The Fourth Chakra – Expansion

The first three chakras teach us important lessons: the root chakra reminds us to stay grounded; the sacral chakra teaches us to let go of the desire to overpower others or situations; and the solar plexus reminds us to hold on to and cherish our personal power. And now we move to the fourth chakra – the heart. “Great thoughts always come from the heart.” — Vauvenargues In yoga, the heart chakra, or energy center, is a significant crossover point between the lower levels of earthly existence and the higher levels of consciousness. The chakras are energy centers that lie along the spinal column. Each chakra represents an aspect of consciousness, a mode of behavior, and a way of viewing the world. When energy flows freely and remains balanced within the chakras, we are better able to feel fulfilled and complete. The fourth chakra is the heart chakra. It corresponds to the color green, which is the middle color of the visible spectrum and the most abundant color in nature. Green is calming, balancing, and expansive. That is why, when we are surrounded by the green of nature, we often feel calm and peaceful. The heart chakra relates to love, expansion, and the strength of the human soul. When the heart chakra is open and balanced, we begin to understand what it means to give simply for the sake of giving, without expecting anything in return. From this energy center, we learn to give unselfishly. It is the first center associated with higher consciousness, moving us beyond the concerns of survival and toward compassion, love, and understanding. An imbalance in the heart chakra may cause us to have difficulty saying no, leading us to overextend ourselves until we feel overwhelmed. A closed heart chakra may leave us hardhearted, lacking in compassion, and unable to connect with others in a healthy way. An open and balanced heart allows us to express love, compassion, and understanding. In our class, we practice a shoulder stand or legs-up-the-wall pose to help open the heart chakra. These inverted poses encourage blood to return from the lower body toward the heart. They can also provide an opportunity to relax, release tension, and bring greater awareness to the body. As always, we choose the pose that is appropriate for our individual needs and abilities. By opening the heart, we tap into the energy of compassion and understanding. Here, we have an opportunity to connect with the interconnectedness of the universe. We are reminded that all human beings share the same emotions and feelings. We all laugh, and we all cry. It is our ability to find compassion and understanding for others through our own experiences that opens the heart. Let’s get started. Reflection When we think of the heart, we think of love. But what is true love? Is it the ability to offer compassion, understanding, and forgiveness, even when we are hurt or afraid? Remember, all human beings experience the same emotions and feelings. Rejection, anger, and hurt are universal, but so are love, happiness, and acceptance. Ego Turn your palms upward and extend your index fingers. The index finger represents the ego. It is often the defensive nature of the ego that hardens the heart and causes us to build walls around ourselves. When we do this, we may become hardhearted, lose our compassion, and find it difficult to forgive. Now, draw your index fingers inward and place your thumbs on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. Sit quietly and focus on your heart. In the quietude within ourselves, we have the opportunity to bring balance to the heart chakra. We begin to find clarity. An open and balanced heart begins within you. It is important to remember that we must first be compassionate toward ourselves. When we forgive ourselves for our own shortcomings, we connect with the universal energy of human existence. It is here that we begin to find the ability to forgive others. When your heart is open and balanced, great thoughts arise. From these thoughts, we discover the true strength of the heart chakra: the ability to find compassion and understanding in a chaotic and ever-changing world. Namaste — may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn http://www.doctorlynn.com

The Third Chakra – Personal Power

In balance, the first chakra, the root, gives us grounding. The second chakra, the dwelling place of the self, is the place of individuality. When these two chakras are in balance, we are grounded and connected to ourselves. The third chakra is closely related to feelings and emotions. It is located in the navel area, or solar plexus. Its frequency corresponds to saffron yellow, and its quality is fire. It is the seat of power and a reservoir for the energy of life. When energy flows freely and is balanced through this chakra, we are focused and fearless. We have a strong will and are better able to succeed in life. When the energy is blocked, we may tend to exploit others or allow ourselves to be exploited. We may also become “drunk” on emotions, intensity, passion, and power. When we transcend this polarity, we find our ultimate strength. We no longer need to exert power over others or feel powerless, both of which are elements of the ego. The third chakra is associated with digestion and the absorption of food in the body. In traditional chakra teachings, an imbalance in this center is also associated with digestive and other physical concerns. On a psychological level, this chakra is associated with a strong personality and vital energy. We may have a magnetic personality and the ability to influence situations. We can call this charm or charisma. However, competition, domination of others, personal success at any cost, possessiveness in relationships, and repressed emotions can be signs that this center is out of balance. To balance the energy of the third chakra, we need to be grounded and centered within ourselves. Once balanced, we find confidence in our own strength without needing to overpower others or become lost in our own sense of powerlessness. Think about what it takes to be grounded, centered, and confident. Flexibility, balance, strength, and peace. Let’s get started. END: Finding Balance Life is about polarity: the yin and the yang. We all move through times in our lives when we feel powerful and powerless. Somewhere in the middle, we find a sense of balance. When we balance this polarity, we find our ultimate strength. We no longer need to exert power over others or feel powerless ourselves. We are grounded, centered, and strong within ourselves, independent of the outside world. EGO: Releasing the Need for Power Flip your palms up and extend your index finger. This represents the ego. Feelings of power and powerlessness are the ego at work. The need to have power over others, or the feeling that we have no power in the world, throws us off balance. When we move to either extreme, we lose sight of our ultimate strength: the ability to remain grounded, centered, and balanced, no matter what life hands us. We never truly have power over others. This is a false perception. But we do have power over what we think, say, and do. When we harness this inner power, we are never truly powerless. Take a breath and surrender the ego to your soul. Remember to stay grounded, centered, and balanced, and you will find your true power through living a balanced, healthy, and peaceful life. Namaste ~ May you always go with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn Join me for the upcoming Karma Class: How to Work Your Karma So Your Life Works for You. For more information, contact info@doctorlynn.com or visit www.doctorlynn.com.

