The most powerful medicine is free!

Most students of Yoga and meditation only experience glimpses of the ego-less state called Samadhi. When they do have moments of feeling connected to something larger than themselves they often have difficulty finding words to describe the experience. Mystical experiences like this are, by nature, "beyond words". But when students try to explain, the most common word I've heard them use is a feeling of "gratitude".

Students who might not have time for a full Yoga practice and seated meditation tell me they practice "gratitude" when they take a walk, or in their prayers, or in a gratitude journal. When they do this, they awaken their prana, their bio-energy or life force, and I can see it in their faces and hear it in their voices. Practicing gratitude inspires, humbles, opens hearts, and heals.

Try it. Think of one thing you're grateful for, allow yourself to include your whole being-body, mind and spirit-and really observe this. What do you notice? Does a smile come to your face? (Do you have any idea how healing a smile is?) Does your breathing slow down and deepen? (More oxygen nourishes your cells.) Do you feel warmth? (Increased blood flow brings circulation and healing to the body.) Do you feel content? (Endorphins produced by the brain relax tissues and promote flow of healing energy.)

Students often ask, "What if I just don't feel grateful?" Believe it or not, this is an opportunity to practice the art of "fake it 'til you make it". Kind of like a smile or laugh, gratitude can be contagious.

It's a powerful healer, accessible to all, and free!

Enjoy,

Julie