Light; Life and Happiness

Light; Life and Happiness

Light is a vibration of a field of energy, it is not static, but vibrant and all pervasive, making us aware of the manifest world as well as its shadows. There is no light that is not spirit and we are all condensed light. In its subtle form it is a manifestation and coming into being of all that was previously hidden in apparent darkness; by darkness we mean, the non-moving reality of all that has been or will eventually come to be. It is love which is the heart of the Cosmos and which holds the truth of all living creatures, whether past, present or yet to be born.

Love is an all embracing sentience, an eternal mother principle that and gives birth to all in due time and to quote Eugene Halliday...Life is a function of love, an activity in which the potentialities of being are actualised, sustained, developed and transcended to infinity, life itself is Divine Love at work.

Laughter, an expressive form of energy release, is either the laughter of acquired power or the laughter of hysteria. The laughter of hysteria can arise from an apprehension of the absurd and the sense of relief that arises from being on the outside looking in, at a charade or staged humour containing the echoes of many of our own life situations. The laughter of acquired power comes from a perception of the real, and the joy that arises from the recognition of the eternal underlying the illusory and changing patterns on the ocean of life.

The infinite is doubtless, and Joy arises from within oneself with the affirmation and realisation of the eternal and unwavering truth, or real within the life of the universe. The pose of complete relaxation or Corpse Posture can lead to this realisation, because no matter how deeply we relax or let go of body awareness we do not disappear. The surface waves of tension or irritation like the ripples on a lake may subside but there remains in oneself an all comprehending stillness and a looking forward to new possibilities of being.

Truth lies within and is not clamorous and is part of the silent hidden strength of the Yogi, the Healer and enlightened. It is a level of awareness that arises in the heart and is not intellectually proud. Life itself is a manifestation of the truth at the heart of life unless distorted by private purpose and ambition. Not all, however is as it seems. As life can be short and those who suffer most, angelic forms, resolving the hurt and transforming the karma of past lives. Only to emerge from their chrysalises of pain as true Son’s of light.

When passing on the light of the candle flame from one candle to another, the light of the previous candle is not diminished. The same is with universal love as it is infinite and never diminished. The practise of meditative healing is not unlike passing on the light of the candle flame from one candle to another, the healer expresses what is felt from within the light of the heart and passes it on; without any sense of loss or obligation, just a simple statement arising from the light within.

Happiness is the feeling of inner harmony that arises when our inner worlds and outer worlds are in correspondence and to quote a few lines from the Bhagavad Gita Ch6v18.19 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.                                          

Yoga for Back Pain

Yoga for Back Pain

When we use the word Yoga it implies an intelligent and Conscious approach to whatever is being done. Whenever back pain is present there can be diverse reasons as to its cause, from serious trauma requiring immediate medical intervention, to the less serious, whether physical or psychological. At some point decision has to be made whether any form of exercise is appropriate and this is when the realistic approach of Yoga may prove helpful.

It is likely that if the cause of the pain is recent that the injury is at the acute stage, when inflammation, torn tissue and pressure due to swelling affecting nerve endings produces continuous discomfort and the best course of action is rest. It is when healing takes place and when musculature tightens that we enter the chronic phase, when there is undue stiffness and a lack of flexibility. Yoga exercise then becomes part of a Conscious and evolving process in which the spine and associated musculature is allowed to start to express itself through a range of movement, which is extremely gentle at first, as forced movement can be counter-productive. Some basic exercise is described as follows:-

Flexing the Spine as with the forward bending postures, particularly with disc related problems, has to be approached with caution. Paschimottanasana is a seated posture with the legs extended to the front, in which the posterior muscles of the body are given a stretch by bending forward and bringing the body toward the legs. The posture is then held for several seconds without pulling or jerking, but simply allowing the upper weight of the body to contribute toward the stretch. It takes time and patience to stretch tightened muscles; helps are directing the energy and the warmth of the out flowing breath toward the whole of the back.

Hyperextension is the counter pose posture which after spinal flexion is taken up from a lying face down position. Ideally it should be possible to first raise the head and shoulders without assistance from the arms. However, a realistic approach after suffering back trauma is to adopt a Sphinx like pose by resting on the forearms and then raising head and shoulders and holding position for several seconds. With improved flexibility the body can be raised further by adopting the Cobra or Bhujangasana pose with the hands palms down at shoulder level.

Lateral Flexion allows the spine to bend first to one side and then the other. There are a variety of Yoga postures to encourage this, usually from a stable seated position while sitting with the legs crossed or knees bent and at one side and then the other. The arms are then raised and clasped above the head and stability maintained as the body is stretched first to one side and then the other.

Spinal Rotation can be from either standing or sitting and the body rotated first one way and then the other, and holding the twist for several seconds at each turn.

This is a small example of the type of Yoga exercise then can help alleviate back pain. It is important to remember that the body is best supported by a well toned musculature and that there has to be achieved a balance between too relaxed and flaccid, called the hypotonic condition, and the too tense, the hypertonic. The ideal is when muscle tone is such that it is ready for immediate action and referred to as a balanced or tonic condition.

