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

WEEK ONE – GRATITUDE - FAMILY

Gratitude means to give appreciation and thankfulness for the beautiful things that come to us; one of those wonderful things is your family. Every family is unique with its quirks. Family is a part of us and something to be grateful for – without our family, we would not be here. Karma teaches us that we choose our family of origin as the best way to work through our karma. So, when someone in your family hits a nerve, remember it is an opportunity to practice letting go and acquiring the chance to be a better person. Feeling gratitude affirms the goodness that surrounds us and recognizes and appreciates the source of this goodness. It is a powerful human emotion that arises spontaneously and can be actively invoked, learned, and strengthened. The more we practice gratitude, the more we invite positive emotions into our lives, uplifting our souls and inspiring us to improve. Let us practice END: As we move into the holiday season, especially this week as we celebrate Thanksgiving, be grateful to be surrounded by those you love. Yoga means unity; ideally, no social unit is more united than a family. Yoga symbolizes physical, mental, and soulful unity and a more profound sense of togetherness and connection that a family embodies. EGO: Flip your palm up and extend out the index finger—the symbol of the ego. When someone, especially in our family, says or does something that hits a nerve, our first reaction is to ignite the ego. Tension mounts, and we feel stressed. Pull the finger in and place the thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. When tensions arise, pull yourself back to this place and give a breath of gratitude for your ability to let go and let be. Be grateful for sharing time with those you have chosen to help shape your life—your family. Happy Thanksgiving! 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

THE TROUBLESOME FOUR: ENVY, JEALOUSY, RESENTMENT and now REVENGE

Revenge is wanting to conflict, hurt, or harm someone for an injury or wrong suffered at their hands. You want to even the score by one-up-man-ship. Retribution in the form of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth is the focus of Revenge. The worst thing about Revenge is that it gets inside your head and hijacks your focus. Once Revenge occupies the space within your head, fighting is like fighting yourself. Be careful with what you let occupy your mind; it will occupy you. It has been said that "revenge is sweet." The problem with Revenge is that it can falsely make us feel good and powerful. It stimulates an area of the brain called the dorsal striatum, which gets excited when we anticipate pleasure and reward. However, studies have shown that the focus on punishment overshadows the feeling of joy and reward. Punishment usurps our ability to focus on reward. Revenge does not make us feel better. The desire to get Revenge is a powerful force. But if you redirect that energy towards improving your life, you achieve the greatest Revenge: you prosper. Let's direct our energy towards balance, strength, flexibility, and peace. This redirection empowers us, giving us control over our lives and responses. END: "Revenge is never a straight line. It's a forest. It's easy to lose your way…to get lost…to forget where you came in." Hattori Hanzo (played by Shinichi Chiba in Kill Bill Vol.1 Mastering the Troublesome Four requires balance, strength, flexibility, and the ability to be content and at peace with your life just as it is. Circumstances happen. You cannot un-happen them. Accept what happens, learn from it, and then focus on using what you have learned to prosper. This acceptance brings a sense of calm and reassurance, allowing us to move forward with peace of mind. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger, the symbol of your ego. The ego is not who you indeed are. It is your defense mechanism, and with the defense often comes the troublesome four. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. Your true self is your essence. Envy, jealousy, resentment, and Revenge become irrelevant once you know who you are (the infinite capacity to be) and why you are here (to discover this infinite capacity). To master the troublesome four, admire others, detach and let things come and go, remove expectations, and remember two wrongs will never make a right. This self-awareness brings enlightenment, helping us navigate life's challenges with clarity and understanding. Change how you see things, and how you see things changes. Doctor Lynn 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

THE TROUBLESOME FOUR ENVY, JEALOUCY, RESENTMENT.?

Resentment is a negative state where an individual blames everybody and everything but themself for the state of their life. We often see life as unfair and full of disappointments. Resentment results from expectation. We expect something, and when it doesn’t turn out as expected, we experience resentment. We then begin to see ourselves as hapless victims when the responsibility for our destiny and happiness has to do with how we see things and not what another person does or does not do. Expect something, and you will surely be let down. With expectations happiness is falsely measured not by inner experience, but by outward appearances. In a positive state, one realizes that they are the architects of their own destiny and that the human mind, and thus the soul, have unlimited possibilities. Realizing that limitations are self-imposed, the individual is able to lift the veil of illusion (Maya) and master one’s own fate. You can now see the forest for the trees. Changing your perspective liberates you from the constraints of resentment and opens your mind to new possibilities. END: Unreal and unfulfilled expectations are the foundation of resentment. With resentment we feel disappointed, sad and even angry. Take responsibility for your expectations. Let each experience of your life come and go without attachment, but don’t be indifferent, and you will avoid disappointment, and thus experience the awareness and knowledge that brings the joy of pure happiness. You cannot change what happens, but you can change how you view it. Let go of resentment and focus on your potential energy, and you will prosper. Forgiveness is the key to personal growth, inspiring us to let go of the past and move forward with a positive outlook. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the symbol of the ego. Everyone has been mistreated at some point, and everyone has mistreated others. Resentment seems to spoil many relationships, especially loving and enduring ones. With resentment, we cannot forgive misconduct from the past in the present. Both parties remain stuck in a timeless present without a chance for grace and forgiveness. The ego defense mechanism, protection, is not who we are. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top – take a breath and surrender to the soul. Grace and forgiveness are the mechanisms the soul uses to remind us that we cannot change things once they happen, but we can change how we view them. Forgiveness frees us from the shackles of resentment and allows us to grow. Just remember everyone is doing the best they can. We all have weak moments. Forgive and then change how you look at things, and how you look at things will change. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness and peace Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consultation and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

