Karma and Relationships – 'tis the season to socialize

Relationships are the glue that holds us together. What would the world be without partners, family, friends, and, of course, yoga students? We learn, we grow, and we thrive based upon our relationships. Karma reminds us that we chose to come to earth as human beings. We cannot escape this human form, these feelings, our personal characteristics, our history, and our karma. Let’s take a moment and ground ourselves. Connect with your sit bones and the mat. And take a deep breath. When it comes to our relationships, we must be grounded and balanced while staying open and nonjudgmental. Without relationships, we are simply a form floating about in space. It is our relationships with the earth and with other humans that allow us to work through our karma and thus complete our earthly mission. Karma Yoga teaches that to do this, we must build a sacred vessel. This vessel has three parts: openness, trustworthiness, and commitment; otherwise, our relationships cannot survive. Let’s work on building this sacred vessel. END: Our relationships teach us how to love, how to be a friend, a coworker, and a family member. Without them, life would be an empty space. We are here to work through our karma, and a part of working through our karma is to interact with others. How we interact determines how we live. For example, if we are angry, then all our experiences will be filled with anger. But if we take the time to build the sacred vessel of healthy relationships, openness, trust, and commitment, we will find that our lives become filled with experiences that teach us how to learn, grow, and love. Be the sacred vessel – be open, be trustworthy, and commit to the work it takes to have healthy and meaningful relationships. They are the glue that keeps us connected! EGO: Flip your hand up and extend out the index finger. Take a deep breath. The truth is, we are all a little self-centered and spend energy trying to control one another so that we can get what we want. It is the ego that wants to control. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a deep breath and surrender to your soul. When we surrender the ego to the soul, we create the sacred vessel both within ourselves and within all our relationships. We build a sense of openness, trust, and commitment. We learn to let go of our attachments, biases, and prejudices and embrace our relationships as something sacred to be valued and loved above all else. For without them, life would be empty and meaningless. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

HAPPY GIVING THANKS DAY – the gift of gratitude

Life is a precious gift that we must not squander. Our Western upbringing often leads us to be critical rather than praising others. But in our modern-day world, we all get wounded and need healing. Gratitude has the transformative power to change our perspective. When we view life as a soulful opportunity for which we are grateful, the world ceases to be our enemy. We will still be affected by karma and must work on it every day, but we will also find a deeper connection with life through gratitude, which is healing for the body, mind, and soul. Gratitude is the key to acknowledging the goodness in our lives. It is a process that often leads us to realize that the source of this goodness is not just within us, but also outside — in other people, in nature, or in a higher power. Everything that enters our lives has a purpose and a meaning. Recognizing and appreciating this requires balance, strength, flexibility, and being at peace with what comes into and goes out of our lives. This balance and peace are essential in our journey of gratitude, helping us to stay calm and centered amidst life's ups and downs. It is not an easy task, but it is our karma - the work we must do. END: Give thanks for what comes into your life – for all of it is simply an opportunity to work your karma, and when you work your karma from a place of giving thanks, your life begins to work for you. Give thanks for even the simplest things; without air, water, earth, health, and relationships, everything else in the world would be meaningless. Happy Giving Thanks Day! EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the symbol of the ego. The holidays are here, gathering with family and friends, our egos will be put to the test. If you let the ego, it will pull you away from your peaceful center, and you will find yourself engaging in self-sabotaging events. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul.. In those intense self-sabotaging moments, take a step back, take a deep breath, and connect to your soul. Look for the things you can give thanks for, and remember when conversation and events arise, if they are not meaningful or beautiful and do not bring health, happiness, and peace to you, let them go. HAPPY GIVING THANKS DAY! DOCTOR LYNN http://www.doctorlynn.com

Ethics and Morals are the Fourth Treasure

There are three things humans need to both survive and thrive. The first is material goods, including shelter and food. The second is procreation to ensure 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 number. We must develop the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. The underlying factor is not to harm. Ethics lay the foundation for 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 (cultures) often abide by different ethics, this begs the question: Where do our morals come from? Where is there justice? In this world, there is no such thing as justice – that is why we have laws, and that is the foundation of karma. Life becomes what life does. There will always be consequences for any actions. You must decide what is right and what is wrong. No one can do this for you. What we choose— and how we choose—reflects what we value. Karma suggests we value honesty, generosity, kindness, and humility over deceit, greed, anger, and pride. This takes conscious awareness of what it takes to live an ethical and moral life, and that requires being open and flexible, balanced and strong, and always striving towards the underlying factor – do not harm and be at peace within the world. END: 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 number. We must develop the ability to distinguish between right and wrong. The underlying principle is to do no harm and to be at peace in the world. EGO: Flip the palms up and extend out the index finger – the ego. In difficult times, people tend to lose their faith and resort to shortcuts and questionable practices. This is the ego directing one into what may seem like good tactics for success, but in the end, they will leave deep scars on their consciousness and influence the course of their future lives in adverse ways. Pull the finger in and place the thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul reminds us to act ethically from this moral base: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Do no harm and consistently seek to do the greatest good for the greatest many. In this, you will act ethically based on the morals of the soul. May you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

LOVE IS THE SECOND TREASURE

Love comes in many shades and in many forms. Romantic love is one kind of love, but love of family, friends, interests, work, and life are aspects of love that will also fill the heart and nourish the soul. Just remember that love is not sex. It is a spiritual experience that touches the soul. Love is a precious treasure that materializes through caring, compassion, and understanding. Love may come and it may go more than once in your lifetime. No two loves will ever be the same. Romantic love may come with a burst of powerful energy, but it will evaporate and change with time. How love will change depends on whether true love is present. So do not think yourself unfortunate if you have loved and lost. Love comes and love goes without reason or cause. It is whimsical and comes as it will. If it comes, enjoy it, and if it must depart, let it go. No amount of fretting and anguishing will bring it back. Stay unattached, but never indifferent to love. This requires the capacity to endure. For love to survive, it must stay strong, balanced, and be flexible to the endless possibilities and changes of life. END: Love, like all emotions, is a state of mind capable of taking both creative and destructive paths. When love is mixed with jealousy, envy, revenge, and resentment, it becomes destructive. Therefore, we should encourage compassion, understanding, and forgiveness as dominant thoughts in our minds, and remove the destructive ones. The mind thrives on what we feed it. Through self-awareness and willpower, we can control the mind, and whenever a negative thought arises, we can find the power to change it. In love relationships, more than anything, we must constantly remind ourselves to change the way we look at things, and the way we look at things will change. Don’t get caught in the illusion of love. See it for what it is – a great treasure. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – love is a mighty force, but sometimes the ego uses jealousy to justify its actions. It is based on uncertainty and fear. The opposite of jealousy is trust. Pull the finger in and place the thumb on top. True love is about devotion. It means to devote ourselves to that which we love so that we might discover the true meaning of love. Love consciously cultivated can harmonize and uplift our personal relationships, enabling them to serve the soulful process of self-discovery. With this, we discover how to disseminate joy, cheer, and bliss to all. But this takes work, and that is why we are here on Earth: to work our karma. Consciously work to create authentic and meaningful love, and you will discover one of the great treasures of life. Here is a story of love and devotion: In Ireland, there is a church that, until several years ago, held the heart of Saint Lawrence, who fought to free Ireland from oppression. Upon his deathbed, he asked that his heart be taken, encased in a leather case, and placed in Christ Church in Dublin to show his deep devotion and love for his country. Sadly, thieves broke into the church, tore open the case, and stole the heart. All that is left is a broken case. Never steal or break another person’s heart. It always leaves an empty, painful void. Love is truly a gift. Honor it, cherish it, and protect it. “‘Tis better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.” -ALFRED TENNYSSON Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For more http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Treasures of Life – First One - Good Health

