Posts
During a late-night dinner party, my college roommate suggested we hold a séance to talk to Elvis. The commercial ouija board (made by Parker Brothers) didn’t seem so intimidating, until we lit a few candles and it kept answering “No” to every question. When we asked the entity it’s name, it rapidly spelled out ZYGOTE and a chill gust of wind blew out the candles and ended our game. Less than two months later my roommate discovered she was pregnant.
My first attempt at channeling struck me as scary and strange, thus dimming my interest for some time. Even the word “channeling” conjured images of possessions, witches and exorcisms. Some years later, I happened upon a book on Automatic Writing. As an avid journal writer, who’s often tapped into wisdom beyond my conscious knowledge, I couldn’t help but explore further. With time and practice, I’ve re-defined my impressions of channeling and want to share my insights.
The term channeling usually refers to the process of receiving messages or inspiration from invisible beings or spirits. Mediums or psychics have been known to commune with angels, aliens, animals guides, dead people, or disembodied entities. (A wonderful cross-section of people demonstrating such gifts can be experienced at the Whole Being Weekend festival.)
Channeling is not a new phenomenon. Aboriginal cultures have been conducting rituals to induce ancestral or spiritual guidance since before recorded history. In 1875 Helena Petrovna Blavatsky founded Theosophy based on the information she received from masters in the Himalayas. In the 1920s Alice Bailey channeled 25 books under the guidance of Tibetan master Djwhal Khal. Edgar Cayce was recognized widely for channeling valuable healing information in the 1930’s. The New-Age channeling movement gained international popularity after the best selling book, Seth Speaks, was penned by Jane Roberts in the 70’s.
Ester Hicks is an example of a widely known and accepted channel in American today. She dialogs with a group of spiritual teachers who call themselves Abraham. They speak about the laws of attraction and focused manifestation. The last time they drove their Monster Bus to San Diego, I sat before them and admitted that I am feverishly working on my first Novel. I wanted to know how to harness my channeling ability to aid in the successful creation of this book. His/Her response was that channeling is not so much “harnessing” as an act of “matching.” S/he instructed me to raise my vibration through meditation before I write, in order to naturally attract higher levels of inspiration. This advice not only produced amazing results in my writing, but transformed my view of channeling.
The skeptical mind might argue that the afore mentioned examples illustrate the human tendency for the dramatic. Perhaps such gifts are faked for money or attention. Maybe some mediums are psychological savants who have latent gifts in a part of their brain which is only accessed in a state of relaxation. Or it might be a function of a suppressed alter ego or multiple personality. These are all valid interpretations however, I choose to believe that everyone can access higher states of consciousness which increases their aptitude for tapping into the collective unconscious and drawing forth more creative contributions.
From this perspective, everything on the material plane first existed in the un-manifest and has been brought to us through some physical channel. Great masters throughout history brought amazing works to society through the process of channeling. Regardless of whether you call it inspired, gifted, guided, or simply tapped in, these artists are connecting with a higher source. Musicians such as Mozart, Bach, the Beatles channeled music. Artists such as DaVinci, Van Gogh, and Picasso channeled images. Sculptors channel form; mathematicians channel formulas. And inventors channel new ideas. I see it as a natural creative process to be cultivated, not to be feared.
My nearly completed novel entitled: Don’t drink the Punch: an Adventure in Tantra, takes place at an ashram in India where the devotees channel a disembodied guru named Das. The majority of my book has been written through a process of Automatic Writing. For instructions on automatic writing, to read sample chapters, or to purchase a pre-publication copy of my book, please visit: www.partnerplayshop.com
Enjoy the Gift,
Kamala Devi
Wednesday, December 7
Tuesday, November 1
SHADOW BOXING
At sunset today my flickering shadow moved along the sidewalk and fascinated me. It's funny stuff--this illusion caused by lack of light. Now it's Halloween, (Witchs’ New Year) the one day when main-stream culture is actually allowed to dance with the shadow. It's like a temporary mass hysteria (or perhaps a streak of sanity) during which it becomes socially acceptable to play a dominatrix, Dracula, a demon, or even to dress in drag. Letting out the dark alter ego can be not only playful, but profoundly healing. I'd like to offer a brief introduction to shadow-work. These processes have the potential to help us let go of our deepest darkest fears, forever.
What is Shadow?
In Jungian theory the term 'Shadow' refers those qualities about ourselves that we dislike and deny. This includes fear, anger, depression and/or any combination of our hidden personality. It's also known as the wounded self, the dark side, and is associated with our manipulative ego strategies. Like mushrooms, shadow aspects thrive in darkness (unconsciousness) and die in direct light (awareness.) These qualities are known as the shadow because they are the sides of us which appear to be separate from the light of Spirit. Robert Bly uses the metaphor of a bag that we lug around behind us. He suggests that we spend the first half of our lives filling the bag, and the second half trying to empty the bag. One of my meditation teachers added to this image. He says that we carry this bag as we climb the ladder of enlightenment. As we ascend each rung, there is more light by which to see what's in bag, and we can then more easily remove that which no longer serves us. This suggests that the more enlightened we become, the more shadow is revealed.
Facing our fears, and moving through darkness is not foreign work for many of us. Whether it's admitting that we've become controlling like our mothers or recognizing pattern of self-sabotaging our own success, we often have these painful psychological insights. Now, what do we do with them?
The Work:
The basic premise of all shadow work is that as you embrace the enemy, you become more whole. After all, what happens when you shine the light on a shadow? It disappears. Awareness is the light that if shined on our negative aspects, helps us become more integrated, healthy beings. Famed philosopher Ken Wilber suggests: that which we cannot consciously see about ourselves will unconsciously run our lives.
The tricky paradox is that by definition, the shadow is unknown and difficult to see. Our shadows are dark illusions that fall on the people around us, often casting an illusion that seems to originate within them. But when we look closer, the shortcomings we perceive in our friends are actually reflections of our own unhealed wounds. The ego simply doesn't want to hate itself, so it turns it's judgment on others. In fact, some spiritual teachers believe that all judgment is actually self judgment. If you find yourself emotionally affected or triggered by other people’s behavior, it is a strong message that you have some shadow work to do.
Here’s one process I often use with my clients:
1. Look around at your friends and family. Make a list of the people who annoy, bother, trigger, anger, frustrate or frighten you.
2. Ask yourself, what is it about them that I dislike?
3. Reflect on whether you possess that quality yourself, or perhaps if that quality points to some unhealed aspect of your personal history. This process might look like:
Sally is too prissy, conservative. Do I hold back, and judge my own radical tendencies? Boyd is so social and attention-seeking. Do I secretly wish I were more popular? Natalie is too shy. Is it difficult for me to express myself?
4. Replace these limiting beliefs or behaviors with empowering new ones. You can use any number of personal growth tools such as: affirmations, journaling, praying or books such as The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford. For faster results, I recommend you seek the support of a coach or spiritual teacher.
The Outcome:
David Richo, Ph.D., author of Befriending the Shadow, suggests that the healing process begins when you "Acknowledge that you have all the attributes humans can have, that you contain both sides of every human coin." Ultimately this work points us in the direction of non-duality. At the basic level, we begin by simply observing and embracing our aversions. But with practice, we may realize that we actually possess the whole of human experience within us, none of which is either good or bad; wrong or right. This awareness illuminates the whole of our being, dispelling the illusion that the shadow is separate from Spirit. The true work is not overcoming the shadow, but seeing clearly that these polarities are in fact complimentary energies, and that light cannot not exist without darkness. And therein lies our enlightenment.
Enjoy the dance.
