As a young child, I walked several blocks alone each Sunday to go to church. I went to my grandmother’s denomination, Church of Christ. Later, I ran into a Methodist group I liked and joined that denomination. I did become disillusioned with that group because of some of the things some people said and did and because I was entering my teenage rebellious years.
My next big spiritual experience was when I studied abroad in Italy. Our professor was challenging religious doctrines and pushing us to think independently outside of our comfort zone and upbringing. I was also searching and seeking answers as I looked upon another and another Virgin and Jesus painting. I wrote in my journal at that time: “God doesn’t belong to any one faith. God belongs to everyone. God IS love.”
Traveling in Amsterdam after that program, I had one of my first big spiritual experiences. I ran into a homeless man on the street who was selling poetry. Though I normally don’t linger around the homeless, he caught my attention. He told me that he had lived with monks in Tibet. He had very clear blue sparking eyes. He knew my whole life story and encouraged me to forgive some very specific things about my father. How he read my life, I had no idea. He told me that I would meet my spiritual teacher in Asia, probably Japan.
After this experience, I had to wash my feet constantly. I mean constantly…in restaurant sinks and in fountains in Europe. I was having a cleansing that lasted for about two weeks. I later read that in India, the feet are the second heart. Something had awakened in me and was being kindled. I felt an inner shift.
About three years after this experience, I met my spiritual teacher, a yogi from India, when I was teaching in China. I have been with my teacher for 15 years now and have been blessed with an abundance of spiritual experiences as well as personal transformation…though I still have a ways to go.
I believe that one can really know and experience God by spending some time alone, quietly alone with God. Prayer, contemplation, self-inquiry, gratitude practice, scriptural study, yoga practice, and chanting can allow for this kind of sacred time. And meditation especially directly facilitates this kind of quality time.
If you are keen to try a little meditation, just sit quietly after your prayer time. Breathe deeply. Then allow your mind to quiet and relax. Sit for 5-10 minutes to start with. You may find yourself getting filled up from the inside. You may find that you enter into a whole new kind of relationship with you know who. Blessings!
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Sound Dietary Tips
Any form of dietary discipline will yield good results. Sticking to just about any program will help us feel inspired, strong, and powerful. It may also reduce the old waistline. Perhaps the drama comes into the story when we either don't stick to our well laid plans or we jump around from one program to another...low carb one week and low fat the next. By the third week, it's all carbs and all fats all the time.
This is one reason why I believe and trust in ancient health programs. Dietary suggestions that have lasted for 5,000 years are no longer fads. They are most likely true for most people most of the time. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda are two ancient healing traditions that I've been exposed to. I've personally been powerful healed by Chinese medicinal cures twice and I've been following simple Ayurvedic lifestyle suggestions for long time.
Some dietary tips from Ayurveda that have influenced the Yogic Diet program that I teach and the yogic lifestyle that I aim to live are:
1. Have two glasses of warm water first thing in the morning before any other food, drink, or even teeth brushing. This is hydrating and moves the bowels. See, you really don't need coffee.
2. Eat mostly fruits before noon. When I eat 4-5 servings of fruit before lunch, I always lose weight and feel way more energetic than if I eat grains. This is an Ayurvedic suggestion that I discovered last fall. And this is another way to ensure that I get my 5-7 servings of fruits, veggies, fiber, vitamins, and minerals each day.
3. Eat the large meal of the day at lunch time. Hot basmati rice, beans, lentils, warm veggies, and a small salad...now that's what I call lunch!
4. Take a 10 minute walk after each meal. This so aids in digestion and rids our bodies of that post meal sluggish feeling.
5. Eat a light dinner of mostly cooked vegetables.
Of course, even more important than the food that we eat are the thoughts that we think. Our good health, happiness, weight, beauty, and energy levels are highly determined by our thoughts. Therefore, practices such as silent meditation and thinking about positive outcomes are central to ancient medicines and to the yogic diet program as well.
This is one reason why I believe and trust in ancient health programs. Dietary suggestions that have lasted for 5,000 years are no longer fads. They are most likely true for most people most of the time. Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda are two ancient healing traditions that I've been exposed to. I've personally been powerful healed by Chinese medicinal cures twice and I've been following simple Ayurvedic lifestyle suggestions for long time.