The Treasures of Life – First One - Good Health As we look into the treasures of life, I hope to be a good teacher by showing you where to look, but not what to see. Your body, mind, and soul are the most valuable treasures, for without them, everything else in life is meaningless. Your health is your true wealth and therefore the most important thing in the world. Good health is the ultimate treasure of life, for it is with good health that we enjoy all that life has to offer. It is tough to enjoy life when you are sick and tired. Money won’t buy you good health; however, prosperity may afford you good food, warm shelter, and good medical care, things that are necessary for good health. Therefore, it is good to live in a prosperous society. According to karma, your journey on Earth is not about the body and the mind; however, without the body and the mind, the soul cannot experience this Earthly life. The body is the vehicle, and the mind is the GPS of the soul. Therefore, it is our responsibility and duty to take care of our health. Eating healthy, exercising, relaxing, reflecting, laughing, and loving are all good for our health and support the growth of our souls. . When the body, the mind, and the soul are in perfect balance, we have perfect health. And when we have perfect health, we have so much more to give to the world. A healthy, balanced human has the vital power to disseminate joy, cheer, and bliss to all equally. So, value the treasure of health above all else by taking good care of yourself. END: Honor your health, body, mind, and soul, because, without good health, the challenges of life are complex. The body is the vehicle, and the mind is the GPS of the soul. Therefore, it is our responsibility and duty to take care of our health. Eating healthy, exercising, relaxing, reflecting, laughing, and loving are all good for our health and support the growth of our souls. EGO: Flip your palm up and extend out the index finger, the symbol of the ego. The ego is the part of us that sometimes takes our health for granted. It is here to protect us, and for that, it does a pretty good job, but we need to be careful that it does not forget that without our health, its power is useless. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top—the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. Honor your health, body, mind, and soul by valuing this treasure above all else. A quote: “When health is absent, wisdom cannot reveal itself, art cannot become manifest, strength cannot be exerted, wealth is useless, and reason is powerless.” HEROPHILIES, 300 B.C. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For more http://www.doctorlynn.com

THE TREASURES OF LIFE

The Nidhi is a symbolic container that holds all the treasures of life. The main message is simple: everyone has access to these treasures if they learn to recognize and unlock them from within. By understanding and using these treasures wisely, we determine our own experience of poverty or prosperity. Though the Nidhi’s secrets are mysterious, once uncovered, they reveal their gifts to all. Here is a philosophical interpretation of Nidhi and the path to discovering its treasures: A person is drawn to pleasurable objects only when they seem to be real, permanent, and potentially satisfying. When we understand that all objects in life are not permanent and are always subject to change, our minds become calm, and we strive towards higher attainment. According to the ancient text of Padmini Vidya, nine obstacles prevent us from finding the Nidhi’s and nine characteristics or qualities required to discover them. Remove the obstacles and develop the characteristics, and you will discover how to use the treasures of life to prosper. The nine obstacles are ill health, boredom and apathy, doubting oneself, being scattered and careless, doubting one’s progress (comparing oneself to others), uncontrolled craving and desires, allowing your life to get heavy and burnt out, getting caught up in the maya or the illusion of life, and failing to practice, nothing can be achieved without continual practice. The nine characteristics: The nine characteristics to discover the Nidhi are: be calm, demonstrate self-discipline, withdraw and reflect, observe without judgment, appreciate life intellectually and sincerely, endure hardship, discern what is right, develop unwavering faith, and strive for self-perfection. Achieving this takes effort—this is karma and our purpose. Remember, the main message: cultivate these within to find your treasures. END: In summary, life’s treasures are accessible to all. The main message: look within yourself, remove the obstacles, and develop the necessary qualities. By doing so, you will discover the Nidhi—the container of life’s treasures—and unlock prosperity from within. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the ego. The ego draws us to what we believe to be real, permanent, and potentially satisfying. However, when we realize that these things are not permanent and ever-changing, it causes the ego to cling out of fear of losing what we crave. This can lead us to become scattered and careless. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top, take a breath, and surrender to the soul. The soul reminds us to stay calm and to have unfathomable faith in ourselves, for in life, everything is constantly changing, except that which you cultivate within. So strive to be the perfect human being, true to yourself, do no harm, and equally disseminate health, happiness, and peace to all – even your enemies and those who may have done you wrong. The law of karma states that the energy you put out is the energy that will come back to you. Wish health, happiness, and peace to all, and you will receive the greatest gifts of life – health, happiness, and peace. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

How to Prosper with a Purpose ~ here and now

Yoga encompasses various practices; Hatha yoga teaches us to care for our bodies and involves postures and breath control. Karma yoga instructs us on how to approach our work with a sense of purpose while correcting our actions—it is often called the yoga of selfless action. A less familiar branch, Padmini Vidya, teaches us how to become prosperous, enabling us to make our lives and the world a better place. Padmini Vidya is the science of the subtle forces, sometimes described as spiritual techniques, used to attract wealth and thus success. However, wealth is not merely about accumulating money and material goods. It is about the active and willful control of the energy of consciousness towards one’s benefit. This is the greatest source of wealth. In life, you benefit from being happy and healthy. To control the energy of willful consciousness requires the ability to flow with life. Gratitude for what you have rather than constant desire for what you don’t have is the first step. When you are grateful, you appreciate, and when you appreciate, you move with a sense of grace and refinement. Reach out to develop your highest potential and pay attention to how gracefully you move through the space you occupy. To move gracefully requires balance, strength, and flexibility, not just in your body but in your mind and your soul. Controlling your consciousness is more than pure positive thinking. This stream of energy can reshape your life in either positive or negative ways, depending upon how you use it. Wealth can bestow great power, while its misuse will surely bring suffering. The universe has a perfect accounting system. No deed, good or bad, goes unnoticed. Consciously pay attention to what you think, say, and do. Good deeds will bring true wealth to your life. But it requires work – let’s get started. END: Creating a wealthy life requires the ability to apply the following success formula towards your desired goal. You must have a vision or focus, and then the desire to bring it to life. You must be willing to work diligently, consistently, and persistently with a well-developed plan to achieve the desired results. The formula is: Vision + Desire + Plan + Consistency + Persistence = Success. All of this must be backed with a positive stream of prosperity consciousness if you are to prosper. But as well as determination, we also need punya, which means merits earned through our actions in this life and our past lives. When we see people who are wealthy and successful, the Buddhists and the Hindus would call this punya that was earned from a past life. In the Western world, we might refer to it as luck. Karma yoga refers to the “good” karma you have earned from past lives, as well as the merits you are accumulating in this life. Wealth is not necessarily measured in terms of money. It might appear as talent, integrity, love, virtue, value, beauty, status, worthiness, assets, honor, or goodness. Look for the things in your life that bring you joy, and you will discover the true meaning of a wealthy life. EGO: Flip your palms up and stick out your index finger – symbol of the ego. If we want to create good deeds, we must exhaust misdeeds, which means demerit or bad karma. To achieve this, we must transcend the ego consciousness, which keeps us separate and in a constant state of survival. Remember, karma attaches itself to our actions, our thoughts, and our speech. Therefore, we must be consciously aware of how our actions, thoughts, and words impact our lives. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top of it. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. There are three basic methods of developing good deeds: giving without expecting a return, living a virtuous life, and spreading goodwill. These align with the ten ways to accumulate good merits. They are: Give, Observe virtue, Concentration and focus, Honoring others, Be of service, Dedication, Be happy for others' good fortune, Listen to and practice virtuous teaching, and Instruct others in being virtuous. Give without expectation and look for the things in your life that bring you joy, and you will discover the true meaning of a wealthy life. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace Doctor Lynn

