Thursday, December 31, 2020

The Spirit of a Virus is not so Small and the Spirit of an Elephant is not so Big

 




Everywhere you hear,” good ridden to 2020”, like it’s some kind of an infectious disease that has disrupted the world. (ha ha) It’s not 2020 that is the disease, but a tiny virus that has turned the world upside down. It is humbling experience for all of us because we as humans tend to think of ourselves as superior to the rest of life. But look at how a tiny virus has the power to disrupt the world. If 2020 has taught us anything it is that much of life is unpredictable and uncontrollable, but what we can control is how we see things and how we react to things. If we take two steps back and observe without emotion, we can see the resilience and the ingenuity of humankind. We all found a way to stay connected and to survive even when being somewhat imprisoned within our homes.

2020 will not pass into 2021 and suddenly the shroud of covid will lift and life will return to what we all considered normal. 2021 will also bring its challenges. We cannot look ahead and predict anything, but we can get up every day and be grateful for what we have and what we can learn.

Life is uncertain. The best we can do is stay healthy, be happy and find peace within ourselves amongst the chaos of life. For with those three things we can adjust, modify and survive against any and all contagious energy whether it be a virus, or it be hatred, fear and prejudice; which are so prevalent in our modern-day world.

I hope if anything karma yoga has taught you that you have the power to control the most powerful thing in the world – your body, your mind and your soul. What you think, say and do is what you become. This year we have all stayed connected and proved that the power of a tiny virus may disrupt the world, but it cannot destroy the love, kindness and caring that can only be found in the human species. Yes, our pets may be loving, kind and caring to a degree, but it is humans who can take a perfect stranger and demonstrate the loving, caring and kindness of humanity.

Let’s look upon 2020 as a year that taught us all so much about the world, other people and about ourselves. Let’s look upon 2021 with open eyes observing the movement of life without expectation, but always with a focus on our health and happiness while never forgetting to share, care and support each other.

Life is unpredictable and uncontrollable. Covid has taught us that. But we can control our energy. Join me in2021 as we explore the energy that is all around us and within us and how this energy has the power to elevate or defeat us – depending upon what we seek.

Seek to practice honesty, generosity, kindness and humility and then you will avoid falling into D-GAP.  Join me in 2021 as we explore the healing and powerful force of Vital Energy; the essential energy of life; use it wisely and in 2021 you will prosper. The spirit of a virus is not so small and the spirit of an elephant is not so big.

Happy New Year 

Namaste ~ May health, happiness and peace be with you always.

Doctor Lynn

http://www.doctorlynn.com

  

Wednesday, December 02, 2020

A Recipe for Happiness Think Aubergine

 

Just say aubergine and visions of Mediterranean stews and casseroles might dance in your head. Aubergine is the French and Italian name for the eggplant. Who doesn’t just love the deep purple eggplant color which seems to compliment any skin tone and match with just about any color? And the eggplant is well just so funny looking it can make you laugh.

The delectable fruit is a staple in Europe and the Middle East. It is nicknamed the “mad fruit” because of its relationship to the deadly nightshade fruits such as belladonna. Because of its shape and color it was also nicknamed the “bad egg.”

Although eggplant has somewhat of a sketchy reputation and all nightshade fruits should be eaten in moderation by those with arthritis it has many health benefits. Eggplant's ample bioflavonoid may be beneficial in preventing strokes and hemorrhages. The fruit contains the phytochemical monoterpene, an antioxidant helpful in preventing heart disease and cancer. The National Cancer Institute has been researching the fruits of the nightshade family, especially eggplant, to see if they may inhibit the production of steroidal hormones that encourage tumor growth. Eggplant may also prevent the oxidation of cells that leads to cancer growth.  And if you should encounter a scorpion bite, apply raw eggplant directly on the affected area!

Now if you love ratatouille, mousaka, eggplant parmesan and babba gouache, you’ll be really happy to know that the eggplant supplies many nutrients, is a healthy choice and is a great addition to a dieter's menu with only 28 calories and 3 grams of sodium for 1 cup (240 ml) of boiled drained cubes. Almost fat-free, that quantity contains 0.2 grams of fat.

