Happy Thanksgiving: Give the Gift of Oneness

As we gather with friends and family this Thanksgiving weekend, let’s boldly hold hands with each other, take a few deep heartfelt breathes and reclaim our connection to one another.

 
Remember:
You are a sacred sovereign human being!
Everyone seated at your table is a sacred sovereign human being. And every person, no matter where they live or what they believe, is also a sacred sovereign human being. Why even the earth is a living sacred  being.
 
I believe it’s the most important moment in human history to recognize and acknowledge the Divine Light, Sacred Love, and Holy Spirit which shines through the heart of every man, woman and child - as the most precious asset we have. And the most nourishing gift we can bestow upon one another.
 
As we direct our attention to the Love & Light within our hearts, let’s radiate its essence into the world. When we do, we uplift ourselves,  each other, and all sentient beings on this sacred planet, including the Earth herself.
 
Perhaps, we might recall that before we assumed any particular guise  we - first and foremost – came into this lifetime as a holy human being!!
 
Before differentiating into a man or woman, a liberal or conservative, a religious person or spiritualist, a democrat or communist, straight or LGBTQ, white or BIPOC, a vaccinated or unvaccinated person – we were (and still are) ALL born of the same Holy Spirit with a human soul. Together, we comprise One Human Family.
 
From the shared experience of pandemic – I imagine that by now most humans realize how they’re connected to one another through the most basic experience of being alive – breathing. On the physical level, the act of respiration is to breathe again and again. In spiritual context, to respire is the desire and action of God/Spirit* (Spiros) to return to the physical body over and over from birth to death. If we imagine the same One Spirit breathing through us all, animating our lives, could we understand that no matter where on earth we live, we all breathe the same air? Would it then be possible to see, in essence, we have never been separate, nor could ever be separate from the Holy Spirit or from one another. Truly we are All One People.
 
The perception of our external differences - be they gender, ethnicity or politics - cause so much conflict in this world, creating an “us and them” paradigm or a “me versus you” mindset.
 
But imagine, if you can or will, this simple notion:
Our differences are meant to add color, texture and depth to our lives – to brighten the palate and make this sacred life, more sacred! Distinction is not meant to widen the gap between us. It is meant to challenge us to grow beyond our limited beliefs!
Might we then use our human capacity for imagination, compassion, forgiveness and gratitude to honor our differences, preferences and choices? Could we choose to “paint” a more beautiful work of art with kinder thoughts, words and actions each day? Masterful art that draws us closer together by honoring the needs of each individual within the needs of the collective – rather than pushing us further apart by asserting collective rights above individual rights?
When an individual person feels recognized, respected and appreciated, for who they are and for the choices they make, their heart blossoms adding more Light to the collective whole.
 
All Souls arise from the same “All One Source Love Light” matrix. We are the body of God, the hands of God, the hearts of God, the mind of God...even the tears of God.
 
As human beings our individual sovereignty is non-negotiable, our sacred divinity irrevocable. We each have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. And according to Universal Law,, the most primary and precious relationship anyone can feed is the one between themselves, as an individual, and the Godhead.
 
Our humanity is our most blessed asset – more precious than any material wealth or possession. Our humanity arises before we assume roles and beliefs. As we break bread, carve a turkey, pass potatoes and pie let's remember to pass along our own blessing by making more room in our hearts for people’s uniqueness and to honor each person as the Supreme Being that they are...and that you are.

I hope and pray that we use this celebration of gratitude putting our "fear of death difference" aside and opening our hearts up wider than ever before. Choosing to gather in the Spirit of Oneness and Unity.

Peace & Harmony,

Lynne
 
 ___________
*I love to use God/Goddess/Spirit/Mystery/One/All/Love/Light/Christ/Void/Source/Supreme Consciousness/Creator interchangeably. The more words to describe this Universal Intelligence the better. What’s your favorite term for this indescribable power?

Staying Healthy in Turbulent Times!! Antiviral Herbs!!

Staying Healthy in Turbulent Times!!

Did you know many herbs can be used as effective anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungals? 

They can! And they work as good as, and often better than, toxic commercial cleaners because they have
NO negative side effects!

Here are a few that we're using to stave off the corona virus. 

In addition to washing your hands frequently with a hand sanitizer there are other ways to protect yourself!  Use essential oils! 

Plants cannot get up and run away when an animal of insect comes to munch! So they need to have built in protections to remain alive. That protection comes in the form of compounds that exist within each plant.
It's the plant's own immune system.

