The Magic of Coincidence

You go to the mail box and there awaits you a letter from a dear friend with whom you’ve had no contact in years… That same evening, on a post-dinner stroll, notes from a song waft through neighbor’s window – the very same song you and your friend used to sing on girlfriend trips and college outings… Coincidence? Yes!!

I used to say, “There’s no such thing as a coincidence.” And what I meant was, these things were ‘supposed’ to happen. Well, now I say, “Of COURSE, there are coincidences. But I mean the same thing. They are happening for a reason. And the more attention we give them, the more they will ‘spontaneously’ appear in our lives.

All of this is bubbling up in my consciousness as I reread a wonderful book by Deepak Chopra entitled, The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire. “The coincidences or little miracles that happen every day of your life are hints that the universe has much bigger plans for you than you ever dreamed for yourself.” (Deepak Chopra)

So this gentle prodding leads me to pay extra attention to these beautiful synchronicities. I ‘see’ now that the past is just that. My past. No matter how wondrous, painful, confusing or exciting it has been, it IS the past. The point here is learning to forego basing FUTURE hopes, expectations, ‘predictions’ etc on what my mind considers to be real. (i.e. Well if that is what happened the LAST three times I headed this direction, it will obviously be that way again…) The Universe is a vast sea of potential and possibility and what a joyous journey our life becomes when we wade past knee-deep and trust ourselves to let the waves carry us.

So the next time the aroma from your favorite pasta teases your taste buds as you pass a local café and moments later your phone rings and it’s an invitation to the new Italian movie playing at the local theatre, trust that maybe, just maybe, there’s an even greater adventure awaiting you.

Ahhh… the magic of coincidence. Give it heed.

A Resolution of Authenticity

As we turn the corner into a new year, it tends to invite reminiscing on the various events of the past year as well as thoughts and goals for the upcoming twelve months. “Traditional” intentions come to mind: exercise more, eat healthier, spend more time in nature and and and… These, though a tad banal, are still wonderful gifts to give ourselves in the interest of overall health and well-being.

What I would like to offer as an addition to the typical list of ‘new year shoulds’ is this: Authenticity. No matter what other new roads you may choose to travel as we round this bend (or old familiar ones that are still working for you) the goal of honoring the truth of YOU is in my estimation, without doubt the most benevolent practice you could instill in your life.

Living from the genuineness of our hearts celebrates not only the true nature of who we are, but offers respect to those sharing our lives as well.

There are many reasons for skirting this authenticity, the top one being fear. This fear is the offspring of many different parents… “What would happen if I take this step?” “What might others think?” “What if it’s the ‘wrong’ decision?” We may often suppress our desires because we fear the impact it may have on others in our lives. This sadly, though in many cases leads only to resentment as we deny our own deepest wishes.

As the years speed steadily by and the realization that life is indeed short becomes even more pronounced, there has never been a more important time to truly listen to the truth within you. Why live a facade? Honor you. Honor others BY honoring you. And as you flow in this amazing river of authenticity, watch the magic begin to happen. It’s your life. In 2012. In this moment. Now. Be the magnificent being you have come here to be.

Happy New Year and beyond.

The Conundrum of Scrutiny… Think about it (or don’t)

Lately I have found myself analyzing just about everything in my life way too much. Or perhaps I have been doing this my whole life. Let me ponder that for a moment…

It was actually when I found myself analyzing the fact that I was over-analyzing that I knew it was time to find a peaceful solution, since peace was the outcome I desired. Rather than belabor the past or attempt to postulate the future, it was indeed time to relinquish any struggle and reside in the beauty of now.

I’ve come up with a few tips that are aiding me in this venture and thought if anyone else out there was experiencing this overload of ‘reality dissection’ perhaps it would benefit you as well.

