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MARK NEPO Surviving Storms, Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity,
An Interview by Sandra Sedgbeer
– @reallygreatsite
September 2022
Mark Nepo is a poet and a philosopher who has taught poetry and spirituality for over 40 years. A New York Times bestselling author, his numerous award-winning books, including the ""Book of Awakening," ""More Together Than Alone,"" and ""Drinking From the River of Light," have been translated into over 20 languages. He was several times a guest on Oprah Winfrey's Super Soul Sunday program and the recipient of a lifetime achievement award from Age Nation. In addition, he was named one of 2016's 100 most spiritually influential living people by Watkin's mind, body spirit Magazine. He was also chosen as one of the Own networks, Super Soul 100, a group of inspired leaders using their gifts and voices to elevate humanity.
Mark Nepo spoke with Sandie Sedgbeer about his latest and undoubtedly most timely book, "Surviving Storms, Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity," in which he covers where we are, how we got here, and, more importantly, how we can meet these challenges by deepening our roots and solidifying our connection to all spirit and life. Sandie Sedgbeer: Mark, in "Surviving Storms," you state that every generation has faced times of turbulence and chaos, and all the traditions offer practices and resources to help us meet the challenges of our day. Still, the storms we face today and "the fault lines we endure as a society," as you term it, are not the same as what previous generations have faced. Today we've got many more storms converging together at once.
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Mark Nepo: Yes, we do. It's a paradox because at once, what we're facing is complex and unique, yet every generation has faced it. It's our turn. Will we choose love over fear, or not? How will we show up? What will? Great love and suffering have always been great teachers, and they will reduce us to the core of sameness, the wonderful core in our hearts. But we do live in a particularly strange time. Recently, there was another mass shooting. When I look at this in the book, I make an effort to try to understand where we are today. There seems to be a convergence of many dissociating factors that have almost bred a generation that has lost its direct connection to life. And without that reverence, we don't know what's real and what's not anymore. One of the strangest things was the insurrection at the US capital. I remember seeing that live. It was horrifying because of how brutal people were to each other, and there was this strange dissociation. They were taking pictures of themselves as if they were in a video game. I am trying to understand this epidemic of mass shootings, and what comes to me is the image of an aneurysm in the body. An aneurysm is a weak cell that, when the body is under pressure, explodes, and that usually leads to a stroke or something very significant – @reallygreatsite in a physical body.
September 2022
“Light is in both the broken bottle and the diamond.” ― Mark Nepo,
I think that, while every one of these individuals is responsible for their own actions, there are social aneurysms; there are weak cells in the social body and the responsibility we all bear. So the question is, how have we pressurized society to have such an epidemic of weak cells exploding? How can we depressurize society? How can we re-find our equilibrium and love each other forward? Sandie Sedgbeer: Many are asking the same questions. In "Surviving Storms," you lay out a really good explanation of how we got here, from the industrial revolution on. We all know that technology is creating so much division, separation, and isolation, and it's also affecting our brains. It's affecting our ability to sit and be with information; as soon as we've digested one piece, there's another and another. You say there's madness eating our society from the inside out. As we think of it, this confluence of progress is adding to that. So, tell us about what happens as society gets more complex. Mark Nepo: There is this confluence, and we can go back to the industrial revolution. One of the great insights about modern progress comes from Karl Marx. We often, because of communism, tend to throw Marx out of the picture, but the fascinating thing is Marx didn't create Marxism. He had some insights about how society works that are still very useful. And this was one of them. He saw, in 1844, as the industrial revolution began, the relationships that life was centered around. It was mostly farming, so people lived together, worked together, and the center of life was the farm and the fireplace in the center of the home.
Then mechanized society started having people leave to work, and their work became a division of labor. And now people are only working on parts. Marx foresaw that when people are divided from their true basic nature, if enough citizens become divided and separate, they will form an "Alien Nation." He was the one who coined the term "alienation," which is social loneliness or estrangement. In fact, he foresaw the first generation of therapists as alienists, as those who would restore people to their true whole basic nature. He didn't say do away with progress. But, he said, let's repair the cost of progress. I think that's very relevant today. So much of our struggle is because so many people have been separated from their direct connection in life and from life. So, there's a loss of reverence for what life is. With media, we can cut and paste and record and playback, but every moment is unrepeatable. I remember back in 2001, seeing the twin towers come down and how horrific that was. Then we saw that scene hundreds of times with 24-7 news. The value of technology today is that a hundred different people can see it once, not for you and me to see it a hundred times. So, one of the ways we have to stay current and connected to life is that when I feel the one time in my heart, I have to not look again. I have to not become hypnotized. Because I also think a modern struggle is that things, in nature and spiritually, are always coming together and falling apart. But when things come together, they're very quiet, and when things fall apart, they naturally make a lot of noise. We in the modern age have become addicted to the noise of things falling apart.
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“…I keep looking for one more teacher, only to find that fish learn from the water and birds learn from the sky.” ― Mark Nepo
September 2022
But when things come together, they're very quiet, and when things fall apart, they naturally make a lot of noise. We in the modern age have become addicted to the noise of things falling apart. So, it's not that we need a 'good news station. We need a whole new station––so we can feel the balance of life, not turning from good to bad or bad to good but seeing the totality of life. We talk rightfully in our age about ethnic diversity and racial diversity, and that's built on spiritual diversity, which is what makes life so resilient. Such a resource is its diversity, which means letting all things in. Sandie Sedgbeer: You say that today's difficulties are part of a historical pattern. And if I may quote something you wrote, you said, "The long swells of history crest and crash century after century, the kindness and cruelty of an age expand and contracts, the openness and narrowness of how we learn either grows or collapses, depending on how each generation reacts to the storms they encounter, and create." Well, everything has crashed in the world as we know it. And you say we can learn through this, but it's cyclical. We've been here before in different ways. And we have never learned because we are here again! OMTIMES MAGAZINE
Mark Nepo: Well, I would hold it a little differently. And that is because I believe I've come to think about incarnation and progress. So, what I mean by progress is that in our daily world, we can benefit and leave the world a little better for those who come after us. An example is an indigenous tribe––they migrate, move, and look for a place to set down roots and live.
And they land on a plateau, and there's an amazing epic reminiscent of eternity. So, they say this is where we want to live. And all the adults of that generation clear all the trees. So, when their children wake up, they just simply look out. So that's progress. The children don't have to clear the trees. The adults did the previous generation, but incarnation is no one can open your eyes and look for you. And if you don't see, what's the point of opening your eyes once you open your eyes? And if you don't love, once you open your heart, what's the point of loving? So, the incarnation is that every generation goes through these archetypal passages, no matter what technology we have or not, every generation from primitive times to today has the same spiritual journey of how to be a spirit in a body and time on earth together. So, wisdom is not a shortcut.; it's a resource. And so, we haven't learned, and it's our turn to do it. And how will we do it in our turn? I have come to believe more in incarnation than progress because I believe in the human heart and spirit, which is why Mother Theresa talked about courage and doing small things with love. It can be paralyzing to think about all of this on such a global level, even though we have to. Still, then it's in the very gestures before us every day. How do we do this? So, two things: there's a chapter on the purpose of goodness. This came to me by looking at the work of Neil Degrassi Tyson, a wonderful contemporary physicist. He wrote a short book that is anything but a shortcut, called "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" with a tongue-in-cheek title. It's a very serious primer. In the beginning, he shares his feeling and his guess about how the universe began. And he talks about how, before everything was formed, basically, matter and anti-matter were vying for their place. What's going to exist here? They were basically eating each other, and, he says at the moment, they were a billion and one photons of positive energy and just a billion hadrons of negative energy. Just one more, and boom, the universe came into being.
September 2022
And he suggests that if the earth had settled in its orbit, a little closer to the sun, all the water would've evaporated, and there'd be no life. So, we wouldn't be talking. Likewise, if it settled a little farther away, it would all freeze, and there'd be no life. So, I was struck that we're here by such a small gesture. This isn't a description of the moment of creation. This is a description of the ongoing creation of life. And every day, anonymously, life continues because there's one more photon than hadron; there's one more kindness than cruelty because there's one more awareness than unconsciousness. And so, the purpose of goodness is, can we, through our incarnation, be the one gesture that keeps life going? Can we do that? Sandie Sedgbeer: Well, that's a good question because, at the same time, it's vice versa. One more incremental thing tips the scales the other way. And we are moving in a different direction than we end up where we are now. Mark Nepo: Well, and yet still here. So, to not deny how difficult things are, not to deny the cruelty and disconnection. But, still, because we are addicted to the noise of things breaking apart, we have to look and listen harder for the things coming together and for that one gesture. And we will never know. If you're in the grocery store parking lot, an old woman or man falls down and drops their groceries. You go over and pay and help them up. You will never know if that is the one photon that keeps life going today. And still we, we have to do it, whether it is or not. So, let me bring you this ancient parable: Two monks have been told that if they study hard enough, one day, they can have an appointment with Buddha at the top of this mountain. So, they study, and finally, the day comes, and they start out halfway up the mountain when one of them breaks his leg. So, they spend the night, and the other takes care of him, intending to keep his appointment with Buddha the next day.
But when they wake up, the one who broke his leg isn't doing well. He has a fever, and it's not as simple as just leaving him. And the parable ends there and says, what would you do? And when we have more people in an age that will keep their appointment at the top of the mountain, no matter what, we have an age that will engender cruelty. And when we have more people who will discover that tending their broken other is the summit, we have an age that engenders compassion. And we face this choice every day, every one of us. And it doesn't matter what you put on top of the mountain––God, security, wealth, safety, wisdom. So, this raises the real notion that our gifts, at least in my life, tend to appear when we work with what we're given more than what we want. Tthere'sThere's nothing wrong with working for what we want. It's wonderful to have goals and dreams, but often in my life, working for what I want has been an apprenticeship for working with what I've been given. OMTIMES MAGAZINE
Sandie Sedgbeer: I'm glad you raised that because I would like you to share with us your wonderful metaphor of 10,000 hands because that is so beautiful. Mark Nepo: Thank you. Again, this comes from the humility of meeting what we're given and our limitations, which are nothing to dismiss, rationalize, or minimize. There is a whole journey in accepting and grieving the losses we encounter. Those limitations open new ways of being, feeling, and thinking. So, it's a metaphor; that the heart has 10,000 hands. That's the part in us that is the infinite spirit. We want everything. We want to dream about everything. We want to go everywhere. We want to love a thousand people, but we only have two hands, and that's the human in us. And so, when we insist on wanting what the heart wants, 10,000 hands, we will do harm. Just imagine, we're sitting a group of us, and I want to bring you all tea, and I'm carrying 10 cups. Well, inevitably, I will spill one and maybe burn you or me or both. But if I can bring the desire from 10,000 hands into the two hands I have and bring that one cup of tea to you, it is the cup of a lifetime. And so, we are often drawn in our humanness to go out of ourselves.
“IN A WORLD THAT LIVES LIKE A FIST MERCY IS NOT MORE THAN WAKING WITH YOUR HANDS OPEN.”
― Mark Nepo September 2022
Sandie Sedgbeer: So, when everything around us is reflecting us, all of these "10,000 things" that we should be thinking about wanting, and pursuing more, more, more… how in that kind of an environment do we find what we need to step back and say: "No, that's not what I want"? Because it's hard not to get distracted by everything out there.