These compounds are extracted to make concentrated STRONG - medicine >>> essential oils.

And they can boost your immune system!

Essential oils contain the effective anti-microbial (viral, bacterial, fungal) compounds of the plant. 

This list are the most common, and all are excellent EO's for respiratory issues:

Tea tree, eucalyptus, lemon, thyme, oregano, rosemary, peppermint, pine, cinnamon, clove, lavender.  

How to buy them?

Purchase "therapeutic grade" essential oils to prevent buying cheap (diluted) oils. Go organic!!

They will store indefinitely. You'll use them before they ever go bad 'cuz they smell so wonderful.

How to use them?
Fill a little spray bottle 3/4 to top with water. Add several drops of any single or combination of oils that you have or like. Or place a drop on your palm and rub hands together, and smell. You can make steams and inhale, place them into a diffuser to keep air clean, add them to a bath, make a compress, or add them to a base oil (olive, almond, coconut, jojoba) and rub onto your skin.

We use them year round to stay healthy. 

Keep up with your yoga practices - even one pose a day is better than none!

Breathe deeply and replace any fear that arises with compassion, forgiveness and more love!
Those emotions will boost your immune system.

That's all for the moment...stay tuned.

February - The month of Love!!!

Welcome February, the MONTH of LOVE!
Can you feel the sun's light getting stronger, giving you more energy?

February 1 marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. The Celts celebrated Imbolc to honor the Goddess Brigid who brought Spring, blessing livestock with fertility, her followers with good health. Later, the Church turned Brigid into a Saint and Imbolc into Candlemas, Feb 2.

Imbolc was a celebration of the Divine Feminine.
Women and girls made Brigid dolls and four pointed crosses out of rushes. They would parade these around town asking the Goddess for her blessings. Men stood by and watched, until they were invited to join in the celebration!

When I was on pilgrimage in S India, visiting temples and sacred sites, it was always the men that were in charge of parading the resident deities around town, in a once a year spectacle.

To be reminded that women once held such an elevated status and are once again reclaiming their inner strength and power, makes my heart burst with joy!

Unconditional Love is an unseen, mysterious force that binds us to a person, place or thing. It's the inner sacrifice we make by releasing our selfish ego in order to experience our Divine Essence. Pure Love is rare gift to receive and an exquisite blessing to give away. As you move through this "month of love" be on the watch for  love - hiding in the shadows, unformed and unsung.

True Love, like the first signs of Spring, is rising up all around us, in Nature and within our hearts. Love is embedded in each asana pose, in each breath, in every savasana...love hides in plain site in every moment.

Remember look for her, pausing to savor her sweet beauty, complete honesty, and precious divinity. Drink love in like nectar to help you through difficult times, times of transition and times of celebration - love is always present & available.

We wish you a love-filled, heart-felt month!! 
To assist you in deepening your connection to your own heart, we've curated a few lovely events this month. And we hope you'll join us.

If you live far away, we'd love to hear how love shows up for you - beyond chocolates and roses! Drop us a line and share your experience.

Hugs, Lynne

2020 Vision

January 2020 Prakasa Newsletter:

“2020 Vision”

The traditional new year adage “out with the old and in with the new” has more relevance now, as we step into 2020, than ever before. From a vantage point of physical health “2020” indicates perfect eyesight and clear vision. From a spiritual perspective 2020 means living in total sync with your life and soul paths, AND in reciprocity with Nature/Earth. From a mental/emotional stance 2020 is about releasing outdated belief systems, old stories, emotional wounds and triggers that keep us from knowing our divinity.

Instead of jumping on the New Year resolution bandwagon focused on external perceptions (losing weight, gaining muscle mass, giving up coffee/sugar/etc.) spend some valuable time reflecting on your personal connection to Spirit. Meditate and listen to what your “inner” wise person has to say. Discern which mental beliefs you can shed in order to step into a brighter future. Explore holistic modalities that facilitate deep emotional healing. Incorporate new habits that nourish your body, mind and spirit.

And most importantly,

Spend more time accepting and loving yourself!!

With 2020 vision, you can:
> Align your dreams with your highest Self.

> Create new habits that bring out your best personality traits.

> Take actions to heal your past and move forward with newfound freedom and zest for life.

> Shift from an ego-driven approach to decision making to a Spirit-driven life.

