SPIRITUAL MEDITATION
YOGA PRACTICE
Yoga Goddess Followers
Category Archives: Yoga
Image“My Poses Are My Prayers” – B.K.S. Iyengar
“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
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
“Yoga Is A Friend To Those Who Embrace It Sincerely…Enables Them To Live Fully…” – B.K.S. Iyengar
“Yoga is a friend to those who embrace it sincerely and totally. It lifts its practitioners from the clutches of pain and sorrow, and enables them to live fully, taking a delight in life. The practice of yoga helps the lazy body to become active and vibrant. It transforms the mind, making it harmonious. Yoga helps to keep one’s body and mind in tune with the essence, the soul, so that all three are blended into one.”
From “Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali” bu B.K.S. Iyengar
Posted in Asanas, Life, Meditation, Quotes, Spirituality, Women, Yoga
Tagged B.K.S. Iyengar, Jennifer Miller, Quotes, Yoga, Yoga Practice
“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
“I Dreamed I Was A Dancer, And What Did I See?” – By Jennifer Miller
January 13, 2013 in Asanas, Dreams, Life, Photos, Reflections, Self, Soul, Spirituality, Women, Yoga
“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
“In An Asana, The Mind Has To Reach Inside The Body To Find A Quiet Space…” – Geeta Iyengar
“In an asana, the mind has to reach inside the body to find a quiet space until a point comes where perfect balance is felt. If the mind is wandering while practicing, then one is not fully present, and there can be no union. Involvement, interpenetration and insight are the required qualities for the practitioner.”
Geeta Iyengar, Eldest Daughter of B.K.S. Iyengar
Building A Spiritual Altar: A Great Way To Connect With Our Soul As We Begin The New Year
By Jennifer Miller
.
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.
.
“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
.
(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
Yoga Pose Weekly: Scorpion Pose (Vrischikasana)
Posted in Asanas, Photos, Women, Yoga
Tagged Jennifer Miller, Pictures, Poses, Scorpion Pose, Vrischikasana, Yoga, YogaPoseWeekly
YogaPose Weekly Photo: “Ushtrasana” Pose By Jennifer Miller In Desert Hot Springs, CA
Posted in Asanas, Photos, Websites, Women, Yoga
Tagged Ashtanga, Jennifer Miller, Photos, Poses, Ushtrasana, Yoga, YogaPoseWeekly
Website Spotlight: “YogaPoseWeekly.com” Features YogaGoddess In Photos Of The Week
Click on photo to vote for Jennifer in Yoga Pose Weekly contest.
A Time When The Future Can Be “Hope In The Moment” For Women At The Recovery House
By Jennifer Miller
.
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.
.
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.
.
They must climb a mountain to
Gain their lives back.
Finding something special
In each girl’s practice.
.
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.
.
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.
.
“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”
.
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
“Lighting Candles, Hanging Lights And Letting Things Be With Words By Paul Ferrini”
By Jennifer Miller
.
Fire up the Pavoni.Morning coffee, so good.
Lighting candles and incense as
I start my morning yoga practice.
Arriving on the mat is like coming home again.
.
Beautiful morning walking the dogs, aka “the babies”.
Breathing in the coves of Laguna ahhh!!
Breakfast at the local cafe; cool people, artist types.
Walking out, a homeless woman under a blanket.
All I can see is one foot.
My heart sinks and I want to ask her what she needs?
I know she is probably an addict.
.
Back home to make homemade granola.
A yum yum Christmas tradition.
Looking through the mail and
a child support check arrives.
It’s been a while.
.
My mind goes to the last 5 years.
No father in these kid’s lives.
No anger… only hope.
Could this man possibly change?
.
I let it go to the Spirit and check my heart.
It’s in a good place.
Forgiveness is there.
.
My beloved hangs Christmas lights.
So many years without lights.
They symbolize healing for my family.
.
I look around….
No lights in the small neighborhood.
We have been judged here.
A single mom and trouble with her son.
.
Interesting.
We are the ones with lights.
.
A big lesson in my journey: do not judge by the outside.
.
Open up a new book.
Click on book to purchase and benefit the Heart Based Healing Foundation.
A favorite thing to do.
Reading, deep reflections come to me.
.
The poetic words of Paul Ferrini:
.
Life is constantly asking us to make adjustments,to give up our agenda.It is asking us to give up the conceit that we know the way things are supposed to be.Letting things be is a way of saying to God“I’m willing to dance with you.”From “Dancing With The Beloved”.
.
Namaste, Jennifer Miller
Contact Jennifer Miller at yogagoddesslaguna@yahoo.com
Posted in Balance, Family, Forgiveness, Freedom, Gratitude, Heart-Based Healing, Hope, Knowledge, Life, Light, Mothers, Pain, Poems, Quotes, Recovery, Reflections, Soul, Spirituality, Trust, Wisdom, Women, Yoga
Tagged Candles, Dogs, Jennifer Miller, Life, Light, Lights, Paul Ferrini, Quotes, Yoga, Yoga Mat, Yoga Practice
No Easy Day With Addictions: “A Donut…Really?”
