The quickest way to get out of struggling or unhappiness and enter into the flow of immediate blessings is to begin to praise. Affirm, I am so grateful. Fill the mind with the light of appreciation and the darkness of negativity will flee.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian (from her book, Living for the Sake of the Soul)
I am grateful that we have a national holiday each year to bring attention to that which we are thankful for. Yogacharya O'Brian points out to us that in a spiritual and emotional sense, expressing our gratitude, at any time, fills our hearts and minds with positive energy that can dispel the darkness of negative energy. Sometimes it may seem difficult to see what is positive in our lives, but recognizing even the small positive things can bring us joy and contentment. It may take some effort, but the more we look for the positive, the more and more we will see it and experience it.
Right use of vital force, at the core of the practice, is concerned with appropriate channeling of the energy of our life toward our life purpose. It is concerned with not allowing our vital energy to be depleted or dispersed, but to remain pure (i.e. singular) to one's spiritual focus.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian (Living the Eternal Way, p.119)
At a basic level, the yogic practice of right use of vital force (right use of our energy) boils down to good time management. What is the best use of my energy to enhance living my best life. Attention to this practice helps me keep on track in all aspects of my life. On another level, it helps me observe emotions. As I watch my mental state and notice if I am afraid or angry I find it helpful to use mantra to clear my mind. But for me the greatest benefit of this practice is simply paying attention to what is really important. I have to be able to give a clear answer to the question of what is my life's purpose, to awaken to the knowing of the spiritual being that I am, and then act on that basis. Isn't everything else simply a waste of time?
To experience the real solution to a problem, enter the temple of spiritual Truth beyond words and thoughts. Sit in the silence, receptive to your soul’s inspiration. It will come.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
At the core of our being is a quiet peaceful center. At that center lies the truth and knowing of all. We often call that intuition. We have all experienced it, whether we have followed that intuition or not. We know what the way forward is. The answer to a problem is there for us when we are quiet and listen. Sitting in meditation, allowing all of our busy thoughts to settle, paves the way for our inner knowing to reveal itself. We may not get that answer right away, but just expect it. It will come. We will know the answer is right because we feel at peace when it is revealed. It just feels right. There is a saying "I had a gut feeling." That's our inner wisdom, our intuition. It is a divine knowing. With practice we learn to trust it. As Roy Eugene Davis said, "Do what you know you should do."
Change yourself and you have done your part in changing the world. Every individual must change his own life if he wants to live in a peaceful world.
~Paramahansa Yogananda
Sometimes when I look out on the world and find it full of hate and conflict, I am encouraged by the knowledge that this perspective is significantly due to my own mental state, which I can change. After meditation, things always seem more encouraging. A steady daily meditation practice really helps. Just as importantly, when I make that extra effort to push through laziness and do the right thing most of the time, life just gets more pleasant and supportive. It is amazing to think that we can contribute to changing the world, just by changing our own thoughts. The interesting questions are these: when things don't turn out the way we want, who is responsible and what can we learn?
Real peace cannot be created; it has no cause. It is a spiritual quality innate to the soul. It is revealed when our lives are in balance, and we act with integrity.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Living our lives in balance, living our lives with integrity—what does that really mean? If you have been reading our messages for a while you may remember that we have talked about balance in the past. Balance means taking time to take care of our bodies by eating a healthy balanced diet—a mostly plant based with fresh, organic if possible, fruit and veggies, getting enough exercise or movement in your day and taking time to rest. Balance means taking care of our minds. Once again that means a healthy diet, but also social interaction with people who are uplifting for us, taking in media, television, books, periodicals and social media that is entertaining, positive and uplifting. Balance also means taking time to sit in conscious silence each day—having a daily, intentional meditation practice. Once we have a healthy, balanced body and mind, integrity naturally flows from that. We don't make commitments that we are not able to keep and we keep the commitments we do make. When we live our lives with integrity we live in the world with compassion and we serve others in the best way that is appropriate for us, not emptying our own "well" in order to give to others. When we live in integrity, we recognize the Truth of our being. When we live in balance with integrity-we experience the innate peace that is our Truth and we can share that with others.