How to Prosper with a Purpose ~ here and now

Before you can prosper, you must acquire punya and overcome papa. This means gaining merits through good deeds while eliminating improper and harmful behavior. Although often confusing, the practice of yoga is not about living the austere life of a renunciate. Yoga fully acknowledges the realities of living in a material world. It actually makes a distinction between those who support a household and those who renounce all worldly possessions. Padmini Vidya encourages us to incorporate the four essential goals of soulful growth, meaningful work, pleasure, and wealth into our lives to achieve a fulfilling and meaningful existence. Striving to find meaning in life is the most powerful force that drives humans to ask, 'Why am I here?' What does it mean? And where am I going? We sometimes refer to this as searching to discover our purpose. When you have a sense of purpose, your brain chemistry begins to change. These biochemical changes affect everything from your ability to meet challenges and establish well-being to controlling your perception of difficulty and pain. Purpose and meaning put us on the soulful path. END: What is life all about? What does it mean, and how can we find our purpose? We all want to know, and when we don’t know, neuroscientists tell us that this uncertainty creates a negative impact on the brain. When confronted with a situation that contradicts our values, things can become uncertain, and this uncertainty can lead to a perception of a threat. The threat, of course, creates stress. However, our brains are hardwired to avoid threat and/or move toward reward. That is why we are the happiest when we have a purpose and can find meaning in our lives. Knowing your purpose, therefore, creates a positive impact on the body, the mind, and the soul. But it is not enough to find your purpose; you must learn to soul walk by expanding your consciousness to its highest potential. We do this by understanding the true nature of life – we are here on earth to remove vices and develop virtues. Live a virtuous life and you will prosper. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger. We lead a virtuous life by taking certain actions and detaching ourselves from others. But to do this, we need to harness the energy of the ego. The ego is the “I” that sits above the “me”. It is necessary for self-preservation, but it often confuses us into believing that the ego’s point of view is the final view of reality. When we master the power of the ego and begin to harness and redirect its energy, we remove papa—meaning the obstacles or negative actions blocking our pathway—and enhance punja, which refers to the positive merits that lead us to a virtuous life. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top of it. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. By enhancing our merits, our consciousness expands, and with this expansion of potential comes a greater ability to deal with the concerns of everyday life, which is necessary if we are to prosper. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Wisdom is more than intelligence.

Lakshmi reminds us to set our goals for each day. First, bring wealth into your life. Remember, wealth is more than just material gain – it also encompasses your health. Find pleasure in the simple things, like enjoying time with family and friends. Create harmony – flow with life and find liberation, the ability to observe life, letting things come and go without attachment or resistance to change. Find these each day, and you will discover wisdom. Science defines our wisdom as crystallized intelligence. This means that as we age and gather experience, our minds hold a vast amount of knowledge that we can draw upon. Young brains may be quicker, but older brains can more readily reach for a solution to a problem or make a decision because of experience and crystallized intelligence. Would we call this wisdom? Perhaps we could, but wisdom is so much more than experience and knowledge crystallized into accessible information. It’s not how much information you store, but how you use it that keeps you on the soulful path. Wisdom is more than intelligence. Wisdom lies in recognizing that everything is constantly changing, so don’t become too attached to anything. Balance is needed as it keeps us grounded and centered. Flexibility keeps us curious, flowing, and open. Strength allows us to endure life’s challenges, and peace brings comfort and an understanding of what really matters in life – health and happiness. Understanding this, you are wise. Let’s get to work. END: Along the soulful path, there will be many divergences and zigs and zags. From here to there is never a straight line. There will be times when you wander so far off the path that you will get lost. You may get caught up in the maya of life and lose touch with what is real. But if you stay on the soulful path, you will learn how to use the world to realize your highest potential without letting the world use you. This is how you master life and prosper. Karma yoga teaches us that everything is simply a matter of cause and effect. What you think, say, and do is what you become. Aim each day to bring wealth, pleasure, harmony, and liberation to yourself and to the world. When you aim for these four directions while working your karma, you will discover the wisdom to live your life with balance, strength, faith, and peace. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out your index finger – the symbol of the ego. Watch out for the ego's desire to always be right and to be all-knowing. Having access to information and using it to feel superior is not wisdom. Wisdom is more about crystallized information. Pull your finger in a place where the thumb is on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul is the observer of life. Quietly watching life without attachment. When we are truly content, we find peace. Wisdom is the realization that time has wings; it flies, so don’t waste it on the four great passions: deceit, greed, anger, and pride, but rather focus on truth, generosity, kindness, and humility, and you will be a wise soul living a peaceful life. Just remember—you never step into the same river twice. Choose wisely, walk softly, and stay on the soulful path. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

LIBERATION – what does it mean to be free?

Don’t confuse liberation with having the freedom to do whatever you choose. Liberation means to reach a level of peace with life just as it is - it means to become the observer of life free of disturbance and judgment. Liberation is being able to accept the ever-changing aspects of life. Everything in nature is constantly changing, right down to the molecules and cells of your body. Change is the only absolute, so why is it so difficult for us to accept it? We seek out the permanent aspect of everything because it makes us feel safe, content, and connected. We try to control the impermanent aspects of life because the unknown causes us to feel anxious and fearful. But impermanence is exactly what we need if we are to find the ultimate prize of life, and that is liberation, the freedom to accept things and to let them come and go without attachment. We will always need food and shelter. We will always seek love and acceptance, and we will always feel fear and anxiety. This is a part of human nature. But if we can develop the ability to pause and catch a breath at the wonders of life, we will realize that everything is simply an opportunity to learn, know, and master our existence in a state of peace and harmony. Become the peaceful observer of life, and you will discover liberation. 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 constantly seeking permanence. We like to feel secure and in control. But remember what might be meaningful today might be meaningless tomorrow. Everything in life is continually changing. Pull your finger in and place your 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. Accept change and then act in ways that are for the greatest good, and in this, you will discover liberation. Liberation does not mean the freedom to do and say whatever you want. It actually means control. If you control your mind by accepting change, 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

Practice Harmony – remove violence.

