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Category Archives: Wisdom
Image“My Poses Are My Prayers” – B.K.S. Iyengar
“A Journey Of A Thousand Miles Begins With A Single Step” — The Way Of Lao-Tzu
February 11, 2013 in Balance, Knowledge, Life, Photos, Quotes, Self, Spirituality, Wisdom
Tagged Inner Wisdom, Jennifer Miller, Journeys, Lao Tzu, Life, Pictures, Quotes, Wisdom
Reflections On My Daughter “Standing Up Against Bullying And Cruelty In High School”
By Jennifer Miller
My daughter told me last night about a girl she knew at school who was being bullied. She was visibly upset and showed me a horrific text that had been sent by the boy who had been verbally “attacking” this young lady.
I too had been bullied by neighborhood boys, one of which, later in life, ended up in jail. My daughter had been bullied the prior week, and stood up to the boys (and girls). She showed incredible courage in standing up for herself, while making a stand for justice and what is right.
She posted a statement on her Facebook page regarding the injustice. Some kids rallied around her, while others attacked her because she choose to say speak her mind. We talked further about what could be done to help the girl, and it was decided to bring the actions (and text) to the attention of the school. She felt that it was important to support her classmate. Dangerous and cruel actions have consequences in life.
As I watch my daughter navigate life, and stand for ethics, morals and values, I know in my heart that she will make a difference in the world.
Being kind unlocks so many doors in this harsh world. I truly believe that if every single person in America operated out of love and not out of fear and hatred, all problems would be solved. Selfishness, killings, oppression, drugs, healthcare, unemployment, war, religion, poverty, bullying… Think about it. What if people operated out of love, and treated YOU with kindness? Would you be a happier person? Would you be kinder to others?
People who are victims of these problems often need your help more than any one else. Empathize with them. Everyone has a story to tell, and sometimes words aren’t the only way of crying out for help. BE KIND. I guarantee your life will change, and so will the those who are the beneficiaries of your love and empathy. If not for anyone else, do it for yourself. Savannah Robison
Namaste
Posted in Bullying, Cruelty, Daughters, Knowledge, Life, Wisdom, Women
Tagged Bullying, Daughters, Jennifer Miller, Pain, Reflections, Savannah Robison, Strength, Values
“To Be Able To Stay In Our Heart…Takes Openness, Expansion And Learning To Be Vulnerable”
By Jennifer Miller
To be able to stay in our heart as we navigate life is truly beautiful. It takes openness, expansion and learning to be vulnerable. My heart is like my inner guidance system, giving signals energetically. If something feels right, it sings with happiness; negative energy is sensed as well.
“When we complete the journey to our own heart, we will find ourselves in the hearts of everyone else.”
Father Thomas Keating, in Be The Change
I have realized what a gift my journey has been, with the most difficult times opening my heart even more. I now feel a connectedness, a oneness with all.
Namaste
Posted in Awareness, Feelings, Freedom, Happiness, Heart-Based Healing, Knowledge, Life, Mindfulness, Reflections, Soul, Spirituality, Wisdom, Women, Yoga
Tagged Balance, Heart, Heart-Based Healing, Inner Wisdom, Jennifer Miller, Life, Wisdom
Reflections On Raising Daughters To Call On Their Own Masculine While Maintaining Their Feminine
By Jennifer Miller
Witnessing my daughters Navigating life and
Concerned they do not haveA father around.They have learned to callOn their own masculineWhile maintaining their feminine.Transforming their painInto strength.Sorrow into wisdom.Broken hearts into kindness and compassion.Their wit and humor is always present.So many gifts come out of the struggles andJourney of life when we look close enoughTo see all the beauty and blessings.
Namaste
“Feelings Are Like Fluid Waves Of Energy…Like The Ebb And Flow Of Tides, The Waning And Waxing Of The Moon” – Anita Johnson
“Feelings are like fluid waves of energy. Like the waves we see in the ocean, they come in, peak, and pass, come in, peak, and pass. They have a natural cyclical rhythm like the ebb and flow of tides, the waning and waxing of the moon. The flow of feeling is as natural as the flow of life itself.”
