To Be Truly Humbled

• At its core, humility is the fundamental respect for all living beings and the acknowledgment that, in our essence, we are all divine beings with the inherent capacity for greatness. Recently, I found myself experiencing a totally humbling experience. It brought tears to my eyes, made me bow my head, and made me say to myself. “ I am truly humbled. When you experience this, you feel your own limitations in the face of something so much bigger or better. It's about recognizing "Wow, there's a whole world I still need to learn about," or "These people are on a whole other level!" Let me share the story that humbled me with you. Oksana Masters – world champion Paralympics – Four Gold Medals - Her story is truly humbling. Google her – the story is amazing and truly humbling. • END • Humility is the opposite of arrogance, pride, and conceit. Humble people are self-aware, honest about their limitations ( and we all have them), and open to learning from others. At its core, humility is the fundamental respect for all living beings and the acknowledgment that, in our essence, we are all divine beings with the inherent capacity for greatness. To practice humility, listen to others, look to the bright side of life, accept disappointment as a part of life, and ignore negativity. • Humility is not about diminishing oneself but about shifting the focus from oneself to others. This shift in perspective strengthens bonds with others and broadens awareness of the world, enriching one's well-being in body, mind, and soul. • • EGO: Flip your palms up and extend ut the index finger – the symbol of the soul. Humility in karma yoga is the counter-emotion to the great passion of pride. Pride misdirects, causing the ego to rise, and everything associated with the ego begins to increase. Arrogance, righteousness, and superiority control one's life and cause the ego to rise. • Pull your finger in a place and thumb on top of the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. With humility, the ego begins to subside. Kindness, generosity, acknowledgment, and admiration control one's life. The more profound the humility with which we conduct ourselves, the better for our health, body, mind, and soul • Humility softens the ego and acts as a powerful stress reducer. Humble individuals are more open to learning and problem-solving, leading to personal growth and a more profound sense of compassion and empathy. Their gratitude and fulfillment in life establish a profound inner peace. • Remember Oksana Masters – she is truly a cause to pause and be humble. • Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. • Doctor Lynn

Contentment – the pathway to peace

Contentment is something yoga suggests we try to observe. It means to remain content with what comes into and what goes out of your life. It should be observed intellectually, verbally, and physically. Psychologically, it means to be prepared to part with anything you don’t need. On a deeper level, it means you should not be perturbed if that which you feel you need is removed from my life. Rather, you should focus on the abundance of life as well as the laws of karma. Contentment is the root of happiness, happiness is the root of a quiet mind, a quiet mind is the root of gathering energy, and gathering energy is the root of prosperity. Verbal contentment means to give up idle chatter, biter words, shouts, and insults. It means to be quiet, listen, observe, and remember that which is taken from you is not taken from you but replaced with something you need more dearly. Physical contentment means not being violent toward anyone or anything. When contentment is absent, greed increases. On a deeper level, it means forgetting past injuries and insults (practicing forgiveness) to the degree that our body-mind strives to do no harm. Contentment requires a balanced life, a strong conviction to forgive, and the flexibility to accept change – these bring us peace, and when we are content and at peace, we are prosperous. Let’s get started. END: Be content with what comes into and what goes out of your life. That which is taken from you is not taken from you but rather converted or transmuted into that which you need more dearly. Understanding this wisdom of life’s way will bring you contentment. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger of the symbol of the ego. When contentment is absent, a person who possesses one thing desires to possess a hundred things. A person who possesses a hundred things desires to possess a thousand. A person who possesses a thousand things desires a million. This is the nature of greed. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. The symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. A mountain is great, the sky is greater, reality is the greatest of all. But greed surpasses all, for it holds the world in its grip. Therefore, the soul that renounces greed and acquires contentment has everything. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