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MARK NEPO Exclusive Interview
Like, 'Oh, if I could love everyone…. But I'm only one person, and I can't love everyone. Well. I can love one person well at a time.‘ 'So, this is the trap of desire. We take our two hands and say, 'But why can't I do more? Why can't I go here? Why can't I go there?' It's wonderful to think about these things and even do them when you can, but we start to put life other than where we are. 'It's over there. If I could just get over there, it's in the one thing I haven't done yet. It's in the one person I haven't loved yet.' And this is what embodiment is all about - not taking all of the possibilities and putting it in our two hands, on the one thing before us. Then we meet eternity. Then when I feel my pain and your pain, I am in the moment of everyone who ever felt pain. When I feel your kindness and love, I am in the moment of everyone who ever loved me. And it's through our authenticity and bringing the 10,000 hands into the two we have that we have this blessing of experiencing eternity through the smallest moments in our lives.
“The pain of life is pure salt; no more, no less. The amount of pain in life remains the same, exactly the same. But the amount of bitterness we taste depends on the container we put the pain in. So when you are in pain, the only thing you can do is to enlarge your sense of things…. Stop being a glass. Become a lake.”
― Mark Nepo,
September 2022
Mark Nepo: I think one of the menacing assumptions that are more acute in our time than ever is the assumption that life is other than where we are. And so, whatever person or spiritual practice we choose, and whatever combination of gifts from all the traditions work for each of us, they all reinforce and reaffirm: "Life is right where we are.". God, or whatever name you give to it, is right where we are. So, I really support the practice of returning to being human. We will be seduced by these things, but the work of self-awareness is to come back. How do we do that? The first thing is through presence. Whenever I am distracted, confused, in pain, or fearful, I try to give my full attention to the nearest thing - it could be the leaf on the tree outside my window - to give my full attention to the nearest bit of life until it becomes my teacher.
As you know, in the Hindu tradition, there is the term "Upaguru," which means the teacher next to you at this moment.
There's always a teacher next to us if we can open our hearts and be there. This goes all the way back to the Book of Awakening, the subtitle of which is to have the life you want by being present in the life you have. And that has been a great teacher to me because just because I can speak these things, I'm not exempt from them, not exempt at all. I think this is how we start, bit by bit, to restore our direct connection to life. Because once we restore that direct connection, we feel how rare it is to be here. And then the reverence of life is in us again. And once the reverence of life is there, it is not so easy to do harm. I think we have so many people doing senseless harm because they have lost their reverence for life. They are actually violent. Violence is often a desperate last attempt to feel.
Sandie Sedgbeer: Presence. It's one thing for us to understand that we need to be more present and active in creating opportunities for ourselves to be present. But how do we convey this too and encourage it in our youth?
OMTIMES MAGAZINE
Mark Nepo: I don't know, but let me speak to it. My wife and I don't have children, but I was a child; so I have some experience, but I think with children, as well as with adults, it starts with honoring and inquiring into the truth of their experience; because being present kind of implies, oh, that's a good thing. Well, presence to pain, fear, and confusion are also necessary because presence is the key to our authenticity. And our authenticity is the key to our kinship. To our relationship, and the fact that we're not alone, that we are part of a larger living web of connection. So, it starts with inquiring into the truth of each person's experience. What is it like to be you? And, I think that it's so important – especially with young people - to honor wherever… Where is it that you live? What is that?
September 2022
What is it like to be you? How do you see the world? And from that conversation, to start to affirm the authenticity, the presence. One question I often ask of adults, but it is very important for young people, is What is heartening and what is disheartening? What is life-giving, and what is life-draining? Because often things feel complex. We get in our heads, and for me, this simplifies things. If what is before me, even if it's difficult, is life-giving and heartening, well, then I lean all in. But what am I doing there if what's before me is life draining and disheartening? And so how do we, through the specificity of their own knowledge, how do we encourage our young people to move toward life? Sandie Sedgbeer: They're good questions to ask because so often when parents and their youth are going at it, it is about one being right and the other being wrong.
They can't get to that place where they can just stop and say, "tell me what it's like for you. Tell me what it's like in your world. " Mark Nepo: I think because it's one of those difficult things that's gone on forever, but is more acute in our age, especially with parents and children. But even among peers, in the sense that because we feel that if I've gone through something, I know what it will be like for you, which is not true at all. So, whether it starts with experiencing love or pain, we make philosophies out of it. We make stances from our experience and then make political theories. And now, all of a sudden, we have all these patterns that we're propping up rather than staying in the current of life. We're seeing this today worldwide. All we look for is to confirm what we already know. And that's not education. Robert Keegan is a developmental psychologist at Harvard. One of the things he said that I quote in one of my books is that he talked about centrism, whether it's "ego" centrism or "national" centrism, or "ethnic" centrism, whatever it might be, comes from when we mistake what is familiar as true. I think that's profound. Because it's familiar doesn't mean it's true. But when we do that, anything that's new is false, and then we're doomed because how do we ever grow? How do we ever grow as opposed to thanking God you are not me? Teach me something. I don't know. Sandie Sedgbeer: Good point. I want to talk about one particular segment of your book that has stayed with me for many days, and that is where you say, 'the old world is gone.' Mark Nepo: Yeah. And I imagine that other people who've been through lifethreatening things might have had an echo like this.
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I was surprised when the pandemic unfolded that it brought many of my cancer journeys back. I started to pin it down to one moment that kept coming back to me. When I was first diagnosed, I had a large tumor growing in my skull bone during my journey. And I finally went to a doctor who told me that I had cancer. Of course, I was disoriented and afraid, and I thought he had the wrong folder. It couldn't be me. He must have made a mistake. When I left his office that day, the door I had come through to keep that appointment was gone. There was no way back to life before that moment. I think the pandemic has done this for humanity. The old world is gone. There is no way back. There is only loving each other forward. And you know what? It made me think more deeply about Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's passages of grief. There are these five moods or stages, as she identifies that we bounce around in grief. And one is denial; one is anger; one is bartering; one is depression, and one is acceptance. I started to feel that we have parts of our society globally stuck in these passages. People are stuck in denial. There's no pandemic, a hoax, and no virus. But meanwhile, millions of people are dying, and we have people stuck in anger––' You're not going to tell me to wear a mask.' What are we protesting? So when I could start to see it that way, it opened me more deeply to compassion. So, how do we get people unstuck? And this goes back to what we were saying about children; how do we ask and inquire into the truth of our experience so that we can move through it? Rainer Maria Rilke, the great Austrian poet, said: "Let everything happen; beauty and terror; no one feeling is final, keep going, keep going." And so, there is this amazing paradox about the life of feelings. Feelings are how we know spirit. They're essential to how we know each other, but the paradox is we are not our feelings. So, to understand this, we have to look at a tree in the wind. A tree is never more alive than when the wind lifts it, but the tree is not the wind.
September 2022
The tree is not the wind. So, how do we let the feelings through? How do we keep going? No one's feeling is final. I also believe in the Jewish tradition; the word Sabbath literally means the one day we don't turn one thing into another. The pandemic has forced humanity into a global Sabbath. We can't turn away. We can't go back. We can't scheme, dream, turn things into magic, or more technology. We had to stop. And through our discomfort, rediscover the miracle of what is that? What is here is more than enough. See, there's so much talk of the need to repair the world, which is true, but the first step to repairing the world is to inhabit it ourselves, each other, and to bring life alive where it is right here. Sandie Sedgbeer: Do you think that if you hadn't had cancer, if you hadn't had that door closed so loudly, that you would've followed the path you've taken, that maybe you wouldn't have gone as deep as you have in contemplating everything? Mark Nepo: It's hard to know, but probably not as nakedly or cleanly and as widely or deeply. And I think the two great gifts from almost dying for me are three…one: my head dropped into my heart and, ever since then, my mind has served my heart and not the other way around. The second thing is that I became a student of all paths. I was raised Jewish and have a great tie to the Jewish tradition and heritage. But I was blessed to have people from all walks of life, all traditions, including atheists and scientists, offer me some kind of gift or blessing. And all these years later, I am still not wise enough to know what worked and what didn't. And I think that I was asked and challenged to believe in everything. So, all my work, teaching, and books support trying to affirm the central unnamable spirit at the center of all traditions, the unique gifts of each. And again, through those questions, where does it live? Where does it live in our lives? OMTIMES MAGAZINE
And the third thing, for me, was that I'm here by a miracle. I was given the lens of the miraculous, and that is to see. This goes back to presence because I've learned that extraordinary lives are hiding in the open, in the ordinary; everything is extraordinary. If my heart is open enough and I'm present enough. So, I don't have to go somewhere to find something special. I need to inhabit life fully enough to reveal what's special, where I am.
For example, what time were we going to be talking today? And how did we turn on technology? But inwardly, and in the world of meaning, the questions don't have answers. So we ask questions and open relationships.
Sandie Sedgbeer: That's it, isn't it, right here, right now.
And so, I think, this was great. I learned from the book more together than alone. And this is a great tradition from the Native American tradition: elder councils, which still meet today.
Mark Nepo: Now, one of the great, kind of humble paradoxes is with all my teaching. I literally go all over the world. And when I, wherever I go, when I get there, I affirm that there's nowhere to go. So I'm happy to do it. Of course, we travel great distances on the surface, but we open the same eternal moment whenever we're together authentically. Sandra Sedgbeer: You write that "Surviving Storms" was about remaking humanity. Many of the books describe the practices and resources we can reacquaint ourselves with to restore our basic human nature and transform our perceived differences. Can you share a few of those practices and resources with us? Mark Nepo: One is to reclaim and reinhabit how rare it is to be here because that cleans our eyes, ears, heart, and mind. And then, when we see more clearly, we make different decisions. Another is to act on the web of connection and kinship. That's one of the things we have to resist. By the nature of all the progress and technology, we make into Watchers. We're not watching. When I see you fall down on the street, it's not TV. I am an active agent. I can help you, so how do we act in a relationship? I think it is very important to stay in the life of questions because questions, certainly in the outer world, have answers.
September 2022
One very specific practice I try to do is to help myself stay in the life of questions. So, when I feel strongly about something before I voice it to anyone else, I turn it into a question, and I see where that leads my heart.
They always meet in a circle, not just for equity, because there's no head to a circle, so everyone has a direct view of the center. I love that because the assumption is no one view is enough. If we are going to understand whatever we put in the center, we need everyone's view. And so, the life of questions leads us to, uh, gathering, meaning not choosing it. I need your view and my view. And that will point up a larger than we're more together than alone. Sandie Sedgbeer: Many people ask, 'Where are we heading next? How do we move into this new place that's unfolding?? And I think you're absolutely right; the answer to give them is 'Keep asking questions. Because that's what will get you there.' One final thing. If people only take one thing away from "Surviving Storms," what would you want it to be? Mark Nepo: That we are the world as it forms and not to be afraid to live in their heart and be that one gesture that keeps life going. Surviving Storms, Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity is published by St. Martin's essentials. And for more information about Mark Nepo, his books, courses, webinars, and retreats, visit live.marknepo.com, three intentions.com, and marknepo.com
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Health & Wellness
Innovative new approaches to Healing as well as holistic methods for dealing with health issues and personal growth
Dealing with Change: The Transition Every Woman Must Make
O
ur lives are filled with
out in our minds or better understand
transitions. For example,
our transitions and how to approach
women undergo a major
them. For women, the seventh cycle
transition cycle every
in their life is related to menopause.
seven years from birth to death. With
Menopause is the progression and
men, it is every eight years. So looking
natural change a women's body goes
at our lives in cycles helps us to map
through when she is reaching the end
OM TIMES | September 2022
of her child-bearing cycle. This change
include situations that occur during
signals a decrease in the production
our lifetime based on choices, such
of estrogen and progesterone in the
as smoking, chemical dependency,
ovaries. Often, women are aware that
obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dietary
they are nearing menopause once
choices. Of course, it is never just
their menstrual periods start changing.
one factor that is an indicator of this change, but a host of factors
The cessation of the menstrual
accumulating over a lifetime.
cycle for one full year is considered the medical diagnosis of menopause.
