5 Benefits of Yoga!- Body, Mind and Spirit

We all need to take the time to slow down, breathe and do something good for ourselves. Yoga has been around for a long time and we all need to really start to reap the benefits of this powerful practice, myself included! I know it’s hard to find the time, but really even ten minutes of your time spent on a daily practice, can really go a long way. So why not give it a shot, your body, mind and spirit will thank you, and here’s why!

1. Yoga Improves Balance!

That’s right, you will find that it is getting much easier to stay balanced throughout your daily life. Of course your physical balance will come with daily practice, but mental balance as well can be achieved. Always coming back to the breath when trying to juggle so many different things throughout your daily life, can be a very useful tool in navigating your way through life.

2.   Builds Strength

Yoga builds up your core strength and shapes and tones muscles. A lot of poses are done that can really help build your overall physical strength. For example, forearm stands, standing on one leg, and downward facing dog, create shapes and strength in your muscles. By the way! You can expect to feel a little mentally stronger as well, a daily practice of taking time for yourself can do that!

3.  Improves Flexibility

All of this moving and stretching in different ways can bring new flexibility and shapes to your body. A little stretching every day can go a long way, and you’ll feel good about it too!

4.  Teaches Better Breathing

Inhales and exhales bring us into alignment with our body, mind and spirit. In yoga these breathing exercises are known as pranayama. This breathing can help us to clear nasal passages and calm the nervous system.

5.   Feel More Self Confidence!

This is always a huge one for me. Yoga allows us to be more confident with our bodies and who we are as individuals. Everyone has their own personal journey throughout  their yoga practice. Progress is truly rewarding, especially with something as simple as just touching your toes!

 

Do yoga, practice everyday and FEEL GOOD ABOUT YOURSELF!

Transformational Creatures: The Sacred Snake

Snakes are very interesting and sacred beings. Snakes can represent healing, transformation, primal energy, and spiritual guidance. They shed their skin and come into the new so they are often seen as symbols of transformation. The snake is a power animal and it can show up at a time when increased energy is manifesting. The snake moves and travels with its body very close to the earth. It is connected with the Earth’s energy and life force. The snake is a symbol of healing so it should be taken into consideration how you are using your energy to heal yourself or others. Your energy should be cultivated through nature and its resources. In ancient tales and traditions, snakes are seen as healers.

In Greek mythology, Asclepius is known as the god of medicine. He is a distinguished healer that is known to be featured with two snakes climbing up a rod. This symbol today is known as Caduceus.It is said that a snake licked the ears of Asclepius to return his kindness and filled him with knowledge of ancient healing wisdom.  It was believed that his snake companions would slither across the bodies of those who were sick and lick them back to good health while they were sleeping. Greek mythology held that people could gain second sight or hearing when licked by the snake.

While snakes can be seen as medicine and healers, they also have the ability to poison. They are similar to fungi in a sense that they contain chemicals that can heal, kill, or expand consciousness, possibly containing the elixir of life. Snakes are seen as the wisest when it comes to herbal knowledge.

Snakes are also seen as a dual expression of good and evil. The Hopi people are known to have a snake dance to ensure that rain will fall on their crops and ensure a good season. It is known to incorporate the Snake Youth (which is the sky spirit) and the Snake Girl (the underworld spirit) to renew fertility in nature. Live snakes were used in the dance and then were thrown into the fields for a good growing season. It is a prayer to the spirits of the sky for rainfall, thunder and lightning. In Hinduism, Kundalini is the power of pure desire and mother energy, it is a coiled serpent.

Just like snakes themselves, there is endless knowledge of the sacred meaning of the snake. If you happen to come across one, think about where you are in your life and what you are putting your energy into. The snake is full of wisdom and we can definitely learn a thing or two from these spiritual creatures.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snakes_in_mythology

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serpent_(symbolism)

Snake Spirit Animal

AMMO

Saturn Saturday!- Astrologisting

Saturn is the Guardian of the Threshold between the material and the spiritual world. Saturn is the Lord of Order. He governs self-knowledge and allows the individual to grow through challenging hurdles by slowing things down. Saturn is associated with the wise and the elders who can help us to overcome an ordeal.

This is a good time for plowing through tasks, breaking bad habits, tackling responsibilities, and it is also great for deep thought and meditation. This is also a good time for cutting out things that no longer serve you and focusing on priorities. This is also a good time for conducting experiments and performing tasks that require focus and time.

Some cultures believe that Saturn is a very sacred day. Saturn can be an extremely powerful planet. Saturn is slow moving, so be prepared for its slow nature. It can be a little difficult to manage when traveling or when you need to get things done quickly. Just remember! Saturn takes on the role of an older authority figure who knows what’s best for you. So don’t be suprised if you’re running down a path and you have to turn around and walk back.

