Cleanse Your Mind

The most prominent diet or health phenomena going on today is that of the "cleanse". People are cleansing by means of the Paleo Diet, the 'Clean Eating' (ie. no sugar) diet, the GLUTEN AND DAIRY FREE DIET (yay!) and also 'juicing' (NOT steroids, but consuming fresh juice from fruits and veggies - watch the documentary about it here). These are all awesome, and we all know that it takes a healthy body to have a healthy mind... but are we putting enough emphasis on the mind part of this equation?

We have to remember that we need to cleanse our minds, too! To often we focus on achieving optimal bodily health (the societal expectation of the "perfect body") and not enough on making sure our minds achieve optimal health.

To do so, we should focus on happiness and peace; what achieves this for us? Is it dancing to our favourite song or spending time with those we love the most? We could enjoy a massage, or a day out with our friends. I often "detox" my mind by listening to my music, or having a drink with a friend! Tom and I also talk about how we are feeling, and relay our ideas off of each other - even planning for the future relaxes my mind and creates a cleansing sense of happiness that lasts!

This is then, of course, motivating to keep the other part of the equation - the body - in good health, too! We should always have the health and wellness of our mind as our top priority... and trust that the whole "healthy body" thing will come once we achieve clarity of our minds!

Namaste.

The Benefits of Yoga

Yoga is a fabulous sport, and yoga and Buddhism go very well together. Yoga, in Tibetan Buddhism, is actually an advanced form of practicing! 

We came across the inspiring story of Ida Herbert, a 92 year old Toronto woman who holds the Guinness World Record for Oldest Yoga Teacher. How inspiring!

Click here for Ida's story and video!

A Quick, Basic Explanation of Why I Do Zen

More often that not, when I tell someone that I study Zen Buddhism, they nod at me like they know what I'm saying, but I can see that, in their eyes, they really don't know the difference.

Let me explain about Zen Buddhism and why I chose to study Zen, instead of other forms of Buddhism like Vajrayana (which is Tibetan Buddhism... basically a form of Mahayanic - Tantric Buddhism):

Before Buddhism came to Japan, it had become very popular in China. The Japanese sent those wanting, and willing, to learn Buddhism the schools in China and eventually developed the meditation-based practice of Zen. The samurai wanted to become focused, fearless, and enlightened so that they could master their craft and, so, studied Zen. Zen is a part of the Mahayana branch.

I study Zen because of it being such a meditation-based school of Buddhism. I find it extremely calming, relaxing, and I absolutely feel more focused when I immerse myself into Zen. I find that Zen also teaches me to let things go!

  Many other attributes of the Japanese lifestyle fused into Zen matter much to me, like The Way of Tea.

Keep in mind, however, that this is my interpretation of Zen and how it works for me.

Namaste.

Daily Dose of... Dharma

Do not accept any of my words on faith,
Believing them just because I said them.
Be like an analyst buying gold, who cuts, burns,
And critically examines his product for authenticity.
Only accept what passes the test
By proving useful and beneficial in your life.
The Buddha

I often refer to myself as a "forever student of Buddhism" because, for one, there are many schools and interpretations of Buddhism... but mainly because one should never stop learning.

Namaste.

Ready for Reiki?

As the field of energy work and Reiki becomes increasingly popular, curiosity surrounding these techniques grows and, in our uninformed Western World, we don't always know the basics about such modalities or the masters behind the work.

We were lucky enough to have Registered Massage Therapist and Reiki Master Stacey Frizzell answer a few of our questions about Reiki and energy work. Stacey is the owner and operator of her successful, home based business Life Balance. 

Visit Stacey's website here: http://www.lifebalancelive.com

Life Balance's Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Life-Balance/327210540646080

 Q: Tell us a bit about yourself and about your company, Life Balance

I have run a home based business for the last 3.5 years. My focus is preventative health care in the form of energy healing, massage, and reflexology.  