“Getting out of the head” by entering the realm of the heart and the moment is the goal here. Just yesterday I was taping an Energy Types yoga flow for a client. I was undertaking this filming session alone in my living room and though I had checked the setup of the camera prior to beginning, it seems that in certain segments, I inadvertently cut off my head. At first, after evaluating the situation, I considered retaping. But after further exploration, I decided that it was fine just the way it was. This choice was further honored when, after sharing what happened with a dear friend, she recognized the congruence in the situation. Off with the head!! Perfect.

And so, here are the suggestions that I offer in this journey from head to heart and being here now.

Practice a series of short affirmations combined with mudras (hand yoga positions). Here’s how:

Begin in Chin Mudra (index finger and thumb touching, other fingers gently extended.) This mudra focuses on the heart chakra and unity consciousness. Here the affirmation is: Just Love.

Move into Apan Mudra (middle, ring fingers and thumb touching, other fingers gently extended.) This mudra focuses on new beginnings and visions of the future. Here the affirmation is: Just Light.

Progress now into Prithvi (Earth) Mudra (ring finger and thumb touching, other fingers gently extended.) This mudra focuses on stability and endurance. Here the affirmation is: Just Be.

Finally, come into Prana Mudra (ring, little fingers and thumb touching, other fingers gently extended.) This mudra focuses on life force energy. In this position, just be silent and allow the previous three affirmations to resonate within you.

I find that the combo of the words along with the hand motions keep me centered and calm. You can add some significant breath work to the practice as well if you inhale on the word “just” and exhale on the second word. Go through the round several times to receive full benefit.

Recap: Just Love, Just Light, Just Be. (Silence).

One more exercise that you might find calming as well as inspiring is a Hawaiian chant I learned recently in a toning class. It means to unfold as a flower and to ‘wake up’ and know the truth of who we really are. (Without analyzing it!!) It goes like this: Makalahia (Ma Ka La Hia). It not only sounds beautiful, it has a very sensual vibration. Try it on and see what you think…oops I mean feel.

As you practice either of these exercises or any you come up with on your own, remember to surrender to the process. That is the most vital component in any case if we wish to quiet the noise and unravel the (so-called) conundrum.

Ahhhhh…. I feel better even writing this. Wishing you a heart filled with peace. Moment by moment.
Namasté.

Coming Home to You… Soul Sound

Do you get goosebumps when you hear a particular song? Does certain music find its way into your very soul? My guess would be that this is exactly what it’s doing… as it settles into your cells and invites your entire being to release and go “Ahhhhhhh….”

Music has been an integral part of my life from my earliest days. (The first song I learned at the tender age of two was ‘Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini’ and while that’s a fun tune, it doesn’t necessarily rank up there on my ‘soul talk’ list.) But fast forward 5 years to the grand old age of 7 and my intro to the magnificence of the Beatles by my oldest brother Ricky, and there we begin to enter the realm of spirit resonance.

So yes, all through the years the beauty of sound has woven its way through the fabric of my life. It is only just recently, though, that I have become more and more fascinated with this vibrational world from the perspective not only of music, but also chanting, toning and resonance in general. Having studied with Barefoot Doctor (Stephen Russell) in his School for Warriors courses, I’ve been introduced to the Taoist healing sounds for the organs. The whole concept of directing love to our physical bodies and at the same time, chanting specific sounds that resonate with our kidneys, spleen, liver, heart and lungs is brilliant. Since everything breaks down to vibration, we are able to celebrate our innate role as healers in the most fundamental sense of the word.

Sharing these tones and sounds with my yoga students is always rewarding. We may build protective energy shields around us to encourage love and joy and counter negativity or perhaps release pent up anger or resentment by showering our liver with love. The sounds tender a beautiful experience.

I also recently had the cool adventure of discovering my soul frequency. The Globe Sound and Consciousness Institute in San Francisco offers a service that will determine this resonation that is meant to align and balance us, bringing not only better physical health, but a feeling of inner peace. Many wonderful classes are offered here as well that dig deeply into the realm of vibrational healing.

