Let Plants be our Medicine

Using these plants has always been apart of my family tradition.  It really is powerful stuff and should be respected and not taken for granted.  

A Time for Sundance

Lee Crowchild

Tsuu T'ina Nation

Hard to think that I have been an active participant at a Sundance for 15 years. Certain that the feelings of humbleness will last for quite a spell there is sadness of sorts that I have once again completed a 4 year cycle of dancing. Sad that there was closure but also relieved about the same feeling. As Dave Demarais said it: It is like Christmas in July with all the anticipation that goes into it.

I reflect on some of the events and happenings that occurred thru the years and some are quite soul searching but most are funny and fond. I smile at those brothers and sisters I shared time with. We danced together, suffered together and found spiritual strength thru the hardship.

The journey has brought a certain clarity and strength to my worldview and supports the fact that I have to stay on this world for many years to come and continue to pass on knowledge and love to people of all colors and walks of life.

I do not believe that I have become anything anywhere closer to being any sort of medicine person but it has made me find a stronger spiritual person. A spiritual person, who is very much human.

Sundance songs race thru my head the same way my cousin Pamela rode her horse across the sky when she left to the spirit world. She darted back and forth while the northern lights danced in glee and clapped their hands as she galloped faster and faster from one end to the other. So too are these songs racing thru my head

The wounds of my piercing remind me of what it means to be humbled. Yes they always hurt but the spirit takes over and all of a sudden you are standing at the end of the rope facing the tree with rope binding you to life cycles.

4 times I dance to the tree gathering my rope and praying for whatever is in my mind and all the time looking at the prayer ties as they blow in the wind. Are my ties there as well? Why would my prayers be any more important than the others? Very humbling. Where are you Granny? Grandpa... I am missing you very much. Grab me in your arms 'cause I am scared.... I want mom and dad to watch me but they are not here in physical form.

I grab the tree and look up at the ties again. This time they reach into the heavens and peace runs thru my heart. I am floating now... Star people are circling above. The Sky is so Blue and vibrant. Color is everywhere... Grandfather!...  you are here with me because I feel love. All the pain of the last days is nowhere to be felt. The rope is now at the end pulling on the pegs on my chest. I step back and the tree leans towards me while the wind blows it back. I can feel the vibration of the tree coming thru the rope. Another step backward. The tree won't let go yet. Big breath,... lean back. Pop,Pop... I am free and watch the pegs, harness and rope fly back towards the tree.

Free! Free? Yes I am free... Run around the arbor. I am back in the physical world. That feels good! Thank you Grandfather, Thank you Grandmother, Thank you my relatives. This is Wakinyan Duuta (Red Thunder). I dance again and other people need my help. All is good...

Winter Retreat Plum Village

Listening to Thich Nhat Hanh gives me a peaceful of mind.  This particular talk is that much more rewarding especially as the year ended and a new one began.  I hope you take sometime to watch this!

Zen Garden

The Way of the Drum

Dene Workshop on Drum making

Mahamantra Baba Nama Kevalam - Kiirtan Video 1 of 12

A beautiful chant to bring you into a loving calm space as you begin your weekend.

Walking to Quite the Mind

I am often told "I don't know how to meditate. I just can't quite my mind.". My response is always, it's normal to feel stressed and unable to sit quietly. Which is why I often recommend other forms of meditating, like walking.

Walking is another way to meditate for people who can't sit. It brings one to the point of realizing that the benefit of meditation does not depend upon the position of the body. Sitting, standing, lying down, walking — what is the difference when one is aware? The state of being aware is an experience which goes beyond the body. Not only are you aware of your movements, you are also getting exercise.

Diana St Ruth's new short guide to walking meditation is a good place to learn how to practice walking meditation.

I posted a video here as well.

Walk softly and intently on mother earth wearing a big smile.

Mindful Way - Ajahn Chah

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This is an informative video about the way of Forest Monks. Grab a cup of tea, and enjoy this British television program on Buddhism, featuring an interview with Ajahn Chah, a highly revered Thai monk. you won't be disappointed.

