Would you like to read a few of my articles on Elephant Journal?
Here is a one about the importance of Spiritual Scriptures.
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A morning Prayer..
Inspired by David Summerville, Bear Spirit Place
Great mystery!
I woke up today. We moved out of the darkness on the surface of this spinning globe floating in dark
space. We are back in the light again.. what a miracle…!
Our Mother, this Earth continues to pulse in my veins for another day.
Our Father the Sun, the centre of this constellation continues to shine and nourish her.
Creator,
Thank you for the opportunity to open my eyes.
Thank you for this breath.
Thank you for the health of this body and mind.
I will take care of it and use it wisely.
Thank you for this bed and roof, the food and all the abundance I enjoy.
Thank you for my fellow passengers.
The community of all human, animal plant and spirit beings.
May we continue to choose each other.
Please help me to stay in peace and in touch with grace. Help me to always know and do what is best for
all. Let me hang onto this stillness within, while I physically move in the world.
May I have courage and dare to look at everything fresh today again. Let me enter the arena of life with an
open heart and live fully.
Please guide every step on my journey as I walk back home to myself and to Oneness.
Aum (or Amen)
Great mystery!
I woke up today. We moved out of the darkness on the surface of this spinning globe floating in dark
space. We are back in the light again.. what a miracle…!
Our Mother, this Earth continues to pulse in my veins for another day.
Our Father the Sun, the centre of this constellation continues to shine and nourish her.
Creator,
Thank you for the opportunity to open my eyes.
Thank you for this breath.
Thank you for the health of this body and mind.
I will take care of it and use it wisely.
Thank you for this bed and roof, the food and all the abundance I enjoy.
Thank you for my fellow passengers.
The community of all human, animal plant and spirit beings.
May we continue to choose each other.
Please help me to stay in peace and in touch with grace. Help me to always know and do what is best for
all. Let me hang onto this stillness within, while I physically move in the world.
May I have courage and dare to look at everything fresh today again. Let me enter the arena of life with an
open heart and live fully.
Please guide every step on my journey as I walk back home to myself and to Oneness.
Aum (or Amen)
OliveOrsi Foldesi - September 2016
A few years back I had the privilege to attend a “celebration of life” of a vibrant elderly lady. She died at the age of 96, surrounded by friends and family. She gave birth to five daughters. They were all present at the celebration, alongside with their husbands, children, grandchildren. A family of approximately 40 people. It was a soft, warm Fall day in Ontario, a colourful day. She died in a care home, not bigger than a large family house, where she spent the last 17 years of her life. Olive. This was her name. Olive was loved by her fellow “homies”- like they called themselves - as well as the caretakers. The celebration started at 10 am and was going on until about 5 pm, basically a whole day event. This is what she asked for and planned for her family before she passed.The day included a picnic in the garden, a chess tournament for her family and friends, some live music, etc. Being the curious little writer I am, I took the opportunity to do some “soul-research” that day. I did not think I would learn so much form this event, or the conversations that unfolded. I casually asked similar questions from all her daughters, son in laws, grandchildren and friends throughout the day: |
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“What is your favourite memory of grandma?”
“What will you tell your own grandchildren about her?”
“Do you think she loved living? Did she have a hard life? Was she pleasant to be with?”
Everyone had a story to tell, and even though I haven't closely known this lady, a life of a happy and amazing woman unfolded in front of my eyes.
No-one told me about the times of war back in Europe. (I know they existed in her town, just like any other). No-one told me about her sacrifices of taking the kids to school, cooking for seven peope every day, working on the farm, staying up when they were sick, moving nine times in 20 years after her husband died. But everyone, without exception had a story about her joy:
"She went out with grandpa every Friday night, they went dancing. I loved watching her getting dressed, put makeup on, giggling like a little girl when grandpa complimented her outfit. "
"She sat on the front porch with her friends almost every afternoon, peeling potatoes, pees or chopping carrots together and they laughed and pointed fingers at each other. Her laugh was contagious. I remember her hitting her knees, while she laughed. "
"When she was involved with her chess games no-one could bother her. None of us girls. She was fierce in winning a game. She also volunteered at Sunday school, so we thought she might help us do homework. “NO” she refused often “ I have to do my own homework sometime” and she went back to her own books on tactics, game plans and such. "
She was loved, accepted and will be cherished by generations. Her JOY left a mark, greater than all her sacrifises.
What I Iearned that day changes the way I see parenting, or even how I intend to live my own life.
I want to dare to be happy. I wish to dare to take time for myself. I hope all parents take time to pursue their passion. Dare to close our door sometime to meditate. To read a good book. To take a nap. Get out of our house to do something we LOVE doing.
This is what our children want. That is what the world needs: More happy women. (And men)
I now clearly see the connection between my job as a Yoga teacher and my childhood.
How this “encouraging women” (and men) to take better care of themselves, to be “selfish” is the healing process of my own. When we carve time out for ourselves to take care of our body, mind and soul, we become better people for the rest of the day. With every class I teach and every spine that feels better, I heal my mother and my grandmother. I help her (and myself) to become more aware and responsible for our own energy.
