To remain involved in Karmic Yoga and derive the joys that come as a result of service one must somehow embrace the ideas that underlie Creation Spirituality. Creation Spirituality, not to be confused with Creation Theology, is described by Matthew Fox as the Christian Mystic Tradition. It is a tradition that has been all but erased, especially in many institutional churches. When we look at the history of Christianity, however, and especially the monastic movement, we can find traces of Creation Spirituality.
Creation spirituality, as defined by Matthew Fox, involves the acceptance of four paths or ways. Here I will give a general overview, but we will explore each path in subsequent articles. The first path is the Via Positiva. The Via Positiva experience is the natural condition of the human being at peace. It is a time of rest and a time of stillness where one is full of potential energy, but also very much at peace and in a state of balance. The second is the Via Negativa. On this path one?s balance has been disrupted. Something has come into one?s life that causes a shift in one?s thinking, or ones opinion about the world. One is force to reform her or his opinion about the world and life. Part of the self dies during this shift and it doesn?t feel good. The old maladaptive dies and seeds of that which will be new begin to sprout. The third is the Via Creativa. During this phase the seed begins to sprout. One achieves balance again at a higher state with more clarity and awareness about reality. The fourth is the Via Transformative. During this phase one integrates the changes that she experiences into he life. The change is integrated to the extent that she becomes a large, transformed individual. As we live, breath and strive to link with the Divine, we are walking on all of these paths.
They are not hierarchical paths, or linear. We can be on different paths in different areas of our lives at the same time. The main idea running through this concept of the paths and creation spirituality is that we are still in the process of being created just like the universe. We go through all of these paths repeatedly and never complete them.
The universe is not complete. The same divine power that has been working in the universe since the time of it?s creation is still working not only out there somewhere, but also inside us. We, like the universe, through many experiences are changing and growing, becoming something more than we are at this very moment. If we choose well we can learn and do things that will help us move toward the light and becoming the image of the Divine more quickly, if not we may be caught of in the cares of the world and lose ourselves in the Maya (Illusion) of the world.
Much pressure and heat is required to create a diamond. Some stones become diamonds, but some just become coal. The human being is in the position where he can decide to become a diamond or become coal. As we do Karmic Yoga we are taking a path that will lead us to becoming a diamond. As we realize that the universe is still in process and that we are part of the universe and still in process ourselves the pressure lessons, but we obtain the same results.
As we do Karmic Yoga in this mindset it becomes clear that we are not only helping other people, we are not only helping the environment, in the larger sense, we are helping ourselves, because we are the world. We are the environment and the universe. More scary that all of this, we are those people that we are helping. As The Mayans often say, ?All is God, God is all.?
As we work and devote our lives to Karmic Yoga let us remember that we are one not only in theory, but in reality according to quantum physics and social psychology. It is important to also lead others to realize who and what they actually are. Putting aside the foolishness and deception, as we embrace our true identities, we work hard to clear our minds and let the primordial light of love and justice flow from the center of our beings like an fountain bubbling into everlasting life. This is the goal of Karmic Yoga?to bring the water of the Spirit of Truth to desert places in order to quench the thirst of those who need love, truth, justice, and freedom on this sometimes lonely earth. As we remove the barriers created by the mind and through mental manipulation we will find this earth is not a lonely place, it is a veritable garden and we, the Karmic Yogis of the world, are those who work to help it flourish.
Dr. J. W. Gilmore is a Writer, Spiritual Coach, Anti-oppression Consultant and Wellness Consultant. He is a Certified Massage Therapist and Reflexologist, a Reiki Master Teacher, a Martial Arts Instructor and a Spiritual Coach living in Costa Rica. For more article like this or similar information, and information on our new Cyber School, visit: http://www.dswellness.com
Reunion of Souls, Dr. John W.Gilmore. A book of deep spirituality in Sci-fi form.
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peace. Show all posts
February 26, 2009
Learning to Access SILENCE
To access deep wisdom you need to learn the art of silence. When you are quiet and listening within to your own heart song, your rhythm, and the centeredness of your being, that?s when you have great access to wisdom, ability and the expanded consciousness. Silence is where you learn that you are an extraordinary being, with unlimited capacity, and that secrets are revealed to you. In moments when you become quiet a wonderful world opens to you. Or shall I say is revealed to you. It is in this space that you recognize the quiet center of your soul that rests in continual peace.
