Expand to transform existence

Notice our lives transform as we expand consciousness. This requires we be open to new things, like responding differently to the same people and familiar situations, and using expanded insights to understand the mind, thoughts and behaviours differently.

At a pivotal moment, it hits that physical sensations and restlessess are gifts we give ourselves. They gently point to what we have been ignoring. Suddenly, conditioning is seen to reflect our outdated ideas of reality. When we act based on expectation, based on what we are taught we are supposed to work toward, we ignore the heart. As we identify less with the external, and begin to look inward, solitude guides shifts in priorities and perception. How we spend time grows congruent with what matters in the heart. We distinguish between sex and love, between superficial and real power. We are more sensitive, allow ourselves to feel more deeply, to cry, explore pain we used to repress, openly express creative impulses, share vulnerability and forge true connections.

The moment arisess when we suddenly understand how we relate to life, to physicality, sexual energy, creativity, ourselves. We begin to empathize, sense what others feel. It dawns what it is to be a human being, a true friend and neighbour, confidante. We grow value- driven, make decisions aligned with the soul. It begins with consciously shaping our thoughts and emotions, to carve out the soul path. We grow as we practice mindfulness, that every thought and action is shaping the direction of our life. This is about swallowing pride, letting go of all that blocks love.

This is the moment we stop seeking external acceptance, and start to live as our trueself. We begin to offer service based on innate urges to give, enrich the world and exchange in balance. Devoted practices and pursuits lead ego concerns to diminish. We begin to manifest our spiritual being in the physical and in our relationships.

At this very moment, that split between the external world and the spiritual realm grows clear and the incongruence of that double life is obvious. We are in the world but no longer feel part of it. We grow adept at passing between spiritual and physical realities and transfer insights between worlds. It dawns we naturally adapt to situations but always act from the Higher Self.

At the same time, we meditate more often, see into conflicts and offer genuine guidance from our own direct experience. Living from spirit and being grounded is key. One tunes into emotional connection with all living creatures. One understands what lies in the hearts of people, one feels their pain and know sharing one's truth is what heals everything.

To express our spirit physically, is to be uninhibited by negative feelings or judgments of self or others, to be affectionate with overwhelming warmth and emotional connection. Barriers between the ego and the collective dissolve. This goes beyond recognition of connection with "others." We begin to feel the symbiotic connection with all of creation. We grow aware of energies and realize that all feeling, thought, and action is based on vibrations or frequencies of energy. We see that master the energy we channel changes everything.

This is the point where it dawns that heart energy transforms thoughts and perception as well as all we meet. As each of us no longer identifies as an individual being with ego concerns, there is nothing to become and we are one with the universe. Sense of self and ego boundaries dissolve. Sense of existence is completely transforming from the inside out until boundaries are no more.

Stop Playing it Safe

(Visual Art Bill Brouard- @ Visual Alchemy)

Notice what happens as you stop playing it safe, when all of a sudden, something awakens within you that recognizes you are the one that has been holding yourself back. Its the illusion of fear and conditioned assumptions in the mind that keep us feeling small, powerless or stuck. This revelation is the pivotal moment of finally reclaiming inner power, consciously shifting to focus purely on Soul direction and destiny. Trusting intuition allows energy to flow more freely, can involve abruptly letting go of apparent commitments and aspects of life that previously defined you. Being spontaneous opens channels of vision within you that continue to dazzle and amaze. Creative streams of inspiration arise as if from nowhere. Life experience shifts again. 

Rise from the Ashes

Notice that after powerful experiences shake you up, life cannot return to the previous "normal". Yet, as we can see beyond the painful processes and the nature of our attachment, we move forward through fire, into the next chapter of our lives. In the case of conflict, heartbreak or crumbling relationships, we gain valuable insights into ourselves that could not arise any other way. As Rumi echoes, 'the wound is the place where light enters.' Our assumed loss of love guides us to realize we are each source of love eternal. This does arise outside. Deepening self-love is the journey inward. As we rise above our fears like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we can continue to grow and accept people as they are, leave or move on as part of a soul journey. We see nature of disconnection clearer as we grow more connected to ourselves, grow aware of who we are. It is about consciously allowing the fire element to burn away negative beliefs we outgrow. As we sense fire with awareness and attention to inner balance, our lives bloom in new directions fuelled by an incredible lightness of being, feeling stronger, igniting a spark.