Q: What made you decide to begin studying massage and Reiki?

I was a very sensitive intuitive Being for as far back as I can remember. I did not know how to use it and felt very lost. It was by ‘chance’ about 11 years ago I went for a Reiki Treatment , I had no idea what to expect, but kept an open mind. When I drove home that day after my treatment, I felt better and more peaceful than I had in years! It was a life changing event for me and opened the doors to Eastern Healing and Philosophy. A few years into studying Reiki and other forms of healing, massage came as the natural next step to incorporate physical healing modalities as well.

Q: Why do you love it, and why do you stay in the Health & Wellness field?

It is my Passion!! I do not know where I would be if I did not learn of the subtle but powerful tools of self healing. It increased my physical health, mental health, and opened me to my own beautiful spiritual path. I plan to stay in this line of work to help empower others in taking charge of their health and following their own intuition.

Q: What exactly is Reiki and why is it beneficial?

Reiki is a form of energy healing, founded in Japan in 1922. Its is a gentle laying of hands along a persons body feeling their energy flow ‘chi’. Reiki helps promote energy flow and releases blocks in the body caused by stress. The goal for this energy healing is to release stress and stuck energy in the body before it manifests into physical illness. If the physical illness or pains are already present Reiki can be profound in managing and possibly eliminating aliments.

Q: You also hold meditation classes and are vocal about the benefits; what got you interested in meditation?

Again my passion for this comes from my own experience and profound personal gains I have received through meditation. Scientists show that 12 minutes a day of meditation can change your brain chemistry, improving your mood and increasing your energy! My biggest joy of meditation is I have learned how to have peace and quiet in my mind when I sit with this intention.

Q: As a registered massage therapist, your job is very hands on and must be tiring! How do you unwind, relax and rebalance your muscles and mind?

I have learned balance is key. Being self employed allows me to spread out my schedule to keep myself from burn out.  Also I do my best to practice what I promote! I do this by meditating daily, yoga, and going for regular massage and Reiki treatments!

Q: What does a day in the life of a Reiki Master look like?

Ha-ha my life is pretty normal. I do take note of people I meet more by their energy field than what they say. It has helped me become more compassionate and sensitive when it comes to understanding others.

Namaste!

Let's Talk About... Pain & Suffering

"This is suffering, we should know. Once we know about suffering, then there is no more to know. Since suffering does not arise without a cause, by knowing the causes of suffering, we would abandon and purify the causes and the origin of suffering. Once we have purified the causes of suffering, there is no more to purify and then comes the cessation of suffering. By knowing that there is cessation of suffering, we would follow the path, attain the path that leads us to such cessation. Once we have perfected the path, there is no more to attain and no more path to follow." - The Buddha

Let's pretend you're on your way home from work. If you're from Calgary, the words "Deerfoot at 4:00pm" should mean something to you, maybe stir a little something inside?

Picture that traffic jam. Do you remember the feelings you experienced? How much you wanted to yell and swear and scream... especially at the other people in the other cars?

Been there!

Those people, though, are in the same jam as you. They want to get home and eat and be happy and not stuck in a stuffy car. They don't want to suffer.

But, what is suffering, really?

Suffering is not the traffic jam: that's pain. Suffering is your ideas about the traffic jam; the anger, frustration, boredom, worry, annoyances.

The traffic jam is out of your control; you are not Bruce Almighty (though it might be nice)!

However, you can control your suffering - work with it! You can learn to let it go!

This is what The Buddha means when he comments on "purifying the situation" - think of washing your face. When you do, you're washing away the dirt and grime and everything that your face has picked up throughout the long, long day. How great does it feel? Amazing!

Well, let's "wash" the suffering away - take away the dirt, the grime, the everything that is clogging your life at the moment and just let it go down the drain.

The suffering is yours and is what you make of it; take it and learn to let it go.

You can get over the "jams" you encounter in life.

Learn to practice tolerance, patience and compassion.