Kamala Devi
If you’d like support integrating your spiritual path with material success, Kamala offers a complimentary trial session to help you towards success and self realization right her at:
Kamala@blisscoach.com or see
http://www.blisscoach.com
What is Shadow?
In Jungian theory the term 'Shadow' refers those qualities about ourselves that we dislike and deny. This includes fear, anger, depression and/or any combination of our hidden personality. It's also known as the wounded self, the dark side, and is associated with our manipulative ego strategies. Like mushrooms, shadow aspects thrive in darkness (unconsciousness) and die in direct light (awareness.) These qualities are known as the shadow because they are the sides of us which appear to be separate from the light of Spirit. Robert Bly uses the metaphor of a bag that we lug around behind us. He suggests that we spend the first half of our lives filling the bag, and the second half trying to empty the bag. One of my meditation teachers added to this image. He says that we carry this bag as we climb the ladder of enlightenment. As we ascend each rung, there is more light by which to see what's in bag, and we can then more easily remove that which no longer serves us. This suggests that the more enlightened we become, the more shadow is revealed.
Facing our fears, and moving through darkness is not foreign work for many of us. Whether it's admitting that we've become controlling like our mothers or recognizing pattern of self-sabotaging our own success, we often have these painful psychological insights. Now, what do we do with them?
The Work:
The basic premise of all shadow work is that as you embrace the enemy, you become more whole. After all, what happens when you shine the light on a shadow? It disappears. Awareness is the light that if shined on our negative aspects, helps us become more integrated, healthy beings. Famed philosopher Ken Wilber suggests: that which we cannot consciously see about ourselves will unconsciously run our lives.
The tricky paradox is that by definition, the shadow is unknown and difficult to see. Our shadows are dark illusions that fall on the people around us, often casting an illusion that seems to originate within them. But when we look closer, the shortcomings we perceive in our friends are actually reflections of our own unhealed wounds. The ego simply doesn't want to hate itself, so it turns it's judgment on others. In fact, some spiritual teachers believe that all judgment is actually self judgment. If you find yourself emotionally affected or triggered by other people’s behavior, it is a strong message that you have some shadow work to do.
Here’s one process I often use with my clients:
1. Look around at your friends and family. Make a list of the people who annoy, bother, trigger, anger, frustrate or frighten you.
2. Ask yourself, what is it about them that I dislike?
3. Reflect on whether you possess that quality yourself, or perhaps if that quality points to some unhealed aspect of your personal history. This process might look like:
Sally is too prissy, conservative. Do I hold back, and judge my own radical tendencies? Boyd is so social and attention-seeking. Do I secretly wish I were more popular? Natalie is too shy. Is it difficult for me to express myself?
4. Replace these limiting beliefs or behaviors with empowering new ones. You can use any number of personal growth tools such as: affirmations, journaling, praying or books such as The Dark Side of the Light Chasers by Debbie Ford. For faster results, I recommend you seek the support of a coach or spiritual teacher.
The Outcome:
David Richo, Ph.D., author of Befriending the Shadow, suggests that the healing process begins when you "Acknowledge that you have all the attributes humans can have, that you contain both sides of every human coin." Ultimately this work points us in the direction of non-duality. At the basic level, we begin by simply observing and embracing our aversions. But with practice, we may realize that we actually possess the whole of human experience within us, none of which is either good or bad; wrong or right. This awareness illuminates the whole of our being, dispelling the illusion that the shadow is separate from Spirit. The true work is not overcoming the shadow, but seeing clearly that these polarities are in fact complimentary energies, and that light cannot not exist without darkness. And therein lies our enlightenment.
Enjoy the dance.
Kamala Devi
If you’d like support integrating your spiritual path with material success, Kamala offers a complimentary trial session to help you towards success and self realization right her at:
Kamala@blisscoach.com or see
http://www.blisscoach.com
Wednesday, October 12
POEMS
>>Naked Truth
don't be fooled by this glimmering gown
where you see beauty, intelligence, desire
that is only my convincing costume
but if you strip the personality down
off my shoulders, over my hips,
you may behold my naked nature,
obvious but hidden, I'm absolute bliss.
--Kamala Devi
>>Up-Close
Her eyelids
Look like lips
Her lashes like invitations
Extending out to be kissed
But not too brief,
Her stare is constant
Penetrating
While my longing
Limitless
--Kamala Devi
>>My Darling
Anticipation Escalating
from the base of my heels
crisscrossing my ankles,
calves, knees, thighs
up my bare back
One pearl at a time
'Till I meet you in my mind
--Kamala Devi
>>Did I hurt you?
I didn't mean to sink my freshly manicured acrylics into your jugular.
Perhaps next time you'll exercise a little more impulse control.
Keep your hands off my ass, I'll keep my nails out of your neck.
Are we agreed?
--Kamala Devi
>>Care-less
I sit before the absolute
and sense
she doesn't give a shit
how I live or die.
God simply is.
Ultimate choice is up to me
And instead of activating an existential crisis,
I flood
with overwhelming compassion
for the atheist.
--Kamala Devi
>>Enlightenment Is
Today, I took eating contemplation at a local café down the street.
Some punk kid with spiked hair saw me sitting alone and smirked.
Instead of averting my eyes, as would've been my stock response,
I looked back and really saw...
This is the work:
Being open to see...
The temple that the mind interprets as a café,
the buddha that the ego thinks is a threat,
The penetrating glimpse of God that almost went unnoticed.
-- Kamala Devi
>>Poetry spilling forth
like melody after a symphonic repose
Do I play the flute, or does the flute play me?
Can I be the servant to these sounds
which deliver me to supreme liberation?
----------------------------------------------------
Who is Typing
Words plucked from the river of collective consciousness and plopped down on
the page to dry, lest they float by, to be fished out by some downstream
poet, on some other clear day.
--Kamala Devi
>>suchness
there's no desire in the dance
it's moving, feeling, flowing into space
and suchness
there's nothing to want
each pregnent moment rolls forward offering fullness
delivering breath after breath and with each
the birth of possibility, forgiveness, and direct experience
--Kamala Devi
>>Free Falling
There's a place I know
Not far from here
where if you listen,
really listen
a little peice of earth cracks open
revealing heaven
and if you sit still enough
you just may slip through this crack,
falling upward into grace.
--Kamala Devi
>>Pleasure...
Seeking more pleasure.
Surging towards an end which does not exist.
And in the swirling rise and fall,
should you ride a crest so high it's confused for a climax,
Know there is no such pinnacle.
Only the starting point of another wave...
rushing towards more
pleasure.
--Kamala Devi
Sunday, October 2
LISTENING TO LOVE
“Tell me who you are.” I said to a multi-faith Monk who observed silence for several decades, and only resumed talking this year. In that moment, she revealed herself to me as The Supreme Listener. This experience inspired my current contemplation: What is Listening?
Listening brings connection to our world, compassion to our hearts and meaning to our existence. It's in the listening that people become more alive, clear, and beautiful. Listening can be an unburdening, a forgiveness, a witnessing, and/or a devotional service. Listening nurtures the soul, encouraging it to grow and blossom like the unfurling of a flower.
Self Assessment
* How well do I listen?
* Am I able to be present for my friends, family, lovers, teachers, children, acquaintances, and especially myself?
* Or are am I mind reading?
* Rehearsing what I’m going to say?
* Filtering out what I don’t want to hear? * How often do I change the subject?
* Do I daydream?
* Give advice?
* Look for ways of being right?
* Do I let the words go over my head
*or just land on the floor?