Chakra Two – Your Personal Power

Where is your personal power? First, we need to get grounded. We begin at the root. Sit quietly and let’s find our grounding—a quiet place from which to begin our journey today. When we are grounded, we feel reliable, secure, dependable, and centered, and our earthly life becomes more stable. Breathe deeply into your root chakra. As you exhale, feel it drawing you toward the earth, grounding and steadying you. Now we move to the second chakra, known as the dwelling place of the self. It connects us to our relationships and influences how we connect with or disconnect from others. This center draws energy from the sun through the aura and disperses it throughout the body. When in balance, this chakra gives us a sense of personal power. There is a strong desire here to love and be loved. When overly developed, this chakra may express itself through extroversion; when underdeveloped, it may express itself through introversion. Its polarity is attraction and repulsion, like and dislike, and it is here that our desires arise. To balance this chakra is to move beyond our preferences and find a place of inner harmony. Its frequency corresponds to the color orange, and its element is water. This is the realm of sensations. When energy flows freely through this center, we become expressive, balanced in our relationships, and comfortable with our personal flair and sense of individuality. Our practice is to balance this energy so that we find the perfect place of personal power between putting out too much energy and not putting out enough. When we expend too much energy, we feel stressed and overtaxed, and we begin to lose our personal power. When we have too little energy, we may feel lethargic, lost, and unmotivated. Again, we lose our personal power. Breathe deeply into your sacral chakra, located between your hips. Find your personal power—a place where you are grounded, balanced, and open, connected to the world and relating harmoniously to all of life. END When you feel stressed and scattered, take a moment to center and ground yourself. Sit close to the earth and imagine its energy filling your root chakra. Remind yourself to be like a tree, holding steady and standing strong through the storms of life, supported by your grounding roots. Then find your balance in the sacral chakra, for how you relate to life influences the vitality of your body, mind, and soul. Here you discover your personal power: the ability to use your energy constructively, wisely, and harmoniously with all of life. EGO Turn your palms upward and extend your index fingers to represent the ego. When relating to others, it is easy to put up walls, give false impressions, and become defensive. The ego does not like to show weakness or admit to a loss of personal power. When we feel that we are losing our personal power, the ego rushes in to defend and protect us. But this is not always a bad thing. It is the ego’s job to defend and protect us so that we may survive. However, it is important to remember that sometimes, when we put up walls and become defensive, the ego itself contributes to our loss of personal power. Pull your index fingers inward and place your thumbs on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. Learn to recognize the difference between protecting your personal power for survival and giving it away through defensiveness or a false projection of who you really are. You are a beautiful soul here on earth to learn, to know, and to master the art of living. Let your soul be your guide, and you will find a beautiful balance in your personal power. Namaste - may you walk the path of life with health, happiness and peace. Doctor Lynn

The Root Chakra: Grounding and Stability

In a world such as ours, it can sometimes seem impossible to get your feet on the ground and find a sense of stability. Everything is changing at an incredible speed. Sometimes it can seem impossible to know what to believe or to find any semblance of reality in our chaotic world. Focusing on the chakras can give us a sense of stability because grounding and stability begin within the core of our being. So, we begin with the root chakra. The first chakra, the root chakra, is located at the base of the spine.. It relates to the color red and connects us to the earth. On a physical level, conditions associated with this chakra include low vitality. The flaming colors of this chakra are red and orange. Physiologically, this chakra is associated with the endocrine glands. The human endocrine system includes 8 major endocrine glands. There are seven chakras and an eighth, which symbolizes the blending of all seven. This is the center of elimination, instincts, survival, habits, and the ordinary or mundane aspects of everyday life. The root chakra supplies prana to the upper chakras. It is the center of survival and procreation and vibrates with the basic energy of the physical body. The incoming and outgoing breath represent the polarity of this chakra. Going beyond our animal survival instincts means learning to balance the energy within this chakra. When this chakra is malfunctioning, we may feel stuck, clingy, overly stubborn, or show signs of addictive behavior. We may feel disconnected from the material world, the physical body, and concrete reality. We may have difficulty giving and receiving in relationships, feel unstable, or become lost in dreams rather than grounded in reality. Think of it this way – fiery red overstimulates and dark red zaps our vitality. A balanced root chakra is a soft hue of red tinted with a bit of orange. When the root chakra is in balance, our orientation is toward the basic material needs of life—home, money, food, and possessions. It is the focus of survival and reproduction. When we are stable, we relate well to our bodies and to physical reality. We are grounded, dependable, realistic, and secure. The way to balance the chakras is to balance the energy of the body, mind, and soul. Focus on the color red. Imagine taking the bright, fiery red and softening it into gentle hues of red and orange. Focus on your breathing and on the poses that ground us as we attempt to balance this chakra. Let’s begin with Om, followed by a few breaths. Closing Go to your root chakra and feel a sense of stability and grounding. When we are grounded at the base of our being, we can draw that energy upward through the other chakras, creating a stable and balanced sense of self. Here, we are able to find our inner strength. Remember: You must be grounded and stable if you wish to fly. So, whatever you attempt to do this week, stop and take a moment to ground yourself. Begin at your root and work upward toward becoming the most grounded, stable, and best version of who you can be. To fly, you must first be grounded. The Ego and the Root Chakra The ego exists for our protection and survival. But when it takes on the role of righteousness, controlling and dictating, it loses its ability to use the instincts that help keep us grounded and reliable. We sometimes call this flying off the handle. When this happens, the energy of our being becomes unbalanced, and our aura may seem to spew out a bright, fiery red. That is why we sometimes describe anger as being red hot. The ego has an important purpose: survival and protection. But when the ego becomes controlling, it can overpower the deeper wisdom of the soul. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. When you feel the fiery ego emerging, try to sit quietly and breathe deeply into the root chakra, where you can find your grounding. Imagine the fiery, hot red giving way to a soft hue of light red and orange. From here, lift yourself upward, and you will begin to discover what it means to fly from the soul. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