The YAMAS – suggestion for living a soulful life

The first is nonviolence, the second is truthfulness, and the third is non-stealing. All should be practiced in thought, word, and deed. For most people, non-stealing means non-theft. In yoga, however, it means not to commit theft physically and not to cause or approve of anyone else doing so in thoughts, words, or actions. The three ways to observe non-stealing are intellectual, verbal, and physical. We also need to be careful not to steal from ourselves, which often stems from fear of not being “enough,” leading to overwork, missed rest, or emotional depletion. Observing intellectual non-stealing is most difficult, for it implies that we should not even think about wanting to take something that belongs to another. It does not mean we cannot see something another person has, admire it, and wish to acquire it, but anything we acquire must be done through our own efforts. According to yoga, what you have not earned has not yet been presented to you. Anything coming into your life, you have earned it, and it has the potential to bring you happiness. However, anything coming into your life that has not been earned will bring struggle, difficulty, and perhaps unhappiness. Verbal non- stealing implies that you should not steal what belongs to another on a verbal level, such as stealing one’s dignity. pride, happiness, moment of glory, or mental values. You should not injure a person's character in any way, shape, or form, Physical non-stealing – to take an object by deceit, force, skullduggery, or without permission is physical theft. If you want something, you must realize that it must be earned. This produces stability, balance, self-sufficiency, and a peaceful state of being. Let’s see if we can find this today. END: By the practice of non-violence. Truthfulness and non-stealing, we begin to gain the ability to cleanse, gather, and lift the lifeforce, and with this, our goal of soulful realization becomes clearer. Be peaceful, truthful, and willing to do the work to bring health, happiness, and peace to the body, mind, and soul. This extends far beyond literal theft—it includes stealing time, energy, creativity, truth, and emotional presence from others and from oneself EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the ego. Ego and stealing are linked because the ego often drives us to: • Compare ourselves to others, measuring worth through achievement rather than inner growth • Perform to gain approval, which can lead to overexertion and emotional “theft” from others • Protect or inflate the self by interrupting or “one-upping” others, which steals their sense of value • Pull your finger in place, the thumb on top - the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. • Yoga’s approach is to redirect attention inward—to the breath, the present moment, and the true self beneath the ego’s surface. By cultivating self-awareness, humility, and presence, we reduce the ego’s need to “steal” from others or ourselves. This aligns with the yogic ideal of non-harming) and (truth), where honesty and respect for others’ and our own boundaries are central to living a healthy, happy, and peaceful life. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

TRUTH – finding it in a chaotic world

The Yamas – things to practice – nonviolence and truthfulness, all to be practiced in body, mind, and soul. In today’s world, it is easy to get misled by what is true. The news, for example, is full of bias and opinions, making it hard to discern between what is truth and what is not. That is why yoga teaches us that truthfulness begins within each of us and is to be practiced on three levels. Truthfulness begins with the intellect. It prompts us to ask: What is the truth? If you can quiet your mind, you will be able to discover the answer to this question. What you choose determines the truth of who you are. For example, you have the choice to be kind or to be unkind. If you choose to be unkind, you become unkind; if you choose to be kind, you become kind. You have the power to choose the truth you wish to live through your thoughts, words, and deeds. Take some time to intellectually look deep within, be honest with yourself, find your truth, and then choose wisely. Next, we need to practice being truthful in our words. Sometimes a very difficult task! Yoga reminds us to speak the truth, but adds the caveat that it is good to speak the truth, but better to speak that which benefits others. Often, we are compelled to speak the truth without regard for how it might hurt others. Words that hurt create violence, so when speaking the truth, nonviolence (nonharm) should always be observed. Always seek to do the greatest good for the greatest number. In terms of verbal truthfulness, it is also important to try to keep your word. If you make a promise, attempt to keep it, but be aware that there may be times when you cannot. Just remember not to make false promises with no intention of keeping them. Here is a story: A yogi sat in the woods, meditating. A beautiful deer ran by. The yogi smiled at the grace and power of the animal. Shortly thereafter, a hunter came by and asked the yogi if he had seen the deer. If the yogi tells the truth, the hunter will kill the deer - violence. On the other hand, if he does not tell the hunter the truth, he will violate the practice of verbal truthfulness. What should he do? It is late in the season, and if he does not tell the truth, the hunter and his family will starve; if he tells the truth, the deer will be killed. What should he do? The third practice is Physical truthfulness: your outward acts and deeds reflect the truth you live. Consciously practicing physical truthfulness is akin to doing good deeds. This uplifts the soul and makes it easier to travel the soulful path of life. Just remember, as you think, say, and do, you become, and in this, you will become aware of the truth within. Let’s get started END Whatever situation you encounter in life, remember that the truth is practiced through your thoughts, words, and deeds. Sometimes it is hard to find truth in a competitive and chaotic world. Yoga reminds us that truth is found within. You become what you think, say, and do. Look to your intentions and how your truth relates to all of life, and then seek to do no harm; always choosing the greatest good for the greatest number. What is the truth? You are the truth; it lives within you. Choose wisely and live it. EGO Flip up your palm and extend out your index finger. Let’s take a moment and connect with the ego. Sometimes the ego can push us into saying things and reacting in ways that can hurt others. A moment of reflection will help you to realize that if you pull the ego back (Your index finger) and place your thumb on top (the symbol of your soul), take a breath, and surrender to the soul, your higher power will remind you that the truth is found within, so live truthfully in your thoughts, words, and deeds. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