Saturday Saturn

• Element: Earth
• Nature: cold and dry
• Zodiac ruling: Aquarius and Capricorn (uranus)
• Physiology: skeleton, bone system, skin, and aging process
• Represents: grandparents, wise men, scientists, knowledgeable persons
• Age: old
• Positive: ambition, maturity, strength wisdom,asceticism, growth, concentration
• Negative: restriction, toughness, discipline, slows things down, stingy, cruel, selfish

sources:

http://www.astrotheme.com/astrology_planets.php

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planetary_hours

AMMO

Sacred Circle: Hula Hooping For the Body, Mind and Spirit

Connecting with the hula hoop can be a magical experience. There is truth to why the hula hoop can be such a heart opening and transformational tool. Anytime we choose to engage in the hula hoop, we create our own sacred space between ourselves and the hoop. The connection we develop with the hula hoop is our own and it allows us to embark on our own personal journey, if we so choose. The movement not only engages our core strength but our spirit. The circle itself is a sacred symbol, it draws us in.

The Meaning Behind the Shape

The sacred circle creates a space that is safe and shielding for those who choose to engage.

The circle means:

• universal
• mobility
• sacred
• divine
• inclusion
• centering
• protection
• completion

That is only just a few because just like the circle, the possibilities are infinite. The circle is endless in nature, and its energy waltzes along the rhythm of time. The shape of the hoop possesses great power that many different cultures look at as spiritual.

Certain circles can trigger awareness and consciousness. They demand attention and we abide by their power. Some common circles that trigger awareness are:

• Clocks- awareness of the essence of time
• Planets- being in tune with the universe
• The sun/moon- telling day from night
• Egg- new life
• Portals- access to dimensions different from our own
• Cells- the life inside us all
• Eyeballs- visions and the ability to see
• Compass- directionally aware
• Wheels- mobility and freedom to move
• Seeds- the start of life and nurturing
• Coins- currency and change

Cultural Significance

• Alchemical symbolism

The circle is seen as a point of focus and concentration. It comes up a lot in esoteric alchemical art. The circle is used to put emphasis on the work at hand. It is often used when doing magic work or experimentation.

• Native American Spirituality

The circle can be seen as the Sun, the Moon, and her children. The circle embodies spiritual energies that consider it to be sacred. It is the integration of energy and matter. The Medicine Wheel is in the shape of a circle and it is considered to guide in treating illnesses. Illnesses come from spiritual imbalances, and the wheel brings about spiritual and physical balance. It also depicts the circle of life.

• Celtic

Circles were drawn as protective boundaries, not to be crossed by enemies or evil.They are also seen as a symbol of the cosmos which is an intangible process of time. It is a reminder of safety and sanctuary.

• Chinese Symbology

The circle symbolizes the shape of heaven. Earth takes on the shape of the square. A square inside a circle signifies the unity of heaven and earth. Also, the circle is seen as balance between the yin and the yang. It embodies duality and balance within that.

Movement for the Body and Spirit

Hula hoops bring about excellent physical activity that works in unity with the body and spirit. Hooping offers the opportunity to gain solid core strength that is essential for overall body support and movement. It also helps with spinal mobility which is essential for bending and stretching.

The Physical

Hula hooping is good for a number of reasons:

• Cardiovascular endurance

Hula hooping burns a large amount of calories and it gets your heart pumping, depending on how long you do it for. It allows your body to work for oxygen

• Beneficial to Joint Health

Hooping increases joint and spinal mobility. The rhythm of the hoop gives your body the chance to reach optimal joint health. This movement allows for your intervertebral discs to receive nutrients that are crucial for a healthy spine.

• Core and Muscle Strength

The repetitive hip movements can really help strengthen the muscles and core. A strong core can help support the back and lessen back pain. It also strengthens the lower back muscles which can help anyone with history of back pain. It also helps strengthen the upper and lower extremities. It also can work as many as 30 of your body’s muscles!

• Improves Hand- Eye Coordination

It challenges your brain and muscles! It sends signals to you brain for reversing direction, catching the hoop and reacting to the rhythm in which the hoop goes.

The Spirit

The movements hula hooping possesses are very spiritually driven due to:

• Rhythm

Rhythm connects us to our primal state of being. Everything in nature is done in a rhythm when it comes to ocean tides, growing plants, transitioning from day to night, and the circle of life itself. When we embody a rhythm, we can default back to our primal energy and our natural selves. Hula hoops allow us to find our rhythm, in any way we choose, and flow with it. We go with the flow, and even if the rhythm changes, we keep flowing.

• Spiraling

Spirals are sacred symbols that represent energy. If you look at pure energy under a microscope, it forms spiral patterns.They also represent growth and evolution. A lot of movements that are done in hooping encompass either a spiral activity or shape. Hula hooping creates spiral movements with the head and body, and the energy that is used creates alignment with the body and spirit. Overtime your relationship with the hoop evolves and grows, much like the representation of the spiral.

• Sacral Rocking

Hula hooping involves moving the sacrum back and forth in a rocking motion. This helps to loosen up energy blocks in the sacral energy or chakra. By becoming mindful of this motion when doing it, you can become more aware of your sacral energy. The Sacral Chakra is the center of feeling, pleasure, emotion, sensuality, intimacy and connection.