To Be a Better Listener
Listening is more than just shutting your mouth when another person is speaking. It’s far more rewarding than that. Listening is a tremendous gift to any fellow being. Humans yearn to be understood. These are basic human desires. Spontaneous psychological and spiritual growth results from simply being listened to. This is why therapists and coaches are becoming such sought-after professionals.
Following are some basic tips to help you experience more connection. If you find these practices difficult, you may need to get you're own needs met first. Consider hiring a coach or a therapist to model great listening and teach you the gift of how to give it back. True listening requires that you relax and set your own reactivity aside. Many people have not been listened to, especially throughout childhood, so naturally, their suppressed desire to be heard gets in the way of their ability to listen.
1. Pay attention. Focus on the content. Ask yourself while listening. What feelings, beliefs, thoughts, ideas, desires and concepts are being expressed?
2. Don’t interrupt. Inhibit your impulse to immediately interrupt, or jump in during a pause. Resist assuming you know what someone is about to say. (Even if you’re very psychic, it’s better to let someone come to their own conclusions than to tell them what they feel.)
3. Open your Mind. Listen as objectively as possible. You can be accepting and respectful whether or not you agree with what’s being said. Let go of your own agenda and avoid emotional involvement. Don’t judge. Deciding something is right or wrong only prevents you from really hearing, and robs your partner from being understood.
4. Body Language. Experts estimate at least 55% of the message is delivered with non-verbal signs. Eye contact is important. Face your partner and lean in so they know you’re intent on what they’re saying. Use head nodding and “ah” sounds only when it’s natural. Be careful not to cross your arms across your chest, this gives the message that you are not open to receive what’s being shared. Resist looking at your watch, or around the room while someone is sharing. A relaxed body is the best receiver.
5. Ask for clarification. If you are confused and know you do not understand, don’t pretend you do. Either ask your partner to say it another way, or use your best guess, feeding it back to them. If you are incorrect, the person will realize it and will naturally want to correct your misunderstanding.
6. Feedback what you’ve heard: To insure accurate understand repeat back what you think you heard the person say, either with exact words, or by paraphrasing. Try saying something like, “So, I hear you saying…” or “What I’m hearing is…” This process not only diffuses the most difficult situations, but fosters a profound feeling of compassion.
7. Show gratitude. Speaking can be vulnerable. Be sure to thank you’re partner for what they’ve shared. And thank them for just being themselves.
8. Practice. Practice. Practice. Even if you were born with the natural ability to listen, I invite you to take every possible opportunity to offer yourself to your fellow human beings and really hear what is being said. It’s with the intention of true connection that the joy of life unfolds. Listen to learn more about yourself. Listen as an act of loving. Listen for the sheer joy of listening.
Without the listening, there would be no music; no poetry, and no prayer.
Enjoy the dance,
Listening brings connection to our world, compassion to our hearts and meaning to our existence. It's in the listening that people become more alive, clear, and beautiful. Listening can be an unburdening, a forgiveness, a witnessing, and/or a devotional service. Listening nurtures the soul, encouraging it to grow and blossom like the unfurling of a flower.
Self Assessment
* How well do I listen?
* Am I able to be present for my friends, family, lovers, teachers, children, acquaintances, and especially myself?
* Or are am I mind reading?
* Rehearsing what I’m going to say?
* Filtering out what I don’t want to hear? * How often do I change the subject?
* Do I daydream?
* Give advice?
* Look for ways of being right?
* Do I let the words go over my head
*or just land on the floor?
To Be a Better Listener
Listening is more than just shutting your mouth when another person is speaking. It’s far more rewarding than that. Listening is a tremendous gift to any fellow being. Humans yearn to be understood. These are basic human desires. Spontaneous psychological and spiritual growth results from simply being listened to. This is why therapists and coaches are becoming such sought-after professionals.
Following are some basic tips to help you experience more connection. If you find these practices difficult, you may need to get you're own needs met first. Consider hiring a coach or a therapist to model great listening and teach you the gift of how to give it back. True listening requires that you relax and set your own reactivity aside. Many people have not been listened to, especially throughout childhood, so naturally, their suppressed desire to be heard gets in the way of their ability to listen.
1. Pay attention. Focus on the content. Ask yourself while listening. What feelings, beliefs, thoughts, ideas, desires and concepts are being expressed?
2. Don’t interrupt. Inhibit your impulse to immediately interrupt, or jump in during a pause. Resist assuming you know what someone is about to say. (Even if you’re very psychic, it’s better to let someone come to their own conclusions than to tell them what they feel.)
3. Open your Mind. Listen as objectively as possible. You can be accepting and respectful whether or not you agree with what’s being said. Let go of your own agenda and avoid emotional involvement. Don’t judge. Deciding something is right or wrong only prevents you from really hearing, and robs your partner from being understood.
4. Body Language. Experts estimate at least 55% of the message is delivered with non-verbal signs. Eye contact is important. Face your partner and lean in so they know you’re intent on what they’re saying. Use head nodding and “ah” sounds only when it’s natural. Be careful not to cross your arms across your chest, this gives the message that you are not open to receive what’s being shared. Resist looking at your watch, or around the room while someone is sharing. A relaxed body is the best receiver.
5. Ask for clarification. If you are confused and know you do not understand, don’t pretend you do. Either ask your partner to say it another way, or use your best guess, feeding it back to them. If you are incorrect, the person will realize it and will naturally want to correct your misunderstanding.
6. Feedback what you’ve heard: To insure accurate understand repeat back what you think you heard the person say, either with exact words, or by paraphrasing. Try saying something like, “So, I hear you saying…” or “What I’m hearing is…” This process not only diffuses the most difficult situations, but fosters a profound feeling of compassion.
7. Show gratitude. Speaking can be vulnerable. Be sure to thank you’re partner for what they’ve shared. And thank them for just being themselves.
8. Practice. Practice. Practice. Even if you were born with the natural ability to listen, I invite you to take every possible opportunity to offer yourself to your fellow human beings and really hear what is being said. It’s with the intention of true connection that the joy of life unfolds. Listen to learn more about yourself. Listen as an act of loving. Listen for the sheer joy of listening.
Without the listening, there would be no music; no poetry, and no prayer.
Enjoy the dance,
Tuesday, September 6
SINGING TO MY SANGHA
Consider the possibility that the second coming does not begin with the resurrection of Jesus, Buddha, Allah, Shiva or even the divine mother, but the awakening of a Sangha: a community of enlightened individuals. And the awakening starts with you. I share these words in hopes of shining more light on how to deepen your connections to individuals and groups who can help you feel more connected to the whole of humanity.
WHAT IS SANGHA?
The Sanskrit term most closely translates to spiritual community.
-In Christianity it is synonymous with the concept of fellowship.
-In Buddhism it’s often used to describe a collective of ordained monks or nuns.
-In the Hindu structure, it refers to students following under the same guru.
-From a Coaching perspective, a community is not only a network to support you in your professional goals but people you can share your love, life, dreams and concerns with.
TAKE INVENTORY
Look around you; access your own concept of community.
Consider your friends and associates:
- What do you have in common?
- What do they mean to you?
- What do you get from them?
- What do you give to them?
- What do you feel for one another?
- What are your shared experiences?
- What’s your degree of involvement?
- And most importantly, what would you like it to be?
I go to many groups, workshops, classes, rituals, and surround myself with both teachers and students. I spend countless hours in volunteer community service and if I’m not consciously creating my community, I can feel spread-out or even schizophrenic.