THE TROUBLESOME FOUR – 1. ENVY – 2. JEALOUSY

Jealousy is a morbid emotion that looks for anything that will cause suffering. Jealousy is different than envy in that with envy we want something someone else has. Still, with jealousy, an individual feels threatened by losing control over another person or situation. It is a feeling of suspicion and mistrust. Jealousy corrupts and destroys everything it touches. Jealousy is a feeling of being unlovable and in constant danger of losing. It is based on uncertainty and fear. The opposite of jealousy is trustworthiness. It means trusting your ability to rely upon yourself to feel loved, honored, and worthy. Trust always has the advantage because trust seeks to create goodwill and does not seek to destroy. Replace jealousy with confidence in yourself and give up trying to control others or other situations. Find your balance and strength, and be flexible to the ever-changing nuances of life. Trust in yourself. END: Love yourself by focusing on your wonderful qualities. Use your trustworthiness to make the world better, and watch as jealousy is replaced with prosperity. Remember, even love focused entirely on another person cannot bring long-term fulfillment. Instead, focus on your self-worth. When you recognize your own value, you'll find the fulfillment you seek, and jealousy will no longer have a hold on you. Your self-worth is the key to overcoming jealousy, empowering you to take control of your emotions and your life. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger—the symbol of the ego. Jealousy comes from the alter ego, our inner self, which we often hide from the world. The underlying truth is that the ego's interest is not about you. It only seeks to preserve itself by avoiding vulnerability. When we feel vulnerable, we begin to compare; when we do this, we feel less than or lack control, creating jealousy. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. By transcending jealousy, we discover divine and eternal love. This liberation allows us to rejoice in the joys of others without envy or jealousy, even as we navigate our own disappointments and problems. It's a state of peace and freedom that comes from trusting in ourselves and our worth rather than succumbing to the destructive force of jealousy. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness and peace Doctor Lynn For classes, books, consultations, and more http://www.doctolrynn.com

ENVY NO ONE - The Troublesome Four

Life will present you with the troublesome four: envy, jealousy, resentment, and revenge. It will require discipline, strength, balance, and flexibility to master them. Envy, a prevalent emotion in today's society, is not confined to the business world. It often surfaces on the spiritual journey, where individuals may secretly compare their progress with others and feel a sense of conflict. This conflict arises when an unhappy soul wishes ill upon others, contradicting the guiding principle of karma-do no harm. Envy is a negative desire centered on someone who has something you do not. Envy means feeling inferior to others and having a desire you have not earned. Just remember the material world does not represent what a soul has earned, is valued, or worth. Refrain from getting caught up in what appears to be material success. Many people are good at acquiring things but not at achieving true success. Achieving success requires effort, courage, and skill; with this comes realization, fulfillment and happiness. Envy no one; a calm sense of peace will soothe your soul. The opposite of envy is admiration. Admire others and then seek to become your unique aspect of those qualities. Be content with what you have, take pleasure in your life, count your blessings, and then reach out for more as a happy soul. Everything you desire will be yours. You will have earned it. You must work to gain balance, flexibility, strength, and peace – let's get to work. END: Envy means to feel inferior to others and to desire that which you have not earned. Just remember the material world does not represent what a soul has earned, is valued, or worth. Refrain from what appears to be material success. Many people are good at acquiring things but not at to achieving true success. Achieving this requires effort, courage, and skill; with this comes realization, fulfillment and happiness. The opposite of envy is admiration. Be content with what you have, take pleasure in your life, count your blessings, and then reach out for more as a happy soul. Everything you desire will be yours. You will have earned it. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the symbol of the ego. The ego can get caught up in seeing success as acquiring material things. Many people spend their lives acquiring material things to overcome a sense of inferiority. But remember, material things come and go. True contentment, once found, lasts forever. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. Instead of envy, admire others. We are all unique with unique talents. Be content and at peace with what comes into your life, and then build upon this with an actual state of contentment and peace, and you will achieve what many cannot achieve: true happiness. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness and peace. Doctor Lynn For books classes, consultation and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

Karma plus the Troublesome Four

Remember, as we practice Karma yoga, the key is to steer clear of D-GAP. The four great passions of deceit, greed, anger, and pride may try to interfere with your journey. But as you progress through life, working on your karma, remember that they can only latch onto your work if you allow them. Your labor can be a source of joy, not a burden if you exercise your agency and remain vigilant against the troublesome four: envy, jealousy, resentment, and revenge. This joy in labor is a constant source of hope and motivation on your journey. Each of these emotions can be toxic if not handled constructively, leading to negative actions or feelings that harm both the person experiencing them and those around them. Life and Karma yoga often present us with a conflict. We are told not to harm, yet when faced with a dilemma, we must always strive to do the greatest good for the most significant many. We kill a mosquito—that is harmful, but if the mosquito is allowed to breed, it will cause terrible illnesses and harm many humans. The key is to be aware of the great passions and the troublesome four and then handle them so that we first try not to harm and then do what creates the greatest good for the greatest many. END: The four great passions and the troubles four will always be a part of life. They will show up one by one and sometimes all at once. You cannot avoid them, but you can be aware of them when they arrive and seek to diminish them by not engaging in harmful actions. Compassion and understanding will always lead you to do what is the greatest good for the greatest many. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger. The ego’s first defense is to protect itself, and in doing so, it can often fall into DGAP and allow the troublesome four to enter its life. When we engage in these emotions, we risk hurting ourselves and those around us. Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. Awareness, the key to living life, creating goodness, and removing harm, is a beacon of enlightenment. Be compassionate and understanding, for in this life, everyone is doing the best they can. Some souls have evolved to a deeper level, and some lack the awareness to live a peaceful and joyful life. Be aware and then always do what is the greatest good for the greatest many. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For Books, classes, consultation, and more, http://www.doctorlynn.com

