousness. Imagine with each breath you take an endless wave of Divine grace and wisdom flowing over you nourishing and invigorating every cell of your being. It is always there for you. Get quiet, be still, listen, breathe and trust. 

In the ancient yogic text, Bhagavad Gita, it is said that whatever one's mind thinks of (sankalpa), for that thing one develops a desire. Whatever you desire, you will make the effort towards it.  This month make the effort to strive for your desire. Keep your creative center (navel chakra) open to receive information from your higher self (3rd eye point). Bringing forth your desire is like the birthing process; expect some pains, but know that you can bask in the joy as you bring forth your creation. Move past the illusion and free yourself of fear. Trust the process and then let go.  

Additional Points of Interest for June

Networking/Wealth: Connect with those who share your vision this month. Discuss ways to offer additional services. Add that creative dynamic to set you apart from others. There is a cohesive relationship between your networking efforts and money realized. You can assist this energy in your environment by adding either moving water (fountain) or plug-in incense burner to the northwest portent, and the elements of fire and earth to the southeast.

Career/Vision: Expect some bumps in the road this month as you are moving through your goals. Albeit the sun is bright and illuminates your ideas, little things can go awry. Moving from one work project to another can create tension between colleagues, especially in work setting. You can manage this by slowing down the pace and taking a pause. In your environment, place metal décor in the south and healthy plant in the north.

Self-Knowledge/Relationships: Part of the creative process this month is to go within yourself. This requires time spent in meditation. There is resistance in the quality of the elements that interact in the loshu this month. This holds true when it comes to your outer relationships too. By placing a metal element in the northeast and a fire element in the southwest, you can effectively advert this tension. Clear communication and intention is always the best approach whether it is in your meditation session or with another person.

Family/Children/Creativity: Potential chaos when it comes to family matters this month. This requires precise thought process and clear communication to right the wrong. Keep your environment organized, as this can add to the struggle. It is important to spend time outdoors this month. Take long walks, sit in your backyard or explore park trails. The idea is to connect to Mother Nature. This bodes well for your health and can also get your creative juices to flow. You can journal the process in depth by exploring my book Mother Nature A Bridge to Conscious Living.

The combining elements in the loshu for these areas of your life are stressed this month. Ease the tension by placing metal and virtual water elements  in the east and an earth element in the west. Perhaps you can find these elements during your nature walks!

Overall Challenge This Month:

Metal over fire is a destructive combination with June's Metal Horse. You can expect impulsive, stubborn, aloof, distracted and self-centered behavior.

How to Work With It:

•  Pause before making a decision
•  Resist impulse spending
•  Be flexible
•  Be present
•  Reach out to others

Health Concerns This Month

There are several antagonistic relationships between the elements this month that can impact certain organ/body systems;

Hips/Pelvis: Tendency for pressure in this area of the body. Be mindful of your exercise routine. Take a few extra minutes to stretch this area of the body. Taking a yin yoga class geared towards the wood organs (Liver and Gallbladder) would be helpful. I have added in several yin yoga postures in my yin/yang classes that target especially the gallbladder (outer hip). An infusion of water poses helps to fuel these areas along with some fire poses to ease the tension. June 29th I'll be subbing in for the 4:15 Yin class at Inlet Yoga Studio. You can count on some of these poses for your practice.

Intestines/Mouth/Teeth: Choose your diet wisely this month. With fire strong, it behooves you to move towards earth foods to drain off the excess heat. Some earth foods include: Fennel, broccoli, carrots, beans, mushrooms, cabbage, figs, dates, watermelon, tofu, and walnuts. Check when your last dental visit was and follow-up if past due. If playing any contact sports, wear a mouth guard.

Shoulder/Wrist: Many yoga workshops will include 108 sun salutations in honor of the summer solstice this month. Be mindful of your alignment and add extra support for wrist and shoulders, especially if you have prior injury to these body parts. If you spend a great deal of time on your computer or other media devices, take a pause and stretch wrist and shoulders. Be mindful of body mechanics when working on these devices.