An Argument for Non-Violence - The Morales and Ethics of Karma

Yoga suggests there are things we should abstain from and things we should observe. We call these Yamas and Niyamas. They are not rules for living. They are suggestions for living a more peaceful existence. The Yamas and the Niyamas are much like the Ten Commandments. They are moral guideposts. The first Yama is to abstain from violence. It has been suggested that if we practiced just this one Yama, we probably would not need to focus on the other four Yamas. All Yamas and Niyams should be practiced in thoughts, words, and actions. If we could remove violent thoughts, abusive words, insulting statements, angry speech, bad advice, and any kind of physical abuse to either ourselves or someone or something else, we probably would not need to focus too heavily on abstaining from the four great passions of deceit, greed, anger, and pride. If violence were to disappear from the human equation, there would be no need for war. We would preserve the environment, and all humans would live together in peace. But this is a utopia that has never existed. So Yoga reminds us to start within ourselves by choosing our thoughts, words, and actions carefully. In this, we will begin to remove violence at its core. Because the potential to be violent exists within every one of us. The only way to remove it is to become aware and then actively seek not to harm. When living a balanced, open, strong, and peaceful life, it is easier to practice the Yama of nonviolence. Let’s work on finding some balance, flexibility, strength, and peace today. END: Sitting here in this peaceful moment, be aware of how wonderful peace feels within your body, mind, and soul. We cannot stop the violence in the world. But we can do our part to bring about peace by refraining from physical harm, avoiding hurtful words, and mastering our thoughts, moods, and attitudes. Just practice compassion and understanding. Remember, we are all connected to the universal spiritual energy of life. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. EGO: flip your palms up and extend out the index finger - the ego. Violence springs from separateness, comparison, and jealousy. Comparison gets us into trouble, but in truth, there is no comparison in the world. Each of us is unique on our own individual journey, and yet we need each other to complete our mission. So although we are separate, we are connected. Here is where we get into trouble because it is the ego that keeps us separated and feeds the four great passions. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top, take a breath, and surrender to the soul. To transcend the ego is to connect with the universal energy of life. In this state of being, we can do no harm because to harm anyone or anything is to harm all of life. Extremism like terrorism pits life against life. In an attempt to harm and destroy, the perpetrators harm themselves, their families, and their culture. Non-violence is to be observed on all three levels: thought, words, and action. A wound caused by an arrow heals swiftly, but a wound caused by violent words heals slowly. Just remember that the spiritual energy that permeates your life permeates all of life. Practice nonviolence and live in peace. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. http://www.doctorlynn.com

Is life determined, or do we have free will?

