Tag: life

Goals vs. Intentions

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Every journey begins with the first step of articulating the intention, and then becoming the intention.
― Bryant McGill

It’s almost the end of January; the New Year is officially here. I have been reviewing my wish list for 2017. Every year, I take out my journal and pen and get down to business. I make a list of resolutions and goals that I would like to accomplish throughout the duration of the year. We are given 365 new days, a clean slate to set things in motion and shake it up. I must admit it’s quite advantageous, and sometimes a few of the goals get crossed off, but not all of them. After attending a meditation class in December 2016, my perspective completely changed with setting goals and resolutions.

It was the end of 2016. and I finally made it to a weekly meditation session. I had not participated for a few months and realized it was time to get back into group practice. That night we were to meditate and read a Tibetan passage regarding the topic of goals vs. intentions. That evening changed my outlook on everything with regards to how I perceive goals and life.

Personally speaking, I’m an action oriented person. I write things down and like to see results instantaneously. After attending the mediation class it entirely shifted my perception. I learned something so valuable that evening and feel inspired to share.

Goals are orientated in the ego and mind, we look for rewards immediately. When things do not happen the way we like, we get discouraged to try again. When setting goals, right away it seems like we pressure ourselves into getting things done instantly and forget about the process. Honestly, goals sometimes stress me out. I’m a heart centered soul and take my time to make decisions and that goes with tasks as well. Completing tasks should be creative and fun not arduous. That goes with life in general; we need to enjoy what we do on a daily basis and build from there.

Now for intentions, they come from the heart. This was the biggest “ah-ha” moment ever. It was like the bells were ringing and time stopped, something was so clear. The Tibetan approach to living a peaceful lifestyle is to set daily intentions every morning we rise. All it takes is few minutes during your day to spark this process. Setting an intention can be done at your desk, in the car or even in the subway. What matters most is that you are doing something constructive for you. The value of intentions is that we can reflect on it throughout the day and before we shut down for the evening. Intention sets the way for growth and allows daily miracles to unfold throughout the process. There is no stress in this heart centred approach.

Intentionality fuels the master’s journey. Every master is a master of vision. —George Leonard

We have to be ready for change on the inside and in order for the transformation to occur on the outside. With setting intentions it gives us direction, ask your heart what it wants. Results may not happen in a day, week or month. Things take time and learn to trust every experience that comes your way. Life is not a race to be won, life is to be experienced. Now what your intention for today?

Everything in the universe has a purpose. Indeed, the invisible intelligence that flows through everything in a purposeful fashion is also flowing through you. –Wayne Dyer

Article of reference:

http://garywonghc.tumblr.com/post/145532783712/set-your-intention-rejoice-in-your-day-by-geshe

A Hero Lies in You

img_3547There’s a hero
If you look inside your heart
You don’t have to be afraid
Of what you are
There’s an answer
If you reach into your soul
And the sorrow that you know
Will melt away
Mariah Carey – Hero

Music the gateway to the soul, with each lyric, rhythm and melody it has the ability to alter one’s attitude. I always have a song playing in my the background of my subconscious and find music to be therapeutic. The song Hero had kept on playing over in my mind over the past few weeks. Growing up, I loved songs by Mariah Carey and clearly remember her very first song called “Vision of Love”. Although a young girl, at that time I remember thinking that this song meant so much to my spirit. After recently re-reading the lyrics of Hero, my heart was deeply moved.

Let’s backtrack; first question Who is your Hero? Is it a teacher, comic hero, family member, musician, historic or religious figure? I can name a countless list of individuals who are my hero’s. First and foremost are my parents. They left their homeland of India in the 1960’s, and headed for the United Kingdom. By the late 1970’s, with three young children in the middle of winter, they settled in Canada to start a new chapter in life. My parents had little money and friends however, built a lifetime of memories on the foundation of love. They had to make plenty of sacrifices, and leave there comfort zone. They are my hero’s for they seized opportunities and never looked back.