The Chakras

The word chakra means “wheel.” In a symbolic sense, it represents the wheel of vitality. Our bodies are constantly changing, and to live, they must be supplied with energy from three sources. The first is food, the second is air, and the third is vitality from the etheric, astral, and causal layers of our being. We draw energy from the universe just as we draw energy from our food. We also release energy, just as we eliminate waste from our bodies. The chakras are spinning wheels that both draw energy in and release it. We draw vitality from the causal layer, the focal point of consciousness that carries our personality. We also draw energy from the astral layer, known as the desire body or emotional body. Negative thoughts and emotions produce darker colors in the astral body, and this is reflected in the physical body. That is why, when someone is in a bad mood, they may appear darker or seem to give off a darker energy. It works like this: We pick up energy, or vibrations, from the energy sources around and outside our physical bodies. If we are surrounded by negative or discordant energy, we can pick it up. We must then spin the wheels of the chakras in such a way as to release that energy and restore balance. There are seven major chakras connected to the endocrine system and twenty-one minor chakras throughout the body. When the chakras are in balance, our aura becomes lighter. The condition of the aura, also known as the shadow body, is believed to influence the health of the physical body. The aura can be thought of as an eighth chakra because it represents a blending of all the other chakras. When you walk into a room, you may pick up an energy from another person even before they speak. We call it a vibe or vibration—something we sense as either friendly or hostile. Pay attention to how you feel when you have finished the class today. Do you feel lighter, more peaceful, and more balanced? If so, your aura will reflect that energy. Reflection -The Soul and the Body To fully understand the chakras, we must first understand the relationship between the body and the soul. We often speak of the body as though it is the real self, with the soul as an appendage of the body—almost like a captive balloon floating above us, somehow attached. According to Karma Yoga, this is an inaccurate description. We are souls that possess a body—several bodies, in fact, including the etheric, astral, and causal bodies. The physical body is simply the lower level of energy through which we conduct the business of living in the lower world known as Earth. The chakras are spinning wheels that draw energy in and release energy outward. Be careful with what you draw in and what you throw out. Ego Flip your palms up and extend your index fingers. The index finger represents the ego. The ego believes that it is a body in possession of a soul, with the soul delegated to a lower level than the body. We worry about the body, compare our bodies with others, and continually find fault with and criticize our physical presence on Earth in an attempt to usurp the soul. Now pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to your soul. The soul quietly reminds us that the physical world is superficial and constantly changing. What matters is allowing the soul to be our guide. If we do, we may discover that the soul has a body—not the other way around. The energy we take in and the energy we give off help shape the nature of our lives. The chakras are spinning wheels that remind us to seek balance in all things and, in all things, find balance. Live from your soul, and your aura will reflect it. Namaste ~ may you walk the paht of life with health, happiness and peace. Doctor Lynn

The Three States of the Mind

The practice of yoga encourages us to observe what are often described as the three states of the mind: The Conditioned Mind – This is the mind shaped by our experiences, habits, beliefs, and past impressions. It influences how we think, react, and move through life. The Aggressive Mind – When the mind is driven by the ego and seeks constant fulfillment, it becomes restless, reactive, and dissatisfied. If its desires are not met, it can become agitated and disruptive. The Balanced Mind – This is a calm, steady state in which the mind remains centered despite the events happening around us. It is a place of happiness, creativity, clarity, and peace. When we practice yoga, we are doing much more than developing strength, flexibility, and balance in the body. We are also training the mind, cultivating focus, inner balance, and a sense of peace. Peace is a profound achievement, yet it can easily be disturbed by the challenges of everyday life. By learning to manage the state of our mind, we begin to influence the quality of our life. Everything begins with the mind. Physical tension often reflects a disturbed mental state. When we are stressed, we feel tired, our muscles tighten, and our movements become restricted. This is often the aggressive mind, driven by the ego. When we relax, release our attachment to external events, and return to the present moment, the body softens, energy returns, and movement becomes more fluid and natural. As we work with the body today, let us also practice cultivating a balanced and peaceful state of mind. Closing Reflection There are three states of the mind: the conditioned, the aggressive, and the balanced. One of the aims of yoga is to bring the body, mind, and spirit into harmony. This journey begins with the mind, for as the mind goes, so goes the body. When you notice tension in your body, pause for a moment, take a slow breath, and reflect on the state of your mind. Then gently guide yourself back toward balance—the place where happiness, creativity, and peace naturally arise. EGO: Flip the palms up and extend out the index finger – the ego -The Aggressive Mind. When the mind is driven by the ego and seeks constant fulfillment, it becomes restless, reactive, and dissatisfied. If its desires are not met, it can become agitated and disruptive. Pull the finger in and place the thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The Balanced Mind – This is a calm, steady state in which the mind remains centered despite the events happening around us. It is a place of happiness, creativity, clarity, and peace. Seek balance in all things and in all things find balance. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

The Soulful Path Karma Yoga: Staying on the Path

According to Karma Yoga, when we come into this world, we come as a soul taking on a body and a mind for the soul’s evolution. We choose the life that best leads us along our soulful path toward our own enlightenment. But the path is not easy. It takes work—and that is karma. Along the way, we will face many challenges. One of them is learning to practice truthfulness rather than dishonesty. Yet even truthfulness can be confusing. We are taught to tell the truth, while at the same time, we are taught to do no harm. Here is a simple story to illustrate. Once, a yogi was meditating in the woods. A beautiful deer ran past him and disappeared into the dense trees. The yogi was awestruck by its beauty. A few minutes later, a hunter came by and asked the yogi if he had seen the deer and which way it had gone. Now the yogi faced a dilemma. If he told the hunter the truth, the deer would likely be killed. If he lied, however, he would be acting dishonestly—and the hunter and his family might depend upon his success for their food. What should he do? When we are caught between two choices, we must consider which action will create the greatest good and the least harm. Sometimes, truthfulness requires more than simply speaking what is factually true. It requires wisdom, compassion, and awareness of the consequences of our actions. When faced with difficult decisions, choose the path that does the greatest good. It takes strength, balance, flexibility, and peace. Let’s get started. The Ego Flip the palms up and extend the index fingers outward—the index finger symbolizes the ego. The ego can sometimes distort the truth for its own gain. What we believe to be true can also be shaped by our perceptions, desires, and fears. Karma Yoga reminds us to be mindful of what we think, say, and do. Now, pull the index finger in and place the thumb over it. Take a breath, and take a moment to surrender the ego to the soul. The soulful path leads to our own enlightenment. Be truthful with yourself and with others, and always seek to do the greatest good. Stay on the path. Namaste—may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Devotion to What You Love Bhakti Yoga — The Yoga of Devotion

Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of Devotion, teaches us that success in any endeavor—and especially on the journey toward enlightenment—takes time. When we have a vision and move toward it with deep devotion, the path to our goal becomes clearer, and the journey becomes more purposeful. Yet along the path of life, we discover that the way from here to there is rarely a straight line. There will be zigs and zags, mountains and valleys, unexpected turns, and detours. Reaching a goal takes more than focus. It takes deep devotion supported by unshakable faith. Yoga describes this as a state of devotion or surrender to the divine energy of the universe. In practical terms, it is an inspired vision that gives direction to our desires. We know that desire leads to action, and action can lead to achievement. But desire on its own, without a vision grounded in faith, can pull us in many directions at once. We desire this, then that, and lose our sense of direction. A clear vision gives us direction. From there, we need the discipline to develop the balance, strength, and flexibility required to move forward. This is the principle of Bhakti Yoga: nothing meaningful is achieved without devotion, faith, and consistent practice. Let’s practice. End Wisdom teaches us that everything in life is constantly changing. As we age, our goals, desires, and visions change as well. What may have been deeply important ten years ago may hold little meaning for us today. Have faith. Keep practicing. Devote yourself to what brings you health, happiness, and peace. In doing so, you are practicing yoga—not simply as a physical discipline, but as a way of living with intention, devotion, and awareness. Ego Flip your palms up and extend your index fingers outward. The index finger represents the ego. The ego is the part of us that holds onto fear. It fears failure when we step onto the pathway of the unknown. Fear can cause us to lose our devotion, our discipline, and our trust in the journey. Now, gently pull the index finger in and place the thumb over it. Take a breath. Surrender to the soul. Bhakti Yoga teaches us that devotion, when viewed from a soulful perspective and applied practically, can transform the path toward our goals into a harmonizing and uplifting experience. Our goals and visions then become more than destinations; they become opportunities for self-discovery and self-transcendence. This requires us to move beyond the limitations of the ego and to see our lives, our relationships, our challenges, and even our detours as opportunities for soulful growth. Devotion gives us direction. Faith gives us courage. Practice carries us forward Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness and peace. Doctor Lynn

Polarity – Karma Yoga

According to yoga, there is a supreme consciousness or energy that supports and sustains the entire universe. The path of yoga is one of surrender to this energy with complete devotion. When this happens, it is said that we no longer have desires. And when we no longer have desires, we no longer need to act—we have learned our lessons, become complete, and no longer need to live out our karma. Imagine a circle. You can see the space within it and the space outside of it. The space within is finite, while the space beyond it is infinite. If you accept that there is finite space within the circle, you must also accept that there is infinite space outside of it. Yoga teaches that to understand anything, we must tap into the energy of polarity—the existence of opposites. To know light, we must know darkness. To know left, we must know right. We cannot fully understand one without the other. For example, as soon as you say you are a man, you acknowledge the existence of a woman. If you say left, there must be right. One gives meaning to the other. In the same way, to understand the finite space of our individual lives, we must also accept, embrace, and acknowledge the infinite—the supreme, all-knowing energy of the universe. To discover and connect with this infinite energy, we need to bring balance, flexibility, strength, and peace into our lives. Without this balance, we can become adrift in the finite space of unmet desires. That is why we practice yoga. Closing Reflection We live in a world of finite space, and yet beyond us lies the infinite, expansive energy of the universe. It takes trust to accept, embrace, and acknowledge that which we cannot grasp within the confines of our finite world. We are simultaneously both finite and infinite—individual beings connected to the universal energy that flows through all of life. We cannot have one without the other. The infinite is within you. It is you. And you are connected to the infinite energy of the universe—the energy that connects us all at the heart of our souls. It reminds us that we are both the finite circle of our individual lives and the infinite space that binds us to all of creation. Ego Flip your palms up and extend your index fingers—the symbol of the ego. The ego is the part of us that wants certainty and believes it has the power to control outcomes. It lives within the finite space of our lives, and when challenged by the unknown, it quickly retreats into a state of fear. There are three fundamental fears in life: the fear of failure, the fear of not being accepted and loved, and the fear of death. The ego fears all of these. Now, pull your fingers into a gentle fist, with the thumb resting on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul is infinite. It is your essence, unbound by the limitations of the finite world. It takes trust to accept, embrace, and acknowledge that which we cannot grasp within the confines of our finite reality. Trust your soul. It is your universal guide. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health. Happiness and peace Doctor Lynn

Detachment – letting go of expectations

Detachment – this is one of the hardest things to understand. In yoga, detachment does not mean giving up things. It means quieting the mind so that we are not disturbed by our expectations and need to control. We all have expectations, and with expectation comes the risk of disappointment, but without desires, goals, dreams, and expectations, the world would become a very dull place, so yoga reminds us that detachment doesn’t mean letting go of your desires but letting go of your emotional attachment to the outcome. If things don’t turn out exactly as we had hoped, sometimes it can be a blessing. In yoga, there is a saying that means keep your mind in peace and let your hands do your work. This is a core principle of yoga, which means that the mind benefits from stillness, and the body benefits from movement. While the body can be active and engage in the poses or physical work, the mind should remain calm, focused, and undisturbed. The hands, as part of the body, can perform tasks or movement, but the intention and control come from the mind, be it destructive or peaceful. The primary aim of yoga is to restore the mind to a calm and peaceful place free from confusion and stress. This also emphasizes acting without attachment to results. The body (and the hands) do the work while the mind remains centered and detached. So in yoga practice we strive to keep the mind present, breathe deeply, and avoid overthinking. The body performs the movements with the intention of finding strength, flexibility, and balance without the ego’s fear of failure. True yoga work happens when the mind is calm and the body engaged - a balance between movement and stillness. Let’s see if we can find it. Closing reflection Be at peace and love the process of your work without attachment to the outcome, and you will find the joy in doing rather than getting. The primary aim of yoga is to restore the mind to a calm and peaceful place free from confusion and distress. When we do this, the body moves into a place of strength, fluidity and balance while the mind remains calm. True yoga work happens when the mind is still as the body moves – a perfect balance between movement and stillness. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend the index finger – symbol of the ego. The ego’s biggest fear is losing control — in other words, the fear of being exposed, rejected, or failing in a way that undermines its identity and so we sometimes move in ways without clear intentions. Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top – take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul reminds us that the core principle of yoga is that the mind befits from stillness and the body from movement, and when consciously combined, life begins to flow without attachment to outcomes. Here we find the perfect balance between stillness and movement. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness and peace. Doctor Lynn