An Interview with the Breath Lady

I had a lovely lunch with Sat Hari recently and she has given me permission to print this interview between her and Donna Hinda.

In the Spring of 2008 I invited a number of my girl friends to a workshop in my home on the "Ins and Outs of Breathing". It was an incredible experience. The techniques I learned that evening continue to enhance my life. I am pleased to be able to share this information with you.

This interview was published in Tone Magazine. Donna Hinda is a writer, book artist, and master communicator who lives in northern California. She’s been a group trainer and facilitator, teacher, editor, mail carrier, and outdoor educator, and her new career is battling US bureaucracies.

Donna: I’ve known Sat Hari Kaur Khalsa for twenty-five years. We’re each other’s neutral-minded sounding board whenever we need to prepare for a crucial conversation or compose an important letter. Our cross-continental conversations are long and legend. Being friends and both being writers, we work and play well together and have collaborated on some major projects, including her book The Ins and Outs of Breathing. As I edited her book and asked her to explain and justify, I came to learn that she has expert knowledge of the technology of yogic breathing. So when she said she wanted to write an article for Tone Magazine about breathing and the work she does and asked if I’d work with her on it, the format of conversation seemed natural, and I said I would be happy to interview her.

Donna: You’re doing a workshop on breathing at the MacLaren Centre on Sunday, October 30.

Sat Hari: It’s called “The Ins and Outs of Breathing,” like the book, which is included for a take-home reverence guide. The workshop runs from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm on Sunday, and there’s an introductory session on Friday evening from 7:00 to 9:00.

Donna: Let me play devil’s advocate and ask, since everyone breathes, why should people go to a workshop on what they already know?

Sat Hari: There’s more to breathing than meets the eye. For starts, in my experience, most people breathe inefficiently or incorrectly, some of them for decades; and most of them are totally unaware of it. For those people, starting with the basics of coordinating muscle movements with breathing can be one of the most important thing they’ll ever learn. When the basics are handled – and even before they’re mastered – people can learn to use breathing as a quick and effective de-stressor and as a powerful vehicle for meditation and higher states of consciousness.

The breath can do a lot and a lot that nothing else can do. It’s the only thing I know that can simultaneously relax you and energize you. It massages internal organs, gets rid of toxins, and facilitates healing. It can make your brain sharp; get you high; reduce pain, fear, and anger; and put you in a state of self-hypnosis. It’s free, it’s legal, there are no bad side effects, it works immediately, and you always have it with you.

Learning to breath slowly and deeply allows us to think more clearly, and we feel calmer. It’s an instant and powerful de-stressor and antidepressant. If we slow and deepen our breathing for several minutes, our bodies show fewer physiological signs of stress. Our saliva becomes less acidic, which reduces tooth decay. We produce more oxytocin, the so-called calming and connecting hormone. That enhances the body’s natural healing powers, reduces the sensation of pain, heightens our awareness, makes us feel more loving, and can create a totally natural altered state of consciousness.

Yogic breathing increases feelings of aliveness, makes organs function better, facilitates calm and accurate communication, and puts one in touch with the true self. I’ve had asthmatic students in my yoga classes who told me they improved 80% from Kundalini Yoga and practicing only two or three yogic breaths. Are those enough reasons to learn about breathing?

Donna: That sounds so vast, How do you get all that into one workshop?

Sat Hari: There’s so much I could share that I always wish there were a few more hours. What I do in the workshop is to present techniques, principles, information, awareness training, and opportunities to experience breathing in a variety of ways. Within the structure, I like to allow enough flexibility to meet the individual needs of the people who show up.

If I can introduce several breathing techniques in the context of how the body works and give people a real experience of those techniques, then breathing becomes the teacher they’ll go home with, and I’ll have done my job. It’s people’s own experience rather than a workshop or a teacher that teaches and inspires them to keep up. And breathing is, I think, a teacher without equal.

Donna: Without giving away the workshop, can you give me and the reader a taste of it, maybe a breathing technique that we could practice and experience an effect from?

