The Importance of Guru On the Path of Yoga

by Shwaasa Guru

In the age of free digital learning and virtual classes over Skype, the first-hand guru parampara of yoga teacher training in India can come as a bit overrated. But the mode of attaining knowledge, as it is upheld in Indian traditions is uncompromising regarding the role of the guru or preceptor.

You can think of the guru as Professor Xavier from X-men, the one who initiates the uninitiated, providing your practice with the right orientation, and training you in regulating your energies. He gives you nothing new but only makes you aware of your innate infinite potential. While you can learn to cook by browsing recipes online or figure out how to fold a blazer properly by following a YouTube video, spiritual knowledge does not come with a manual. (more…)

How To Use Meditation To Improve Psychic Abilities

by Alissa Monroe

Everyone is psychic to a degree. It is how open we are to our abilities that allows us to use and strengthen them just like working out will help build muscles. One of the keys to building stronger psychic powers is meditation.

The following tips will work whether you are a practitioner looking to help and heal others or you are just looking to develop your psychic abilities more. Cultivating a regular meditation practice is essential for beginners as well as advanced psychic practitioners. It works to ground and center you which is important when getting ready to read for a client or for yourself. (more…)

Unlearning & Conditioning

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

Traveler: It is said, that in order for the spiritual traveler to reach their goal, first, they must unlearn much of what they have been taught. What is meant by this?

Master: Each person’s consciousness is a mosaic; a series of shifting patterns. Some thoughts arise from our biologic nature, directed at physical survival and caring for the body. Other thoughts are tied to emotions, and expressing our self in the world. Still others arise from specific operating principles, beliefs, and rules of conduct prevalent in our society. These codes and unwritten rules are necessary to maintain social order and daily life. In many ways, these thoughts form the fabric of each day and allow for orderly social patterns. (more…)

Mitakuye Oyasin

The Wisdom of the Ancient Ancestors Moving Into the Twenty-first Century

by Gabriel of Urantia

Throughout history, the wisdom of the ancestors of many indigenous peoples has been passed on, generation after generation, family after family.  As we look at the crises happening across our strife-torn world today, we find ourselves searching like never before for solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems.  Yet I believe the ancient ones had a key:  in Lakota it is said, “Mi Ta Ku Ye   O Ya Sin,” — “we are all related.” (more…)

Choosing a Yoga Teacher Training Program

Tips for choosing 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program in India

by Manmohan Singh

Summary: If you are considering a 200 hour yoga teacher training in India, here are the amazing tips for a fruitful yoga journey.

We are living in the age and time that is undoubtedly plagiarized by numerous diseases and stresses. It is the time-period when most of us are on a lookout for a healing science to positively alter our physical, mental, and social well-being. A system that lets us unwind from the fallacious life we have been living for years.

And, this search wholesomely concludes with the science of Yoga. Yoga is the divine practice of healing and self-transformation. The traditional art of yoga has enormous potential to relieve the sufferings of people in a naturalistic manner. And so, at some point in life, we even begin to harbor a dream of getting closer to the world of yogic science and to become a certified practitioner. (more…)

Five yoga poses for a healthy body and mind

by Manmohan Singh

Summary: A healthy body and mind are the prerequisites for living a fulfilling life. Learn the five best yoga poses for overall health through this blog.

“Health is Wholeness”

The traditional texts claim that when a person feels complete in their body, mind, and spirit, that is when an individual is voraciously healthy. The experience of wholeness is possible only when one’s body, mind, and energy function at a certain level of intensity within oneself.

The proper cultivation of energies within the system is important for keeping the physical and psychical body in perfect health. And, the science of union-- Yoga is an ideal step towards balancing the energies of the body for the manifestation of a miracle, a body-mind capable of much more than just health.

The classical technique of yoga starts with the body, then breath, and finally the mind. The body has its own attitude and ego. Yoga shows the practitioners the way to discipline, purify, and to prepare the body for higher energies. (more…)

The World

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

Q:   Why does the world as we know it exist?

A:   The world is a magnificent cornucopia, filled with wondrous and delightful items. Here we can find exactly what we are looking for.  If we seek enjoyment of the senses, there are many opportunities. Similarly if we seek to learn and draw closer to our higher self, this opportunity exists as well.

In part, the earth phase of our existence is an opportunity to learn, create and experience all the parts of self and grow closer to that which we wish to become. (more…)

The Importance of Breath in Yoga

by Bipin Baloni

Summary: This article aims to inform its readers the role of breath in yoga.

The act of breathing is well known to all of us and we naturally perform this art all time by taking about 25000 breaths a day. But have you ever pondered upon the importance of breath beyond the support for staying physically alive? Well, breath is the vital force necessary to live. A popular adage goes, “Breathe Well and Live Well." However, we use only a fraction of our lung capacity to breathe taking shallow and fast breaths which deprives the body of oxygen and prana, the two core essentials for leading a healthy life.

The discipline of yoga incorporates the practice of pranayama (yogic breathing techniques). And, yoga is the perfect route to learn the various kinds of pranayama and correct techniques of practicing yogic breathing that rewards the body, mind, and soul in unbelievable ways. The pranayama practices draw our attention to the subtle layers of our breath and teach us the art of conscious and deep breathing that enhances the quality of prana, lengthens the years of life, and tranquilizes the mind.

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Overcoming

Niánn Emerson Chase

There are so many challenges we human beings have to face and resolve in order to have a life of dignity, purpose, fulfillment, and happiness. In many places on the planet millions of people have much to overcome in order to merely stay alive; they don't even consider improving the quality of their lives, just that they physically survive another hour or another day.

In considering my own overcoming-and-transcending processes throughout the years, I have come to the conclusion that the largest blockage to my peace of mind and enjoyment of life has been myself.

The Smeagol-Gollum Syndrome

One of the most notable characters in The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings books by J.R.R. Tolkien, which were also made into a series of movies, is the creature Gollum who was consumed with getting his "preciousssss" back. When the good and sincere hobbit, Frodo, met Gollum, he recognized something in him. Frodo recognized that at one time Gollum had been a more comely, kinder, lovable personality. In fact, Gollum belonged to a people similar to the gentle hobbits. What happened to Gollum? What circumstances and choices led to Gollum's monstrous physical appearance and his pitifully devious and deadly ways? (more…)

Signs from Mother ?

My mum passed away last year after suffering from dementia. During her illness she seemed to acquire some psychic ability (Alzheimer's and Psychic Ability), additionally within 2 days of her passing the element in the oven inexplicably blew while we were discussing her and whether there is such a thing as spirit.

Last Saturday I thought I saw mum in town. Someone VERY much like her was sitting in an armchair by the window in a cafe looking out. I must have stared because 'this lady' looked back at me, her gaze followed me as I walked on, not angry, not smiling, just blank, a look that was characteristic of mum. She had the same hair, same staring eyes (like she had in the dementia home), a blue coat and blue/white patterned skirt, just as my mum would wear. (more…)