The severity of problems or
There is menopause that occurs
symptoms, which can occur during
naturally and menopause that may
perimenopause or menopause, is
be induced by surgery. This medical
the culmination of several factors
"diagnosis" is not considered a
brought together over time. For
disease but simply an upgrade from
example, for some women, no
reproductive to non-reproductive
outward physiological symptoms
years. It is simply a name given to this
are experienced. But on the other
passing phase. This reduction in ovary
hand, many women will experience
function, follicles, hormonal changes,
one or several such symptoms as hot
and blood circulation does not happen
flashes, sweating, vaginal dryness,
overnight. This process or change
headaches, irritability, insomnia,
often takes place over 3-6 years before
anxiety, depression, fatigue, or lack of
a diagnosis of menopause. This is
concentration.
considered perimenopause. The endocrine system is the least Although the median age for women
understood of the body's physiological
reaching menopause is age 50
processes. The brain is called the
worldwide, remaining unchanged for
greatest sex organ in the body for a
centuries, variations in this process
good reason. The master controller
occur based on constitutional factors
of all processes is the pituitary-
and lifestyle. Constitutional factors
hypothalamus-axis. This is the
are considered situations we are
crossroads of a complex series of
born out of based on family traits,
feedback interactions and influences
genes, and heredity. Lifestyle factors
within the hypothalamus, the pituitary
OM TIMES | September 2022
gland, and the adrenal glands.
bleeding, heavy bleeding, and/or
The ovaries are the main source of
clotting or skipped periods. These
estrogen during the reproductive
indicators are the body showing
years. This form of estrogen is known
its hormonal imbalances. These
as estradiol. During perimenopause,
symptoms can also be indicators of
women can begin having less than
other disorders; therefore, the past
regular menstruation. Estrogen may
history can differentiate.
be high (dominant) at the beginning of perimenopause, or estrogen may
As a great regulator, the pituitary-
cease to produce. This can often
hypothalamus-axis helps to control
explain why women in their 40's
hormones. As a woman's body enters
experience symptoms, and then
her seventh life cycle, the kidneys
the symptoms stop. Indicators of
(her constitution source of life) and,
perimenopause can manifest as
better yet, the adrenal glands start
symptoms such as irregular menstrual
producing more of the hormone,
cycles, with scanty infrequent
androstenedione. This hormone
OM TIMES | September 2022
starts converting into an estrogen
THE HOLISTIC APPROACH
called estrone. Estrone becomes the
TO TREATING MENOPAUSE
dominant estrogen instead of estradiol after menopause. The conversion
The Eastern approach to treating
of androstenedione to estrone is
menopause as a holistic therapy is
most prevalent in women due to
connecting the relationship between
the amount of adipose (fat) tissue
the mental, emotional, physical, and
they may have. Therefore, a woman
spiritual outlook. The Eastern medicine
who is overweight to obese will
paradigm treats the whole person,
convert a much larger percentage of
as the belief is that nothing works
androstenedione to estrone (between
independently but in conjunction with
5-7%), were a thinner woman may
one another. This paradigm also sees
only convert a smaller percentage
symptoms as a differential factor. For
(between 1-2%). Again, this shows how
example, hot flashes and night sweats
lifestyle can play a major part in how a
are one diagnosis, whereas hot flashes
woman experiences menopause.
and night sweats with cold hands
OM TIMES | September 2022
OM TIMES | September 2022
and feet are completely different. The
menopause. In general, symptoms
Eastern approach also looks at lifestyle
associated with the aging process
concerns, environmental issues, diet,
include weight gain, change in sleep
nutritional choices, and exercise as a
patterns, hearing loss, and a rise in
complete effort to treat menopause.
blood pressure and/or cholesterol. These changes are often confused
With this said, a holistic approach
as a direct result of peri/menopause.
must have a course of action.
By changing some lifestyle choices,
A holistic therapy must address all of
these symptoms of aging lessen or
the above aspects (mental, emotional,
disappear altogether. Regardless, the
physical, and spiritual) to be whole. So
solutions can affect both outcomes if
many women come into my practice
symptoms are due to peri/menopause
to tell me how they have begun
lifestyle/aging problems.
dabbling in alternative medicine for their situation. It is wonderful
1. Not smoking directly correlates to
that more and more patients are
hot flashes, so you can relieve hot
becoming empowered and willing to
flashes by quitting smoking.
take responsibility for their health and health care. What I would love to see
2. Weight gain increases body fat,
more of is addressing all aspects of
affecting hormone levels. By
their whole selves.
reducing the number of calories per day to 1200, a decrease in
MANAGING LIFESTYLE
weight will occur. Belly fat has been shown to alter hormone
Lifestyle factors include situations
levels.
that occur during our lifetime based on choices, such as smoking, chemical
3. Exercise, like working, eating, and
dependency, obesity, type 2 diabetes,
sleeping… must be scheduled into
and dietary choices. Of course, it
your day for you to do it! You know
is never just one factor that is an
when to go to work, you know
indicator of this change, but a host of
when to eat, and you must know
factors accumulating over a lifetime.
when to exercise. The best way to
Often, the aging process symptoms
do this is to make it a part of your
are confused with symptoms of peri/
day. Increasing your exercise to 4
OM TIMES | September 2022
days will have additional benefits
sphincter and lower pelvic wall
such as lowering cholesterol and
right where you are now. Squeeze,
burning more calories. In addition,
hold, relax. Repeat this 10 times.
weight-bearing exercises (walking,
Then repeat the entire sequence
weight training, jogging) help
again. Do this 4-6 times a day.
increase bone density. Exercise 5. Learn biofeedback. Biofeedback
regulates hot flashes.
is the innate ability to influence 4. Kegel exercises can and should be
the automatic nervous system
done several times daily to keep
through the exertion of will and
the pelvic floor tight and strong.
mind. Chances are you have used
These are wonderful exercises for
biofeedback yourself. If you have
bladder control due to shrinkage of
ever taken your temperature or
urethral and vaginal membranes,
stepped on a scale, you've used
which can cause incontinence.
it. These devices "feedback"
First, start squeezing the anal
information about your body's
OM TIMES | September 2022
condition. Studies have proven
and slippery elm powder. Use a
it effective for both tension
tablespoon of pure aloe vera gel
headaches and migraines.
and slowly stir in the slippery elm
In addition, the biofeedback
powder to create a consistency
"devices" can control our heart
of toothpaste. Insert a teaspoon
rate and blood pressure. This is
of this paste inside the vagina at
very important for managing peri/
night to relieve dryness. Vaginal
menopause.
itching can be addressed by applying a non-fragrant vitamin E
6. Vaginal dryness can often be an
cream or by opening up a vitamin
issue as hormone levels fluctuate.
E capsule and applying the oil
Vaginal lubricants can be helpful.
directly.
Staying sexually active will increase blood flow to surrounding tissue.
7. Treating A Hot Flash is probably
A wonderful natural lubricant
the number one issue with the
is a paste made of aloe vera gel
change from reproductive to non-
OM TIMES | September 2022
reproductive years. Nutritional
yoga, relaxation techniques,
recommendations must be
massage, acupuncture, and
followed. Getting long-term stress
guided imagery are just a few
issues under control is extremely
therapies that can all help to relieve
important. Regulating the body's
depression, anxiety, irritability,
cooling mechanism through
mental forgetfulness, fuzziness,
regular exercise is imperative.
overthinking, and fatigue. Stress puts a great deal of burden on
8. Stress plays a major role in all
the adrenal glands, which, in
biological and physiological
turn, causes them to work harder.
functions. Exercise, meditation,
This decreases the number of
OM TIMES | September 2022
hormones needed to help reduce
phytoestrogens has decreased
the effects of declining estrogen
symptoms of hot flashes and
needed by the body. Consider a
night sweats. Phytoestrogens are
progressive relaxation exercise
naturally occurring non-steroidal
that focuses on relaxing one part
plants. These include black
of the body at a time, from the top
currant seed oil, dates, flaxseed
of the head to the toes. Use your
(crushed), pomegranates,
hands for both self-massage and
primrose oil, miso, soy milk,
acupressure.
soybeans, tempeh, and tofu.
9. Trigger point therapy is probably
There is never a one-size-fits-all plan
one of my best remedies for
for treating a woman's change in
tension and can be done with a
life. It is important to embrace the
tennis ball while lying on a hard
transition as each day introduces
floor. Place the ball under "hot
a new set of challenges. Learn
spots" or sore tension areas. Allow
to recognize strengths you may
the weight of your body to relax
have overlooked. The mental and
over the tennis ball. Slowly move
emotional side of menopause is often
the portion of the body on top of
a larger hurdle to overcome, as our
the tennis ball to massage and
attitudes and beliefs create our mind/
"activate" the trigger points until
body structure along the journey.
they are less sore and painful. Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac., has 10. Eat something. Food as medicine
been in the alternative health
has been used for centuries to
field for over 20 years. He is an
treat various disorders. Used for
expert in treating infertility and
prevention as well as treating
gynecology, pain management,
symptoms, the healing power
and anti-aging therapies. His
of food and herbs has been
knowledge, expertise, and
documented for centuries. Eating
clinical training have allowed him
food rich in plant estrogens
to experience and continually
(phytoestrogens) can be helpful
learn about the body and its
for many women. For example,
energy system in health and
a plant-based diet rich in
disease.
OM TIMES | September 2022
3 Ways Mindfulness Can Reduce Chronic Pain by Maryjane Osa
How Does Mindfulness Possibly
on. But few realize mindfulness
Reduce Chronic Pain?
meditation as an effective medical
I
intervention was established with
n the two years since Time
research on chronic pain sufferers.
Magazine proclaimed the "Mindfulness Revolution" on its
Back pain, neck pain, and shoulder
cover, meditation has caught
pain are challenging conditions
OM TIMES | September 2022
for conventional medicine to treat.
the pain cycle. For example, a
Treatment of chronic pain with drugs
person's thoughts about the pain,
or surgery comes with substantial
such as "this is unbearable," added
negatives. Drugs are expensive,
a cognitive dimension. This added
often ineffective, and have side
an affective dimension when angry
effects. Surgery risks infection or
or helpless feelings were generated
complications and may not alleviate
by such thoughts. These added
the pain. The problem is that pain is a
effects could heighten and sustain
complex phenomenon, and medical
the experience of pain. This complex
science has only recently developed
mind-body interaction explains why
models to explain this complexity.
pain persists, even after the initial stimulus is removed.
