Namaste

Namaste – Christmas is that period of time when the Sun reaches its maximum southern declination, before being re-born on Christmas day. This symbolic period is recognised by many, by decorating the Fir Tree or Fire Tree in their homes. Its significance is not lost on the yogi, who is reminded of the Vedic Fire Ceremony Agnihotra, which honours the return of the Sun after the darkness of night. Light is symbolic of the Self and Consciousness and the untroubled eternal light of the Self Realised Yogi. This is expressed beautifully by these verses from the Bhagavad Gita, translated by Juan Mascaro’. Ch6, v16-19.

Yoga is a harmony. Not for him who eats too much, or

for him who eats too little; not for him who sleeps too

little, or for him who sleeps too much.

A harmony in eating and resting, in sleeping and keeping

awake; a perfection in whatever one does. This is the

Yoga that gives peace from all pain.

When the mind of the Yogi is in harmony and finds rest

in the Spirit within, all restless desires gone, then he is

A Yukta, one in God.

Then his soul is a lamp whose light is steady, for it burns

in a shelter where no winds come.

Happy Chritsmas

Pam and Gordon wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas

New Lamps for Old

New Lamps for Old

New lamps represent each new birth and the light a level of Consciousness that derives from a source called the Ancient of Days. Light has always been representative of Consciousness and stems from a Universal source that is both transcendent and imminent, and it is light as intelligence, clothed in matter, that transforms and characterises the world in which we live. The light in us is a gift of spirit and is that in us which knows we are here, having the ability to be ‘Self’ organising, make decisions and uniquely take part in the play of life that is all around. It is the desire for experience that takes us first down along one road and then another, when we discover that we are a part of a cosmic game, in which some lights appear to shine brighter than others. It is when we try to compensate by adopting the guise of the most successful, often seeking pleasure, and avoiding the difficult, that we appear to be something other than we truly are.

We exist within prisons of our own making, having confined ourselves within psychological barriers as defence from those who whether consciously or unconsciously try to harm us. We can either fight back or continue take refuge in fantasy worlds of our own making. These impositions veil the light of the Self within, so that we become shadows of our former selves, distorting our vehicle of experience, often becoming ill, prematurely abandoning our body and so losing the opportunity to further gain experience, and become unique centres of light and intelligence in the world of time.

Interest sustains life, and it is during periods of set back and ill health that we discover we still have a lot to live for and have not as yet reached our full potential. This is when we need to look clearly and objectively at the body of inertia we carry around with us and the attitudinal responses that disguise who we truly are.

When we are born we are unique to ourselves and bring with us unique vibrational patterning’s developed through many lifetimes. This tempering process gained during life on earth, and passed on through the long body of the ancestors, occasionally gives rise to the age old question “Who Am I”, and to ask ourselves, what is my purpose in life?, is it to be passive and subject to the winds of fate, or can work on myself, develop my full potential, and discover my true destiny.

It is the ancient art of Yoga that not only asks this question, but still passes on its experience developed through aeons of time, for those willing to study, learn and practise. There are many different forms of Yoga and paths to follow, all of which lead back to centre and Self recognition, there is something for everyone, whatever one’s nature or individual temperament.

A White Rose

A White Rose

As I walked the wild and lonely hill

My heart at one with playful wind

The Sun full orbed with radiant shafts,

Fills the soul with iridescent light

Then from yon crag a perfume springs,

The senses five caught in mystic spell,

Lifts the souls to greater height

And there from granite rocks springs

A white rose from the heart of God

Illness

Ill Health tends to negate the cohesive forces that link and hold the body in being; while Yoga, reversing this tendency, is conducive to wholeness and well being. We all know that when influenza strikes, how lack lustre and negative that the body feels; with many voices persuading us to do as little as possible. The body is alive with contrary wills, usually kept in check when we are fit and well, and which rise to the surface when we lack the energy to oppose them. Yoga is essentially discovering yourself as Will, and bringing yourself back to the “Here and Now”, so that you stand in full consciousness, able to deal with the hidden persuaders, from whatever direction they come.

