How much the world has changed in this past month!I’ve been thinking about the Sikh scriptures recently, and how periodically throughout, the word “Pause” is used. It’s deliberately placed to make sure that the reader takes a moment to stop and reflect on what was just read, before plunging forward. It seems that the world as a whole is being told to “Pause” at this time.
I hope that we can all use this challenge as a chance to practice being present in each moment. Spring is such a beautiful time to take a pause. Since you can’t visit the ashram at this time, I’m placing some photos below. I miss seeing all of you, and I know the space also misses each of you! I’m including a photo of the ashram’s newest resident, Rajah! He has been a blessing at this time, and he also misses the students and counseling clients that he was getting used to greeting.See below for a special meditation for “future viruses”, and a recipe for an immune boosting tonic. Just a reminder that while I’m not seeing counseling clients in person right now, you can schedule a phone or Skype session with me. The HSP group has been cancelled but if this goes on much longer, I may have to get some schooling in Zoom, so we can meet! I’ll keep you posted!
In the meantime:Here’s a little gift for you – a meditation that was given in 1986 to “burn viruses of the future”!
It is required to cover your head in some way during the meditation, so you don’t get a headache.
Instructions:
1. Sit in easy pose (cross-legged) or in a chair. Sit straight and close your eyes.
2. Bend the left elbow, relaxed a the left side of the body, forearm perpendicular to the ground. Place the hand at shoulder level in Surya Mudra (ring finger and thumb tips touch). Palm faces forward.
3. Close the right nostril with the right index finger, curl the rest of the fingers into the mounds at the base of the fingers and hold them down with the thumb.
4. Powerfully inhale and exhale through the left nostril. Heavy breath of fire. Move the navel with the breath.
5. Breathe rhythmically with the breath, 2 breaths per second. In the original class, the music “Sat Nam Ji, Sat Nam Ji, Wahe Guru…” by Singh Kaur was played.
Continue for 13 minutes.
To end: Inhale deep, hold the breath for 25 seconds and interlace the fingers in front of the face, arms relaxed, palms together and facing the floor. Pull the hands apart without letting go. Use force to create tremendous pressure on the fingers. Exhale. Inhale deep, hold the breath for 15 seconds, and repeat the pulling on the interlaced fingers. Exhale. Repeat one more time and relax.
Be well!Save these dates:
Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Workshops
Oriental, NC at The Yoga Studio
October 25, 2:30- 5 pm
(topics to be announced)
contact Susan: susandkoepp@gmail.com
(252) 249-2220
This one is a great affirmation for these times:
“I am ready to have my love and joyfulness burst through.
I am about to bloom in ways beyond
my wildest imagination.
I am strong and smart.
I know how to flow around obstacles.
I know how to keep my center.
I open to Spirit and all the wild,
compassionate forces of the universe
to open my heart,
to make my soul ready for all the blessings ahead.
I am bursting through all the barriers
that have stopped me in the past.
I will let spring awaken my power
and allow my spirit to soar.” ~Judith Orloff
Citrus Ginger Root Tonic
2 navel oranges, rinds cut off
1 lemon, rind cut off
1 lime, rind cut off
1/2 grapefruit, rind cut off
1 inch piece fresh ginger root
1/16 tsp. ground cayenne pepper
1 cup water
3 TB maple syrup
Cut the rind-free fruits into quarters and place in a high speed blender along with the remaining ingredients. Blend on high for 20 – 30 seconds until smooth. Enjoy in health!