Normal pain is an adaptive response. If someone touches a hot iron and
University of Massachusetts Medical
burns a finger, the resulting pain
School Professor Jon Kabat-Zinn
signals to the brain that skin cells are
realized that chronic pain sufferers
damaged. The neurological process
had something in common with
triggers a motor response: the person
serious meditators: the experience of
immediately removes her hand from
extreme pain. Although meditation
the hot iron. Chronic pain, on the
is often relaxing, when a meditator
other hand, is pathological. The pain
sits motionless for hours, for example,
of a long duration causes stress and is
when on retreat, muscles, and joints
of no physical benefit.
ache intensely. However, traditional meditation instruction offers a coping
In the 1970s, medical researchers
mechanism. Meditators learn a habit
began understanding the difference
of non-judgmental observation
between normal and chronic pain.
that allows them to detach the
Ronald Melzack and his colleagues
physical sensation of pain from the
developed a psycho-physiological
cognitive and emotional reactions
model that explained why chronic
to it. Recognizing that this process
pain tended to intensify over time.
fits with the scientific theory of pain
They discovered additional second-
complexity, Kabat-Zinn reasoned that
order cognitive and affective-
meditation might be an effective
motivational effects that prolonged
medical intervention.
OM TIMES | September 2022
Mindfulness was taught to chronic
thousands of research studies have
pain sufferers in an outpatient
been published.
program at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center as part
Chronic pain sufferers can follow the
of Kabat-Zinn's carefully designed
same path today. There are many
research study (published in 1982).
resources available for mindfulness
As a result, two-thirds of the patients
training. (Some are listed at the end
reported reduced pain by at least
of this article.) The basic process is
one-third. In addition, half of the
not difficult to learn, but the positive
patients reported reduced their
effects are not experienced unless
symptoms by 50 percent or more.
a person practices consistently. The
This research justified continuing to
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
develop mindfulness as a medical
(MBSR) course developed by
intervention. In the last three decades,
Professor Kabat-Zinn unfolds over
mindfulness has been applied
eight weeks, with weekly meetings
in many different settings, and
and daily homework. Participants
OM TIMES | September 2022
move through various mindfulness
"judging, judging," and return their
practices: the body-scan, sitting and
attention to the in-breath, the out-
walking meditations, and hatha
breath. The purpose is to develop an
yoga exercises. But the basic set of
awareness of the transient nature of
instructions remains the same across
sensations, thoughts, and feelings.
these different forms. Participants are
Through this method, individuals learn
instructed to:
how to let go of obsessive thinking and focus attention deliberately on objects
1. Consider the primary object of
of their choosing.
observation, for example, the Mindfulness, then, is a skill. And it is
breath. 2. Be aware of the in-breath and
a skill that can be used to combat
the out-breath from moment to
chronic pain. Here are the three ways
moment.
that this works:
3. When the mind wanders into thought, recognize that your attention has wandered. Rather
DESENSITIZATION TO PRIMARY PAIN STIMULUS
than getting involved in the contents of the thought, label it:
We are always seeking to avoid
"thinking, thinking," or "thought
intense, chronic pain is natural.
form."
Consequently, chronic pain sufferers
4. Return to your anchor in the
often curtail activities they fear might
breath. Observe the inhalation.
trigger pain. In some cases, chronic
Observe the exhalation.
pain leads to depression and selfmedication attempts, leading to
Participants are told to observe
substance abuse. This pain-avoidance
everything–thoughts, feelings, body
behavior is counterproductive.
sensations–without judgment. Even a
Mindfulness techniques, on the
judgmental thought can be observed
contrary, instruct the individual to
in a detached fashion. People thinking,
treat the pain as a sensory experience
"This is a stupid waste of time," may
and to observe it. The person watches
realize they have mentally wandered
as the pain modulates, perhaps
off. Then the mindfulness training
becoming stronger or weaker; he
kicks in. They say to themselves,
observes as the wave of sensation
OM TIMES | September 2022
OM TIMES | September 2022
ebbs and flows. Scientists consider
observation practiced in mindfulness
this to be prolonged exposure, which
training helps strengthen the
can help desensitize the patient to the
individual's ability to cope with
primary pain stimulus in the absence
stressors in general–including chronic
of traumatic consequences.
pain.
INTERRUPT PAIN REACTIVITY CYCLE
Resources: Book: Jon Kabbat-Zinn, Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom
The practice of non-judgmental
of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress,
observation interrupts the alarm/
Pain, and Illness, Rev. ed. New York:
reaction spiral that causes the
Bantam, 2013.
most suffering. Obsessive thinking
Article: Ruth A. Baer, "Mindfulness
about the pain, and the emotional
Training as a Clinical Intervention: A
charge added to these thoughts,
Conceptual and Empirical Review,"
heightens and prolongs distress. The
Clinical Psychology: Science and
mindfulness techniques of labeling
Practice, Vol. 10, No. 2, (Summer 2003):
cognition and emotions (e.g., "judging,"
125-143.
"complaining," "frustration," "anger")
MBSR online course: http://www.
and then returning attention to the
soundstrue.com/store/the-mbsr-
breath interrupts the sequence of
online-course-3226.html
pain-alarm-reaction. Thus, the secondorder effects are eliminated, reducing
About the Author
the duration and intensity of pain.
Maryjane Osa, Ph.D., is a
STRENGTHEN COPING RESPONSES The individual develops her higher brain centers by uncoupling the second-order effects (thoughts and feelings) from the primary pain stimulus through mindfulness. In addition, the process of self-
sociologist, speaker, and educator. She is writing a book about American society's "spiritual but not religious" cultural trend. Maryjane is a spiritual practitioner working in the New Thought tradition. Connect with Maryjane on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/dr.maryjane.osa or check out her website and blog at: www.maryjaneosa.com.
OM TIMES | September 2022
Simply Spiritual To perceive reality from a different perspective is to open oneself to the wonders and unlimited wealth of creation. Simply Spiritual offers the opportunity to visit new places, new methods, and different ways to perceive the vast human knowledge of our Universe.
Decoding the Meaning of Mystical Experiences
T
By Judi Lynch
he Universe always sends
a journey of discovery, seeking out
us assistance through
clues and important information,
signs, synchronicities,
ever evolving our knowledge. When
and messages meant
we begin to have these mystical
to enhance our life experience on
experiences, we strive to keep the
Earth. We are mystical travelers on
spiritual channels alive within us.
OM TIMES | September 2022
We begin to understand the ‘glow’
of spontaneous movements, the
and seek to enhance its power in our
dancer feels the same sense of
lives and those around us.
expanded consciousness—a beautiful connection with the higher self.
Metaphysical assistance can be found in a myriad of ways. As we walk down
In our prayer and meditation
a wooded path, it speaks to us in
practices, we have the ability to reach
nature, listening to the trees rustle
higher levels of the frequency with
and the bird’s song. It lives in the
just our thoughts. We experience
soothing sound of a flowing creek
inner transformation by speaking,
over ancient rocks. We can learn to
visualizing, and focusing on what
attune ourselves to hearing, seeing,
we are asking, seeing, and meant
and feeling these special frequencies
to know. We can ask for help and
to know the energy's power.
guidance on our life path, then receive those answers telepathically
Mystical experiences have long been
through our intuitive receiver. Prayer
felt in sacred places all over the
helps to clear the mind, reduce the
world. From ancient forests to grand
noise to enable us to hear, intuit and
pyramids, some places heighten our
process our messages correctly.
energy fields. We can feel their power physically through every chakra
Just being aware brings
and cell in our bodies. Some sites
synchronicities to the forefront of
contain the love and knowledge of
our existence. We notice the things
our ancestors. They contain important
that are out of the ordinary way of
information meant to be found,
thinking. The shape of the clouds
known, and understood.
floating, by or the butterfly that lands on your shoulder and stays with you
When athletes are in the zone,
during a hike. The thought of an old
they feel a vitality of connection
friend who calls ten minutes later
running through them as adrenalin
or knowing when a loved one needs
and higher frequency take over.
help. Our awareness of the mystical
A rush of energy and confidence
helps strengthens our skills in
helps to achieve success. However,
interpreting its assistance in our lives.
when they are lost in the rhythm
Every day that we are aware of our
OM TIMES | September 2022
spirit and our abilities, we keep our
understanding of our connection
frequency in good order. We learn
to every living thing. Being in the
how to heal body and soul through
zone encompasses all that we do.
these gifts.
Our thoughts, words, actions, beliefs, and ideas are all improved when we
We can ask for what we would like
know the mystical, magical assistance
to know and experience in this life,
available.
receiving an abundance of data from various sources. Then, with open
When we are connected to the
minds and hearts we can tune-in
energy source, there is a feeling of
and turn on our senses to enhance
closeness to everything around us.
our knowledge, heightening our
We feel the presence of nature and its
OM TIMES | September 2022
effect on our awareness. Our belief
About the Author:
and practice create a real experience
Judi Lynch is a psychic medium,
in which we are lighter, and we feel
intuitive counselor, healing channel,
that we are floating, in flow with all
and author. She is president of the
living things. These experiences are
Crystal Healing Foundation, Inc., a
deeply personal within us. When
501(c) spiritual charity, and a writer
we begin to have these mystical
for OM Times Magazine. She has
experiences, we strive to keep the
authored two books, Friends with
spiritual channels alive within us. We
Lights and Conscious Ascension,
begin to understand the ‘glow’ and
and has read to clients worldwide.
seek to enhance its power in our lives
To learn more or contact me for a
and those around us.
session, see judilynch.com OM TIMES | September 2022
Spirituality and Creativity: How Would Complement Each Other?
W
hile some may
For some, creativity can explore
believe that
our spirituality and find a more
religion and
profound understanding within
creativity are
ourselves. Spirituality can still be
separate things, they can overlap
seen as another form of creativity
and even complement each other
(imagination) and expression (self-
in many ways.
knowledge). OM TIMES | September 2022
If you have never considered this
something, there may be more than
connection before, here are some
one way to get in tune with yourself
things to think about.
at a more significant level.
The Power of Imagination
In Sanskrit, there is the word "Shakti." Deepak Chopra describes
"I am enough of an artist to draw
the word as "life energy that
freely upon my imagination.
can express yourself in physical,
Imagination is more important.
emotional, healing, intellectual,
Knowledge is limited.
transformative or creative forms."
— Albert Einstein
He states that when we feel discouraged (or when we are
In modern society, it can often
procrastinating, for example), we
seem that we are always moving.
need to feel what kind of energy is
Sometimes it may seem that there is
coming through us and then use it.
a lot of importance about what you do and how much you can do during
How Creativity and Spirituality
the day, but not about how you feel
are Related
about it. Because of this, people may feel disconnected from their deeper
"Believe In Your Infinite Potential.
selves.
Your Only Limitations Are Those You Set Upon Yourself."
Back to contact with your inner
— Roy T. Bennett (The Light in
self may seem complicated or
the Heart)
intimidating, especially if you are not considered a particularly religious or
Although some can see creativity
spiritual person. However, this does
and religion or spirituality as
not necessarily mean that it cannot
separate things, there may be many
be done.
ways in which they are related. For example, the first thing that can
Creativity can be a good way to
come to the mind of many when
relax and connect with yourself
listening to the creative word can
at a deeper level. If you do this by
be some kind of artist, like a famous
drawing, writing poems, or creating
painter, writer, or dancer.
