Just as body, mind, and soul are intricately intertwined, so it is with body, mind, soul, and nature. All of it—everyone and every form of life—is our neighborhood. Only one cosmic neighborhood—that is a fundamental principle of yoga. All of life is one, and we are That. One Supreme Consciousness expresses as all that is.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian, from her blog Yoga, Consciousness and Climate Change
During this week of celebrating the earth with Earth Day, we are reminded that we are nature and it is us. In this quote Yogacharya is reminding us that all of nature gives to us and we, as beings in nature, give back. It is all One and we are not separate from that One. We have all had experiences of being in nature and feeling at peace with life. By having a regular meditation practice we can more easily stay connected to that peace. Remembering our connection with nature supports all of life including ourselves. We remember that we are not here to use the benefits of nature but to honor and cooperate with it. In her blog post Yogacharya quotes ancient Vedic wisdom that says "Take care of nature, and nature will take care of you." In this time of so much upheaval in our world let us remember our connection to all of life and do what we can to take care of nature.
Avoid relying on everyday events and personal experiences for your happiness and sense of well-being. Learn to be happy and optimistic from the inside.
~Roy Eugene Davis
A steady meditation practice offers us much more than enhanced health and a heightened ability to concentrate. When we meditate regularly and make it a priority to lead an ethical life, we open our access to the deep happiness within. We become less dependent on the outcome of events or the opinions of others. We remain balanced and content and are more available to be of service even when our environment is unsettled. Happiness is an inside job.
Balance renders life fruitful.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
We often hear about having balance in our life, but what does that really mean and how do we achieve balance? The teachings of Kriya Yoga are all about balance. At the basic level we can look at what we eat. Do we eat food that bring us health and well being or do we eat food that might taste good in the moment but bring us discomfort in the long run? Are we getting enough sleep so that during our waking hours we are able to respond to stressful situations with discernment rather than react and maybe say or do something that is not useful? During our busy day do we take breaks for rest and sweetness? Do we take time to sit in the silence of meditation each day? Do we take time for light exercise each day? Can we turn away from what we find stressful (like the talking heads on the news) and turn towards things, situations and people that are uplifting and bring us joy. Turn away from what you know isn’t good for you and towards what lifts you up. As Roy Eugene Davis, the esteemed teacher of Kriya Yoga said “Do what you know you should do.” When we do that we find more joy and ease in our lives. When we have balance our lives are more grace-filled - our lives are fruitful. That is balance.
To cultivate inner stillness, speak calmly, cultivate Self-contentment, and avoid activities and situations that overly stimulate the senses, weaken vital forces, or activate harmful subconscious or addictive tendencies.
~Roy Eugene Davis
What we do during the rest of the day after meditation is just as important as our meditation practice. Life can be joyful, even filled with bliss, when we move from one activity to another, just doing what we know is the right thing in each situation. Our own inner wisdom says that what we really crave is contentment, not excitement. Observe all of the positive aspects of life and enjoy them. Be content. Life lived in this way strengthens our meditation, and our meditation practice allows us to move with grace through life.
The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. . . Live each moment completely and the future will take care of itself. Fully enjoy the wonder and beauty of each moment.
~Paramahansa Yogananda
When we first begin to meditate we notice the whirlwind of thoughts that move through an uncontrolled mind. As our meditation practice becomes more steady, we learn to bring the mind to a single point of focus, such as the breath, and we experience longer and longer moments of peaceful presence. In meditation we form the habit of being fully present. Then in daily life we can observe events and act appropriately without the stress of upsetting reactions to what is happening. Freedom comes from moving away from reactions to being able to respond in appropriate ways. We can live the freedom that we seek. This is what is described as enlightened living.
Just noticing the arising of desire as a wave, frees us to ride the current of divine energy beneath it. Wave upon wave of desire arises. Watch. Wait. Move through life with astounding freedom.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
With our daily meditation practice we become exquisitely aware of the many thoughts that arise and fall away in the mental field. This witness consciousness can carry over to daily activity and give us some distance from the arising of desire in our own minds. With practice, we can discern when these are the passing desires of restless ego that hold us back or desires that are beneficial for our own and the world's greater good. When we nurture this ability to recognize the peaceful energy of what is right, it is easier to follow it. This is freedom.