Feet/Legs: If you are a runner watch for shin splints this month. Wear compression socks during your workout. They really make a difference. Check the mileage on your sneakers. I just bought a new pair myself, as my feet began to act up. If you put serious mileage on your sneakers, they only last for 5 months or less!

---

All 6 books of the Wisdom Buffet Series are now available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble! I am the co-author of all 6 books.

Project Destiny took several years to complete. We began as a team of 8 and ended the final book with just 2 authors.

For your convenience here are the links to each book:

Happiness Chronicles      Journey to Health

Book of Harmony              The Essence of Love

Redefined Power               Strong, Perfect, Whole

Om!

Mary Jane - Feng Shui Yoga Girl

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Enjoy the Energy of the Summer Solstice!

Photo by Christina Garofalo

The summer solstice represents the fire element. We are closest to the sun that we'll be all year. That means there is a rich abundance of fire to spark your spirt and shed light on your deepest desires. Everything is clearer when the light is turned on, and in this case, you can't get any brighter than the light of the sun. 

Use this energy to get inspired and follow your bliss. Let it fuel you and guide you to your highest potential. Be true to your heart's desires and open the door to your higher calling. Part of the process includes burning away that which is not essential, and in doing so, your inner truth will shine.

Here are 8 things you can do to enjoy the summer solstice:

1. Get Outdoors! This is the time to absorb nature's essence. Let your senses bathe in the powerful aspects that mother earth has to offer. Dip your feet in water, touch trees and rocks. Listen to the birds chirping and other natural sounds. Notice the vibrant colors of flowers in bloom. Spend as much time as you can outdoors. I promise you will not regret it.

Yoga Hike: Huber Woods

2. Plant an Herb Garden: There is something to be said about planting and eating your own food. This is farm to table at its best, as you only have to step outside your back door to shop for your meal.You can also grow healing herbs and learn how to heal minor injuries or make your own natural sunscreen. There are plenty of good books and blogs on how to this. Here's a video on how to make natural sunscreen.

3. Meditate: This is a practice that can be done on a daily basis and not just during the summer solstice. Wake early, find a quiet space, and just sit with yourself. Set an intention and notice what comes up and what doesn't. This is a practice you can cultivate and weave into your life permanently. It makes all the difference in the world.

4. Practice Yoga: What better than sun salutations to honor the light of the sun. Surya Namaskar is a powerful way to ignite your spirit, self-esteem, inner warrior and the power of transformation. Grab your mat and head outdoors for some sun salutations and notice how your spirit soars. Here is a short video of me doing Surya Namaskar with some creative additions!

5. Cut Some Flowers: Add some fresh flowers to brighten up your environment. Connecting with nature and the sun is an important part of experiencing the height of the summer solstice. The power of your own energy in this process is far greater than buying flowers at the store.

6. Take Stock of Your Life: The summer solstice is an excellent time of year to take stock of your life. See where you've been and where you plan on going. Take note of how you are serving your community and make adjustments where needed. 

7. Add Some Fire Elements: The south direction represents the energy of fire. Placing a powerful crystal in the shape of the star tetrahedron is a great way to ignite this element in your environment. Images of a sunrise or sunset are also powerful ways to capture this quality.

8. Consolidate Your Energy: This is a time for self maturation. Mindfully choose your foods by eating more fresh fruits and vegetables, refresh your home, and align your thought patterns, and get plenty of rest and relaxation.

Om!

Mary Jane - www.fengshuiyoganj.com

The SImple Life...

     There is something to be said about keeping things simple. After spending a day hiking through the park trails, it was a reminder of how the simple things in life bring the most joy. Here are a few ways to simplify your life.