OM TIMES | September 2022
For many, spirituality cannot even
Reaching The Inner Self
come to mind when considering If you want to get in touch more
what creativity is.
with your inner self, there may be However, a lot of creative energy can
more than one technique to try. For
come from a spiritual place.
example, meditation is a common
In many cases, those who are creative
way of developing a stronger
spend some time looking inside and
connection with your inner self.
being receptive to the guidance of their inner self. In addition, this deep
For some, life can have many
inner place can be the same source
distractions, and it can be difficult
where the feelings of spirituality
to adjust them whenever you
come from.
want. OM TIMES | September 2022
When practicing meditation, you can
Start Writing to Journal.
help calm your mind and improve your inner voice. Yoga can be another
You will see that thoughts begin to
useful option, especially for those
sprout in a few minutes, and you
who have trouble getting quiet
find solutions where there were only
or finding meditation something
problems.
challenging. However, learning new creative Ways To Safely Express Your
hobbies can also be a pleasant
Creativity
experience.
"Everything you can imagine is real."
Whether painting with watercolors
— Pablo Picasso
or writing a song, trying something new can open your mind and your
When it comes to trying to explore
deepest self to new possibilities
your spirituality through creativity,
and bring a little joy to your day. In
there may be many paths to be
addition, it may be important to keep
explored. Sometimes it can be
in mind that you should not criticize
beneficial to start with a hobby or
or worry about the performance of
creative activity that you already like
any of these activities.
to do. But creativity is something inherent Give your mind ten minutes a day
in the human being, as is kindness,
to be creative!
for example. It's there. You just need to give a space for it to show up.
Take a walk and come back with a You may not know how to paint but
new idea in your head.
know how to write, or it is a good Sit down with a paper in hand and
woodworker and has not yet realized
start scribbling.
that this requires creativity and a gift that few people have. The goal of
Take a notebook and start writing
these types of activities is finding Joy
everything in your mind, regardless
in little things and self-discovery, not
of making sense or not.
achieving perfection. OM TIMES | September 2022
The "Memento Mori" On Facing our own Mortality By Humanity Healing
OM TIMES | September 2022
W
hen we live
If there was no tomorrow, what
something
would you do right now? So
perfect, amid that
why aren't you doing it if there's
pleasant feeling
no certainty that there will be
of happiness, there is sometimes
tomorrow?
anguish: one day it will end. Yeah, everything comes to an end,
Traditionally, thinking about death,
even if the future is our death. So
in our culture, is a scary thing. It is
thinking about it can be sad, but it
often associated with pain, grief, and
doesn't need to be.
suffering, so we avoid even saying the word death. But when we think
This is what the Latin expression
a lot about it, not about how we're
"memento mori" proposes, which
going to die, but about the fact that
invites us to think about death in
we're going to die, that idea breaks
another way, in another context,
down.
and with another objective. Think about this: This day will never come
It's like when we were at school,
back again.
the teacher warned us about a challenging test with all the
"The fear of death follows
semester's content. When we heard
from the fear of life. A man
that, despair hit, didn't it?
who lives is fully prepared to die at any time."
But day after day, when we saw that
— Mark Twain
we could take the test, it became less scary.
Memento mori, in Latin, can be translated as "remember that you
And this is life: as we mature and
are going to die." But, although it
realize that we have everything we
seems something sad, it is not quite
need so that we can go in search
like that: it is a reflection to remind
of our dreams and desires, we
us that everything will soon be
naturalize the idea that things will
over, so that we live today intensely,
come to an end because we focus
doing everything we want without
only on enjoying today and the
wasting any more time.
present moment. OM TIMES | September 2022
THE ANCIENT ORIGIN
It is also said that when generals
OF MEMENTO MORI
returned victorious to Rome, being greeted, an adviser followed behind
It is unknown how this expression
them all the time, saying "Memento
came about, but there are two
mori" to remind them that no glory
better-known uses.
is immortal and that we will all succumb. To the weight of time.
Monks confined in monasteries used, and in some places still do today,
OTHER REFLECTIONS
use the expression as a greeting to remind everyone that sins must be
You've thought about death. If
atoned for today, not tomorrow.
you didn't think about yours,
OM TIMES | September 2022
you certainly thought about
as long as it is in your power."
someone's death, even if it was
Enjoy today and do what is
in a movie. Human beings have
possible now, not later, which may
always thought about death, the
not even exist.
only certainty we have in life. Another who thought a lot Be among those who spoke
about death was the philosopher
Latin, Emperor Marcus Aurelius,
Seneca. He wrote: "We think death
for example, wrote: "Do not act
is a thing of the future, but part of
as if you were going to live ten
it is already a thing of the past. So
thousand years. Death hangs over
any time that has passed belongs
you. As long as you live, be good
to death."
OM TIMES | September 2022
What an exquisite and profound
Just as carpe diem is associated
idea, Yes?
with the movie "The Society of Dead Poets," memento mori has
Thinking that death is on our
this connection with the "Serial
side now, not there in the distant
Misfortune" book series.
future, is something that can change the way we see life. It's like
That's because memento mori is
the arrival of great love: you don't
the motto of Pruf rock Preparatory
prepare to receive the person
School, the gloomy high school
overnight; his entire life has
where the protagonists, Violet and
brought him to this moment.
Klaus Baudelaire, attend.
Memento mori and "A Series of
Understanding and accepting our
Unfortunate Events."
immortality, that is, that we can die at OM TIMES | September 2022
any time, is essential for us to have a
"So live your life that the fear
healthier relationship with life and with
of death can never enter your
our plans and dreams in a healthy and
heart. Trouble no one about
trauma-free way:
their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that
When we understand that death is
they respect yours. Love your
a certainty and that it can happen
life, perfect your life, beautify all
anytime, doing what we want with
things in your life. Seek to make
body and soul becomes urgent, and we
your life long and its purpose
start to prioritize our dreams. Reflect on
in the service of your people.
the end and assimilate this idea that it
Prepare the noble death song
may be closer than you think, so how
for the day when you go over the
about rolling up your sleeves and going
great divide. "
to do everything you want right now?
~ Chief Tecumseh
OM TIMES | September 2022
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OM Living For those living a more Conscious Lifestyle
Can Quality of Life Influence Longevity?
I
by Ginger McBride
n this day and age, we are
strong community that leans on each
continuously looking for ways to
other, increasing longer life spans.
increase our longevity and quality
Life is constantly changing, growing,
of life. When we think about all the
and adapting. That is basic survival in
different ways we can do this, what
itself. That is part of what makes life so
may come to mind are the foods we
exciting. We don’t always know what
eat and our latest exercise regime.
the future holds, but we can use the
But, what can come as a surprise to
wisdom of those that came before us to
some is a long history related to a
enrich our futures!
OM TIMES | September 2022
While there isn’t any doubt that
The communities expected to have
genetics and lifestyle play a key role
longer life expectancies and longevity
in longevity, our community can be
also had a more relaxed lifestyle,
easily overlooked and forgotten when
exercising more with healthier diets.
it comes to increasing our lifespan.
Still, addition also had community
Recent studies have shown that our
members who would band together,
environments can directly affect our
lean on one another and help each
health. Environments with more
other out, which reduced much
fast-food restaurants, factory-related
stress in their lives. Of course,
jobs, and a higher population also
our independence is a beautiful
correlated with lower life expectancies.
commodity in this modern era, but
In addition, poor diet, lack of exercise,
we can’t forget that some love and
poor sleep, and excessive stress have
appreciate us and are willing to help us
made it more difficult on our minds
in our time of need, just as we are more
and bodies than necessary.
than happy to help them in return. OM TIMES | September 2022
Let us begin to look at our own lives
or tribe? Are there areas where we
to see what can be reevaluated, and
can use the help or even help in
enrich our lives through diet, exercise,
return? What needs to change to
quality, and community. But, of course,
lower our stress levels and increase
diet and exercise aren’t the only
our longevity? Once we search our
things that need balance. We must
souls to find these much-needed
also consider our mental and physical
answers, we can begin to change
health workload, as the added stress
things in our lives one situation at a
from our daily responsibilities can take
time as we progress as a community
its toll in the grand scheme of things.
instead of as individuals struggling on our own. Whether we call this a
Begin thinking about who we
community, family, or tribe, a group
identify as our community, family,
of people coming together to have
OM TIMES | September 2022
better quality lives. Think about the thousands of years of evolution to our current era. Remember how we leaned on each other for food, shelter, and protection. We must remember to merge our wisdom and knowledge from our ancestors and adapt it to the world we all know and care about for our collective wellness.
Ginger McBride is a wellness writer, certified health coach, wellness expert, and entrepreneur. She uses her knowledge in the health and wellness field to help others with their health, inspiring them to reach their goals through motivation and education!
Description: Learn how to embrace our community to increase our ultimate longevity in this modern era!
For more information about her services, please email newleafstudio21@gmail.com
OM TIMES | September 2022
The Relationship Between the Application of Feng Shui and Life Energy By OMTimes
OM TIMES | September 2022
I
nvolving art and a pearl of deep
be subdivided into productive and
wisdom about energy flows,
destructive.
Feng Shui applies this knowledge in techniques that allow the
In Feng Shui, the Chi energy is
correct channeling of energies in the
expressed through colors and
environment.
shapes. Each of which is the expression of a specific element.
These techniques use architecture
Fire, for example, is represented
and interior decoration in a
by the color red and triangular
very specific way, involving the
shapes.
arrangement of furniture, colors, formats, materials, and objects in
After identifying which element is
each environment individually to
necessary to balance the energies
harmonize an energy flow.
of an environment, it is possible to decorate it following specific colors
CHI ENERGY NO FENG SHUI
and shapes, bringing a certain quality of Chi into the space.
As in Chinese Medicine, Chi is the term designated for Universal
All of this intends to improve our
Energy, the energy that permeates
well-being by controlling Chi's flow.
everything around us. It also applies
And as you can already see, this is
to energy within our bodies and
done through furniture placement,
energy residing inside and outside
specific architectural designs,
artificial structures (such as furniture,
and other material placements,
buildings), and objects.
allowing the Chi to be redirected freely, positively, and correctly.
According to the Five Element Theory, Chi, or Feng Shui energy,
UNDERSTANDING ENERGY FLOW
manifests in Yin and Yang characteristics and a variety of other
In Feng Shui, Chi is a force of
forms. For example, in Feng Shui, the
energy that can affect us physically
elements Fire, Earth, Metal, Water,
and mentally. It is not superstition
and Wood have different means of
or spirituality. However, as we
interaction, called cycles, which can
humans rely heavily on our visual
OM TIMES | September 2022
sense, it can be challenging to
door, when it opens onto a wall. Other
understand what you don't see.
widespread examples of Chi blockages occur in cluttered garages or closets.