From “Eating In The Light Of The Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationship With Food Through Myths, Metaphors, And Storytelling” by Anita Johnson
The Advantages Of Doing Yoga: “You Will No Longer Be A Slave To Your Body…The Greatest Gift You Can Receive.” – Vanda Scaravelli
“Your everyday activities will improve and become more efficient. You will have less time for useless occupations that are constantly in the way, preventing your contact with more essential things;
You are going to have a better digestion if you do some poses before eating when you are tired;
You will need to sleep fewer hours, as your body will be more relaxed during the night;
You will gain a few inches, eliminating that curve along the back of the spine, and therefore you are going to be a little taller;
You will be able to stand for hours without getting tired, if you gravitate properly on your heels with the knees straight;
You will be able to improve the poses, as there is no end in progress;
You are going to straighten yourself if one part of the body is weaker than the other, by paying a lot of attention while doing your poses, and by continuing this attention throughout the day you will reach a better balance;
You will no longer be a slave to your body, as the independence from it is the greatest gift your can receive.”
From: “Awakening the Spine: The Stress-free New Yoga That Works with the Body to Restore Health, Vitality and Energy” by Vanda Scaravelli
Posted in Asanas, Freedom, Heart-Based Healing, Knowledge, Life, Mindfulness, Quotes, Wisdom, Women, Yoga
Tagged Asanas, Freedom, Health Benefits, Jennifer Miller, Poses, Postures, Vanda Scaravelli, Yoga
“Young Women Striving To Keep Their Lives And Thoughts Present” At The Recovery House
By Jennifer Miller
Monday morning with “the girls” at the recovery home is a time where I arrive with a sense of total love, acceptance and peace. To stand in judgment is to bring negative energy, which these young, recovering addicts do not need more of. I stay present within myself, and strive to be an instrument of healing.
At the end of this week’s session, one of the doors suddenly opened and parole officers came storming in. It was clearly their intent to demonstrate an aggressive show of authority. I tried to remain centered to reassure the girls, but the look of fear in their faces shook me to my core. Young children watched as the women, and their mothers, were searched for drugs. All were clean but the negative effects would be felt long after the officers left. These women are constantly being haunted by their past, which prevents them from stabilizing in the present moment. As long as they can keep their thoughts present, they can change their thinking and not act on “a lower level”.
Click to Purchase
“By aligning yourself with thoughts of infinite love for yourself and others, you gain dominion over the lower thought forms of the world.” From “The Law of Divine Compensation: On Work, Money, and Miracles” by Marianne Williamson
I left them with a lesson of love, where if we can unite and live as one, the world will be a great place where separation no longer exists.
Namaste
Posted in Addiction, Asanas, Awareness, Darkness, Heart-Based Healing, Hope, Life, Recovery, Spirituality, Wisdom, Women, Yoga
Tagged Addicts, In The Moment, Jennifer Miller, Present, Recovery, Recovery House, Young Women
Consciously Practicing Non-Attachment Allows Us To Go Inward And “Let Go”…Bringing Inner Peace
By Jennifer Miller
The practice of non-attachment has provided me with tools to navigate through life. Life will always present obstacles that we have no control over. So it is important to always be aware that I am able to choose how to react. By choosing to let go of a negative thought, emotion or event, I trust in the process and am quickly filled with inner peace.
By quieting my mind, I am consciously practicing non-attachment as I go inward and carry out my responsibilities without having expectations of others.
Remaining detached, I am able to truly discern what things are without self-interest and/or personal judgment. I better understand the workings of nature and the course it takes. Non-attachment allows me to view ‘My Soul’, seeing myself for who I am and why I am here.
Knowing what is mine,Aware of what is not.My business, your businessAnd God’s business….