• Massaging Abdominals

In many cultures the belly is known as the “seat of the soul”. The naval is where we first received energy from our mother’s womb. The blood, oxygen and nutrition flowed from her body into ours. The abdomen is sacred, it was the beginning of our energy flow. Abdominal massaging can increase blood flow to vital organs. It also helps to stimulate the body’s natural detoxification process and it releases emotional tension. Hula hooping can help massage the abdominals and it can make you feel good!

Whatever reason you have to hoop just go out and do it. Not only is there a lot to learn.But it is healthy for your body, mind and spirit.

 

SOURCES:

http://www.whats-your-sign.com/circle-symbol-meaning.html

http://altreligion.about.com/od/symbols/ig/Geometric-Shapes/Circles.htm

http://mmsl.wikia.com/wiki/Alchemical_Circles

http://www.support-native-american-art.com/Native-American-Medicine-Wheels.html

http://www.nextavenue.org/the-health-benefits-of-hula-hoops/

http://www.livestrong.com/article/124992-health-benefits-hula-hooping/

http://www.thespinsterz.com/blog/health-benefits-of-hula-hooping/

http://www.ancient-symbols.com/sacred_symbols.html

http://hoopnotica.com/blogs/stay-in-the-hoop/15471071-the-benefits-of-hula-hooping-aka-why-you-should-start-hooping-for-fitness-today

http://www.chopra.com/ccl/6-ways-to-create-a-sacred-space-at-home

http://www.chakra-anatomy.com/sacral-chakra.html

http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/benefits-of-abdominal-massage/

 

AMMO

 

The Dance of the Butterfly: Transformational Creatures

Painting by Ellie Paisley  http://www.ElliePaisley.com 

Nature is a school and the greatest teachers are the animals that live within it. Whether these creatures are seen as spiritual guides, totems, or archetypal symbols, there is no denying their teachings that can be passed on to those willing to learn. Once you start to pay attention to what nature is trying to say, the lessons are endless. A creature I have learned so much from is the butterfly.

Butterflies are beautiful and majestic creatures that symbolize the joy and movement from one phase of life to the next. It is the only living organism that can change its entire genetic structure and DNA by evolving from caterpillar to butterfly.  The butterfly shows the beauty, color and wonder that comes with change. It has taught me that even though I cannot fly, I can choose not to be stuck in a place that is too comfortable or uncomfortable.

Metamorphosis is magical. The butterfly goes through 4 stages of transformation from egg to larvae, cocoon to butterfly.  In order to grow, we must evolve and come into a new form that can only guide us to grow in a bright and colorful way. We can only flourish in our creativity when the time is right and when we are willing to break out of our shell. The butterfly is a symbol that change should be handled lightly and it should not being taken so seriously. The butterfly is attracted to the light naturally, which shows purity.

The myth and folklore associated with the butterfly is deeply rooted. In Mexican culture, butterflies are often associated with the Day of the Dead, which is a celebration of loved ones that have passed on. Butterflies symbolize the spirits of their loved ones returning.

The butterfly was very important to Ancient Mexican culture. They had an entire palace dedicated to these creatures called “The Palace of the Mariposa” at Teotihuacan. Teotihuacan is located just outside of Mexico City and it is considered to be the oldest metropolis in Mexican history.

In ancient Greek culture, Aristotle gave the name psyche for the butterfly meaning “soul”. The Greek God Eros’ human lover was named Psyche. She was seen as a personification of the human soul, much like the butterfly.

The Native American Cherokee tribe refers to it as “Butterfly Medicine”. The butterfly allows the opportunity to look beyond the physical world into the spiritual realm. The butterfly shows up to tell you that it is time to take the next step in your transformation for your greatest good. If the butterfly crosses your path, you are ready to change in a big way.

The butterfly is a beautiful symbol of change and light that will continue to teach us all. Change is beautiful, let’s celebrate it with joy and vivid color.

 

AMMO

SOURCES:

http://pure-spirit.com/more-animal-symbolism/611-butterfly-symbolism

http://www.butterfly-wall-art.com/butterfly-symbolism.html

http://www.drstandley.com/animalmedicine_butterfly.shtml

 

 

Science Meets Spirituality- Tachyon

Healing at any level is made possible by the ability to tap into the energy inside us all. “Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease,”Hippocrates. Obstructions in the frequencies of our energy level can create health-related issues. A link between the form and formless, the merging of science and spirituality, can create a doorway to All That Is.

This gateway is known as Tachyon and it could be a catalyst for self-healing. Tachyon derives from the Greek root Tachy meaning “rapid”. This has to do with the theory that Tachyon is faster than light.  Some physicists believe that faster than light particles cannot exist because they are not consistent with the known laws of physics. However, spiritual healers and workers incorporate Tachyon into their practice to bring about the integration of love, harmony, and cooperation into their energy.

Sources:

http://www.energeticarts.com/tachyon/tachyon-energy-4.htm

https://tachyon-energy-products.com

AMMO