NINE OBSTACLES THAT IMPEDE OUR KARMIC WORK

Karma yoga teaches us that if we want to prosper, we must overcome the nine obstacles that impede our progress. Each obstacle must be examined and then counterbalanced or worked through by developing the nine characteristics or qualities that allow us to overcome it. Pay attention to the moment of ego awareness at the end of each obstacle. First, we need to identify the nine obstacles. The First Obstacle—Ill Health You probably didn’t get up this morning and think about how grateful you are for good health and the ability to navigate your life easily. That’s because we take good health for granted until we lose it. Yoga teaches us that the first thing we should do daily is maintain good health; everything else is meaningless without it. Pay attention to the three pillars of health daily: diet, exercise, and sleep. These are the foundations for keeping the body and the mind healthy. Attitude and gratitude for the wonderful things the body can do should be our focus so that we stay healthy and fit. Remember, the soul is here to do its earthly work and needs a healthy body and mind to do the job. END: Consciously do what you can to prevent illness rather than take your health for granted. Karma yoga is about being consciously aware of everything you think, say, and do and act in a way that creates the greatest good. Nothing in this world could be better than a healthy body and mind assisting the soul in completing its Earthly mission: being aware of and then overcoming life's obstacles from a peaceful, healthy perspective. EGO: flip your hands up and rest them on your knees. Extend out the index finger—the symbol of the ego. The ego fights for your survival. It strives to maintain its strength but often confuses strength for power. In its power struggle to excel it often takes on stress and anxiety, leading to ill health. The ego fights to maintain its importance. Do not seek to extinguish the ego. It is for your self-preservation and self-identity. Seek to temper it by drawing your index finger in and placing your thumb on top, which symbolizes your soul. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. Remember that from the soul’s perspective, we are here on Earth to overcome life's obstacles. To overcome life’s obstacles, practice karma and focus on the three pillars of health: diet, exercise, and sleep. Practicing karma yoga, you will make great progress in your life. You will learn how to overcome life's many challenges and obstacles through continual practice. Overcome ill health by making healthy choices. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace Doctor Lynn For consultations, books, classes, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

KARMA – REVIEW 2024 – Read past blogs KARMA YOGA – 2025 – The Secret Pathway to LIBERATION

The Four Hands of Lakshmi Reincarnation: why are we here? D-GAP the four great passions Blocks that prevent us from working our karma The troublesome four – watch out for these END: Karma does not mean good or bad—it simply means cause and effect, so pay attention to what you think, say, and do because what you project into the world will eventually return to you. What goes around comes around, so be honest, generous, kind, and humble. EGO: Flip up your palms and extend out the index finger – the symbol of the ego. The ego acts out of harmful intentions like revenge, resentment, greed, or jealousy. Be careful because the ego can trap you into perpetuating negative karma and suffering. The ego is connected to the body, and according to the laws of karma, each body is a result of past karma. The body continues its connection to the ego as long as there is karma for you to work through. Pull your index finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. “Good” karma is all about acting selflessly without expectations. This can only be done when you tap into your soul, for at the soul level, we are all one in this vast universe of energy, and what we do to one, we do to all, so be honest, generous, kind, and humble because you are what you think, say and do. HAPPY NEW YEAR – follow along in 2025 as we work deeper into the laws of Karma. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For consultations, classes, books, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

SIX WEEKS of GRATITUDE LIBERATION

Be grateful for family, health, nature, happiness, peace, and LIBERATION. But what does liberation mean, and how can we practice it? Sometimes, it is better to define something, but what it is not – liberation does not mean you are free to do and say whatever you want. The practice of yoga is about discovering liberation. Liberation means freeing yourself from the world's shackles, such as the four great passions: deceit, greed, anger, and pride. Liberation means being at peace with life; when we are at peace, we are free. There is nothing to bind us. To experience yoga, you must learn to control the rippling of the mind. For example, when you experience anger, can you stop, feel the anger, and then ask yourself what you're angry about? Is it worth it to feel this tension in your body and the distress in your mind? If you can stop and then let the anger go, you are practicing yoga and have found liberation. Letting go is not an easy task for humans. It takes balance, flexibility, strength, and peace to discover liberation. Liberating takes work, and that is why we're here today. Let's get started. END: Be grateful for liberation. The more we discover and live by it, the freer we become. Freedom means to let go, accept, and then do what will bring about the greatest good. If we could liberate ourselves from prejudices and biases (and we all have them), we would, in our hearts, find gratitude for the most important things in our lives: family, health, nature, happiness, peace, and liberation. If you control your mind, you control everything. When there is nothing to bind you—you are now liberated. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the symbol of the ego. The ego- our protector is very good at pulling us into emotions and feelings. It also makes us feel entitled and right even when it is best to let go. Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. When you encounter life's hassles and mindful ripples, try to bring yourself back to this place, even for a moment. Take a breath and act in ways that are for the greatest good, and then you will discover liberation. Liberation means control. If you control your mind, you control everything – when there is nothing to bind you – and you are liberated. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For consultations, books, classes and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