Sat Hari: Sure. Once every hour take three to ten long, slow, complete breaths. Here are some tips for how to do that: Fill your lungs the way you’d fill a glass with water: Fill the bottom first, then the middle, up to the top. Reverse that order as you exhale.If you notice tension anywhere in your body, consciously relax that part. And notice yourself before and after you do it.

Donna: Is breathing an important component of the other work you do – your Kundalini Yoga classes and the counseling?

Sat Hari: It is – because it’s such an important part of life, and the way we breathe underlies all our experiences, everything we do, and our very consciousness. But the emphasis is different in the different modes. In breathwork classes and workshops, the focus is on breathing, so all the work is geared to that. When counseling clients want to improve relationships or feel better about themselves, I don’t launch into an exposition of the physiology of respiration, but I’ll watch for breathing patterns and
often recommend or teach long deep breathing to reduce stress or heighten awareness.

In Kundalini Yoga classes breathing is integral to the exercises. But, because I was a reverse breather for nineteen years and because breathing taught me so much, I probably emphasize it more than most teachers do. I start with breathing and work with new students to correct any problems right off the bat. I give them breathing homework and then monitor them until the changes become habitual.

Donna: There’s another type of work you do – stress reduction training. Stress is a topic we can all relate to. I know you have a story about using breathing to handle dental anxiety that you love to share.

Sat Hari: I had teeth taken out and three titanium screws drilled into my jaw bone. It felt like I had a jack hammer in my mouth. I had local freezing for pain but did the one-minute breath meditation to handle my freak-out level anxiety. I was so un-stressed that I was in an altered state of consciousness. The surgeon was so impressed with how relaxed and calm I was without drug sedation that he asked me to lead an in-service training with the clinic staff. And it’s not that I’m such an adept – I’m not – it’s that the technology works.

Donna: So: is breathing a cure-all?

Sat Hari: I wouldn’t use that term, but it sure comes close. Full, complete breathing has a direct and immediate effect on what we call the body, the mind, and the spirit. Organs function better, the mind calms and sharpens, feelings of well-being and aliveness are heightened, pain is reduced, the body’s healing processes start to work, awareness and higher consciousness are enhanced, and breathing with awareness is a meditation.

Donna: So what’s not to love?! [laughter]

Sat Hari Kaur Khalsa is a holistic psychologist, a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher and teacher trainer, and the author of The Ins and Outs of Breathing. She practices yoga therapy and individual and family counseling and leads classes and workshops on yoga, breathwork, and stress reduction. She can be reached through emailing me.

Strawberries - Wow!

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I came across this blog linking from a blog I read regularly, and could not pass the opportunity to mention this story of Pema Chodron. The lesson it speaks to is about living life without the distraction of what the future holds, but rather savoring each moment.

Do you have an Angel

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There are times when I’ve thought I must have an Angel, one who watches and protects me. I am not sure if it is true, or if Angels exist, but it feels right.

The other day while walking past this store. Just as we were about to pass it, I said, “let’s go in inside.”

We were greeted by a warm cheerful voice, "Hi, would you like an Angel reading?" Wow! Never would have imagined hearing someone ask me that question in a million years. I was not sure what it entailed. But, I thought, why not.

A wonderful insightful woman, Karen Forrest, was sitting on a couch at the back of the store. I liked her immediately, she had a nice warm smile and caring eyes. As it turned out she is the author of Canadian Angels by your side It is a wonderful book with many interesting short stories illustrating how Angels have intervened to help people. She gave me a short "Angel reading" which involved a general question, What is my life purpose? In less than five minutes she affirmed that I am on the right spiritual path. Who am I to argue with that?

Do you believe in Angels?

This is Nothing

Ajahn Brahm Inter-Viewed

I love Ajahn Brahm because his main lesson is not to take one's self seriously, and he leaves me with a genuine smile from deep within. Do you understand?

Lakota Voices - Arlette Loud Hawk: Part 1

The simplicity of her message is so profound. We all have to live together and co-exist in harmony. Remember your dreams, you have choices, make the choice that will allow you to live a meaningful life.
She is speaking about the massacre at Wounded Knee in 1973.
( AIM is American Indian Movement )

I also encourage you to watch part 2.

High Noon Crisis

Acedia. Acedia. Acedia.

