“The light is expanding, and the earth is awakening, bringing transformation, regeneration, and renewal. Use the solar energy of the season to fire up your intention to initiate change. Let go of the old to make room for the new. This is a time of new beginnings.” (Yoga through the year, by Jilly Shipway) […]
Zen means 'meditation' and Taiso is Japanese for 'exercise', so Zen Taiso is a way of practicing 'moving meditation' or 'mindful movement'. Taiso is often practiced in Zen temples, as part of their daily exercise, as it helps to prepare the body for sitting meditation. Methods may include Zen Yoga, breathing into the hara and movements for the meridian lines in the body, allowing energy to flow. Taiso can be practiced [...]
The word mantra means ‘mind protection’, used in a similar way to an affirmation, it uses repeated sounds to bring the mind into balance. Mantra's can aid deeper states of meditation, they can be spoken, chanted or said quietly in your mind. Matching your mantra to your breath – breathing in, pause, breathing out, means that your mantra can be practiced in meditation as well as while you walk, wait [...]
My first introduction to mindfulness was through books by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, such as "Peace is every step" and "Peace is every breath", they offer wonderful examples of daily mindfulness practices, such as walking meditation and washing the dishes, as well as deeper methods of loving speech and deep compassionate listening. In Peace is every step, he contemplates flowers and garbage and how one turns into another. "If [...]
The most terrifying thing I have ever done, is not something that most people would think of as terrifying, it’s simply facing the parts of me that scare me, the bits of me that bring up fear, vulnerability, panic, terror in everyday life. If I move away from my safe space, home, loved ones or my known comfort zone, fear sets in and my body reacts as if something terrible [...]
Zen yoga is a term that describes a variety of physical and energetic practices that can be found within the Zen Buddhist tradition. In Japan there are many forms of movement that have been practiced for hundreds of years, influenced by the Chinese movement of Dao Yin, Japanese monks practiced similar forms of movement or exercise such as Do In, Zen Taiso and Do Zen. Do Zen means moving meditation and [...]
Doing a short body scan meditation at the start of a meditation, yoga or relaxation session is a great way to bring the mind to the present moment, focussing on the here and now. It brings our awareness to the body and allows the tension to gradually release letting us relax and let go. […]
Reiki is all about moving into a state of balance and being in a space of divine unconditional love! […]
Hello body how are you today? Treat your body as an old friend and listen to it carefully, start your day with a simple question and your body and mind will thank you by feeling more relaxed, calmer and happier. […]
Meditation can help you stay in the present moment, reduce those busy thoughts and calm the mind. This can help us deal with negative thoughts and emotions including self-doubt, fear, anxiety, anger or depression. […]