Hey Everyone!
I had my last World Religions class tonight! I can't believe how fast the time goes. We finished the class with a visualization exercise that I would like to share with you all. It is very simple and only takes about five minutes...I encourage you to try!
Sitting comfortably or lying down face up-begin to focus on your breath. Taking your time inhaling and exhaling completely. Try and see if your exhales last longer than your inhales. This will help relax and center you further. Once you feel more in touch with your body, I want you to focus on this question: What do you really, really love? What types of things, people, places, ideas, or feelings come to mind? Stay with those thoughts a while and see what arises. Again ask yourself...What do I really, really love? Is there anything else you forgot? Be with whatever comes up this time and let that bring a smile to your face. One last time...What do I really, really love? The deeper you let yourself contemplate this question, the more of an impact it will have on you.
I can think of nothing better than taking a time-out to really become what you love. By thinking and really living in the moment of what is special to you, the more of a reality it becomes. I hope you enjoyed this exercise and never take for granted what you love in this life. We all have someone or something to love and the more we remember this, the happier we will be.
Be Well,
Erin
Monday, December 14, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
"An Integral Vision"
Hello All,
I hope the Holiday Season finds everyone well. I have another recommendation for you. "An Integral Vision," by Ken Wilbur (the brilliant mind behind integral theory). I compare it to the Tao Te Ching in that it is a quick read, but you could really spend your entire life reading it! He says, "The purpose of an integral life practice is to realize the full spectrum of your unique and special capacities."
And my favorite:
Everything is you.
You are empty.
Empty is freely manifesting.
Freely manifesting is self liberating.
It is amazing how my classes at JFK are continually reinforcing/coinciding very similar ideas. I have found another connection between the Taoist/Buddhist approach to health and integral theory. This "opening" within us (aka: space that is created through breath) is changing every day. We have the ability to find our "awakened" state in the here and now. However, there is a process aspect that is emphasized, and that striving for anything can lead to being focused on the outcome. When we accept our current state of health, no matter at what level, we possess a heightened awareness for the present moment and can only grow from there. Open your mind, body, and spirit to integral theory!
Be Well (RIGHT NOW!),
Erin
I hope the Holiday Season finds everyone well. I have another recommendation for you. "An Integral Vision," by Ken Wilbur (the brilliant mind behind integral theory). I compare it to the Tao Te Ching in that it is a quick read, but you could really spend your entire life reading it! He says, "The purpose of an integral life practice is to realize the full spectrum of your unique and special capacities."
And my favorite:
Everything is you.
You are empty.
Empty is freely manifesting.
Freely manifesting is self liberating.
It is amazing how my classes at JFK are continually reinforcing/coinciding very similar ideas. I have found another connection between the Taoist/Buddhist approach to health and integral theory. This "opening" within us (aka: space that is created through breath) is changing every day. We have the ability to find our "awakened" state in the here and now. However, there is a process aspect that is emphasized, and that striving for anything can lead to being focused on the outcome. When we accept our current state of health, no matter at what level, we possess a heightened awareness for the present moment and can only grow from there. Open your mind, body, and spirit to integral theory!
Be Well (RIGHT NOW!),
Erin
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Recommendation: The Power of Intention by Dr. Wayne Dyer
This is no "Secret," guys. Dr. Dyer is the real deal! He has written many other books regarding higher levels of consciousness and living a life filled with more love, compassion, joy, and wonder. Sounds pretty good huh? Give this man your time and energy and he will not disappoint. Open yourself up to "The Power of Intention" and it will open itself to you.
Be Well,
Erin
Be Well,
Erin
Saturday, December 5, 2009
"A Tofu-ism"
Hello All,
I write to you from a contemplative place today, filled with anticipation and wonder about classes I'll be taking in the winter. I titled my blog "Tofu-ism" because I just got done making a tofu salad with pine nuts, tomatoes, and poppy-seed dressing. I can't tell you how good I feel right now! It's amazing the differences between taking the time to cook a healthy (vegetarian-not that it matters) lunch, vs. just heating up some left over chinese food or going out. Obviously it helps if the meal tastes good, but the point that I want to make is the process matters much more than the product. When we slow down and become completely conscious to the steps that we take to make a nutritious meal, it becomes much more than nourishment for our bodies. I feel better about myself because I became an active participant in my health. When we look at our bodies natural healing system (as I am doing in my final paper for my Foundations of Holistic Health Education class), the food that we allow into our precious organism adds fuel to that process. I have much anticipation and curiosity, as I mentioned above, about my Holistic Nutrition class that I will be taking in the Winter. What other Tofu-isms will I learn? There are so many aspects to nutrition: preparation, the process of eating, digestion...How can we best serve our bodies so that what we put in, is what we get out? We really do reap what we sow when it comes to nutrition and I look forward to learning much more so I can implement it in my life and pass it on in the future!