There is an essence that exists everywhere, and yet at times can be hard to obtain. However, this essence is available to everyone. It can be as hard and unrelenting as rock, and yet agile and yielding. It is both loved and despised. We call it free will. Next to a healthy, happy life, free will is the most precious treasure of all. We have all been given free will, yet few souls understand it or know how it works. Through will and will alone, humans have overcome tremendous odds. It gives us the capacity to endure sorrows and suffering. It is the power to consciously choose and control the force of our energy towards a particular desire. To will is to have faith in the ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary. It is akin to tenacity—the ability to hold on with deep determination. It is based on an unshakable faith that allows anyone who understands it the ability to attain whatever they desire. Karma is often seen as a form of determinism, as it suggests that our actions have consequences. However, it is also associated with free will, reminding individuals that we all make choices that can lead to either negative or positive outcomes. While karma can be seen as a moral and ethical accounting system or the cosmic law of justice, it leaves room for the individual to respond freely to their circumstances. It reminds us that we are only limited by the boundaries we choose. At every moment of your life, you will be presented with choices that allow you to freely choose how you define and redefine your life. Karma yoga teaches us that there are no right or wrong choices, only consequences, and therefore we have the ability to freely choose what we think, say, and do. Life becomes what life does. Let’s get started END: Free will is the unrelenting ability to direct your life towards a desired end. We can use it to change every level of our reality. We are only limited by the boundaries we choose. Every moment we are presented with choices that allow us to define and redefine who and what we choose to be. We call this thinking. Karma yoga teaches us that there are no right or wrong thoughts, words, or actions, only consequences, and that we have the free will to choose our thoughts, words, and actions. When choosing, remember - Life becomes what life does. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the ego – when we desire a certain outcome, or have an expectation, and things don’t turn out as we planned, the ego can become exhausted or sidetracked and cause us to feel upset and discouraged. We believe that if we do this, this will happen without considering all the possibilities involved in any given occurrence. How we react to circumstances is how we implement our free will Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top- take a breath and surrender to your soul. Remember, as you think, you become. You have the power of self-control. Pay attention to what you let occupy your mind because what occupies your mind occupies you. The greatest use of free will is to consciously choose to bring health, happiness, and peace to the world. This leads to liberation. Liberation means accepting life as it is - it means becoming the observer of life, free of disturbance and judgment. Liberation is the ability to accept life's ever-changing aspects without losing our balance, strength, flexibility, and peace. We all have the freedom to choose how we live our lives – so pay attention to what you let occupy your mind because what occupies your mind occupies you. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Happiness – part two – how to find it