Peace in our homes, community, and world begin with a vision of it, faith in it, and the commitment to realize it by working for it. Bring forth the light of peace by first experiencing it directly in meditation, and then transmit that divine peace to others.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Most of us would agree that we want peace in our homes, in our families and in our world. This week we are all watching and praying for a peaceful solution to the events in eastern Europe and Ukraine. We pray for all those who are fearful for the safety of themselves, their families, and their homeland. We may feel helpless, here, so far away. The best way that we can experience peace and to contribute to peace is to cultivate peace within our own hearts through our practice of meditation. When our mind is calm, we can discern what is ours to do—what action is right for us to take. When we feel peaceful, we radiate that peace outwardly to all of those we personally encounter. It is a natural energy that we just allow to flow. This peaceful energy radiates out and can affect the entire world. We don't just meditate to meditate. We don't just meditate for ourselves. Meditation is not for our benefit only; it is for the benefit of the whole world. Imagine if every person in the world meditated and could manage their fear, anger and frustration and were able to emanate peace from their hearts. What a world this would be!
The belief “I need this or that to bring me happiness or security” affirms lack. Realize your wholeness now. Then watch what is added unto you from your abundance consciousness. Watch.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Our daily meditation practice makes us aware of the contents of our mind and gives us the power to change what goes on in the mind. When we catch ourselves complaining, we can recall the principle that 'like attracts like.' Thoughts of lack attract that experience in the real world. A strong gratitude practice can liberate us from lack and attract abundance in an entirely graceful way. I like to affirm my gratitude before sleep each night and have found this very helpful. Try practicing gratitude every day for a week and you may be surprised. Affirm abundance.
The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. . . Live each moment completely and the future will take care of itself. Fully enjoy the wonder and beauty of each moment.
~Paramahansa Yogananda
When we first begin to meditate we notice the whirlwind of thoughts that move through an uncontrolled mind. As our meditation practice becomes more steady, we learn to bring the mind to a single point of focus, such as the breath, and we experience longer and longer moments of peaceful presence. In meditation we form the habit of being fully present. Then in daily life we can observe events and act appropriately without the stress of upsetting reactions to what is happening. Freedom comes from moving away from reactions to being able to respond in appropriate ways. We can live the freedom that we seek. This is what is described as enlightened living.
When rajas guna (the quality of passion and restlessness) dominates the body and mind, we're more inclined to follow the whim of the senses rather than the light of clear discernment. This is because rajas guna clouds the faculty of intellect.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian (from her book The Jewel of Abundance)
Rajas guna is one of the three qualities of nature which continuously color our environment. The other two are sattva (illuminated) and tamas (lethargy or inertia). In meditation, rajas guna leads to what we experience as busy mind. When we have times of restlessness, this indicates the effect of rajas guna. If I am feeling restless I may not make good decisions. During meditation, I do better when I recognize its effect and I usually use following the breath or mantra to calm things down. Even throughout the day when I feel that rajas is predominate and I want to calm down, I just stop and take a couple of conscious breaths. Alternately, when I feel lethargic, rajas is actually helpful to get me going. To what extent are you conscious of the effect of rajas guna on your mental state and actions, and how do you seek to use it or control it and return to balance?
Grief is a doorway to greater love, if we will go through it and allow it to change us.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
During the past several years we all have experienced grief in many different ways. The pandemic has brought us a loss of freedom that we never thought we would experience. Many have had personal losses that naturally occur during our lives. It can be overwhelming. An important action we all can take is to spend some time in silence. When we take time to calm our minds in meditation, we rest in the peace that is innate to us all. When the thought waves are calmed we experience the compassion and love that is all around us and at the core of our being. Like we see in the photograph above, the clouds may obscure the moon for a period of time, but the light of the moon is always there. Our innate peace is always there, even when we think it is not. Our time in silence removes the obstacles to our peace. When we are experiencing deep grief, it may seem difficult to meditate, but even just a few minutes each day helps us to get back in balance. Our time in silence changes us and can change the world around us for the better. Take time to experience your grief and allow your practice of meditation to support you in moving through it. Let the deep silence speak to you and support you. Grief is a natural part of life. It changes us and that is the way it is supposed to be. We can move though this doorway with the support of grace and find love and peace on the other side.
