Do you have a daily spiritual practice? Why it does—and doesn’t—matter

By Sara Wiseman

One of my favorite questions to ask people is this: Do you have a spiritual belief system?

Most people are happy to talk very clearly about their relationship to God/One/All/Divine/Universe, or whatever name they might use for the infinite ineffable.

It is lovely to hear profound, well-considered manifestos from people all over the globe.

 “I used to be this religion, now I follow my own path.”

“I believe in God, but not the way I learned it as a kid.”

“I know there are Divine being who help us.”

“I believe I am fully supported by the Universe.”

“I don’t know what I know, but I know there is more than me.”

“Everything is one infinite soul.”

And on and on. I love these statements of belief!

But my next question: Do you have a spiritual practice? often meets with a sort of head-hung, I’m-so-ashamed kind of response. (more…)

Yoga: The Best Activity to Bring Balance In Life

by Manmohan Singh

Summary: Learn more about the yoga poses to maintain balance and equilibrium in your life.

Have you ever thought of driving a car which has more air in the right tyre and less on the left? Definitely, no one would like to drive a car like this as it reduces efficiency and leads to wear and tear of the car. Similar is the case with our bodies. Work pressure, hectic lives, overexertion creates an imbalance in life.

When we favor one side of the body more and continue to utilize it more than the other, blood circulation and muscles adjust themselves to reinforce the way body works. This is the main cause of body aches and neck pains that several individuals experience in their daily life. Moreover, we experience endless emotions in a day from angry to a feeling of joy to a sudden feeling of frustration and the list goes on. A restless mind goes on an uncontrolled emotional ride which hampers our confidence, ability to perceive things and so much more. The nagging neck pain, wandering mind, and fluctuating emotions are signs of imbalance which can be corrected through the science of yoga. (more…)

Eve at your side

Eve Is Beside Not A Side Of Adam

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Ayurveda and Yoga, Ancient Sister Sciences

by Manmohan Singh

Summary: Find out how Yoga and Ayurveda are integrally related disciplines and why following the principles of the two in consonance will bring you the best of mind-body benefits.

Revelation for Yoga practitioners interested in Ayurveda in one of their courses—the tattvas in yoga and the panchamahabhuta in Ayurveda are concepts that are one and the very same! This simply sums up the integral connection between these two great sciences of Vedic origin, doesn’t it?

Through the prism of Yoga-Ayurveda, the universe is a composite of the Five Elements, which are also Five Qualities and every individual is an upholder of these in varying proportions. In that regard, wellness through the vehicle of yoga-ayurveda is a system of checks and balances upon these elements present in a being, regulated mainly through one’s lifestyle choices. If you feel a problem, you are prescribed a slow but holistic lifestyle shift, one which is appropriate for your unique Ayurvedic constituency and this, in turn, must compliment your efforts in yoga.

The conjugal approach of Ayurveda and Yoga in healing and wellness therefore becomes a formula of ideal diet, mind-body exercise, and self-discipline— (more…)

Solution to Complex Problems

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

In solving problems, people look for one step solutions. We regularly search for and propose singular approaches to often very complex problems. Now this technique works sometimes, where one adjustment or change results in a useful outcome. We must recognize this is the way our mind works: looking for the most expedient, uncomplicated remedy.

Yet, many problems, particularly social problems can only be ‘fixed’ with multiple and varied approaches that depend upon changing circumstance and require adjustment over a period of years. Yet, people continue to propose one solution and often debate that their way is the correct way to make things happen. Hence, there are arguments, particularly, when the solution requires a ‘political remedy.’  People have opposing agendas and often cannot agree on which approach to use; they fear they will lose and have to give something up. (more…)

The City of Babel and its Tower

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Spiritual Writing & The World of Pond Stories

By Dr. Stewart Bitkoff

The following is a discussion generated by a letter from a reader of my new book: The World of Pond Stories; this recent inquiry offers an opportunity to have a discussion about the dynamics of spiritual writing and my experience while writing. Hope you enjoy this interchange.

Inquiry Letter About Spiritual Writing

Hi Stewart:

As I was reading your latest book, I was wondering what your experience was like as you write them. The influence of the Idries Shah books is obvious in many places. I was particularly affected by the story of the Three Sisters which seemed to have a very similar impact to The Tale of the Sands.

As an amateur composer of music, every so often I get into a mode where new music seems to be coming into my head from somewhere and all I need to do is to capture it. Other times, it feels like a more labored experience requiring a lot of trial and effort.

So when you write your books, particularly the last one, is your everyday consciousness pretty much just acting as a receiver? A lot of the material feels like it was generated this way.

Also, how aware are you of the multiple levels present of which every now and then I get a small glimpse? I suspect that some of your writing and things like the overall plot of the Turtle prophesy cannot be contrived by ordinary consciousness and refer to deep transformational processes. (more…)

Book Release - The World of Pond Stories - Dr. Stewart Bitkoff Latest Book Available for Purchase

World of Pond

The World of Pond Stories is the introductory book in Dr. Bitkoff’s new series. It will take readers on a trip to a wondrous land where pond creatures live in harmony and often work together to solve problems.

These stories offer the opportunity for children and adult readers alike, to travel alongside amusing and delightful woodland characters that are expanding their hearts and minds. From “silver minnow catching” class; to humorous, yet meaningful exchanges among grasshoppers, turtles and dragonflies; to a mysterious quest with Master Turtle, you and the children in your life will enjoy reading about the spiritual journey of life in a unique and lighthearted way.

To Purchase:
Amazon: www.bit.ly/bitkoffpond (Paperback $13.99 | Kindle $5.95)
Stewart Bitkoff’s Online Store: www.StewartBitkoff.com/books

Come, swim in the richness of your own spirit and journey to a magical place called The World of Pond. (more…)

Then There's Only One Choice

By Wolfgang Borchert

This month marks the 70th anniversary of the death of Wolfgang Borchert, a young German writer who was seriously wounded in World War II then imprisoned for resistance activities. Physically destroyed, he lived only two years after the war. During that time he wrote antiwar literature that is widely read in Germany but little known in the USA, where it is currently most needed. His play about a traumatized veteran, DRAUSSEN VOR DER TÃœR (THE MAN OUTSIDE), brought him literary fame after his death. "Dann gibt es nur eins!" ("Then There's Only One Choice") is the last poem he wrote before his death in 1947 at the age of 26. It shows a perceptive foresight of the inevitability of global destruction unless the people of the world refuse to serve the military.
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Essential Buddhism for Modern Life

Buddhism is based on teachings of the Buddha (dharma), Siddhartha Gautama, who lived some 2500 years ago. It is estimated to have some 500 million followers, over 7% of the global population [Pew Research Center]. While traditionally considered an Eastern 'religion' it is gaining popularity in the West in recent years with some 4 million adherents in North America in 2010 [Pew Research Center], likely seen as an antidote to the perceived stresses and ultimate emptiness of modern life.

Buddhism is more a philosophy than a religion. It has no God, but rather offers a description of the nature of reality and guidance on how a being with free will might negotiate that reality.

The ultimate Buddhist goal of enlightenment can take a lifetime (or several) of the contemplative existence of a monk to reach. However, such devotion is not essential to benefit from Buddhist teachings, even in the midst of worldly life. (more…)