Once we begin to renounce what was never ours to begin with, and anchor our awareness in that which we truly are, life takes on a new glow of ease and delight. Where there was formerly struggle, we find a quality of effortlessness.To sustain this way of grace-filled living, an essential discipline must accompany it: discerning between lasting benefit and passing pleasure, while consistently choosing that which server our highest goal.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
The principle of non-attachment teaches that the outcome of our actions is not up to us, although it is important to do our best. Paradoxically this frees us from worry and opens up the possibility of learning when things to not turn out as we think they should. Silicon Valley has worded this as "fail fast, fail often." The key to avoidance of suffering lies in the discipline of maintaining perspective when the outcome of our action isn't what we thought it would be. We may find that what actually happens affects us in a much better way. This is a lesson I find myself learning and then relearning. My life becomes so much easier after each relearning and as I age, the choice of lasting benefits requires less effort. Our meditation practice is key to calming the mind which sets us up to see the world in a greater, more open perspective.
It helps me to spend a moment at the conclusion of my meditation practice reflecting on all that is given and provided. I also find it helpful to pause several times during the day and intentionally give with the awareness that I am giving to the Source. If I am feeding the fish, watering the plants , or cooking for my family, I see it as an offering to the divine.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian from her book The Jewel of Abundance: Finding Prosperity Through the Ancient Wisdom of Yoga.
The practice of gratitude has become one of the most important aspects of my life over the past several years. I found that that when I overcame the mental habit of complaining and worrying about not having enough and replaced that with gratitude, everything became easier. Doors opened and the resources I needed naturally appeared at the right time. It became more natural to be generous and seeing all I do as a gift. How can you enhance your practice of gratitude and wouldn't this make it easier to enter the supportive flow of giving from a natural space of abundance?
There are two kinds of work. The one is the expression of soul’s righteousness in the objective world and the other is the awareness and unfoldment of the innate divine attributes of the soul within one’s own subjective consciousness. Both of these are spiritual work.
~Lahiri Mahasaya
At the time we are writing this blog, in the Kriya Yoga tradition that we practice, we are celebrating the life of the great spiritual teacher Lahiri Mahasaya (30 September 1828 – 26 September 1895). Lahiri's legacy for all of us is that he brought these teachings to the people from all walks of life, all religious backgrounds, all social strata and to women. He taught many hundreds of people while working as a government accountant and raising five children with his wife. He encouraged his students to adhere to the tenets of their own faith traditions while adding the practices of Kriya Yoga to deepen their faith. He was considered the ideal "householder yogi." He understood what it was to work, have family obligations and to still have a deep spiritual practice.
Often we think about our work in the world and our spiritual life as two separate things, but it is really all one thing. It is our life and we can bring all of our selves to every aspect of our lives. When we are in the world with our jobs and our family, we do our best and follow the deep ethical guidelines that are taught by all of the world's major religions and what we know in our hearts to be right. Our spiritual practice supports and informs our lives, so that we can live our best life in all ways. Everything that we do and experience is our spiritual work.
Be as simple as you can be; you will be astonished to see how uncomplicated and happy your life can become.
~Paramahansa Yogananda
The pursuit of simplicity in life is in harmony with the core spiritual practices taught by Yogananda. Right use of our energy frees us from the wasteful expenditure of time and energy. When we look at how we spend time we can liberate great amounts of it for useful purposes. The practice of non-stealing, not feeling like we lack for anything, can lead us to reduce clutter from our homes and transfer things to others who can make better use of them. Devotion to harmlessness can free us from compulsive attempts to tell others what they should be doing and free energy for our own self-transformation. Harmlessness makes us better listeners and can save us from saying things we might later regret. Simplicity can lead us to inner contentment, that powerful practice that frees us from seeking happiness in the gratification of desires and puts us in touch with our own innate joy. Spend some time pursuing simplicity and see what it can do for you.
Listen to Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian’s talk-
Live Simply: The Auspicious Way
Spiritual practice is choosing peace, clarity, and compassion in thought, speech, and action. We have only to observe our thoughts and choices to determine whether we are aligning ourselves with peace, chasing after desires, or succumbing to depression or inertia. Practice making any course corrections needed to stay the course of an uplifting way of life. Like a pilot steering toward a chosen destination, constant course correction is necessary until we arrive.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Whatever our particular religion or even if we have no religion we can have a spiritual practice. As Yogacharya O'Brian says here, our spiritual practice is how we choose to live our lives. We realize what we want in our life and then live consciously so that we live in a way that attracts what we are looking for. Like is attracted to like. When we find that we veer off course, all we need to do is notice and then make the course correction. One of the many benefits of meditation is that it trains us to remain awake and aware of what is happening in our minds. That is what the pilot is constantly doing—remaining awake and aware in order to make those needed course corrections. We make no judgement of ourselves. We just notice and make the course correction. This is the way to live our best life. This is our spiritual practice.
