Enjoy the Breath. Breathe in the Moment
by Jamila K. Wilson

If you are anything like me, being satisfied with where you are at this moment is not the top priority of your’ things to do’ list. 

-         Send this proposal
-         plan this workshop
-         make an appointment for this waxing
-        don’t forget to pay those parking tickets

Nothing on this high priority list suggest just breathing, enjoying the moment that you exist in right now.  Why is that?  What is it about being present that can be so challenging or even, if I’m bold enough to admit, so scary?  Where do we learn not to be satisfied, content, with what is before us?

I can speculate to so many things, and one in particular (and I won’t get on my soapbox) is television, media.  We are constantly bombarded with the next best “it” thing that we must have to find content or satisfaction with ourselves.  That if you do not have it, you can barely consider yourself human let alone worthy to be in the mist of those who do possess the latest trinket or toy.

We are forever inundated with the thought that we are not enough or the potential is there, just keep striving.   Well I am going to be audacious enough to say “Fiddle Sticks!!!”

In this present moment, in the span of time it takes for you to inhale fully and exhale completely, is a gift from God!  A love offering that says because you are so worthy, so divine, so beautiful, so ordained that this blessing of breathe is yours.

Because we are made in the likeness of the Most High God, we are ordained with its divine energy of love, peace, contentment, and joy.  There is no need to chastise yourself for past experiences that were had to make you the person you have come to be, or become anxious of what is to come in the future.

All things work for the good of those who love God, and in order to love God authentically, you must be able to love yourself and others around you. This love is full of power and confidence, and sanctifies your ordained worth.  This is a love to be acknowledged and celebrated in every breath.

Be present in this breath and affirm that this is God’s breath, not given out of pity or angst, but bestowed with love.

Ase. Namaste




 
 
Anywhere, Anytime at Any Moment.
By Ebony Berry

Many people today rely on public transportation to commute to and from work, to run errands and to take part in various activities. Taking public transportation is often stressful due to overcrowding, the hustle and bustle, seating inconveniences, and an array other things. However you can use this time wisely. Use this time to practice yoga!That in fact, is a wonderful thing about yoga... is it can be practiced literally anywhere, anytime at any moment.  I ride public transportation as much as four times a day, five times a week, it can be very exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be.  Try this simple, proven method that can be utilized standing or sitting (even with your children, my children practice and enjoy this pranayama/mantra all the time). Start with your breath and try to relate to your surroundings. Regardless of whether you are sitting or standing, began to center the breath feeling the oxygen flow up and down the sushumna channel ( your spine). This is helpful for stability and grounding.  Once you are feeling centered, began to engage the So-Ham mantra. This mantra simply translates to, “I am that, that I am” and is an easy mantra to practice at any time. Once your breathing becomes steady concentrate the flow of energy onto fellow passengers.  Begin taking in the inhale silently breathing in “So” and on the exhale silently flowing out “Ham” Repeat as many times as necessary ( I like to go for at least eight). Also, remember sitting or standing allows your spine to stand straight and tall. This mantra helps to release anxiety, promotes concentration, and overall well-being. A simple and lovely way to connect with the world and create metta (loving-kindness) all around. Namaste and Happy Travels.