The negative effects of illness can be such that Hatha Yoga is not the first thing that comes to mind; and yet, just one posture, the easiest in our repertoire, will start to bring about a positive change, by tying together loose ends and coordinating Mind, Feeling and Will; So that the whole body can be guided toward a more positive state of being.

Jnana Yoga. Cannot be divorced from Yoga as a whole and is more than the accumulation of knowledge for its own sake and can be the means of adjusting thought process toward a more positive frame of mind. A clear idea, fully understood, is a formulation of spirit, and when the focus is on the ideal yoga posture, it organises the energy within the body towards achieving its aim.

Every idea carries an emotional or feeling charge, therefore if we love what we are doing, the more effective we can be. At the highest level Truth and Love are intimately related, as Truth lays at the heart of Love, hence the ability of the Bhakti Yoga to look into the heart and discern the Truth that lies within.

Purity of heart is to will one thing and to achieve the highest we have to first attain unity of being, and the single posture can be the start of an apprenticeship along a road to Raja Yoga and Self determination, in which Mind, Feeling and Will, bring the body back into perfect accord.

Hatha Yoga is not an exercise program that blindly follows repetitive exercise routines; as each individual is unique, and not unlike Arjuna the charioteer is in charge of their own vehicle of experience. Hatha Yoga brings light to bear on the body as a whole, and helps with the return to both psychological and physical health. Yoga Postures can be sitting, lying down or standing. Asana implies use of the mind and elevates the term Posture to a higher level.

The Integral approach to Asana is to first still the Mind and return to the ‘Here and Now’; then to visualise a perfect Posture as a goal to be achieved. Then holding the form of the Posture in the Mind, to send Good feeling into the body, so as to energise the appropriate muscle groups and prepare the body; next to Initiate and guide the body in full awareness towards its goal. This psychosomatic approach is of particular benefit when there is disharmony in the nervous system. The following meditation will also help re-balance and re-harmonise each level.

Meditation

Centring at the level of the abdomen, visualise and repeat the word ‘Good.’ Then at the heart (Feeling) level, visualise and intone the word ‘Love’. Then at the head (Ajna), visualise and repeat the word ‘Truth. Then repeat the whole sentence; it is Good to Love Truth.

Reverse this process with Truth at the level of the head. Love at the level of the heart and Good at the drive or belly centre. Aware of each level as you repeat True, Love is Good.

It is important that head and spine is perfectly balanced, yet free of tension during the meditation.

The Way of the Yogi

The Way of the Yogi

Yoga represents the ideal that is a calm disposition in the face of adversity, flexibility and good health with the ability to calmly adjust when things go wrong. A Yogi is generally optimistic, cheery and a good companion to have at your side. To look up the popular definitions of Yoga, we find that it has its roots in the Sanskrit language and means Union that is to join or yoke with God. This somewhat intangible statement hints at the highest level of relationship between the whole of nature and man himself. The Yogi does not live in isolation from all that is around him, but enjoys the refreshing stillness of the mountain top, the life giving vitality of nature and the energy of sunlight. God speaks to him in the silent space within, as well as in bird song and the sighing of the wind. His truth is a measure of reality, in clearly structured and measured thought. There is nothing to prove, and whether he is here or there he is always at the Centre of his Universe, his truth arises from an inner clarity that transcends the time oppressed world. There is intelligence in nature that unfolds in every living thing, wherein nothing is rushed or forced, and truth as embodied love expresses its beauty and form according to its inmost nature. The Yogi clear in heart and mind is attuned to the natural rhythms of life, with nothing to prove, his watchword is ahimsa (non injury), and his guidance is directed toward developing the uniqueness that lies within each. He does not force or strain beyond his natural limits, encourages harmonious relationship between every living thing, his teaching directed toward health and wholeness of being in one and all.                     