Mother Nature’s WRATH

Living through a hurricane reminds me how Mother Nature humbles us. She reminds us not to get too comfortable or complacent because things constantly change. That is the nature of life. There are two forces of energy: creative and destructive. Everything is continually changing through these two forces. Forces of nature, such as Hurricane Milton, remind us that the world is chaotic, destructive, and stressful. We cannot change natural forces, but we can control how we react. It's tough to stay calm in moments of chaos and panic. Karma Yoga teaches us that one of the best qualities we can develop is calmness, even amid chaos. It is good for the health of your body, mind, and soul. Let's take a moment to start our journey towards calmness. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let go. Experience the calmness that comes with this simple act. This is the first step towards a healthier, happier, and more peaceful life. Let's begin this journey together. END: Mother nature, in all her might, certainly humbles us. It is crucial to respect and appreciate her. She may bring destruction, but she also brings creativity, beauty, and joy. As we navigate through Milton's destruction, we must look for the creativity, beauty, and joy that emerges from people helping each other rebuild and recreate their lives. This fosters a sense of gratitude and a deeper understanding of the delicate balance of life. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out your index finger – the symbol of the ego. The human ego prides itself on its ability to control much of life. We believe ourselves to be the intelligent species. Then suddenly, something like a hurricane comes along, and we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. There is nothing we can do but wait for her to finish her destructive path. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top – the symbol of the soul. Take a deep breath and surrender to the soul. The soul understands the true nature of life. There will always be destruction and creation. A peaceful soul accepts this with a sense of calmness. Namaste~ may you walk the past of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn http://www.doctorlynn.com

Don’t Fall into the DGAP – How to Use Your Free Will

Pay attention to the four great passions: deceit, greed, anger, and pride. When they arrive (and they will), use honesty, generosity, kindness, and humility to keep you from falling into DGAP. Four things will block you from seeing your great passions, and if you block these things, you will surely fall into the DGAP. They are knowledge, feeling, vitality, and free will. Free will is essential to living a life of happiness and good health. Free will is the ability to choose between different possible courses of action independently of any prior event or state of the universe. Whether we have free will or not has never been truly settled. However, we all have choices, which karma calls free will. With every situation in life, we are free to choose how we interpret and experience it. Often, we forget and get caught up in habits that cause us to be mechanical. We act without thinking. However, if we are aware, there is the opportunity for the discriminating mind to choose various possible courses of action depending upon which action we perceive to be the most appropriate. When faced with a problem or a decision, take the time to be still and listen to your inner self. Then, take actions not based on what you have been told is right and wrong but on what you know to be right or wrong. Practice honesty, generosity, kindness, and humility to find your free will. It is about knowing that you can freely experience anything in any way you choose. Choose wisely. END: Stay open to learning, be aware of your feelings, stay healthy, and know you have the right to choose. It's called free will. But remember, do no harm and don't fall into DGAP—be honest, generous, kind, and humble. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger—the symbol of the ego. Free will is the capacity or ability to choose between different ways of thinking, speaking, and acting. We all have choices when it comes to our conduct. The ego sometimes gets stuck, believing its way is the only way, and may close itself off from the diversity of life. Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. In life, you always have choices. You have the power to create happiness and good health, which is the ultimate goal of karma. When faced with a choice, choose honesty, generosity, kindness, and humility. In this, you will exercise your free will and thus work your karma. 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

The Four Great Passions

Combating deceit is a challenging journey that requires strength. But remember, the antidote to deceit is honesty. While the truth may be complex and difficult, it's also a reassuring guide. Like the story of the yogi, the truth is a complex path. Combating Greed requires flexibility. The antidote to Greed is generosity—not just with your money but also your time, words of kindness, and a helping hand. Combating Anger requires balance. The antidote to Anger is kindness. It takes balance to remain still amid a storm and wait for calmness to return. Pride is the fourth great passion. The antidote to pride is humility. Pride is a false sense of self-worth. It is good to be proud of yourself for your accomplishments, but when these become means for believing we are better than others, we experience the great passion of pride. Practicing humility can sometimes be difficult in a world of inequality, exploitation, and injustice. Humility is the ability to look deep within yourself only to realize that we're all the same at the core of our existence. It means to remove judgment. Humility calls upon us to question ourselves, our motives, and our actions. In this way, it teaches integrity and honesty. When we look inward and observe the workings of our minds, we don't always like what we see. Our minds can be downright infuriating, irritating, and humiliating. It takes great courage and humility to look deeply and own up to what we see. But the rewards are tremendous: cultivating honesty, integrity, kindness, and discernment. How we relate to ourselves and the people in our lives directly impacts our happiness level. Being humble requires that we trust ourselves enough to live out each day as if it were our last and, at the same time, be the change we wish to see more of in the world. Let's start working on strength, flexibility, balance, and peace. END: Be proud of yourself. There is a big difference between having self-worth and being prideful by comparing yourself to others with a sense of superiority. Remember the humble dirt of the earth. Without the dirt, we could not exist. Pride can often be seen as arrogance and conceit or believing oneself to be better than others due to status, money, or material gains. Just remember that things of the material world can come, and they can go. It takes courage and humility to look deeply within and own up to what we see. But the rewards are tremendous: cultivating honesty, integrity, kindness, and discernment. We are all different, but we are all equal. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger, the symbol of the ego. When the ego rises in self-importance, inequality, exploitation, and injustice will increase; if the ego subsides, these will subside. The more profound our humility, the deeper we connect with the core of our being. We realize that we are all the same. We should pass through this life with one mission – to master our existence by finding joy and peace. You can't find true happiness and peace with inflated self-importance and at the expense of others. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a deep breath and surrender to the soul. In mythology, Shiva is an image of the higher self, who slays the prideful ego for the sake of compassion. Through infinite compassion and understanding of the higher self, Shiva forgives the ego. How we relate to ourselves and the people in our lives directly impacts our level of happiness. Being humble requires that we trust ourselves enough to live out each day as if it were our last and, at the same time, be the change we wish to see more of in the world. Be honest, generous, kind, and humble, and remember not to fall into D-GAP – deceit, Greed, Anger, and pride. 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