But it is easy to identify the flow of Chi in a house, for example, if you
Leakage, or energy loss, occurs when
start to see it as the flow of water.
the main door is aligned with the
Would the water flow smoothly into
back door. A significant leak can also
it, nourishing all areas, or would it be
happen when a door is directly aligned
blocked and stagnant? Like water, Chi
with a large window.
can be subject to blockages and leaks, Balance is key. And creating a
causing damage.
home where Chi flows smoothly is Generally, Feng Shui Chi blocks inside
fundamental to Feng Shui. After all,
a house occur right at the entrance
at one time or another, all the energy
OM TIMES | September 2022
flow in your home will be reflected
Feng Shui understands how this
in the energy flow of those who
influence occurs. For example, in
live within its walls. When your Chi
an environment where Feng Shui is
energy is blocked, other aspects of
correctly applied, negative Chi — such
your life also assume this posture.
as the sight of the bathroom or street noise — does not affect the physical
You cannot touch Chi with your
and mental health of those who
hands as you can with solid
frequent that space. Instead, you will
objects. However, we can feel
be surrounded by other types of Chi
it through wind, heat waves,
that positively stimulate your senses,
humidity, static, electrical currents,
such as sunlight, fresh air, and colors
and other types of energy that you
and objects capable of inspiring and
can feel with your skin, nerves, and
maintaining the quality of life in the
muscles.
environment. OM TIMES | September 2022
A
What is Creative Writing? s a writer or an author,
hit puberty, they take the crayons
you must have heard
away and replace them with dry,
the expression "creative
uninspiring books on algebra, history,
writing" a thousand
etc. So being suddenly hit years later
times. But after all, what is this?
with the 'creative bug' is just a wee voice telling you, 'I'd like my crayons
"Everyone is born creative;
back, please."
everyone is given a box of crayons
— Hugh MacLeod (Ignore Everybody:
in kindergarten. Then when you
and 39 Other Keys to Creativity)
OM TIMES | September 2022
As a rule of thumb, "everything is
3. It Works on critical and analytical skills
written in a creative way, that is, neither technical nor copied."
4. It Brings more focus and attention to activities, etc.
But did you know that it doesn't just apply to literature
We would also like to remind the
or communication? Even an
reader that, contrary to popular
administrator, a doctor, a chef, and
belief, writing does not depend
any other professional can use it.
only on a natural gift. Through
Creative writing is learning to tell
training and study, it can be
stories differently, think outside the
improved more and more. We
box, and bring the reader (whether
always say around here: Writing is
it's a book, a report, an email, a
discipline and daily learning.
portfolio) closer to you. "First, forget inspiration. Habit The idea is to get away from
is more dependable. Habit will
plastered formulas and create
sustain you whether you're
something different and captivating.
inspired or not. Habit will help you finish and polish your
"Learn the rules like a pro to break
stories. Inspiration won't. Habit is
them like an artist."
persistence in practice."
— Pablo Picasso
— Octavia E. Butler (Bloodchild and Other Stories)
And why is it essential to a career – We offer you three tips to unlock
whatever it may be?
your writing side – and they are These are elements of creative
valid for both writing professionals
writing:
and other areas of activity:
1. It Improves articulation
"1 – Read. read a lot
of reasoning for work There is no writing without
presentations 2. It Provides new perspectives on the world
reading. The writer needs to read. Very.
OM TIMES | September 2022
Through reading, you get used to
pages, three pages. You decide ––
the written language and increase
but write it down!
your vocabulary. Make time in your schedule to read every day. It could
Keep in mind that ideas are the
be half an hour, fifteen or ten
writer's raw material. So whenever
minutes. But, read something.
you have a text idea, please write it down no matter how silly it sounds. It may be helpful in the
2 – Make writing a habit
future. The logic is the same as reading. The writer needs to set aside time
"There is creative reading as
in his schedule to write daily.
well as creative writing." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
A good exercise is to write in a notebook the first things that
3 – Hemingway's Writing Tips: Let
come to mind every morning. Two
the Text Sleep
OM TIMES | September 2022
"The most important thing
Hemingway advocated the idea
I learned about writing is
of "letting the text sleep" so that
to never write too much at
he always had a starting point
a time… Never let yourself
when he sat down to write.
dry out. Leave some for the next day. The main thing is
In addition to this benefit,
knowing when to stop. Don't
practice can be great for you to
wait until you've written
improve your text when you're
everything down. When it's
not writing. What do I mean by
still going well, and you know
that?
what will happen next, that's the right time to stop. Then
Who hasn't had a genius idea
leave and think no more
while in the shower? So, it is.
about it; let your subconscious
While your text sleeps, you can
do the work."
make synapses that you didn't
— Ernest Hemingway
make while writing." OM TIMES | September 2022
Cat Spirituality and Body Language By Ministry Earth
OM TIMES | September 2022
I
t is often difficult to understand
WHEN THEY SLEEP TOO MUCH
what our cats want to tell us. They are mysterious animals; however,
Cats have different sleep needs than
they have a powerful spirituality
humans. They need more sleep than
and heightened sensitivity. Therefore,
we do. However, if you notice that your
it is important to understand what
cat is sleeping more than usual, it is a
they want to tell us. We have listed
sign that he is overloaded with many
the cats' spiritual powers to help
negative energies in the environment
us understand their language and
and people. He absorbs this energy
spirituality.
and can only rebalance it by sleeping.
THE LANGUAGE OF CATS
SLEEP NEAR YOUR BED
The very sensitive animals, our cats
Does your cat insist on sleeping near
or felines, have healing power and
your bed (or even on top of it)? Don't
protect us from negative energies
fight with kitty over this. They only do
present in the environment and
this to protect you. As much as you
people.
don't like having them on the bed, they want to be there as guards so
Learn how to interpret the signs of cats
that if something or someone with
that show their spirituality:
bad energies approaches, they'll be there to protect us.
LYING ON PARTS OF OUR BODY ATTITUDES WHEN VISITORS ARRIVE With heightened sensitivity, cats sense when some internal organ is not
Most cats don't come straight to meet
functioning normally or will get sick
visitors once they get home, as dogs
shortly, so they insist on lying on top
do. Suspicious, cats want to "read"
of it. As energy transmuters, they can
people before going to their laps or
transmit positive energies to a place
letting them cuddle. It is common
loaded with low vibration energies. So
for them to hide and only appear in
when he comes close to you, sits down
the room at the owners' call. It is also
on the spot, and then leaves, he feels
common for your cat to hang around
that he has already healed that energy.
you while "strange" people are at
OM TIMES | September 2022
home. He doesn't want anyone to
SLEEP IN CERTAIN PLACES
approach you with bad energy. If your
IN THE HOUSE
cat attacks a visitor like this out of the blue and it's not like him, you can
Cats tend to choose a few specific
know that this person has charged,
places to sleep, even if the owner
negative energy coming along with
has not established that this
them. It may also be that this person
would be their place. They often
does not like cats. Felines feel from
lie down or sleep in places of
afar when they are not admired and
stagnant, stagnant, unbalanced,
tend to attack.
or negative energy, and they do OM TIMES | September 2022
this to harmonize the places. Some
WHEN THEY WANT TO MASSAGE YOU
studies show that cats often use their sensitivity and spirituality to lie
If you have a cat, you have certainly
in places with underground water
seen him give you some massage.
lines or geological faults. According
This cat's attitude refers to the times
to these studies, these places
when he suckled his mother's cat and
usually cause illness and depression
made this movement to stimulate
and attract more energy, and that's
milk flow. They are weaned at a tender
why cats lie there to absorb that
age, and this act is one of the few
energy and transmute it.
that takes him back to his mother OM TIMES | September 2022
and breastfeeding times. When he
INTRUDER CAT
does this "massage," he is not trying to stimulate the flow of milk in you,
If you don't have a cat at home and
but remembering these homesick
a kitten follows you or enters your
moments with his mother, showing
house wanting to stay, it's a sign
you that he feels good in her presence,
that you need a cat in your life. The
that the moment lived made him
cat volunteers and chooses you as
remember maternal presence. It is
its owner, and he has the mission
common, for example, for kittens
to help you or pay a karmic debt
to do this massage on pregnant
of spirituality to you. It may seem
bellies. Suction movements can also
difficult to identify what that kitten's
accompany massage on clothes and
mission is in your home, but he
other fabrics.
knows it. He realizes the presence OM TIMES | September 2022
of karmic debt and wants to pay it off (such as having a spirit that
• Tail erect with the tip slightly forward: I am friendly and want attention
accompanies him that has harmed you in other lives and now wants to reward you). The ideal is not to scare
• Tail erect horizontally: I am interested in something focused
the cat away, as it will try to come back • Tail wagging: I'm angry, something
at some point.
is bothering me, don't play with me SIGNS WITH THE EARS • Low tail or tail between the legs: I'm • Cats transmit many signals with
worried or pouting
their ears, and you need to know • Tail down: I'm scared
how to interpret them: • Ears forward: cat open to social
• Squidward tail up: I'm mad
contact, would like to be petted, play with you or be in your company.
OTHER SIGNS OF SPIRITUALITY IN CATS
• Ears up: a cat is in a state of alert. He is anxious or anticipating something (such as someone coming home).
• Unusual aggression: if your cat is suddenly angry and aggressive and you don't know why, you, the
• Ears turned back: Danger. If his
environment, or someone in the
ears are back, he's irritable and
house must have strong negative
aggressive. Better leave him alone.
energies, and he cannot deal with it alone.
SIGNS WITH THE TAIL • Lie on all four legs: it warns you The tail is another way for cats to
that a storm is coming. It feels the
communicate with the world. See
vibration of the rain and warns you
what he means:
with this movement.
• Tail straight up: the cat is happy to see you
• Insistently cleanses paws and face: a visitor will arrive soon.
OM TIMES | September 2022
Relationships
The interconnectedness among all human beings and, consequently, the relationships among us are the focus of this section. The dynamics of the web of connections we make is one of the most prominent aspects of human existence: how we interlace with each other’s existence in a meaningful way.
Nine Ways to Heal Family Rifts & Become More Functional
T
he larger-than-life bond
between its members. Family
of family shines through
relationships are complex, intense,
sorrows and joys alike. The
and powerful at best. They require not
divine connection within
only patience but an understanding
a family is a light that cannot be
of both their psychological and karmic
dimmed, no matter the distance
components.
OM TIMES | September 2022
As a soul on the other side, you agreed
families in ugly ways. It can devastate
to reincarnate into a certain family
a family because the members begin
to further your spiritual evolution.
to see themselves as individuals
Of course, the family you would be
disassociated from the whole. Pride
born into wouldn’t be “perfect” by
causes us to lose the sense of unity
any means: there would be family
and only look out for ourselves. Many
members you can’t stand and others
of my clients say they haven’t spoken
you would have nothing in common
to their parents or sibling in years.
with. But your family would be perfect
When I ask them why I usually receive
for working on your karma. These
a “proud” answer: “They hurt me . . .”
details were etched into your karmic
or “They did this to me. . ..” The answer
contract, which outlined who would be
always implies a “me” factor—that’s
your family members, what challenges
pride showing its ugly head. In a
you would have to face with each of
family, it’s easy to find reasons not
them, and what you would have to do
to get along—after all, just because
to solve the problems between you.
you’re family doesn’t mean you’re not completely different. But you can
Because you have free will, you can
remain close by letting go of pride
choose to heal family rifts or allow
and having a sense of humor about
them to grow wider—to help your
conflicting ideas and preferences.
family become more functional or
Pride makes us do foolish things we
dysfunctional. Even if your family
regret, but it should never cause us
members don’t always cooperate, the
to ostracize someone we care about.
choice to encourage healthy dynamics
Don’t be so proud that you allow a
is yours. Here are nine actions you can
resolvable matter to become a karmic
take every day to fortify deeper and
rift in your clan.
happier bonds with your loved ones: Set limits for others and yourself. Put your pride aside. Pride is the
Setting boundaries means protecting
number one cause of familial grief.
yourself from egos that have been
That’s because our ego, the generator
triggered by old issues and karma
of our pride, makes us stubbornly hold
that is probably carried over from past
on to the notion that we and only we
lifetimes. It means making choices
can be right. Pride comes between
like not drinking to the point of doing
OM TIMES | September 2022
something you’ll later regret, not
have settled. Then, you’re better able
letting your frustration build without
to tolerate each other. Limit the time
taking some time out to defuse your
the gathering lasts, too, and make
anger, and not attending a gathering
it easy for family members to take
where you know you’ll encounter
their leave without a drama ensuing.
someone who clashes with you.
