A State Of Mind Archives - Page 3 of 10

September 10, 2012October 18, 2014

where would you go?

Because I read Kathleen Peddicord’s newsletters, and International Living, too, read travel books, watch travel documentaries, and tend to meet people who travel the world . . . I was thinking about where would I choose to live . . . so many beautiful places . . . where would I go . . . if I decided it was time to go? – it’s a wonderful question. I’ve actually narrowed it down to: France, somewhere in Ecuador, Uruguay perhaps, maybe Thailand, or Italy. And, yes, there’s also sacred and ancient India and its magnificent rich history. Though as far as India is concerned, I hear a little voice in the back of my head saying: however will you make that happen? And then there are the pictures I’ve seen of people profusely sweating and mopping their faces and necks with handkerchiefs, and documentaries of foreigners doing the same and looking as hot as hot can be. I’m not sure I could take that amount of humidity and remain sane. The other side of the coin is, when people talk of India they don’t complain of the humidity. And I’m beginning to think that it has to do with learning acceptance and simply loving and appreciating what India has to offer. The movie The Story of India by Michael Wood is a powerful, exciting, and marvelous documentary that can easily have a viewer thinking, I want to be there, too.

Now I have a question for you: Are there places in this beautiful and fascinating world you would happily move to in a heartbeat? And if you say yes, where and why?

Finding a place where there are like-minded people of all ages, a place that inspires and offers plenty of beauty, a place where nature has remained intact for the most part, a place having quality of life, and organic farms would be just about ideal.

Some people see the whole world as their home, and are comfortable anywhere with anybody, and I’m inching toward that mindset. The longer I live the more I understand that we humans are capable of changing . . . we’re always changing – we just don’t realize it. When we want the BIG changes to come and focus to the extent that most everything else becomes secondary . . . no doubts, anxiety, negative thoughts, no fear thoughts, allowed . . . a “single mindedness” until we’re where we want to be . . . that includes in any area of life . . . when that happens . . . we can expect change – the kind we want.

The way I prepare is to hobnob with the Mystic Power Emmet Fox so beautifully understood and wrote about. Mystic Power has many names, and we need to find the name that resonates with us. It’s a total belief that Mystic Power is our perfect senior partner.

Now I have a question for you: Are there places in this beautiful and fascinating world you would happily move to in a heartbeat? If yes, where would you go? And why?

The evening is lovely. Autumn is signaling that it’s right around the corner. For me saying goodbye to a very, very hot and humid summer will be easy. Although I know of people who feel sad about summer’s ending. If you’re one of those people, cheer up, it’ll be back.

I hope you had a wonderful day.

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It is not because things are difficult that we do not dare;
It is because we do not dare that they are difficult. – Seneca

June 3, 2012October 23, 2014

a retreat, a salon, a bookshop, a book

Sometimes you simply know deep in your bones that being somewhere can only leave a lasting impression on your whole being, if only you can get to that place. That’s how I felt as I listened carefully to philosopher/writer Tim Freke being interviewed by Lilou Mace as they sat on a bench in front of Abbey House on a site with “ancient roots” in Glastonbury UK. Being part of a retreat there with Tim Freke, along with other “explorers,” has to be an incredible experience. His website gives a glimpse of his life’s work. And after reading about the books he’s written and comments from readers, methinks anyone ready for a first-time reading and a retreat in Glastonbury is in for a wonderful wild ride – a WOW! of a ride.
www.mysteryexperience.com

I fondly remember a charming neighborhood restaurant located on Irving Place in Manhattan called Sal Anthony’s, and after many years in business it closed. Then Sal Anthony’s 3rd Avenue Movement Salon opened. And so last week when daughter Sumi said, “I made appointments for us at Sal Anthony’s,” I smiled a broad smile. Sumi is always happy doing Pilates, and It’s reflexology for me in the very capable hands of Ann. Feet that daily pound the pavement love reflexology.
Sal Anthony’s is a different kind of salon. This from the website: “We’re not cool Cool is for gyms where people are obsessed with style and hubris. We believe in order to find balance we need to free ourselves from limits of this sort”
www.movementsalon.com

With bodies in fine walking order, we sauntered over to Namaste Bookshop at 2 West 14th Street. It seems that once again small book stores are opening and thriving. Hooray! and judging from the number of customers squeezed into this small place, thriving is the right word. I was looking for The Five Tibetans by Christopher Kilham. It’s also known as the Five Rites of Rejuvenation, and is written about at length in the book, Ancient Secret Of The Fountain Of Youth, Book 2, A companion to the book by Peter Kelder. Think of a retired British officer who went on a spectacular journey, Tibetan lamas, a monastery in the Himalayas, a man named Peter Kelder who was told an incredible story wrapped in ancient mystery, and in writing about it gave the world five simple, graceful, and powerful exercises.