MY PLURAL COMMUNITIES
I’ve found that different facets of our personalities yearn to connect and identify with different aspects of society at large. As a yoga teacher and vegetarian, I related easily to health practitioners, organic food enthusiasts, and other fitness freaks at healing centers and retreats. I even feel a silent connection with a random person crossing the street when I see a yoga matt rolled under their arm. As a writer I feel home around others who express themselves artistically, whether their playground is the stage, canvas, or the potter’s wheel. Since Burning Man is such an enormous artistic playground, I feel bonded to someone who’s donning a Burning Man bumper sticker at the gas station, just because we have a shared experience. My sacred sexual practices have also connected me to a variety of pansexual communities, whether that’s tantra, polyamory, the GLTB center, BDSM community, or just other heterosexual couples cohabitating out of wedlock. Ironically, what attracts me to these different communities is not so much a desire for variety, but a craving for wholeness. The feeling Oneness with others is a profound spiritual paradox. Part of the reason we create community is to connect to something bigger than self, yet I conceive of community as an extension of Self. The people you surround yourself with are a direct reflection of YOU. Zen Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh calls the Sangha the “Second Body.” He teaches meditations in which you are to invite your community into your contemplation. These practices become more profound and complex the more we broaden our definition of community.
Virtual Community
Coaching has introduced me to a number of networks, alliances and memberships in cyber space. In recent years there’s been a huge emergence of cyber groups such as Yahoo, Evite, Tribe.net, Match.com, and now there are weblogs and pod casts. Many have met dates, written books, moved in together and gotten married through the Internet. Imagine how different your community would look today, if it weren’t for e-mail. Ever since I began sharing my website and e-zine at large, I delight in this expanded new definition of Sangha. That’s how I’m writing to you now: a nameless, faceless, race-less nebulous entity whom I love. And if I’ve managed to get past your Spam filter, I’m thrilled to share that the truth of community is that it’s what you make of it. Community is created not only with your relationships, but your thoughts, beliefs and concepts about self and others. If in any given moment you’re feeling frustrated by a disjointed, apathetic, or insincere community, consider these are all just reflections of your own inner state. Step up and accept that everyone you’ve attracted around you is a reflection of who you are being. I often consciously shift feelings from schizophrenic to seeing the dynamic diversity, and infinite possibility of those around me. A Utopic Community is a state of mind. And if you practice love and acceptance to the one that is before you, the messiah will meet you there.
Enjoy the Dance,
Kamala Devi
http://www.blisscoach.com
WHAT IS SANGHA?
The Sanskrit term most closely translates to spiritual community.
-In Christianity it is synonymous with the concept of fellowship.
-In Buddhism it’s often used to describe a collective of ordained monks or nuns.
-In the Hindu structure, it refers to students following under the same guru.
-From a Coaching perspective, a community is not only a network to support you in your professional goals but people you can share your love, life, dreams and concerns with.
TAKE INVENTORY
Look around you; access your own concept of community.
Consider your friends and associates:
- What do you have in common?
- What do they mean to you?
- What do you get from them?
- What do you give to them?
- What do you feel for one another?
- What are your shared experiences?
- What’s your degree of involvement?
- And most importantly, what would you like it to be?
I go to many groups, workshops, classes, rituals, and surround myself with both teachers and students. I spend countless hours in volunteer community service and if I’m not consciously creating my community, I can feel spread-out or even schizophrenic.
MY PLURAL COMMUNITIES
I’ve found that different facets of our personalities yearn to connect and identify with different aspects of society at large. As a yoga teacher and vegetarian, I related easily to health practitioners, organic food enthusiasts, and other fitness freaks at healing centers and retreats. I even feel a silent connection with a random person crossing the street when I see a yoga matt rolled under their arm. As a writer I feel home around others who express themselves artistically, whether their playground is the stage, canvas, or the potter’s wheel. Since Burning Man is such an enormous artistic playground, I feel bonded to someone who’s donning a Burning Man bumper sticker at the gas station, just because we have a shared experience. My sacred sexual practices have also connected me to a variety of pansexual communities, whether that’s tantra, polyamory, the GLTB center, BDSM community, or just other heterosexual couples cohabitating out of wedlock. Ironically, what attracts me to these different communities is not so much a desire for variety, but a craving for wholeness. The feeling Oneness with others is a profound spiritual paradox. Part of the reason we create community is to connect to something bigger than self, yet I conceive of community as an extension of Self. The people you surround yourself with are a direct reflection of YOU. Zen Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh calls the Sangha the “Second Body.” He teaches meditations in which you are to invite your community into your contemplation. These practices become more profound and complex the more we broaden our definition of community.
Virtual Community
Coaching has introduced me to a number of networks, alliances and memberships in cyber space. In recent years there’s been a huge emergence of cyber groups such as Yahoo, Evite, Tribe.net, Match.com, and now there are weblogs and pod casts. Many have met dates, written books, moved in together and gotten married through the Internet. Imagine how different your community would look today, if it weren’t for e-mail. Ever since I began sharing my website and e-zine at large, I delight in this expanded new definition of Sangha. That’s how I’m writing to you now: a nameless, faceless, race-less nebulous entity whom I love. And if I’ve managed to get past your Spam filter, I’m thrilled to share that the truth of community is that it’s what you make of it. Community is created not only with your relationships, but your thoughts, beliefs and concepts about self and others. If in any given moment you’re feeling frustrated by a disjointed, apathetic, or insincere community, consider these are all just reflections of your own inner state. Step up and accept that everyone you’ve attracted around you is a reflection of who you are being. I often consciously shift feelings from schizophrenic to seeing the dynamic diversity, and infinite possibility of those around me. A Utopic Community is a state of mind. And if you practice love and acceptance to the one that is before you, the messiah will meet you there.
Enjoy the Dance,
Kamala Devi
http://www.blisscoach.com
Monday, August 8
DOING DARSHAN
“If you would learn the secret of right relations look only for the divine in people and things, and leave all the rest to God. “ J. Allen Boone
Darshan is a Sanskrit term for being in the presence of the divine. In India, people travel hundreds of kilometers to be in the audience of a saint or a sage in order to receive their blessings.
During my pilgrimage, I experienced many forms of Darshan. For devotees of the divine mother Amma Chi, darshan means a warm healing hug. If you follow Sai Baba, darshan might include standing at his feet, amongst thousands of other truth seekers. In some temples, darshan is sitting in silent meditation before a guru. Darshan may also be the act of viewing statues, sculptures, or pictures of deities after they’ve been bathed and dressed in fresh costumes. Frequently, Darshan is a private Question and Answer session with a master teacher.
Receiving audience with a realized being, is a unique, personal and powerful experience. It is not easily intellectualized, and affects everyone differently. Energetic transmission from a divine being has the potential to transform one's consciousness.
My experience of life Coaching is a lot like Darshan. Instead of having clients come to me for blessings and transmission, I often experience the divine in them. Using a constellation of personal growth techniques, I assist people in recognizing their own eternal, blissful and all-powerful Self, which launches them towards their glorious full expression.
I invite you to join me in a a 9-week Manifestation course this fall, in which you’ll explore the power of conscious creation. I expect you’ll awaken your divine potential and align yourself with success and self-realization.
Enjoy the Dance?
Kamala Devi
http://www.blisscoach.com
Darshan is a Sanskrit term for being in the presence of the divine. In India, people travel hundreds of kilometers to be in the audience of a saint or a sage in order to receive their blessings.
During my pilgrimage, I experienced many forms of Darshan. For devotees of the divine mother Amma Chi, darshan means a warm healing hug. If you follow Sai Baba, darshan might include standing at his feet, amongst thousands of other truth seekers. In some temples, darshan is sitting in silent meditation before a guru. Darshan may also be the act of viewing statues, sculptures, or pictures of deities after they’ve been bathed and dressed in fresh costumes. Frequently, Darshan is a private Question and Answer session with a master teacher.