Winter

Winter

We slept awhile, in the Earths winter,

A moulded shape, a form unseen

Not knowing, unknown, a sleeping dearth,

No depth, nor height, or future seen.

The sleepers turned, in endless space,

A timeless orb, an unknowing now

Then love turned with infinite grace.

A heavenly light and love wept

In earth we turned, until bathed in light.

Then we remembered our parent face.

But still we turned, from day to night.

A timely rhythm, a fall from Grace

The Sun, with myriad shafts of light

Pierced the Earth with living sword

A thousand intelligences, clothed and bright,

Sprang forth as the embodied word

I Believe in Angels

I Believe in Angels – they are companions of hope that live in each conscious moment, lighting the pathways of life. They are God’s artists and messengers, that ascend and descend, touching hearts and minds; inspiring, and arbiters of invention. They are seldom seen as they have to shine through the fog of human disbelief, fear and suffering. They touch hearts and minds during quiet moments and in our dreams; angels are heartfelt, life enhancing, and only barred by our own disbelief. They are spheres of intelligent light, providing comfort to the dying, guiding each to their spiritual home. They are the ones that descend with the rays of the Sun and re-enliven the Truth and Love enshrined in God’s creation. They appear in many forms, inspiring both artist and writer. To discover your angels, learn to read not only with your head, but also with your heart. Then during moments of fear and doubt, simply name them; Jesus Christ; The Buddha; Eugene Halliday; St. John of the Cross; Jacob Boehme and others; and if you have only understood them in part, they will still guide you across the fathomless oceans of uncertainty, to a brighter and safer shore.

                   

Coping with Stress

Coping with Stress, implies containing or controlling stress, which can be damaging when energy input is excessive, or more than is required for dealing with a situation. The causes of stress are many and all forms of stress are constraining in some way. The word stress is from a Latin root strictus, from stringere, to draw tight. There are strings attached to most that we become contracted to in this world, whether it is a mortgage or a pay day loan.

Commitment without consideration as to cost will most likely mean commitment to mental, emotional and physical tension. Not all commitment is arduous or stressful, as it is possible to be committed to freedom; self-response-ability and a life lived in accordance within one’s means.

Energy as life-force, is expressive at many levels, whether mineral, plant, animal or human; this when fulfilling its purpose can be called good energy, or energy that is suited to purpose, and when destructive and inimical to purpose, bad energy, not suitable to purpose. Energy in itself is neither good nor bad; it is how it is directed is the key; we would all like to live a harmonious life and when stress becomes excessive, we need ways of dealing with it.

Coping methods can be at either physical emotional or mental levels, such as exercise like going for a walk and if possible in open countryside, or by the sea. Listening to soothing music, calming the breath, or even a short nap as worry can be emotionally draining. Thoughts are energy formations with direct links to the way we feel, and deep feelings of anxiety can be persistent and difficult to let go.

The practice of mindfulness is taking control by steadying the mind and breaking the inertia of worrying trains of thought. Train yourself to stop serial thinking by focussing on the immediate and present moment; if at home try removing your footwear and earth yourself, by affirming your contact with the ground. Become aware of the things in your immediate vicinity as it is possible to be rushing to solve problems and forget the space you occupy.

Sub consciousness and deep seated fears are the most difficult to deal with, as on the surface they may seem irrational, and yet there is always a reason lying behind the fears we experience. The yoga class and yoga nidra can be of help; particularly if we learn to hold ourselves at the edge of sleep and observe impressions that rise to the surface. One technique (Yoga Nidra). usually guided by an experienced yoga teacher, is to first relax and then present a series of images to the mind, some pleasant and some unpleasant e.g. a cottage with roses around the door, an endless burning dessert, a coffin beside an open grave.

These and similar visualisation repetitions are briefly focussed upon; before letting go and clearing the mind and then observing the impressions and feelings that come to the surface, as underlying deep seated tension is released. A not dissimilar auto-suggestive relaxation technique, in which helpful words and sentences are used to create positive feeling changes, is Autogenic training. The words if carefully chosen will help bring a positive re-orientation and support when dealing with a variety of life’s difficulties.