Go eat something you love- fresh from the earth today!
Be Well,
Erin
I write to you from a contemplative place today, filled with anticipation and wonder about classes I'll be taking in the winter. I titled my blog "Tofu-ism" because I just got done making a tofu salad with pine nuts, tomatoes, and poppy-seed dressing. I can't tell you how good I feel right now! It's amazing the differences between taking the time to cook a healthy (vegetarian-not that it matters) lunch, vs. just heating up some left over chinese food or going out. Obviously it helps if the meal tastes good, but the point that I want to make is the process matters much more than the product. When we slow down and become completely conscious to the steps that we take to make a nutritious meal, it becomes much more than nourishment for our bodies. I feel better about myself because I became an active participant in my health. When we look at our bodies natural healing system (as I am doing in my final paper for my Foundations of Holistic Health Education class), the food that we allow into our precious organism adds fuel to that process. I have much anticipation and curiosity, as I mentioned above, about my Holistic Nutrition class that I will be taking in the Winter. What other Tofu-isms will I learn? There are so many aspects to nutrition: preparation, the process of eating, digestion...How can we best serve our bodies so that what we put in, is what we get out? We really do reap what we sow when it comes to nutrition and I look forward to learning much more so I can implement it in my life and pass it on in the future!
Go eat something you love- fresh from the earth today!
Be Well,
Erin
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
An Exploration of Consciousness: Who Am I?
Hello Friends!
In my World Religions class, my professor gave the class a very simple, yet profound exercise that I want to share with all of you. Please give yourself at least 15 minutes for this exploration....You have the time...Trust me!
Begin by sitting in a comfortable position. Start by shifting the focus to your breath and notice where in your body you are holding any tension. Try your best to breathe into the tight spot or spots and just let it go.
Once you feel more centered and focused internally, I want you to think of how you felt right before you went to bed last night. Think to yourself, "Who am I?" Without judging, get a feel for what kind of emotions or thoughts were you holding onto. Were you at peace? Once you have taken a moment to feel this, move onto to your state of consciousness as soon as you wake up in the morning..."Who Am I?" Imagine as if you are watching yourself, like a movie. Non-judgmentally, notice how you feel when you first get up.
Continue this process throughout your day...."Who Am I?" Who are you in your relationship to you body, emotions, heart, spirit, family, friends, work, or world? What are your life ideals and how do these manifest in your daily life?
These questions are extremely important when becoming present to your current state of consciousness. By taking the time to see where you are (non-judgmentally really is the key!) you are gaining incredible knowledge through self-inquiry. You can use this as a spiritual practice or just a daily reflection.
I hope this finds you well.
Enjoy,
Erin
In my World Religions class, my professor gave the class a very simple, yet profound exercise that I want to share with all of you. Please give yourself at least 15 minutes for this exploration....You have the time...Trust me!
Begin by sitting in a comfortable position. Start by shifting the focus to your breath and notice where in your body you are holding any tension. Try your best to breathe into the tight spot or spots and just let it go.
Once you feel more centered and focused internally, I want you to think of how you felt right before you went to bed last night. Think to yourself, "Who am I?" Without judging, get a feel for what kind of emotions or thoughts were you holding onto. Were you at peace? Once you have taken a moment to feel this, move onto to your state of consciousness as soon as you wake up in the morning..."Who Am I?" Imagine as if you are watching yourself, like a movie. Non-judgmentally, notice how you feel when you first get up.
Continue this process throughout your day...."Who Am I?" Who are you in your relationship to you body, emotions, heart, spirit, family, friends, work, or world? What are your life ideals and how do these manifest in your daily life?
These questions are extremely important when becoming present to your current state of consciousness. By taking the time to see where you are (non-judgmentally really is the key!) you are gaining incredible knowledge through self-inquiry. You can use this as a spiritual practice or just a daily reflection.
I hope this finds you well.
Enjoy,
Erin
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Good bye Thanksgiving...Hello Holiday Season!
Hey Everyone!