When we notice negativity pervading our thoughts, we can pause, consider what the opposite would be, and then introduce that opposite ... We counter feelings of hatred by contemplating love or loving-kindness. If we notice frustration, we think about patience. When we are anxious or worried, we remedy that with faith or contentment... Stinging with jealousy? Try the healing balm of appreciation.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
At this time in the world and in this country, we can easily be overwhelmed with negativity pervading our thoughts. This method of opposites works really well for me when I have the mental energy to directly use it. Other times I find it useful to creep up on the opposite by drowning out negative thoughts with a mantra such as "May all beings be happy. May all beings be at peace." Then after a while I can smile my way into the opposite feeling successfully.
Be intentional but don't try too hard. Joy is always present, just as we live, and move, and breathe, and yes, meditate.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
This week we would like to share this blog post with you from Yogacharya O'Brian. The purpose of meditating is not just to meditate. In her blog Yogacharya shares why learning to enjoy our meditation practice (no matter what) is helpful. She says "when we enjoy meditating, we're likely to continue doing it long enough to derive tangible benefits from it—both the stress-reducing and health-enhancing benefits, as well as the transformation of spiritual realization." Click on the link below to learn three ways to arrange conditions so that we can enjoy our practice and receive all of the benefits.
Meditation Practice: How to Enjoy It and Why
Meditation proficiency can be acquired by practice. Curiosity about possible outcomes of meditation practice, aspiration to experience clear states of consciousness, devotion to practice, and the application of time-tested procedures such as regulation of breathing rhythms, prayer, and directing the body's vital forces upward to the higher brain centers, can be helpful.
~Roy Eugene Davis
Sometimes, even after years of meditation practice, it is helpful to go back to the basics. Approach each session with delight and curiosity because you really never know what to expect and aspire to go deeper each time. Begin with focus on the breath or a mantra, waiting for that switch from concentration into the peacefulness of meditation itself. Imagine your breath moving through the spiritual eye, that point between and above the eyebrows so as to move energy to the higher brain centers. Then return to the point of focus each time you notice a distraction. Gently end your time of meditation with gratitude, knowing that your practice is the highest form of self care and that no such effort is ever wasted.
The person who has inner peace can abide in this state even in the midst of outer discord.
~Paramahansa Yogananda
When we begin a daily meditation practice, we get short glimpses of inner peace that are not dependent on outer circumstances. This deep peacefulness is our true nature. As we continue to meditate this peacefulness expands and starts to last longer into our day. Even on those days when we think our mind has been busy throughout our time of sitting, if we have intended to quiet the mind, we will have had moments of peace. Those moments are where the healing happens. After some time we can access this peace even outside of meditation by taking just one conscious breath. We can develop helpful habits like repeating silent mantra, such as "I am peace" to calm the mind whenever we feel challenged, worried, frustrated or angry. As our practice becomes steadier, we are happily surprised to be the level-headed one in times of discord. This promise of inner peace turns out to be the one true thing we can really count on supporting you and those around you.
The depth of realization attained in meditation is measured by the acts of love and compassion it inspires.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
For those of us who have a regular meditation practice, how are we to judge its effectiveness? The first level answer is not by what happens during meditation. Even on those days when the mind seems as restless as the wind, our constant returning to a point of focus brings many benefits: an improved ability to concentrate, increased awareness of what is occurring in the mind, and an ability to be present as we go about our daily activities. Often others notice the real benefits of our meditation practice before we do: an abiding calm peacefulness and a pleasant disposition despite outer circumstances. However the greatest blessing of meditation is that natural compassion with all those we come in contact with because we realize that we are not really separate from each other at all.