The Four Great Passions

Combating deceit is a challenging journey that requires strength. But remember, the antidote to deceit is honesty. Like a reassuring guide, honesty may lead us through the complex and difficult terrain of truth. It's not always an easy path, but it's a path we can trust and lead us to a better understanding of ourselves and others. Combating Greed requires flexibility. The antidote to Greed is generosity—not just with your money but also your time, words of kindness, and a helping hand. Combating Anger requires balance. Anger is probably a passion with which we can all identify. It is something we have all experienced. Although no one likes to be angry, it is easier to admit this passion than the other three. Perhaps that is because Anger is seen as a worthy passion if used to right an injustice. However, practicing the right amount of Anger at the right time for the right reason is tough. Balance is the key, for Anger will surely throw you off balance. But remember, balance means returning to the present moment, being still and calm, and acting in ways that produce compassion and understanding. It's a skill we can all learn and master. Anger is a part of human existence. We all have felt Anger from another person or within ourselves. Be compassionate and understanding. Today, let's fully embrace the transformative power of balance, strength, and flexibility. These are abstract concepts and powerful tools that can shape our lives and relationships. They inspire us to navigate our emotions and relationships with grace and understanding, motivating us to be the best versions of ourselves. END: The antidote to Anger is kindness, compassion, and understanding. It takes balance to stop and be still when the storm of Anger is brewing from without or within. Anger is like a storm. It comes and it goes. After the storm, there is also calmness. Seek to find that stillness within. It takes balance to be still, compassionate, and understanding. Remember the value of balance, strength, and flexibility as we navigate our emotions and relationships. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the symbol of the ego. The ego is good at placing the blame on others by projecting the emotion of Anger. Anger is often its defense mechanism, yet Anger is precisely what throws the ego off balance, and when off balance, we subject ourselves to falling and getting hurt. Pull the finger in and place the thumb on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul is the observer. It watches us react to life's emotions. Anger is one of those emotions. Connecting with the soul is about awareness. It is the realization that we can solve more with kindness. Be aware of the nature of existence – we are here to learn, know, and master our lives. Mastering life is best done with honesty, generosity, and kindness. 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

KARMA - The four great passions

Combating deceit requires strength. Each one of us has been deceitful, whether to others or ourselves. Being honest is challenging work; sometimes, the truth can hurt. It takes courage not to fall into deceit in a world that functions on untruth and misguided information. The antidote to deceit is honesty. But truth can be complicated. (story of the yogi) Combating Greed requires flexibility. Greed needs to hold onto and not be open to the energy flow. Energy, however, is what creates wealth. It's not wealth that destroys. It is Greed. To remove Greed, a moral compass tethered to generosity is required. Be generous with others—not just with money, but also with your time, words of kindness, and a helping hand. The more you give, the more that comes flowing back to you. This power of generosity is within you, waiting to be unleashed. Today, let's focus on strength and flexibility. END: Combating deceit and greed requires honesty and generosity. Practicing this in a world that operates on dishonesty and Greed can be very difficult. Use your strength and flexibility to be honest and generous. But be aware that sometimes honesty and generosity do cause harm. Like the yogi sitting in the woods, use your moral compass to always act in ways that are the greatest good for the greatest many. EGO: Flip your palm up and extend out your index finger – the symbol of the ego. The ego is our protective mechanism. But sometimes, it gets confused and sees deceit and Greed as ways to survive and thrive. We see others getting ahead by being dishonest and greedy and assure ourselves this is what it takes to be successful. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul reminds us that we take no material things when we depart this world. We take the honesty and generosity we have given not only with our possessions and money but with our words and deeds. Always act in ways that are for the greatest good for the greatest many. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For classes, books, and consultations http://www.doctorlynn.com NEXT WEEK -anger and pride

WHAT IS KARMA, AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT? A Review

Karma, a guiding principle in life, is the belief that every action, thought, word, or deed produces a physical or mental effect. It reminds us we're here to work through life's challenges, seeking balance, joy, and peace. What you think, say, and do shape your reality, so it's crucial to be mindful of your actions and thoughts. According to karma, we leave this world with unfinished business. We go to the holdover place, which is somewhat like heaven. However, it is not the final resting place but simply a place to reflect. When the time is right, we return to another life to fulfill our mission and remove any negative karma from our past lives. The soul does not possess human senses and thus must return to earth in human form to experience the desires of this lifetime. This means that your karma is divided into percentages, and these percentages rule out different areas of your life. We cannot change our individuality or family of origin, but we can change everything else about our lives, especially our ability to experience happiness and joy. We have chosen to return to a particular family as a particular individual to complete our karmic lessons. This takes work, which is karma, so let’s start. END: Karma particles, representing our karmic balance, come into our lives in percentages. These percentages play a significant role in shaping the nature of our lives, influencing our experiences and outcomes. We cannot change our individuality or family of origin, but we can change every other aspect of our lives. We have chosen to return to a particular family as a particular individual to work through our karmic lessons. Realizing the power we have to shape our lives, we can see ways to improve, and this is known as working our karma by making conscious choices and taking positive actions to improve our lives and the lives of others. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend your index finger. Only the ego makes humans pessimistic and prohibits joy, which causes us to suffer. We think we are working through life when, in fact, we are repeating negative behavior that keeps us in the karmic wheel of suffering. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. Nature, like the soul, is optimistic. Nature always finds a place of balance. This state of balance will remind us that Joy is found in the little things, such as the calm after a storm. It begins with being grateful for our chosen life and finding value in all its lessons. Practice positive karma -be and express your joy. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, and consultation http://www.doctorlynn.com

KARMA - AND THE FOURTH BLOCK TO SUCCESS IS?