We connect with the divine part of ourselves in the silence. To allow yourself to simply be is the greatest act of respect. This is another lesson that we delve from the silence. From the simple to the extraordinary we encompass all of it. We are capable of the quiet interaction to the great displays of courage, grace, magic, and laughter, to the full blown wildest imagination. As you spend more time in periods of silence, you find that you are renewed, energized, have great ideas, connect with solutions, can propel yourself forward, or can shift from an inflexible position to one of fluidity as swiftly and easily as you need.
You easily recognize what feels peaceful and what or who does not. It becomes a simple thing when you can make an adjustment in your life so that you can retain your peace. The quietude of your mind, and heart is an extraordinary peaceful encounter. When your mind is running with fury and it pulls you in many directions, it is hard to find the balance without the quiet. We need to actively pursue the stillness. We need to quiet our minds, and unburden ourselves of all the mind junk. It does take much practice but everything worthwhile does take practice. The mind is fast and furious. The mind is vengeful and full of its desires and pressures. You must choose the quietude to know your peaceful nature. Silence is the pathway to your higher consciousness and understanding and ability.
Yoga Kat–aka Katheryn Hoban is a yoga teacher and Reiki Master Teacher with twelve years experience. She teaches children’s yoga ages 3-6, and 7-12 and Adults privately in NJ. She is the author the book DAUGHTER BELOVED which will come out next year. She has created a children’s affirmation CD (ages 3-6) and an affirmation CD for adults. Yoga Kat is available for speaking or writing and can be reached at katscoolcorner@yahoo.com or 201 970-9340
COMING SOON http://www.thecircleofpeace.com
We connect with the divine part of ourselves in the silence. To allow yourself to simply be is the greatest act of respect. This is another lesson that we delve from the silence. From the simple to the extraordinary we encompass all of it. We are capable of the quiet interaction to the great displays of courage, grace, magic, and laughter, to the full blown wildest imagination. As you spend more time in periods of silence, you find that you are renewed, energized, have great ideas, connect with solutions, can propel yourself forward, or can shift from an inflexible position to one of fluidity as swiftly and easily as you need.
You easily recognize what feels peaceful and what or who does not. It becomes a simple thing when you can make an adjustment in your life so that you can retain your peace. The quietude of your mind, and heart is an extraordinary peaceful encounter. When your mind is running with fury and it pulls you in many directions, it is hard to find the balance without the quiet. We need to actively pursue the stillness. We need to quiet our minds, and unburden ourselves of all the mind junk. It does take much practice but everything worthwhile does take practice. The mind is fast and furious. The mind is vengeful and full of its desires and pressures. You must choose the quietude to know your peaceful nature. Silence is the pathway to your higher consciousness and understanding and ability.
Yoga Kat–aka Katheryn Hoban is a yoga teacher and Reiki Master Teacher with twelve years experience. She teaches children’s yoga ages 3-6, and 7-12 and Adults privately in NJ. She is the author the book DAUGHTER BELOVED which will come out next year. She has created a children’s affirmation CD (ages 3-6) and an affirmation CD for adults. Yoga Kat is available for speaking or writing and can be reached at katscoolcorner@yahoo.com or 201 970-9340
COMING SOON http://www.thecircleofpeace.com
February 24, 2009
What is Yoga?
As part of the Hindu religion and way of life, traditional yoga philosophies require students to attain complete peace in body and mind through behavior, diet and meditation. In Sanskrit the word Yoga translates to union or unite.
Most people in the United States are interested in what is known as Hatha Yoga, the practice of poses (asanas) with particular attention being paid to breathing. Practicing asanas is one of the 8 “limbs” of yoga. Traditionally practiced to achieve unity between the body and mind, which in turn elevates the spirit.
Many people are intimidated to practice yoga due to the misconceptions that one must be naturally flexible to do so, or that ones religious beliefs will be challenged. Some refer to yoga as merely stretching; I do this myself to cut down on the intimidation factor for others. Stretching is, of course involved, but yoga is the practice of poses or postures, with attention being paid to breathing. The goal is to develop a balance of strength and flexibility within the body. I can only say in reference to the religion factor that although yoga is a part of the Hindu religion, it is not in itself a religion, and some of the benefits obtained by a regular practice would only, in my opinion, enhance and strengthen your religious convictions, whatever they may be.
Click: Yoga-411 to learn about yoga. Get motivated with articles, tips and resource information on Yoga. Great for beginners!
Most people in the United States are interested in what is known as Hatha Yoga, the practice of poses (asanas) with particular attention being paid to breathing. Practicing asanas is one of the 8 “limbs” of yoga. Traditionally practiced to achieve unity between the body and mind, which in turn elevates the spirit.
