The Importance of a Guru

           The word guru can be defined as "that which dispels darkness".  I can understand that translation because there are questions that arise and I wish I had someone to go to that would shed some light on the situation.  Of course I understand the need to go within but a little help from a trusted adviser never hurts.  When a guru enters our life we don't always recognize this person as our guru but as we begin to awaken it becomes more clear. 

I've been grappling with the fact that I don't have a guru but I feel like I need one.  When I think of who my guru would be the first person that comes to minds is Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati whom I learned about when I went to visit the Ananda Ashram.  The first time I went to visit this ashram in upstate NY I felt at home and every time I return I'm met with that same feeling.  Joan Suval, who is one of his senior disciples, said you have that feeling because you've been here before.  Shri Sarasvati passed away long before I even knew about the ashram but I feel a connection to him and his teachings and although I'm not sure of what the outcome will be I feel like he is the first step on my quest. 

Even if it is not a guru that you seek, an ancestor/spiritual guide, or adviser is important because  “The blind cannot lead the blind,” said Paramahansaji. “Only a master, one who knows God, may rightly teach others about Him."

          

 

LoveLee

Om

I'm currently reading the Upanishads Breath of the Eternal translated by Swami Prabhavananda and the thing that popped out at me this morning is the explanation of Om.  During the story of Nachiketa meeting with the King of Death, Nachiketa asks the King to tell him the secret of immortality.  The King replies "It is-Om.  This syllable is Brahman.  This syllable is indeed supreme...The Self, whose symbol is OM, is the omniscient Lord."  This Self that he speaks of is our true Self.  "Smaller than the smallest, greater than the greatest, this Self forever dwells within the hearts of all.  When a man is free from desire, his mind and senses purified, he beholds the glory of the Self and is without sorrow."
        
           Everyday we are meet with many distractions and obstacles that can prevent us from connecting with our higher selves.  We use these challenges as reasons to not work out, to not eat well or to not meditate.  Sometimes our situation is so bad that we use external devices to drown out the stress, anger and pain.  It's when we use these challenges to go inward and connect with our higher power that we truly connect with ourselves.  I have shed countless tears because of difficult things going on in my life even when I realize that its because of choices that I have made.  After the shower storm I then remember that these things are not as powerful as I make them out to be.  Yes, they cause discomfort at the time that you're experiencing them however, we all have the ability to rise above them and change the flow of our lives.  By using various tools such as prayer, mantras and meditation we can move closer to our true Selves and become more firmly rooted in who we are.  With that security we create a better world for ourselves and those around us. 

Om, pronounced as AUM, is broken up into three parts.  Before beginning, always take a deep cleansing breath.  Then begin by holding the A (kind of like they do in church when saying a solemn Amen).  Next form your mouth into an O and allow the A to flow into a U.  Lastly, close your mouth and stretch the U into a humming M.  Try to make each component as even as possible and again let it flow from one part to the next.  Take another cleansing breath at the end.

Any sound therapy is a greater way to help you connect with your inner voice and especially practicing Om will help you connect with your higher self.  The more comfortable you become with Oming the more powerful you'll become. 



Namaste and Have a LoveLee day!

Found Freedom

Found Freedom

 

I've been in the DFW area for approx. a month now and I've been experiencing some of the creative energy that pulsates here.  Last night I attended a launch party for Found Freedom Apparel and it's inspiring to see a young African American woman doing her thing.  Her clothes are beautiful and affordable and I unfortunately wasn't able to purchase something yesterday but I look forward to adding a piece to my collection soon.

 

 

 

 

Every day I find the freedom to speak, to live, to simple be.  Be You.  Be Free.

 

LoveLee

Third Eye Chakra

Ajna

               So I've been doing really well on my meditation challenge but I'm not even going to lie and say I haven't missed any days.  I've missed a total of 3 and before, that may have prevented me from continuing but thank you Jesus hallelujah I'm in a different place now.  I understand that everyday is not going to go as planned but we adjust and keep it moving.  Sometimes our plan, isn't God's plan.  Since starting the challenge however, I do feel a lot stronger and more grounded.  For about the last week+ my concentration has been on the Third Eye Chakra a.k.a Ajna and I can feel and see the difference in myself.  I was recently at the Dallas Meditation Center for a meditation/yoga workshop and the focus was on the 7 central chakras which run along the center of our body.  The main area that kept sticking out to me was the Third Eye.  I've been feeling a lack of direction and focus and oddly enough I've been noticing owls a lot which I learned is connected to the Ajna chakra.  So I decided to do some research and have found a big correlation between my life and this sixth chakra.  When there is an imbalance you may experience lack of focus and your sense of purpose may be off; um that was me to a T.  When you're balanced however, you will experience more clarity and your imagination will improve; and that is what I'm starting to experience now.  The color that governs this 6th main chakra is indigo and it's located in the area between your eyebrows.  You can focus your attention on these aspects as well as incorporating lavender scents into your space and holding or visualizing an amethyst crystal while you meditate.