The main source of disharmony is the violence that exists within the mind; therefore, we should strive for nonviolence in our thoughts, our speech, and our actions, and this will lead to harmony. On a soulful level, harmony signifies the alignment and balance between one’s inner world and the universe. It represents a state of peace, unity, and understanding of life’s highest purpose. It is a symbol of cooperation and connection, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in achieving a shared goal. Harmony reminds us that we are not separate entities but rather parts of a unified whole, actively participating in the universal dance of oneness. What disrupts harmony is violence. According to karma, violence is an obstacle to the practice of living a harmonious life. These obstacles are: 1 to do violence or be untruthful to another person 2. To do violence or be untruthful to oneself 3. To allow others to do violence or be untruthful 4 To encourage others to do violence or be untruthful These thoughts give rise to deceit, greed, anger, and pride. Therefore, we should strive to practice truthfulness, generosity, kindness, and humility, and this will bring harmony into our lives. It takes balance, strength, flexibility, and peace to live a harmonious life – takes work, - that’s karma, let’s get started. END: To combat violence and create harmony, we should avoid using abusive words, insulting statements, angry speech, and giving bad advice, and instead speak softly, gently, truthfully, and wisely. There is a saying: a wound caused by an arrow heals swiftly, but a wound caused by violent speech heals very slowly. The dignity of your soul is the dignity of every soul. We should come to understand that the spirit found in bacteria is not so small, and the spirit of an elephant is not so large. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger, which is the symbol of the ego. Feel it pull you from your center. By cultivating harmony, we develop compassion and understanding with all our relationships on Earth. We move from being separate and bound by the ego to merging past the barriers that keep us apart and at odds. When we develop impartiality towards all things in the world, we become one force of energy that endures under all circumstances. However, impartiality does not mean to be indifferent. It means to be undisturbed by the ebb and flow of life. This is how we create harmony. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Feel the gentle surrender back to your soul. Harmony requires that we act nonviolently with commitment, understanding, patience, forgiveness, a lot of hard work, compromise, balance, flexibility, strength, and respect. It means to put aside our attachment to being right, or even being wrong, and come back to the present moment and do what it takes to remove discord. All of life is equal, but different, and that is what makes life so interesting. Harmonize with life, and the obstacles that block your success will be removed, and you will prosper. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For classes, books, consultation, and more, http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Four Aims or Directions that Lead to Prosperity - PLEASURE

Lakshmi has four hands and four aims or directions for us to seek every day. The first is wealth, and the second is pleasure. We cannot bargain with life, but we can come to understand that all of life is a process that involves experiencing both pleasure and pain. It reminds us not to take our lives for granted. Enjoy the pleasure found in the moments; earth life is short. But we must constantly be reminded to keep everything in balance, lest we tip the scale from pleasure to pain. Pay attention to your cravings and your desires. We are here on earth to understand our existence and to see how we can use all the experiences of life to broaden our knowledge. You cannot bargain with life or death, but you can make peace with these two opposing forces through good character, soulful aims, restraint, dutifulness, knowledge, and the choices you consciously make. Pleasure has both a physical and an emotional aspect. Pleasure is comprised of five layers; it is sensual, loving, has a purpose, is creative, and exercises free will. All of these layers are important to humans. They please us, but equally bring us pain if we are not careful with our karma; pay attention to what and how you think, speak, and act. Just remember all things in moderation. A wise person will always choose to do what is good over sheer pleasure. This can be interpreted in several ways. One way is that a wise person will choose what is good over the joy of comfort, or a wise person will choose to seek pleasure through effort and depth over laziness and superficiality. Let’s get to work. END In addition to being necessary for your survival, pleasure has many levels and layers. Just remember, it can also be destructive if we allow pleasure to control our desires to the point of pain and addiction. But pleasure at the deeper layers of our being instills beauty, and when pleasure and beauty come together, we truly understand the importance of enjoying the real pleasures of life. It’s not pleasure that destroys the good. It is deceit and greed. We sometimes greedily deceive ourselves into believing we need more. That is why yoga teaches us to enjoy the pleasures of life, but always in moderation and never to excess. It is our desire for excess that tips pleasure into pain. But pleasure at the deeper layers of our being instills beauty, and when pleasure and beauty come together, we truly understand the importance of enjoying the real pleasures of life. EGO – flip up your palms and extend out your index finger. Feel it pull you from your center. The greatest pleasure comes from the depth of our soul. When we truly experience something, with full involvement, by tapping into its essence, we discover the true nature of pleasure. We sometimes refer to this as being in the flow or in the moment. Whether it is eating chocolate, sipping a great wine, buying a gift, making love, or spending tons of money, it’s not pleasure that should be avoided, but the greedy, deceitful, self-serving nature of the ego. The ego always wants and thinks it deserves more! Pull your ego in (index finger) and place your thumb (the symbol of your soul) on top. The soul will always remind you to practice moderation in all things and in all things be moderate. With this, you will discover true wealth and soulful pleasures. The more aware you are of the nature of pleasure, the more likely you are to discover it and use it wisely. It’s not pleasure that destroys the good. It is deceit and greed. Choose to do good over comfort, laziness, and superficiality. Namaste~ may your soul walk with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, private consultation, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

WEALTH – the first direction

The first direction or aim in life is the accumulation of wealth. Don’t confuse wealth with money. Money in and of itself is valueless. Only what we can purchase with money gives it value. Wealth is really abundant potential energy. Wealth is not just about the accumulation of money or material goods, although both have the power to make the world a better place. Wealth comes in many forms, including good health, love, happiness, and fulfilling work. Many people become lost in the illusion of material wealth, confusing the earthly symbols of wealth with true success. Success is measured by the degree of your happiness and not the size of your bank account. In this world, no one would argue that it is better to be rich than poor. Wealthy individuals have greater access to both the necessities and luxuries of life. Wealth affords more options and choices. But remember this - it is not wealth that destroys. It is greed. Problems arise when wealth is used to control others and abuse society. In a world such as ours, with so much wealth, no person should ever go without or be abused. So, if you want to prosper, find a way to make the world a better place, and you will become a wealthy person. END: Remember the difference between wealth and material possessions. Wealth can mean having talent, beauty, love, and good health, and these can never be replaced with gold, money, or other material possessions. Your true wealth comes from within. It is the source of your abundant energy, and this energy has the power to create. Draw from it, create, and you will prosper. Once found, this cosmic energy can never be depleted. Just remember that energy is never lost, it simply changes form. As long as the universe exists, there will be infinite opportunities to tap into this abundant energy and, with it, create wealth. Money may come and go or slip past your outstretched hand, but if you use your abundant energy wisely, you will always create wealth, and with this, you prosper. EGO: flip your palm up and extend out the index finger – the symbol of the ego. The ego often associates success with the accumulation of material things. However, the ego's primary task is to balance our uncontrollable desires with what is socially and technically acceptable. That’s where the soul comes into play. 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 is our consciousness. It is our ability to see the world for what it is – ever-changing. Material wealth comes and goes, but when we truly understand the meaning of a wealthy life, we prosper. Although you may amass a million gold coins, when you depart this world, you cannot take with you even one copper penny. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For classes, books, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

PROSPERITY – four goals

Contrary to what some people may believe, yoga is not about living in a cave in an impoverished, austere manner. The practice of yoga fully acknowledges the realities of living in a material world. It encourages us to incorporate the four important goals of soulful growth, meaningful work, pleasure, and wealth into fulfilling and meaningful lives. Yoga encourages us to prosper while consciously paying attention to our energy use. Life is a dance of creation and destruction. Lakshmi, the goddess of the energy of prosperity, is a powerful force. Her name means “aim” or “goal.” She has four arms, which signify her power to grant the four goals, or directions, towards a prosperous life: wealth (artha), worldly pleasure (karma sutra), harmony by adhering to a good moral and ethical code (dharma), and soulful liberation (moksha). The four goals or aims direct your highest potential into creating a prosperous and fulfilling life. Awareness of how you use your energy is the key to living a prosperous life. So, let’s get started focusing on balance, strength, and flexibility, as they will be needed by the body, mind, and soul if you wish to prosper. END: Remember this: the most abundant thing in the universe is energy. Use it wisely. The punjas, or merits we accumulate as we travel through life, are with us from lifetime to lifetime. They define us and are by far our most valuable assets. Money can’t buy you happiness, but prosperity can! “Although you may gather a million gold coins upon your death, you cannot take even one copper penny with you.” (CHINESE PROVERB) EGO: flip your palm up and extend out your index finger, the symbol of the ego. The ego defines itself by its connection to the material world. It forgets that the world is transient; everything is constantly changing, and that our material possessions do not define us, but our character does. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top; this is the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul reminds us that wealth is not the accumulation of material things. Wealth is the ability to manipulate the energy of consciousness to bring about prosperity. Material things come and go, but once achieved, the consciousness of prosperity is eternal. It becomes our frame of reference and our way of looking and acting within the world. The material world, on the other hand, is a constant flow of changing energy. Youth changes to old age and day to night, but the consciousness of prosperity, once found and fully understood, is eternal. You carry it with you forever. Be prosperous. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace Doctor Lynn For books, classes, and more – http://www.doctorlynn.com

Reincarnation – why are we here?