Right now, in January (Capricorn) there’s a powerhouse of celestial powers supporting
 inner growth and transformation on a global scale. Mercury (communication), Saturn (father/patriarchy), Pluto (completion/endings), Sun (soul growth), Ceres (mother) and Jupiter (good fortune) are having a ‘party’ in Capricorn. That party started with the solar eclipse on December 26, continues with the lunar eclipse on January 10 and culminates on Sunday, January 12 with a masterful conjunction at 2:22pm.

 All of these alignments and transits are meant to shake up the status quo.
They help us discern what we need to let go and what we must change and cultivate to move forward. The celestial influences invite/nudge/prod us to evolve as one human family - with love and compassion for all living things.

LOOK FOR BIG CHANGES AHEAD.
Let’s welcome 2020 by enacting change first within ourselves. Then can we make positive strides to create positive change at local, national and global levels.

Ask yourself:
Where/how do patriarchal attitudes reside within me? What beliefs can I change to create greater harmony between the divine masculine and divine feminine within myself?

When we establish integrity within ourselves, we will gain greater clarity – 2020 vison. The ways we act in the world will shift, and we’ll start to create a more harmonious world; one worth inhabiting for generations to come.

And that my friend is what the ‘party in the heavens’ astrology is all about. Dismantle the old outdated patriarchal paradigm and establish a new global vision that supports happy humans and a healthy environment.

How we can help:

We purposefully scheduled a Sound Healing Meditation on Saturday, January 11 - right between these stellar celestial events to help you take time for personal reflection, gain new perspective and insight, reset your energy body, and get grounded - get ready- for the transformations that 2020 is sure to bring! RSVP to hold your spot.

We’ve added a NEW Winter Restorative Yoga Course to provide continued support through February to help you mitigate stress, deeply nourish your nerves and keep you calm.
Info and Registration

PLUS,

Heal Your Emotions!

If your emotions are easily triggered by thoughts, events, news, people, sounds...it’s likely that your emotional body is overloaded or exhausted. The Emotion Code is a highly effective, totally painless method to regain balance instantly, and overtime come into greater synchronicity with yourself.  As a certified practitioner, I help people near and far, release trapped emotions that cause all sorts of problems from mysterious physical pain that won’t go away to distressful relationships, and everything in between. Book a session.

Pssst...

February: Holistic Health Coaching programs go on SALE!!

Because I love coaching women (and men) back into balance and because it’s February, I’m offering a huge discount on my 6-month custom holistic health coaching programs.

Book a complimentary Younger AS Yoga Age consultation to learn more

Here’s my latest blog for Mindful Studio Magazine:

Let Spirit Guide Your Business Decisions

2020 Vision - the year ahead.

If you found 2019 to be a most challenging year, you are not alone!

Many people I know have chosen to address the "shadow" side of life – both personally and collectively. The shadow is our unconscious mind, the storehouse of every memory of every experience that's ever happened to us. For the past six years, I’ve stepped into the dark reaches of my individual psyche walking amongst a grove of sorrow and joy with awareness, purpose and curiosity. It's not been an easy ride, but I’ve learned a lot more about myself from this journey. Some personal traits I can genuinely appreciate, other aspects I still grapple with.

Yet, as 2019 rolls to a close, there is optimistic about 2020.
There’s a deep significance to consider about the year ahead. A“2020” vision is not just about having perfect eyesight. It’s an inner clarity, or spiritual insight, that arises from knowing who you are, why you were born, understanding your life purpose and culling a greathearted conviction to step on your unique path and allow it to unfold.

This is not a journey for the faint of heart!
It requires clear intention, inner strength, and unending adaptability. Are you up for that?

Culturally, we’ve seen a huge unveiling of what I call “Big White Male Privileged” behavior and separatist/racist/elitist patriarchal ideology. From politics to media to sports to business, unacceptable behavior is being called out in all arenas of our culture, by average people rising to the challenges of our times. And not only in the USA, but globally. People are coming together to push back against big pharma, big money, big politics, etc...

What does this have to do with yoga? 
What I love most about the Tantric yogic philosophy I’ve studied for over two decades, is the presiding ideology that honors the Divine Feminine & the Divine Masculine on equal footing. Neither a Patriarchal nor Matriarchal system, Tantric teachings encourage us to consider and practice an holistic way to embrace, respect and balance these two opposing forces within ourselves. The ultimate practice is to bring that knowledge into the way treat ourselves, behave towards others, and act in the world.