Meditating for some people can be extremely difficult because the more we try to quiet the mind, the more active it wants to become.  Start with Dharana which is focusing your mind on one thing which will then help your mind to release all thoughts; don't worry this is definitely a process.  It's not something that will happen overnight and needs to be practiced frequently because the more we practice the better we become.  If all you can do is 5 minutes then start there and be happy about starting there.  I like to read some type of spiritual text before I meditate and then I'll reflect on the lesson that connects to where I'm at now.  There are endless ways to go about meditating but the important thing is find a way that connects with who you are.  Active Meditation is also a great way to start your meditation practice if you experience ADHD a little more than the rest of us.

 

Regardless of which route you take just start somewhere and the picture will become clearer. 

 

"Practice and all is coming." - Pattabhi Jois

LoveLee

Sutra 2:1 - Purification

Purification

 

 

I have not been feeling well the last couple of days and its not just physical.  My whole being has been off and I really wasn't understanding why.  This morning I made a cup of tea and sat down to read.  My go to book right now is The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and I read from the 2nd Book - Sadhana Pada, Portion on Practice.  Verse 2:1 states:

 

"Accepting pain as help for purification, study of spiritual books, and surrender to the Supreme Being constitute Yoga in practice."

 

Sri Swami Satchidananda uses gold as an example by saying the more you fire gold the more pure it becomes.  The question is then asked "But how can this burning process be effected with our mental impurities?  By accepting all the pain that comes to us, even though the nature of the mind is to run after pleasure.  We will actually be happy to receive pain if we keep in mind its purifying effects."

 

As I sat down and meditated I viewed this feeling I've been carrying differently.  I know that God has some work when it come to me and there are a lot of habits, mental and physical, that I need to release.  And that's exactly how my body has been feeling; as if something is trying to come out of me.  So I gave thanks for this feeling of purification and for all of the blessings I'm given everyday.

 

 

Perception is Powerful

 

LoveLee

 

Aliko Dangote

Africa's Richest Man

 

I feel like there is so much that I still need to learn especially when it comes to business and really just understanding life in general.  It's 1:03am in Texas and the rain is not only coming down but the lightening has come to join it.  I can't sleep and part of that is because I can't breathe.  There is a heaviness in my chest that has been lodged here for some time but today it seems like its been trying to escape all day.  I know God and of that I'm certain but sometimes I know I don't listen.  I've been called stubborn before as well as other variations of that but tonight I am all ears and God has spoken load and clear....again.  This video is not the first that I've heard of Mr. Dangote but whenever I'm doubting myself this is the man that God places in my path.  I've yet to travel to Nigeria but I have spent some time in Ghana and I know that being apart of the Pan-African Movement is part of my journey.  He is impacting Africa in a positive way and his net worth of 20.1 Billion Dollars is not just putting money in his own pocket but is also impacting other Africans in a positive way as well.  The goal isn't to be just like him it's to learn from Aliko Dangote and fulfill our own purpose which directly and indirectly affects positive change in others. 

 

 

 

LoveLee

 

P.S. - Now I don't know about them 18 hour days but a sistah definitely has some more work to do.

 



 

 

Ujjayi Pranayama

Ujjayi Breath

 

       When I was first taught how to do ujjayi pranayama it was described to me as the Darth Vader breath because that's how you sound.  Or if you ask my sister it sounds like you're snoring.   I've been using this breathe a lot while meditating because it helps my mind focus inward instead of on the things that pop up in my head.  On Sunday I took an amazing yoga class with Brook Cheatham at Vibe Yoga in Allen, TX - http://vibeyoga.com/  During the class she encouraged us to keep the ujjayi breath with us as we transitioned from pose to pose.  When I sat down to meditate that evening I noticed such a difference.  I was able to take deeper and fuller breaths and I had such a good night sleep when I went to bed.  It does energize your body so doing it right before bed may not work for some but most things don't affect my ability to sleep so I had no problem. 

 

To practice Ujjayi Pranayama

 

1.) Sit in a comfortable position.  For many sukhasana, or a variation of it (see image below), is comfortable but if this doesn't work for you sit in a position that will not cause pain or discomfort. 

2.) Lower your chin slightly and bring your awareness to your breath. 

