Humor is the Tenth Treasure

Never lose your sense of humor! Laughter is one of the most healing sounds in the world. We have all heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” And science now affirms what yogic sages have long known. Humor is a treasure. Research shows that laughter strengthens the immune system, reduces stress, improves mood, and supports emotional resilience. People with a well-developed sense of self cope better with adversity, and many studies suggest they even live longer. Across all cultures and throughout the ages, humor is a fundamental part of being human. It connects us. It fosters intimacy. It softens sorrow. It helps us endure hardships. A healthy sense of humor deepens learning, encourages wisdom, and supports emotional well-being. It gives perspective when life feels heavy. In yoga philosophy, maya means illusion or boundaries – not that the world itself is unreal, but that our perceptions of it can be distorted. The experiences we have are real and purposeful; they are here to teach us about our true nature. Humor helps loosen the grip of illusion. When we laugh, we step back from rigid perceptions. We see more clearly. We remember that we are more than our temporary challenges. Our sense of humor is part of our true nature and integral to how we see the world. Never lose your sense of humor – it takes conscious effort not to lose it. Let’s get started. END: Life will present us with many challenges. Each of these will test our resilience. If you cannot laugh at yourself and at the craziness of life, you will lose two of the great pleasures of life: laughter and a sense of humor. Never lose it! It’s a great treasure. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the symbol of the ego. When it comes to humor, keep your ego in check. True humor never mocks, ridicules, or wounds. It uplifts. It allows us to laugh with others, and not at them. It includes the sacred ability to laugh at ourselves – to lovingly accept our own quirks and imperfections. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. When we release defensiveness and self-importance, we find the humor woven throughout all of life. We discover that laughter is strength. It is resilience. It is perspective. To me, the most beautiful sound in the world is to hear the ones I love laughing. I know in those moments they are experiencing pleasure, one of the great aims in life. At its core, humor is not about jokes. It is about perspective. When we can hold life lightly with a sense of humor, we are not dismissing it — we are trusting it. Humor is wisdom with a smile. A sincere and intellectual appreciation for life will keep you laughing. The late Jimmy Buffett said, “If we couldn’t laugh, we would all go insane.” Humor is truly a great gift. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Tenacity is the Ninth Treasure

Through tenacity, we learn to consistently apply potential energy to our endeavors. Without it, nothing will be achieved. Tenacity is at the head of the list when it comes to the use of potential energy. Nothing can exist that doesn’t exist as potential energy. Potential energy, unlike kinetic energy, which is energy in motion, is stored energy that exists by virtue of its relative position to everything else in the universe. Just by your existence in relationship to everything else in the world, you have been given the treasure of potential energy. Tenacity is the engine that keeps our potential energy moving forward. Without the ability to endure hardships and suffering, nothing is achieved. Success is impossible without the willpower and determination to overcome hurdles and difficulties. Tenacity is the ability not to give up, even in the face of defeat. It is an intuitive understanding that defeat is only temporary. The ability to keep marching through all of life’s ups and downs is the mark of a tenacious person. In yoga, it is said that without the ability to endure great hardships, self-discipline cannot be attained, and character cannot be built. Without self-discipline, contentment and happiness are impossible. Without contentment and happiness, it is impossible to prosper. It is through tenacity that a person unleashes the potential energy to attain the unattainable. Let’s get started. END: The ability to keep marching through all of life’s ups and downs is the mark of a tenacious person. In yoga, it is said that without the ability to endure great hardships, self-discipline cannot be attained, and character cannot be built. Without self-discipline, contentment and happiness are impossible. Without contentment and happiness, it is impossible to prosper. It is through tenacity that a person unleashes the potential energy to attain the unattainable. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger – the ego. You have been given potential energy as a gifted treasure. It is very powerful, but useless without conscious thought and action to bring it to fruition. It requires tenacity to bring anything to life. The ego helps us to manage our environment, emotions, and relationships, but when it becomes indifferent, it is often viewed as a form of nothingness that negates desire. We lose the concern for the world around us and thus the motivation to make constructive change. When the ego becomes indifferent and ego-centric, it gives away tenacity and replaces it with complacency. Nothing gets done. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. Controlling the ego and detaching from external desires, Kamra yoga teaches us to harness our energy with great tenacity and focus towards the betterment of ourselves, others, and the world. By associating tenacity with spiritual principles such as seeking to bring happiness and peace to the world, we are reminded that not much in life is achieved without the power to endure, and that requires the great treasure of tenacity. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Authority: A Treasure to be used wisely