Although the eggplant is low in calories it is not very rich in vitamins. However, it has a plus on the mineral side. Eggplant delivers 21.4 mg of calcium, 13.0 mg of magnesium, 248 mg of potassium, and 22 mg of phosphorous.

Interestingly the body needs potassium for muscle strength and the brain needs potassium to lift one from an apprehensive mood. Calcium of coarse builds strong bones. Adequate levels of magnesium have been shown to positively affect mental health and phosphorous is needed for the transport of nutrients in and out of cells. Minerals are essential to both physical and mental health.

To boost the nutritional benefits, pair eggplant with other vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers, which supply an abundance of vitamins.

Eggplant has become very popular in the U.S. and is a major source of the cuisine of both Turkey and the Middle East. Next time you see a stack of eggplants in the grocery store smile and think of this-- There is a Middle Eastern saying that goes like this, "To dream of three aubergines is a sign of happiness.”

 

Now that’s it… a recipe for happiness; found in a plump purple fruit!

 

Saturday, July 04, 2020

#Yoga Today ~ Attachment why we should let go








Yoga is more than a set of poses; it’s a way of life.   The poses and the class, however, allow us to practice what is fundamental to a healthy life; being present and one with your breath.  
Today we are going to focus on attachment.  When we practice yoga, it is important to practice on all levels; body, mind and soul. This is what it means to truly practice yoga. Attachment happens in the physical, mental and spiritual world; therefore, it is important to learn how to detach.
 Now with attachment the problem is that once you possess something you begin to fear losing it. The mind then gets distressed and agitated, and an agitated mind scatters your energy into somewhat of a frenzy. You lose your balance and forget to stay flexible and open to the ever-changing dynamics of life. Just remember the only thing you can be absolutely sure of is change. So, stay detached and be willing to let things go as they will.
Attachment brings about greed, anguish and suffering. For these reasons, according to Buddha and yoga, the cause of all suffering is attachment and ignorance. It is good to cherish, enjoy and love things of the earth. Just be willing to accept change, and if need be, to let them go. We do this by being detached not from the things themselves, but from the desire to possess and control.  You cannot control the ever-moving dynamics of life but what you can control is how you treat your body and what you let occupy your mind. So, observer life as it moves around you, be flexible and let it flow.
Remember this; what might be important in this moment might be meaningless a moment from now. Everything is constantly moving and changing.    So today let’s begin our practice by working on our flexibility; body, mind and soul.




As some may know I have been teaching yoga for over 30 years. What I know is life will humble you and to practice the yogi life is not easy. There will always be moments that remind you how easy it is to slip off the fine edge of the present moment losing your balance, flexibility and strength.
The cause of all suffering is attachment and ignorance. It is the ego that want to possess and control.
Extend out your index finger – the ego is artificial and transitory for how you see yourself is an illusion. We think we are important and have control when in fact we possess and control nothing except what we place in our minds and even that will constantly change. The ego is not negative or something to be destroyed. We need it for our preservation and to assist us in our evolution. The problem with the ego is believing it is the final reality; permanent and fixed. This is known as ignorance. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top ; the symbol of your higher power; surrender yourself to the everchanging dynamics of life, stay flexible and remain peaceful; body, mind and soul. In this you are wise.
I am not going back to LA Fitness – for many people a class at home is good. I will be teaching on Zoom twice a week beginning in the fall. Over the summer I will be teaching on Saturdays – missing a few as I am also moving to Florida. I am setting up a studio in my home and will continue to teach on line.  I hope you will follow me as I take on this adventure. Please stay in touch – classes are free until I am up and running and then I have two very special yoga classes to teach you.    I hope you will join me.

Namaste~ may you go with health, happiness and peace
Doctor Lynn


Saturday, May 23, 2020

#Yoga Today #Physical Austerity


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Austerity does not mean to go without. It means to simply and purify. It means to be consciously aware of the extremes of life.

It is through the practice of austerity that an individual is able to attain that which appears to be unattainable. A person practicing physical austerity, just like intellectual austerity, must be willing to undergo hardships in order to attain happiness. Think for a moment about happiness and joy. We only know them because we have experienced unhappiness and despair, and it is because of these experiences that we appreciate the simpler aspects of life.