Abraham Maslow, in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, described the hierarchy of needs as the motivational force of the individual, with self-actualization as the highest. This highest need may hold the key to happiness. To be self-actualized simply means to grow whole, and to grow whole means to reach the pinnacle of completeness. Nothing more is needed, and therefore, one finds the contentment and satisfaction that leads to happiness. The self-actualized human moves with poise, tranquility, grace, and ease. In yoga, it means that happiness is created within and then evolves outward into our intellectual view of the world, and is then present in how we move through the world, be it graceful or awkward. Happiness manifests as “the sweet nectar” or the molecules within our brain’s chemistry called endorphins. These molecules of happiness may take us on a euphoric ride where we begin to experience bliss in the body, mind, and soul. With calmness, happiness becomes contagious. A happy soul brings joy, good cheer, and bliss to everyone and everything they encounter. Prosperity is drawn to happiness just like we are drawn to happy people. There is a fable about a musk deer that best describes our search for happiness. The fabled musk deer has a musk gland above its forehead that emits musk. The deer is intensely attracted to the scent of musk, so smells it, then runs here and there in search of it, not realizing the scent is on its own forehead. Happiness is like that. We run here and there in search of it, never realizing that happiness is within us and not somewhere out there. To find happiness, stop anguishing. It never solved anything. Anguish only brings pain, stress, and ill health. Approach the world with selfless motives. Know that you are the source (potential) of your own happiness. Remember: negative karma leads to the destruction of happiness and joy. To find happiness, change the way you look at things, and the way you see things will change. END Happiness is as basic a need as food and water. Ask anyone what they would want most in life, and most likely, right after good health, they will choose happiness. How can we be happy when we are sad, hurt, angry, and alone? All the seeds of life’s emotions and feelings are within us. What we feed these emotions and feelings is what will manifest. So, if we feed sorrow with sorrow, sorrow will manifest. But if we feed sorrow with happiness, before long, happiness will be your state of being. That is the whole point of happiness. It is within us, and we alone have the power to be happy, no matter what the circumstances. Happiness, then, is about self-realization: realizing you have the power to exercise self-control and direct your life. Happiness is found along the journey, not at a destination. It is here right now—just like the musk deer— it’s right in your head. Be mindful ~ Be happy! EGO: Flip your palm up and extend out the index finger – the ego. Money and material gain won’t buy happiness, although the ego likes to make us think otherwise. Those things of the world come and go. Happiness does not come without work. We must work diligently to free ourselves from the bonds of the ego, realizing that it is our inner being, not the ego's desires, that brings us true happiness. Jean Paul Sartre, the philosopher, said, “Happiness is not doing what you want, but wanting what you do.” Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top – take a breath and surrender to your soul Be the source of your own happiness, because it is truly a gift to be treasured. Be mindful of each step you take along the pathway of life, and each step will bring happiness. Live in the present, enjoy the moments, and Be Grateful Be grateful that you don’t already have everything you want in life; this allows room for more to come. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace, Doctor Lynn

Happiness – where to find it.

Of all of life’s emotional gifts, happiness might just be the most treasured gift of all. Happiness means being content with what you have while having the confidence that you have the potential, the power, and the courage to reach out and be so much more. Everyone wants to be happy, and yet happiness often eludes most of us. So, if we all want happiness, why are we unhappy? Most likely because we feel we got less than we expected. With expectations comes disappointment, and that leads to unhappiness. What is happiness? True happiness is simply pure joyful energy that harmoniously flows through space and time. Think of a place and a time when you were happy. How did it make you feel? That is the energy flow of the treasure of happiness. Once you discover that you are the source of your own 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. In the Hindu practice, Lord Shiva is the King of the Dance of Life. Shiva is portrayed as the force of destructive energy that lays the foundation for creation. Shiva dances on the cosmic wheel of life, surrounded by a ring of fire that symbolizes the eternal cycles of birth, life, and death. The name 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 life's chaos. To find happiness, keep dancing! END: Happiness requires discipline and self-control. Even the moments of unhappiness that we wish never transpired can bring us happiness. No one wants to go through a divorce, ill health, a strained relationship, loss of a loved one, 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. Observe life. Be content with what comes into and goes out of your life, and you will find true happiness. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out your index fingers – the symbol of the ego. Next time you feel happy, stop and observe the feeling. Capture it and become aware of how easily you can apply it to your life. Remember this: in life, it is better to be happy than righteous. Righteous people only see the hard and fast fist of the ego. They hold onto desires, expectations, and notions of possessing when in fact we own nothing, not even our bodies. The body is only on loan for this short walk on Earth called life. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top – take a breath and surrender to the soul. Be grateful and good to yourself, and you will be happy. Understanding this, you will find contentment. Then, when you ask yourself, “Who am I?” the answer will be, “I am happy.” Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Beauty – what is it?