Now the book – I said, “Sumi, I doubt the book is here; I think it’s out of print.” She said, “Ask.” I looked at the shelf where it would be if they had it. “Not there,” I said to no one in particular. Again I heard Sumi whisper, “Ask.” So I did. And there it was on a table that I had passed when entering. As I paid for the book, the two people behind the counter happily announced that the writer of The Five Tibetans will be at the bookshop this coming Friday, 8 June. I smiled. Christopher Kilham has been practicing The Five Tibetans for thirty-five years, and ” . . . he has conducted medicinal plant research in more than 30 countries across 5 continents and the South Pacific.” Imagine an evening spent listening to him at Namaste Bookshop. www.namastebookshop.com

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“Tim Freke’s work is an open door inviting one and all into the Mystery” – Ram Dass author of Be Here Now

“Inspired and clear, The Five Tibetans makes a worthy contribution to body-mind wellness and longevity.” – Dr. Mehmet Oz

“I have done the Five Rites and passed Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth on to many friends over the years. I recommend them without reservation.” – Martin Sheen

May 15, 2012May 5, 2013

narcissus quagliata and michel domit

Lilou Mace has given us another exceptional interview with famous glass artist Narcissus Quagliata, and the creator of El Santuario at Valle de Bravo (two miles outside of Mexico City), Michel Domit.

www.juicylivingtour.com
www.elsantuario.com

These two creators, with Lilou Mace, treat us to a remarkable interview which, if we carefully and deeply listen, will change us. I want to entice you to watch it on juicy living tour by writing about a few things that were discussed, and, when you’re ready, to search for the video titled “The Importance of Stopping the Mind! Mexico.” I’ll try to piece a little of it together for you to whet your appetite, although it won’t sing to your heart in the way watching and listening will. Something begins to stir in the listener when hearing about the creation of the beautiful light from the dome reflecting everywhere, and the amazing before and after story of El Santuario and the dome, hearing the words: heart, love, consciousness, creating, quieting the mind, the holy quartz mountain that has a spirit, quieting the mind, atoms, stars, the Tibetan monks, revelation, transformation, quieting the mind. . . .

Dialogue taken from the juicy living tour video:

We have two imaginations – one the perceptive, the other the creative – though no one talks about it, Silva Mind Control founded by Jose Silva does, and Michel Domit taught it for twenty years.
www.silvamindcontrol.com

Narcissus Quagliata created a beautiful dome for El Santuario. Before doing this, though, he took absolute quiet on the mountain for three months. He said that people have to learn how to quiet the mind and create a vacuum. And if you stop internal dialogue you become enlightened. He said that he created the dome by pushing away everything that was unnecessary. He said the most frequent question asked is: How did you invent the imagery? How did you invent it? The answer is simple, he said. I invented it by pushing away everything that is unnecessary. I create an empty space and then the images find me. I don’t go find them – absolute quiet and then I just stood still and within days my place was crowded with images. By quieting the mind you become a vacuum. That’s how Siddhartha became the Buddha.

Michel Domit said that his teacher Carlos Castenada insisted so much on stopping the internal dialogue – it is not us. The mind we are using is wonderful, but if we don’t know where the turnoff button is, it’s terrible. It can actually drive you crazy.
www.castaneda.com

He devoted eight hours every day for five months to meditation before beginning his El Santuario project. And he said that the spirit of the mountain guided him in the creation of El Santuario . . . listen to the video to find out how the spirit of the mountain communicates.

And so, the above is just a skeleton of a most interesting and enlightening interview; it’s much more exciting to watch and listen to it because time and again what’s stressed is that there’s so much more to life, and to us, than what we now believe. And the possibility of things being a lot different for us were we to deeply listen to the dialogue between Narcissus Quagliata, Michel Domit, and Lilou Mace on the video “The Importance of Stopping the Mind! Mexico” is very real.