Think about the things you have had to give up over the last few months. Oh how you will appreciate when you can do them again. Simple things like taking a class, traveling, going out to dinner and having coffee with a friend.

The thing about austerity is that things are only a hardship depending upon how you look at them. If you are never challenged how can you grow?

Without undergoing physical hardships self-discipline cannot be attained. Without self-discipline appreciation and contentment is impossible.

The Gita a Hindu scripture points out three types of austerity:

Dull

Passionate

Calm

If you practice austerity from a place of inflexibility your life will become ridged and dull. If you practice austerity with the idea of acquiring something your life will be passionate and ungrounded. But if you practice austerity without any desire other than to achieve contentment your life will become simplified and calm. That which is attained through dull and passionate austerity will not endure, but that which is attained through calmness of being and purpose is to attain what to others may appear unattainable. It is called contentment.

When we begin to understand the nature of extremes, such as hot and cold and loss and gain, and how each can tip us off the fine edge of perfect balance we begin to see the benefit in self-discipline; to be able to remain balanced in the face of adversity without losing your inner strength. Austerity reminds us to stay flexible for life is constantly changing. It also reminds us to accept and make peace with life no matter what it hands us. Each experience in life whether easy or hard is simply a chance to attain what might appear to be unattainable – contentment and peace; and these will bring us happiness. But to achieve this takes self-discipline. Let’s get started

 

Simplify your life. You should always be moderate in all your activities. Balance your life so you don’t unduly exhaust yourself. This only leads to ill health body, mind and soul. Nothing in life can be achieved without self-discipline and undergoing some form of hardship. When you quiet the mind and balance the energy of the body you find the calmness of your soul. This is what it means to attain what appear to be unattainable. This is what it means to practice austerity.

Extend out your index finger the symbol of your ego.

Your ego can pull you in many different directions making you ridged and dull passionate and ungrounded. If you take this moment to pull your ego in, and then place your thumb on top, your higher power, you will realize that staying calm in the face of adversity strengthens your connection to your soul. Living life here you attain the unattainable.

Namaste ~ I celebrate the place where our souls meet

Doctor Lynn


http://www.facebook.com/DrLynnAnderson

Saturday, May 16, 2020

#Yoga Today ~ The observance of Austerity


Austerity is one of the observances of yoga. It means that we should observe it as it pertains to our everyday life. It should be practiced mentally, physically and verbally.

 

 
 
Yoga defines austerity as the ability to withstand hunger, thirst, and heat as well as other discomforts. It is through the ability to withstand physical, mental and verbal austerity that a person is able to attain the unattainable.  With the onset of corona virus we have all had to endure discomfort. Today let’s focus on mental austerity and how it can help us to find peace and serenity even in difficult times.
 


To practice mental austerity you need to:

Quiet the mind by lowering the level of noise within. We call this noise chitta – the useless chatter of noise that spins through your mind.

You must learn to keep your composure especially in difficult times. It is easy when feeling discomfort to lose your balance, slip off the fine edge, react and create havoc. It takes discipline to keep your composure.

Control your natural tendency to behave in a certain way – for example if you are impatient, angry or quick tempered, you must learn to recognize it and control it when it arises.

When the mind is scattered and full of idle chatter it is difficult to find a sense of focus. Austerity means to clear the mind and simplify your thoughts. In this you will discover how to attain what might appear to be unattainable. To attain anything you must have a clear focus, a steady mind and self-control.  Peace and serenity is only attainable when you become quiet, composed and in control. This leads to self- awareness and self-awareness is the key to success for with self-awareness we learn to identify those things that are preventing us from moving through life with balance, strength, flexibility and peace.

There are three things that will prevent you from   discovering self-awareness:

Greed

Anger

Cravings

It is important to note that if the intellect is enslaved by any or all of these the mind is also enslaved. It is the nature of the mind to run outward towards objects and thus away from the inner self. It is through mental austerity that the mind removes outward distraction and moves back to inner awareness.

 

To master these requires the ability to withstand mental discomfort. It takes strength to identify these things within yourself and then to do the arduous work of mastering them.