Namaste
Posted in Attachment, Breathing, Detachment, Life, Meditation, Mind, Mindfulness, Wisdom, Women, Yoga
Tagged Detachment, Inner Peace, Letting Go, Mindfulness, Non-attachment, Quieting the Mind
“When You Are Steadfast In Your Abstention Of Thoughts Of Harm…” – Patanjali
“When you are steadfast in your abstention of thoughts of harm directed toward yourself and others, all living creatures will cease to feel fear in your presence.”
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Click on Book to Purchase
Posted in Awareness, Freedom, Knowledge, Life, Meditation, Mind, Mindfulness, Quotes, Self, Wisdom
Tagged Abstention, Fear, Harm, Patanjali, Quotes, Yoga Sutras
“Breathing In The New Day…Keeping The Stillness Within My Mind”
By Jennifer Miller
Breathing in the new day,
Gazing at its sunrise beauty.
Gratitude fills my soul.
Ocean is still, reminding me to
Keep the stillness within my mind.
Accepting and knowing that all is
Well and perfect as it is.
Crisp air fills my lungs while
Sounds of nature calm my senses.
Birds chirping and the pond trickles,
Joy rises in my heart.
Namaste
Posted in Asanas, Breathing, Happiness, Life, Meditation, Mind, Mindfulness, Reflections, Self, Silence, Soul, Wisdom, Women, Yoga
Tagged Beauty, Breathing, Jennifer Miller, Mind, Mindfulness, Morning, Quiet, Quieting the Mind, Stillness
“The Present Moment Is Filled With Joy And Happiness…” – Thich Nhat Hanh
“The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”
Thich Nhat Hanh from “Peace Is Every Step: The Path Of Mindfulness In Everyday Life”
Posted in Asanas, Happiness, Life, Mindfulness, Quotes, Reflections, Self, Wisdom, Women, Yoga
Tagged Happiness, In The Moment, Jennifer Miller, Mindfulness, Present, Quotes, Thich Nhat Hanh
Building A Spiritual Altar: A Great Way To Connect With Our Soul As We Begin The New Year
By Jennifer Miller
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Building an Altar is a great wayTo start the New Year.
Have fun with it!!!
Find a special place in your home.
My main altar is where I practice yoga.
There are several other small altars
Around my home that I move around
Depending on my mood and intention.
Ideas of what to place on your Altar:
Deities – I have Quan Yin (Goddess of
compassion), Kali and Mother Mary.
Photographs of loved ones, who I am
praying for.
Mala Prayer Beads.
Fresh Flowers – I like to place something from the earth.
Incense – I imagine the smoke going into the Heavens
with my prayers and intentions for the day.
Candles – I always light one when I am in the home.
Aromatherapy – I love beautiful scent.
Words of Wisdom – Beautiful thoughts as you walk by.
Mirror – To remind me to go within for answers.
Special treasures from travels.
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“May we all find peace within andExtend that love to all that we encounter.”
Happy New Year to you and your loved ones.
Namaste, Jennifer
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(Please note that Mala prayer beads, aromatherapy and candles can
be purchase at the Heart Based Healing Store, with a portion going
to benefit women at risk.)
Posted in Asanas, Gratitude, Heart-Based Healing, Life, Prayers, Reflections, Soul, Spirituality, Wisdom, Women, Yoga
Tagged Altar, Jennifer Miller, Mala Beads, Mirrors, New Year, Pictures, Prayers, Spirituality
Staying In Love, Not Fear…What Is Happening To Our Young Men?
By Jennifer Miller
Staying in love, not fear.Heart sinking.
Innocent children.
Brave, courageous adults.
How could this be?
Tears won’t stop, but
I must pick myself up.
Changing energy by
Sending love, strength, and healing.
What is happening to our young men?
Prayers, prayers, prayers.
Namaste, Jennifer
Posted in Darkness, Forgiveness, Hope, Meditation, Men, Prayers, Reflections, Self, Soul, Suffering, Tragedy, Wisdom, Women
Tagged Energy, Jennifer Miller, Men, Prayers, Tragedy, Young Men
“Possibilities Are The Gifts Of Living For A Higher Purpose”
By Jennifer Miller
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Possibilities areThe gifts of living
For a higher purpose.