As I continue down this road I must marvel at the innate connection to sound that animals seem to have, perhaps one reason being, the lack of distraction by cell phones, computers, TV and the like. One of my orange tabbies is especially intrigued by toning and the easiest way for me to get him to come in from outside is by chanting “OMMMMMMMM…..” from the front door or even in the front yard. (The neighbors pretend to be looking the other way now when they see me heading their direction.) My ‘youngest,’ Bianco Nove, is a 4 year old pure white kitty who is completely deaf. But when I am doing yoga or meditating with ‘fitting mood music’ in the background, he will come lie down right next to me and close his eyes, drinking in the vibes. Great message there… it is indeed all about vibration.

And so I invite you spend some time just listening to the song that is playing inside of you. Find your frequency and play it for all its worth. Come home to you.

Come home,
Come home to the vibration, the frequency
that is you
and bask in the harmony,
the resonance
of this beautiful life unfolding,
the miracle of you.
Come home.

Not Looking Down, But Forward – Albatross Wisdom

Do you find yourself at a time in life when moving forward is causing feelings of fear – perhaps due to a lack of clarity or simply because the next step has yet to reveal itself?

It seems of late that an increasing number of my friends are finding themselves at a crossroads, ready to shed their present skin and morph into new ‘clothing.’ I find it interesting that it seems to be such a common scenario and must admit, this in itself is a bit reassuring because I count myself among the ‘adventurers.’

I recently had a vision of myself standing under a signpost that had numerous directional arrows pointing every which way, but the wording was all in gibberish. Hmmmm. The translation, it appears, will reveal itself when the heart is ready and the god/goddesses within us emerge with confidence and passion.

We explored a similar topic this week in yoga class as we honored the solar plexus chakra, discerning the distinction between caution and fear: one is a healthy barometer on your path forward, the other keeps you frozen in place.

One of my favorite ‘courage stimulants’ is a heart rhythm meditation I learned when taking a course of the same name from Puran and Susanna Bair in Tucson, Arizona. After becoming aware of your heartbeat, you entrain the breath and the heart by inhaling and exhaling to the same number of beats. In this particular fire breath meditation, it actually becomes a three-part breath: inhaling through the mouth (sipping cool air), holding the breath (allowing light to expand within the heart space) and exhaling through the nose (picturing doors opening onto the path before you.) To access an audio file of this beautiful practice in more detail, please click here.

In the meantime, my counsel (or at least the advice I give myself) is keep moving. Maybe just a step at a time, but movement nonetheless. And it’s my guess that the step will at some point become a leap and this vault will transport you with the grace of an albatross taking flight. Not looking down, but forward. (And your heart will somehow magically have decoded the most brilliant course to travel.)

Now what?

Life and the Blackberry Bush (A short, sweet lesson)

My daily run to the beach here in Birch Bay, Washington takes me down a series of steep stairs that are lined on either side by scads of blackberry bushes. I wait each year for the sun to will them into ripeness, anticipating that sweet burst of flavor long before they even reach my taste buds.

Sometimes I spot one that looks just ready for picking but when I reach to take it from the vine, it resists. I know inside that this means wait. It’s not ready. There are days when I listen and let it be, allowing it to come into it’s juicy perfection. And other days when I think, but it LOOKS ripe. Go ahead and pick it. And as soon as it gets plopped into my mouth I know why it resisted. Sour!!

This becomes a daily practice until the days again grow shorter and the rains return. We are, though, still blessed with many a glorious Autumn day featuring skies as blue as Paul Newman’s eyes, sunlight glistening on the water, and trees a riot of orange, reds and golds…but no more berries. For now.