SIX WEEKS of GRATITUDE – week five PEACE

I grew up on a small island off the coast of Maine. The population was 500. On Christmas Eve, everyone was home, quiet, with no traffic, and we experienced a night of peace on Earth – or so I thought. In my naivete, as a child, I believed everyone on earth was observing peace on that holy night. I thought to myself how wonderful this was and wondered why we couldn't be at peace forever if the world could be at peace for one night. I did not realize that a world with different cultures and beliefs existed apart from mine, and although my little village was experiencing peace, not everyone else was. To this day, I still take a moment on Christmas Eve and wish the whole world could find one day to be at peace. What a wonderful thing to experience – peace on earth for everyone. Lesson - We all have wants and desires, thoughts, and emotions that Yoga calls chitta, or mind disturbances. The entire outside world is based upon our thoughts and mental attitude. However, our values may change within a fraction of a second, and what might be meaningful in one moment may be meaningless in the next. So, Yoga reminds us not to focus so much on changing the outside world but rather seek to change our inside world. If you can control your mind, you can control everything; in this, you will find peace. But why can't we have peace on earth? Humans are not free from personal motives and expectations. If we could free the human mind from selfishness and greed, the world would become a place of peace. Peace means being content with what comes into your life and goes out of your life. It's not easy for humans to do. If we truly want to find peace on earth, it begins within each of us. Be aware and grateful for the moments of peace you experience. The more we practice gratitude for the ability to experience inner peace, the more peace we establish within, and the more peace we can project onto the world. END: If we truly want to find peace on earth, it begins within each of us. Be aware and grateful for the moments of peace you experience. The more we practice gratitude for the ability to experience inner peace, the more peace we establish within, and the more peace we can project onto the world. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out your index finger – the symbol of the ego. Karma yoga teaches us to work selflessly without any personal expectations. Selflessness is not an easy task. That is why we must prepare the ego to find contentment and happiness and perform actions for other's sake. Selflessness does not mean self-denial; we seek through our selflessness to help others, and in this, we find inner peace. Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. You are now sitting here in a moment of inner peace. Be grateful for this moment and remember it, for if we all could find more moments of peace, perhaps we could bring peace to the world. Be grateful for peace. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consultations and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

SIX WEEKS of GRATITUDE – WEEK FOUR - HAPPINESS

Happiness might be the most treasured gift of all. Happiness is to be content with what you have while having the confidence to know you have the potential, the power, and the courage to reach out and be so much more. Everyone wants to be happy, yet happiness eludes most of us. That is because of our expectations. Why are we unhappy? Most likely because we felt we got less than we expected. But true happiness is pure, joyful energy that flows and harmoniously moves through space and time without expecting anything in return. Once you know you are the source of your happiness, instead of your expectations, happiness will be with you forever. The thing to remember about happiness is that life is ever-changing. Nothing is permanent except that which you cultivate within. Happiness is as basic a need as food and water. Ask anyone what they want most in life, and most likely, right after good health, they will choose happiness. ************************************** Lord Shiva is the King of the Dance of Life in the Hindu practice. Shiva is portrayed as the force of destructive energy that lays the foundation for creation. Shiva dances at the cosmic wheel of life surrounded by a ring of fire, which symbolizes the eternal cycles of birth, life, and death. Shiva means liberation, or the freedom to dance and express oneself. He cannot stop time from passing or things from changing, but he can find happiness and bliss amid the chaos of life. To find happiness, keep dancing! Let’s get started. ******************************** END: With joy, happiness becomes contagious. A happy soul brings joy, good health, and bliss to everyone and everything they encounter. If you want to prosper, remember that prosperity is drawn to happiness, just like we are drawn to happy people. Did you know that happiness is just a thought away? Positive psychology research indicates that three to five gratitude thoughts daily improve the immune system and boost happiness. Gratitude fills the soul with joy. EGO: Flip your hand up and extend the index finger, symbolizing your ego. Happiness requires discipline and self-control—something the ego sometimes finds difficult. Even moments of unhappiness we wish never to transpire can bring us happiness. No one wants to go through a divorce, a strained relationship, the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, or any other disappointment in life. But when we see these things as simply a part of the big picture of life, we intuitively know it is best to let go and let be. Pull your ego in (index finger) and place your thumb on top. Take a deep breath and surrender. The thumb is the symbol of your soul and symbolizes your ego bowing to your soul as it lets go. Remember to be the Observer of Life. Be content with what comes into and goes out of your life, and you will begin to find the true nature of happiness. Be joyful and grateful for happiness. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consultations, and more , http://www.doctorlynn.com