On my journey, I’ve explored the ways in which, as a white American female, I’ve both consciously and unconsciously embraced a patriarchy which suppresses the Divine Feminine in every aspect of our culture. I’m coming to know the best and worst within myself in an ever-deepening pursuit of awakened living. What better self-knowledge could there be?

It’s said that the world around us is merely a reflection of what we each hold inside.
So if you don't like what you see around you, discover where that same aspect lives inside you, then learn to love it and let it go.
Easier said than done, I know!

When we embark on the “hero/heroine’s journey plumbing the depths our own psyche to uncover all that is present – the beautiful and the ugly – our life will be enriched. Self-knowledge, self-love, and self-compassion are but a few of the jewels we'll discover. Over time, we'll learn to bring ourselves and the world around us, into greater harmony.

Here’s to “out with the old” and “in with the new” as we cross the threshold from 2019 to 2020.
Hold on to your mats, because it’s going to be a transformative year, in so many ways.
Om Namah Shivaya!!

Evolution is in the Air

Nothing in this universe ever stays the same.

No pattern ever repeats itself exactly.

As spring plants burst forth, you may notice how some plants sprout up in the same spot while others spread across your lawn or garden. Natural phenomena and scientific data indicate a Universe that is endlessly creative, ever-changing and persistently evolving.


We live in a cosmos that's ‘NEVER NOT’ changing!

The big question is:

Are you changing with it?

Or are you stuck in the ‘same old’ paradigm:

same old thoughts, same old habits,
same old patterns, same old emotional reactions?

While it’s natural inclination for humans to desire safety, security and stability (because the upside

of familiarity and repetition allows us to gain mastery in our lives), clinging to old habits puts us way out of sync with the ever-new and always-unfolding present moment. Holding onto the past blocks our current and future evolution.

With every act that is out of sync with nature/god/spirit, there’s a reckoning, reorientation, or rebalancing that eventually occurs. It’s the yin-yang of the karmic world at play, keeping the scales from tipping too far...one way or the other.

Change is gonna come!!
Whether you resist change kicking and screaming,
welcome change with open arms, or roll with change
as each new day unfolds.

So, I’m curious:

Do you create Conscious change?
Or are you subject to Unconscious change?

Unconscious Change:
This type of change can feel like some one or something is forcing change upon you!
You cross your arms in stubborn resistance or even push back.

Eating the same foods, never changing your diet with the seasons, or phases of your life makes
you more susceptible to whatever illness is going around. Succumbing to colds, flu, allergies every year is one of your body’s ways to clear toxins and regain balance...all because you don’t know
how to consciously, purposely adjust your habits to remain healthy.

Unconsciously dumping unprocessed emotions onto another person (nature or animal) when an
old wound gets triggered. Then ditching that relationship to start another, instead of healing the
inner child/ego/wound.

Resisting leaving a job that you hate in search of a new job, then getting fired before you have a chance to give notice. (The universe just gave you a nudge in the direction you were already headed, according to your heart's desire, but were afraid to initiate yourself.)

“Oh, change is gonna come...”

Life never stays the same - even if we pretend that it is the same or wish really hard that it would remain the same. When we resist change, life can broadside our best intentions, but when we realize that change is the only constant...we stand a chance of evolving consciously.

Conscious Change:
This type of change may be challenging at time, but you are clear that it is healthy for you,
and you welcome change with respect and care.
Mindfully changing your diet with the seasons helps your body clear toxins/excess and fortify immunity. Purposeful change will up the odds of staying healthy, while others get sick.

Harnessing spiritual practice to uproot self-sabotaging patterns of thought, and replace them with self-loving thoughts and conscious acts of self-care and self-kindness.

Expanding self-awareness to recognize how your own energy, actions, words positively or negatively affect the people (plants, animals) around you.

-----

Is the universe giving you a nudge?
What are you currently choosing to consciously evolve?

Are you able to find balance between a grounded center and life’s unexpected surprises?

-----

For several years, I’ve wanted to express my affinity for sound healing and crystal singing bowls with others.

Prakasa was the first yoga studio in the Pioneer Valley to offer restorative yoga and sound healing events. I’m delighted to see how this combination of healing paths has caught on.

Now, I’m stepping into another of my heart’s desires – to play music with my husband George and offer our unique sound for  inspirational healing in our local community.

Something extraordinary happens in the space of silence, stillness.
Similar to meditation or prayer, the karmic veils lift and the perceived separateness between ego self and Evolved Self falls away.

In that sacred space, deep within us, we can touch and bask in Pure Spirit, Pure Love, Pure Divine Presence...