The fourth kind of Karma is one that hinders your willpower. When this kind of Karma operates, it makes us incapable of doing even the simplest things. Negative thoughts grow and become more negative, more emotional, and more dangerous. These thoughts develop into anxiety, fear, anger, and even hostility. Finally, they break out into self-destructive actions. Many complications will arise when you lose the ability to harness your willpower. Willpower is the practice of self-control or self-discipline. It involves resisting shorter temptations and impulses to achieve long-term goals. To achieve this, we must consciously regulate our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and be careful not to block our knowledge, feelings, health, and vitality. Conscious control takes effort and work; that is how we work our Karma. It requires balance, being open and flexible, and remaining strong and steadfast. Let’s go to work. END: Be aware of your willpower—both its strength and weakness. Being conscious of self-control means working on bringing balance to your life. Achieving goals requires motivation, monitoring behavior, and willpower, which helps us resist short-term temptations. Working your Karma is not about self-denial but about being able to consciously work on bringing balance and strength advice to your life. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger, symbolizing the ego. Daily decisions and suggestions may take us off the soulful path. The ego is very good at giving in to impulsivity. This impulse is called ego depletion, or when willpower gets used up on a particular task. As a result, we cannot exert the same level of willpower on another task. Willpower is like a muscle. It can be both strengthened and fatigued. The key to successfully using your willpower is balance. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. Be patient with yourself and recognize that setbacks are a part of the process of experiencing life. Focus on bringing balance to your life, body, mind, and soul; you will then discover the secret to strengthening your willpower, and this is how to work your Karma towards a successful life. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

What is the Third thing that can block our success?

Karma, a profound concept, introduces us to the four great passions-deceit, greed, anger, and pride. These passions are emotions and the driving forces behind our actions. They play a significant role in our personal development and understanding of karma. It further enlightens us about the four things that can hinder our karma—the first two block knowledge and feelings. The third and crucial block is hindering our vitality or our health. Our journey on this earth comes with percentages that direct how we live our lives. Your name would be an example. It identifies you. A small fraction of these percentages is the length of your life. This concept is thought-provoking, as it underscores that the length of our lives is not as crucial as the quality of our lives. We significantly influence the length and quality of our lives through responsible choices that empower our health, body, mind, and soul. Therefore, the third block in karma underscores the need to focus on our vitality or health. Vitality is crucial for living a long and prosperous life. The theory of karma suggests that the longer you live, the more experiences you have, the greater your knowledge, and so the wiser you become. The length of your life is one thing, but the vitality of your life is another. The vitality you have now is a direct result of your past life. Be tremendously enthusiastic about life now; it will affect this life and your next life. The karma affecting your next life gets formed during the last 48 minutes of this incarnation. We cannot know how long our life will be, so make good use of your time and pay careful attention to your health. Your health and vitality are your wealth. Without them, everything else is meaningless. Be enthusiastic and grateful for the health and vitality of your body, mind, and soul. Let's get to work. END: The length of your life is one thing, but the vitality of your life is another. Be tremendously enthusiastic about life now, and it will affect this life as well as your next life. The karma affecting your next life gets formed during the last 48 minutes of this incarnation. We cannot know how long our lives will be, so make good use of your time and pay careful attention to your health. Remember, your health and vitality are not just important; they are crucial for a prosperous life. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend your index finger, the symbol of the ego. In psychological terms, the ego often revolves around self-identity and self-importance. Regarding the length of life, the ego might fixate on achievements, legacy, and how one is remembered. This egotistical view can lead to anxiety, regrets, and feelings of not living a meaningful life. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. Balancing the ego's desires with a more comprehensive view of life is crucial, as this promotes a healthier perspective. What truly matters is not the length of your life but the quality of your life. Life is meaningless without knowledge and experience, but you will find peace and fulfillment when you take the time to appreciate and value your life. It's not the quantity of your life that counts. It's the quality. Your health and vitality are your wealth. Without them, everything else is meaningless. Be enthusiastic and grateful for the health and vitality of your body, mind, and soul. 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

What Are the Four Great Passions That Block Your Success

Studying karma is to soften and thus change one's karma. But with knowledge, finding meaning, direction, and ultimate happiness is possible. According to karma, ignorance is the source of all suffering, resulting from the four blocks of karma that obscure or conceal the truth. Last week, we explored the blocking of knowledge. Be open to learning and pay attention to the things happening around and within you. The second thing that blocks our progress is our feelings and emotions. Karma is about experiencing all of life, which includes all feelings and emotions. Everyone must experience joy, sorrow, pleasure, and pain. How we respond to these feelings is our emotional reaction. In simple terms, it means that we cannot separate the opposing forces of nature. We cannot eliminate night from day or pleasure from pain. They both exist as a reflection of the other. Every experience in life can be viewed as pleasurable or painful, depending on our interpretation. A mosquito bite causes pain, but scratching the itch brings pleasure. The same bite brings both pain and pleasure. We cannot block feelings and emotions and truly comprehend the nature of life. We are here to observe and find balance by staying flexible and strong. Let's get to work. END: Human beings are here on earth to experience all of life, including pain and pleasure. Life is comprised of opposites. We cannot know one without knowing the other, so be open to your feelings and emotions. Observe them when they arise and remember whether pleasure or pain keeps them balanced. Observe, acknowledge, and then let go. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger. Feel it pull you from your center. The ego processes and manages our feelings to help us navigate and function. The ego balances the desires of the id (instinctual drives) and the superego (moral and societal standards). This balancing act influences how we experience and express our feelings. The ego uses defense mechanisms to protect itself from anxiety and uncomfortable feelings. Examples include: • Repression (pushing uncomfortable feelings into the unconscious). • Denial (refusing to acknowledge a painful reality). • Projection (attributing one's unacceptable feelings to others). Pull your index finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. According to karma, the soul imbues feelings with deeper meaning and purpose. Feelings and emotions are part of the soul's work along its earthly journey. Its goal is to transcend the ego by bringing us to a state of unconditional love and acceptance. This tendency can lead to more harmonious feelings and a less reactive emotional life. 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