Meditation also helps to put life back into perspective, by creating space between yourself and the problem to be solved. Stress intensifies a situation and exaggerates, and creating space between you and the problem, will open the mind to fresh ideas. Creating space is the basis of Zen meditation, starting with the focussed mind then letting go completely, and letting go whatever the mind has been focussed on, so that at it disappears completely. Then returning back to the original focal point and as you will discover, it will always be with new ideas and a fresh sense of perspective.

Stairways to Heaven is a similar meditation for outdoors on a summers day or by use of the imagination and starts by just listening to the sounds of nature, bird song, and even sensing the world around as if seeing with the skin surface.; then by stepping upward from each sense impression, reaching upward as if into limitless space, until mind and heart are filled, as if with blue sky. Blue is a refreshing and healing colour and is only a step away from the clear untroubled mind of a self-realised yogi.

The breath and the emotions are closely related and calming the breath, calms’ the emotions. There is a close relationship between breath and spirit and when agitated in body and mind, the breath is likely to reflect the emotional tone present in that moment. When stressed breathe deeply and slowly as if the breath were rising and falling, from and into an oasis of peace. Then retain this peace at the centre of your being.    

                                                

A Simple Question?

A Simple Question?

If you were asked by someone to give them the benefit of your life’s experience, and provide one seed idea or belief, that would stand as the basis of your responses to the world. What would it be? Do you have one essential belief that if the tide ran out on your life, you would have something to cling onto? If a Christian it could be Christ is my Anchor; what does this mean? What is the essential Christian message? As a practising yogi it may simply be ‘Be Here Now’? Your answer may change someone life. If you find the question difficult, It could be there still work to do?

A Book of Thoughts

Gordon is currently writing and gathering some of his works together so that Nirvana Essence Yoga will be able to release his thoughts in a paperback.. Gordon has many years of writing and poetry which are currently residing in folders and office filing systems so we thought it would be amazing to let them see the light of day! Gordon and Pam have already released " Meditation : A Treasury of Technique" in 1989, this book is available via Amazon. There are two free downloadable books by Pam and Gordon on their website www.nirvana-essence.co.uk under the CD collection page.
So....work begins and we look forward to 2015

Stillness

Stillness

Stillness is the backdrop or ground against which all phenomena presents' itself.  From stillness arise the pure tones of nature and of all living things.  To discover your own lost nature and experience the shared beauty and essence of life's forms, meditate and experience the stillness that offers no resistance to the emerging pulse of life.  

First sit quietly and listen for the signposts of life, each sound providing a clue as to the direction in which stillness lies.  Let go of each sound as if it were a stepping stone into a deeper surrounding quiet; then finally 'let go' and enjoy the non-dual that underlies all form.  From the non-dual arise the pure tones that blossom and flower into life's forms.  Become aware of your own essence and 'let go' of the dull tones of life imperfectly expressed.  Then 'let' the breath of life breathe new life into the dark corners of your being; and 'let' the wisdom (prajna), that arises from 'no mind', show the way forward, as you enjoy the beauty of form that arises from love's true essence.  Continue to meditate and enjoy healing and stillness; enjoy the light and embodied truth in all living forms.

Autumn

Autumn

Petals on the garden floor,

Love and life no more.

Scents, once blowing on the wind,

Love’ kisses to remind.

That loving children’s hearts

Rested awhile on blossom sweet

Gently, pray gently,

As you your garden prune;

You know not what souls,

What loving tenderness,

You dash with prune and fork,

In your eagerness for winter.  