Avoid conversations and activities
Whenever possible, avoid situations
that have led to conflict in the past.
that are bound to become bad ones.
Relationships require a degree of
Know the limits of your patience. If
discipline, and it becomes your
your family is driving you crazy lately
responsibility to steer clear of scenarios
and you’re under much stress, limit
that play on your weaknesses or push
your interactions until the emotions
others’ buttons. That way, you can
OM TIMES | September 2022
achieve a healthy degree of separation
unresolved conflict—friends you don’t
from others so they can’t negatively
see eye to eye with, family members
influence your well-being.
who make you irate, even people with whom you’ve had a bad falling-
Meditate and reflect on modulating
out. Remember, all your relationships
your emotions. Many times it is we
affect one another. A spat with your
who stir the pot of drama. Our own
mother will affect your relationship
escalating emotions can quickly turn
with your daughter, even if they live
a day out into a disaster. When you
many miles apart. Promise to resolve
leave the house, don’t just check if
these differences you have with others
you have your cell phone and wallet—
one way or another, even if it’s sending
check how you feel and why you feel
the individuals on your list a quick
this way. Take a moment and ask
e-mail wishing them well and sending
yourself: Do I feel tense, irritable, or
them peace. Detach from negative
stressed today? Will these feelings
memories by surrendering your ego
create friction with others or make it
and stating to the other person that
difficult for me to enjoy myself? If the
you hold no grudges. You will feel
answer is yes, take a moment to clear
a surge of serenity when you truly
your heart and mind of any lingering
forgive and forge ahead.
anger, irritation, or frustration before stepping out to be in the company of
Refrain from provocation. There is
others. A quick five-minute meditation
no need to give in when someone is
will help relax you and turn your mood
pushing your buttons. Take a deep
from anxious to excited. Perform this
breath and commit to resolving
check-in with yourself throughout the
the situation within yourself before
day to keep the emotional waters in
asking the other person to change
your home calm.
their behavior. Work on your own issues and then say, gently, “I know
Settle old differences. If there’s
you probably don’t realize it, but
been discord between you and
when you do [name the behavior], I
someone else, don’t leave the situation
feel [name how you feel].” Give the
unsettled, as old problems tend to
other person the benefit of the doubt
become recurring problems. Make a
and an opportunity to apologize
list of anyone with whom you share
and shift their behavior. Don’t take
OM TIMES | September 2022
the behavior personally; your family
and recognition and open the doors
member may be disrespecting you at
for love and kindness to flow freely.
that moment but have deep respect for you overall. Whenever someone
Give people time. Change is a
provokes you, be the bigger person
process, not a result, and it requires
and distract yourself from your
time. People may need to change, but
emotions by reminding yourself that
it takes a while to see this and begin
you are above arguments. The greater
working on themselves. The best
truth is that your souls chose to be
thing you can do for a family member
closely related in this life so that you
who is difficult to handle is to gently
could learn from each other. Walking
push them toward the changes they
away from an argument instead of
need to make while being patient and
giving in to it will command respect
offering unconditional support.
OM TIMES | September 2022
The best way to help someone
doing is wrong and modify their
change is by showing them what
behavior. In the meantime, don’t nag
change looks like—change yourself
them or criticize them constantly.
to reflect the behaviors they need to
Allow them to evolve at their own
work on. For example, if you have a
pace. Rising above the behaviors of
family member who is always bad-
others sets you up as an example
mouthing everybody, don’t indulge
for change. Your patience may be
in this behavior yourself. Tell them
tested as the people in your family
you won’t partake in gossip or spread
perform their inner work, but this
negative words about others. In time,
gives you a chance to expand your
they’ll understand they can’t get
own tolerance threshold for others,
away with it in front of you. They may
which in turn makes you a better,
even understand that what they’re
more evolved person.
OM TIMES | September 2022
Wear their shoes. As they say, “Be
might think you know them well
kind, for everyone you meet is fighting
because you have lived with them for
a battle you know nothing about.” You
years, but you can’t truly know what
must try to imagine what it’s like to
is going on in another person’s heart
walk someone else’s path in life (even
because you haven’t lived that person’s
if you think you can imagine it, it’s
life or fought their battles.
probably nothing like you imagine). It’s easy to pinpoint the shortcomings
Your family wants what’s best for you,
of your family members—they may be
but they may have trouble expressing
judgmental, hypocritical, or annoying.
that or go about it completely
But it’s more difficult to understand
inappropriately. When you understand
the roots of their weaknesses. You
this, you learn not to take their words
OM TIMES | September 2022
and actions that may be out of line too
yourself not to discuss the situation
personally. You begin to see the roots
with that person any further.
of their weaknesses surface, the bare wound of their failings. Appreciate
You can also compromise with the
that sort of familial intimacy. We must
people affecting your relationships
try to wear each other’s shoes, even
and those affected by them. Stand
if the size doesn’t fit, to understand
up firmly but politely against people
where others are coming from before
who are negatively impacting your
resorting to judgment or blame.
relationships. Show them love and compassion, but do not tolerate their
Beware of external influences.
unnecessary impressions on other
External influences are often the
aspects of your life. In terms of family,
cause of family dramas. For example,
appreciating the young and old alike
you may have problems with your
and absorbing the unique wisdom of
mother because of your sister or
each family member without letting
argue with your mother-in-law
them influence you will strengthen the
because she is pressuring you to
bond of kinship.
parent in a certain way. Whether we realize it or not, even friends
Have bonding rituals. People
and coworkers can play a big role
sometimes wince at the idea of
in our family dynamic. The energy
“family bonding” because they think
of everyone around us seeps into
it entails seeing distant, somewhat
our relationships, often without our
irritating family members on special
awareness. The best thing we can do
occasions under less-than-pleasant
is be mindful of our influences and
circumstances. But family bonding
keep our relationships as separate as
can happen at any time, whether
we can. This is not to say you should
gathering to watch a movie together
cut off the people you love. But when
or simply walking the family dog
a person’s energy has become toxic,
around the block. Even arguments
you can—and must—keep them at
have their place in a family that
arm’s length. Set firm boundaries.
wishes to have strong bonds because
You may have to say, “I appreciate
you share emotions with your family
your concern and advice, and I’ll
members. The process of making
consider it,” and make a note to
up, healing and learning after an
OM TIMES | September 2022
argument can leave you closer than
like to do. The less you look at forming
before. Conflict is an opportunity for
bonds as a chore, the less it becomes
all parties to grow and master their
one, and the more it turns into a
karma. It also is an opportunity for
pleasure. Change your mentality
developing greater trust and intimacy.
from “I need to get along with this
The key is to make the conflict as
person” to “I want to get along with
loving as possible—to be patient and
this person.” Put effort into getting
truly listen to and respect each other.
along with your parents and children. Ask them about their feelings and
Bonding can occur whenever you
their stories. Do you know what your
spend time with your family members,
father wanted to be when he grew
being attentive to their needs and
up or whether his passions were
trying to incorporate activities they
encouraged? Do you know your
OM TIMES | September 2022
mother’s greatest disappointment
dynamic with your loved ones. If their
or your stepdaughter’s biggest fear?
behavior is too intense or your bond
Better yet, can you relate to their
is frayed, value them and wish them
anecdotes, or do you share similar
healing. Pray for them, and pray for
experiences? Look past the behaviors
yourself, too. Try to protect them while
that bother you and open your heart
protecting yourself. Your karma will
to hear their unique stories. There is a
remain unstained, and the bond will
greater reason they are in your life, a
be healed in this lifetime. Love them
reason beyond the complications and
today, as they are, and don’t forget to
disagreements.
love yourself.
Practice these nine actions to resolve
To happy families,
family problems and enjoy a healthier
Dr. Carmen Harra
OM TIMES | September 2022
Metaphysics
Coincidences: Are They a Sign from Your Soul?
H
By John Holland
ave you heard the same
Did someone happen to mention the
saying or phrase from
same person you were just thinking
several different people
about.
in one day? Do the same
numbers keep showing up over and
You may chalk all this up as just
over again during your daily routine?
coincidences, but these are clear signs
OM TIMES | September 2022
that your soul is knocking at your
I once heard a story about a man who
door! Sometimes it could be a soft
was struggling on whether to change
tap, or when you're not really paying
his career. He'd been offered a new
attention, it could be a much louder
job but wasn't sure if he wanted
bang!
to leave the security of his existing position where he'd worked for years.
Your soul often uses synchronicity as
The decision was really stressing him
a method of communicating with
out to a point where he was doubting
you, so don't pass these off as just
himself and his talents.
coincidences. However, when you get these clear signs, remember to pause,
One day while this man was driving
be open and pay attention to what
to work, he decided to look within
your soul is trying to tell you.
for the answer. He asked himself the
OM TIMES | September 2022
questions that had been churning in
Synchronicities act as signposts or
his mind: Should I take this new job?
mile markers, guiding and directing
Am I doing the right thing by leaving
you, or even helping to align your
my secure position? Will I be happy at
personal growth. So take notice when
a new company?
you're being sent such signs, signals, people, patterns, numbers, symbols,
At that precise moment, he looked up
books, phrases, articles or whatever
and saw a bus drive by. As it passed,
manifestation appears. These special
the giant billboard advertisement
gifts help direct you on your path
on the side of bus was a Nike slogan:
toward your goals and also help you
"Just Do It!"
to follow your soul's guidance. All you have to do is ask and be watchful.
These synchronistic events are the inner workings of your soul showing
When your soul knocks, make sure
up when you need them most!
you're ready to answer the door!
OM TIMES | September 2022
JOHN'S MESSAGE
5. Become even more aware by recording these events in your
Here are six tips to help you listen more closely to your soul's
journal. 6. Believe that these Divine nudges are genuine!
messages:
If you know someone who may
1. Pay attention to all
like to get this message, feel free
coincidences. 2. Look for signs when you run into people unexpectedly. 3. If you have a problem, let it go and let your soul step in to help. 4. Ask your soul directly for
to share these Soul Inspirations or recommend they join my newsletter list. Equally, I'd love to hear your personal stories, so do share them on my Facebook and Instagram pages.
answers and act on them immediately.
Live a Soul-filled life! OM TIMES | September 2022
Personal Growth & Development We grow as individuals as we face challenges and overcome life’s obstacles. This section is dedicated to helping you chart your course.