KNOWLEDGE The Four Things that Block our karmic work

The first is the karma that blocks knowledge. Our knowledge of the world is gained through the six senses. Knowledge is a powerful tool. When knowledge is blocked, one cannot see the subtle connection between things and events. It is like a person who is emotionally cruel to their partner and cannot understand why the partner is cold. Understanding this power of knowledge can empower us to break free from such karmic blocks, patterns, and habits. Studying karma is a journey towards softening and changing our karma. But this transformation is only possible with knowledge. Knowledge is the key to finding meaning, direction, and ultimate happiness. According to karma, ignorance is the source of all suffering, and this suffering results from blocking our ability to learn through gaining knowledge of the world from within and without. Embracing knowledge empowers us to transform our lives. The world exists so that we might have real experiences through which we might gain knowledge of our actualized being. We are here to learn and master life, and the way to do this is to be flexible and open, balanced and steady, strong and steadfast. It also requires being calm and peaceful, removing distractions, and practicing self-reflection. Let’s get started. END: Yoga is a powerful reminder to seek calmness, detach from distractions and desires, and practice self-reflection. These practices lead to a more profound sense of wisdom and inspire us to continue learning. We are here to gain wisdom, and the only way to do so is by acquiring knowledge. Karma reminds us to stay open to learning every moment of our lives because, as the saying goes, 'the more you know, the more you know you don’t know.' This is wisdom. Self-reflection, an active and engaging process, is a key component in this journey. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger – the symbol of the ego. Yoga is about centering and balancing our energy. This produces supreme knowledge, but the problem is that the ego interferes. It considers itself all-knowing and superior based on criteria, experience, and material gains. We call this egotistical karma. Our energy then becomes scattered, and we lose sight of the true nature of our existence; it is to gain wisdom. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. Wisdom is the ability to discern the real from the unreal, the permanent from the impermanent. Everything in the material world is constantly changing. The only real and permanent thing is the eternal nature of self. So, “To thine own self be true.” Self-reflect and stay open to gaining proper knowledge of the world from within and without. In this commitment to authenticity and integrity, you will be wise. 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

HABITS – established patterns that are either wise or foolish

The habits you form result from repeated actions you initiate over lifetimes of experience, whether wise or foolish. They are repetitive thoughts, patterns, or habits that deepen over time. If negative impressions get ingrained, the mental and emotional self cannot integrate with the other layers of self—the physical, energetic, higher wisdom, and, ultimately, bliss. Once you establish a pattern, it takes conscious work to dissolve it or constant work to maintain it in the case of a positive pattern. According to karma, ignorance is the source of all suffering, resulting from the four patterns of karma that obscure or conceal the truth. Once the truth is revealed, we can begin the work to transcend our karma. Through the practice of yoga, you are not just exercising your body but also shaping your mind and soul. The repetitive nature of yoga, focusing on balance, strength, and flexibility, helps us establish a life of healthy habits. As our body becomes stronger and more flexible, so do our thoughts and words, aligning with a positive way of interacting with others and ourselves. Over the next four weeks, we will work on the four patterns that hinder us from experiencing physical, mental, and soulful bliss. This journey holds the promise of personal growth and transformation, as we learn to dissolve negative habits and enhance positive ones through the power of yoga. Let’s get started END: As you navigate through your week, the key is to be mindful of your habits, whether wise or foolish. Remember, self-awareness is the catalyst for change, enabling us to transform negative behavior into positive and cultivate positive and worthy habits. Stay conscious of your thoughts, words, and actions. In doing so, you will be the architect of your transformation. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend your index finger—feel the ego pull you from your center. It’s important to note that the ego is not inherently good or bad—it simply exists as part of the human experience. The key to controlling the ego lies in finding balance and harmony between our identities and the interconnectedness of all beings. Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. Through yoga, we become more aware of our wise or foolish habits. Soulful awareness empowers us to dissolve negative habits while diligently enhancing positive habits. It takes work. That’s karma. Be aware of what you think, say, and do. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For classes, courses, books, consultations, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

How to soften or lighten your karma

Our work here on Earth is to transcend the four great passions, deceit, greed, anger, and pride, which are the root cause of all our so-called problems. All four play a part in our lives. One will be stronger than the others, and it will be our lesson to learn in this lifetime. As we lessen the intensity of a passion through awareness, our aura softens, and we take on a new, softer coloration as we change. The practice of karma yoga is one way to soften the coloration. Karma teaches that with the proper work, the coloration of your aura will improve about every twelve years, with significant coloration changes happening between the ages of twenty-nine and a half to thirty-two, fifty to fifty-two and a half, or eighty-eight and a half to ninety-one. These cycles can begin one and a half years earlier and thus end one and a half years sooner. Although the soul has an infinite ability for creativity, it only has three central activities: thinking, speaking, and doing. These three activities create our karma, and all karma seeks expression through our thoughts, words, and deeds. So, to soften your karma, pay attention to what you think, say, and do. It's important to remember that it takes awareness, and awareness requires balance, flexibility, and strength. This emphasis on awareness empowers you and puts you in control of your life. Let's get started. END: To lighten or soften your karma (aura), you must manifest specific actions and inhibit others. Practicing yoga (physical) helps us learn to become motionless and balanced without losing consciousness. Practicing yoga is how we eradicate karma, being balanced and still body, mind, and soul while holding onto awareness. Awareness is our "witnessing consciousness," the observing principle of life. EGO: Flip your palm up and extend your index finger. Feel the ego pull you from your center. Desiring satisfaction for the sensory self, we are driven by the ego, where we fall prey to the four great passions: deceit, greed, anger, and pride. Our human cravings and desires bring about discontent and suffering. As long as we are caught in the cycle of discontentment, we can never find balance and peace. Cravings and desires cloud our awareness; thus, we become what in karma is known as the "ignorant, unaware self." Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. Sit still and be aware of the calmness and peace within the body, the mind, and the soul. This is your witnessing consciousness—the observing principle of life. It reminds us to stay balanced, flexible, strong, and peaceful with our thoughts, words, and deeds. This emphasis on balance and peace in your soulful growth should make you feel calm and reassured, bringing a sense of tranquility to your life. In this, you work your karma. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consultation, and more, http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Impact of Pride on the Ego: A Yoga Perspective on Self-Perception and Growth