With faith, we know that divine will prevails. There is no struggle to accomplish. There is only the necessary work of showing up fully and removing whatever obstacles are there.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O’Brian
It is amazing when we start to notice how trusting in divine will, or whatever name you choose give the universal power for good. Once we begin to trust in that power we find the right guidance is always there for us. Recently I had to make a big decision that involved others I was working with. It was an important and difficult decision for us all. I took the time to slow down and take my time, letting go of feeling like it was “my” decision. The next day I meditated and asked for divine guidance. After meditation several people contacted me, people that I trust. With their support, wisdom and the inner knowing that I felt, we came to the right decision. Once that happened others who I was working with said “Thank you.” Some said “ I feels so relieved with this decision.” Some wondered if a something different could be done but understood and supported the decision. Roy Eugene Davis said “There is a power for good that runs the universe. All we have to do is cooperate with it.” There is no need to struggle. Just show up, have faith, have patience and ask for guidance. You will receive it.
Changing any habits or behaviors that are not consistent with living to our fullest potential requires discipline. First, we discipline our mind to engage in introspection for greater understanding, then we discipline our speech and actions to conform to a new behavior, one that satisfies our vision of a fulfilled life. None of it has to wait for anyone else. Whenever we are ready, we can discipline ourselves for change.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Generally self-discipline has a bad reputation in the US, but from my time of spiritual practice, I have learned that self-discipline is really just doing the right thing. Roy Eugene Davis said "Do what you know you should do." What helped me most was keeping a diary about the area I was working on, for example generosity. After some practice, I learned to curb my tendency to say "No" when asked about showing generosity. With the discipline of introspection I realized that saying no was just my fear of not having enough. Through the discipline of discernment I realized all that I did have and could decide what the appropriate level of generosity was for me. Self-discipline supported me in gaining a better knowledge of myself and gave me the tools to act in the world in a more positive way. It is a wonderful tool when exercised with understanding and compassion.
As a rule, those on a spiritual path are advised to cultivate environments and lifestyles that are infused with sattva, uplifting qualities that contribute to clarity in body and mind. We do this by paying attention to what we surrounding ourselves with and what we consume or take in through all our senses -- this includes food, conversation, media exposure, and so fourth.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
When I exercise good judgment and participate in uplifting activities, it naturally makes me feel good and allows me to be useful to others. But the clearest lessons come to me when I violate this sensible advice. When I overdo it and eat food that is ill advised, I always seem to be surprised that I don't feel good later. The same thing goes for watching too much junk TV. Why am I surprised when I have trouble sleeping properly afterwards? Or have trouble meditating in the morning. Isn't it wonderful when life sends is these gentle reminders?
Life is an ever-expansive present moment that we divide into past and future. Everything meets in this moment—the thoughts and deeds of our past, our current experience, and our future. The tree and its fruit live in the seed.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Recently someone asked me what my thoughts were about karma. That Sanskrit word is often given a negative connotation. People will say, when something bad happens, "Oh that is karma getting this person back for the bad deed they did in the past". Karma is described by Roy Eugene Davis as "subconscious tendencies which may influence thoughts, choices, moods and actions". Karma can be tendencies that were acquired in the past, or tendencies that are being acquired now, in the present moment. Paramahansa Yogananda described these karmic tendencies as seeds. As Yogacharya says in the quote above, "the tree and the fruit live in the seed." What kind of tree do we want to live with? Do we want a scraggly, unhappy tree that bears bitter fruit or a tree that is fresh and alive, bearing abundant sweet fruit? We can start now, in this present moment, by planting the seeds for the "tree" we want—the life we want. It is all in how we approach life. It's our decision to make. We can move beyond the past, beyond previous mistakes we made or difficulties that came into our lives. We can change our karma. We can plant positive karmic seeds now, through our uplifting thoughts, words and actions. As we move forward in our lives, from moment to moment, we can reap the positive karmic fruit. Our meditation practice calms the mind and teaches us to observe ourselves and our thoughts. Let go of the past and move forward in life with joy, now, in this present moment.
Consider living to be a great adventure. Be interested in the possibilities of learning, doing, and accomplishing. Enthusiasm is evidence of your appreciation for life and living.
~Roy Eugene Davis
The past year has been challenging for all of us. Of course we could have taken an entirely negative approach and say that life was not the the way we wanted to be or now we can start to re-engage with the world on new terms. The reopening that is taking place can provide all kinds of wonderful opportunities if we are receptive. The great Indian saint, Ramakrishna, said that "the winds of grace are always blowing; all we have to do is raise our sails." We can see this life as a great adventure and see how grace (that benevolence that is all around us) is working in our lives. I have embraced an entirely fun, new hobby in the past few months. What opportunity has presented itself to you? Can you consider this life as a great adventure?