Historically, I have always admired Master Jesus, Mother Theresa, and Leonardo Di Vinci. They were divine beings who were ahead of their time. Collectively they conveyed messages of love, compassion and reawakening. In June 2016, my best friend and I traveled to Spain and Italy for a soul vacation “soulcation”. Our first destination was Barcelona. We were surrounded by the art and architectural influences of Antonio Gaudi, Salvador Dali and admired the modern ambiences of Barcelona. Gaudi is now added to the list of hero’s. He created a masterpiece with constructing the Sagrada Familia, and dedicated his life to having this cathedral built. His enthusiasm, passion and devotion to the divine are felt in all of his creations. Gaudi was a selfless human being who lived within his means, a life of simplicity and vision.

Originality implies a return to the origins, original is returning to the simplicity of the first solutions. —Antonio Gaudi

A modern-day James Bond 007–Bruce Wayne, a hero of mystery and stealth, can only be described as the “iconic” Batman. Who wouldn’t love this character of intelligence, sophistication, edge and charm! In my first year of university, I was introduced to The Dark Knight which depicted the life of Batman. On a whim, I had taken an introduction class to Media, Information and Techno-culture. I had no idea that the Dark Knight would become one of my favorite comic books of all time. From an early age, we see the protagonist’s desire to fight for the oppressed and challenge the corrupt. He is haunted by the death of his beloved parents and carries this grief with him into his adult years. Batman is a symbol of rebellion and justice, a self-made hero whose actions are for the city of Gotham. He is confident; single-handedly fought alone, and followed his instincts. A hero we all undeniably adore and secretly wish we could be. Ultimately, he relies on no one but himself, the hero within.

In hindsight, we are our own hero’s; all we have to do is look in the mirror and into our hearts. Take time to value who you are and affirm your greatness every day. Understand that you do not need to look outside of yourself. All heroes stand alone and have to battle internal dialogues to find the peace and salvation they are seeking. They sacrifice, struggle and lose a bit of themselves along the way. As cliché it may seem, they never give up. Life is constant ebb and flow of ups and downs, always know that you are the “Hero” which you are seeking. The hero is not on a magazine cover, television or internet, it is “YOU”. Mariah Carey’s song, Hero is a reminder to reflect on all that I have become and accomplished, to never stop believing and forge ahead.

Heroes are made by the paths they choose, not the powers they are graced with. — Brodi Ashton

Sacredness of the Root Chakra

dsc02230Enjoy your body, use it every way you can. Don’t be afraid of it, or what other people think of it. It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own. – Kurt Vonnegut

The Root Chakra is the first chakra of the Vedic Chakra energy system. This is known as the as the Manipura Chakra energy centre in Sanskirt (ancient Indian language). This energy centre represents your connection to your ancestors, tribe, family and the beloved Mother Earth. For many, I included 2016 was a year of trials, tribulations and a great deal of inner transformation. It appears that there were lessons to be learned, understood, and to keep self-love in the forefront. I kept hearing of unexpected illnesses, unpleasant news and misfortunes. With realizing all of this chaos happening around me, I decided to delve into learning more about the Chakra system and what they really mean. I would like to invite all readers into an introduction to learn about chakras.

What are Chakras?

Chakras are seven energy centres in your body that draw energy from the earth and circulate through are physical body. They circulate from the base of our spine to the top of your head. When one chakra is out of balance we feel it internally and our health can be affected. For example, my root chakra has become weak since May 2016. I had felt pain in my lower back and developed a form of sciatica. This tells me that I need to support myself and practice ways to enhance self-love and deepen my connection with nature. They beauty of chakras is that there are various ways to enhance our energy centres and begin to restore them. This can be done with aromatherapy, mediation, yoga, reiki and more.