Walking Zen

Walking Zen gives rise to the unique experience of remaining detached, yet aware of every movement. It should ideally be a continuation of the meditative experience with each movement harmonious and flowing. What in fact usually happens with the beginner is that movements are clumsy and disjointed rather than flowing. This is usually because there is thinking about walking rather than letting the moment express itself in movement. It is not unlike running downstairs, if you stop and think which foot goes next you are liable to trip and fall, yet if you let it happen, you will seem to glide down the stairs. The important difference with Zen is that the movements are not mechanical but wholly conscious without losing any of their fluidity. Zen walking requires that you be aware of your contact with the ground, the moment a foot leaves the ground, and every detail of the synchronised movement of your body, with each movement flowing into the next. The final stage comes when there is attunement not only with the body but with everything around you; your walking does not offend nature and there is the sense that the air, sea and sky and everything that is around you is sharing your experience, Do not be disappointed if things do not happen immediately, persevere and hold each moment until timeless movement holds past and future in a simultaneous act of comprehension. Contemplative walking can provide the relief needed after long periods of sitting. It also provides the means of continuing the spirit of meditation at the same time as enjoying gentle exercise.

Prepare for walking by placing hands together with the back of one hand resting on the palm of the other and the thumbs lightly touching. Then start to walk slowly, fully aware of the function of walking. There should be no aspect of walking which escapes your attention, heel touching, sole of the foot etc. There should also be awareness of the breath, which is peaceful and co-ordinated. In the hands you can visualise a golden ball which symbolises the Will to Self Realisation, alternatively feel that it is Peace or Love which you hold in your hands, represented by a single Lotus Blossom or a Rose, and that as you walk the spirit of love becomes part of your every movement.

Photograph kindly provided by Kiran Bahra
www.kiranbahra.com

The New Breed - A Prophecy

The New Breed – A Prophecy

Yoga I believe will be ultimately responsible for producing the new breed.

This remarkable body of men and women has already started to grow, and there are signs that some are already with us.

These are not anarchists or revolutionaries in the normal sense of the word, but quiet unassuming people who live their lives with integrity and honesty.

These, as we embark on the new age, will ensure the sanity of the new era as it becomes more technologically and scientifically orientated.

The reason for their influence will be because of the different criteria and sets of values by which they live their lives; their chief aim not toward a greater cash flow in order to enjoy the pleasures of the world, or buy bigger chunks of real estate.

This does not mean that they will not be hard working and enterprising, but rather that they will be motivated by a new consciousness.

The new consciousness will not be self limiting but will arise from a greater awareness of the needs of the planet and the important future roll of the human race in the development of the solar system.

This new breed like the Yogis of the past, will be visionaries and the Yogis of the future, having worked at and integrated a lot of the wisdom of the past, which integration will inevitably be passed on to their children.

It is unlikely that these new Messiahs will be crucified as many have been in the past. At least let us hope that mankind has learned something from history – crucifixion does not necessarily being nailed to a wooden cross because the modern world has much more subtle and efficient ways of doing things, without this new breed, we could pursue scientific research for its own sake, with little thought for the consequences. The computer would become God and operate its vast technological and psychological brain to the benefit of a few powerful operators, running the planet as if it were there own back yard.

Fortunately there will be those, perhaps few in number, who will quietly and by example demonstrate the value of taking responsibility for one’s own life – of being ‘Self’ motivated in the highest sense of the word. That is conscious beings attuned to the Will of God and each a sophic mirror capable of reflecting private purpose back into the soul of the perpetrator.

This new breed will lack herd consciousness and not belong to any particular society or group, but be spread far and wide, each a small but effective light, acting as a reminder that the spirit of freedom still exists.

It is the Yogi of today working quietly and diligently on her/himself who will be the safeguard for the future.

Timeless Mother

Timeless mother

Love fills the air

With a compassion sweet.

As subtle as moths’ wings,

Love torn from work and toil

From strivings past

And often poverty wrought.

When love was squeezed

From care worn hands

From mothers’ bowed

Over sink and wash.

Often unsung, yet caring,

Until with time love departs

Yet now we stand

So tall and proud

A product of loves stream

Born from mothers’ dreams

Echoes of Summer

Echoes of summer

I dreamt for a while

Of a white bird

That Touched the summer blue.