I had, though, embraced the lessons offered by the blackberry bushes long before the season was winding down. How often in life do we jump a little too soon? We are soooo ready to experience something that we KNOW will be grand and thus give in to the impatience to have it NOW. This minute. And then, despite a bit of a struggle, we forge forward ignoring the signs that just maybe we are a bit premature. Sometimes it still works out. But I believe that most of the time we find that waiting until that opportune moment, when readiness and heart-felt knowing merge, will prove to deliver the utmost satisfaction.

Ahhh… the lessons that nature teaches when we listen. Wishing you a beautifully auspicious flow in the land of decision-making as we enter this harvest time of year. Cheers to sweet unfoldings.

Cell-ular Connection: Cell-abrating oneness

I just returned from a trip to Nashville that necessitated boarding 3 different planes to reach my destination which translated into spending time in 4 separate airports. Preferring to view this rather long journey as an adventure rather than an exercise in how to become more patient, I engaged in a combination of people-watching and sending out waves of love to all those with whom I came in contact. One impression that stood out very clearly was the number of people on phones. My guess would be that 7 out of every 10 people I observed were somehow engaged with a cellular device.

Texting, phone chatting, emailing, skyping, facebooking…. It seems there is a stronger desire than ever to be connected and this 24/7.

Maslov’s theory on the hierarchy of basic human needs which included an innate yearning for relationship was postulated decades ago and encompassed what has most likely been the human experience since the beginning of time.

We need one another. We are not ‘here’ to travel this earthly journey solo. Yes, we all must have our alone time, periods of silence and regeneration. We all have within us as well unique gifts that we offer the world (some more unique than others… Some of us dance in a variety of cities as a tribute to our dog). But the bottom line is that having a realized energetic connection with other beings in our life will add greatly not only to the levels of joy experienced, but also to our health and creativity.

I think this is further magnified when we recognize that we are all indeed connected on a much deeper level than phone and DSL lines. Our spirits merge in beautiful rivers of oneness and celebrating this unity will bring harmony and healing not only to our most cherished relationships but to Mother Earth herself.

I invite you to take even a few minutes a day to close your eyes, bring your thumb and index fingers together into a gesture of unity and breathe into cosmic oneness… Allow the very essence of your being to blend into soul-felt unity as your heartbeat and breath connect you to everyone and everything. This blessed practice will assure you that you are never alone. (Even if you left your phone at home.)

I leave you with a poem from my latest book… Energy Types. A celebration of harmonious collaboration.

Countless are the rivulets
running into this river of God.
Choose your tributary wisely
where the stream is least impeded
As we flow joyfully together
into the ocean of oneness.

No matter the path we choose,
we are all connected…
A continuous flow,
An evolving tapestry,
A ballet of creation,
Where the dancer becomes the dance.

- Maureen

Seeing Through the Eyes of the Heart

Lately I have been practicing sending the love from my heart out through my eyes, allowing it to flow upwards and out into the eyes of the recipient. Even if it is just a momentary exchange, the power of the connection is quite remarkable.

Sometimes the reaction is one of amazement, as a feeling of being recognized as a fellow human spirit sinks in… because it is so easy in our busy lives to encounter another but hardly see them. We may sometimes even engage in a lengthy conversation without ever paying homage to the Divine with us both.

Other times it is almost as if you have removed a protective armor and a semblance of fear may arise, as if you have passed the ‘no trespassing’ sign and opened the doorway to their soul. This may not initially be as warmly welcomed. But if you continue to radiate love from your heart with the gift of appreciating a kindred being as your only intent, that fear will most likely dissolve into willing acceptance. Being a part of the larger whole in this tapestry of existence is an innate desire, whether consciously acknowledged or not.

Seeing through the eyes of the heart can be practiced with all of life. Animals will sense your loving nature, trees and flowers will willingly share their lifeforce energy with you, Mother Earth will glow in appreciation… all sentient beings will gladly participate in the exchange.

And of equal importance, be sure to look into your OWN eyes with that same love and recognize the beautiful, Divine being that you are.

Give it a try. For a day, for a week, for a lifetime. Allow your heart to shine through your eyes.