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 one’s moral and ethical underpinnings. Just remember that orders, decisions, and rules of conduct based on good, sound morals and ethics are the basis of a prosperous society. We all have some level of authority. Mostly, it is the authority we have over our own conduct, perception, and attitudes. Be careful that your conduct does not run counter to your moral and ethical principles. So, although we often think of authority as someone with great power, it is a treasure we all share. 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, their 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 arise when authority and power are misused due to 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 effect there will be a cause. Life becomes what life does. END Authority carries 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, a family, a group, or a society prospers. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger – the ego. Ego authority centers on desire, will, and integrity, residing in a place of the inner truth. Yoga encourages us, when we come from the ego, to engage in self-reflection to discern our true desires from temporary impulses, ensuring that our decisions align with our authentic selves. Pull your index finger in a place and your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul – your authentic self. We all have the treasure of authority. Every day, we make decisions and enforce rules of order. The moral duty of anyone in a place of power and authority is to make the world a better place by making those over whom they have power and authority healthy, happy, and safe. Their happiness and welfare then become the leader’s. When this happens, everyone prospers. Sincerity and appreciation for life are required to discover this treasure. Authority is truly a great treasure. Use it wisely, and you will prosper. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Power is the Seventh Treasure

Power is referred to as the ability to influence the will or conduct of others. It is also the ability to direct your energy toward your goals and to control your conduct. Power resides within the individual. It is independent and informal, 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. 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. Most were eventually met with great opposition, defeat, and death. Power at its best empowers you and others to make the world a better place. Power is a mighty force. Whether we believe it or not, we all have power. We have the power to persuade, to direct, to dominate, to master, and to teach. In all our relationships in the world, we have the power to do good deeds and act unselfishly, or to manipulate and control. If power is attained without the right moral and ethical underpinning, it can become a destructive force justified by selfish means. A parent guides a child with a strong sense of right and wrong, based on honesty and openness. This is power at its best. We help a friend by lending our support. We teach each other how to be good partners in a relationship. All of these involve teaching, guiding, directing, and even persuading and dominating. It’s all about the intent and how that intent is directed. That is the beauty of power. Like the expansion and contraction of our breath, life has a natural rhythm of exchange. When power is exchanged with compassion and love, our thoughts, words, and deeds align with our sense of right and wrong. Let’s work on our power today. END: Knowing that you can create your own reality is a very powerful thought. Add to this the power we all have to influence, sway, coach, and instruct, and we can see how important it is that power is used for good. If a friend asks your opinion about a life issue or needs a little support, are you able to guide them unselfishly? You have just been promoted and are now in charge of other people. Do you treat them fairly, or are you overcome with a sense of misguided power and seek to rule rather than lead? Do we use power to buy and control other people, or do we use it to help other people excel? These are moral and ethical questions that sit at the base of power EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger – the ego. According to yoga, the world began as unmanifested pure consciousness. When the universe began to manifest, the ego was born, then the individual, and then the mind. From the mind arrived the gross physical world. As we think, so our world exists. This is the power of life. It is called free will. What we see outside ourselves is our manifestation of the physical world. But what we must always remember is that everything in life evolves and dissolves. When we lose the evolutionary process and live in fear of dissolution, power can corrupt. Pull your index finger in and place the thumb on top – take a breath and surrender to the soul. Knowing that you can create your own reality is a very powerful thought. Add to this the power we all have to influence, sway, coach, and instruct, and we can see how important it is that power is used for good. When power is grounded in love, compassion, and understanding, there is always a moral and ethical guidepost to help us make decisions. If you wish to prosper, do not give away your power and do not abuse it. As Sri Chinmoy reminded us, “The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.” Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace, Doctor Lynn

Courage - What is its greatest challenge?

Courage is seen as an attribute of good character and is respected. We equate it to a mighty warrior or someone who goes to battle. Yet courage is not just about physical bravery. Courage also means the ability to speak out against injustice, to take risks in the face of adversity, to open yourself to life's vulnerabilities, and to believe in your convictions even when met with mockery and contempt. Nothing in life is ever accomplished without a dose of courage. That’s because courage is the engine of ingenuity. Attempt something new and above the mediocracy of everyday life, and you will be met with opposition, criticism, and ridicule. Rise above this, soldier onward, and you will discover the treasure of courage. It takes courage to forgive, to be humble, and to be respectful and compassionate in a world that equates courage with brute force and domination. It takes courage to speak your mind and be true to yourself when faced with conformity. It takes courage to love and be open to vulnerability. Courage, therefore, is the ability to remain strong within yourself even when the outside world is nebulous and moving. But the greatest challenge of courage is to overcome dis-couragement. Courage is the only antidote for failure and disappointment. To develop the capacity to endure suffering and hardships requires both faith and courage. END: It takes courage to forgive, to be humble, and to be respectful and compassionate in a world that equates courage with brute force and domination. It takes courage to speak your mind and be true to yourself when faced with conformity. It takes courage to love and be open to vulnerability. Nothing in life is accomplished without a dose of courage. It is truly a great gift when used to overcome failure and combat fear. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the ego. Our fiercest enemy is the ego. It is a mighty force and not easy to control. That is because it takes courage to look within and find the strength to successfully manage the challenges of life. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top, take a breath, and surrender to your soul. Courage requires nothing more than letting go of fear while holding on to unfathomable, unshakable faith and believing in yourself. Remove fear, and the warrior within you will stand courageous rather than as a hapless victim. Thus, the warrior with courage conquers all. Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the conquest of it. WILLIAM DANFORTH (1870-1955) Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