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with close friends and/or family and filled your bellies with lots of great food! I write to you from a place of reflection and preparation for the upcoming holiday season. It has already hit me...the days seem shorter, deadlines/finals are around the corner, and that chocolate brownie at the end of the day just seems to get more and more appealing. Where does this shift come from? My theory is that we all feel rushed because our days seem to fly by and with an already dreadful economy, the financial pressures seem to be a steady reminder of our current hardships. Well, I'm here to be that friendly voice telling you that the holiday season is not ALL about the money! Remember? That whole giving thing. Well, from personal experience, it is THE way to go! It is amazing the joy I receive when giving someone something even if it is inexpensive. The thought really is what counts when giving to loved ones and hey, do not doubt your creative abilities! I encourage making gifts because it is all the more special. =)
Another worry for some of us may be the food that seems to be finding its way into our bodies without thinking, or worrying too much! My baked goods have been sitting on my counter since Thanksgiving and are not going away! I suggest donating unwanted sweets that are really just going to sit on your counter and "haunt" you anyway. Give it to someone who will appreciate them or eat them in moderation yourself! Don't empower the deserts, take your self-control and use it full force this time and if you feel like having one, just do it! No regrets.
Be Well,
Erin
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving spent with close friends and/or family and filled your bellies with lots of great food! I write to you from a place of reflection and preparation for the upcoming holiday season. It has already hit me...the days seem shorter, deadlines/finals are around the corner, and that chocolate brownie at the end of the day just seems to get more and more appealing. Where does this shift come from? My theory is that we all feel rushed because our days seem to fly by and with an already dreadful economy, the financial pressures seem to be a steady reminder of our current hardships. Well, I'm here to be that friendly voice telling you that the holiday season is not ALL about the money! Remember? That whole giving thing. Well, from personal experience, it is THE way to go! It is amazing the joy I receive when giving someone something even if it is inexpensive. The thought really is what counts when giving to loved ones and hey, do not doubt your creative abilities! I encourage making gifts because it is all the more special. =)
Another worry for some of us may be the food that seems to be finding its way into our bodies without thinking, or worrying too much! My baked goods have been sitting on my counter since Thanksgiving and are not going away! I suggest donating unwanted sweets that are really just going to sit on your counter and "haunt" you anyway. Give it to someone who will appreciate them or eat them in moderation yourself! Don't empower the deserts, take your self-control and use it full force this time and if you feel like having one, just do it! No regrets.
Be Well,
Erin
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Essentials of Hakomi: Body-Centered Psychotherapy
Hey All,
I just finished reading about a really interesting technique called Hakomi for my Moving and Sensing class. Created by Kekuni Minton, "this body-inclusive psychotherapy interweaves Western therapeutic influences with Taoist/Buddhist principles such as mindfulness, awareness, and nonviolence." (Kurtz and Minton, p. 45). The process begins with uncovering people's "models," or how they view themselves or the world they are apart of. Once that is recognized, they seek to "balance any imbalances in the model and allow discovery of new insights from within. An example is a woman who was so intimidated by the phrase "You are safe here," that she began to hide her face and hunch her shoulders. The trainer aided the woman in bending her shoulders even more forward, and after a while, the woman opened up and let that experience go. By allowing ourselves to experience the present moment, we become susceptible to all kinds of emotional releases. This aids in helping us realize more and more about who we are on the inside and how we view the rest of the world. This kind of development, no matter how slow or fast, is always dealt with supportively and from a place of understanding and trust. Once the client feels safe and understood, the loving presence the Hakomi practitioner provides will allow mindfulness to be awakened. This opening up of self is what really drew me to this type of therapy. It really creates a new spiritual practice for the individual through self-study. The end result is an individual who is at home with themselves, their place in the world, in a very peaceful way.
I just finished reading about a really interesting technique called Hakomi for my Moving and Sensing class. Created by Kekuni Minton, "this body-inclusive psychotherapy interweaves Western therapeutic influences with Taoist/Buddhist principles such as mindfulness, awareness, and nonviolence." (Kurtz and Minton, p. 45). The process begins with uncovering people's "models," or how they view themselves or the world they are apart of. Once that is recognized, they seek to "balance any imbalances in the model and allow discovery of new insights from within. An example is a woman who was so intimidated by the phrase "You are safe here," that she began to hide her face and hunch her shoulders. The trainer aided the woman in bending her shoulders even more forward, and after a while, the woman opened up and let that experience go. By allowing ourselves to experience the present moment, we become susceptible to all kinds of emotional releases. This aids in helping us realize more and more about who we are on the inside and how we view the rest of the world. This kind of development, no matter how slow or fast, is always dealt with supportively and from a place of understanding and trust. Once the client feels safe and understood, the loving presence the Hakomi practitioner provides will allow mindfulness to be awakened. This opening up of self is what really drew me to this type of therapy. It really creates a new spiritual practice for the individual through self-study. The end result is an individual who is at home with themselves, their place in the world, in a very peaceful way.
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