SIX WEEKS of GRATITUDE - Week – 3 -NATURE

In our fast-paced, chaotic world, it is easy to get absorbed in our daily routines, distractions, stress, and anxiety. Nature has provided us with a tranquil and healing force that deserves our gratitude. For without nature, we could not exist. Nature allows us to heal. Stroll through the woods, rest by a stream, or bask in the sunshine. These practices reduce stress and promote well-being. The serenity of nature allows us to retreat from our hectic lives, offering a calming and therapeutic retreat for the body and soul. The most abundant color in nature is green. Green is the chakra color of the heart, which means balance, compassion, and gratitude. Nature offers us a glimpse of true beauty. Whether it's a radiant sunset or a serene sunrise, taking the time to appreciate nature's beauty inspires us to find joy in the simple yet extraordinary things in life. We are all part of this magnificent ecosystem called Earth. Our lives are inseparable. Intrinsically connected to nature, we must be mindful and grateful for all it provides. She is known as Gaia, a living organism; we are all part of this living organism. What affects one part of life impacts all other parts. Be mindful of your actions and grateful for everything else. END: Daily remind yourself that life is a precious gift that must not be squandered. If your mind is aware and your heart is open, gratitude and appreciation will flow freely from your lips. EGO: Flip your palm up and extend the index finger, symbolizing the ego. In our Western culture, we are not always accustomed to expressing gratitude. We are taught to criticize rather than praise. Constructive criticism is not bad but is often better received when presented with compassion and praise. Pull your finger in, place the thumb on top, breathe, and surrender to the soul. Praise and gratitude, especially for Mother Earth, are excellent ways of soothing our pain and restoring hope. When we experience nature and life as soul-full opportunities to practice gratitude, the world ceases to be chaotic in our eyes. We will be challenged by our karma and feel sorrow at the exploitation of nature. However, we will also begin to feel a deeper connection to everyone and everything, and this will remind us to be grateful for Mother Earth, for without her, we could not live. She is the glue that connects us all. Bless her. Be grateful for Mother Nature. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consultations, and more – http://www.doctorlynn.com

SIX WEEKS of GRATITUDE – week two - your health

Gratitude improves health by lowering blood pressure, reducing stress, and calming the mind. When healthy, we think more clearly and tend to be more friendly and generous with others. Gratitude then brings good fortune back to us. What goes around comes around. The three pillars of health are diet, exercise, and sleep, and yoga supports the balanced effort of all three to bring about holistic health to the body, mind, and soul. Yoga, a practice that encourages positive physical and mental health, is a powerful tool for connecting with the soul and achieving perfect balance. It is a reminder that ideal health is not just physical, but a harmonious balance of body, mind, and soul. Keeping the body healthy allows us to be no longer divorced from the mind and soul; it becomes the vehicle for growth and soulful development. When the mind is centered and the breathing is quiet, we can direct our energy into constructive solutions rather than waste it on anxiety and helplessness. Remember, your health is a precious gift. Be grateful for it, as this gratitude can inspire a positive mindset and a healthier life. Let’s get started End: be grateful for your health; without your health, everything else is meaningless. Remember, when the mind is centered, and the breathing is quiet, we can direct our energy into constructive solutions rather than waste it on anxiety and helplessness, which harms the immune system and thus does harm to the body, mind, and soul. Karma yoga reminds us not to harm, which means also not to harm our health. Be grateful for your health. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger, the symbol of the ego. The ego often measures health by its success and accumulation of money and material things. But once you lose your health, these things are meaningless. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. The soul has one mission – to enhance your awareness of the true nature of life, and the only way we can complete this mission is with the help of the body and the mind. Honor your health. Be grateful for your ability to walk, breathe, and be alive. Your health is your wealth and the most essential thing in your life; be grateful for your health. Namaste ~may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace, Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consultations, and more, http://www.doctorlynn.com