Floating on high

Above field and meadow

Then for a moment

Rested in God’s palm.

Before disappearing upward

In jubilant song  
Through the Gates of Heaven

It's a Dog's Life

                                                                              It's a Dog's Life

                           It's a Dog's Life,

                         When chasing your tail

                          With no end in sight

                          Only an endless whirl

                     Of disappearing sticks and bones

                       Until home and safe at last

                           A good stretch.....

                          And Pam's CD to help

                           To chill and relax

                              Tai the Dog

I AM

I AM

I am the dawn that lights the sky.

   The soft night air, the bedewed grass,

     A lonely flower in distant pass

      A Mother’s love.  A baby’s cry.

 I am the strong and the straight.

      The winding and turning of devious way,

     The vaulted sky and secluded bay,

     A ploughed field. A wicket gate

I am the silent and the free.

      The infinite depth in an empty church,

   The light of the morning Sun,

      A loving heart. The knowing Now

 I AM

                                                                                   

Self Healing

Self Healing becomes a possibility with the practice of yoga techniques of realignment.  This realignment is the union between purusha, that is the individual soul in its purest form and its primordial nature (prakrt); that is the subtle template that patterns the nature of each in the temporal world. The main cause of break down is stress from a variety of causes and yoga goes a long way in alleviating that stress, with relaxation techniques and exercises that rebalance and coordinate Mind, Feeling and Will. 

The ‘Self’ healing that occurs when there is harmony between soul and nature is further enhanced by yoga meditation and breathing techniques. The way we breathe is influenced by variety of factors, as we constantly adjust to life in the world. Soul or Solar breathing is the return to the natural and untroubled rhythm of the breath, when the mind is still and we are at peace and in harmony with our surroundings.

Most of us have experimented with, or have seen, that when particles are vibrated on a flat surface, they form patterns; which is not dissimilar to the energy patterns that characterise all things in nature. In a well toned body we are in tune with the energy pattern that ensures perfect health and if we include the sound geometry of the entire universe and beyond, we express this with the all inclusive sound of the mystical AUM...

Sound vibrations can be extremely subtle, well below the range of normal hearing. The word of God; that is the sound vibrations that order creation are intuited rather then heard. They are the impulses that stimulate the heart beat, the breath, and form the foundation that patterns life. The yogi and yogini who is able to attune to their own unique energy pattern will go a long way in ensuring their own good health, and possibly be able turn the tide against the onset of illness.

The following ‘Self’ healing meditation technique, is far from dramatic and could not be simpler, as it requires sitting for meditation in a manner that is most appropriate to your ability, and then watching and allowing the breath to guide you to deeper and more subtle levels of consciousness. First we quieten the breath in order to quieten the mind; we are reminded of a library reading room and the words Quiet Please; only this time it is inner Quiet that we seek; each breath soothing and quietening the mind.  The next step is the experience of Calm, that occurs when the nervous system stops responding to mental impulses, and calm extends throughout the body. Once calm we are closer to a growing sense of detachment and a feeling of Peace and a level in which all life is able to work in harmonious inter-function. It is only when we become Still that the breath is at its most subtle and we can sense the subtle life enhancing rhythms conducive to our well being. It is at the level of the still Mind that we are able to stand between the two worlds of time and eternity and compare the stress related body that exists in time, with the pristine purity that exists in the timeless. 

It is by making real and re-adjusting to what is experienced at these subtle levels of meditation that brings change, so that in a sense we begin the process of exchanging new lamps for old. Quiet, Calm, Peace and Stillness are representative of different levels of consciousness and are stepping stones into more profound levels of ‘Self’ understanding.                           

Walk On The Sunny Side

Walk on the Sunny Side

Walking on the sunny side is a question of choice and represents a positive wakefulness that enables us to make choices in a spirit of optimism. To make pessimistic choices is like walking on the dark side, without any clear sense of direction, unclear choices, made like stabs in the dark, invokes unwanted responses that we have to deal with.