Namaste.

Let's Talk About ... Karma

Everyone has heard and spoken about karma at one point in their lives. The way I knew karma was related to a variation of the Golden Rule; "Do unto others as you would have done to yourself."

However, my conception of karma became misconstrued at one point, especially during high school, as I viewed karma as an almost vengeful energy that attacked people who had done me wrong.

Come on, we've all seen people we hated in high school who got fat and said, "Karma!" in THAT tone, shrugging our shoulders and secretly tasting the (let's admit it) sweet taste of revenge.

I've frequently used the phrase, "Karma will give them what's coming to them."

Well, no, that's not karma. That's me hoping for revenge and that someone's fiance leaves them at the altar, and that's toxic thinking... as sweet as that situation may be.

Okay, so the point I'm taking the long way 'round to is: Revenge and vengeance is NOT karma!!

Hinduism and Buddhism click in the instance that both promote tolerance. Karma, in both religions, is simply that everything has its effect, causing something else in turn. Aka - a butterfly flaps its wings on one side of the world, and there's an earthquake elsewhere - heard of that analogy?

Yes, we all have.

Centuries prior to the Buddha, karma was taught as a part of "divine will" - not unlike God's will... enter 'smiting' - but the Buddha differed, and taught that we are all responsible for our own destinies.

So, the lesson learned for me here is that just because I was treated unjustly at the end of a prior relationship doesn't mean that "karma" is gonna swoop down on Mister Dude and ruin his future endeavors. He's made the new relationship for himself, obviously its a great one, and he has created a new destiny for himself.... just as I have. And I've created a happy one. I'm not going to rely on karma to exact my vengeful wishes, but I will embrace karma as it encourages me to make my own destiny; to send good energy out into the world and recieve good energy back. Think of the Lion King: "The Circle of Life".

However, I will not claim to ever be immune to thought of revenge and vengeance... I will vow to not let them consume me. I must practice tolerance, as it is so fundamental to following the Way and achieving nirvana.

Let's think again of the Zen teaching: "Hold onto a feeling, good or bad, and feel this feeling until it cannot be felt anymore. Then, simply, let it go."

Namaste.



Let's Talk About... Zen In The Home

Sometimes, there seems to be no time for de-stressing at home; you walk in from work, grocery shopping, being at the gym, etc. and all you want to do is crack open a beer (or, in my hubby's case; a can of Coke), sit down and watch whatever happens to be on (Family Guy, anyone?).

How fulfilling is this, really? Sure, we get to be lazy and watch entertaining shows, but could we possibly be spending our time to achieve greater things?

Thomas would say, "No" at this point, just to be funny.

Seriously, though; what can you do to create a motivating, comfortable, and capable space to help you become the best you?

Let me tell you how I am learning to do it (note I put LEARNING).

I keep a yoga mat on each floor of my house, except for the basement as it is unfinished, as the sight of the mat reminds me of the feeling I get when I'm practicing yoga and also motivates me to get down and do it! Having it readily available has become very valuable for me. As well, this also motivates me to meditate - meditation helps to clear my head, zen me out and really connect within myself and with my spirit guides. This promotes a healthy attitude and inner strength to strengthen my "outer", so, again, having the yoga mat within my sights is a good form of motivation.

We recently "built" a record wall. Like many people, both Tom and I take solace in music - especially the classic rock music - and we went ahead and hung shelves and put our old, classic records on the shelves. The shelves we bought are great, as they have a little crook on the end that keeps the records from falling off. Here's a terrible pictures of an awesome project (it really does look better in person)!

The step stool there has since been replaced with my acoustic guitar.

Looking at the music is quite inspiring, and having the guitar there has inspired Tom to play a bit more - he is a great guitar player, but since that darned X box thing came out, he doesnt play as much as he should.

It definitely brings a Zen- like feeling into our home, through the presence of music.

