Hello!

Today, I’m sharing my reflections on a passage from A Course in Miracles. I’ve been reading this book for a good part of the year. It’s so deep and beautiful that I only read a few pages at a time to let it all sink in.

The section I’m sharing today is perfect for this time of year. As New Years is right around the corner, this reading is about goal-setting. The Course says it's important to set clear goals for your life. When you have clear goals, you perceive everything that happens in your life as part of your journey. Seemingly good or bad, all events are leading your towards your goals.

In contrast, the ego, which we all have, prefers to react to situations as they are. In other words, your ego lets the situation determine the outcome. Your ego prefers to take a reactionary approach to life. Your higher self sets clear goals and takes intentional action. It sees everything as part of the bigger picture.

This idea reminds me of a beautiful Rumi quote:

Live life as if everything is rigged in your favor

And so, I’m going to close today’s blog with that. As you move into 2019, “live life as if everything is rigged in your favor…” and see how this mindset pulls you forward.

Love, Sheetal

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My birthday was earlier this week and I bought myself a beautiful wall hanging (you can check it out in the video!). It’s purple with heart-shaped leaves. It reads “Radiate boundless love towards the entire world.” I saw it in the store and my heart burst open with love! I had to get it!! I’ve kept this wall in my office empty for months now. And, I was looking for the perfect thing that would inspire and uplift me every time I look at it.
 
You see, it’s so important to surround yourself with things that inspire and uplift you. Your brain is receiving information from the environment all the time. Your brain has to process everything that you take in through your 5 senses. So, why not make it easy on yourself by exposing yourself to things are positive and uplifting?
 
The fact is its all too easy these days to find the negative. All you need to do is turn on the news or pick up a newspaper. It’s easy to find things that can bring you down or make you feel heavy, sad, upset or even angry! The thing is we have to process and digest all that! That stuff is always going to be there. You can go back to it anytime if you like. But, why not create space in your home, office, or even your car that's sacred? And, if the word “sacred” doesn’t resonate with you, no worries! All I mean by that is creating spaces that inspire, uplift, and bring positivity into your life. Give your senses, emotions, and mind a break. Give your brain something light, joyful, and positive to process!
 
For me, that means hanging up things like this new wall hanging. It means lighting candles and putting up pictures of my family. For you, it could be things like photos of your friends, family, or artwork. It could be writing affirmations on index cards and then posting those around your house. It can take on any form that resonates with you the most.
 
Let me know if you try this! Pick one place to start. Maybe your office desk, kitchen, or car? Any little bit goes a long way! Leave a comment to let me know how you changed your space and how that made you feel!
 
Love,
Sheetal
 
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Have the holiday parties started for you? They have for me!

I went to one last night and have another one next week. Then, of course the actual holidays and New Years after that. Not to mention my birthday is this month and three of my closest friends have birthday’s this month too! So, I know what it’s like to over-indulge this month with sweets, desserts, and yummy holiday food. That’s why I’m sharing two tricks from Ayurveda to help you digest all that delicious holiday food!

These practices are for after you’ve already eaten the heavy meal. You may be feeling heavy, slow, and dull from the meal. So, here are two awesome things you can try:

1. Rest on the left side of your bodyThat’s it. Super simple. Lay down on the left side of your body for about 10- 20 minutes. Take a little nap or siesta! The key is laying down on the left side of your body. According to Ayurveda, that will help you digest your food.
2. Sit in a yoga pose called Vajrasana or Thunderbolt poseTo do this pose, you sit on your heels. Keep reading or watch the video to learn this pose. Bend your knees with your feet behind you. Then, sit back on your heels. If you have tight ankles, you can grab a block or cushion. Lift your hips off your heels, scoot your feet apart, and slide the block or cushion between your feet. Then, sit your hips down on the block or cushion. Sitting in this pose for few minutes will help you to digest your meal.

So, I just ate lunch and I’m going to lay down on my left side!

I’ll catch you next week!

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Hi!

Today, I’m going to show you another pose that’s great for the fall season! It’s also great any time of the year if you’re working on re-aligning a vata energy issue. What’s a vata energy issue? Ayurveda describes Vata as the energy of Air and Ether. If you know your Ayurvedic constitution, then you know if you have a high level of vata energy. If you have no idea what I’m talking about when I say “vata issues,” no worries! For today’s blog, know that this is a great pose for the season no matter your underlying constitution. And, you can check out my library of Ayurveda blogs anytime to get more info on Ayurveda!

For today, let’s dive right into the pose! It’s called Reclined Pigeon and is a great stretch for the hips. This is what makes it such a great pose for the Fall. The Vata energy that governs the Fall season is also related to our hips. That means the energy of the season has the potential to affect your hips (joint pain, stiffness). Depending on the variation you choose to practice, reclined pigeon is also a great pose for digestion. Experience is the best teacher, so let’s do it together! Follow along here, or watch the video:

1. Lay on your back
2. Bring the soles of your feet down to the Earth and then draw your right knee into your chest.
3. Open your right hip out to the side so that your right ankle comes to the top of your left leg. Flex that right foot to protect your knee. You might already be feeling this stretch in your right hip. If so, then hold here.
4. If you’re looking for a deeper stretch, then continue to the next step. Note that I don’t want to you experience any pain. Listen to your body and if you’re feeling pain, then back off from the pose. You’re looking for a lovely stretch without any pain.
5. If you choose to, take your right arm through your legs and your left hand to the outside of the left leg. You’re bringing your hands to your left leg, drawing it into your chest. Keep your left foot flexed. You want to keep both feet flexed here to protect your knees. In this variation, you are causing a slight compression of your abdominal cavity. This aids in digestion.
6. Pay attention. Are you noticing any sensations in your body? Let go of judgement and notice how your body feels in this pose. Hold the pose for 5-10 breaths before moving onto the other side.

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Leave a comment and let me know how you enjoyed this pose! Any questions or challenges? Let me know of that too!

Love,
Sheetal

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