3.) Constrict your throat slightly and feel the breath moving along the back of your throat.  As you inhale try to get your throat to make a Saaaaa sound and as you exhale try making a Haaaas sound.  Your mouth is closed on both the in & exhale.  Make the breath as even as possible.  So the same amount of time its takes you to inhale is the same amount of time you want the exhale to be. 

 

Your breathing should be audible and airy and it may take some getting use to. Keep trying.  You'll know you're doing it right if you sound like Darth Vader.  Continue breathing this way as long as its comfortable but if your breath becomes choppy stop and continue at another time. 

 

Ujjayi breathing helps to improve your concentration and endurance in addition to helping to oxygenate your blood which increases your energy level.  For more benefits check out http://www.livestrong.com/article/132839-ujjayi-breathing-benefits/

 

 



Namaste,

LoveLee

 



Inspiration

 

 

           I use to feel inspired just leaving the house and riding the train in Philly.  As I waited on the platform I would conjure up entertaining ways to allow my mind to take its own trip as well.  Now, not so much.  I think I slowly started closing myself off to things and people and it wasn't a conscious decision but still a choice was made.  I'm aware of it now because I am conscious of the choice to shift in a different direction.  I like to write but haven't done so in some time.  I enjoy drawing but can't remember the last time my pencil formed an image.  Tonight I was inspired and look forward to reconnecting. 

 

I went to the Dallas Poetry Slam in North Dallas, TX and thoroughly enjoyed myself.  I listened, LMAO at the titty talk and walked away feeling a pulse that I haven't felt in some time.  The poetry open mic is like a yoga class in the sense that it is a judge free zone.  You open yourself up to and are met with the support & encouragement of strangers that offer healing in a way that those closest to you sometimes can't provide.  It's not so much about what they've done but more about the courage you have to take that step on stage.  Now with that said I didn't drop any lines tonight but I'll share the pic when I do. 


 

 

September 18, 2010

I wish him peace
Peace because I’m not sure he has some…things on his mind
The love of his God
The love of his family
The love of himself that will take his life for the love of the cause he is fighting for
What about the DVD man?
Do you think he has peace…of the profit from selling those DVDs up & down Broad Street
Line of thought that I’m traveling on to get me back home
Inspiration is everywhere

LoveLee

 

Namaste

At the end of my yoga practice and meditating I end with "Namaste."  I define it as the higher being in me acknowledges & bows to the higher being in you.  It acts almost like a starting point as I get up from the mat because I want everything to stem from this higher place.  As I navigate through my day I want to be in alignment with the person I not only am but also want to become.  Yoga Journal.com has a great explanation & more in depth article on the meaning and use of this endearment and affirmation: Meaning of Namaste by Aadil Palkhivala.  So as you move through your day not only acknowledge the greatness in you but also connect with those around you.

If the sun isn't shinning where you are today, create your own light. 

Namaste,
LoveLee

Challenges

I'm on my second to last day of a month long squat challenge and honestly there were days that I wasn't sure if I was going to make it.  But God is good and I can now see the finish line.  I can definitely tell the difference in my leg strength and size however the most important thing for me is that I committed to this challenge and followed through.  I have serious commitment issues so this is a huge deal for me.  Its kind of like the forming or breaking a habit rule - If you Do Not or Do something for at least 21days them you will Break or Form a Habit.  This challenge has motivated me & is something I'm going to continue. 

I'm going to pick another exercise to start after I finish the squats and I'm even taking it a step further and picking another area of my life to challenge myself in.  I'm doing a Daily Meditation Challenge starting today and continuing for 31 days straight.  Regardless of how my daily tasks change or where I travel to I am committed to meditating for at least 15 minutes.  If you have done this type of challenge please give feedback on what your experience has been or if you would like support, reach out and we can do regular check-ins to keep each other accountable. 

Here is the format of the Squat Challenge I did but you can always modify to make it more assessable for your fitness level.



Good Luck!
LoveLee 

Patience, Devotion & Faith - Sutra 1:14

Patience, Devotion & Faith

 

          I relocated to Texas for a few months and I'm feeling like I need to ground myself, quickly.  I'm looking forward to spending time with my family down here and checking out a part of the country that I'm not that familiar with.  I like to move around and I now tell people that I'm bi-continental because I live between the U.S. and Ghana in West Africa.  I like it too much :) Moving around disrupts the consistency of my practice sometimes so I have to be super mindful to bring it back to center.  I try not to be hard on myself when the inconsistency kicks in but I do need to honor my commitment to myself  which means daily practice.  So today I'm starting with The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Translation & Commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda -

 

Book 1:14 (Samadhi Pada)

 

Practice becomes firmly grounded when well attended to for a long time, without break and in all earnestness.