Olive. Her name in my mind is a constant reminder of this realization. “Oh-Live” I hear my heart beat her name as an echo to this thought.
“What will you tell your own grandchildren about her?”
“Do you think she loved living? Did she have a hard life? Was she pleasant to be with?”
Everyone had a story to tell, and even though I haven't closely known this lady, a life of a happy and amazing woman unfolded in front of my eyes.
No-one told me about the times of war back in Europe. (I know they existed in her town, just like any other). No-one told me about her sacrifices of taking the kids to school, cooking for seven peope every day, working on the farm, staying up when they were sick, moving nine times in 20 years after her husband died. But everyone, without exception had a story about her joy:
"She went out with grandpa every Friday night, they went dancing. I loved watching her getting dressed, put makeup on, giggling like a little girl when grandpa complimented her outfit. "
"She sat on the front porch with her friends almost every afternoon, peeling potatoes, pees or chopping carrots together and they laughed and pointed fingers at each other. Her laugh was contagious. I remember her hitting her knees, while she laughed. "
"When she was involved with her chess games no-one could bother her. None of us girls. She was fierce in winning a game. She also volunteered at Sunday school, so we thought she might help us do homework. “NO” she refused often “ I have to do my own homework sometime” and she went back to her own books on tactics, game plans and such. "
She was loved, accepted and will be cherished by generations. Her JOY left a mark, greater than all her sacrifises.
What I Iearned that day changes the way I see parenting, or even how I intend to live my own life.
I want to dare to be happy. I wish to dare to take time for myself. I hope all parents take time to pursue their passion. Dare to close our door sometime to meditate. To read a good book. To take a nap. Get out of our house to do something we LOVE doing.
This is what our children want. That is what the world needs: More happy women. (And men)
I now clearly see the connection between my job as a Yoga teacher and my childhood.
How this “encouraging women” (and men) to take better care of themselves, to be “selfish” is the healing process of my own. When we carve time out for ourselves to take care of our body, mind and soul, we become better people for the rest of the day. With every class I teach and every spine that feels better, I heal my mother and my grandmother. I help her (and myself) to become more aware and responsible for our own energy.
Olive. Her name in my mind is a constant reminder of this realization. “Oh-Live” I hear my heart beat her name as an echo to this thought.
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The Five Commitments of Mindfulness |
1. Reverence for Life
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating the insight of interbeing and compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, or in my way of life. Seeing that harmful actions arise from anger, fear, greed, and intolerance, which in turn come from dualistic and discriminative thinking, I will cultivate openness, non-discrimination, and non-attachment to views in order to transform violence, fanaticism, and dogmatism in myself and in the world.
2. True Happiness
Aware of the suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing, and oppression, I am committed to practicing generosity in my thinking, speaking, and acting. I am determined not to steal and not to possess anything that should belong to others; and I will share my time, energy, and material resources with those who are in need. I will practice looking deeply to see that the happiness and suffering of others are not separate from my own happiness and suffering; that true happiness is not possible without understanding and compassion; and that running after wealth, fame, power, and sensual pleasures can bring much suffering and despair. I am aware that happiness depends on my mental attitude and not on external conditions, and that I can live happily in the present moment simply by remembering that I already have more than enough conditions to be happy. I am committed to practicing Right Livelihood so that I can help reduce the suffering of living beings on Earth and reverse the process of global warming.
3. True Love
Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivating responsibility and learning ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families, and society. Knowing that sexual desire is not love, and that sexual activity motivated by craving always harms myself as well as others, I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without true love and a deep, long-term commitment made known to my family and friends. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse
and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct. Seeing that body and mind are one, I am committed to learning appropriate ways to take care of my sexual energy and cultivating lovingkindness, compassion, joy, and inclusiveness—which are the four basic elements of true love—for my greater happiness and the greater happiness of others. Practicing true love, we know that we will continue beautifully into the future.
4. Loving Speech and Deep Listening
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I am committed to cultivating loving speech and compassionate listening in order to relieve suffering and to promote reconciliation and peace in myself and among other people, ethnic and religious groups, and nations. Knowing that words can create happiness or suffering, I am committed to speaking truthfully using words that inspire confidence, joy, and hope. When anger is manifesting in me, I am determined not to speak. I will practice mindful breathing and walking in order to recognize and to look deeply into my anger. I know that the roots of anger can be found in my wrong perceptions and lack of understanding of the suffering in myself and in the other person. I will speak and listen in a way that can help myself and the other person to transform suffering and see the way out of difficult situations. I am determined not to spread news that I do not know to be certain and not to utter words that can cause division or discord. I will practice Right Diligence to nourish my capacity for understanding, love, joy, and inclusiveness, and gradually transform anger, violence, and fear that lie deep in my consciousness.