No Greater Teacher By Mark Nepo
OM TIMES | September 2022
T
here has been no greater
my mother to imprinting my deeper
teacher in my life than the
senses on the Whole of Life. And this
heart. It has guided me
became my primary inheritance.
through every storm. When
facing death, it steadied me despite
As I was held and tended by nurses
my fear. When stumbling in need of
who I will never be able to thank, I
love, it opened me like a flower waiting
quietly continued to form into a full
for rain. When freefalling in search of
human being. During this slow arrival
meaning, it picked me up like a hawk
into the world, I began to inhabit a
gliding on the wind of Mystery. And
deep and early sense of Oneness.
when in need of strength to keep
Being completely alone in that
believing in life, my heart insisted that
incubator enabled me to experience
I keep giving as an act of mitosis in
the solitude and silence of an inner
growing the tissue of humanity. And
unfolding that was my first home. And
so, I'm compelled to explore the heart
though I felt myriad volatile emotions
as our teacher and how we are led to
from growing up in an unpredictable
discover and inhabit our need to love,
and emotionally charged family, that
learn, and be.
turbulence didn't define me. I could always enter the silence and return to
This steadfast belief in the properties
my larger, first home.
of the heart goes back to my first hours on Earth. I was born prematurely
Looking back, I feel certain that this
in late February of 1951, three weeks
unexpected cocoon between worlds
early. I was placed in an incubator,
secured my bond with Eternity. That
so I entered a transitional period of
chance to be fully alone, suspended
solitude before entering the world.
between pre-life and life itself, allowed
This incubation period prevented my
me to emerge with an irrevocable
mother and father from holding me
bond to all that remains unseen.
and bringing me home. I'm sure that
It allowed me to know all that is
was difficult for them. But during this
unseeable as my foundation. And so,
crucial time, I was held and nurtured
from the outset, the allegiance of my
by the Mystical Unity of Life. For those
heart has always been to serve as a
three weeks, I was in a liminal womb,
conduit between all that is inner and
where I went from forming inside
all that is outer, between the life of
OM TIMES | September 2022
the soul and the life of the world, and
unconditional love. This is why I believe
between our humanness and the Web
being at home in the Oneness of
of Mystery that brings life into being.
Things is central to how we come to love, learn, and be.
In truth, regardless of where life has led me, my education as a student
After all these years, I've seen that the
of the heart traces back to this
heart is meant to follow the light and
fundamental position in life. And
connect with life, the way a flower
living through my heart has always
seeds in the dark, breaks ground after
helped me through the storms of
a storm and opens in the light. Once
life and brought me home. This is
rooted in the open, we are asked to
why I believe that helping each other
practice heaven.
return to our largest home of all, life, is an essential form of hospitality.
How the heart teaches us to do this is
This is why I believe that holding
a lifelong journey. It is interesting that
and tending to each other, as we
the word journey comes from the Old
form inwardly, is at the center of
French jornee, which means "a day's
OM TIMES | September 2022
travel, a day's work." Nevertheless, it
go, and, from the beginning, we are
is still true that a meaningful journey
called to live through our hearts. But
is built on a day's travel and a day's
what does this mean, and how do
work. And so, I attempt to describe the
we inhabit this as a sacred life-giving
heart's process of daily travel and daily
practice?
work in as much detail as possible in my words, the way that Lewis and
We must all face the archetypal
Clark described their unlikely passage
process of clearing out the buildup of
through the Continental Divide to the
patterns and feelings we accrue from
Pacific coast.
living. This, in turn, allows us to return to a beginner's heart and re-establish
Along the way, I have seen how
the allegiance of heart by which we
solitude, silence, and inner unfolding
can individuate to the point where
are our home. I keep trying to discern
we can, paradoxically, let other life in.
what covenants and practices enable
These twin efforts are necessary to
us to experience these inner elements
truly live—to be who we are and to let
as teachers. Clearly, we discover as we
others in.
OM TIMES | September 2022
OM TIMES | September 2022
Once letting life in full, how can we
spirit must learn its own practice
then serve as a conduit between
of returning to our largest home
all that is inner and all that is outer,
of all—life. And our quiet destiny
between the life of the soul and
is to practice this hospitality in all
the life of the world, and between
directions and let the heart be our
our humanness and the Web of
teacher.
Mystery that brings life into being? How can we inhabit the ways of heart that will help us survive the storms we face? And what commitments and practices can help us live wholeheartedly in the
_______________________________________ Living through my heart has always helped me through the storms of life and brought me home.
larger flow of life?
_______________________________________
To be fully alive, we must look to the
Questions to Walk With
learning ground of intimacy, that experiential bedrock of truth where all learning takes up residence when we dare to hold and tend to each other.
• In your journal, describe your deepest home. • In conversation with a friend or loved one, tell the story of a time when your heart was your teacher.
Ultimately, there are infinite ways
How did it present itself? How did
to personalize our heartwork in the
you realize it was a teacher? What
days that await us if we can empty
did it teach you?
our assumptions and conclusions to stay current with the rush of
No Greater Teacher is excerpted
life. All so that the heart can carry
f rom Mark Nepo's newest book,
what matters. Yet humbly, no one
Surviving Storms: Finding the
quite knows how to empty what
Strength to Meet Adversity. Used
is extraneous and how to carry
with permission. St. Martin's
what matters, though do it we
Essentials 9 September 2022).
must. And so, we must live into the question: How do we recover what
For more information, visit: MarkNepo.
matters when in the storm? Every
com or Live.MarkNepo.com
OM TIMES | September 2022
Finishing Your Yoga Teacher Training? How to Find Students for Your Classes by Rachelle Wilber OM TIMES | September 2022
O
ne of the most critical
and others at a discounted price.
questions yoga teachers
For example, many people have
ask is how to attract
had success by offering free yoga
students. It is possible for
classes at a park. Others have taught
a yoga teacher to do everything right
discount classes at a local community
and not have a sufficient number of
center. Some have even teamed up
students. It can be frustrating. People
with a local brewery to teach yoga
who want to take yoga classes can
during happy hour. Free classes can
usually choose from many different
draw in many people, and if they like
studios. The key to yoga marketing
your teaching style, they will sign up
success is often not working
for your studio.
harder but being more creative in developing strategies to obtain new
LOCAL EVENTS
students. A good way to reach a large audience
CHALLENGES
quickly is to teach yoga at local events. A quick google search will
In-person or online challenges are
reveal if any wellness festivals are
excellent ways to create excitement
happening near you. These festivals
for yoga. A challenge can be big or
often have teachers who volunteer
small. They can be done online, or
their time to teach various classes.
they can be run in person. Some
It is an excellent way to promote
instructors have had success with a
yourself and connect with others in
daily pose challenge and more. It's
the yoga community in your city.
important to have a reward for those who complete the challenge. Also,
LOCAL MEDIA
provide a way for students to share Many people have had success by
their success.
getting a feature article written
FREE CLASSES
about them in local media. Contact editors of local newspapers to see
Those who teach in-person classes
if there is a section that focuses on
can get known in a community
local businesses. It's also possible for
by offering some classes for free
a community to have a social media
OM TIMES | September 2022
account that provides reviews of
friends. Offering paying students
fitness and wellness businesses in
an opportunity to bring a friend
the area. Ask how they choose to do
for a free lesson has helped grow
features. You can tell them about your
many yoga classes. Some permit
business and yourself and explain why
their students to bring a new
you would be good to write about.
friend for an entire week. It may also be good to offer a special
FRIENDS
partner yoga class. The most important thing for attracting
People know that yoga is a great
new students is getting them
experience that is often better with
through the door.
OM TIMES | September 2022
It's important to reward everyone
California, area. She graduated
who helps to share information about
from San Diego State University
your yoga class. Some have offered
with her bachelor's degree in
a chance to get a 6-class pass for
Journalism and Media Studies.
posting an online review. In addition,
She tries to find an interest in all
it is important to take the time to
topics and themes, which prompts
thank all those who help with your
her writing. When she isn't on her
marketing efforts.
porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping at the beach or
Rachelle Wilber is a freelance
at the gym. Follow her on Twitter:
writer living in the San Diego,
@RachelleWilber.
OM TIMES | September 2022
Exercise with Enjoyment by Ginger McBride
OM TIMES | September 2022
L
earn how to use enjoyment
of success, perfectionism, confusion,
to exercise that benefits
short-term gratification versus long-
both mind and body, and
term gratification, and the list goes on.
begin a fulfilling journey to Exercising is an essential aspect for
better health!
both the mind and the body. Exercise We always make time for the things
helps our body build muscle, improve
that are most enjoyable to us. It's
strength and endurance, and enhance
not that the important things aren't
our heart health. Exercise can also do
a priority, but it is easier to motivate
wonders for the mind, such as relieving
ourselves when we know joy is on
stress and releasing endorphins, which
the way. So much of our lives are
aid in a boosted mood.
riddled with responsibilities. It's easy to understand how it can be difficult
The key, however, is getting ourselves
to prioritize more work in little free
to participate in something that
time. This is why working out and
requires energy but benefits us in
exercising can be difficult for some.
multiple ways. A great way to do this
We procrastinate for a multitude of
is by incorporating an exercise that we
reasons, such as fear of failure, fear
like and enjoy.
OM TIMES | September 2022
There are various types of exercise and
with our buddies for a few games
movement out there. We need only
a month, the options are endless,
to explore those options and choose
and for those that are more creative
what is best for ourselves. Whether
in nature, we might enjoy taking
we like something as simple as
a dance class. Maybe we enjoy the
walking or running on a bright, sunny
live music and meeting people in
day, we require something more
our community that have the same
explorative like hiking with a group.
interests. Whatever it is that pulls us
We could even take it a step further
to move. So we should begin there
by bringing a camera to document
by exploring that option.
the fun time. We must begin to look within and Some of us might enjoy joining
explore what we truly enjoy in this
a team in sports such as tennis,
life and how we can add this and
basketball, baseball, softball, or
enjoy exercise. Then, we can make
football. Whether it is a team in high
it a celebration rather than another
school or college or meeting up
remedial task on our to-do list. This
OM TIMES | September 2022
is not to say that regular workouts
life. Exercise can be enjoyed, and
aren't necessary. They definitely
when done, right will be enjoyed.
have a place. They are wonderful in
We need only the courage to begin
targeting areas that we would like to
our journey, explore our options,
change about ourselves, but if we are
and strive for our goals with a bit of
just beginning and struggling with
optimism and enjoyment!
moving at all, finding enjoyment with exercise could be a significant first
About the Author:
step to a fulfilling journey!
Ginger McBride is a wellness writer, certified health
We may recall Newton's First Law
coach, wellness expert, and
of Motion, "an object in rest stays at
entrepreneur. She uses her
rest, and an object in motion stays
knowledge in the health and
in motion unless acted upon by an
wellness field to help others
unbalanced force. "We should let
with their health, inspiring them
our body be that object and stay in
to reach their goals through
motion for a better living and a better
motivation and education!
OM TIMES | September 2022
Books
Surviving Storms Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity
In SURVIVING STORMS: Finding the Strength to Meet Adversity, Mark Nepo, spiritual teacher and author of 23 books, including the #1 New York Times bestselling The Book of Awakening, explores the art and practice of meeting adversity by using the timeless teachings of the heart. To stand firm against life’s unavoidable storms, Nepo says, we need to know our true self, deepening our roots and solidifying our connection to all Spirit and all life. Then we, like a firmly rooted tree standing unmoved in the wind, can endure the force of trials and heartbreak. A profoundly timely resource, SURVIVING STORMS surveys the storms of our time–where we are and how we got here. Nepo outlines the fault lines we endure as a society, including our loss of relationship, the isolation of technology, the loss of a common good, and others. He explores the nature and life of storms and unpacks the purpose of goodness. He then reacquaints readers with the perennial practices and offers resources that restore our basic human nature and transcend our perceived differences. Though we must each map the territories of our souls for ourselves, this spiritually practical book is an indispensable guide, bringing us to common passages and paths and urging us forward on the journey. Once the rubble clears, we, like those before us, are inevitably called to build the world one more time, admitting that we need each other.
For more information, or to purchase the book, click the cover or visit: Amazon.com
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