Root Chakra:

The Root chakra anchors itself to the earth. It is located in your back moving down towards your legs as well. Qualities related to this chakra are patience, structure and the ability to make your dreams come true. Questions to ask yourself with regards to your root chakra are: Do you feel supported in life? Are you living your passions? It is known as the mother archetype and associated with Archangel Michael. When one is feeling off balance it is important to nurture thyself just like a mother would to their child. It is essential to adhere to your intuition, follow your gut. Be your individual support system and love yourself immensely through any upheavals you face. We all may encounter additional tests during the the course of 2017, please remember to stay positive. Your dreams are manifesting and time has come for you to take the leap of faith and fly, don’t look back and ascend above it all. Keep focused on your desires, the universe will provide the rest

To be rooted is perhaps the most important and least recognized need of the human soul.–Simone Weil

Health associations with Root Chakra:

My root chakra has been stagnant, run down and fragile over the last few months. Aliments that can happen when we are not grounded are with the kidneys and skeletal system. You may feel pain in your legs or hips as well. It is so very important to connect with your inner child and write down how you feel on a daily basis. Where this is pain coming from and is there an emotional feeling behind it? Question your present circumstances in life, learn to let go. Try to find answers on your own, go internally and listen to the authentic voice inside. After months of going to health care professionals I finally have decided to just sit with the pain and realize that my body is actually talking to me. The questioning has intuitively brought forward things that I need to work on. These areas of insight are to do with; healthy boundaries, self-worth, speaking up for myself and releasing fear.

How to enhance the Root Chakra:

The colour red is associated with the root chakra. Wear this colour when you feel like you need to get centered. Yoga postures, mediation, being in nature, will all help this chakra become balanced. Nature is free medicine and available to everyone. Always know you are in charge of your life and can change anything at any given time. Reflect on this year and make the changes you need to move forward. Adhere to your inner spirit, recite affirmations and keep yourself happy! Nothing is permanent and you can move mountains.

When you touch the celestial in your heart, you will realize that the beauty of your soul is so pure, so vast and so devastating that you have no option but to merge with it. You have no option but to feel the rhythm of the universe in the rhythm of your heart.
― Amit Ray

The Not SO Conventional Yogi

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Yoga means addition – addition of energy, strength and beauty to body, mind and soul.
― Amit Ray

Who and what makes a Yogi? I contemplate over this question frequently and feel I stand in the middle. Google search defines a Yogi as someone who is proficient in yoga. I have been a yoga instructor for about two years now. In the beginning of December 2016,  I participated in a Restorative Yoga Training in Toronto, Canada. It was absolutely enlightening to be around other yogi’s, to learn from one another and share stories. One thing was evident; there are many of us who may not fit the conventional definition of a yoga teacher. I believe this translates to honoring thy authentic self. Not every spirit is the same, we are all unique individually. This was an ongoing topic of discussion while on training, one that held my attention.

My path to yoga started in 2014 when I pursued a dream on becoming a yoga instructor. The message was clear to my soul; I’m at service to others while teaching. It is an electric surge of energy which happens internally when I teach yoga.

Now here is my truth, I thought for the longest time that I needed to be a vegetarian, only be positive, wear less makeup, purchase particular yoga brands and resist my passion for fashion. I was in utter denial of who I actually am. I thought that in order to be a part of the yoga community I had to be all of those things listed. Truth is I’m not the most serious person and think I’m a comedian with my jokes.! I sometimes say “bad words”, consume poultry, and love clothing. Dressing up in a little black dress along with a pair of high heels is exhilarating! I have layers to my soul and I think we all do as humans. Comparison happens from time to time and it’s perfectly normal. We often label ourselves on who we should be or not be. When I started owning who I’m is when I felt liberated.

Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen. — Brené Brown

Years ago, I remember watching a film called Shrek, — the two main characters Shrek and Donkey were having a conversation on life. (And yes I’m reflecting on a children’s movie for they really offer insight about life!). To recap Shrek and Donkey were having a conversation how Shrek is like an onion; he has layers to his personality. In hindsight we all have layers, I can honestly tell you that there are times when all I want to do is meditate, practice yoga and be in complete solitude. On the contrary there are occasions when I want to have a glass of wine, surf the internet for fashion trends and get out for a night of dancing. Our personal layers are a gift and by owning who you are, you come into alignment in body, mind and spirit.

