Categories
Beautiful Rituals

Full Moon tomorrow…

Honey Moon – Friday the 13th  as written up, it’s a very rare Honey Full Moon we will not see this kind of moon for another xx years.  “Over the moon” to witness such a marvel of nature? Anyone howling?

 IR3LF00Z

 

 

Saa – Infinity

Taa – Life

Naa – Transformation

Maa – Rebirth

The moon represent our intuition, mind, creativity, sensitivity, and the divine feminine even in men (out of 46, it’s just one Y chromosome rather than double X ). The full moon, symbolizes a manifestation of closure, end (to a condition or feelings), change, and rebirth.  It is a time to reflect on what no longer serves and then to release and relinquish them.

The lunar symbol is that element of water.  In gazing up towards the full moon, we are reminded of our Source – the oceans held within earth, as well as the ocean-like water flowing within us.  Water flows, and can seep through any built up physical, emotional and energetic resistance.  In the Eastern belief system, it is said that wisdom of the moon controls the water and consequently, the cup of immortality that of water is celebrated as the drink of the Gods.  In Japan, sake brewed from fermented rice and purest water found is used in the worship to the Gods.  Many ancient and traditional belief systems around the world consider the Full Moon as the most auspicious time.

In Buddhist’s interpretations, there is considerable significance to Full Moon.  The Buddha was born on a full moon day.  His renunciation was on a full moon day. His Enlightenment was on a full moon day.  The delivery of his first sermon was on a full moon day, as well as many of his most important teachings and events over the course of his life – all on full moon day.  And… the Buddha’s death was on a full moon day.  The full moon is considered a transformative day – a day you go back to your source, your home – a “breakthrough’ day for enlightenment.

In the ancient folktale of Kaguyahime (literally translated “Moon Princess”), an abandoned baby bathed in soft light – is found in the glowingly lit bamboo by an aging bamboo-cutter in a bamboo forest. He takes the baby home to his wife who is overjoyed as having a baby had eluded this couple. Feeling so blessed, the aging couple raises this precious baby as their own, pouring their heart and soul to their daughter. Nurtured with great care and love, she grows and eventually, she turns into a stunning, beautiful young lady who brings good fortune and good luck to the aging parents.  So beautiful, many suitors come to ask for her hand bearing gifts…gold, jewels and power/prestige can be had – BUT she rebuffs them all. Much to the distress of her parents, on a full moon evening, the girl confesses to them that she is actually a Moon Princess and she has been called back to return to the moon – her time on earth was to be limited and now she must return, much to the anguish of her adoptive parents as they part tearfully… such a dreamlike fairy tale…They see their beautiful daughter off as she is escorted back by the lunar royal court who comes down from the celestial heavens to fetch her, to take her back to the moon on a brightly lit full moon night. ET-like? It’s a tale at least 1000 years old… Studio Ghibli’s 2013 remake of this ancient folklore is interesting. As it was released after the retirement of the famed animator, the legent, the founder, Hayao Miyazaki, the drawings just do not live up to the detailed precision we had come to expect from that studio… Hayao Miyazaki is missed. Nevertheless, a lovely story, insightful message.
http://youtu.be/9lDrkokymLQ

Categories
Beautiful People

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths.

These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern.

Beautiful people do not just happen.

– Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Categories
Yoga

Over 20 million people practice yoga in United States today.  That number I imagine is climbing as I feel more are taking it up and embracing this practice.  This positive trend reflects how much the yoga pioneers and instructors past and present educated the West over the past couple of decades.  We especially owe these senior first generation of West’s yoga teachers the recognition and appreciation – that with their passion, commitment and love, they spread yoga to evolve into what it is today – a mainstream program with a commonly held belief where few would deny its benefits.  Thanks to them, many are already convinced how beneficial this practice is and we know through our own embodies experience, yoga actually works. If practiced faithfully, it brings about a more integrated body and mind, which promotes that organic healthy sense of wholeness and wellness.  Here’s some medical evidence based studies result … to make a convert out of a skeptic.

Lately I have come across strange comments and reasons behind not making it on the mat… oddly, some seem to feel that they cannot do yoga because they love tennis or they love golf too much – well, that’s great!  Keep it up!  If you already enjoy tennis, golf, dancing, swimming, cycling, running… whatever and all – okay, be a Triathalon – by all means, continue – yoga is not a replacement for any of the activities you already enjoy.  It is an enhancement and a tool to make you even stronger player in any of the chosen field of sports-  it works on a mindful, spiritual level.  While I do tend to think yoga is all in one for the busy individual who cannot fit in a game of golf or tennis, etc – it would be nice to mix-and-match to give you a balanced active life.  And for some of us, either injured or not feeling your best and recovering, or in midst of any kind of treatment, yoga puts you back on the road of wellness as it can be therapeutic and healing – yoga cures – it gives you the space to “honor” yourself which to some is the most challenging of all exercises:

I’ve heard this sentence, as you can imagine, many hundreds of times: “I don’t have time for this.” But I think that that’s an excuse. I really don’t think that’s the issue. I think we’re looking in the wrong places for why we don’t practice. We need to look at our thoughts and our beliefs about ourselves.

It has to do with self-nurturing. It has to do with valuing yourself. I believe it’s related to refusing on some level and used in the broadest sense of the word to see our own divinity.

One of the mantras that I like a lot is — specially when things start getting busy or conflicted — what is the most important thing right now? It’s usually to remember myself and what I’m feeling. And that centers me.

– Judith Hanson Lasater