Namaste Yogis and Yoginis,

Welcome to Yogalicious #24. This issue continues to build on last month's theme Meditation. I offer tips how to begin and deepen your practice as well as how to bring the benefits you develop back into your life. In addition, this is a great time to remember that meditation and yoga practice can help cultivate peace within ourselves - which ultimately radiates out to affect all those with whom we come into contact with. One by one, we can make a difference!

With Joy,
Jillian

"Peace is not a relationship of nations. It is a condition of mind brought about by a serenity of soul. Peace is not merely the absence of war. It is also a state of mind. Lasting peace can come only to peaceful people." — Jawaharlal Nehru

In her new book Comfort with Uncertainty, Pema Chodron writes "It's helpful to always remind yourself that meditation is about opening and relaxing with whatever arises, without picking and choosing. It's definitely not meant to repress anything, and it's not intended to encourage grasping, either…Sitting meditation gives us a way to move closer to our thoughts and emotions and to get in touch with our bodies. It is a method of cultivating unconditional friendliness toward ourselves and for parting the curtain of indifference, that distances us from the suffering of others. It is our vehicle for learning to be a truly loving person... "   back to top

In late September, 38 fun-loving yogis joined me for a rejuvenating adventure in the Berkshires. This was one of my favorite retreats so far! We shared delicious yoga and meditation sessions in an incredible sacred barn, ate scrumptious gourmet meals, relaxed in hammocks, toasted marshmallows over a campfire, hiked through the aromatic woods, and simply had a great country weekend! We also participated in the Global Peace Meditation where each of us spent an hour together in silence - individually meditating, journaling or practicing yoga with the intention of praying for world disarmament and peace. Check out the Photos at: http://www.yogajillian.com   back to top

Observe yourself in your next conversation. Do you listen fully? Do you mostly think about what you want to say next? When we are thinking of what we want to say it's hard to listen fully or really hear what the other is saying. When your mind is jumping to the next thing to do, it's hard to be fully present with what you are actually doing. Same with yoga; when you are thinking of how you want the pose to be, or how you think you should be in the pose, it's hard to experience yourself fully, as you actually are in that moment. For me, yoga and meditation practice are about becoming more present, cultivating receptivity, and learning to relax with the various conditions that spontaneously arise. With this intention, each pose evolves slowly, mindfully. I become more receptive and able to bloom into my fullest potential in each pose, in each moment. Try it in your next practice, move into your poses as if you are having a conversation with yourself. Practice listening instead of talking. Listen compassionately, without judgement. Eventually, with practice, you can learn to take this approach into your daily activities more.  back to top