Some dietary tips from Ayurveda that have influenced the Yogic Diet program that I teach and the yogic lifestyle that I aim to live are:
1. Have two glasses of warm water first thing in the morning before any other food, drink, or even teeth brushing. This is hydrating and moves the bowels. See, you really don't need coffee.
2. Eat mostly fruits before noon. When I eat 4-5 servings of fruit before lunch, I always lose weight and feel way more energetic than if I eat grains. This is an Ayurvedic suggestion that I discovered last fall. And this is another way to ensure that I get my 5-7 servings of fruits, veggies, fiber, vitamins, and minerals each day.
3. Eat the large meal of the day at lunch time. Hot basmati rice, beans, lentils, warm veggies, and a small salad...now that's what I call lunch!
4. Take a 10 minute walk after each meal. This so aids in digestion and rids our bodies of that post meal sluggish feeling.
5. Eat a light dinner of mostly cooked vegetables.
Of course, even more important than the food that we eat are the thoughts that we think. Our good health, happiness, weight, beauty, and energy levels are highly determined by our thoughts. Therefore, practices such as silent meditation and thinking about positive outcomes are central to ancient medicines and to the yogic diet program as well.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Must Do Yoga
We have recently relocated from Indonesia to Kuwait. And it looks like this will be a great assignment for our family. Life will be the same, yet different here.
I am also the same and different here. In some ways, I feel like I left some luggage/baggage in Indonesia that I no longer need. For example, in Indonesia I was always on a bit of a diet. I was thinking about cutting carbs and I wouldn't hardly eat rice. But you can be sure that I got my carbs in other ways...because the body must have balance at the end of the day. You know it's true.
Here in Kuwait, I am eating basmati rice every day with my legumes, yogurt, and veggies. I have a bit of raw sugar and whole milk in my chai too. I am no longer on a "diet" and I feel great, look fine, and have lots of energy. I am not gaining weight and I feel very balanced.
I am also the same in this new location. I must do yoga. I experimented with morning exercise classes with my lovely new neighbors and friends and I found myself so off balance! The cardio and intense exercise felt great at the time (like a cup of strong coffee). However, my mind was more agitated and my energy would crash in the afternoons.
When I stay home to do my yoga practice, I feel light, energized, positive, focused, peaceful, clear, and basically happy and pleasant to be around.
Also, at a certain age, pounding and pounding takes its toll on the lower back and knees. Thank God for yoga! I feel so blessed to have this practice.
May your own practices grow and deepen. May they support you through the ups and downs and changes of life. Some practices of the Yogic Diet are: moderate exercise, good nutrition, positive thinking, prayer, study, service, and meditation.
Love and Blessings,
Monique
I am also the same and different here. In some ways, I feel like I left some luggage/baggage in Indonesia that I no longer need. For example, in Indonesia I was always on a bit of a diet. I was thinking about cutting carbs and I wouldn't hardly eat rice. But you can be sure that I got my carbs in other ways...because the body must have balance at the end of the day. You know it's true.
Here in Kuwait, I am eating basmati rice every day with my legumes, yogurt, and veggies. I have a bit of raw sugar and whole milk in my chai too. I am no longer on a "diet" and I feel great, look fine, and have lots of energy. I am not gaining weight and I feel very balanced.
I am also the same in this new location. I must do yoga. I experimented with morning exercise classes with my lovely new neighbors and friends and I found myself so off balance! The cardio and intense exercise felt great at the time (like a cup of strong coffee). However, my mind was more agitated and my energy would crash in the afternoons.
When I stay home to do my yoga practice, I feel light, energized, positive, focused, peaceful, clear, and basically happy and pleasant to be around.
Also, at a certain age, pounding and pounding takes its toll on the lower back and knees. Thank God for yoga! I feel so blessed to have this practice.
May your own practices grow and deepen. May they support you through the ups and downs and changes of life. Some practices of the Yogic Diet are: moderate exercise, good nutrition, positive thinking, prayer, study, service, and meditation.
Love and Blessings,
Monique
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
I Believe in Cooking
In a world where convenience and quickness is key, there is still a place for cooking. So much of our human culture revolves around family and food. The two are closley related and have given birth to the cuisines and colorful cultures that we cherish and celebrate.