I read an excellent book that has always resonated with me. It is called Spiritual Junkie, by Gabrielle Bernstein. What made so much sense is that I’m a spiritual being in the modern day world. The author was real, emphasized how she mixed and lived in the spiritual vs. not spiritual worlds. To me that is sheer brilliance and I admire her for being so true to her core. I have so much comfort knowing that when practicing yoga it comes from my heart and that all which matters. I have not been to an ashram, and have only been to India as a baby, however I love yoga. It’s really about finding the fine balance within yourself and doing what works for you.

Being a yoga practitioner is an inward journey. It is accepting who you are wholeheartedly. I learn something new each time I teach about myself and others. It has nothing to do with the material world or anyone else. Love yourself for what you have to offer and share your gift of this beautiful practice. You can be a fashionista, love Mc Donald’s but be the best darn teacher in your city. What ultimately defines who you are—is your soul, the light within.

You are like a seed; your greater beauty lies not on the outside, but within.
― Matshona Dhliwayo

Chasing Your DREAMS

Dare to live the life you have dreamed for yourself. Go forward and make your dreams come true.
― Ralph Waldo Emerson

What are you afraid of? When is the last time you took a chance and did something outside of your comfort zone? I completely understand that it is scary to take risks and dive into unfamiliar territory. Ask yourself though; are you happy in your present circumstances? Do you ever feel like life is set on the rinse and repeat cycle? Wake up each day to your morning to your alarm, shower, have a quick bite and then off to work. You adjust to this cycle, its fine for a while until you start thinking “I do the same thing over and over again”. I know there are sooo many of us out there who are searching for more. What is stopping you from chasing your dreams?

I’m not saying you have to quit your day job or start a million side projects. I’m asking you to remember, pay close attention to the whispers that spoke to your soul. Go back to childhood, adolescence, and your young adult years. What were you always interested in? What sparked your curiosity?

Throw your dreams into space like a kite, and you do not know what it will bring back, a new life, a new friend, a new love, a new country.
― Anaïs Nin

It was in grade 3 when writing became a creative hobby. I was in Mrs. Obrien’s class and this dear teacher encouraged us to write daily. I wrote about absolutely everything from princesses, super heroes, dinosaurs and more! Each week I would have a book mounted on wallpaper cover and ready to add to my collection. In hindsight, it felt as if I was a little editor in the publishing world. It was such a euphoric feeling even at that young age! Not until my 30’s have I started to write again and remember my childhood dreams. Reflect on those vital moments of your life. What were you working towards? Have you kept that dream hidden inside? I encourage each and every one of you to listen to YOURSELF again.

A few weeks ago, one of my best friends called for our daily catch up chats. She was reading something unfamiliar to me. I did not recognize until a few minutes into our conversation that it was something I wrote from high school. Low and behold – it was a high school note from when I was 16! (Before cell phones, many of us born in the 1970’s and 80’s used to pass notes to each other as a means of communication) I was in stitches of laugher as she was reading, but it made me think about who I am today. This note was a reminder of how much I love to travel, and go for what my heart desires. Even at the age of 16 I had dreams to travel and see the world. That vision has stayed with me today as I have had the privilege to travel to parts of the world.

Things do take time and this is something I fully accept and embrace. We all remember that cult classic movie “Groundhog Day “with Bill Murray, is your life mirroring the movie? Are you at a place in your life in which everything is the same day in and day out? Believe it or not, you can change it! The thing is you need to have the desire, vision and complete belief to manifest what you really want. (Desire + vision + belief = Dreams). Take a little leap of faith; don’t wait for tomorrow, next week or month. Allow yourself to take those steps and veer off the path for a bit. It can change, for all you have to remember are those dreams. Lastly, thank you to my soul-sister for making me realize, nothing is impossible. Keep on dreaming and never for a second stop believing!

Be careful what you water your dreams with. Water them with worry and fear and you will produce weeds that choke the life from your dream. Water them with optimism and solutions and you will cultivate success. Always be on the lookout for ways to turn a problem into an opportunity for success. Always be on the lookout for ways to nurture your dream.”
― Lao Tzu