By Jennifer Miller
The term “tough love” is often used when dealing with loved ones who are battling addictions, and it is often “tough” to know when to detach and let them go. My youngest son has been in and out rehabs as a minor and, now, as an adult at 19, reached out to me for help in getting into a recovery program.
“There are no decisions; there is only interaction with what is in front of you. Decisions come because you have attachments, desires, and fears. The only thing that will help you is to let go…”
Michael Singer, from “The Untethered Soul”
Ultimately, letting them go will help them “save themselves”. Fixing and constantly rescuing will only enable. Letting go is the hardest thing a parent can do. But an honest request for help must be listened to. So I got him into a 30-day detox and recovery program and prayed that he would welcome sobriety.
I have learned to expect the unexpected with addicts, and, sure enough, after just a few days, his father arrived with a donut… The man has not been a part of his children’s lives for years, and now suddenly appears AFTER his son goes into recovery and brings him a donut.
Contact Jennifer Miller at yogagoddesslaguna@yahoo.com
I felt anger but knew I had to take the higher road. I used breath control to calm my mind and soothe the wound that reopened in my heart. As I bring food to my son later that week, I thought how humorous it would be to bring a dozen donuts. But healthy granola bars, fruit, nuts, toiletries, clothes and books will have to do.
An addicts journey is ultimately their own, but if burdens loved ones with its ups and downs and…craziness. I pray that I can remain strong for my family, and hopefully give others the courage to remain hopeful and make the right choices during times of struggle.
Namaste, Jennifer Miller
Posted in Addiction, Child, Detachment, Family, Hope, Knowledge, Life, Mindfulness, Mothers, Quotes, Soul, Wisdom, Women, Yoga
Tagged Addictions, Addicts, Drug Addiction, Jennifer Miller, Michael Singer, Mothers, Quotes, Sons
Sadness And Reflection On The Ravages Of Addiction At The Recovery House
By Jennifer Miller
I walked in and immediately noticed that there were several girls missing at the Recovery Home. When I was told that they had used and left the program, a wave of sadness and reality washed over me. One of them had been in the last trimester of her pregnancy, and was on bed rest due to early labor. She loved the meditation portion of our sessions and would lay on a couch and hold one of the newborn children. Everything about her convinced me she would be a nurturing mother.
Rational minds will never understand the impossible draw of the disease of addiction. This woman was excited about the future and the birth of her child while in recovery. I never saw signs that she would use. With some of the girls, I felt an increase in negative energy and knew that they were losing their battle to stay clean. Now she was on the street.
It is so difficult to remain detached and unemotionally involved. These girls have opened up their hearts and their world to me.
One of the new girls remarked that the last time she was in rehab, the yoga teacher didn’t allow talking. But healing can only come about by opening up. Meditation is the time to be silent.
yogagoddesslaguna@yahoo.com
From the first day of teaching and mentoring these young women, I came in with an open mind and heart. They felt accepted and were not judged by me. It is my Dharma to support these women and their families through these devastating times of addiction. I have been there and felt how alone you can feel as my ex-husband and two sons battled addictions.
If you need support through a time of transition and struggle, know that I can be on your team. You are not alone.
Namaste, Jennifer Miller
Posted in Addiction, Darkness, Detachment, Knowledge, Life, Recovery, Reflections, Women, Yoga
Tagged Addictions, Addicts, Drug Addiction, Jennifer Miller, Pregnant Women, Recovery, Recovery House, Women
“A Life Of Dharma Is Exactly Like A Great Yoga Posture…An Experience So Far Beyond Any Pleasure You’ve Ever Had…” – Stephen Cope
Dharma: Knowledge of or duty to undertake conduct set forth by the Buddha as a way to enlightenment.
“…A Life of dharma is exactly like a great yoga posture. Everything must be aligned around the spine. The dharma is a strict taskmaster. It will require you to reach — to work at your maximum potential.
In order to do this, you will have to learn to take better care of yourself. You will have to sleep and eat properly…You will probably have to create a regular schedule. And one day you’ll realize you’re in training like an Olympic athlete. But not any old training– a particular kind of training, the particular kind of training that will support your dharma and no one else’s.
The dharma itself will prescribe this training, and you will know it when you stumble onto it through trial and error. You’ll know it by its results, because in moments when you’re in proper training, you will feel yourself a channel…You will have stepped aside somehow (and let it come through you)…And this is an experience so far beyond any pleasure you’ve ever had that you will most definitely want more of it. And so you will henceforth be increasingly careful about your training regimen…You want to be clear…”
From: “The Great Work of Your Life: A Guide for the Journey to Your True Calling” By Stephen Cope
Posted in Asanas, Heart-Based Healing, Knowledge, Life, Mindfulness, Quotes, Reflections, Self, Soul, Spirituality, Wisdom, Women, Yoga
Tagged Asanas, Dharma, Jennifer Miller, Life, Stephen Cope, Training, Yoga