Receiving audience with a realized being, is a unique, personal and powerful experience. It is not easily intellectualized, and affects everyone differently. Energetic transmission from a divine being has the potential to transform one's consciousness.
My experience of life Coaching is a lot like Darshan. Instead of having clients come to me for blessings and transmission, I often experience the divine in them. Using a constellation of personal growth techniques, I assist people in recognizing their own eternal, blissful and all-powerful Self, which launches them towards their glorious full expression.
I invite you to join me in a a 9-week Manifestation course this fall, in which you’ll explore the power of conscious creation. I expect you’ll awaken your divine potential and align yourself with success and self-realization.
Enjoy the Dance?
Kamala Devi
http://www.blisscoach.com
Friday, July 1
TIPS ON GOOD KARMA
You walk into your favorite coffee shop and notice a jar on the counter that reads: “Tipping is Good Karma.” Does this inspire you to turn away, or reach deeper into your pocket book, in hopes of getting greater gratuity yourself? I invite you to stop and ponder: What is Karma? And what forces govern this law?
The basic concept is not only common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Zen, Jainism and Paganism, but is becoming a mainstream Western assumption. Karma is the law of cause and effect, and it is associated with such clichés as:
-“What goes around, comes around”,
-“You get what you deserve”
-“What ye sow, so shall ye reap.”
The Sanskrit word Karma translates to 'action, deed, destiny.' The earliest written records of this principle are found in the Vedic Upanishads around 1500 B.C. In India, where the term originated, good and evil deeds are believed to return to a person in this life, or in a later life. Karma is deeply intertwined with the concept of reincarnation, and one’s disposition. Circumstances, and station in life are all determined by past karma, which is a possible explanation to the disparities and varieties of life.
In Hinduism, Gods or planets play a role in dispensing one’s Karmic retribution. This is similar to the Judeo/Christian notion of God punishing or rewarding people for their sins or their virtues.
In contrast, most Buddhists see the consequence of an action as inseparable from the original action which caused it; karma is an inherent principle of the universe, without the intervention of a supernatural force. Osho says, “There are no books which God is keeping. Your being is the book! Whatsoever you are and whatsoever you do is constantly being registered. Not that there is somebody writing it; it is a natural phenomenon.” The Threefold Law, or Law of Returns favored among Pagans, similarly states that whatever negative or positive energies one sends out into the world, will come back to the sender with THREE times the force. Swami Sivinanda notes, “Destiny is created by man's thoughts, habits and character. There is every chance for his correction and improvement by changing his thoughts and habits. The scoundrel can become a saint; the prostitute can become a chaste lady; a beggar can become a king.” This view of karma is very empowering because it enables us to more consciously create our own lives. Many Buddhists however, view karma as the greatest obstacle to enlightenment, regardless of whether actions are positive or negative. Karma burdens one’s freedom. The goal of spiritual practice is to break the bonds of karma and unite with the infinite. Once we’ve transcended all duality of self-separate-from-the-universe, there is no individual self to receive the Law of Karma, whether good or bad.
Liberation can also be experienced through Karma yoga, which is the practice of doing good without being attached to the fruits of your labor. Selfless actions are said to purify the heart and prepares the individual for Self Realization.
In conclusion, if you choose to put money in the tip jar, in hopes of getting something back, you will be happily rewarded. But if you de-identify with the act of tipping, and chose to tip as self-less act of love, you are that much closer to enlightenment.
Enjoy the dance,
Kamala Devi
http://www.blisscoach.com
The basic concept is not only common to Hinduism, Buddhism, Zen, Jainism and Paganism, but is becoming a mainstream Western assumption. Karma is the law of cause and effect, and it is associated with such clichés as:
-“What goes around, comes around”,
-“You get what you deserve”
-“What ye sow, so shall ye reap.”
The Sanskrit word Karma translates to 'action, deed, destiny.' The earliest written records of this principle are found in the Vedic Upanishads around 1500 B.C. In India, where the term originated, good and evil deeds are believed to return to a person in this life, or in a later life. Karma is deeply intertwined with the concept of reincarnation, and one’s disposition. Circumstances, and station in life are all determined by past karma, which is a possible explanation to the disparities and varieties of life.
In Hinduism, Gods or planets play a role in dispensing one’s Karmic retribution. This is similar to the Judeo/Christian notion of God punishing or rewarding people for their sins or their virtues.
In contrast, most Buddhists see the consequence of an action as inseparable from the original action which caused it; karma is an inherent principle of the universe, without the intervention of a supernatural force. Osho says, “There are no books which God is keeping. Your being is the book! Whatsoever you are and whatsoever you do is constantly being registered. Not that there is somebody writing it; it is a natural phenomenon.” The Threefold Law, or Law of Returns favored among Pagans, similarly states that whatever negative or positive energies one sends out into the world, will come back to the sender with THREE times the force. Swami Sivinanda notes, “Destiny is created by man's thoughts, habits and character. There is every chance for his correction and improvement by changing his thoughts and habits. The scoundrel can become a saint; the prostitute can become a chaste lady; a beggar can become a king.” This view of karma is very empowering because it enables us to more consciously create our own lives. Many Buddhists however, view karma as the greatest obstacle to enlightenment, regardless of whether actions are positive or negative. Karma burdens one’s freedom. The goal of spiritual practice is to break the bonds of karma and unite with the infinite. Once we’ve transcended all duality of self-separate-from-the-universe, there is no individual self to receive the Law of Karma, whether good or bad.
Liberation can also be experienced through Karma yoga, which is the practice of doing good without being attached to the fruits of your labor. Selfless actions are said to purify the heart and prepares the individual for Self Realization.
In conclusion, if you choose to put money in the tip jar, in hopes of getting something back, you will be happily rewarded. But if you de-identify with the act of tipping, and chose to tip as self-less act of love, you are that much closer to enlightenment.
Enjoy the dance,
Kamala Devi
http://www.blisscoach.com
Monday, June 6
SYNCHRONICITY SIMPLIFIED
"Be at Peace and see a clear pattern running through your lives.” Eileen Caddy
It seems the more I raise my consciousness, the more my life fills with magical coincidences. It’s as if people, places and events coincide to bring messages about the path that I am on.
Carl G. Jung coined the term synchronicity and explained it as a principle by which improbable forms of coincidence occur where no causal connection can be demonstrated between two events, but where a meaningful relationship nevertheless exists.
*C.G. Jung gives the example of a beetle flying into his room while a patient was describing a dream about a scarab. Jung interpreted: “the transcendental meaning of both the scarab in the dream and the insect in the room was that the patient needed to be liberated from her excessive rationalism.”
*Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, gives the following example: “A woman admits to a buried dream of acting. At dinner the next night, she sits besides a man who teaches beginning actors.”
*An example occurred with me, while teaching The Artist’s Way course, I was journaling about my desire to buy a Counting Crows CD when my lover came home from his guitar lesson with a copy of a live Counting Crows song that he wanted to play for me.
*Another of my own examples happened when I had Turnips on my shopping list, as the only vegetable I needed to pick up to make a special soup for dinner, and while at a client’s house for lunch, we discover it was the only ripe vegetable in his garden!
*A student cleaned her closet out and discovered an old sweater from an ex-lover that she hasn’t heard from in years, who happened to call that evening.
Skeptics would like to dismiss these examples as selective perception, and the law of averages playing itself out. Synchronicity is generally explained as the connection between the powerful unconscious mind and the phenomenal world of perception.