Yoga is very much bringing control back to the individual and assisting in the healing process through an intelligent awareness of the body, whether or not medical intervention has been necessary. The aim of Yogi throughout the ages has been to know one’self at all levels whether physically, mentally or spiritually.

Nirvana Essence CD's

NIRVANA ESSENCE CD's by PAM AND GORDON SMITH

£6 and are available at www.nirvana-essence.co.uk

Relax Now – The voice of Pam Smith an experienced yoga/meditation teacher. This CD’ has a background of soothing music. To release the body from its burdening stress, relax muscles and improve circulation. This CD could prove to be a life saver, releasing the body and mind from the ageing affects of stress, toning body and mind with proven relaxation techniques. A perfect combination of sound and voice, and an indispensable asset in helping overcome stress. Including a nighttime’s relaxation, ideal for soothing body and mind as you drift into the land of dreams.

Colour Your World – A Pam Smith relaxation, guiding consciousness thru! The body to experience deeper controlled relaxation. A relaxation that brings light and life into all areas of the body, employing natural imaginative techniques to harmonise body and mind and replace the gray inner world with the colours of nature. Included is a meditative relaxation to bring the healing qualities of the whole colour spectrum into natural harmony with the body. Ideal as a guided relaxation for yoga teachers.

Stress Less – A positive tense and relax exercise for the whole body. This daytime relaxation concludes with positive affirmations to guide both body and nervous system into deeper levels of relaxation. The way we feel has an effect upon body chemistry and this relaxation will continue to have a positive effect.  Included is a night time relaxation to deepen biofield (life-field) consciousness, releasing deeper levels of stress.

Healthy Life –We become ill because we lack oneness. This guided relaxation is to help improve circulation and the general well being of the body; a healthy and pain free life is dependent is on good circulation, and being free from the restrictive tensions that impede the natural flow of energy throughout the body. The mind does not differentiate between what is real and what is imagined and there is a second meditative relaxation that uses positive affirmations to help rejuvenate and revitalise the body. These affirmations can be used day or night to help refocus and unify the body energy.

The Heart of Relaxation – An inimitable relaxation guided by the voice of parabhakti, that brings the transforming light of consciousness to the body. Consciousness is a catalyst and initiates beneficial change when present. Learning to listen to your heart is a sure and certain guide when learning to take control and rebalance the life-force within the body. A second guided relaxation and visualisation to achieve a tranquil mind and awaken the healing light within. A peaceful inner centre affects not only one’s self but also the world around.

Self Healing thru! Yoga

Self Healing thru! Yoga becomes possible when we understand the nature of the Self. The Self or Soul is essentially divine and encompasses the blueprint or pattern that God has laid down for us as our vehicle of experience. The self or soul written with a small‘s’, is the isolated or ego self, which has distorted the true Self with narrow personalised decisions.  No man is an island as there are innumerable selves, each part of a divine play, which with each individual’s action like the tremors of an earthquake, reaching out to affect all too some degree. The yogi is like a cork that rises and falls in the ocean swell; still remaining serenely afloat once waves and turbulence have passed. There are many levels at which spirit expresses itself, some detrimental to our well being, others positive and life enhancing. We all have a choice as to which circles we move in, and can once we have refined our awareness orientate ourselves towards those energies which will help fulfil our life’s purpose.

We have all experienced the benefits of absorbing the soothing peace of a quiet glade or restful garden and merged with the surrounding peace; or sat quietly and absorbed the subtle energies of a healing meditation. Every thought in the mind has an emotional charge and by clear visualisation and directed thought it is possible to contact energy levels associated with spiritual beings. For example, to reinforce and awaken your healing potential, try to attune to you’re ‘Healing Angel’; your Healing Angel can be the highest aspect of your ‘Self’, that you that you hope you will become. This type of meditation cannot be rushed or hurried as we have to be receptive to changes in levels of consciousness. This may be presaged by changes in feeling which can be directed to where it is needed. Healing is rarely spontaneous, requires patience and a gradual absorption of the healing energy as it comes to you.

Focus is important and the ability to direct the healing energies into the cellular structure of the area. Clear visualisation of your body strengthening and returning to balanced good health (see yourself as you really Will to be). Natural intuition will then inform you of the actions to take toward the healing process.

Freedom

 Freedom

Meditate on the free flight of a bird

Then beyond its form

Into the blueness of space

Meditate on the setting Sun, then beyond

Through a Golden doorway

Into Eternal life

From Earth, meditate on a distant star

Sense its timeless distance

Then enter the space between

Visualise the warmth of a loving smile

Float on clouds of peace

Enjoy free and timeless moments

Trust in God, who is both near and far

You are now free to choose

Unfettered by imprisoning time

Yoga in the West

Yoga in the West has two faces a secular and a spiritual. Its secular aligns itself with physical culture and the development of a healthy body free from illness and disease. The spiritual sees beyond the limitations of the body into the eternal from which we came, and will eventually return. No two aspects of yoga live in isolation from each other as there is a strong psychological element that draws both aspects together, until eventually they are able to walk hand in hand toward enlightenment.