Forget the past, for it is gone from your domain! forget the future, for it is beyond your reach! control the present! Live supremely well now! This is the way of the wise.
― Paramahansa Yogananda
How much time and energy could we save if we completely dropped the habits of worrying about the future or regretting what has happened in the past? Our daily meditation practice allows us to develop an active witness consciousness as we concentrate on a single point of focus as a prelude to the shift into meditation itself. This self monitoring consciousness can guide us throughout the day. Each time we observe that thoughts are tending to focus on the past or the future, we can return to the calm of living entirely in the present. I find that when I can do this, there is an inherent joy in just being entirely aware of everything that is occurring. When alone we can observer the bliss of silence and when with others, we can focus entirely on them. This is a path to freedom.
One of the most persistent obstacles we encounter to happiness, peace, and well-being is our tendency to argue about how things are. Acceptance brings freedom and unleashes our power.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
Life happens. There are times when we wish that things were different. We wish we had a different relationship with someone. We wish that someone that we loved had not died. We wish that an illness (either ours or someone else's) was not affecting us. We wish we were not growing older. The list can go on and on. When we dwell in that mindset of wishing that something was different than it is, we suffer. We are unhappy. But we can change our mindset and reconnect with our happiness and inner peace. We can accept what is, discern if there is something we can do to change it, and do that. And if not, we can let go of the wishing, accept and focus on what is good in our life. Then we can move on to discover what we can do to positively contribute to the world. In the ancient yogic spiritual scripture of the Yoga Sutras of Patajali we read that "Contentment provides supreme peace and happiness. Y.S. II:42."
We are so much more powerful when we take control of our lives and accept what is instead of letting "wishing it were different" control our lives. The life of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who recently died, reminds us of how we can live in joy, even in spite of many hardships. He suffered great difficulties as a black man living in a country with extreme racial prejudice, but instead of being angry and bitter he showed us the power of what joy can be. He took this power and made a difference in the lives of many. Accept life on its own terms, be content and live in joy.
Discard thoughts, behaviors, relationships, and actions which are inconsistent with your highest ideals. Whatever concept of the ideal life you have, actualize it now. You do not have to wait to make useful changes.
~Roy Eugene Davis
What are your highest ideals? Does your ideal concept of life involve you being a kinder person to all those around you? Can you envisage being more in the flow of abundance and giving generously to others? Are you ready to accept situations as they truly are move ahead efficiently without wasting time complaining? Will wiser use of your personal time and energy allow you to accomplish more of your highest goals? Personally I have decided to focus more on the right use of my time and energy. How will you take advantage of this new year to move ahead? The possibilities are infinite and the time to begin is now.
To the Guru of the passing year
I bow, and say Namaste!
I behold the divine in you
I pause, and say thank you
for every teaching
though I am a poor student
don't finish my assignments
want credit for it all
yearn for recess
fall asleep during class
need a bell to wake up
yet love learning as light
loves the empty room
at the end of the day
thank you
for the teachings that woke me
and for those I slept through
I walk out with a nod of your blessing
as the door of this year closes behind me.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian from her book of poetry The Moon Reminded Me
(A note from the author: Guru is a Sanskrit word meaning teacher, the light that removes the darkness of ignorance. The term can apply to one's teacher; to God, the Teacher of all teachers; or to Life itself with its inherent tendency to support spiritual awakening and the fulfillment of its purposes.)
You are Love itself. Live that way.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian
At this time of the year we are surrounded by messages of love. We get holiday cards and hear from family and friends that we may not have heard from for a long time. We see movies, such as It's a Wonderful Life that remind us of love. We buy and receive gifts, that are given with love. Strangers say hello and wish us happy holidays. It can also be a difficult, stressful time for some of us. Our meditation practice helps us to slow down and notice the good around us.