According to karma, when we transcend to the astral world (die), we go to the holdover place, which is not the final resting place. It is a place for reflection. We can accurately appraise our deeds and misdeeds free of emotions and sensations. We then identify the areas that need improvement and must be addressed. After we have decided, we find a suitable body and parents that will best help us accomplish our mission. Because we cannot achieve this without human emotions, experiences, and sensations, we return to Earth to take on earthly form and begin again. On the spiritual plane, the karmic debts appear reasonably straightforward, but when we return to earth, we once again experience pain, cold, heat, grief, fear, and physical limitations in the physical world. When we uncover our karmic obligation, we are faced with a decision: to conquer our fears and guilt or allow them to overwhelm us so that nothing gets resolved. To awaken and grow, we must be willing to become the witnesses and observers of our lives and learn to live from a place of compassion, faith, balance, serenity, peace, strength, and divinity. Not an easy task. It takes work, and that is karma. Let’s get started. END Remember, the present is shaped by the past or by our memories. If we don't achieve all our goals in this lifetime, let this chapter of your life reflect a truthful, happy, and loving existence. Remember, this is just a chapter in your book of life. There's no deadline for completing the book. However, there's a sense of urgency if you wish to end your suffering and continual rebirth. You must sincerely strive to transcend the lower human aspects of yourself and replace them with honesty, generosity, kindness, and humility. When you learn to work your karma, your life will start working for you, leading to a more fulfilling life. EGO Reincarnation will not provide you with a straight and clear path. You will soon discover that from here to there is never a straight line. There will be many twists and turns, as well as many detours. There will be low valleys, high mountain tops, and ravines. How low you go or how high you climb will depend upon your moral compass. Let it be your guide, not the ego. Pull your index finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. When life takes you on a detour, don’t resent it, fear it, or avoid it. Be on the lookout for opportunities, adventures, and chances to learn and grow. This is your soul leading you towards liberation. You never know what you will find. But remember, as long as the ego is pushing you towards the path, you are not on the path. The true purpose of your journey here on earth is to do the work that frees you from the four great passions: deceit, greed, anger, and pride. In this, you will discover liberation: body, mind, and soul. Karma Yoga with Doctor Lynn http://www.doctorlynn.com

THE FOUR GREAT PASSIONS

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 at one time or another. The four great passions, which are the major causes of all of life’s problems, are: 1. Deceit 2. Greed 3. Anger 4. Pride These states, which lack honesty, tolerance, unselfishness, and humility, are the triggering mechanisms for all karma. They also include a lack of 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. Deceit, to most of us, means to lie or not tell the truth. But deceit is also the ability to live in ignorance and denial. Blaming others or the nature of our present and past existence is a form of deceit. Greed. When we think of greed, we usually think of avarice or excessive hoarding of money and material things. Greed is really a fixation upon objects of sensory pleasure and gratification. For example: alcohol, food, or sex. Greed causes us to commit violence against others and ourselves. Anger. Although no one likes to be an angry person, it is somewhat easier to admit this passion than the other three passions. Perhaps that is because anger is seen as a worthy passion if it is used to right an injustice. However, it is very difficult to practice the right amount of anger, at the right time, for the right reason. Pride. Pride is insecurity and fear turned outward in an act of defiance. Pride is a false sense of self-acceptance. Our work here on earth is to transcend all four of the great passions, which are the root cause of all our so-called problems. To do this, we must develop balance, flexibility, strength, and a peaceful body, mind, and soul. This takes conscious work – that’s karma, let’s get started. END: Although we have infinite ability for creativity, all creativity only has three central activities: thinking, speaking, and doing. These three activities create our karma, and all karma seeks expression through your thoughts, words, and deeds. Awareness of the four great passions as they show up in your life, and they will, is to become the witnessing consciousness; the observing principle of life. We can only annihilate or change something when we have awareness and then the strength and compassion to do so. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out your index vinger – the ego. It is our human cravings and desires that bring about discontent, suffering, and selfishness. This causes us to fall into D-GAP: deceit, greed, anger, and pride. As long as we are caught up in the cycle of discontent, we can never find the balanced awareness needed to work our karma so that our life works for us. Cravings and desires cloud our awareness, and thus we become what in karma is known as the “ignorant unaware-self.” Pull your ego in and place your thumb on top. When we work (live) our life from the soul consciousness, we stop ourselves from getting swept up in the great passions. The soul reminds us to observe our behavior and reactions to things because for every action there is an effect. Anger begets anger. If we change anger to compassion, the result will be a kinder and more understanding life. Change the way you look at things, and the way you look at things changes. This takes work – that’s karma, but when you learn how to consciously work your karma, your life begins to work for you. Be careful not to fall into the D-GAP. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For more, visit http://www.doctorlynn.com

The container that holds the Treasures of life

The Nidhi is a symbolic container that holds all the treasures of life. The main message is simple: everyone has access to these treasures if they learn to recognize and unlock them from within. By understanding and using these treasures wisely, we determine our own experience of poverty or prosperity. Though the Nidhi’s secrets are mysterious, once uncovered, they reveal their gifts to all. Here is a philosophical interpretation of Nidhi and the path to discovering its treasures: A person is drawn to pleasurable objects only when they seem to be real, permanent, and potentially satisfying. When we understand that all objects in life are not permanent and always subject to change, our minds become calm, and we strive towards higher attainment. According to the ancient text of Padmini Vidya, there are nine obstacles that prevent us from finding the Nidhi’s and nine characteristics or qualities required to discover them. Remove the obstacles and develop the characteristics, and you will discover how to use the treasures of life to prosper. The nine obstacles are ill health, boredom and apathy, doubting oneself, being scattered and careless, doubting one’s progress (comparing oneself to others), uncontrolled craving and desires, allowing your life to get heavy and burnt out, getting caught up in the maya or the illusion of life, and failing to practice nothing can be achieved without continual practice. The nine characteristics: The nine characteristics to discover the Nidhi are: be calm, demonstrate self-discipline, withdraw and reflect, observe without judgment, appreciate life intellectually and sincerely, endure hardship, discern what is right, develop unwavering faith, and strive for self-perfection. Achieving this takes effort—this is karma and our purpose. Remember, the main message: cultivate these within to find your treasures. END: In summary, life’s treasures are accessible to all. The main message: look within yourself, remove the obstacles, and develop the necessary qualities. By doing so, you will discover the Nidhi—the container of life’s treasures—and unlock prosperity from within. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the ego. The ego draws us to what we believe to be real, permanent, and potentially satisfying. However, when we realize that these things are not permanent and ever-changing, it causes the ego to cling out of fear of losing what we crave. This can lead us to become scattered and careless. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top, take a breath, and surrender to the soul. The soul reminds us to stay calm and to have unfathomable faith in ourselves, for in life, everything is constantly changing, except that which you cultivate within. So strive to be the perfect human being, true to yourself, do no harm, and equally disseminate health, happiness, and peace to all – even your enemies and those who may have done you wrong. The law of karma states that the energy you put out is the energy that will come back to you. Wish health, happiness, and peace to all, and you will receive the greatest gifts of life – health, happiness, and peace. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