5. Nourishment and Healing
Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I am committed to cultivating good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I will practice looking deeply into how I consume the Four Kinds of Nutriments, namely edible foods, sense impressions, volition, and consciousness. I am determined not to gamble, or to use alcohol, drugs, or any other products which contain toxins, such as certain websites, electronic games, TV programs, films, magazines, books, and conversations. I will practice coming back to the present moment to be in touch with the refreshing, healing, and nourishing elements in me and around me, not letting regrets and sorrow drag me back into the past nor letting anxieties, fear, or craving pull me out of the present moment. I am determined not to try to cover up loneliness, anxiety, or other suffering by losing myself in consumption. I will contemplate interbeing and consume in a way that preserves peace, joy, and well-being in my body and consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family, my society, and the Earth.
6 Things You Can Do
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1. Make 21 dates and show up for YOU.
It takes 21 repetitions for a new habit to form. Get out your calendar and schedule 21 yoga classes. These are your dates with yourself, the most important person in the world.
When you are the shining star (centred monk, peaceful warrior) you were born to be, you serve the world around you better.
2. Find a yoga buddy.
Driving to and from yoga with a friend makes things so much easier. Having someone to keep you accountable, someone to share your passion with, and discuss your experience with is a great support to create a new habit. Your friends want the best for you, and you want the best for your friends.
3. Get your own yoga mat.
This is probably the “easiest” part of the deal as far as commitment is involved. Leave your mat by the door every day or in your car. In a few weeks you will know why.
4. Pay full price for your membership.
Studies show that we show more appreciation for things we pay full price for. By always seeking a deal, what you are telling yourself is “OK, if I don’t get anything out of this at least I didn’t lose a lots of money.” Value your efforts.
5. Visualize the result of your regular yoga practice.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. WHY are you committing to your yoga practice? (Healthier back? More mobility? Deeper sense of peace? To sleep better? Let go of depression?)
What is YOUR reason? See it clear, and imagine it’s already yours.
6.Talk about your commitment in past tense.
Watch your language. Repeating words like “I really want to start practicing yoga, BUT…” will keep the action of actually “going” in the future. Replace it with: “I have committed to practice yoga.”
Remember: we already know yoga is good for us. We are now working on building it into our life. Accept that the bond has been made already, and our only job now is to show up…for US. The most important person in our life.
I’m on the journey with you and therefore I’m grateful.
It takes 21 repetitions for a new habit to form. Get out your calendar and schedule 21 yoga classes. These are your dates with yourself, the most important person in the world.
When you are the shining star (centred monk, peaceful warrior) you were born to be, you serve the world around you better.
2. Find a yoga buddy.
Driving to and from yoga with a friend makes things so much easier. Having someone to keep you accountable, someone to share your passion with, and discuss your experience with is a great support to create a new habit. Your friends want the best for you, and you want the best for your friends.
3. Get your own yoga mat.
This is probably the “easiest” part of the deal as far as commitment is involved. Leave your mat by the door every day or in your car. In a few weeks you will know why.
4. Pay full price for your membership.
Studies show that we show more appreciation for things we pay full price for. By always seeking a deal, what you are telling yourself is “OK, if I don’t get anything out of this at least I didn’t lose a lots of money.” Value your efforts.
5. Visualize the result of your regular yoga practice.
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. WHY are you committing to your yoga practice? (Healthier back? More mobility? Deeper sense of peace? To sleep better? Let go of depression?)
What is YOUR reason? See it clear, and imagine it’s already yours.
6.Talk about your commitment in past tense.
Watch your language. Repeating words like “I really want to start practicing yoga, BUT…” will keep the action of actually “going” in the future. Replace it with: “I have committed to practice yoga.”
Remember: we already know yoga is good for us. We are now working on building it into our life. Accept that the bond has been made already, and our only job now is to show up…for US. The most important person in our life.
I’m on the journey with you and therefore I’m grateful.
18 Benefits of Yoga
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Why do I practice Yoga?
This is why :) ... just a few scientifically measured benefits. Don't you love when we spend a few million dollars on learning things that the ancient people knew all along? ;) (For details of each study and to understand more, feel free to visit Jen Miller’s website: www.jenreviews.com/yoga) 1. Regular Yoga Practice Relieves Stress and Anxiety 2. Practicing Yoga Improves Cardiovascular Health 3. Yoga Strengthens Brain Activity 4. Practicing Yoga Can Lower the Risk of Cancer 5. The Deep Breathing and Poses of Yoga Improve Digestion 6. Those Who Practice Yoga Are More Aware of What’s Going on in Their Bodies 7. Yoga Practice Lowers Sugar Levels in the Blood, Decreasing Diabetes Symptoms 8. The Practice of Yoga Can Help Regulate Your Adrenal Glands 9. Yoga Strengthens Bones 10. The Healing Powers of the Breath Aid in Improved Respiration 11. Chronic Pain Can Often Be Managed Effectively with Yoga 12. Those Who Practice Yoga See Fewer Allergy Symptoms 13. The Increased Blood Flow and Reduced Stress Associated with Yoga Can Increase Fertility 14. A Consistent Yoga Practice Can Lead to a Balanced Metabolism 15. Practicing Yoga at any Time of Day Helps You Sleep Better 16. All Forms of Yoga Work Wonders on Your Range of Motion 17. Practicing Yoga Can Help Treat Arthritis 18. Practicing Yoga Leads to a Healthy Lifestyle and Enhanced Self-Care |