As I am a Buddhist, I keep Buddhist tokens and idols around my home - I have many Buddha busts, as well as statues of The Buddha meditating, ranging from small to large. I have quite a few Laughing Buddhas, including a small, beautiful, pure-jade Laughing Buddha that I hold very dear.

These inspire me to practice yoga and to meditate, as most of the Buddha statues I have depict the Enlightened One meditating, sitting in Lotus Pose.

Candles also help me to zen out, as well. A scent from a good candle is like medicine for a bad headache.

I also have been striving to keep the house clean - I'm glad our house is the size it is - any bigger and I don't know if I could keep myself motivated to clean it! I do take pride in cleaning, it is therapeutic, and after I'm finished, I usually go for a run or do yoga, or attempt meditation. Once I'm active, I'm active, and it takes an unusually large headache or a extreme bout of laziness to calm me back down after cleaning. Knowing how great my house can look after a good clean definitely keeps me motivated to continue to keep it clean, to clean when I have the chance, and to stay motivated to keep active, even after I've finished! Also, there's always the threat family members or friends may show up unannounced, and I do like to visit a clean house when I see my friends and family, so I strive to meet the expectations I assume they have.

Humour and love also help to keep us grounded; our cats help us achieve this, as well as our friends and family. But, every day, our cats (as they are indoor-only) make us laugh and shower us with love and affection.

We also are very fortunate to have a wonderful relationship filled with love and humour - Tom is actually a very funny guy and I can say that I do keep him laughing as well.

Those are a few things the keep this house Zen, well try to keep this house Zen.

There's always more work to do, and everything is a learning process. Let's be thankful that we have been given these lessons and grateful that we are able to live life with priveleges, love, laughter and the oppurtunity to learn.

Namaste.

There's Always Time If You Make Time For... Meditation

Meditation. The word itself can be scary, intimidating, overwhelming, and some people just don't believe in it altogether.

That is absolutely okay. You must do what works for you; how can you succeed in something that you don't believe in?

Many people think that meditation is only for people with Buddhist or Hindu beliefs; they believe that meditation is better left to people following mainly Eastern world religions. This is not true. Meditation, though it is a fundamental part of yoga and many Eastern world religions, is just as beneficial for living within a Western world religion.

Meditation is focussed on breathing, relaxation and balance, but it is not limited to just that. Some people use it to even contact dead loved ones, some use it as a rejuvenating ritual, but many use it to relax and find inner peace.

Guided meditation can be a great start for beginners, just be cautious about what you will be guided in to. Make sure that you have established a strong belief in yourself, a religious deity, or (in some cases) a spirit guide that can protect you, especially if you plan on opening yourself up during your meditative trances.

I have read books upon books on different forms of meditation, but my favourite form of meditating is sitting in lotus pose, burning a cinnamon or cassia-scented candle, listening to my "meditation music" (Tom calls the songs Buddhist Lullabies) and focussing on my breathing. I use this time to visualize goals, achieve balance and become one within myself - it is a bit difficult to explain. However, meditation has become a pivotal experience for me and has really shaped the person that I am becoming... which feels insanely amazing.

My tip for beginner meditators:

Visualize a white light around you: this can be provided be your deity of choice, your profound sense and confidence in yourself, or your spirit guide - this will protect you from anything that may hurt you (when I say this, I mean emotional or psychological- ie. bad thoughts)

Get comfortable! You can't meditate if your butt is numb... just sayin'. This would also be a time to bring in comforting things; this is my list:
1. A glass of water - water is refreshing, cleansing, and protective. It will provide a harbour to keep things that may try to weasle in at bay, or, if you have an extremely soul searching session, you can drink it afterwards for replenishment and cleansing
2. A cinnamon or cassia- scented candle - cinnamon and cassia get my brain going, but the scent is not over-stimulating. Remember, you want to be relaxed, not focussed on your nostrils burning from an unpleasant scent. Another beneficial scent is vanilla - it relaxes and cleanses your mind and soul.
3. My yoga mat - I associate yoga with health, and, since I do yoga on my trusty mat, when I bring the mat into my meditation session, I bring the feeling and promote health and clarity into my session
4. Music - Make sure to listen to the full tracks before you bring this in to your session. Music can also help shape what you may or may not encounter in your session; if you listen to "Thriller" you may meditate on whether or not to wear your rhinestone socks to the party later

Breathe. Focus on your breathing and posture to begin with.