We are moving from the shortest day of the year into longer days, more light. In many ways and many traditions, even for those without a religion, the coming of the light is celebrated at this time of year. Even if this is a difficult time of the year, if we remember that the light is hope, the light is peace, the light is love we can live from that place, we can bring joy to ourselves, our families and to the world.
Time spent in meditation is the occasion to trust that we can let go of grasping or working on anything and simply be present. Trust that any authentically divine inspiration that arises will remain after you meditate.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian from her booklet, The Path of Wonder: A Meditator's Guide to Advent
Often insights will come to us while we are seated in the midst of the meditation practice. As we have talked about many times in this newsletter, as our thinking minds quiet, our deeper inner wisdom is experienced. But what do we do when that happens? When we are first beginning to meditate, we may feel that we need to stop our meditation time so that we can find a piece of paper to write that thought down. It could be important! What if we don't remember when we are done? What the teachings of Yoga tell us is that the deep inner wisdom we are experiencing is always with us, we just don't always notice it during our busy, thinking and distracted day. But it is there and if it is a divine idea, it won't go away. Acknowledge the thought and then continue with your meditation practice. You can even inwardly ask that it come back to you later. These teachings tell us to trust that if it is a divine idea it will return when we are not sitting in meditation. Then, at that time, we can contemplate it and ask our Self (that divine inner knowing) how to move forward. This time of year, in many traditions, we are celebrating the coming of the light, the light that illuminates our consciousness—our illumined consciousness perceives the wisdom within.
Forget the past, for it is gone from your domain! Forget the future, for it is beyond your reach! Control the present! Live supremely well now!
~Paramahansa Yogananda
A steady meditation practice brings unexpected benefits. As we become extremely aware of the thoughts that arise and fall away in our mind, we learn to direct energy away from those that are not useful. As we continue to use this ability to control our thoughts, we can let go of frustration, anger or worry. Some time ago I realized I was wasting energy getting frustrated with the utility company and some work that needed to be done to get better support for the power pole in front of our house. I realized that I needed to let go of my frustration and try to resolve this issue in a more positive way. Then recently I saw a lineman up the pole and cheerfully asked what he was doing. He replied that he works for a local internet provider, they are strengthening all the poles for the new service they are bringing in. With a more positive attitude we can begin to live in the freedom of an expansive present and the universe mirrors our happiness.
Advent coincides with Winter Solstice and myths from many times and cultures, which provide and entry into sacred time. Sacred time is a portal. It can take us into the profound, spiritual significance of the time of year, the time in our world, in our lives and our consciousness.
~ Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian (from her book The Path of Wonder: A Meditator's Guide to Advent)
We are reminded, by the Christian practice of Advent that this is a sacred time of the year. That it is a sacred time is easily forgotten, in our culture, with all the material focus on the holidays. We can slow down, though, and take the time to watch and listen. Advent means the arrival or coming. We prepare for the arrival of the light by watching for it, seeing it all around us in the people we meet and the goodness that is around us even when times seem dark. We can listen to the still, small voice within each of us that guides us, offers us peace and reminds us that the light is within ourselves. We are reminded each and every year, at this time, that as soon as the shortest darkest day happens, it is followed by the days slowly growing longer and brighter. This is the reminder that as we watch and wait, the light always comes. It never fails us. We can create a ritual each day that reminds of the coming of the light by just lighting a candle before meditation. Do it consciously and offer a short prayer as we light it. We can remember that this sacred time is a portal, a portal to the light of love, the light of peace.
Anticipate obstacles as opportunities. Remind yourself at the onset of a new endeavor or setting a goal that obstacles are in integral part of growth. Decide to see them as one of the ways that life shows us capacities we didn't know we had or reveals potentials in a situation we couldn't see before.
~Yogacharya Ellen Grace O'Brian (from her book The Jewel of Abundance)
Consider the obstacles that you face in your life today. For those relationships that seem to present obstacles, can you re-interpret them as opportunities for you to grow? This Thanksgiving, I found that an apology opened the way for a better level of sharing with someone I have trouble communicating with. As a younger man, I began a couple of unfortunate careers that only seemed to present dead ends, but eventually I took one skill set I had acquired and turned it into success in an entirely different field. How could you re-interpret apparent obstacles as opportunities for growth or guidance toward new paths?