This will require balance, flexibility, strength and the discovery of peace that can only be found within the quietude of your soul. Let’s get started:

 

Mental austerity means quieting the mind, keeping your composure, and maintaining control even in times of discomfort. Remember if the mind is enslaved by greed, anger and craving it is impossible to find inner awareness and thus inner peace. Simply your life, find the strength to withstand discomfort, be content and at peace with life as it is and you will find the ability to attain the unattainable; whatever that may be for you.

Extend out your index finger – the symbol of your ego. The ego always tries to avoid discomfort often times using greed, anger and cravings to establish its importance. If you pull in  your index finger and place your thumb on top – the symbol of your soul ,you will be reminded that to withstand discomfort by being quiet and composed you gain the ultimate in control – self-awareness and thus attain the unattainable.– in this you are wise.

Namaste ~ may you go with health, happiness and peace.

Doctor Lynn

 

Namaste ~ I celebrate the place where our souls meet

Doctor Lynn





 

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Pep Berry Rob

 



Saturday, May 02, 2020

#YOGA Today – a Crisis ~ may bring you #liberation


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sit quiet close your eyes breathe deep and listen:

Fear of the unknown is the greatest fear of all. We all want certainty and yet uncertainty is the one constant variable in the world. You never know with any certainty when a crisis will hit. Just remember what might be meaningful today may be meaningless tomorrow. Also remember with every loss there is a gain. The problem we face as humans is that we don’t appreciate something until it is gone.

Life will never return to pre-covid-19 just like life never returned to pre 9-11. We can bemoan the loss or embrace the gain. We have all had to endure isolation but with this the air is now cleaner and life has slowed down a bit. We can take the time to breathe clean fresh air! But still we fear illness, losing our jobs and money, and death. But remember:

To live you must be willing to die. No one escapes life without dying.  Everything in the universe must die. That does not mean we do stupid things to put ourselves in harm’s way, but as I said recently to someone who ask me if I thought about dying, “if I spend my time thinking about dying I will forget how to live.”

In this time of uncertainty fear of the unknown has paralyzed the world. But if we can accept and make peace with the fact that things happen, things go up and go down, things come and go and that life is an ever renewing source of energy ,than we can let go of fear, find liberation and not let corona virus beat us, but let it unite us.  In the worst of a crisis the compassion and kindness of humanity always springs worth reminding us that at the heart of humanity there is goodness.

Let’s do a few poses:

On your back relax and let’s move into bridge to connect the body and the mind with strength.  Roll over and move into Down dog reminding us to hold fast to our values while surrendering to the ever changing nature of life.  Plank – the strength to endure means holding to your center; and now sitting Zen.

On your back – close your eyes and relax taking deep long breathes – listen…

To the one who has found liberation and is master of his or her true self, the universe shall be dissolved into a deep realization of the true nature of life; life becomes what life does; one can influence the universe with subtle vibration such as compassionate thoughts, and thus remain unaffected by the ebb and flow of life. 

 

Come to sitting position

Humans can be brilliant but sometimes not very smart. We think we are in control when in fact something like the corona virus can throw us off track; something we can’t even see can humble us.

 An antibody means opposition -Everywhere in nature there are antibodies – otherwise life could not exist and we could not evolve. Opposition is a part of human nature; however, it often shows itself through the ego

 

Extend out your hand with the palm s up. Fold in your fingers and extend out your index finger; the symbol of your ego. The ego is sometimes argumentative, foolish and righteous –surrendering it to your higher power   reminds us to be kind, considerate and compassionate – these are more important than being right for they will bring you peace. Draw your finger in and place your thumb on top; the symbol of your soul. Surrender to it and you will be wise.

 

The greatest fear of all is fear itself.  It takes balance or coming back to the razors edge to remind us that every time we embrace fear we slip from the edge and risk hurting ourselves. Stay strong and grounded like the tree and don’t let the crisis of life uproot you.  Corona Virus -this too will pass.

Namaste ~ may you go with health, happiness and peace

Doctor Lynn




Doctor Lynn’s Yoga for Natural living ~it’s a way of life

 

 
 This is a unique yoga class that combines yoga with yoga therapy and the science of natural living (Naturopathy); because yoga is more than simply the poses (asana); it’s a way of life. Healthy tips to improve your overall health; body, mind and soul while taking you on a journey towards productive change and prosperity.