Character review – how to become the perfected human being

Let’s say something really difficult, overwhelming, or troublesome comes into your life, and you first become calm, then you use your self-discipline to go within and reflect upon the situation. Then you look outward, observing the situation with tranquility. As you observe, you are reminded to have a sincere appreciation for all of life. You are reminded that everything in life changes, so you see situations as opportunities to grow and learn, even when they cause suffering and hardship. For we have all had to endure difficult times in our lives. This stepping back and observing gives us an opportunity to discriminate between what is right and what is wrong. With unfathomable faith and belief in ourselves, we make the decision to act from a place of being the perfected human being, true to ourselves, do no harm, and equally disseminate health, happiness, and peace to all. This takes the ability to be objective and to forgive. All of this would require a state of balance, being open and flexible, and a strong grounding within us. These are not easy things to do when faced with difficulties, but if we can do them, we find peace and serenity within ourselves and in the world around us. Let’s work on finding balance, strength, flexibility, and peace. END: Building positive characteristics such as calmness, self-discipline, reflection, tranquility, appreciation, endurance, discriminating between what is right and wrong, unshakable faith and striving to be the perfected human being – true to yourself, do no harm and equally disseminating to all health, happiness and peace will bring balance, openness, strength and peace to our lives. But these are not easy characteristics to build; therefore, we must work at them every day, and that is the practice of Karma. Ego: Flip your palm up and extend your index fingers to form the symbol of the ego. The ego will constantly try to pull you from your center, as it sees most of life as a battle to be won. The ego can also cause you to doubt yourself, leading you to get lost in comparing yourself to others. It causes us to compete, which is meaningless since we are all unique individuals on our own unique journey. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top – take a breath- this is the symbol of connecting to your soul. The journey of the soul is to work your karma. It's about practicing forgiveness, compassion and understanding, and therefore we strive to become the perfected human being – follow your passion – be true to yourself – do no harm and equally disseminate health, happiness, and peace to all – even your enemies for then you will truly find health, happiness and peace body, mind and soul. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Ninth Characteristic ~ WHAT IS PERFECTION?

The ninth characteristic or quality that karma suggests we should strive for is to be the perfect human being. This means to be true to yourself, without harming, while equally disseminating the energy of health, happiness, and peace to all. Notice the word strive. It means to devote your energy towards achieving or obtaining something. With great effort and devotion, you can bring about change, and that is how to utilize the energy of karma most effectively. Karma means selfless work. It means to work, not for accolades or material possessions, but to strive to better yourself, and as such to make the world a better place. Be true to yourself. Work to connect with and understand your true essence, or what makes you uniquely who you are. What makes you healthy, happy, and peaceful? What brings you great joy? When you are true to yourself, harmonious energy will flow through your life. What is perfection? By its very nature, it is subjective. It is sometimes described as a state of perfection, without any shortcomings. However, karma teaches us that humans are inherently flawed and designed to make mistakes. We learn from our mistakes and then strive to correct them. Our imperfections, which we all have, are the unique qualities that make us human and contribute to the diversity of life. We are here to work our karma, and that means to strive to be the very best we can while embracing the idea that we are all a part of the greater whole, and when we can do that, we realize that the perfected human being is true to themselves, does not harm, and equally disseminates the energy of health, happiness, and peace to all. Be truthful, generous, kind, and humble. END: Strive to be the best version of yourself. Be true to yourself, without doing harm, while equally disseminating the energy of health, happiness, and peace to all. Karma means selfless work. It means to work, not for accolades or material possessions, but to strive to better yourself, and as such to make the world a better place. EGO: Flip your hands up and extend out the index fingers; the symbol of the ego. The ego lives in fear of being rejected, not being accepted, not being loved, and facing death. So, it seeks validation and approval to prove to itself that it is perfect. We compare ourselves to others and compete with others in an attempt to feel superior and more successful. The ego sets unrealistic standards in its pursuit of an idealized, perfect self-image, and when we fall short of this, we experience disappointment and despair. Pull your index fingers in and place your thumbs on top; the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. From the soul’s perspective, we are all perfect when we are true to ourselves and realize our inherent potential to create harmony, compassion, love, and empathy towards ourselves and others. Perfection is seen as an ongoing journey of self-discovery. It involves the recognition and embodiment of gratitude, wisdom, forgiveness, and inner peace. It means living your life by the principles of truthfulness, kindness, and integrity. Nowhere does the soul define perfections in physical, mental, or material attributes. Perfection means to be true to yourself, not harm, and equally disseminate the energy of health, happiness, and peace to all. In the words of John W. Gardner: “Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.” Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health,happiness and peace. Doctor Lynn

The Eighth Characteristic – Unfathomable Faith

The eighth characteristic is to have unfathomable faith. Karma yoga refers to unfathomable faith, characterized by a deep and unwavering belief in one's ability to self-realize and soulfully grow, even in the face of adversity. Having faith in one's skills and potential leads to inner wisdom, an understanding that the path of life is not always easy. However, with unwavering faith in oneself, one will not only survive but also thrive. Karma teaches us that every individual has the potential to tap into their inner strengths and to develop self-awareness, self-healing, and personal growth. Within all of us is the ability to overcome life's obstacles, as well as master the great passions: deceit, greed, anger, and pride. Karma recognizes the presence of a higher power or divine energy that exists within and beyond the individual. We call this "Ishvar," or an absolute and total dedication of all your thoughts, words, and deeds to your chosen ideal in life. Unfathomable faith requires the ability to surrender to this higher power by genuinely listening to and trusting your inner voice and letting it be your guide. Unfathomable faith means commitment and dedication even during challenging times. There will be many challenges in life and obstacles to overcome, but when we remove self-doubt and replace it with steadfastness and perseverance, we will find the power to achieve. But it takes practice—that's karma! END: Unfathomable faith is not just about religious or spiritual beliefs; it also means having faith in our ability to navigate the many challenges and obstacles of life. Relationships, careers, families, and life in general require a certain sense of faith if we are to succeed. Faith provides us with strength, resilience, determination, and the motivation to pursue our goals even when the path forward may seem uncertain. Faith surpasses ordinary limits and persists despite the obstacle of self-doubt. Have faith in yourself. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out your index fingers; the symbol of the ego. While unfathomable faith can be a source of inspiration and guidance, it can also lead to closed-mindedness, dogmatism, and an unwillingness to consider alternative perspectives. The ego is adept at believing that its point of view is the only valid one, discounting alternative beliefs and attitudes. Pull your fingers in and place your thumbs on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. When we take the time to connect with our soul, we are reminded to maintain a balance between holding onto our faith and being open to new ideas and different perspectives. We are reminded not to get caught up in believing one way is right and another is wrong. Faith means believing in yourself and following your path, but always remember to respect yourself, others, and Mother Earth. 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 seventh characteristic is to be able to discriminate between…