• Be light. Lightness is an ability to dance through life and approach things naturally instead of trying to force them.
• Be good. Don't wait for the opportunity to be good, just do it! All doing begins with being. Being means to accept instead of resisting. Goodness is a state of being.
• Be happy with what you have. Doing more, achieving more and acquiring more represents a constant drive  toward more than enough, creating a never-ending unfilled promise.
•  Spend time at home. Ration the number of nights out socializing and you will appreciate them more. Use your evenings instead to enjoy your hobbies and family.
•  Use a pen and paper. It's amazing how no one writes the good old fashion way anymore. Personally, I love the feel of the pen against the paper over typing. It is a great way to connect with tradition and ease the mind.
•  Avoid news overload. Whether in the car or during dinner,  the tendency is to keep up with current events. You can only absorb so much. Select carefully what you want to read and listen to, and let the rest go.
•  Go on a mini-retreat. This can be one day or for a few days. Turn off your phone and other forms of communication and just let the sounds of nature be your entertainment.
•  Try other forms of transportation for local errands such as walking or riding a bike. It's amazing how exhilaration it can be. 

Have fun and begin simplifying your life!

Om!

Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Live From Your Higher State of Being

Washington, DC

What happens when you live from your higher state of being? You may begin to notice blessings flow into your life more readily, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard. There is a tendency to develop a sense of compassion in your heart, you become inspired, and willing to stick with things no matter how difficult they may seem.

Essentially, it is old habits and thoughts that prevent you from living Your way. Here are a few tips to live more from your authentic self:

•  Follow your gut instincts.
•  Express yourself with compassion by leading with your heart.
•  Approach situations from a position of love instead of fear.
•  Accept things as they are instead of choosing resistance.
•  Forgive yourself and others. The Buddha once said: "Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one that gets burned."
•  Choose trust over doubt. If you choose doubt you give up your authentic power.
•  Follow what makes your heart sing. Let go of the "How" factor and simply go with the flow.
•  Focus on helping others.
•  Be grateful for what you have.
•  Live simply.

Expand your vision of who you can be. This is the way to make a difference in the world. Find peace and beauty in all things. Grow and expand and enjoy living from your higher state of being.

Om!

Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Peaceful Warriors

Peaceful warriors have their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Sometimes clarity comes when you turn things upside down with a little support.

Om!

Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Sun Salutations Ignite Your Inner Fire

Prince Edward Island - Canada

The postures in Surya Namaskar  are designed to awaken the connection between your agni, or inner fire, and that of the sun. It is said that if your inner fire is burning brightly, you are open to absorbing information in your surrounding environment. Sun salutations represent the full experience of human life. Traditionally, these poses were performed at sunrise and sunset, representing an infusion of the sun's energy into life energy. The sun is the source of all life on this planet, including human life. We are light beings. Sun salutations are a way to acknowledge the primordial self to actualized self.

There are specific mantras that align with each posture of Surya Namaskar that is said to awaken the energy of the sun. Here is the list of poses with their respective mantras. Practice several rounds of Surya Namaskar while repeating the mantras quietly or aloud and let your inner fire shine brightly.

1. Tadasana - Om Mitraya Namaha. This pose resonates with the heart chakra and the Law of Giving and Receiving.

2. Upward Salute - Om Ravaye Namaha. This pose awakens the throat chakra and the Law of Detachment.

3. Forward Fold: Om Suryaya Namaha. This pose activates the navel chakra and the Law of Least Effort.

4. Low lunge - Om Bhanave Namaha. This pose activates the 3rd eye, your intuition and is associated with the Law of Dharma.

5. Downward Facing Dog: Om Khagaya Namaha. This pose activates the throat chakra and the Law of Detachment.

6. 8 Limb Pose - Om Pooshne Namaha. This pose activates the solar plexus chakra and the Law of Intention and Desire.

7. Cobra: Om Hiranya Garbhya Namaha. THis pose activates the navel chakra and the Law of Least Effort.

8. Downward Facing Dog; Om Marichaya Namaha. It acknowledges the transformational power of the sun.

9. Low Lunge: Om Aditya Namaha. It is a nurturing aspect of the sun.

10. Forward Fold: Om Savitre Namaha. This aspect acknowledges the stimulating power of the sun.

11. Upward Salute: Om Arkaya Namaha. This aspect relates to the energizing sun.

Surya Namaskar is yoga in motion and perfect to practice if you only have limited time for yoga. Remember to breathe in harmony with the movements, so that you are inhaling each time the body is extended and exhaling each time the body is in flexion.

Om!

Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

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