 The Inner Voice A weekly newsletter from Debbie Jensen-Grubb, RYT500 November 12, 2012 - Issue 14 |
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This weeks reading can be seen here at The Daily OM:
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| Greetings! |  I love the above picture that I took when I did the Bay Bridge walk years ago. I think it really exhibits how perception can be so different for everyone. The people driving on the bridge had one perception, those in the boats had another, and I had yet another of the same scene. It all depended on where you were in the picture. The same goes for life when you think about it. We each have our own angle of it. I might see things one way and you might see the same thing in a completely different light. Does it make me right or you wrong? No, we just have different viewpoints. It is in allowing everyone to have their own outlook without belittling them, or trying to tell them what to do, or making them feel wrong that the challenge comes in. Life is full of angles, there isn't just one way. For every person there is a different perspective on life; that is what makes it so wonderful. Can you, do you, allow those around you to have their own opinions? Even if it differs from yours? Can you do this lovingly with kindness and compassion? Perhaps now is the time to try, to let go, and permit others their opinions. Then step back, experience the blessing in feeling free. It might not change anything on the outside but on the inside you just might find some peace. It's all in your perspective. |
| Rib-Tickler of the Week - hee hee | |
Before you criticize someone
you should walk a mile in their shoes.
That way when you criticize them
you are a mile away...
and you have their shoes!
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| Mantra | |
A mantra is a sound or phrase that aids in the concentration of meditation. It is a Sanskrit term and literally means 'instrument of thought'. Here you will find a suggested mantra to use during the week (from Louise Hay's 'Heal Your Body'). Just repeat it whenever you need a lift.
I release all control to the Universe. I am at peace with myself and with life. |
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| Konasana (Angle Pose) | |
Konasana is probably one of the easiest poses to do and still reap much benefit for the body. Wherever there is a wall you can do this pose. It is particularly good to do when you have been sitting in front of a computer or at a desk all day because this often leads to slumping. Konasana undoes the rounded shoulders - chin forward - barrel-back action that comes with slumping and helps to straighten and elongate the spine. It also helps with breathing as it opens up the chest.
Another perspective on this pose is to do it at the kitchen sink. It is much the same pose except that it is a pulling back action rather than the pushing forward action. It still works the same areas just in a different way.
Try it both ways and find the approach that works for you. Have fun!
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| Nutrition Prescription - Non-GMO |
 Here is a quote from the Dalai Lama when asked what surprised him most about humanity: "Man.
Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money.
Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.
And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present;
the result being that he does not live in the present or the future;
he lives as if he is never going to die and dies having never fully lived."
The first two lines are what really captured my attention. One of the most simple things that we can do for ourselves is to maintain our health by eating nutritious food. For me food is our medicine and medicine is our food. I know, I know, I'm a broken record on this topic. To me it is obvious that what you put into your mouth is going to effect your health, your mood, your mental capacity, your whole outlook on life. I am living proof of this philosophy.
This past election California did not pass Proposition 37 which was about labeling GMO (genetically modified organisms) products that are added to our food. The companies that were against the proposition used the angle that it would raise the cost of food for every-one. This can be scary for people when so many are barely getting by as it is. Trust me, I understand! What they didn't mention is how these GMO foods have been proven to cause a host of major, chronic illnesses.
Now let's look at this from another angle: you either pay now or you pay the doctor later, there is no getting around it. If you pay for cheap food now, you will end up paying even more in the long run with poor health later, which involves much more than money.
Without good health you cannot enjoy life. Why then would people choose to eat GMO food, saving pennies, instead of paying a little more for nutritionally life-sustaining food they know is healthy for them? It's a choice of how to spend your money depending on the socioeconomic status you have and what is important to you (see * article below).
There are some simple things you can do to help yourself eat healthier:
- Purchase organic apples and potatoes, they are sprayed the most with pesticides.
- Eliminate soy products unless it is fermented and organic (97% of all soy is GMO).
- Eat only 100% organic soft skin fruit like strawberries.
- Peel the fruits and vegetables with hard skin if they aren't organic.
- Eat a mostly vegetarian diet, which saves you money so that you can buy organic.
- Check out the EWG website for their list of 'Good Foods on a Tight Budget':
Environmental Working Group
and their Shopper's Guide: Shopper's Guide to Pesticides.
There is so much information out there that you can Google. If you care about your health take the responsibility, and the time, to eat the best food that you can. It really all comes down to which angle you choose to follow regarding your health, your life, and your future. Like the Dalai Lama says above eventually you will sacrifice something, don't let it be your health.
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| Ponderings - Different Angles on Life |
 We all have an angle on life; each of us is a unique reflection of the light of life itself. No one has the same experiences that another has or sees things in quite the same way. We each have our own gifts to share and our own purpose in life. This is also why so many different opinions and viewpoints exist.
Imagine a beautiful crystal with millions of facets on its surface and a light shining up into it. If you step back it seems that it is one bright light radiating out in every direction to enlighten the world. When you come closer you can see each of the individual facets shining its particular ray of light. So it is with all living things. We each have that ray of light to shine out in the world, our authentic selves. Could we even be anyone else?
The answer is no. We are all distinct, beautiful, bright beams. We are each important in creating this world that we live in, making our own brand upon it. You are on a journey to explore, experience, and enjoy this life. It is the right way for you. Does this mean that it is the right way for everyone?
Again the answer is no. Your viewpoint can only work for you, no one else. It is when others attempt to make their perspective universal that disharmony erupts. There is no one right way that suits everyone, even if they believe in the same thing. The challenge comes in allowing others to be their authentic selves, living their authentic life. How to do this?
Focus on yourself. "We can never make peace with the outer world until we make peace with oursleves." ~Dalai Lama We can all look at others and determine how they should live their lives, what they are doing wrong, and how they need to change. Does it matter what we think? Who is feeling the pain of anger, annoyance, or aggravation? Not the person it is being directed towards. They are fine with themselves, perhaps even happy with the way their life is going. So where does that discontent with another, or the world, come from?
Look within. It usually stems from a frustration with ourselves or our life. Is there something that you are unhappy with in your life? How can you change that situation? What are the blessings within that challenge? If you cannot change the situation then how can you change your attitude about it?
How you see life makes all the difference in how the world responds back to you. You can live from fear or from love, with joyfulness or with misery. It is your choice, just as it is the choice of another to be in a situation that they are in. Let it be, let them be. We all have an original interpretation of how to conduct life; we all have a different angle to shine our light from. If they ask for advise or direction that is different, otherwise make yourself the priority in your life.
"If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." ~ Dalai Lama It all starts with you. Let your light shine, let others shine their light too. The world will be a cheerier, more loving place for everyone to live.
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We all come from different angles, it is what makes the world so interesting. Many would like for everyone to be the same and that would be sad; for we would lose the flavors, the kaleidoscope, the surprise, and fascination that is in life itself. Be yourself. Let your light shine and let others shine their light too!
Namaste,
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The next workshop is:
Yoga Nidra
Monday, December 31st
New Year's Eve!
1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
This workshop fills up fast so please make your reservations early.
You can register at 410-720-4340 or online at www.columbiayoga.com
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