How to find your potential energy

Potential energy, unlike kinetic energy, which is energy in motion, is stored energy that exists by virtue of its relative position to everything else in the universe. Just by your existence in relationship to everything else in the world, you have been given the treasure of potential energy. That means you have the potential to create, and your potential is only limited by how you position yourself in relation to everything else in the world. Self-acceptance is fundamental to discovering your potential. You are who you are, so you should make the best of it. Don’t compare yourself or your life to others. Instead, encourage yourself to attain your highest potential. Life is abundant with potential energy. Realize this, and you will never go without. Nothing can exist that doesn’t exist as potential energy. We could never travel to faraway lands if the potential to do so was not already there. We, as humans, have the potential to create on a very high level. Our brains allow us to master the complexities of life. An insect, on the other hand, is limited. But it does have wings and can fly. It’s biomechanically designed to do so. However, the creative potential of our brains has allowed us to build flying machines, and now we can fly. When used as a form of strength, balance, flexibility, and peace, potential energy is limitless. END: Potential energy is not simply positive thinking or mind over matter. However, potential energy is best served with a positive outlook. Potential exists everywhere, and it is up to us to turn it into kinetic energy or material form. If your energy is negative, you will attract negative, destructive energy. If you are positive, you will attract positive energy. For example, people are drawn to the positive energy of a smile. This is essential if you wish to prosper. No one ever prospers in a place of negative energy for very long. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger – the ego. You have been given potential energy as a gifted treasure. It is very powerful, but useless without conscious thought and action to bring it to fruition. Self-acceptance is fundamental to discovering your potential. You are who you are, so you should make the best of it. Don’t compare yourself or your life to others. Instead, encourage yourself to reach your highest potential. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. Just by this act of surrender, you are consciously drawing positive energy into your life. Consciousness needs a vehicle, such as the brain, to bring thoughts into material manifestation. But it needs nothing to exist. It is potentially waiting to materialize through its relationship to everything else in the universe. Use your potential to create a positive life, and you will prosper. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Ethics and Morals – Do We Need Them?

There are three things humans need in order to both survive and thrive. The first is material goods, including shelter and food. The second is procreation, which ensures the continuation of the species, and the third is the rules of behavior, or ethical and moral codes of conduct. Ethics are morals in action. Morals are knowing the difference between right and wrong and choosing right. Ethics is morally acting in such a way as to bring the greatest good for the greatest many. It is important that we develop the ability to distinguish right from wrong. The underlying factor is to strive to do no harm. . Ethics underpins the choices we make. Morals lay the foundation for the ethics we establish. Without morals, we would have no ethics, and since it is well understood that different people often adhere to different ethical standards, this raises the question: Where do our morals come from? Where is there justice? In life, there is no justice; therefore, we have laws. The law of karma teaches us that we are what we think, speak, and do, so consciously pay attention to how you conduct your life. All humans desire survival, long life, knowledge, justice, fame, love, and salvation. As far as we know, all other living things only seek survival. Therefore, the survival and thriving of the human species depend on good morals and ethics. Make the wrong choice, and there will be consequences -that’s karma—life becomes what life does. You must decide what is right and what is wrong. No one can do this for you. How and what we choose reflects what we value. Choosing to act without morals and ethics leads the conscience astray. It takes balance, strength, flexibility, and peace to make the right ethical and /or moral choices. Let’s get started. END While contemporary culture encourages us to become rich regardless of the cost, yoga challenges us to view money as a divine force that we must manage responsibly. We are encouraged to earn a good living and even to become rich. However, the path must be honest and lawful. We must always seek to do no harm and do the greatest good for the greatest many. Karma reminds us that our first responsibility is to take care of ourselves, then our family and friends, and then the world at large; never forgetting to take time for soulful pursuit. Self-awareness and self-reflection are often necessary when deciding how best to fulfill our responsibilities. Some people think the desire to fulfill our inner life makes it difficult to make money. This is not true. When we do things with a clear conscience, prosperity is sure to come. Just remind yourself that money and wealth, when used with a clear conscience, have the power to do good far more than poverty. So, seek wealth and enjoy the pleasures of life based upon good morals and ethics. EGO: Flip your palm up and extend the index finger – the ego. In difficult times, people tend to lose their faith and resort to shortcuts and questionable practices. In this worldly life, they may seem to succeed with these tactics, but ultimately, they will leave deep scars on their consciousness and adversely influence the course of their future lives. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top – take a breath and surrender to the soul. Character, good behavior, commitment to truth, and mental and physical purity are essential in this life, especially in trying times, if you wish to truly prosper. When profit and pleasure are guided by ethics and morals, they become instruments for humanitarian and soulful growth. It is good to make a profit and build wealth, but do so from a consciously guided perspective. Self-awareness and self-reflection are often necessary when deciding how best to fulfill our responsibilities. Remember this: humans desire long life, knowledge, justice, fame, love, and salvation. All other life forms, as far as we know, only seek to survive. The survival and thriving of human beings depend on good morals and ethics. This is a treasure of great importance. Act ethically from this moral base; do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Do no harm and always seek to do the greatest good for the greatest many. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness and peace Doctor Lynn