This is how humans all around the planet are evolving:

Shift attention from one’s mind to one’s heart, from thinking to feeling, from judging to loving, from doing to being. Then making evolved choices from this new place.

As George and I continue to evolve, we will continue to offer new classes, programs and events at Prakasa to support you on your evolutionary journey.

Come over and try something new! 
This one simple action can shift you out of an old habit.
You’re never too old to begin. It’s never too late to evolve one little aspect of your ‘one precious life’.

Reach out when you’re stuck and in need of holistic guidance  on health, aging, diet, weight, sleep, or spiritual evolution or therapeutic yoga to heal back, neck, shoulder, knee, hip pain.
We’re only a click or call away.

Look out for our new events and programs.
We’ve got some good things in the works (Reiki Trainings, Back Care Program, Sound Healing Workshops). So stay tuned for upcoming announcements and dates!!

Pranams,
Lynne & George

Unblock the Heart & Release Emotional Pain

February 2019 - Happy Heart Month
Let's celebrate diversity & practice unconditional love for one another!

Love is powerful. 
Love is magnetic.
It binds atoms together in infinite complexity like
A rose. A child. An ocean. An ecosystem. A single thought. A full symphony.

Love is cohesive.
It binds people together in place and in community.
A family. A small town. A great nation. A single planet.

Unconditional Love is the most powerful force in the entire universe.
It allows us to soothe a crying child, offer compassion to someone less fortunate, infuse fun and excitement into our relationships...
yet it often seems unobtainable in daily life.

The human heart is like a flower that opens and closes.
A heart filled with unconditional love is like a lotus flower, rising out of muddy waters to offer its delicate beauty to the world. It has no idea how long it will bloom, or if anyone will even notice its presence. Still, it offers itself freely.

But sometimes the heart gets blocked, closed off from Spirit, unable to access love, compassion, kindness. An outburst of frustration, angst, anger, trepidation and fear, or sadness and depression can close the petals of the heart, one by one....
until love can neither be given or received.


What would we do in moments like these?
Could we breathe, get out in nature, or lend a helping hand? Get on our mat and practice? Stop work and go have some fun? Mediate or pray?

And if these fail to bring about the desired shift in mood, perception or thought in one's reality...
then what?

Practice acceptance for ourselves and others?
Wait until the inner storm passes? Or pry the heart back open?
Undergo years of psychotherapy?
Take a medication?

When you've done your very best to offer unconditional love and kindness, but feel thwarted by something you may or may not understand...perhaps something deeper than a passing emotion is surfacing. And that something is what ancient yogic texts call "samskara".

Samskaras are subconscious patterns of thought that can trigger a memory, feeling or behavior. They manifest as a tendency, an impulse, or habitual way of acting and reacting. Samskaras affect your daily life. They can trigger suffering or wellbeing. Or dredge up feelings of resentment, hate or sadness...or give uplifting feelings of love, joy, peace, contentment.



A few years ago, I discovered a new modality, The Emotion Code, which I successfully used to lift a heavy cloud of grief that hung over me for a long time. In just TWO days, I felt like my usual happy self again. It was amazing!!  Such relief. And that opening allowed me to feel reconnected to Source at work and at play. It was as if a floodgate opened and love poured back in.

This month, we hope you find numerous ways to unblock your heart, celebrate diversity and cultivate unlimited, unconditioned love. Love is the operating system of the universe, and the power that fuels it. As a self-sustaining energy there's an inexhaustible supply waiting for you. Just open your heart and let if fill you.

If you're feeling stuck (January doldrums) or are in need of uplifting - join us for one of our celebrations of the heart (read below). And if you're ready to shift any old unprocessed emotions (samsakara) that block your heart from giving and receiving unconditional love - check out my Emotion Code sessions. I work with people in-person and by phone. It's painless and the results to release both physical and emotional pain are immediate.

Namaste,
Lynne

Lynne Ann Paterson
Prakasa Yoga & Wellness   
www.prakasayoga.com

Certified Holistic Health Coach
http://www.prakasayoga.com/health_coaching.cfm

Certified Therapeutic Yoga Specialist
http://www.prakasayoga.com/yoga_therapeutics.cfm

Certified Emotion Code Practitioner
Complete this form to learn more.
http://www.prakasayoga.com/contact_us.cfm

Creator of The Back Care Blueprint: The Complete Spinal Health System
Watch my Free End Chronic Back Pain Training: https://1.prakasayoga.com/get-access