The sunny side represents the clear light of consciousness and a clear untroubled mind. A side to be enjoyed and immersed in, not unlike a clear summers day, when sunlight supports and upholds life, so does the catalytic light of consciousness have the power to make positive and supportive changes in one’s life. This light can be obscured by troublesome thoughts, like as when clouds move across the face of the sun, yet the clear light, although hidden, ever remains.  We have to learn to meditate, still the mind and rediscover the refreshing clarity that lies within.

There are practical benefits to walking on the sunny side, as when making a conscious evaluation of one’s life. To be aware when walking, also improves the efficiency of action, as consciousness has close links with feeling, so that movement becomes stress free. Meeting other people in a spirit of openness, makes for better relationship, as there for the grace of God go I. Breathing with awareness of the breath and becoming conscious of the breath, can imbue the lungs with life and light, so that each breath becomes more  peaceful and charged with life giving energy. These are but the first steps toward a body of light.

Take every opportunity to meditate in sunlight and carry the light inward toward the centre of one’s being. The Sun is energising and life giving; each spring, bringing forth new life from the earth, as it fulfils God’s purpose. There is a close link between the Sun and the centre of our own will. Meditate during the light of the day and carry the light inward and feel that the light of the world is your light, so that you feel inwardly refreshed and your inmost will becomes a centre of joyful initiative.

Wood Smoke

Wood Smoke

Wood smoke drifts on air

From I know not where

A fire of burning wood

Of trees which firmly stood

Essence of Oak, Ash and Pine

Now a fragrance sublime

Each Tree filled soul

Now airborne and free

 

Touching hearts on scented air

Each free, now to share

In timeless moments

Their nature so rare

 

Dreamtime

Dreamtime and Dreaming is an important part of sleep patterns; as dreaming is a safety valve that helps relieve stress; by dramatising and forming new relationships, between deeply hidden fears and emotions. Without the release of tension and anxiety during dreams, the hidden stress would manifest in illness and many stress related conditions. A stress driven mind is not conducive to sleep, and one way in which to induce dreaming and restful sleep, is with eyes closed, practise peaceful relaxed breathing, at the same time watching with interest the images that drift through the mind. These images can arise from different levels, from day to day emotional attachments, to hidden anxieties carried to us from childhood. If you observe these images without attachment, as they drift idly bye, sleep will soon follow.

Occasionally we may need to make a more positive impact upon dreamtime, such as when disturbed by stress or a mind struggling with an unresolved problem. This is where sincere heartfelt prayer can be of help, such as the ‘Lord’s Prayer’, with focus on its meaning and its relevance to you. The Yogi can also use words in the form of a repetitive mantra, such as mentally repeating “Let all that is irrelevant to the healing of this being, be banished”, or “Let all that is contrary to my peace of mind and tranquillity be banished”. Whatever the form of words, it is important that you feel comfortable with them and then carry the associated feeling into sleep.

Words and sentences can help influence the energy of dreamtime, such as those which include Truth, Love, Goodness, Happiness, Strength and many similar words representing important functions that give rise to a feeling of stability. Many of the words and images that appear on TV prior to retiring can adversely influence our dreams, therefore before sleep, take control and allow a little time, either to count your blessing, listen to music and enjoy the space which is your own.

Angels

                                                 Angels

Angels are glimpsed

In the sunlit dance

Of leafy country lanes.

Felt in the warmth of the sun

In graveyards of quiet neglect

They are light stepping

Light tripping, ever free

Like laughter, enticing, uplifting.

Realised souls, dispelling gloom

From nostalgia’s loom.

Angels are pure

Intelligent light.

Love and truth crystallised

In moments of pure perception.

They are winged messengers

Lighting the path to heaven.

Reaching from heaven and heavenward.

They are like the stars

Which fill sky’s canopy

Heavenly pointers of the way.

By Gordon Smith