Now, scientists seek to explain synchronicity with quantum physics, fractal geometry, and chaos theory. Physicists have shown, for example, that if two photons are separated, no matter how far, a change in one creates a simultaneous change in the other.
Personally, I’ve interpreted synchronicity to be evidence of the Universe’s infinite intelligence, which responds to conscious and unconscious prayers.
Regardless of why it happens, I invite you to observe and cultivate these signs. Notice that the more you look for and listen to them, the more they continue to happen. Meditation, journaling and prayer have all proven to increase their frequency. By following these threads and themes you will inevitably raise your sense of wonder, magic and connection to the universe.
Enjoy the dance,
Kamala Devi
http://www.partnerplayshop.com
http://www.blisscoach.com
It seems the more I raise my consciousness, the more my life fills with magical coincidences. It’s as if people, places and events coincide to bring messages about the path that I am on.
Carl G. Jung coined the term synchronicity and explained it as a principle by which improbable forms of coincidence occur where no causal connection can be demonstrated between two events, but where a meaningful relationship nevertheless exists.
*C.G. Jung gives the example of a beetle flying into his room while a patient was describing a dream about a scarab. Jung interpreted: “the transcendental meaning of both the scarab in the dream and the insect in the room was that the patient needed to be liberated from her excessive rationalism.”
*Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, gives the following example: “A woman admits to a buried dream of acting. At dinner the next night, she sits besides a man who teaches beginning actors.”
*An example occurred with me, while teaching The Artist’s Way course, I was journaling about my desire to buy a Counting Crows CD when my lover came home from his guitar lesson with a copy of a live Counting Crows song that he wanted to play for me.
*Another of my own examples happened when I had Turnips on my shopping list, as the only vegetable I needed to pick up to make a special soup for dinner, and while at a client’s house for lunch, we discover it was the only ripe vegetable in his garden!
*A student cleaned her closet out and discovered an old sweater from an ex-lover that she hasn’t heard from in years, who happened to call that evening.
Skeptics would like to dismiss these examples as selective perception, and the law of averages playing itself out. Synchronicity is generally explained as the connection between the powerful unconscious mind and the phenomenal world of perception.
Now, scientists seek to explain synchronicity with quantum physics, fractal geometry, and chaos theory. Physicists have shown, for example, that if two photons are separated, no matter how far, a change in one creates a simultaneous change in the other.
Personally, I’ve interpreted synchronicity to be evidence of the Universe’s infinite intelligence, which responds to conscious and unconscious prayers.
Regardless of why it happens, I invite you to observe and cultivate these signs. Notice that the more you look for and listen to them, the more they continue to happen. Meditation, journaling and prayer have all proven to increase their frequency. By following these threads and themes you will inevitably raise your sense of wonder, magic and connection to the universe.
Enjoy the dance,
Kamala Devi
http://www.partnerplayshop.com
http://www.blisscoach.com
Monday, May 2
Ommm Sweet Ommm
The Meaning of Om: The supreme and most sacred syllable in Sankskrit. It is believed to be the original primordial vibration of the universe, after the big bang. It is uttered as a mantra and in affirmations and blessings to connect all living beings. Made of the three sounds (a), (u), and (m), representing various fundamental triads:
(Beginning, Middle, End)
(Past, Present, Future)
(Father, Son, Holy Ghost)
(Creation, Preservation, Destruction)
Om in Hinduism: The mantra Om (or Aum) has been handed down to us by the Himalayan sages. The Mandukya Upanishad explains it’s significance as everything manifest which has its origin in the Un-manifest. "Om is the primordial throb of the universe. It is the sound form of consciousness." The repetition of OM, leads one's mind into deep concentration, meditation, and finally to samadhi, a state of higher consciousness.
Om in Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism: Om is an integral part of the philosophies, rituals, meditations and chants in Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism. It has the same meaning and ramifications as in Yoga.
Om in Tantra Yoga: Tantric scriptures declare that OM is the storehouse of mystic power. When OM is uttered according to Vedic injections, the throat generates the sound A by beginning the sound from the bottom of the spine (Kundalini) and thus using the entire depth of the human mechanism to produce this sound. It is the mantra for the 7th chakra, it opens the lotus at the crown. Aum (Om) in ancient Egypt: It seems that the ancient Egyptians knew of Aum as Amen or Amun. Amen-Ra was the name of the supreme God who was considered the primordial creator and ruler of the other gods which have no beginning and no end.
Om in Ancient Greece: The ancient Greek alphabet had Omega as its last letter. Omega written in the lower case of the Greek alphabet, if turned to its side, looks quite similar to the Sanskrit way of writing Om. It is from the Greek alphabet "Omega" that we have the English phrase "the alpha and Omega", which means, "to include everything". "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Amen.”
Om in Judaism and Christianity: Indian mystical thinking influenced Judaism in many ways. Scholars believe Aum (Om) became Amen and, as such, was later incorporated into Christianity. Amen is said to mean ‘so be it’, though this may be a later interpretation. Amen is widely mentioned in the Bible. It is used during worship (Revelations 3:14); as an expression of benediction (1 Chronicles 16.36); for expressing one’s love of God (2 Corinthians 1:20); or as sign of gratitude.
Chanting Om: The repetition of OM or AUM dissolves the mind in it's Divine Source. If you chant OM several times out loud it purifies the atmosphere: try it! Take a deep breath and Chant AaaaaUuuuuMmmm as long as you can. Then take another deep breath and repeat at least 3 times in succession... Then stop. Sit in Silence. What do you feel?Benefits of Om:
-Drives away all worldly thoughts
-Removes distraction.
-Infuses new vigour in the body.
-Raises your vibration and consciousness.
-Improves your voice.
-Improves concentration and self confidence.
-Raises your overall attractiveness.
Meditating Om: Sit down in a quite place, close your eyes and completely relax both muscles and nerves. Concentrate on the space between your eyebrows and slow the mind by slowing the breath. Repeat OM silently to yourself. When the mind wanders bring it gently back to OM again and again. Keep the meaning of Om always at heart: infinity, eternity, immortality, purity, perfection, all-knowing, truth consciousness and bliss. Om may be safely used by anyone of any religion. For more instructions on how to meditate see my website:
http://www.partnerplayshop.com/page/page/1881063.htm
OM -AUM – AMEN – AMIN – OMEGA
For a Complimentary Trial Session Call M-F 10am-6pm: 1-858-272-2254 or Kamala@blisscoach.com
(Beginning, Middle, End)
(Past, Present, Future)
(Father, Son, Holy Ghost)
(Creation, Preservation, Destruction)
Om in Hinduism: The mantra Om (or Aum) has been handed down to us by the Himalayan sages. The Mandukya Upanishad explains it’s significance as everything manifest which has its origin in the Un-manifest. "Om is the primordial throb of the universe. It is the sound form of consciousness." The repetition of OM, leads one's mind into deep concentration, meditation, and finally to samadhi, a state of higher consciousness.
Om in Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism: Om is an integral part of the philosophies, rituals, meditations and chants in Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism. It has the same meaning and ramifications as in Yoga.
Om in Tantra Yoga: Tantric scriptures declare that OM is the storehouse of mystic power. When OM is uttered according to Vedic injections, the throat generates the sound A by beginning the sound from the bottom of the spine (Kundalini) and thus using the entire depth of the human mechanism to produce this sound. It is the mantra for the 7th chakra, it opens the lotus at the crown. Aum (Om) in ancient Egypt: It seems that the ancient Egyptians knew of Aum as Amen or Amun. Amen-Ra was the name of the supreme God who was considered the primordial creator and ruler of the other gods which have no beginning and no end.