Finding Trust in a World of Deception

Many of us feel that we are living in a world of uncertainty, where things are no longer as they once appeared. With the power of technology, we have become increasingly vulnerable to lies, half-truths, and the rationalizations of influential authority figures—and those who follow them—who claim to possess higher wisdom but may, in fact, be more endarkened than enlightened. How do we continue along the soulful path in a world where trust is difficult to find? More importantly, whom do we trust? In yoga philosophy, Satya, or truthfulness, is one of the ethical principles that forms the foundation of a yogic life. It is more than simply telling the truth; it is about aligning ourselves with ultimate reality, free from illusion and distortion. When we live in truth, trust arises naturally. Trust is born when we perceive reality as it truly is, rather than through the veil of our projections, fears, or desires. In this state of clarity, trust flourishes effortlessly. When truth becomes obscured or distorted, however, distrust takes hold. This lack of trust is not merely a reaction to external circumstances—it is often a signal that we have become entangled in Maya, the illusion that clouds our understanding of reality. What Is Maya? Everything in this world is real. It exists as part of our evolution. Maya is not the world itself—it is the mistaken belief that the temporary is permanent, and that the material world is more important than the journey of the soul. When you experience mistrust, recognize it for what it is: an opportunity to seek a deeper truth within yourself. This inner work requires balance, strength, and flexibility of body, mind, and spirit, while maintaining compassion, discernment, and understanding. END: Yoga teaches that the clearer our perception of truth, the more deeply trust can take root within us. When we feel distrust—toward others, life, or even ourselves—it is an invitation to reflect, to look beyond appearances, and to seek greater clarity. It reminds us to align our inner vision with the unchanging truth that exists beyond the ever-shifting illusions of the material world. Each challenge is an opportunity to grow, to serve, and to make both our own lives and the world around us a better place. As we move beyond illusion, we discover that the deepest source of trust has been within us all along. Trust your soul. Trust yourself. EGO Flip your palm upward and extend your index finger—the symbol of the ego. One of the greatest obstacles to trust is the ego's need for control. The ego believes it can manipulate life to satisfy its desires, avoid pain, and guarantee happiness through sheer willpower. Yet yoga reminds us that this illusion of control is itself a source of suffering. Now gently curl the index finger into your palm and place your thumb over it. Take a slow, conscious breath. As the ego softens, surrender to your soul. The soul invites us to release the illusion of control and embrace the natural flow of life. This does not mean becoming passive or giving up responsibility. Rather, it means acting with awareness, integrity, and compassion while releasing attachment to specific outcomes. Trust is the willingness to move forward with faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain. It is the courage to keep the heart open in the face of the unknown, knowing that the soul is always guiding us toward growth, wisdom, and truth. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Mystery of life

What is the mystery of life? The mystery of life is the quest to understand life’s origin and its processes, purpose, and significance. Whether approached through science, philosophy, or faith, the mystery of life invites wonder, reflection, and a deeper engagement with existence itself. We are here on Earth in earthly form as a body and a mind to discover the purpose of existence. But it often remains a mystery because most people think it is about the material world. Karma yoga teaches us that our everyday lives and our soulful journey are the same and not separate. Your life is about correcting and improving your karmic energy. It is not about your bank account, your house, your job, or your youth. We are not here to discover some secret formula that makes life easy. We are here to discover bliss. Not an unconscious state of bliss but rather the awareness of the state of bliss. To understand this, think of a time when you were ill or in pain. Do you remember the feeling you had the first day you felt well, or the pain subsided? That is a pure moment of bliss. In our everyday lives, we often take our health and our comfort for granted until they are removed. But finding this state of bliss takes appreciation, gratitude, discipline, and conscious work and cannot be attained without balance, flexibility, strength, and moments of peace. Let’s get started. END: Life can be viewed as either heaven or hell. How we view life and what we do with our lives determines our karma. It takes tremendous work to attain and maintain a state of bliss, especially when living in a chaotic world full of adversity, war, poverty, illness, and pain. The important thing is to be aware of the state of your being and remember you have the power to choose how you view the world, be it heaven or hell. EGO Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger, the symbol of the ego. The ego is the part of you that seeks self-preservation. This is important because we must persevere if we wish to grow and come to an understanding of the mystery of life. But the ego often forgets our mission here on earth and seeks to elevate itself from a place of self-preservation to a place of self-importance. Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top – take a breath – surrender to the soul. We are here to uncover the mystery of life – it is about finding pure bliss. We get glimpses of it here on Earth when we appreciate, express love, and are grateful. When those moments happen, recognize them, and you will begin to uncover why we are here and what this life is all about – finding true bliss. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Devotion – How to find true happiness and fulfillment –

In its purest sense, devotion means directing your energy toward that which brings you happiness and joy. This is not about devotion to an idol, but rather devotion to your chosen path—whatever fills your heart with purpose, happiness, and joy. We must also remember that what we devote ourselves to is what we become. Therefore, devote yourself to something worthy, something that nurtures rather than harms. We all have things in our lives that bring us joy. These are the activities that absorb us so completely that we lose all sense of time. In the practice of yoga, we are encouraged to draw inspiration from whatever gives our lives meaning. Anything done because it is meaningful in and of itself becomes a source of lasting happiness and joy. Our devotion does not need to remain fixed; in fact, it should not. Life is constantly changing, and the flexibility to adapt allows for growth, discovery, and new opportunities. This presents a beautiful paradox: we long to be free and untethered, yet we also seek balance, stability, and purpose. The desire to create meaning in our lives is universal. Finding meaning, however, requires devotion. Devotion requires discipline, and discipline requires consistent effort. Karma Yoga reminds us to devote ourselves each day to the practices that cultivate balance, flexibility, strength, and inner peace, so that we may become the very joy and happiness we seek. Let’s get started. END: A Story of Devotion Once there were two medical students. One pursued medicine for fame and wealth. The other was devoted to healing and serving others. The first student struggled each day because every lesson felt like only a means to a future reward. The second student found joy in learning because the study itself had meaning. For the student seeking fame and wealth, each day felt burdensome; for the devoted student, each day brought fulfillment. This is the difference devotion makes. When the journey itself becomes meaningful, happiness is no longer postponed—it is experienced in the present moment. What inspires us often becomes the object of our devotion. This sense of devotion creates a more peaceful, creative, and fulfilling life. It allows us to experience the divine energy flowing within us and all around us, and to recognize that same divine presence in every person and every encounter. This is the essence of unconditional devotion, and it is this kind of devotion that leads us toward lasting happiness and joy. Ego: Devotion Turn your palms upward and extend your index fingers—the symbolic gesture of the ego. The ego also seeks happiness and joy, but it often becomes confused, believing they can be found through material possessions, status, or comparison with others. It measures its worth against what others have or achieve, creating endless dissatisfaction. True happiness requires no comparison. It arises from the understanding that each of us is a unique individual walking a unique path. Every life includes moments of joy and moments of sorrow, and each path unfolds in its own way. Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. When we devote ourselves to what we genuinely love, without expecting recognition or reward, we discover a deeper and more enduring joy. Anything done simply because it is meaningful in itself becomes a source of fulfillment. Devote yourself to that which nourishes your soul, and allow your devotion—not your ego—to guide your life. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Self-Surrender