While pride is often associated with self-respect and confidence, it can become destructive when excessive and misplaced. This is because excessive pride can lead to resistance to constructive feedback, hindering self-development. It can also foster arrogance and an inflated sense of superiority, essentially insecurity and fear projected outward in defiance. Moreover, excessive pride can lead to a constant comparison with others, resulting in resentment and envy. Comparison can make it challenging to genuinely celebrate others' successes, as they may be perceived as threats rather than achievements to be appreciated. In its most extreme form, pride can drive individuals to engage in self-destructive behavior as they strive to uphold their self-image. Self-destructive behavior can manifest in various ways, such as taking unnecessary risks, overworking, or even participating in harmful activities, all in an attempt to prove one's worth or superiority. Recognizing the potentially destructive effects of pride is crucial in maintaining a balanced and healthy self-perspective. By actively cultivating humility and openness, individuals can harness the positive aspects of pride while effectively mitigating its negative impacts. This process requires a delicate balance of adaptability and inner strength. Let's get started. END: pride is crucial for maintaining a balanced and healthy perspective on oneself. By fostering humility and openness, individuals can harness the positive aspects of pride. It is good to be proud of yourself and your accomplishments, but it is also good to appreciate others. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index fingers. Feel the ego pull you from your center. • Pride can be positive and negative, depending on how the ego processes and expresses it. When the ego becomes overly inflated, leading to excessive pride (hubris), it can result in arrogance, narcissism, and interpersonal conflict. This form of pride often involves an unrealistic self-image and a lack of empathy for others. • Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. On the other hand, when the ego experiences pride in a balanced way, acknowledging achievements while maintaining humility, it can enhance motivation, resilience, and interpersonal relationships. Be humbly proud, and you will prosper. • Namaste~ may you walk your life's path with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, consultation, and classes http://www.doctorlynn.com

How to Find Calmness in the Storm: Harnessing Anger Through Yoga

Anger, a passion that resonates universally, is an emotion we have all encountered. It's a complex emotion to navigate, even though it's easier to acknowledge than others. This could be because Anger can be perceived as a justifiable response to an injustice. However, it's a challenge to wield Anger in the right measure, at the right time, and for the right reason. Feel the grip of Anger after an argument with someone, and you can feel the body tense, and the mind becomes scattered and irrational. Basic instincts such as violence kick in as the adrenaline runs through our bodies. Often, we say and do things we later regret. But Anger, like everything else in life, is transient; it comes and goes, and sometimes, we can't even remember what angered us. Anger destroys self-awareness. Anger rushes through the body, causing it to go off balance while enslaving the mind. In yoga, we embrace a positive approach to Anger. We strive to maintain our composure, and instead of reacting aggressively, we aim to respond with actions that elevate our sensibility and rationality. This practice holds the potential for profound personal growth and transformation, offering a beacon of hope in the face of Anger. Managing our emotional balance and regaining our inner equilibrium is a journey, not a quick fix. It requires us to recognize our emotional imbalances and find the strength and flexibility to bring ourselves back to a state of balance. Balance is a challenging task, but it becomes more attainable with practice. Let's get started on this journey together. END: Savasana ~ In savasana, your mind is now flooded with strong, vibrant thoughts. You have exercised the body with the asanas. Now relax and let go. At this moment, your mind is like a battery fully charged. What you let into your mind will have a hundred times the force it usually has—think kindness and peace. END: Anger, like all emotions, is transient. It comes and it goes. When it gets its grip on you, try to stop and ask yourself if it is worth letting the tension and irrational thoughts take away your balance, your inner peace, and your opportunity to inspire rather than take the path of hatred and violence. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger. Feel the ego pull you from your center. Like all the great passions, the ego gets attached to Anger, for it is the ego that seeks self-preservation. It is a basic instinct to lash out when someone or something angers you. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. Feel the rationality and the calmness in your body, mind, and soul. Remember, when Anger arises, and it will, return to this state of peacefulness; it is only a breath away. Step back, find your balance, take a breath, be kind, and inspire. 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

THE PASSION THAT DESTROYS WEALTH

Greed is a passion from which we recoil. No one likes to think of themselves as being greedy, and yet each of us, on some level, has been consumed by Greed. When we think of Greed, we usually think of avarice or excessive hoarding of money and material things. Greed is a fixation upon objects of sensory pleasure and gratification—for example, alcohol, food, or material possessions. Greed causes us to commit violence against others and ourselves. In yoga, we practice Greed if we push ourselves beyond our limit while doing a particular asana (pose). We may risk injuring ourselves because we desire to keep up with the teacher or go beyond the other students. When injuries happen, we contract and must stop our practice and heal our injuries. We, therefore, stop the flow of evolution and growth. Greed imprisons our time, emotions, and energy. If we removed Greed from our human physical, verbal, and intellectual selves, we would remove violence, dishonesty, and theft. Greed is a mighty force; the best way to combat it is with awareness, balance, strength, flexibility, and humility. END: Unselfishness, the polar opposite of Greed, is a force of transformation. When we give without any expectation of receiving, we rise above Greed. This is not about the destruction of wealth but the freedom from the clutches of Greed. It's a liberating experience that can reshape our perspective and bring us closer to our true selves. EGO: Turn your palm up and extend your index finger. Feel the ego tugging you away from your center. The ego, a significant player in Greed, is not about accumulating things or money. It's about our fear of inadequacy, our resistance to seeing others surpass us. This sense of disempowerment compels us to greedily cling to what we perceive as the most significant aspect of our identity: the ego. Recognizing and overcoming this ego-driven Greed is crucial in our journey toward unselfishness and contentment. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. One key concept of non-greed is to be content with what comes into and goes out of your life. In doing so, your mind becomes quiet, and more positive energy flows through your body, mind, and soul. In this, you are working your karma. 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