Om in Ancient Greece: The ancient Greek alphabet had Omega as its last letter. Omega written in the lower case of the Greek alphabet, if turned to its side, looks quite similar to the Sanskrit way of writing Om. It is from the Greek alphabet "Omega" that we have the English phrase "the alpha and Omega", which means, "to include everything". "In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God. Amen.”
Om in Judaism and Christianity: Indian mystical thinking influenced Judaism in many ways. Scholars believe Aum (Om) became Amen and, as such, was later incorporated into Christianity. Amen is said to mean ‘so be it’, though this may be a later interpretation. Amen is widely mentioned in the Bible. It is used during worship (Revelations 3:14); as an expression of benediction (1 Chronicles 16.36); for expressing one’s love of God (2 Corinthians 1:20); or as sign of gratitude.
Chanting Om: The repetition of OM or AUM dissolves the mind in it's Divine Source. If you chant OM several times out loud it purifies the atmosphere: try it! Take a deep breath and Chant AaaaaUuuuuMmmm as long as you can. Then take another deep breath and repeat at least 3 times in succession... Then stop. Sit in Silence. What do you feel?Benefits of Om:
-Drives away all worldly thoughts
-Removes distraction.
-Infuses new vigour in the body.
-Raises your vibration and consciousness.
-Improves your voice.
-Improves concentration and self confidence.
-Raises your overall attractiveness.
Meditating Om: Sit down in a quite place, close your eyes and completely relax both muscles and nerves. Concentrate on the space between your eyebrows and slow the mind by slowing the breath. Repeat OM silently to yourself. When the mind wanders bring it gently back to OM again and again. Keep the meaning of Om always at heart: infinity, eternity, immortality, purity, perfection, all-knowing, truth consciousness and bliss. Om may be safely used by anyone of any religion. For more instructions on how to meditate see my website:
http://www.partnerplayshop.com/page/page/1881063.htm
OM -AUM – AMEN – AMIN – OMEGA
For a Complimentary Trial Session Call M-F 10am-6pm: 1-858-272-2254 or Kamala@blisscoach.com
Friday, April 1
The REAL Meaning of Namaste
In one tantric myth it is said that the great lover god, Krishna made away with the clothes of unmarried teen-age maidens, who were bathing in the river Yamuna. Their fervent pleading didn’t sway him. Only when they performed the eternal gesture of Namaste, out of total devotion, did he agree to hand back their garments so that they could recover their modesty.
The greeting "Namaste" is commonly used in our spiritual community and is pronounced "Namastay.” In Sanskrit it literally translates to, Namas:"I bow” Te:“to you." It is often expressed with two hands pressed together near the heart center with the head gently bowed, and eyes closed. Thus Namaste is both a Mantra (sacred sound) and a Mudra (sacred gesture.) The hands held in union signify the oneness of the apparent duality: left and right, masculine and feminine, spirit and matter, or the ego-self meeting the higher-self.
Namaste is sometimes expressed by bringing the fingers of the clasped palms to the forehead, where they touch the brow, the site of the mystic Third Eye. A third form of Namaste brings the palms completely above the head, a gesture said to focus consciousness in the subtle space just above Crown Chakra. This form is so full of reverence it is reserved for the Almighty and the holiest of the gurus.
According to Hindu Today magazine, the essential expanded meaning of this gesture is the same as silently saying, "I see the deity in us both, and bow before Him or Her. I acknowledge the holiness of even this mundane meeting. I cannot separate that which is spiritual in us from that which is human and ordinary."
Enjoy the dance,
Kamala Devi
http://www.blisscoach.com
For a Complimentary Trial Session Call M-F 10am-6pm: 1-858-272-2254 or Kamala@blisscoach.com
The greeting "Namaste" is commonly used in our spiritual community and is pronounced "Namastay.” In Sanskrit it literally translates to, Namas:"I bow” Te:“to you." It is often expressed with two hands pressed together near the heart center with the head gently bowed, and eyes closed. Thus Namaste is both a Mantra (sacred sound) and a Mudra (sacred gesture.) The hands held in union signify the oneness of the apparent duality: left and right, masculine and feminine, spirit and matter, or the ego-self meeting the higher-self.
Namaste is sometimes expressed by bringing the fingers of the clasped palms to the forehead, where they touch the brow, the site of the mystic Third Eye. A third form of Namaste brings the palms completely above the head, a gesture said to focus consciousness in the subtle space just above Crown Chakra. This form is so full of reverence it is reserved for the Almighty and the holiest of the gurus.
According to Hindu Today magazine, the essential expanded meaning of this gesture is the same as silently saying, "I see the deity in us both, and bow before Him or Her. I acknowledge the holiness of even this mundane meeting. I cannot separate that which is spiritual in us from that which is human and ordinary."
Enjoy the dance,
Kamala Devi
http://www.blisscoach.com
For a Complimentary Trial Session Call M-F 10am-6pm: 1-858-272-2254 or Kamala@blisscoach.com
Tuesday, March 1
Altar Your Spirituality
Want to take you Spirituality to the next level? I recommend creating and sustaining a physical Altar in your own home. This is a simple and effective way to raise your vibration on an ongoing basis. An Alter is a sacred space where you place your inspirational/devotional objects and consciously practice prayer, ritual, magic, or meditation. The specifics of one’s altar are as individual and personal as the contents of one’s diary. Following are 6 easy guidelines to optimize the potency of your Altar.
1. Clarify your intention. What do you want to create your altar for? To find peace, manifest abundance, attract love, decorate your home, balance your feminine and masculine energies, increase your connection to Spirit… Pick a primary purpose, and allow it to evolve with your practice.
2. Find a physical location. Not everyone has the luxury to designate a whole room, but if you can, fabulous. I’ve seen gorgeous altars in bedrooms, offices, kitchens and back yards and entrances. Next, decide on a direction to face. It’s widely believed in belief systems ranging from Vastu to Wicca, that altars are best facing North or East, however, there is some debate as to whether the altar should face a desired direction or if YOU face that direction when sitting in front of it. I say, unless you’re already following a specific doctrine, use your intuition.
3. Chose a surface. Altars can be anything from a upside-down orange crate, to elaborate woodwork on an ancient ritual table. Counter tops, dressers, and coffee tables also make great altar spaces, as long as they’re not used to dump keys and pocket change on when you come home. By dedicating a specific space only to Spirit, I’ve found that Spirit flows more freely through all other spaces in my daily life. Dressing the surface with the right fabric can help preserve this energy. Be mindful of the color and textureof the scarf, cloth, or lace that you chose. Some Wiccan practices involve changing alter cloths with each changing season.
5. Arrange your sacred objects. Instinctually, you may know which Deity makes the best centerpiece because it has the most resonance for you. I grew up with an altar of Virgin de Guadalupe in my mother’s bedroom, while my father had Buddha in his office. It’s OK to have multiple symbols for multiple purposes, but I recommend you arrange them as symmetrically as possible. In India, I took mantra initiation in front of an altar with 22 realized beings, 10 wisdom goddess, 9 planetary deities and 1 peacock in a pear tree ;-) Tantra practitioners often dawn both God and Goddess on their altars to express of the duality of nature. Mother can be represented with symbols of earth, water, rounded stones, bowls, flowers and/or statues of divine feminine usually placed on the left half of the altar. Whereas Father can be represented on the right side with horns, lingam shapes, feathers, blades, pictures of gurus, and/or something your father gave you. I now have my Shiva Lingam in the middle of my altar because the base is Shakti’s yoni and together these symbols represent the ‘androgynous ideal’ and spiritual Non-duality.