What is right and what is wrong. To choose between right and wrong is where ethics and morals come into play. Knowing the difference between right and wrong is not always crystal clear. It involves a combination of innate moral intuitions, societal norms, personal values, and ethical reasoning. For example, it is wrong to steal. But if your children are dying of starvation, is it right or wrong to steal so they don't die? Karma reminds us, above all else, not to harm but to always do what does the greatest good for the greatest number. Humans possess an inherent sense of empathy and fairness, which provides a framework for establishing what is right and what is wrong. However, these may vary somewhat among individuals and across different cultures. "Ahimsa," or nonviolence, is a fundamental principle of yoga. It means to refrain from doing any harm to oneself, others, and all living beings through physical actions, as well as speech and thoughts. However, even yoga acknowledges that the line between right and wrong is not always clear. For example, we are not to harm and always tell the truth. But this can sometimes put us in a dilemma. Once, on an early winter's day, a yogi was meditating in the woods. A beautiful deer ran by and jumped past him. Reflecting, the yogi thought how lovely and graceful the deer was. Soon after, a hunter came by and asked the yogi if he had seen the deer. If the yogi tells the hunter the truth about where the deer ran, the hunter will kill the deer, and harm will be done to it. The truth would be the wrong thing for the yogi to do. But winter is setting in, and if he does not tell the truth, the hunter and his family will starve. Not telling the truth will create greater harm to the hunter and his family. So this would be wrong. What should the yogi do? What is the right action, and what is the incorrect action? Here, we see the dilemma between telling the truth and practicing nonviolence. The line between right and wrong is not always clear. Karma reminds us always to do what is the greatest good for the greatest number. END: Yoga is a philosophical tradition that offers insight into the concept of right and wrong. Yoga emphasizes withdrawal and self-reflection, enabling us to be more self-aware of how we conduct ourselves in our thoughts, words, and actions. The line between right and wrong is not always clear. However, yoga encourages us to lead a life of nonviolence, integrity, and honesty. This path entails being truthful, respectful, and fair. Align yourself with your higher principles; always do what is the greatest good for the most significant number without harming yourself, others, or the world. Honesty is one of life's considerable challenges. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out your index fingers, the symbol of the ego. The ego always wants to be right because it is closely tied to our self-image, identity, and the need for validation. The ego craves control and approval, and it fears being wrong. It tends to favor information that affirms its beliefs and tends to ignore or dismiss anything that contradicts them. Control and approval can blur the line between right and wrong. Pull your index fingers in and place your thumbs on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. When it comes to right and wrong, let your soul be your guide. Be aware, withdraw, and reflect on yourself. The soul will remind you that we are all connected as one and that we must be very care­ful with our interpretation of what is right and what is wrong. The soul will always seek to do what is right through the basic principle of do not harm, while guided by the principle always to do what is the greatest good for the greatest number. Let your conscience (soul) be your guide. Wisdom is in knowing the right path to take. Integrity is taking it. 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

The Sixth Characteristic ~ intellectual appreciation for life

Intellect and appreciation are integral to the practice of karma yoga, as they help to cultivate gratitude, selfless actions, and detachment from outcomes. We do something because it benefits all, not just us as individuals. To have sincere and intellectual appreciation for life, one must develop understanding and respect for the natural world, human relationships, and oneself. This means recognizing the interconnectedness of all things, understanding the impact of one’s actions, and then striving to make a positive contribution to the world. A sincere and intellectual appreciation for life means recognizing and valuing the significance of one’s existence and the world around them thoughtfully and authentically. It involves being aware and grateful for the opportunities and experiences that life presents, as well as acknowledging the difficulties and challenges that come with it. To practice karma yoga means to take actions that are motivated by a desire to serve others and contribute to the greater good of humanity. It all begins with finding balance, strength, flexibility, and peace in a chaotic world. END A sincere and intellectual appreciation for life means approaching life with an open mind, seeking to learn and grow from our experiences, and embracing the uncertainty and impermanence of existence. Ultimately, having a sincere and intellectual appreciation for life is about finding meaning and purpose in one’s own life and then contributing to the good of humanity. Intellect and appreciation for life are essential to karma yoga, a soulful practice that emphasizes calmness, introspection, discipline, and tranquility. Appreciation means recognizing the value and significance of every moment and every being, and then cultivating a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that life presents. By appreciating our experiences, we gain a sense of purpose and joy, which in turn leads to a more prosperous life. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index fingers; the symbol of the ego. The ego plays a crucial role in shaping our perceptions, including our attachment to people, objects, and ideas. This can influence how we conduct our lives, such as identifying with our emotional attachments even when they are unhealthy. Fear of losing our attachments can cause us to over-identify with our emotions. For example, when we feel jealousy or rejection in response to a friend or relative spending time with someone else. We overly invest in these emotions, which causes us to cling to them and have a difficult time letting go. Pull your index fingers in and place your thumbs on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. Appreciation cultivates wisdom, and wisdom teaches us that the true nature of reality is that everything, even our emotions, is impermanent and constantly changing. When we sincerely and intellectually appreciate life, we cultivate selfless action, gratitude, and detachment from outcomes. Sincerely and intellectually appreciate all of life. It is here for your evolution. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For more information, visit http://www.doctorlynn.com

Why can’t we have peace in the world?

To come together as one and bring peace to the world requires removing prejudicial barriers. It starts with appreciating the diversity of our cultures. It is more than tolerance. It is accepting and appreciating that although we all may appear different, we are all equal. Our perception of the outside world is based on our individual and collective thoughts and mental attitudes. 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 to seek to change our inner 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 deceit, greed, anger, and pride, the world would become a place of peace. To achieve this means being content and accepting of what comes into our lives and what goes out of our lives. It's not easy for humans to do. If we genuinely 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 and cultivate inner peace, the more peace we establish within ourselves, and the more peace we can project onto the world. Think for a moment what the world would be if we all stopped and projected peace rather than war into 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 moments of inner peace, the more peace we establish within ourselves, 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 or attachments. Selflessness is not an easy task. That is why we must prepare our ego to find contentment and happiness and perform actions for the sake of others. Selflessness does not mean self-denial; instead, we seek to help others through our selflessness, and in doing so, 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. Try not to focus so much on changing the outside world, but rather to seek to bring peace to your inner world. Be grateful for this moment of peace and remember it, for if we all could find more moments of peace, 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 more – visit http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Sixth Characteristic: Enduring Suffering and Hardship - Karma Yoga, check out the blog post.