What beckons to be let go or burnt away in your life to make room for new growth? Identify a belief or a situation you used to prop up your false identity. As awakening occurs, revelations or truths surface. Brutal honesty is required at this stage of soul evolution. Allow the metaphorical fire to do its job, leaving you free to blossom into the warmth of the sunlight and whatever expansion reveals.

("RISING FROM ASHES" - DOTILLISM ART PHOENIX BIRD by Olsea Arts)

5 Ways to Strengthen Relationships

Those who struggle to create and experience lasting relationships may be unaware of the power we each hold to reframe or turn our lives around.  This requires introspection, shadowork, deep honesty.  Before making hasty decisions, consider 5 Ways to explore new approachins to existing relationships:

1. Give & receive without judgement

2. Treat others as you would like to be treated (or better)

3. Derive strength and inspiration from relationships

4. Act to enable your partner to feel seen, heard & valued

5. Cultivate courage to speak your truth with compassion, understanding and love

Now, doing the above whole-heartedly opens you to deeper insight within yourself. If, when you communicate, you still do not feel loved, valued or heard and still do not feel on the same wavelength, then this invites you to step back and recognize your needs are not being met and other actions must be taken.  Positive, lasting change can only result when you consistently listen and align with your true self. 

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This is of course, the tip of the iceberg. Connect with us to join one of our related courses to help renew, revilaltize or reframe key relationships in your life. 

Secrets of 5 Vāyus of Yoga

The five prana (vital energy) currents are the Vāyus ("airs" in Sanskrit; The Sanskrit word Vāta literally means 'blown'; Vāyu, 'blower' and Prāna, 'breathing' (note: the breath of life; the *an- in animate). To be aware of these currents and how they influence balance, imbalance is to gain valuable insight and pointers to sustain well-being.

1. Prana Vāyu (feeds energy into other four)

PRANA vāyu is responsible for the INTAKE (forward-moving air). It moves downward and inward, providing the basic energy that drives us. It is primarily located in the head, lungs and heart. Imbalances in Prana flow can show up as anxiety, fear, anger (head); breathlessness, asthma, sleep apnea (lungs); heart palpitations or stroke (heart).

Yoga asanas to focus on balancing the Prana Vāyu:

Inversions

• Kriya Asana Vanekom -Earth Salutation
• Ardha Salabhasana – Half Locust Pose
• Paripurna Salabhasana – Full Locust Pose
• Urdva Mukha Svanasana - Upward Facing Dog Pose
• Nindra Kokkusana -Crane Pose

Poses with Raised Arms

• Talasana -Palm Tree Pose
• Virahdrasana I -Warrior I Pose
• Utkatasana -Chair Pose

Heart Openers

• Ustrasana -Camel Pose
• Setu Bandha – Bridge Pose
• Urdva Dhanurasana - Upward Bow Pose
• Bhujangasana – Cobra Pose

Some breathwork to use in conjunction with Prana Vāyu asanas:

• Ujjaii Breathing (Ocean Breathing)
• Bhastrika Pranayama (Breath of Fire)
• Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

2. Udana Vāyu

It circulates in the head and neck and is responsible for growth. It moves upward and results from other vayus working properly. It governs our ability to stand, our speech, effort, enthusiasm and will. It is concentrated near the diaphragm and throat and is responsible for certain respiratory functions, speech and mental functioning (by supporting the blood movement to the brain). Imbalances in Udana vayu functioning include asthma, emphysema; stuttering, voice hoarseness; depression, poor memory, lack of creativity, direction or goals.