Many people are intimidated to practice yoga due to the misconceptions that one must be naturally flexible to do so, or that ones religious beliefs will be challenged. Some refer to yoga as merely stretching; I do this myself to cut down on the intimidation factor for others. Stretching is, of course involved, but yoga is the practice of poses or postures, with attention being paid to breathing. The goal is to develop a balance of strength and flexibility within the body. I can only say in reference to the religion factor that although yoga is a part of the Hindu religion, it is not in itself a religion, and some of the benefits obtained by a regular practice would only, in my opinion, enhance and strengthen your religious convictions, whatever they may be.
Click: Yoga-411 to learn about yoga. Get motivated with articles, tips and resource information on Yoga. Great for beginners!
February 23, 2009
Yoga in Practice: A Peaceful Planet
Non-practitioners often accuse Yoga practitioners of too much self-indulgence. The common concern is that too much self-awareness will cause the Yogi, or Yogini, to worship the inner being. Before you get too excited ? you and I know this is not true, but the world needs some time to adjust to Yogic philosophy.
You are thinking: ?How can the world need more time? Yoga has been around for over 5,000 years and that is plenty of time for people to adjust. The answers must be found within, and then projected outward.?
This is true, but warfare, ignorance, and intolerance have been around longer than Yoga. As a species, we have become much better with systems for the common good of humankind, but we have also become more efficient at suppressing our neighbors and killing each other.
What can a Yogi do to help? Allow friends, family, and associates, their space, and do not speak harshly of any religion or culture. We know that Yoga practitioners are from many religions, and some have no religion at all. It would be fair to say the majority of today?s Hatha Yoga practitioners are not Hindus.
However, all branches of Yoga are perceived as religious insurgency by religious fundamentalists. You cannot stop fundamentalist philosophy. Much like the ego, within us, fundamentalism spends most of its time protecting itself from perceived threats. It does not matter whether the threat is real or pure fantasy.
As a Yoga practitioner, you are an ambassador of Yoga to any non-practitioner. Therefore, try not to judge, look at issues from at least two sides, and listen. Listening with empathy is the beginning of truly understanding your neighbors.
Recognize the right of another to defend himself or herself. Do not back someone into a corner with your philosophy, morality, or religion. Be tolerant and seek diplomatic solutions to problems before retreating into self-defense mode.
If you push hard enough, even a mouse will bite back. Therefore, do not push your religious or political ideas on others. World peace is not just a catch phrase. It can be attained through knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, courtesy, diplomacy, and tolerance.
Every act of intolerance, no matter how small, sets an equal chain reaction in motion. This is the law of Karma. Look at the prospect of world peace today. We desperately need more people like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela.
? Copyright 2005 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
You are thinking: ?How can the world need more time? Yoga has been around for over 5,000 years and that is plenty of time for people to adjust. The answers must be found within, and then projected outward.?
This is true, but warfare, ignorance, and intolerance have been around longer than Yoga. As a species, we have become much better with systems for the common good of humankind, but we have also become more efficient at suppressing our neighbors and killing each other.
What can a Yogi do to help? Allow friends, family, and associates, their space, and do not speak harshly of any religion or culture. We know that Yoga practitioners are from many religions, and some have no religion at all. It would be fair to say the majority of today?s Hatha Yoga practitioners are not Hindus.
However, all branches of Yoga are perceived as religious insurgency by religious fundamentalists. You cannot stop fundamentalist philosophy. Much like the ego, within us, fundamentalism spends most of its time protecting itself from perceived threats. It does not matter whether the threat is real or pure fantasy.
As a Yoga practitioner, you are an ambassador of Yoga to any non-practitioner. Therefore, try not to judge, look at issues from at least two sides, and listen. Listening with empathy is the beginning of truly understanding your neighbors.
Recognize the right of another to defend himself or herself. Do not back someone into a corner with your philosophy, morality, or religion. Be tolerant and seek diplomatic solutions to problems before retreating into self-defense mode.
If you push hard enough, even a mouse will bite back. Therefore, do not push your religious or political ideas on others. World peace is not just a catch phrase. It can be attained through knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, courtesy, diplomacy, and tolerance.
Every act of intolerance, no matter how small, sets an equal chain reaction in motion. This is the law of Karma. Look at the prospect of world peace today. We desperately need more people like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., and Nelson Mandela.
? Copyright 2005 ? Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
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