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“In the universe there is an unmeasurable force which shamans call intent, and absolutely everything that exists in the entire cosmos is attached to intent by a connecting link.”
– Carlos Castaneda

May 6, 2012October 23, 2014

lilou mace, tony samara, sonia choquette

Are there nights when you can’t sleep? And you don’t want to be bleary-eyed in the morning so you refuse to take over-the-counter pills. The first thought that comes to mind to insure a good night’s sleep is to eliminate watching, reading, or thinking about anything that smacks of violence, or anything that causes stress in the body. We want to ease into sleep and shed unwanted thoughts. I have an idea, let’s get a cup of camomile tea or any herbal tea, and type www.juicylivingtour.com on a computer and click on Videos, and then click on Tony Samara. Next to his name it says: He was born in the UK, raised in Egypt and Norway, made decisions in the course of his life to abandon one way of living for another, “studied at Mount Baldy Zen Center in California where he learned the spiritual teachings of Kyozan Joshua Sasaki, and lived with and learned from shamanic communities around the globe including a period of time spent with some highly influential shamans in the Amazon and the Andes Mountains.” Listening to him is a treat, or maybe the word is gift. Thank you, Lilou Mace for bringing this interview to us.

I’m sitting comfortably, are you? All right! We have our tea, and are ready to carefully listen to Lilou Mace interview Tony Samara. His serene voice will explain that there’s another way to be in the world. You’re liking it? I knew you would. Shall we watch and listen again so that every word can permeate every fiber of our being? Our conscious mind has been put to rest, now another part of who we are can take over and put to use the words we’ve been listening to – the words that have the ability to change our old worn-out beliefs.
www.tonysamara.org

No need to worry about time. When the body is relaxed and stressless, it can handle a little loss of sleep. With that thought, shall we watch one last video tonight? What about Sonia Choquette? It’s wonderful listening. She’ll simply and lovingly explain about intuition, that we all have access to it, that somewhere along the way many of us chose to not use it, that it’s dormant at the moment – still there though should we make a decision to have it as our constant guide. That would be a powerful decision. She’ll show us how, and the rest is up to us. It’s just a matter of using it.
www.soniachoquette.com

I’ve mentioned Lilou Mace before, – do you know her story? It’s an amazing one in that she lost her job, and opted for “. . . The beauty and magic of following her heart and true nature.” She’s never done what she’s now doing. As she travels the world interviewing spiritual teachers – those who have something to say and have the ability to transform others, she relies completely on donations. There have been interviews that have caught her off-guard and her honesty was so refreshing when asked very personal questions. It seems that what comes up most often when she talks about herself is having complete trust in the Universe and that Love is the guiding force, a knowing that we are all connected and that we all have a right to live on our own terms as long as we aren’t harming anyone, including ourselves, and that we are all worth so much more than we realize and have gifts waiting to be tapped by us. She continues to figure it out as she goes along on her quest, and learning every step of the way and always striving to bring what she does to the next level. Good for you Lilou Mace
www.liloumace.com

I’ve read that it’s not good to use a computer or cell phone just before going to bed. We all know how they react on the brain. But every so often and when using a computer for the above-mentioned reasons, I would think that it sure beats a restless night.

Are you feeling relaxed and sleepy? I certainly hope so. Good night and sweet dreams.

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“Do I contradict myself? Very well then, I contradict myself, (I am large, I contain multitudes.)” – Walt Whitman

March 6, 2012April 16, 2012

emailing and letter writing

I miss letter writing, a lot. I know there’s email, it’s simply not the same though. A month ago I was looking for an exquisite pen; it was a gift and I’d misplaced it. I began looking on one of the shelves (I’ve five very long shelves). After looking for a few seconds, a very familiar looking box got my attention. It was a box with a bunch of old letters, and the bunches were tied with the loveliest of ribbons, and they seemed to be, well, waiting, I thought. And I asked myself, waiting for what? There was no answer. So I reached for the box that for many years was carted from one place to another, now seemed the perfect time to take a look at what the past might reveal.

For the most part, reading the letters was wonderfully entertaining. Some of the people who wrote those letters have passed away, and the people who are alive are all leading very different lives. The letters ran the gamut of emotions, and, of course, they had an entirely different affect on me than when first read many years ago. I’ve changed, along with everybody and everything else. Again, what was revealed that evening was that everything is always changing. It wasn’t sad; it was just, wow, that all happened?

Although we are privy to many historical intimate letters, somehow when the letters of a long time ago are from people personally known, written in their own handwriting, and allowing the recapturing of memories, if only for fleeting moments, a different feeling arises. It’s a very nice feeling; I’d call it calming because somehow I sensed that everyone was fine – right here, right now; dead or alive; they’re all fine.