6. Energize your altar. You may initiate your sacred space in any number of ways: calling in the four directions, ringing bells, burning sage, sprinkling salt water, or simply praying for protection. Once initiated, you will continue to add and change the symbols as you please. Each time I approach my altar, I bring an offering: a fresh flower, a penny found on the sidewalk, a card my lover gave me, a check my client wrote, an inspiring quote, light for the candles, oils, crystals, herbs or incense. When each sacred object has been energized, I remove from the altar, with the same mindfulness in which I originally brought them.
Most recently, my offering has been my open heart and empty hands. I practice staying open to whatever arises in this space. You may be surprised to one day find yourself journaling, reading, or channeling here. The powerful symbology on your altar reflects your own dynamic goals and beliefs. The energy raised here is cumulative. With time, simply being in front of your alter will align you. According to spiritual law, whatever energy you put into consciously raising the vibration of your inner world, will be matched with like vibration from the outer world. Let me know what you’re consciously creating, and how I can help you manifest magic this month.
Have fun with the co-creation; enjoy the dance,
Kamala Devi
http://www.blisscoach.com
For a Complimentary Trial Session Call M-F 10am-6pm: 1-858-272-2254 or Kamala@blisscoach.com
1. Clarify your intention. What do you want to create your altar for? To find peace, manifest abundance, attract love, decorate your home, balance your feminine and masculine energies, increase your connection to Spirit… Pick a primary purpose, and allow it to evolve with your practice.
2. Find a physical location. Not everyone has the luxury to designate a whole room, but if you can, fabulous. I’ve seen gorgeous altars in bedrooms, offices, kitchens and back yards and entrances. Next, decide on a direction to face. It’s widely believed in belief systems ranging from Vastu to Wicca, that altars are best facing North or East, however, there is some debate as to whether the altar should face a desired direction or if YOU face that direction when sitting in front of it. I say, unless you’re already following a specific doctrine, use your intuition.
3. Chose a surface. Altars can be anything from a upside-down orange crate, to elaborate woodwork on an ancient ritual table. Counter tops, dressers, and coffee tables also make great altar spaces, as long as they’re not used to dump keys and pocket change on when you come home. By dedicating a specific space only to Spirit, I’ve found that Spirit flows more freely through all other spaces in my daily life. Dressing the surface with the right fabric can help preserve this energy. Be mindful of the color and textureof the scarf, cloth, or lace that you chose. Some Wiccan practices involve changing alter cloths with each changing season.
5. Arrange your sacred objects. Instinctually, you may know which Deity makes the best centerpiece because it has the most resonance for you. I grew up with an altar of Virgin de Guadalupe in my mother’s bedroom, while my father had Buddha in his office. It’s OK to have multiple symbols for multiple purposes, but I recommend you arrange them as symmetrically as possible. In India, I took mantra initiation in front of an altar with 22 realized beings, 10 wisdom goddess, 9 planetary deities and 1 peacock in a pear tree ;-) Tantra practitioners often dawn both God and Goddess on their altars to express of the duality of nature. Mother can be represented with symbols of earth, water, rounded stones, bowls, flowers and/or statues of divine feminine usually placed on the left half of the altar. Whereas Father can be represented on the right side with horns, lingam shapes, feathers, blades, pictures of gurus, and/or something your father gave you. I now have my Shiva Lingam in the middle of my altar because the base is Shakti’s yoni and together these symbols represent the ‘androgynous ideal’ and spiritual Non-duality.
6. Energize your altar. You may initiate your sacred space in any number of ways: calling in the four directions, ringing bells, burning sage, sprinkling salt water, or simply praying for protection. Once initiated, you will continue to add and change the symbols as you please. Each time I approach my altar, I bring an offering: a fresh flower, a penny found on the sidewalk, a card my lover gave me, a check my client wrote, an inspiring quote, light for the candles, oils, crystals, herbs or incense. When each sacred object has been energized, I remove from the altar, with the same mindfulness in which I originally brought them.
Most recently, my offering has been my open heart and empty hands. I practice staying open to whatever arises in this space. You may be surprised to one day find yourself journaling, reading, or channeling here. The powerful symbology on your altar reflects your own dynamic goals and beliefs. The energy raised here is cumulative. With time, simply being in front of your alter will align you. According to spiritual law, whatever energy you put into consciously raising the vibration of your inner world, will be matched with like vibration from the outer world. Let me know what you’re consciously creating, and how I can help you manifest magic this month.
Have fun with the co-creation; enjoy the dance,
Kamala Devi
http://www.blisscoach.com
For a Complimentary Trial Session Call M-F 10am-6pm: 1-858-272-2254 or Kamala@blisscoach.com
Tuesday, February 1
What's The Red Dot
Beloved One,
Since we’ve returned from South India, many people have asked about the significance of the ornamental mark which often adorns the space between my eyebrows. So I thought you might like to hear a few reflections on the subject: In Southern states, I noticed that both girls and women wear these bindis, but I’ve been told that in many Northern parts of India, only married woman wear them to demonstrate their marital status. It’s believed that the beautiful bindi will usher prosperity into a newlywed’s home. It’s also known as a caste mark and the decorations of the bindi can indicate the bearer’s class. In traditional Hindu temples, the priest often doles out a pinch of kumkum powder to every participant (men and women) after each puja. During worship, my tantra teacher would apply the bindi for me while chanting a mantra to invoke the Shakti within me. Traditional bindi’s are red or maroon made from a pinch of vermilion, kumkum or red tumeric powder applied skillfully with the ring finger of the right hand.
The advent of the sticker bindi is an easy-to-use alternative to the powder which offers a wide range colors, shapes and sizes. Today, the bindi is more of a fashion statement , it’s becoming as popular in the states to wear these beautiful and intriguing jewels, as as if they were earrings or eye make-up. Many Hollywood performers wear them, including Madonna and Barbra Striesand. Please join me at any of these fabulous upcoming events, and if you ask me, I’ll be happy to bindi-ize you on that you can feel it’s power for yourself.
In service of the divine,
Kamala Devi
For a Complimentary Trial Session Call M-F 10am-6pm: 1-858-272-2254 or Kamala@blisscoach.com www.blisscoach.com.
Since we’ve returned from South India, many people have asked about the significance of the ornamental mark which often adorns the space between my eyebrows. So I thought you might like to hear a few reflections on the subject: In Southern states, I noticed that both girls and women wear these bindis, but I’ve been told that in many Northern parts of India, only married woman wear them to demonstrate their marital status. It’s believed that the beautiful bindi will usher prosperity into a newlywed’s home. It’s also known as a caste mark and the decorations of the bindi can indicate the bearer’s class. In traditional Hindu temples, the priest often doles out a pinch of kumkum powder to every participant (men and women) after each puja. During worship, my tantra teacher would apply the bindi for me while chanting a mantra to invoke the Shakti within me. Traditional bindi’s are red or maroon made from a pinch of vermilion, kumkum or red tumeric powder applied skillfully with the ring finger of the right hand.
The advent of the sticker bindi is an easy-to-use alternative to the powder which offers a wide range colors, shapes and sizes. Today, the bindi is more of a fashion statement , it’s becoming as popular in the states to wear these beautiful and intriguing jewels, as as if they were earrings or eye make-up. Many Hollywood performers wear them, including Madonna and Barbra Striesand. Please join me at any of these fabulous upcoming events, and if you ask me, I’ll be happy to bindi-ize you on that you can feel it’s power for yourself.
In service of the divine,
Kamala Devi
For a Complimentary Trial Session Call M-F 10am-6pm: 1-858-272-2254 or Kamala@blisscoach.com www.blisscoach.com.
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