Visualize your goals, anything that will bring positivity and balance to your life.

Research. Look it up! See what works best for you - if you prefer a Zen approach, try it!

Cleanse. Drink water afterwards - you may not have been on the treadmill, but your energy will be depleted.

Meditate often. Practise makes perfect - even for 10 minutes a day.

Namaste.

There's Always Time If You Make Time For.... Yoga

Tom has tried a ton of new things since we've been together - like getting out of the house more than three times a week!

He has had a pedicure, facial, adopted a cat, gone to Vegas, and bought a house - to name a few.

Today, he tried yet another new thing! We did some couples yoga poses when he got home from work; I've been doing a lot more yoga a meditation lately to help with the severe shoulder and back pain I've been experiencing. He was not up for it at first, so after much convincing, we tried some quick, painless and easy poses.

He is not flexible at all, so Warrior 1 pose was good to start to try and get him loosened up. We did a half moon pose and other bends and then ended with the tree pose.

You can honestly make it up as you go along, but remember to tailor it to your partner's needs - especially if you yourself practice almost every day. The main thing is to keep your own, and your partner's abs tight and keep sleek lines for your body during the poses. Breathing and balance is your first priority - make sure that your partner understands this.

It was a bonding experience for us for sure, and as I'm typing, he is doing "Downward Dog" on his own! Yay for yoga!!

Namaste.

Today's the Day for ... Zen

Living Zen can be a big improvement; it can teach you to relish the finer things, stop looking over your shoulder, and be true -"er" to yourself! It has taught me all of these things, and to live in the present - try my best to cherish each moment as it comes to me. Send out your good vibes to the universe, and it will send back to you.

Take each moment as a lesson, whether it be a struggle or a triumph.

It is kind of like Tom and I's quest to find the best tasting French Onion Soup - we try new things to find out which suits us best and delight in the soups that we like. We cherish each of these moments because it brings us together, and we get to taste some pretty awesome food!!

My Zen proverb for today is:

"The infinite is the finite of every instant."

Namaste.

Meditate often and think peace always.

My Daily Dose of... Buddha

The biggest challenge for me has been to not take things so personal and to stop worrying about my past and fretting for the future.

Learning to take things in stride is extremely difficult, it takes a lot of time to continue to tell yourself to not 'sweat the small stuff'.

There is a Zen proverb that basically tells you to feel a feeling (whether it be bad or good) in it's entirety - feel it until you can't feel it anymore and then simply... let it go. This has been an amazing mantra for me!

Learning not to take things personally is equally as hard, but it can be achieved if you want it for yourself.

During my struggles with health, I find that this quote has really resonated within me. Meditation is perfect for finding balance day to day.

So, our quote of the day is:

"The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, nor worry about the future or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly." - The Buddha

Namaste

My Daily Dose of... Buddha

Let's take some time today to reflect on our lives, drawing out the good memories and vowing to learn from the bad memories and mistakes we have made.

When we repress feelings or cover our eyes to these, we miss out on self-realizaton and Enlightenment.

"The only real failure in life is not to be true to the best one knows." - The Buddha

Namaste.

My Daily Dose Of... Buddha

Every day I take a moment to meditate, practise yoga, or just "zen out" - especially with my midterms coming up and so much change going on

Buddhism is my way of life - I am so happy I found it, as the teachings of the Buddha has changed my life for the better!

Today's quote is:

"What you think, you become." - Buddha

Namaste.