I’m sure many people would be excited to open their mailbox and see, along with junk mail and bills, a handwritten, personal letter on beautiful stationery. And, as for the one writing the letter, I remember it’s very satisfying, and tends to put things into perspective. Oh, yes.

I haven’t found my pen yet.

Sweet dreams, everyone.

March 4, 2012April 16, 2012

detoxing {:-)

You’re not bored with reading about detoxing, are you? I’m posting about this subject again because it’s important to share this particular treasure box. Have you experienced detoxing yet? There’s a marvelous list of things that happen to mind body emotions spirit when we commit to detoxing and to breaking old habits of dependency on foods that don’t serve us well. The detox journey, written about in the book CLEAN by Alejandro Junger, is a perfect guide for 21-days of cleansing. And the CLEAN website allows for connection to a community of like-minded people, and, additionally, a professional and friendly support team is ready to answer any and all questions needing answers.
wwww.cleanprogram.com

A list of foods need to be eliminated when beginning the Pre-Cleanse, and the reasons why are thoroughly explained in the book. On the Pre-Cleanse, meals are chosen from the menu section of the book, and three full meals a day are eaten for three days. It’s a nice head start before starting the Cleanse which consists of two liquid meals and one full meal a day. I’m enjoying shopping for, buying, and bringing into my kitchen a delightful array of foods not tried before, and embarking on an unfamiliar way of eating. When first looking at the food selections in the book, I didn’t realize how much fun it would be to completely change a way of eating. Change is good!

Before beginning the program, the thought occurred to me to skip the three-days of Pre-Cleanse, but daughter Sumi said, “I think you should do it.” I’m glad I did; Sometimes it’s good to heed advice. Truthfully, as far as the Pre-Cleanse was concerned, I was ready for ghastly headaches occurring from being deprived of coffee and caffeinated teas. The only thing that happened was being in a state that hovered between foggy head and stupor. It was only for three days though. Of course, everyone will have different experiences.

Today is my third day on the Cleanse (Hallelujai!), and I’m thinking that more of an understanding of body mind emotions spirit is coming into play, and I’m beginning to feel that following the Cleanse to the letter, brings an experience unlike any other.

I think it’s vital to read the book with a fine tooth comb, so to speak, because therein lies the powerful motivation for wanting to do the Cleanse. Once the book is read (and reread throughout the Cleanse), and an understanding of how toxins, sickness, healing, health happen, a whole new world opens up. And that is nothing less than empowering.

I hope your day was all you wanted it to be.

Sweet dreams.

February 19, 2012October 23, 2014

a thought for the day

“Looking at the stars always makes me dream, as simply as I dream over the black dots representing towns and villages on a map. Why? I ask myself, shouldn’t the shining dots of the sky be as accessible as the black dots on the map of France. Just as we take a train to get to Tarascon or Rouen, we take death to reach a star. We cannot get to a star while we are alive anymore than we can take the train when we are dead. So to me it seems possible that cholera, tuberculosis, and cancer are the celestial means of locomotion. Just as steamboats, buses and railways are the terrestrial means. To die quietly of old age, would be to go there on foot.” – Vincent Van Gogh (as researched by Australian director Paul Cox)

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February 18, 2012April 15, 2013

clean by alejandro junger

I’m preparing for the clean program. You, too? I’m so excited! I’m thinking that compared to the starkness* of the lemonade diet, this will be quite doable. After reading the book and understanding more about the body and sickness, nothing can keep me from experiencing the benefits of getting rid of all the toxins in my body, some caused by me, and some caused by our environment. Dr. Junger has written in detail and what he says is easily understood – integrating body mind emotions spirit – he’s left no stone unturned – and the workings of it has become extremely clear. Dr Alejandro Junger is at 470 Broome Street, New York, NY 10013, and he has a retreat center in Costa Rica.

Of course, coffee has to go. And I have to ask myself why I purchased Trader Joe’s Costa Rican Tarrazu last week when I was considering the Clean Program. What a contradiction; ah, well, some habits are deeply embedded. BUT, that’s okay, my chant for the day is yerba mate.
www.traderjoes.com

It’s another beautiful day where I am, and I hope it’s the same for you.

Let’s all have an outstanding Saturday.

*starkness” because . . . I stayed on for 21-days, and that was not good judgment on my part – there were signs that said stop. Silly me!