Karma teaches that each of us is capable of examining our own actions. Morally sound actions cultivate qualities such as honesty, generosity, kindness, and humility. Since we cannot stop acting, we must become mindful of what we think, say, and do, for these actions shape who we become. We are here to work through our karma, and this requires learning the practice of self-surrender. Self-surrender begins with self-knowledge. It is the ability to think rationally and clearly, to see life objectively, and to recognize that we are a part of—not apart from—the whole of existence. We exist on every level: high and low, within and without. We become what we consistently think, say, and do. Know yourself. It is often said that karma gives us exactly what we need to evolve. Whether we choose to learn from it is up to us. Self-surrender begins with awareness of your thoughts, your words, and your actions. These are the choices that define your character. Cultivating this awareness requires strength, flexibility, and balance—not only in the body, but also in the mind. Let us develop both. Closing Reflection Self-surrender is the practice of objectivity. Observe without judging, criticizing, or evaluating. Become more accustomed to listening. Listen to yourself without judgment or comparison. Listen to the people and situations that arise throughout your day. Listen with your whole mind—not one divided by ideas of positive and negative. Remember that you are a part of, not apart from, the whole world, both within and without. You exist on every level—high and low, above and below. You become what you think, what you say, and what you do. Know yourself. Ego Practice Flip your palms upward and extend your index finger. This finger represents the ego. An incomplete understanding of yourself often leads to unwise action. When the ego dominates, self-surrender is replaced by emotional reactivity. We become anxious, overactive, restless, and unable to recover. The ego always feels there is not enough time. It fears its own disappearance, sees time as an enemy, and attempts to outrun it by chasing one experience after another, instead of resting in the quiet presence of the inner self. Now gently curl your index finger into your palm and rest your thumb over it. Take a slow, deep breath, and surrender to your deeper nature. As we release the ego's need to control, life begins to flow more peacefully. We stop defining ourselves by the body, possessions, status, achievements, or power. By connecting with the soul, we surrender the false self and awaken to a deeper truth: life is a sacred play, and we are players here to learn and evolve. When we allow ourselves to move with the natural flow of life, our participation becomes more objective, more compassionate, and less self-centered. Through self-surrender, we discover balance, flexibility, strength, and peace. From this place, life flows with greater ease, and joy becomes a steady companion. Remember, you are a part of, not apart from, the whole. As you think, speak, and act, you become. Know yourself. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Yoga Poses - Balancing Life’s Energy

Practicing yoga is a way of gently moving your energy from the outer periphery of your consciousness toward its center. As this happens, you cultivate soulful power—not power over others or over the world, but power over yourself. It is this inner strength that brings balance to both body and mind. Countless aspects of our lives require balance. We must balance our diet, our relationships, our home life, our work, our social lives, and our intellectual pursuits. Every area of our lives benefits from harmony and mindful attention. In yoga, the goal is not simply to perform poses with rigid precision or athletic perfection. The true purpose is to balance our life energy, creating the conditions for lasting happiness. Genuine happiness arises when we are living in balance. One of the greatest challenges in our modern world is that many of us live in a constant state of emotional imbalance. We are continually striving, acquiring, and clinging to people, possessions, and outcomes. In the philosophy of karma, this outward grasping is an expression of greed—the persistent feeling that I must have this or that. This endless reaching creates disharmony within us. Through the practice of yoga, our bodies and minds are gently rebalanced. Each posture reminds us to release attachment, let go of unnecessary tension, and become fully present in the moment. As we cultivate awareness, we establish an inner state of peace and discover contentment within the soul. When the body, mind, and soul come into harmony, we experience true health and well-being. Balance is not achieved overnight—it is cultivated through consistent practice. So, let us begin the work. END: Balance is not merely physical; it is a state of alignment between body, mind, and soul. When the mind is calm and focused, the body feels stable. When emotions are turbulent, even the simplest poses become challenging. Yoga teaches that awareness and self-compassion are more important than control. Through this understanding, we discover balance in every aspect of life. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the symbol of the ego. Yoga is ultimately about centering yourself so that you are no longer ruled by the ego. In that centered state, you experience freedom, balance, and lasting happiness. The challenge is that the ego constantly pulls our attention outward, scattering our energy. Gently draw your finger inward and rest your thumb on top, take a slow breath, and surrender to your soul. The purpose of yoga is to rebalance our energy and awaken illumination—the realization of higher consciousness, clarity of thought, and a deeper understanding of ourselves and the universe. It is the journey from ignorance to wisdom, from darkness to light. In this awakening, we discover true balance: body, mind, and soul. Seek balance in all things, and in all things, find balance. Namaste. May you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

The Mystery of Life ~ Karma Yoga

What is the mystery of life? What is our Earth life really about? It is the quest to understand life's origins, processes, purpose, and significance. Whether approached through science, philosophy, or faith, the mystery of life invites wonder, reflection, and a deeper engagement with existence itself. We are here on Earth, in physical form, with a body and a mind, to discover the purpose of existence. Yet life remains a mystery because most of humanity does not realize that every moment can be experienced as either heaven or hell. The difference lies in how we approach and understand life's dynamics. Karma yoga teaches that as we think, speak, and act, so we become. When we begin to understand why we are here and what life is truly about, three profound truths are revealed. 1. Our daily lives and our spiritual journey are the same. They are not separate paths. Life is about understanding, correcting, and refining our karmic energy. It is not defined by our bank account, our home, our career, or our youth. 2. We are not here to discover a secret formula that makes life easy. We are here to discover bliss—not as an unconscious state, but as a conscious awareness of our true nature. Think of a time when you were ill or in pain. Do you remember the first day you felt well again, when the pain subsided? That moment is pure bliss. In everyday life, we often take our health and comfort for granted until they are gone. 3. According to karma yoga, we reincarnate. Energy is never lost; it simply changes form. Therefore, we are immortal. Every moment of life leaves an impression on the body, the mind, and the soul. Each moment can be lived as either heaven or hell, and you choose the impressions you carry forward. What we create here on Earth is what we take with us when we depart. Live your life as if you were living it in eternity. All of this requires discipline, conscious effort, and consistent practice. It cannot be attained without balance, flexibility, strength, and moments of stillness. Let us begin. Conclusion Life can be experienced as either heaven or hell. How we perceive life and what we do with it shape our karma. It takes commitment and inner work to attain and sustain a state of bliss, especially in the face of adversity, illness, and pain. The important thing is to remain aware of your state of being and remember that you have the power to choose how you respond to life's circumstances. That is karma. Live each moment as if you were living it in eternity, and remember: the mystery of life is not something to solve, but something to experience and understand. Ego Turn your palms upward and extend your index fingers—the symbol of the ego. The ego is the part of you that seeks self-preservation. This is necessary, for we must persevere to grow and deepen our understanding of life. Yet the ego often forgets our purpose and moves beyond self-preservation into self-importance. Now gently curl your index fingers inward and place your thumbs over them. Take a breath. Surrender to the soul. Consciously surrender the ego to the understanding that we are here not to win or lose, but to learn. Life can be experienced as either heaven or hell, depending on how we approach it. Understand this, and you will discover the mystery of what life is all about. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Mastery