 

*The first qualification for the practice is that it should be done for a long time.  Unfortunately, we just want the result immediately.

*So it must be continuous practice also.

*And the last qualification: in all "earnestness." That means with full attention, with the entire application of your mind, and with full faith in your achievement.

 

"So let us not be like little children who sow a seed today and dig it up tomorrow to see how much the root went down.  We need all these three qualities: Patience, Devotion and Faith."

 

LoveLee

 



Full Moon Ceremony - June 2013

Full Moon Ceremony

 

 

 

       June's Full Moon is being called a Super Moon because this is the closest it will get to earth all year thus being more visible and brighter to us here on earth.  To read up more on that check out: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/20/supermoon-june-2013-perigee-moon_n_3461899.html

I like to have full moon ceremonies every few months and I'm especially looking fwd to doing one tonight.  (Technically the full moon isn't until tomorrow, June 23rd at like 1:something a.m., so I'm doing mine tonight.)  Some people get weirded out when you mention having a ceremony for the moon.  My take on it is that we perform these various ceremonies, whether it be for the moon, sun or fire, to pay homage to nature's influence in our lives.  I have this affinity towards the full moon but maybe that's because I feel I have so much to purge.  My connection could also be to the feminine energy that the moon is said to represent.  The moon is the yin energy and the sun is her balancing opposite, the yang.  When the moon reaches it's fullness we have a stronger connection to the energy it holds and can use this time to help us release. 

         Some of the things you may want to let go of are habits that don't serve you, relationships that are unhealthy or even belief systems that no longer represent who you are.  I've done ceremonies by myself, in a group and over the phone so its really whatever works for you.  The most important thing you will need to bring is intent.  I'll kinda do a list of things you can do to help prepare for the ceremony but the thought, intent, and energy that you breathe into the process is what's most important.

*I like to start with some yoga:

         This can be a full hour of yoga or just a few postures to help relax your body.  Because you will be sitting for a little you want to be as comfortable as possible so why not start by making some room within the body.

afterwards

*Set-up an area under direct moonlight, if possible, so you can have direct flow with the moon.  Fill a small bowl with water and also have an empty fire proof bowl or pot there as well.  The water bowl is present because the moon has a strong gravitational pull on water so it will help us to maximize our ability to connect with the moons energy.  The fire proof bowl will be used later so have matches/lighter handy.
 
        -Burn Sage/Incense - To cleanse the energy around the space.  I walk around the area praying
next
        -Light a White Candle - Improvise if you don't have one.  I then sit down (on a cushion on the floor if accessible) and pray for positive energy to now fill the space
         -Present an Offering - Fruit, Stone or Crystal etc. (Don't get geeked up on this part just omit if you're not digging it.) Its not a cult thing you're not doing a animal sacrifice.  The offering represents the good intent that you're offering up.
         -Call on Ancestors and Spiritual Guides - The old heads know so definitely seek out their guidance and support
         -Pieces of Paper - Write on small pieces of paper the thing(s) that you're releasing.  Write each one on a separate piece of paper if you have multiple.  Place them either in your hand or on the floor in front of you. 

*Spend the next 15min + meditating and praying to the Most High about the things that you are releasing.  Reflect on what these changes mean to you and what positive things you'd like to now incorporate into your life.

when finished

*Light the pieces of paper on fire and place them in the fire proof bowl.  Make a statement aloud or silently that you are releasing xyz.  Repeat for each one. 
*On a new piece of paper write something positive that you are now bringing into your life.  Take this with you when you're finished and place it somewhere visible so you can read it each day. 

to end the ceremony

*Say a small closing prayer and end by sharing a Namaste with the moon - Acknowledging the light within all of us.

Shanti,

LoveLee


   
         
 

Today's Attempt at Juicing/Blending?

 

 

 

 

Ok.  So I decided to juice today but I don't have a juicer and instead used a blender.  I used kale, apples & a few blueberries with a little water to help blend.  I normally use a little orange juice but I don't have any right now.  I figured the apples would create enough liquid to make it juice-like but I figured wrong.  The pic actually looks really good but instead of drinking I found myself chewing my "juice".  I've blended kale before but with watermelon thus yielding a completely different consistency.  I finished the entire glass and it wasn't bad however it wasn't that good either.  Mind over matter though, right?  What I would do differently next time though is to not watch "Food Paradise" on the travel channel while eating/drinking my juice.  Lol. 

"Man goes through many births & deaths until he knows the truth which sets him free.  He is drawn back to earth through unsatisfied desire to pay his karmic debts or to fulfill his destiny."

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