Cooking is a necessity, an art, and a spiritual practice. Our families need real whole foods. We need relaxed, healthy, easily digestible meals. We need to cook and eat food as a therapeutic way to deal with the half-ass-ness of mainstreeam values. We need to cook to heal our bodies, minds, and spirits.
However, fast food, cold food, snack food, and convenience packaged food are making up so many of our meals. Of course, eating this way comes with lots of sugar, salt, fat, additives, coloring, and chemicals. So there are health issues associated with these foods as well, such as obesity.
I grew up around cooking and my children are growing up around cooking.
May we cook for our families, friends, and for ourselves. May we teach our children to cook and eat fresh, healthy foods that are prepared with patience and love. May we strive to include cooking as part of our spiritual, yogic practices.
Namaste,
Monique
Cooking is a necessity, an art, and a spiritual practice. Our families need real whole foods. We need relaxed, healthy, easily digestible meals. We need to cook and eat food as a therapeutic way to deal with the half-ass-ness of mainstreeam values. We need to cook to heal our bodies, minds, and spirits.
However, fast food, cold food, snack food, and convenience packaged food are making up so many of our meals. Of course, eating this way comes with lots of sugar, salt, fat, additives, coloring, and chemicals. So there are health issues associated with these foods as well, such as obesity.
I grew up around cooking and my children are growing up around cooking.
May we cook for our families, friends, and for ourselves. May we teach our children to cook and eat fresh, healthy foods that are prepared with patience and love. May we strive to include cooking as part of our spiritual, yogic practices.
Namaste,
Monique
Monday, 16 May 2011
Food and Body Legacy
I had a fairly rough childhood. Although I was loved by many, I suffered through:
- Two parental divorces,
- Adults in my life with addiction issues,
- I grew up with mostly just my father,
- Loneliness. I stayed home from school a lot by myself due to terrible asthma and I was a latch key kid for many years - I took refuge in TV and the Frig.
- Instability and Insecurity about the future; I went to 11 different schools before high school,
- I had lots of mysterious stomachaches especially at night.
These events led me to find comfort in food, to become an emotional eater, and to overeat. The adults in my life fed me lots of sugar, fried foods, mashed potatoes, and white bread which were considered part of a normal diet. As we now know, these high glycemic index, high carb foods increase cravings for more food.
From 12-25, things began to look up for me. I gained confidence, ambition, a great education, self-esteem, and personal successes. However, I still held onto food, body image, weight, self-esteem, health, self-worth, and insecurity issues that led me to engage in some self-destructive behavior and relationships. I remember standing at the fridge and eating handful after handful of raisin bran as fast as I could...not out of hunger, but as a way to stuff my fears. A way to pacify my anxiety. I ate until I was stuffed and numb.
Many experiences have contributed to my healing and I continue to optimize my capacity heal and be healed to this day. My 15 years of yoga practice has been the most dramatic and sustaining catalyst for change, growth, healing, and happiness.
My practice includes:
- Yogic Diet - I eat a diet that balances blood sugar and is mostly plant based.
- Meditation - Quieting the mind reduces stress and stress eating; it also leads to lasting feelings of happiness and peace.
- Hatha Yoga - I practice yoga for an hour most days of the week and I walk.
- Self-acceptance - My weight fluctuates 5 pounds up and down; still I aim to love and accept myself just the way I am.
- Positive Thinking and Law of Attraction - Positive thinking takes practice! We have to learn to focus our minds on what we do want regardless of what our present circumstances may be.
- Prayer - I aim to be in a constant state of prayer and communication with God.
What are your practices?
The most important teaching that I have learned is that we are here To Serve. We need to take care of our issues, sort ourselves out, heal our bodies and make them strong, and release our addictions, mood swings, and negativities in order to be there for others.
Hopefully, our practices make it easier for others to be around us...like spouses, kids, family members, neighbors, co-workers, friends, and so on. Then, if we can be a light in the world once in a while - what a bonus!
Namaste and Keep Practicing!
Monique
- Two parental divorces,
- Adults in my life with addiction issues,
- I grew up with mostly just my father,
- Loneliness. I stayed home from school a lot by myself due to terrible asthma and I was a latch key kid for many years - I took refuge in TV and the Frig.