Beauty is in the eyes and the heart of the beholder, or simply put, the beauty of the world is within you. Beauty is not found in an image, but in how we see the world. Beauty is as much about attitude as it is about the physical body. Good grooming, exercise, and a healthy diet will help, but not if we are burdened with a negative attitude. Enlightenment, happiness, and self-love are all conducive to finding beauty. Beauty, like all of life, comes in different forms. It is physical and material, it is conceptual and mindful, and it is ethereal and soulful. Mostly, we are drawn to physical beauty by conceptually deciding what is and what is not beautiful to us. We then hope to hold onto what we believe to be the permanent and satisfying aspect of beauty. But with all things in life, we must appreciate that beauty is continually changing. The physical beauty of youth gives way to an inner beauty that can only be gained through maturity. The blossom of a fruit is beautiful, but it is only when it changes, ages, and ripens that it becomes a life-sustaining sweet fruit. Understanding this brings calmness of mind, and with calmness of mind, we become poised, tranquil, and contemplative. Here we have the opportunity to develop a sincere, intellectual appreciation of beauty. A beautiful thought is to see beauty where there is ugliness. To see the good where there is bad. This is not a naïve Pollyanna approach to life, but rather the realization that beauty lies in symmetry and contrast. For example, you see a horrible, ugly crime, like the Boston Marathon bombing or the 9/11 World Trade Center attack, but with this horror comes the comforting and caring for those who are grieving. This touches the beauty of humanity. Today, let’s look at the symmetry and contrast in beauty. END: Beauty is one of life's great treasures. It has nothing to do with attributes and adjectives and everything to do with understanding the true nature of beauty. It is the ability to live fully, embracing each moment with joy. When you walk through life with calmness, contemplation, and appreciation for all of life, you will find beauty everywhere. But mostly you will find beauty within yourself. EGO: Flip your hands up and extend out the index finger- the ego. What destroys beauty? Fear! All the great pleasures of life bring with them the fear of losing them. Beauty is one of those things. It’s alright to have a beautiful face and a beautiful body. The problem comes when we fear losing them. That’s when vanity and ego come into play. Vanity and the ego can blur the line between real beauty and perceived beauty. In most religious teachings, vanity is considered to be self-centered and a form of self-idolatry. It means to consider oneself of great importance. Philosophically, vanity is referred to as an ego or pride. Mason Cooley, in one of his aphorisms, wrote, “Vanity well fed is benevolent. Vanity hungry is spiteful.” It is this quote that blurs the line between vanity, the ego, and real beauty. Show me a person who does not feed themselves an appreciation for beauty, and I will show you a spiteful and angry soul. But show me a person who sees, lives, believes, and feeds on beauty, and I will show you a benevolent soul. Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top – take a breath and surrender to the soul. Karma reminds us that our thoughts are pure. We give them emotion. Emotions affect your aura, or your energy shield, and your aura reflects the beauty, or lack of beauty, in your body, mind, and soul. Remember, you are what you think, say, and do. So, think, speak, and do beautiful things, because a world without beauty would be a placid, ugly, and indistinguishable place. Beauty is one of life's great treasures; appreciate it. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn http://www.doctorlynn.com "Beauty is not an image. It’s a proclivity embedded in your soul. Practice self-control along with an intellectual and sincere appreciation for life. Look within, and you will find beauty everywhere." DOCTOR LYNN

Humor is the Tenth Treasure

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

Tenacity is the Ninth Treasure

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

Authority: A Treasure to be used wisely

Authority means to have the power or right to give orders, to make decisions, and to enforce rules of order. This is truly a treasure of great importance, for it has the power to create or destroy depending upon one’s moral and ethical underpinnings. Just remember that orders, decisions, and rules of conduct based on good, sound morals and ethics are the basis of a prosperous society. We all have some level of authority. Mostly, it is the authority we have over our own conduct, perception, and attitudes. Be careful that your conduct does not run counter to your moral and ethical principles. So, although we often think of authority as someone with great power, it is a treasure we all share. Authority means the power to make and implement rules of order. Whether it is the head of a household or the head of a nation, their rules must be followed. Leaders must lead, and people must follow proper modes of conduct if any group, small or large, is to prosper. The problems arise when authority and power are misused due to greed, deceit, anger, and pride. The four great passions will lead to destruction if not tethered by ethical and moral codes of conduct. Never forget that life has a perfect accounting system. Nothing goes unbalanced or unnoticed. The laws of karma state that for every effect there will be a cause. Life becomes what life does. END Authority carries great responsibility. Someone of great authority is often known as an expert and therefore holds great knowledge. This knowledge often grants power, prestige, and position. Authority also means to have the legal and formal rights to give orders and make decisions. How we use this authority determines whether a person, a family, a group, or a society prospers. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger – the ego. Ego authority centers on desire, will, and integrity, residing in a place of the inner truth. Yoga encourages us, when we come from the ego, to engage in self-reflection to discern our true desires from temporary impulses, ensuring that our decisions align with our authentic selves. Pull your index finger in a place and your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul – your authentic self. We all have the treasure of authority. Every day, we make decisions and enforce rules of order. The moral duty of anyone in a place of power and authority is to make the world a better place by making those over whom they have power and authority healthy, happy, and safe. Their happiness and welfare then become the leader’s. When this happens, everyone prospers. Sincerity and appreciation for life are required to discover this treasure. Authority is truly a great treasure. Use it wisely, and you will prosper. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Power is the Seventh Treasure