You are feeling bummed? I mean really, really, depressed to the point where you feel that life is pointless and there is nothing you can do that will make a difference. Do you care? If, you don't care. Or if you don't even know that you don’t care? This is acedia, apathy, indifference, isolation, depression.

You don’t have to be a monk, hermit, or someone who lives a solitary life to experience acedia.

Ever since I heard the interview on CBC’s Tapestry with Kathleen Norris speaking about her book on the subject I’ve been thinking about the meaning of acedia. It is an uncommon word but it likely describes accurately how some people at some point in their life have felt. I’ve had conversations where this was definitely a state of mind for some people. A feeling of absolute apathy, and irrelevance. What do you do when this happens and how do you support people who are experiencing acedia?

Kathleen Norris says that action, like going out, visiting friends or some activity you enjoy will take you out of acedia. It is imperative that even if we feel this action is meaningless, we should force ourselves to do it in spite of those feelings. By our acttions, we find a conduit, which leads us out of the this dangerous fog. She further says an extreme case of acedia will only lead to suicide. If this is how you are felling please get some help.

Another interesting article on the subject worth reading, you may also enjoy this blog.

And yet another interesting read Noonday Demon.

What is your Story

In the wonderful city of twittervile I came across this blog. It is an inspirational blog and speaks to humanity's spirit. Moreover, you will meet many people interviewed in this blog who will inspire you with their courage and strength. Awesome!

I recommend you grab your favorite beverage and enjoy the dialogue between Phil and his subjects.

Zen Master Sosan's Hsin Hsin Ming

Watch this video with an open mind. No judgment. The practice of non-duality.

The path is clear and it is not. Taking a deep breath and listening to this poem again. "Cease attachment from talking and thinking is to be awaken." "To have a narrow mind and to be attached to getting enlightened is to lose ones center..."

I listen to this first with a thinking mind and was further from the center. I listen to this again with a non thinking, non judgmental mind and just was.

Practicing non-duality - takes practice - and no practice

#1 use for my ipod

"Oh, I see you have been listening to your ipod. What are you listening to? " asks my husband.

"Nothing" I reply.

huh?

"Yes. I am literally listening to silence." I added.

He looked surprised, so I continued "I am listening to a podcast from Treeleaf which has a 20 minute, 30 minutes, and one hour silent meditation segments."

"You're the only person I know who has over a thousand songs and uses their ipod to listen to silence." He says shaking his head.

How To Meditate III - Walking Meditation

I have been asked about walking meditation, but found this video which explains it beautifully. If you find this helpful and want to know more about yuttadhammo .

Enjoy the earth as you walk, and remember to watch your breath and smile.

To be a Spiritual Leader

Do you

1. Think of how your actions will impact others before doing (Right thought/Right speech / Right action)
   
2. Catch yourself when judging others, including yourself (non-judgmental/ compassion/ love)
   
3. Release your attachment to be right (open mindedness)
   
4. Smile and look into the eyes of the person you're with (Being Present)
   
5. Walk your talk (lead by example)
   

Manifesting Feelings

I woke up this morning with a smile and feeling of joy emanating from within. As I meditated, the warm feeling radiated like embers.
Love
Contempt
Anger
Jealously
Happiness
Sadness
Fearfulness
Guilt
Peacefulness
Interestingly, the more one tries to control their feelings the less successful they are in controlling them. Therefore, after years of practice, I learned not to control my emotions and allow the feelings to occur spontaneously. It made sense that not being attached to my feelings is a healthy stress-free way of being. I found there are no positive reasons to hang on to an emotion especially if the emotion is anger, angst, worry, hate, fear, etc.

Feelings will come and go. Ebb and flow. I acknowledge my current emotion and accept that happy or sad, it too will pass. I found that to be nonjudgmental helps me release any attachment I may hold. No excuses and no justifications the emotion cover me like a blanket. Sometimes it is light, fuzzy and other times it is warm, cozy and comforting. I snuggle in it's warmth.

Recognizing my feelings connects me with the moment and crystallizes my present state. In other words, my emotions exist to connect me with my present.