- Instability and Insecurity about the future; I went to 11 different schools before high school,
- I had lots of mysterious stomachaches especially at night.
These events led me to find comfort in food, to become an emotional eater, and to overeat. The adults in my life fed me lots of sugar, fried foods, mashed potatoes, and white bread which were considered part of a normal diet. As we now know, these high glycemic index, high carb foods increase cravings for more food.
From 12-25, things began to look up for me. I gained confidence, ambition, a great education, self-esteem, and personal successes. However, I still held onto food, body image, weight, self-esteem, health, self-worth, and insecurity issues that led me to engage in some self-destructive behavior and relationships. I remember standing at the fridge and eating handful after handful of raisin bran as fast as I could...not out of hunger, but as a way to stuff my fears. A way to pacify my anxiety. I ate until I was stuffed and numb.
Many experiences have contributed to my healing and I continue to optimize my capacity heal and be healed to this day. My 15 years of yoga practice has been the most dramatic and sustaining catalyst for change, growth, healing, and happiness.
My practice includes:
- Yogic Diet - I eat a diet that balances blood sugar and is mostly plant based.
- Meditation - Quieting the mind reduces stress and stress eating; it also leads to lasting feelings of happiness and peace.
- Hatha Yoga - I practice yoga for an hour most days of the week and I walk.
- Self-acceptance - My weight fluctuates 5 pounds up and down; still I aim to love and accept myself just the way I am.
- Positive Thinking and Law of Attraction - Positive thinking takes practice! We have to learn to focus our minds on what we do want regardless of what our present circumstances may be.
- Prayer - I aim to be in a constant state of prayer and communication with God.
What are your practices?
The most important teaching that I have learned is that we are here To Serve. We need to take care of our issues, sort ourselves out, heal our bodies and make them strong, and release our addictions, mood swings, and negativities in order to be there for others.
Hopefully, our practices make it easier for others to be around us...like spouses, kids, family members, neighbors, co-workers, friends, and so on. Then, if we can be a light in the world once in a while - what a bonus!
Namaste and Keep Practicing!
Monique
Friday, 29 April 2011
I am Willing to Take a Positive Step
One theme among my clients right now is discovering their willingness to keep taking a positive step forward to do something to help themselves feel good, contribute something, and curb bad habits. This discussion arose from looking at the three forms of energy:
Sattvic - pure, calm, peaceful energy,
Rajasic - excitable, over-stimulated, manic energy,
Tamasic - heavy, dull, grumpy, and lethargic energy.
We were delving into how we all keep moving back and forth to these three states. Some of us spend more time in the Tamasic heavy and dull state. In this state, it's hard to pick oneself up off the sofa to do much of anything and especially to eat right, go run around the block, and be cheerful and ready to serve others. Others keep it Rajasic...lots of screen time, sound, caffeine, activities, conversation, overeating, lack of mindful eating, and go, go, go. Of course, spending lots of time in this state sends one directly to the Tamasic state once things quiet down.
We all agreed that the Sattvic state is the most ideal place to spend most of our time. In this state, we take care of ourselves, keep our commitments, know our priorities, happily do spiritual practices and physical exercise, and take care of others with an good attitude. But how do we get there and stay there more of the time?
Sometimes making plans, promises, rules, and commitments can backfire on us. So, a gentle approach can be to adopt the mantra, "I am Willing to Take Positive Step." It is also helpful to make a list of items that could be a positive step for you. Your list may include: exercises you enjoy, reaching a for a piece of fruit and savoring it mindfully as a snack, cleaning out a drawer, writing a thank you note, playing with your kids/pets, and sending your partner a loving text.
One client mentioned that going on a long walk can be a daunting thought, but being willing to walk to the end of the street is more doable. So this aspect of knowing yourself and your areas of resistance is very helpful.
For the next week, see if you be willing to take a positive step.
Blessings,
Monique
Sattvic - pure, calm, peaceful energy,
Rajasic - excitable, over-stimulated, manic energy,
Tamasic - heavy, dull, grumpy, and lethargic energy.
