What is Spirit, anyway?

A few weeks ago I was invited to lovely Stuart, Florida to speak on the subject of Spirit. Now, I work with Spirit every day, but I have never gone so far as to define it. How do you define the ineffable? Being the good student, I started with the dictionary - a ubiquitous but time tested way to start a speech, eh? But it worked!

Spirit comes from the Latin word spiritus: breathing. It's root, spirare, means simply to breathe.

You may already know this etymology, however I failed one semester of high-school Latin and missed the memo. That being said, I am pleased to say that we all pass the spirit test each time we stop and notice our breath. We all have spirit, whether we pay attention or not.

Spirit speaks to us through our body. It lets us know through our heart, our stomach, and our muscle tension what is going on spiritually. In the Christian tradition, one definition of spirit is "god energy that imbues all living and non-living things." In Buddhist terms it is known as the "living, animating core" of a being.

Whatever your spiritual belief, you are spirit. You are life force. You are already perfect!

Find Warmth in Winter

Between retreats, private sessions, book clubs and workshops I have had the opportunity to spend time with more friends and clients than usual. The experience led me to contemplate community, and how important feeling connected is to our well-being as a species.

I recently started attending a yoga class in an actual yoga studio, Sol Yoga, in addition to my home practice. At the end of class I not only enjoy the benefits of yoga, but I am able to receive the benefits of connecting with others.

Yes, it has been cold and snowy here in Maryland, but if you venture into a yoga class or the Healing Book Club, you may just find its warmer than you think!

Beat the Heat with Yoga & Meditation

The weather, much like many things in life, is something that none of us have control over, and yet many of us spend time complaining about it, or wishing it were other than it is. Yoga and meditation may help you work with the heat. Here are some ideas!

• If you are without AC, do "hot yoga" in your living room! Skip the aerobics, and try gentle, slow stretches. Be sure to breathe!
  

• Replace complaints about the heat with a moment of mindfulness. Get curious - what does "heat" really feel like on your body? How does your mind respond?

• Close your eyes and imagine walking along or laying on the beach - heat isn't so bad in tropical locals, is it? If that doesn't work, Think Snow!
  

• Use the heat as a reminder to drink lots and lots of water and juice!

• When you are ready for a cool down, consider joining me at the Center for Mind-Body Therapies (where we do have AC!) for
  


• private Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapy,
• tonight's Byron Katie Inquiry Circle, or
  
• the upcoming Healing Retreat.

Jai, Heather

5 Reasons You Can't Meditate

1. My mind won't slow down.
2. I have never done it before.
3. My thoughts are disturbing/cause me anxiety.
4. I don't have the time.
5. I tried it once, and I know I am bad at it.

These are some of the many reasons people tell me they can't meditate. And yet, they are great reasons why you should meditate!

If you have never "sat" before, feel your mind won't slow down, or feel it is impossible for you to just be still, this group is for you. Because guess what? We all have "monkey minds" at some point, even those who have practiced for years. There are no "bad" meditators!

With practice, you will find that stillness will happen. In fact, scientific research shows it only takes 10 minutes twice a day to shift your biology to reduce stress. You will begin to notice a change in your mood, perceptions, and quality of life. People will even enjoy being around you! (I have heard this first-hand from my friends and family).

If you have trouble sitting on your own, and can't fight the urge to jump up and check the e-mail, join me during a weekly meditation group. You will find people just like yourself, and the support you need to bring this priceless practice into your life!

It is easier than you may imagine, and remember - meditation is not what you think!

Tips for Travelling Yogi/nis

"An ounce of practice is worth more than tons of preaching." (Mahatma Gandhi)

Last week in meditation group we discussed just how easy it is to gradually let your meditation or yoga practice slip away, until one day there is nothing left! Next thing you know, you are feeling the effects of stress and an agitated mind. Fortunately, just like you do when you meditate, you realize what is happening, and make the wise choice to start again from where you are.

One way to support your mindfulness practice is to join a weekly group, or schedule regular check-ins with a coach or a meditation buddy. If you are traveling, here are some things you can do on the road:

• Try mindfully brushing your teeth (wherever you go, you will have your mouth!)
  
• Eat your breakfast in silence, with no TV, books or distractions. Ah, a peaceful
  start to the day!
  
• Find a local sangha or yoga class. It can be a lot of fun to connect with new teachers and students. Take your family with you!
  
• Use technology: from following your favorite yoga DVD to downloading podcasts to your computer or iPod, having a guide is sometimes just the support you need. Some
  resources include:
  
  • HeatherYoga’s MP3 Downloads
    
  • Yogamazing*
    
  • Jonathan Foust
    
  • Tara Brach*
    
  • Deer Park Monastery*
    
  • Interdependence Project*
    

Most importantly, remember to practice compassion, for yourself, and for others. Remember to smile.

* These titles may be searched for in the iTunes Store.