Practicing non-conceptual awareness

Photo by Eileen MacAvery Kane

Photo by Eileen MacAvery Kane

“…the lilacs flung their fragrance to the air”
(from “The Lilacs Mother Planted” by Ed Blair)

Lilacs, so fragrant and fresh at this time of year, remind us of the fleeting moments we share with nature every day. Buddhist teachings about “non-conceptual awareness” encourage us to experience the natural world without preconceptions. Continue reading Practicing non-conceptual awareness

Surrounded by Love

Photo by Eileen MacAvery Kane

Photo by Eileen MacAvery Kane

Love is the poetry of the senses.  ~Honoré de Balzac

The vibrant and electric shades of green that surround us in spring are like no other.  Continue reading Surrounded by Love

Watching the garden dance

garden

“Kathy’s Garden,” photo by Eileen MacAvery Kane

“Every tree and plant in the meadow seemed to be dancing those which average eyes would see as fixed and still.”
~Rumi

Wide angle vision is a concept that was introduced to me by Donna Brickwood, founder of Sacred Space. It extends our vision to the most outer edges of the periphery. It is amazing how it increases your awareness of your surroundings and anchors you more firmly into the present moment. Once you begin to practice wide angle vision, another dimension opens up.

Sources:
http://seeksacredspace.com/?page_id=112
http://www.natureskills.com/outdoor-safety/owl-eyes/

The Power of Kuan Yin

Artwork by Eileen MacAvery Kane

Artwork by Eileen MacAvery Kane

Abundance and love are always there Continue reading The Power of Kuan Yin

Howl!

Artwork by Eileen MacAvery Kane

Artwork by Eileen MacAvery Kane

Transmitter of truth, the throat chakra rings out for freedom and clarity. This is our communication center, gateway to our inner and outer worlds.  Continue reading Howl!

The 3 Pillars of Practice

Photo by Eileen MacAvery Kane

Photo by Eileen MacAvery Kane

Daily meditation practice is important. It will helps us develop the ability to see thoughts clearly and be present. However, to develop a truly satisfying experience we need to incorporate the 3 pillars of practice, and ultimately bring meditation into all aspects of our life. Continue reading The 3 Pillars of Practice

Root Chakra Exercise

roots

Artwork by Eileen MacAvery Kane

Our first chakra, Muladhara, the root chakra, affects us at the level of our basic needs. Our physical safety, health, and anxiety over finances to fulfill our basic needs – food, clothing, and shelter. When we feel threatened for our safety, or any of other first chakra issues, we can strengthen ourselves by tapping into the power of our root chakra.

Use this visualization exercise to strengthen your root chakra:

Imagine a grounding cord that runs from your spine deep into the earth. Imagine in your mind’s eye any excessive mental energy running down your spine and dissipating through the grounding cord into earth. Imagine the grounding cord growing roots, like giant trees. Picture the roots of your grounding cord intermingling with the roots of the giant trees. Now imagine that you can draw energy up from the earth through your grounding cord. Picture the same centered strength of the trees being accessible to you.

Source:
Chakras for Beginners, by David Pond

Reflections

Photo by Eileen MacAvery Kane

Photo by Eileen MacAvery Kane

There is so much beauty in life,

Beauty in the human soul,

Beauty in the heart and in the mind

Of the good man and woman.

There is beauty in nature,

Beauty in the sky and in the clouds,

In the mountains and in the sea.

There is beauty in the creative work of man,

Beauty in true friendship.

And immeasurable beauty in love.

All God’s blessings

To delight us in this world.

Lighten Up

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Artwork by Eileen MacAvery Kane

“Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.”
—Anonymous

It’s easy to get caught up in the seriousness of health and well being. When we are striving to make improvements to our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves, we take it very seriously. Remember to lighten up—not only will you breath easier, you will also experience a sense of freedom.

Shine a Light on Your Fears

Artwork by Eileen MacAvery Kane

We all live with fear—whether it’s a gentle murmur in the background, or a tsunami wave about to crash down upon us.  Continue reading Shine a Light on Your Fears