Joining me on Zoom live every Saturday morning at noon EST/ 9 PST for a one hour journey

Cost $10 per class   

For private classes, yoga therapy or specialty classes please send email to info@doctorlynn.com

 

 

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Yoga Today ~ I am becoming a #recluse - #time is all we have


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A recluse is defined as a person who lives a solitary life and tends to avoid other people. Corona Virus certainly has made me a recluse. Normally I am very social. My days are full of human interactions. I enjoy my friends, my students and my family, but these days I am like everyone else; in social isolation.

I’ve forgotten what day it is and time simply slips by like a wave or a whisper; not really heard; not really counting for much. I am in an existence that seems to be going nowhere and at the same time I seem to be everywhere. Although I have retracted into my own little world the world at large meets me every day through the news. I didn’t choose to be a recluse, but I must admit I am getting used to being alone. It reminds me to be present and in the moment; as the saying goes; be here now.

Be here now is a familiar phrase, but its true meaning often eludes us. It reminds us that the present is the only moment from which things happen. You cannot prepare yourself for the uncertainty of the next moment, or all the moments that will follow. Corona Virus has taught us that. (Be focused like the warrior)

If you expect something to happen in a certain way you will position yourself to deal with it. But if it should happen or come at you from a different direction you will need to reposition and in the time it takes you to reposition you will lose your balance. To be here now is to be prepared to move in any direction as the moment dictates. That is why it is important to stay centered and balanced. (Do a tree)

 Reclusiveness has its benefits.

You get less pressure and stress from the world and more control over your life. Your perceptions and attitudes begin to change. What seems important at this moment might be meaningless in the next. Just look at the empty paper good shelves in the stores. This tells us much about human nature. (Humble warrior)

With time you become more independent and your life can be more peaceful. You can limit your interactions with toxic people and situations, and you get quality time to yourself and with your family. But being a recluse also has its downside.

You can get bored, lonely, there’s less emotional support from others, no one is there to help you and intimacy fades. Gone are the friendly hugs, daily smiles and moments of quiet sharing. (Fold into child’s pose and give yourself a big hug)

Becoming a recluse I am not trying to avoid people, but I am becoming very adept at keeping myself busy. I’m not bored or lonely, but I do miss the laughter and comradery of my students and friends. I think its Monday but it feels like Friday; my days are all mixed up!  Time, the only thing we really have, is shifting our view of things. The days are irrelevant, but the moments are precious.

In yoga they say liberation lies in the interval between thoughts. In our mind one thought follows another without interruption until we link our thoughts together creating a chain of emotion that often binds us into chaotic frenzy. When emotions arise, and they will, close your eyes and take a breath.

Using the sitting Zen we sit quiet in a state of contentment and peace using the three breathes to clear our thoughts, and then in the split second that follows we find infinite bliss. This is a reclusive moment; a moment of liberation.  This is just you sitting here now in the moment. This is liberation; this is peace.

Whether we are in isolation or socially active time is all we have. Use it wisely for in life you will soon discover that time flies whether you are here now or lost to the chaos of the world. Being a recluse has its benefits and one of them is the ability to appreciate the only thing we really have and that is time and believe me it really flies!

Namaste~ may you go with health, happiness and peace

Doctor Lynn


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Saturday, April 18, 2020

Authority is the Seventh Treasure


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Authority means to have the power or right to give orders, to make decisions and to enforce rules of order. This is truly a treasure of great importance for it has the power to create or destroy depending upon ones moral and ethical underpinning.

Orders, decisions and rules of conduct based upon good and sound morals and ethics is the basis of a prosperous society. 

 

We all have some level of authority. Mostly it is the authority we have over our own conduct; our perception and attitudes.  How we decide and enforce our conduct runs counter to our moral and ethical point of view.  So although we often think of authority as someone with great power it is a treasure we all share.   How we use it determines whether we prosper or not.