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

Courage - What is its greatest challenge?

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

How to find your potential energy

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

Ethics and Morals – Do We Need Them?

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

Love is the Third 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 can also fill the heart and nourish the soul. Love 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 fade and evolve over 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 endure, it must stay open and be flexible to the endless possibilities and changes of life. It also requires inner strength, emotional balance, and the ability to find peace. Let’s get started: END: Love is one of life’s greatest experiences. Sincerity and intellectual appreciation for the nature of love are needed if we are to truly experience this treasure. Love also involves devotion. Bhakti yoga, the yoga of devotion, teaches us to devote ourselves to that which we love so that we might discover the true meaning of success. Love, when consciously cultivated, can harmonize and uplift our personal relationships so they serve the spiritual process of self-discovery. With this, we learn how to share joy, cheer, and bliss with all. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the symbol of the ego. When love and devotion are mixed, we create the ultimate pleasurable human experience: the gift of giving and receiving joy. But remember, love as well as romance, also has a darker side. The troublesome four—envy, jealousy, resentment, and revenge—can turn love into hate and abuse. These are the ego's emotions. 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. Pull your index finger in and place your thumb on top, take a breath, and surrender it to the soul. The soul reminds us to prioritize compassion, understanding, and forgiveness as our dominant thoughts, and to remove 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 enters, we can replace 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 reality. But this takes work, and that is why we are here on Earth: to work our karma. Consciously work to create true and meaningful love, and you will discover one of the great treasures of life. Because: “‘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

New Year 2026, finding the treasures of life

The Nidhi is the container that holds all of life’s treasures. Once we locate the container and learn how to open its lid, we will find that all the treasures are available to all of us, and once found, how we use them will bring us either poverty or prosperity. The Nidhis are somewhat shrouded in mystery, but remember, a secret is only a secret until it is revealed. Here is one philosophical interpretation of the Nidhis and how to find the Nidhis contained within: 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. We begin to see things for what they really are – opportunities to discover our higher selves. As we move through the coming year, I hope to be a good teacher by showing you where to look, but not what to see. First Treasure - above all else, treasure Your Health. Health is the most valued treasure, for without it, everything else in life is meaningless. Your health is your true wealth and 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 very difficult to enjoy life when you are sick and tired. Maintaining good health requires living a balanced life supported by strength and flexibility. That is why we practice yoga, because through the physical poses, we have an opportunity to discover the treasures of life – let’s get started. END: 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. Look to your health, and you will see this great treasure all around you. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the ego. The ego tends to think it can defy all things in life until it gets humbled by illness. It is then that we realize we are vulnerable to the most devastating thing in life – ill health. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. When the body, mind, and soul are in perfect balance, we have optimal health. When we have perfect health, we have much more to give to the world. A healthy, balanced human has the vital power to disseminate joy, cheer, and bliss equally to all. So, value the treasure of health above all else by taking good care of yourself because, “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, spoke those powerful words. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Happy, healthy, and peaceful New Year. Doctor Lynn