To master something requires developing one of the important characteristics of life – continual practice. You cannot master anything unless you are willing to practice, practice, practice, and just when you think you have it, practice some more. To be a master at something means to have knowledge and a great skill at knowing or doing something. But what does it mean to master your life? Karma teaches us that everything begins with awareness — specifically, understanding Maya, the illusion of life. Whenever we become attached to something, we become bound by it. True freedom comes from the ability to detach and let go, while remaining fully aware and engaged — without falling into indifference. When we master this balance, we become the masters of our own destiny. But won’t we lose all motivation for life if we simply detach from it? Not at all. Detachment does not mean we stop working or striving for success. It simply means we let go of personal attachment to outcomes. We take things as they come and as they go, without being emotionally enslaved by them. Detachment also means releasing the constant need to be right and the fear of being wrong. Is it possible to become completely desireless? As long as we have a mind, total desirelessness is nearly impossible — because desiring is the natural function of the mind. This seems like a contradiction, but the secret lies here: any desire that is free from selfish or personal motives will not bind you. When you desire to do something out of love — to share, to help others, to create, or to serve — without needing money, praise, or validation in return, you remain free. This kind of desire leads to true self-mastery and deep, soulful fulfillment. END: To master anything in life requires one of its most important characteristics — continual practice. You cannot truly master something unless you are willing to practice, practice, and practice. And just when you think you’ve finally got it… Practice some more. The greatest mastery of all is mastery over yourself. From this foundation, you gain the ability to share and help others live a fulfilled life. When we help others, we deepen our own mastery of compassion and understanding, and this is how we master our lives. EGO vs Soul Flip your palms up and extend your index finger — this is the symbol of the ego. The ego desires to be the master. It constantly attaches itself to things that bring personal satisfaction, validation, control, comparison, or competition with others. Now, gently pull your index finger back in, place your thumb on top, and take a deep breath. Surrender to your soul. The soul’s mission is to master its earthly journey by cultivating virtues such as truthfulness, generosity, kindness, and humility. These virtues teach us to detach from the fleeting desires of the world and focus on mastering ourselves. When we master ourselves, we naturally develop the ability to share and help others — free from any need for money, praise, or acceptance. This liberates us from the karmic wheel of repetition and leads to true freedom and soulful fulfillment. Whenever something enters your life, see it for what it truly is: a precious opportunity to learn, grow, and master your own path. Namaste~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

Why do we practice yoga?

Often, when we practice yoga, we do so to stretch, relax, and work on our balance. Those are all good things, but yoga’s deeper practice is to use them to consciously control the mind. In yoga, the citta refers to the mind’s thoughts and emotions, which can become uncontrolled, like waves in the ocean, thrashing and crashing rather than remaining gentle ripples. Yoga is about quieting the inner world, not changing the outside world. Consciousness creates awareness, and we develop an impression of life through knowledge, imagination, and memory. From there, we project our thoughts onto the world. For one person, it may appear beautiful; for another, a complete disaster. That is why we bring the state of our minds to gentle ripples. There will always be wars, famine, brutality, and prejudice. These cause anxiety and fear, and anxiety and fear disturb our natural state of balance, quietude, and peace. Let’s get to work using flexibility, balance, and strength to see if we can bring a few moments of peace to our inner world. END If you found a moment of inner peace, you have practiced yoga. It is not the physical world that creates our reality but our inner world. How we see the world and what we project onto it is what we become. Karma teaches us that we are what we think, say, and do. But without the physical world, we could not have the experiences that allow us to see it for what it truly is—impressions that we project from the inside out. To find peace in the world, we must first find peace within. EGO: Flip our palms up and extend out the index finger – the symbol of the ego. Citta is the mind stuff. It is our center for thoughts, emotions, and processing. The mind operates on many levels. One of them is the ego, the “I.” This is the part of the mind that attaches itself to the outside world. The world is based upon your thoughts and your mental attitudes. It is from here that you see the world. But remember, what may make you happy today may be meaningless tomorrow. That is the nature of the ego—to want, and when these wants aren’t fulfilled, we thrash and crash like a wave in the ocean. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. Yoga is not about changing the outside world. It is about learning how to control the inner world, the citta. Yoga says, “As the mind goes, so goes the person.” Bondage and liberation are in your mind. If you feel bound by the world, you will be bound, but if you feel liberated, you will be liberated. And when you see the world from the mindset of gentle ripples, you are truly practicing yoga. Nothing is achieved without practice. This is why we practice yoga. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn http://www.doctorlynn.com