The sixth characteristic is to be able to endure suffering and hardships. Life is filled with suffering, but it is also full of wonder, offering us numerous opportunities to endure and rise above it. There will always be suffering, hardships, losses, pain, anguish, and fear. To endure suffering and hardships means to persist through challenging circumstances without giving up. It involves facing and overcoming adversity, even when it is painful or uncomfortable. This requires mental and emotional strength, resilience, and perseverance. It consists of recognizing that challenges and struggles are a natural part of accepting life and may be necessary for personal growth and development. For example, karma teaches us that if someone hurts us, causing suffering and hardship, we should accept this as an opportunity to find inner peace and liberation within ourselves. By emotionally detaching from the pain of insults, abuse, and suffering, we have the opportunity to cultivate compassion and understanding within ourselves. In this, we learn to work our karma. Once, a man sought to anger a saint by insulting him and using abusive language. The saint sat quietly and still. The man screamed, “Don’t you understand what I am saying about you?” The saint answered, “Yes.” And then the man yelled, “How can you sit there so quietly and still?” The saint answered, “Suppose you brought me some fruit, and I refused it. What would you do?” “I would take it back,” said the man. “In the same way, I refuse to accept the things you have called me so that you may take them back,” he replied. END: Karma yoga is a holistic approach to addressing suffering and hardships by integrating physical, mental, and soulful energy. This approach requires finding balance, strength, flexibility, and peace in a chaotic and sometimes challenging world. Even though life can be complex and full of suffering and hardships, we must focus on the good, the lessons, and the growth. To endure suffering and hardships, you must develop great courage, patience, and determination. Draw on your inner resources, such as faith, hope, and a sense of purpose, to help you through difficult times. Life is chaotic. Sufferings and hardships are part of human life. They will not disappear. Like the saint, practice liberation; refuse to let them destroy your inner sense of peace. In this, you will know what it means to work your karma. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index fingers, the ego symbol. The ego is our psyche. It is our sense of self and identity, and it can play a significant role in dealing with suffering and hardships. The ego sometimes identifies with suffering, a fundamental aspect of our identity. This can lead to victimization or self-pity, which may intensify the suffering. The ego may compare our suffering to that of others, either to minimize our pain or to magnify it. Victimization creates a feeling of superiority or inferiority. The ego seeks to control difficult experiences by attempting to fix or resolve them. While acting may be helpful, the ego can become overly attached to control and struggle to accept situations that cannot be changed, thereby intensifying suffering and hardship. Pull your index fingers in and place your thumbs on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul is the deepest aspect of our being. It is the source of meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than our ego self. The soul responds to suffering with compassion and understanding by recognizing that all of life is interconnected and that we all share the joys and sorrows of life. Rather than being a victim, the soul finds meaning in suffering and hardships, using them for personal growth, learning, and transformation. The soul draws upon a deep sense of faith to endure suffering and hardship and find peace. This characteristic will help you emulate the saint and refuse to accept anything that disturbs your inner 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

REVIEW - What are Character and Qualities?

To overcome obstacles and challenges, one must develop specific characteristics and qualities. These traits or attributes define an individual's personality, behavior, and outlook on life. Everyone possesses unique characteristics shaped by their life experiences, environment, and culture. Recognizing and cultivating positive characteristics and qualities in oneself can lead to personal growth and success in various aspects of life. The first five characteristics are to stay calm, self-disciplined, withdraw and reflect, be tranquil and observe, and have a sincere and intellectual appreciation for life. To have a sincere and intellectual appreciation for life, one must develop understanding and respect for the natural world, human relationships, and oneself. Appreciation means recognizing the interconnectedness of all things and understanding that what happens to one of us happens to all of us. Today, let's find calmness, self-discipline, reflection, observation, and appreciation. END: To bring harmony into your life, align yourself with and focus on developing honesty, generosity, kindness, and humility. Remember: what you think, say, and do reflect the characteristics and qualities you have created. You have the power to change 84 percent of who you are: your looks, your name, your career, and where you live, but you cannot change your individuality or your family of origin. However, you can change your beliefs and attitudes, especially if they do not align with what brings health, happiness, and peace to your life. EGO: Flip your palms up and stick out your index finger, the symbol of the ego. According to karma, our characteristics and qualities are not our true nature but rather a set of patterns and tendencies we have developed throughout our lives. These are attached to the ego. The ego gives us a sense of individuality and separates us from others. Still, it can also lead to attachment and suffering, preventing us from achieving self-realization and soulful growth. The ego is the false sense of self that identifies with righteousness, importance, and attachment. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath, surrender to your soul. Karma teaches us how to detach from the ego (if only for a moment) by recognizing that our characteristics and qualities are not who we truly are. They are byproducts of our experiences. How we develop and use these characteristics determines the outcome of our lives. We are here on Earth as curious souls to learn and understand life, and with that comes characteristics. If the need to be right or self-importance should arise, take a breath, step away from the ego, and connect with your soul. It will encourage you to control the four great passions of deceit, greed, anger, and pride and replace them with honesty, generosity, kindness, and humility. These characteristics will make your life harmonious and peaceful. Who wouldn't want that? Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn For books, classes, consults, and more http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Sixth Characteristic… karma yoga Suffering and Hardship

The sixth characteristic is to be able to endure suffering and hardships. Life is filled with suffering but is also full of wonder, offering us numerous opportunities to endure and rise above it. There will always be suffering, hardships, losses, pain, anguish, and fear. To endure suffering and hardships means to persist through challenging circumstances without giving up. It involves facing and overcoming adversity, even when it is painful or uncomfortable. This requires mental and emotional strength, resilience, and perseverance. It involves recognizing that challenges and struggles are a natural part of accepting life and may be necessary for personal growth and development. For example, karma teaches us that if someone hurts us, causing suffering and hardship, we should accept this as an opportunity to find inner peace and liberation within ourselves. By emotionally detaching from the pain of insults, abuse, and suffering, we have the opportunity to cultivate compassion and understanding within ourselves. In this, we learn to work our karma. Once, a man sought to anger a saint by insulting him and using abusive language. The saint sat quietly and still. The man screamed, “Don’t you understand what I am saying about you?” The saint answered, “Yes.” And then the man yelled, “How can you sit there so quietly and still?” The saint answered, “Suppose you brought me some fruit, and I refused it. What would you do?” “I would take it back,” said the man. “In the same way, I refuse to accept the things you have called me so that you may take them back,” he replied. END: Karma yoga is a holistic approach to addressing suffering and hardships by integrating physical, mental, and soulful energy. This approach requires finding balance, strength, flexibility, and peace in a chaotic and sometimes challenging world. Even though life can be complex and full of suffering and hardships, we must focus on the good, the lessons, and the growth. To endure suffering and hardships, you must develop great courage, patience, and determination. Draw on your inner resources, such as faith, hope, and a sense of purpose, to help you through difficult times. Life is chaotic. Sufferings and hardships are part of human life. They will not disappear. Like the saint, practice liberation; refuse to let them destroy your inner sense of peace. In this, you will know what it means to work your karma. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index fingers, the ego symbol. The ego is our psyche. It is our sense of self and identity and can play a significant role in dealing with suffering and hardships. The ego sometimes identifies with suffering, a fundamental aspect of our identity. This can lead to victimization or self-pity, and this may intensify suffering. The ego may compare suffering to others, either to minimize our pain or to magnify it. Victimization creates a feeling of superiority or inferiority. The ego seeks to control difficult experiences by attempting to fix or resolve them. While taking action may be helpful, the ego can get overly attached to control and may struggle to accept a situation that cannot be changed, intensifying the suffering and hardship. Pull your index fingers in and place your thumbs on top, the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul is the deepest aspect of our being. It is the source of meaning, purpose, and connection to something greater than our ego self. The soul responds to suffering with compassion and understanding by recognizing that all of life is interconnected and that we all share the joys and sorrows of life. Rather than being a victim, the soul finds meaning in suffering and hardships, using them for personal growth, learning, and transformation. The soul draws upon a deep sense of faith to endure suffering and hardship and find peace. This characteristic will help you emulate the saint and refuse to accept anything that disturbs your inner 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