The psychological recognises that for some it is possible to transcend the limitations of herd consciousness, and to stand on their own two feet and become self-determined. This dawning of a new consciousness arises from understanding what makes the body tick, and uses the physical challenges to bring Mind, Feeling and Will into relationship. The fact that we can examine our thoughts, and watch as one thought chases another means that there is another level, usually experienced as if we were on the outside looking in.

There is something in all of us that knows we stand between the world of time and the infinite possibilities of the eternal. It is when we dare to “Let Go”, and release ourselves from the chains of time, that we discover our original nature. A simple meditation helps to prove this, by releasing yourself from every phenomena, every thought that appears in consciousness. One thing that you will discover is that no matter how hard you try, you cannot get rid of yourself. As the Self (Atman) is ‘not this, not this’, the Sanskrit equivalent is Neti-neti.

Ultimate Reality cannot be described by any positive means, we can only step beyond all names and definitions and experience the reality of the eternal in perfect stillness. Interestingly space is not empty and contains all possibilities of form whatever, as like a cosmic mirror it reveals distortions that occur in time. It’s not unlike what happens when we go to bed at night with a worrying problem on the mind, fall asleep, and in the morning find that the solution and way forward has become much clearer.

The yogi who has developed the ability to be ‘Self Reliant’, does not usually jump to conclusions, but relies on his inner intuitive sense as a guide to the way forward. This reflexive technique, which takes no time at all, presents whatever problems occur to the wider vision of the eternal. The guidance which arises from centre is none urgent and not unlike sunlight glancing on water or the warmth of a smile, arises from your most subtle level of feeling.

Self Healing thru! Yoga becomes a possibility when we understand the nature of the Self. The Self or Soul is essentially divine and encompasses the blueprint or pattern that God has laid down for us as our vehicle or experience. The self or soul written with a small‘s’, is the isolated or ego self, which has distorted the true Self with narrow personalised decisions. No man is an is an island as there are innumerable selves, each part of a divine play, which with each individual’s action, like the tremors of an earthquake reach out to affect all to some degree. The yogi is like a cork that rises and falls in an ocean swell; still remaining serenely afloat once the waves and turbulence have passed. There are many levels at which spirit expresses itself, some detrimental to our well being, others positive and life enhancing. We all have a choice as to which circles we move in and can once we have refined our awareness orientate ourselves towards those energies which help fulfil our life’s purpose.

We have all experienced the benefits of absorbing the soothing peace of a quiet glade or restful garden and merged with the surrounding peace; or sit quietly and absorb the subtle energies of a healing meditation. Every thought in the mind has an emotional charge and by clear visualisation and directed thought it is possible to contact energy levels associated with spiritual beings. For example, to reinforce and awaken your healing potential, try to attune to your ‘Healing Angel’; your Healing Angel  can be the highest aspect of your ‘Self’, that you hope to become. This type of meditation cannot be rushed or hurried as we have to be receptive to changes in levels of consciousness. This may be presaged by changes in feeling which can be directed to where it is needed. Healing is rarely spontaneous, requires patience and a gradual absorption of the healing energy as it comes to you.

Focus is important and the ability to direct the healing energies into the cellular structure of the area. Clear visualisation of your body strengthening and returning to balanced good health (see yourself as you really Will to be). Natural intuition will then inform you of the actions to take toward the healing process.                                                         Gordon and Pam

The Absolute

The Absolute washes away all considerations it is that which is without limit yet is complete in itself. The absolute transcends the rise and fall of the breath yet imparts meaning to the breath. Consciousness differentiates the space made by the breath; then in the still moment that it turns from up to down touches eternity. It is the still moments that absolve and wash away the stressful moments caught by the mind. The quieter and more subtle the breath the closer we are to the refining stillness that underlies the breath. The less breathing more prana as then we are more in touch with the manifesting life force of the universe. We should not force breath retention, as simply by refining and bringing light and consciousness to the breath, it becomes prana enriched, with the body making less demands on the breath. Breath retention then tends to be a natural pause with a merging with the healing and stillness of the absolute.

The Absolute is all value whatever; it is an all comprehending presence that lies both within and without. When meditating with the mind still, centre at the level of the Ajna chakra, the command centre of the yogi. This is the seat of transcendence and of the observer, it is important that there is no urgency whatever, simply a quiet watchfulness, as tension or stress will adversely affect the meditator. The Ajna chakra lies approx one inch above the centre of the eyebrows and about one inch back and can be likened to the cave of the avatars, as in the still centre within resides the wisdom of the ages. It is during moments of stillness that we can make a calm appraisal of our lives, transcend and release ourselves from stress and merge with the healing presence within.