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Survival into courage.
Loss created openness
As deception turned to trust.
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Heartache into strength.
Click on book to purchase and benefit Heart Based Healing Foundation.
Knowledge grew to wisdom.
Near-death to greater Life as
Hope found freedom.
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Sorrow into oneness with
Dreams fulfilling vision.
Heart Based Healing.
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I slept and dreamt that life was joy.
I awoke and saw that life was service.
I acted and behold, service was joy.Rabindranath Tagore, Indian Poet and Playwright, as quoted in “Be The Change”, by Ed and Deb Shapiro
Namaste, Jennifer
Posted in Forgiveness, Freedom, Gifts, Gratitude, Heart-Based Healing, Hope, Knowledge, Life, Love, Quotes, Wisdom, Women
Tagged Freedom, Gifts, Heart-Based Healing, Jennifer Miller, Life, Poems, Possiblities
A Time When The Future Can Be “Hope In The Moment” For Women At The Recovery House
By Jennifer Miller
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Greeted with open arms andTaken into their tribe.
Trust, yet so many new young
Women at the Recovery House.
I am here to give hope.
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One girl with a love for yoga is low;
I give her a gentle kiss on the cheek.
Inner thoughts: “we are one”.
Hard life of addiction.
.
Glancing around at all the growing
Bellies with babies inside.
Talk of jail, probation, and the
Reality of where they have been.
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They must climb a mountain to
Gain their lives back.
Finding something special
In each girl’s practice.
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Connecting Mind, Body, and Spirit
Will be transformational.
.
One girl can’t practice so
She sits in lotus, like a yogi.
Arms not moving as they hang
Alongside a stomach holding a new life.
.
Kneeling down to bring my face near
Her face, so that we are heart to heart.
No words, just open hearts.
Click on book to purchase and benefit the Heart Based Healing Foundation.
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Our class and time together end as
Young children rush into mother’s arms.
I see the future.
Today they are clean.
HOPE in the moment.
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“Your primary purpose is now to enableconsciousness to flow into what you do.”
Eckhart Tolle, from “A New Earth: Awakening To Your Life’s Purpose”
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Namaste, Jennifer
Contact Jennifer Miller at yogagoddesslaguna@yahoo.com
Posted in Addiction, Asanas, Child, Daughters, Heart-Based Healing, Hope, Knowledge, Life, Mothers, Pain, Quotes, Trust, Wisdom, Women, Yoga
Tagged Addictions, Addicts, Jennifer Miller, Pregnant Women, Recovery, Recovery House, Women, Yoga, Young Women
Eyes Forever Opened: Is A Young Man’s Recovery Just Down The Road?
By Jennifer Miller
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Beautiful morning to wake upAnd fill the senses with sounds of nature.
Off to spin class for a good sweat.
Gratitude fills my body as
I am alive and healthy.
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Getting ready with my daughter.
Sharing moments and the mirror,
While putting our make-up on.
Gazing at her face, so similar to mine.
Proud of her and the woman she is becoming.
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Heading out to see my son in recovery.
Have been down this road before.
Eyes forever opened, innocence gone.
Strength, courage, wisdom and hope prevail.
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My beautiful boy has 30 days.
Will this be it?
Will he ever know the emotions that
Only a mother could feel?
The sorrow and loss, the heartache?
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Mother and sister will be there to support him.
A young man at 6’3″, but truly just a boy.
We laugh, we share, and feel the pain.
But healing only comes through feeling.
My love for him remains strong, as do the
Memories of joy and laughter through the years.
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Life is life, but how do we respond?
Do we flow with what is?
Are we prepared for the unknown?
Yes, I choose yes!
Just let go and welcome the ride.
.
Namaste, Jennifer Miller
Posted in Addiction, Detachment, Family, Heart-Based Healing, Hope, Knowledge, Life, Love, Men, Mothers, Pain, Recovery, Reflections, Self, Suffering, Wisdom, Women
Tagged Addictions, Jennifer Miller, Life, Recovery, Sons, Wisdom