Yoga Today – Overcoming Obstacles

Illness, boredom, doubt, carelessness, laziness, false perceptions, failure to stay grounded, and mindful distraction are obstacles we all face. We cannot avoid feelings and emotions. They are a part of human life. One of the most difficult obstacles is feeling that we are slipping back from the progress we’ve made. This one is important to examine because we all feel, from time to time, like giving up or feeling defeated by setbacks. But we need to remember that the mind can’t function on the same level every moment. Sometimes it will be in high gear, and sometimes it needs to be idle. The practice of yoga reminds us that many obstacles or challenges will be put in our way. They are there to make us understand our capacity. For example, the tree challenges our ability to find balance. We can work to improve our balance or simply give up. Challenges teach us how to find our strength, flexibility, and balance. We need challenges and obstacles to help us; otherwise, we become lethargic and lazy. Things are constantly changing. That is the nature of life. Like a river, the water flows easily without obstruction, but add an obstacle, such as constructing a dam, and the strength of the water takes on the form of great electrical power. Same river; it now has an obstacle to overcome, allowing it to find the strength to generate great power. The river doesn’t stop – it’s not set back – it simply overcomes the obstacle. Yoga reminds us to stay grounded and balanced, as life will inevitably throw many obstacles our way. From a state of balance, flexibility, and strength, we are never thrown off by obstacles. Instead, we muster the strength to stand tall and steady, finding the inner fortitude to move past life’s obstacles without falling. It takes a strong base, an open heart, and a steady mind. Nothing is achieved without practice, so let’s practice. END: Things are constantly changing. That is the nature of life. Yoga reminds us to stay grounded and balanced, as life will inevitably throw many obstacles our way. From a state of balance, flexibility, and strength, we never get thrown off by the obstacles we face. Instead, we muster the strength to stand tall and steady, finding the inner fortitude to move past life’s obstacles without falling down. It takes a strong base, an open heart, and a steady mind. Be strong, open, and steady. EGO: Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – symbol of the ego. When it comes to obstacles and challenges, the ego likes to win. Our personal strength is tested, and if we perceive we have failed, we feel deflated. But that is the “I’ that only sees the world in terms of success and failures. Pull the finger in a place, the thumb on top – the symbol of the soul. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul is the “me” that observes life. From the soul’s perspective, there are no successes or failures. Obstacles and challenges are simply opportunities to grow and discover the true purpose of life – we are here to discover that, just like a river when faced with an obstacle, we don’t stop being the river; we adjust, overcome, and with this, we become stronger and more powerful. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn http://www.doctorlynn.com

Harmony = Vital Energy

According to karma yoga and physics, we are simply a bundle of energy, and everything in the universe is either vapor, water, or solid. And according to the laws of thermodynamics, energy is never lost, but simply changes form. Therefore, our reincarnation is simply a partial change in our energy from vapor to solid and liquid. If we take water, for example, in one form it is liquid; if we add heat (energize its molecules), it turns to vapor; and if we add cold (slow down its molecules), it turns to solid ice. Our energy field consists of all three: vapor signifies the soul, liquid the mind, and solid the body. What we see in the world is simply arranged energy, in which molecules slow down and something solid or material exists. Energy is the inherent power that drives everything. Without the power of energy, the world would not exist. But to have good health, we need more than just energy; we need vital energy, for it is essential to life. So, since vital energy is essential for the continuance of life, doesn’t it seem “vitally” important that we seek to understand our energy, as well as how to keep it in balance so that we truly live, grow, and evolve? Be aware of your energy field and how it moves throughout the class today. Observe the ethereal energy of your soul as it coincides with the fluidity of your mind and the solidity of your body. Does it collide or does it harmonize? Harmony brings vitality. Let’s see if we can find some harmony. END You are ethereal, fluid, and solid. How you connect and move the energy of your body, mind, and soul determines the level of your vital energy. To be vital means being strong, not just to sustain life but to live fully in balanced health, body, mind, and soul, finding the power within us to flow harmoniously with life. Yoga and naturopathy hold that the cause of all illness stems from an imbalance in the flow of energy within and around the body and mind. So, to stay vitally healthy, pay careful attention to how you use the energy of your body, your mind, and your soul. Does your energy collide, crash, and burn, or does it flow, integrate, and harmonize? Strive to be vital EGO: Flip your palms up and extend your index fingers. The symbol of the ego. According to yoga, the ego is the “I” or the fluid part of you that has desires and is either attracted to or repelled by things outside of yourself. Because it seeks importance, it often clashes with life, manifesting as envy, resentment, jealousy, and revenge. Pull your finger in and place the thumb on top – the symbol of the soul. Take a breath – surrender to the soul. The “me” is the quiet, soulful, ethereal part of you that observes life without desire or the need to be right or important and therefore moves harmoniously with life. Surrender the “I’ to the “me,” and you will discover within yourself the great inherent flowing movement of harmonic vital energy. Look for those moments where you simply flow and move harmoniously through life. This is vitality at its best. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

SACRAFICE – Motherhood

Whether you are a mother or not, every one of us has or had a mother. Motherhood is often seen as the supreme sacrifice that brings with it great joy. Yoga reminds us that sacrifice performed without faith is of no value. This means having the faith to free the mind from any personal gain and just do the work for the sheer feeling of joy is the practice of sacrifice. If our minds are free from selfishness and we give without expecting a return, the world becomes a better place – an abode of peace and bliss. But this is not easy in a world full of greed. Everything in life sacrifices. It is the law of life. Everything in nature -trees, birds, animals – they all live for the sake of others. Why does a candle burn and melt away? To give light. Why does a stick of incense burn to ash? To give a fragrance. Why does a tree grow? To give fruit and flowers. Is there anything in the world that lives for its own sake? No. All sacrifice. We are here to give, give, and give, and in turn what is due us will come to us. You are here today, sacrificing an hour of your time, and, in turn, it will bring health to the body, quietness to the mind, and peace to the soul. What goes around comes around - That’s Karma. Let’s get started END: You might ask if I am here to give and make sacrifices, but how can I take care of myself? Just like the tree, if it doesn’t attend to the roots, it cannot give. So first, take care of your roots. You must live a healthy life by eating healthy food, exercising, and getting a good night's sleep so that you have the vitality to give to others. The practice of yoga is a sacrifice of your time; if you do it to bring health, happiness, and peace to your life, that sacrifice will bring you joy. If done to find peace, it will bring peace to your life, allowing you to extend that peaceful energy out into the world. Yoga reminds us to live our lives without attachment. Let things come and go as they will. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, take a moment to honor motherhood as a supreme sacrifice that gives for the betterment and continuation of life. Give from the heart without expectations, and you will discover what all the saints, prophets, and sages discovered – everything in life gives – sacrifice is the law of life. With it comes great joy. EGO. Flip your palms up and extend out the index finger – the ego. Because of egoism, there is attachment to things for the ego’s pleasure. But sometimes the things we are attached to do not come or are taken away, and this causes us to pull back and greedily hang on rather than let go and give. The greatest gift a mother can give to your children is the strength, flexibility, balance, and ability to stand independently. It means detaching and allowing them to grow and become their own person. In return, a mother will receive great joy. Pull your finger in and place your thumb on top. Take a breath and surrender to the soul. The soul reminds us that everything in life requires sacrifice. All of life gives, and in turn, what is due comes back. So this Mother’s Day, without expectations, give thanks for the sacrifice of motherhood; without it, life would not continue. Everything in this life gives. Sacrifice is the law of life. Happy Mother’s Day. Namaste ~ may you walk the path of life with health, happiness, and peace. Doctor Lynn

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