 

Authority means the power to make and implement rules of order.  Whether it is the head of a household or the head of a nation rules must be followed. Leaders must lead and people must follow proper modes of conduct if any group small or large is to prosper. The problems happen when authority and power is misused because of greed, deceit, anger and pride. The four great passions will lead to destruction if not tethered by ethical and moral codes of conduct. Never forget that life has a perfect accounting system. Nothing goes unbalanced or unnoticed. The laws of karma state that for every cause there will be an effect. Life becomes what life does.

 

Authority brings with it a great responsibility. Someone of great authority is often known as an expert and therefore holds great knowledge. This knowledge often grants power, prestige and position.  Authority also means to have the legal and formal rights to give orders and make decisions. How we use this authority determines whether a person, family, group or society prospers or not.

 

Just remember, we all have the treasure of authority. Every day we make decisions and enforce rules of order. How we use this treasure determines whether we prosper or not. The moral duty of anyone in a place of power and authority is to make the world a better place by making those who they have power and authority over, healthy, happy and safe. Their happiness and welfare then becomes the authoritarian’s happiness and welfare. When this happens everyone prospers. Authority is truly a great treasure. Use it wisely.

 

Namaste ~ I celebrate the place where our souls meet

Doctor Lynn
 
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Saturday, April 11, 2020

#Yoga Today ~ #Power is the Sixth Treasure


 
 
 
 
 
 
Power is referred to as the ability to influence the will or conduct of others. It is also the ability to control and direct your energy towards your goals, as well as control over your conduct.  Power resides within the individual. It is independent and informal in nature and is derived from charisma and status. Power allows a person to influence and set an example for millions of people. On a smaller scale we have power over our children, employees, students, family members, friends and ourselves. How we use power determines our prosperity.
 


Power has nothing to do with accumulating great material wealth, however often times great wealth comes as the result of this treasures. Misuse of power is known as manipulation. It may gain you the upper hand temporarily, but it will at some point bring rebellion, disgust, hatred, humiliation and destruction. Think of all the powerful leaders who misused their power. All were eventually met with great opposition, defeat and death. Power at its best is used to empower others.  

 

In these trying times look deep within the Nidhi, the container which is you, and use the treasure of power for the good of all. Yoga reminds us to always do that which creates the greatest good for the greatest many. Sometimes sacrifice is necessary in order to gain prosperity. Ultimate power belongs to those who use it to empower others. Be powerful.

 

 

Namaste ~ I celebrate the place where our souls meet

Doctor Lynn



 
 
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Thursday, April 09, 2020

#Corona Virus ~ this too shall pass


 
 
 
 
 
 
 There is a Chinese proverb that says although you may amass a million gold coins, when you depart this world you cannot take with you even one copper penny. Oh how we belabor over life struggling to gain and control forgetting that the only thing we can control is our perceptions and attitudes.

We use the phrase this too shall pass to mean that difficulty and suffering will in time pass. We also call death a passing to symbolize an end. It also means great things you are experiencing will eventually fade away and be forgotten. When we lose something, especially a loved one, for a while we grieve and then we move on. That is what humans do.

This too shall pass seem to have originated with Rumi the medieval Persian poet? This thought which is so truly universal to the plight of human affairs reminds us of the perpetual movement of life from good to evil and back again.

 In another telling of this phrase it was said that Solomon the Hebrew King wanted a phrase that would hold true in both good times and bad. He asked of the wise religious leaders how he could find balance between the two extremes of life. The wise leader called upon a jeweler to create a gold ring and upon it was inscribed the Hebrew letters gimel, zayin, yud, which began the words “Gam zeh ya'avor” — “This too shall pass.”

When given the ring Solomon realized that all his wisdom and fabulous wealth and tremendous power were but fleeting things, for one day he too would pass and would be nothing but dust.

Karma yoga reminds us that all of life is constantly changing, what might be important today might be meaningless a moment from now. Nothing in life is permanent except for change. It is the only constant in life. And the saying goes, “You never step into the same river twice.”

As we all try to hold onto our sanity in this time of pandemonium, remember that everything in life comes and goes; it moves up and down and constantly changes. This too shall pass and when it does remember to find the balance between extremes and in this you will discover the true meaning of life; nothing last forever.

 

http://www.doctorlynn.com          


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