Yoga asanas to focus on balancing the Udana Vāyu

• any of the Warrior Poses
• Gardusana -Eagle Pose
• Minasana-Fish Pose
• Pathi Minasana -Half Fish Pose
• Vilasana- Bow Pose
• Vibaritakarani Asana (Half Shoulder stand)
• Kalapoy Asana - Plow Pose

Some breathwork & other practices to use in conjunction with Udana Vāyu

• Focus on Exhalation, particularly diaphragmatic breathing
• Udana Breath (IN: Breathe in through the mouth, attention at the throat chakra EX: Chant OM)
• Chanting (i.e. Om Kriya Babaji Namo Aum; So-Hum- Om Namah Shivayah)
• Meditations that highlight raising awareness of head and neck

3. Vyana Vāyu

VYANA vayu is responsible for distribution. It moves outward in a circular, pulsating motion. It is located in the heart and lungs and is involved in cardiac activity, circulation and voluntary nervous system. Imbalances may show up as poor circulation, blocked arteries, heart attack, edema; peripheral neuropathy, symptoms of MS.

Yoga asanas to focus on balancing the Vyana Vāyu include:

Side- Bending Asanas

• Preparatory Sidebend (on the back)-
• Utthita Trikonasana- Extended Triangle Pose
• Supta Garduasana- Reclined Eagle Pose
• Balasana-Child's Pose
• Sukasana- Easy Pose
• Parsva Tadasana- Sidebending Mountain Pose
• Parighasana -Gate Pose
• Utthita Parsvakonasana- Extended Side Angle Pose
• Prasarita Padottanasana -Wide Legged Forward Bend
• Janu Sirsasana -Head-to-Knee Forward Bend
• Parsva Upavistha Konasana -Side Seated Wide Angle Pose
• Parivrtta Janu Sirsasana - Revolved Head-to-Knee Pose

Heart Openers

• Sun Salutations
• Namaste Prayer

Breathwork or Pranayana that balance Vyana Vāyu:

• Focus on Inhalation and expansion -Pulse Breathing
• Retention of breath (hold after Inhale)- Wim Hof Breathing
• Vyana Breath (Place the hands on your chest. IN: Bring the arms out, expanding from the center out into the periphery, filling up the lungs; hold 2 seconds; EX: Place the hands back on your chest. Keep your focus at the heart center)
• Any breathing activities that give you joy, touch your heart

4. Apana Vāyu

APANA vayu is responsible for elimination. It moves down and out and also helps retain things in. It is primarily located in the lower abdomen and is associated with functions of elimination, reproduction and bone health (regulating the absorption and retaining of minerals). Imbalances in Apana flow can show up as constipation/diarrhea, IBS; menstrual problems, sexual issues; bone density issues. It helps us go deeper in our seated forward folds. It can also bring a sense of calm and inner strength. Bringing awareness of Apana-Vayu in any yoga pose creates a focus to ground and stabilize the lower body.

Yoga asanas that focus on balancing the Apana Vāyu:

• Standing postures (especially standing on one foot)- Eka Pada Utkatasana-Figure Four
• Paschimottanasanas-Seated forward folds
• Half Bound Lotus Forward Bend | Ardha Baddha Padma Paschimottanasana
• Parivrritta Sukasana - Seated Twists

Breathwork, Pranayama or other Practices that help balance the Apana Vāyu

• Nauli Kriya- Abdominal Massage
• Agni Sara Kriya- Fire Essence Purification of Abdomen
• Ashvini Mudra

5. Samana Vāyu

SAMANA vayu is responsible for processing things and moves toward the center in a churning motion. It is concentrated around the navel. It is responsible for digestion on all levels, including the mind. It is associated with processes of digestion, absorption and assimilation. Imbalances in Samana vayu function include metabolism issues, poor digestion, bloating, loss of appetite.

Yoga asanas to help get Samana vayu re-balanced:

• Supine Twisting Postures
• Planks
• Arm-balancing poses

Breathwork, Pranayama & other practices to help get Samana vayu back ' on-track':

• Focus on Exhalation with abdominal contraction (i.e. Kapalabhati)
• Suspension of breath (hold after Exhale)
• Progressive abdominal contraction (Zip-up)
• Uddiyana Bandha-like practices
• Samana breath (IN: Imagine pulling the energy in toward your belly EX: Contract the abdomen, imagine the energy becoming more concentrated; hold contraction for a moment.)
• Kapalbhati (to stimulate agni)
• High-vibrational food & fasting