Once upon a TIME

I was out walking today in the nearby meadows where the grasses have grown close to 4 feet tall. This causes one to feel like they are in the middle of a scene from “Field of Dreams” as the dogs disappear into the vegetation and only the movement of the foliage suggests that a 4-legged is passing through. (And oh how many tennis balls have been lost in these overgrown grasslands… to be discovered once again ‘apres-mowing’.)

As I meandered along, I began to think about time; About time and also about the Taoist tradition I had been introduced to by a revered Teacher, regarding ‘seeing behind you.’ The Taoist Martial Arts practitioners would use this procedure to scan what lay to the rear of them, thereby broadening their perception overall (physically as well as psychically.) It also enhanced their vision as far as what lay before them.

Pondering this, I began to practice it myself. I ‘saw’ behind me… the trees, the path, and me – the area I had just crossed over. And then I began to project myself out in front of me, seeing where I was about to walk. And then I brought my awareness to the ground beneath my feet and each individual footfall. As I did this, time became multi-dimensional, no longer linear. The present became the past… the future became the present … all in a single footfall. I could see my physical being behind me, in front of me and inside of me.

As this idea penetrated my intellect, I began to envision using this process for projection of future manifestations. If I could just ‘see’ myself in a situation of my choosing, I could then walk right into it… experiencing it as past (already accomplished), present (in the moment recognition) and future (melting into the reality.) Something else very mystical happened as these ideas bubbled up through my awareness. The wind was blowing rather briskly, causing the green and gold grasses to appear as waves ebbing and flowing on a beach of meadow… The dandelions and daisies sparkled in brilliant golds and whites… The green of the trees became an even deeper, three dimensional emerald against the bluest sky I’ve seen… An almost exaggeration of colors and textures lay before me feeling, well, timeless.

We began the trek back to the car, me in my mesmerized state, the doggies in their typical in-the-moment mode. Nothing new for them. They seemed to grin at one another saying, “Hmmm… Looks like Mom is finally getting it.”

And maybe they are right.

A Chakra Clearing – Get Out of Your Own Way

The other morning as the dogs and I prepared to embark on our walk in the meadows, I was putting on their harnesses. I always put Francesca’s (aka Monkey) on first because she’s the girl. A little biased perhaps, but that’s the way it is. And always as I attempt to get her hooked up, Bo, my 90 lb. golden retriever gets so excited that he forces his way in between us, making it nearly impossible to complete the task. This day, as he wiggled and meddled, the following came out of my mouth in a spontaneous rush: “You impede the process when you get in the way. You slow down the very thing that you desire.” Wow. He backed up and looked at me quizzically. I backed up and thought, “I need to write that down! Profundities such as this must be recorded!”

Of particular interest was the timing of this inspired outburst, as just that morning at the beach, I had myself gone through a chakra clearing – a release of all obstructions that were impeding the manifestation of my Highest Good… An exercise in ‘getting out of my own way…’

How often do we block our own path, perhaps practicing what Sandra Anne Taylor, author of Quantum Success, refers to as ‘paradoxical intent?’ (“The Law of Paradoxical Intent reflects the Law of Magnetism in warning that you’ll only get a return of your own negative energy. If you’re desperate to make something happen, that repulsive vibration will push it away, turning away the very people and situations that might bring your desired outcome. Your desperation, therefore, creates the paradox-or the opposite-of your original intention… – Sandra Anne Taylor)

Through the process of clearing our chakras (energy fields) with the intention of cutting chords that block the path to our Highest Good/ Soul Purpose, we can gently yet powerfully dissolve these obstructions.

I wish to share with you the words and intentions I myself practice to allow this clearing and balancing process to take place.

CUTTING CORDS – A CHAKRA CLEARING

Begin by coming to a calm, quiet place within. Allow your breath to flow evenly and fully, filling the belly and lungs on the inhale and releasing the breath fully on the exhale. Lengthen your spine, drop your shoulders, relax your jaw, and open your heart becoming aware of the gentle beating within your chest.

