TLC Inspirations...
 
The Guest House
 
This being human is a guest house.
 Every morning a new arrival.
 
A joy, a depression, a meanness, 
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
 
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still, treat each guest honorably.
 
He may be clearing you out for some new delight.
 
The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.
 
Be grateful for whomever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond. 
 
~ Rumi
 
Total Life Care Center
norwalk, ct | www.tlccenter.com | 203.853.4852
There's No Place Like Om
by Beth Prins Leas
 
buddha rainbow
Are you searching for that place, somewhere, over the rainbow, way up high, where skies are blue and the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true?  Have you been looking for a place outside of yourself hoping it will magically fulfill your longing?
 
Well, search no more. 
 
Meditation is the magic carpet that will carry you where the clouds are far behind you and troubles melt like lemon drops. You, like Dorothy, have the power within to go 'OM'.  It's easy and fun.
 
So put aside your expectations about meditation and don't worry about  doing it 'right'.  There are infinite possibilities and no fixed criterion for determining the right meditation for you. Slip on your ruby slippers, click your heels three times and remember these zen commandments from Bethela, the Good Witch. 
 
Find that special place: If possible, this should be a dedicated place for meditation.  It can be at a table in a corner of a room, a special spot in front of a window, on the floor at the foot of your bed.  Keep it comfortable and fresh and fun. A ritual will get you in the right mood for meditation. Anything that tells your mind that this is what is on your meditation settingagenda will be helpful.  Engage all your senses.  Light a candle, burn some incense, use essential oils that are pleasing to you.  Sit on a satin cushion or velvet pillow - something that feels good. Honor this sacred time and space.
 
Same good time:  Dawn and dusk are particularly good because the world seems to enter into a special tranquility at these times.  More important is to give the mind notice that at a certain time you are going to meditate.  And setting aside 10 minutes every day is better than 1 hour once a week.  The length of time is less important than the daily practice.
 
Shhhhhh - quiet please. Eliminate as much noise and as many  potential distractions as possible.  Turn off the cell phone, lock the door.  Don't worry about those things you can't control. 
 
Comfort is key. Sit comfortably with your spine reasonably straight.  this allows the energy to flow freely up the spine which is an important aspect of meditation.  Leaning against a chair back, a wall, headboard, etc. is perfectly all right. If you're sitting in a chair, place your feet flat on the floor.  Arms relaxed, shoulders down. Place your hands in any position that is comfortable.
  
Joy to the world!  An attitude of joy in just sitting, in just being -without expectation - is essential to meditation.  In China and Japan the meditation posture is known as 'sitting like a mountain'.  This gives the feeling of solidity and stillness with the body well connected to the ground and the mind reaching to the heavens.  When you sit, having this image will be very helpful to your practice.
 
  meditation sunrise close-up
As you move through the 3 stages of meditation: concentration, contemplation and samadhi, you will calm your mind/body/soul and enter into the blissful state of oneness - where bluebirds fly.  It's a looong way from Kansas. 
 
Welcome Om!
Beth 
Beth Prins Leas is founding director of the Total Life Care Center, LLC (1997) and a gifted energy healer using Jin Shin Jyutsu and Reiki.  Through her extensive work over the past 18 years with adults and children facing challenges as great as cancer and hiv, Beth has witnessed the healing power of people becoming partners in their own health care.
 
As a practitioner and teacher, Beth's focus is on empowering you through the use of self-help techniques designed to awaken your inner healer.
 
TLC Center is Fairfield County's largest holistic health center - with over 90 Practitioner Members.  From Acupuncture to Zero Balancing, TLC Center has you covered - offering private sessions, workshops, classes and events designed to support you in Total Life Care.
203.853.4852