We were delving into how we all keep moving back and forth to these three states. Some of us spend more time in the Tamasic heavy and dull state. In this state, it's hard to pick oneself up off the sofa to do much of anything and especially to eat right, go run around the block, and be cheerful and ready to serve others. Others keep it Rajasic...lots of screen time, sound, caffeine, activities, conversation, overeating, lack of mindful eating, and go, go, go. Of course, spending lots of time in this state sends one directly to the Tamasic state once things quiet down.
We all agreed that the Sattvic state is the most ideal place to spend most of our time. In this state, we take care of ourselves, keep our commitments, know our priorities, happily do spiritual practices and physical exercise, and take care of others with an good attitude. But how do we get there and stay there more of the time?
Sometimes making plans, promises, rules, and commitments can backfire on us. So, a gentle approach can be to adopt the mantra, "I am Willing to Take Positive Step." It is also helpful to make a list of items that could be a positive step for you. Your list may include: exercises you enjoy, reaching a for a piece of fruit and savoring it mindfully as a snack, cleaning out a drawer, writing a thank you note, playing with your kids/pets, and sending your partner a loving text.
One client mentioned that going on a long walk can be a daunting thought, but being willing to walk to the end of the street is more doable. So this aspect of knowing yourself and your areas of resistance is very helpful.
For the next week, see if you be willing to take a positive step.
Blessings,
Monique
Monday, 4 April 2011
How May I Serve?
The other day, I had a miserable night's sleep which resulted in a not very pleasant morning mood. I wasn't really looking forward to the day. And then Ibu Ani arrived. Ibu Ani has been a part of my household for five years as a cook and housekeeper here in Indonesia. I'll be missing her when I go! Anyhow, I asked her if she ever has restless nights and she gave me an interesting reply.
This lovely, devout, Muslim lady told me that when she can't sleep, she gets out of bed to pray for an extended period. Then she studies her scriptures for a while and goes back to sleep. She says it works every time. She told me quite clearly, "You know when you pray, you don't pray for yourself. You pray as an offering to God."
Since I had been in a rather self-absorbed poor-sleepless-and-tired me mode, this exchange with Ibu made an impact on me. I don't think I would have gone to do my morning prayers/chanting/hatha yoga practices had I not talked to her. Sometimes God speaks to us through each other.
So, as my paradigm for the day was shifting, I went to do my practices as an OFFERING. I wasn't doing them to feel better. I ended up having a very clear intention that week that I was living and giving in service to my maker, my body, my family, and my community with all of my actions. I had a wonderful week!
The impact of this small encounter lingers on. Sometimes when I don't really feel like doing something positive, helpful, generous, or productive, I'm trying to remember Ibu Ani. I'm trying to remember the phrase that Dr. Wayne Dyer lives by, "How may I serve?" I am trying to remember that the purpose of my life (according to yoga philosophy) is to aim to know God and to serve others. Basically, the purpose is to live in that open handed state of offering...no matter how we feel.
It is not always easy to do, but I suppose the purpose of life isn't supposed to be easy.
Namaste,
Monique
This lovely, devout, Muslim lady told me that when she can't sleep, she gets out of bed to pray for an extended period. Then she studies her scriptures for a while and goes back to sleep. She says it works every time. She told me quite clearly, "You know when you pray, you don't pray for yourself. You pray as an offering to God."
Since I had been in a rather self-absorbed poor-sleepless-and-tired me mode, this exchange with Ibu made an impact on me. I don't think I would have gone to do my morning prayers/chanting/hatha yoga practices had I not talked to her. Sometimes God speaks to us through each other.
So, as my paradigm for the day was shifting, I went to do my practices as an OFFERING. I wasn't doing them to feel better. I ended up having a very clear intention that week that I was living and giving in service to my maker, my body, my family, and my community with all of my actions. I had a wonderful week!
The impact of this small encounter lingers on. Sometimes when I don't really feel like doing something positive, helpful, generous, or productive, I'm trying to remember Ibu Ani. I'm trying to remember the phrase that Dr. Wayne Dyer lives by, "How may I serve?" I am trying to remember that the purpose of my life (according to yoga philosophy) is to aim to know God and to serve others. Basically, the purpose is to live in that open handed state of offering...no matter how we feel.
It is not always easy to do, but I suppose the purpose of life isn't supposed to be easy.
Namaste,
Monique
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