Now take three big water breaths – in through the nose and out through the mouth, picturing a cascading blue-green waterfall entering through your crown, washing down through your entire being and out your feet…. preparing you for the cutting of the cords.

Bring the breath back to a natural, gentle earth breath – in and out through the nose and we will begin.

Draw your awareness to the root chakra, picturing a beautiful garnet or ruby red light shining at the base of your spine. Breathe deeply into this space. “Divine Father/Mother God, I ask that you remove any obstacles within my root chakra that are preventing stability, security and safety in my life… I cut the cords to any obstructions in this energy field, releasing them to the Universe and I breathe now into that grounding, safety, and security knowing any blockages are gone. In gratitude, it is done.

Draw your awareness to the sacral chakra, picturing a beautiful orange light shining throughout your pelvic region. Breathe deeply into this space. “Divine Father/Mother God, I ask that you remove any obstacles within my sacral chakra that are preventing the flow of creation, abundance, healthy relationships in my life… I cut the cords to any obstructions in this energy field now, releasing them to the Universe and breathe deeply into the flow of creation, into unlimited abundance, into nurturing relationships knowing any resistance is gone. In gratitude, it is done.

Draw your awareness to the solar plexus chakra, picturing a radiant yellow light shining like the sun throughout abdominal region. Breathe deeply into this space. “Divine Father/Mother God, I ask that you remove any obstacles within my solar plexus chakra, that are preventing courage and confidence and self-esteem from being celebrated in my life… I cut the cords to any obstructions in this energy field now, releasing them to the Universe and breathe deeply into this bravado, god/goddess energy and the warrior within me, knowing any blockages to these gifts are gone. In gratitude, it is done.

Draw your awareness to the heart chakra, picturing a vibrant emerald green light shining like a jewel within your heart space. Breathe deeply into this realm. “Divine Father/Mother God, I ask that you remove any obstacles within my heart chakra that are preventing my ability to give and receive love, to feel compassion, to celebrate my connection to all sentient beings… I cut the cords to any obstructions in this energy field now, releasing them to the Universe and breathe deeply into the love flowing freely into and from my heart, connected to all beings, knowing any blockages within my seat of compassion are gone. In gratitude, it is done.

Draw your awareness to the throat chakra, picturing a sapphire blue light shining within your throat space. Breathe deeply into this field. “Divine Father/Mother God, I ask that you remove any obstacles within my throat chakra, that are preventing my creative self-expression and sharing of my truth… I cut the cords to any obstructions in this energy field now, releasing them to the Universe and breathe deeply into the authenticity of me, and graciously sharing my gifts with the world. In gratitude, it is done.

Draw your awareness to the third eye chakra, picturing an indigo light shining between your brows. Breathe deeply into this space. “Divine Father/Mother God, I ask that you remove any obstacles within my third eye chakra that are preventing the guidance and perception of this light within me… I cut the cords to any obstructions in this energy field now, releasing them to the Universe and breathe deeply into this knowing, the intuition that guides me unerringly along my path. In gratitude, it is done.

Draw your awareness to the crown chakra, picturing a lavender light that becomes a white light shining in and around the crown of your head. Breathe deeply into this space. “Divine Father/Mother God, I ask that you remove any obstacles within my crown chakra that are preventing my connection TO the Divine… I cut the cords to any obstructions in this energy field now, releasing them to the Universe and breathe deeply into the oneness and peace that flows from this bond. In gratitude, it is done.

Now take a moment to re-center yourself… See all chakras shining like jewels within you, cleansed and balanced…. All obstacles removed. All cords of resistance and darkness severed… You are free. You are safe. You are light. You are Spirit, in all its splendor.

Wishing you beautiful reverberations from this releasing process.
Namasté.

Click here for an audio file of this meditation.