February 2, 2012October 17, 2014

sadhguru jaggi vasudev

You don’t go to bed with the nightly news on your mind, do you? Uh-oh, that would be like preparing for a night of insomnia, or a restless sleep. Why would you want that? Tell me you’d never think of going to sleep with the nightly news in your consciousness, or anything else of that ilk. I heard you, you said, no way. Wonderful!

A few nights ago, I looked at my bookshelf and there at eye-level was MIDNIGHTS WITH THE MYSTIC by Cheryl Simone and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev. I looked at the book and it was saying, it’s me you want. That was true. Even though I’d read it twice, it’s a book that needs to be read more than once.

Have you read MIDNIGHTS WITH THE MYSTIC A Little Guide To Freedom And Bliss? In the book, Cheryl Simone shares so much of her life with us – the parts she thought worked and the parts she knew were in need of an overhaul, for instance, deteriorating health, over-achiever, perfectionist, etc. Though it turns out that the parts she thought worked, also needed an overhaul. She begins the book by telling of her early life, then her professional life. It’s very personal which is vital to the story. However, a spiritual life is what she’s always wanted, and, well, at this point in time, we can say, desperately wants. However, no matter where she searches, no matter the teacher, progression is painfully slow for her. She notices the advancement of those around her, but, time and time again, she’s disappointed. Then she meets Sadhguru. Finally. . . .

He’s to stay at her place, and Cheryl arrives at the Atlanta airport to meet him. He’s come from India and they’re heading, with his assistant, toward the North Carolina mountains where Cheryl has a house on Glenview Lake in the midst of the rainforest. Cheryl’s mind is on the questions needing answers. She’s sitting next to the person she now calls her teacher, and she knows that he’s well-able to answer all of her questions. He’s behind the wheel; he likes speed. It’s an invigorating ride. She wastes no time, the conversation begins. . . .

The conversations in the late evening can have us wishing we were right there with them in the stillness of the night, by the lake with a fire at our feet, beauty all around, eating tortilla chips and salsa and learning about boundaries and boundlessness, and so much more. Their routine for one week is that Sadhguru stays in his room all day working, and in the evening after meals, and close to midnight, they walk to the lake, get in Cheryl’s boat, and head toward an area chosen by Sadhguru to talk and talk.

Ah, I can’t see how you’d ever regret reading MIDNIGHTS WITH THE MYSTIC, and learning about Inner Engineering, Sadhguru’s story, and the answers to all of Cheryl’s questions.
www.ishafoundation.org
“Some people call it God, some people call it Allah, Einstein called it E, and we are calling it Ishwara or Isha.” – Sadhguru

Is it time to read?

Sweet dreams.

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“self-realization is not given to you by the guru. He simply
removes the obstacles that are beyond your perception.”
-Sadhguru

There is a
Force within
that gives you life
Seek that
– Rumi

January 10, 2012April 15, 2013

clean by alejandro junger

What can we do for body mind spirit this year that will have a permanent positive impact on our lives, and on Planet Earth?

Perhaps we can start with detoxing. Have you heard of the book CLEAN by Dr. Alejandro Junger? It’s an exquisitely-written book having all that’s needed in the way of information, including recipes. Yes, imagine that, recipes, which means we get to eat while reaping all the benefits of detoxing. in addition, the writer keeps us motivated, there’s plenty of support, and, to boot, he inspires us. What more do we need? Nothing, except commitment on our part. Detoxing is a priceless gift we give ourselves, and I’ve not read a book on this subject quite as interesting and exciting as CLEAN. Alejandro Junger, M.D. is a cardiologist who early in his career went from being a specimen of health to being stressed, bloated, tired, having headaches, and being depressed. He had many good reasons for temporarily chucking everything in search of the cause. And that’s exactly what he did, eventually regaining complete health. He tells us his story so that we can benefit, and learn all the reasons for detoxing (liver, kidneys, gall bladder, colon, etc.). CLEAN, I think, is a labor of love.

It’s been over a year since my daughter Sumi forwarded an email to me with information about Dr. Alejandro Junger, saying that Gwyneth Paltrow had talked about him on her blog, www.goop.com Then this past December, I was on a train heading for Penn Station when my daughter-in-law Alicia called clearly excited about a book called CLEAN, which she had borrowed from a Hot Yoga friend.

And so, it seems like the perfect way to begin implementing a permanent positive impact on ourselves, and then Planet Earth, because when we’re in top shape things become clearer, and that’s putting it mildly.

Clean: The Revolutionary Program to Restore the Body’s Natural Ability to Heal Itself