Deceit – a destructive passion

The root of all karma is seeded in the four great passions. One of these passions is more intense in your life than the others, but they all appear simultaneously. The four great passions which are the major causes of all of life's problems are: Deceit Greed Anger Pride Deceit means lying or not telling the truth to most of us. If someone deceives you, that person may deliberately make you believe something false for the person's advantage. But we also deceive ourselves into false beliefs by telling ourselves we are less than or superior to others. Blaming others for the nature of our present and past existence is also a form of deceit. Here's an example of deceit: In one of my workshops, a woman named Julie discovered her central karma as deceit. At first, she was distraught, believing she was a good, caring, and honest person. As we worked on her karma, she began to see that she had always been a caregiver to others. She had done it because she wanted others to love her so that she would give so much of herself to others with little in return. She resented the selfishness of others. Now, Julie could see that she had been deceiving herself into believing she would be loved and considered a good person if she gave. She gave of herself to gain a feeling of self-worth. She discovered that she was deceiving herself by looking to others for approval. END: Deceit affects all of us. It is a false belief in something, whether about something outside of ourselves or something deep within ourselves that we fear. Karma reminds us to be aware of deceit when it arrives and then consciously turn it into honesty; in this, you are working your karma. EGO: Flip your palm up and extend out the index finger. Feel the ego pull you away from your center. Fear is at the root of all our problems. Deceit is a form of fear wrapped in a lack of self-worth. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. Honesty in your outward actions and how you see yourself taps into the soul's quest for truth and honesty. Be honest and truthful with others; you will work on your karma. 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

How to Master the FOUR GREAT PASSIONS of Life

Understanding karma, we realize our ultimate goal is to restore balance, love, happiness, and abundance by resolving our negative karma. This process involves multiple reincarnations, where we consciously choose our body, parents, and life situations to address our karma. The key to this journey is self-awareness, which serves as our compass for mastering karma. The root of all karma is seeded in the four great passions. One of these passions is more intense in your life than the others, but they all appear simultaneously. The four great passions which are the major causes of all of life’s problems are: Deceit Greed Anger Pride Mastering the four great passions is not an easy task, but it's one that can empower us. It necessitates a sense of inner balance and stillness, immense strength to resist impulsive actions and reactions, the adaptability to remain open, and a peaceful connection with the soul. This is the work ahead of us, and by undertaking it, we can gain control over our karma. Let’s get started. END: Deceit, greed, anger, and pride lack honesty, tolerance, unselfishness, and humility, which are the triggering mechanisms for all karma. They also lack sincerity, fairness, joy, admiration, detachment, and courage. These give rise to prejudice, sorrow, disloyalty, fear, disgust, and cruel joking, which will activate karma and get us into trouble. However, we can overcome these passions with awareness and illuminate our path to soulful growth and self-improvement. EGO: Flip your palm up and extend out the index finger, the symbol of the ego. It is the ego that gets triggered by passion. Without conscious awareness, it seeks to protect itself, often resorting to deceit, greed, anger, and pride. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul reminds us that practicing honesty, generosity, compassion, and humility would be wise to combat the four great passions. Be aware, and you will begin to master your karma. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, and consultations http://www.doctorlynn.com

Why Practice Yoga - Turning Passion into Compassion Brings Balance to Your Life

Before prospering in life, we must learn how to identify and address the karmic energy of passion. Being passionate is not “bad.” Passion just needs to be directed in ways that create balance. It begins with awareness of how we use our energy physically and mentally to bring about soulful awareness. As we become more aware of how to direct our power, we better understand how we live. We become mindful of the importance of being flexible, open, strong, steady, balanced, and still. This moves us from chaos and insanity to calmness and peacefulness. The awareness of the simple movement of passion to compassion then forms compassion into wisdom. This requires engaging the body and the mind in the present moment. Ultimately, this is the purpose of the yoga poses and why we practice yoga. Let’s get started. END: According to karma, our true purpose is to return to balance, love, happiness, and abundance while removing our negative karma. A change in attitude is usually what brings about a shift in karma. However, be careful with attitude for it can sometimes lead to passionate imbalances. Be present in your body and quiet in your mind, and you will turn passion into compassion, leading to a life of balanced health, harmony, love, happiness, and peace. Living here, you will be wise. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out your index finger. Feel the slight pull of your ego away from your center. Our desires and uncontrolled passions keep us in the ever-repeating pattern of karma. While there is value in repetition, it is of a higher value to transcend the rebirth cycle of karma and find our true self, which exists in a state of balance, harmony, love, happiness, and peace. As you pull your index finger in and place your thumb on top, be mindful of the return to your center. If you choose to break the patterns of passionate karma, you liberate your energy to explore the vastness of the universe. In this exploration, you will unearth wisdom- the realization that you now have the freedom to choose your actions rather than being driven by karma. This newfound understanding extends beyond the body-mind, reaching your essence, also known as the soul. With your soul liberated, you can now create from a place of balance, harmony, love, happiness, and peace. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For classes, books, consultations, and more, http://www.doctorlynn.com