You are the content of your consciousness; in knowing yourself you will know the Universe.
Krishnamurti

Meditation

separation from the universe is merely an illusion fashioned by our egos. The ultimate reality remains that we are the universe; we are one with all. exclusivity is a product of societal thinking, and has nothing to do with the ultimate nature and course of life. enter the enchanting realm of unity and you will discover the original and eternal nature of creation.

Real Life Application

sit quietly and converse with the wisdom of the universe. Allow the separation created by your ego to disappear and join in the union of all that exists. Become one with the world, the trees, the sky, and the clouds. Allow the miraculousness that surrounds you to enter your entire being and begin to feel the oneness that exists between you and your surroundings. Within this oneness there are no limits. limitations are delusions of the ego. Go into the world and express the freedom of your true nature, demonstrating the limitless power that lives within you which is patiently waiting to be expressed.

The above excerpt is from Richard A. Singer‘s award winning book, Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul.

From The Missing Peace:

“Existing on a plant-based diet is a loving choice. It is a decision to refrain from contributing to harm caused to any living being. Imagine a life where caring for one another and sharing food, thoughts and love are the centerpiece of existence; one that involves laying your head on the pillow at night, knowing that today you caused no suffering.”

If you are ready to move boldly into 2013 and still feel yourself processing 2012, don’t fret! Take some time to write down everything you want to let go of and then rip, shred, burn that piece of paper to clear the air and start again. Here are some tips to get you moving and shaking into 2013:

1) Do something every day that makes you feel like anything is possible (i.e., taking a walk, meditating, praying, doing yoga, listening to your favorite song, etc.). Inspire yourself!

2) Look at all the areas of your life (Health, Finances, Relationships, Support Network, Spirituality, etc.) and ask yourself what you are truly wanting this year. Not what others think you should do, but what you are truly wanting.

3) Make a vision board that lists all you want to see happen this year, and if it is something you can’t “see,” list it anyway!

4) Figure who you want to be this year in every area of your life. List all of the values and qualities (i.e., honesty, loyalty, cooperation, trust, etc.) that are important to you in others. Once you have the list, look for those qualities in you. Yes, you’re beautiful too!

5) When you are stressed or frustrated, let go. Remember, life is on your side and most things are out of your control. All you can control is who you are in the world. Be the change!

This year is all up to you. No matter what happens, know that everything is working for you and not against you.

Wishing everyone the best year yet!
Meagan O’Nan, author of Creating Your Heaven on Earth, from her blog entry

The future depends on what we do in the present.
Gandhi

Meditation

What you do in each moment becomes the building blocks of your future. There is no reason to worry or fret about the future, just remember that you have control of each moment you live today. Create the best moments you can and your future will consist of what you desire. Discontinue your habitual need to pollute the present with regret and guilt from the past and qualms about the future. if you center yourself and exude excellence in the Now, the future you most desire will take care of itself.

Real Life Application

Concentrate thoroughly on the task at hand, whether it is a project at work or simply washing the dishes. Begin to develop the habit of staying completely in the moment. When the debris of the past is lurking in your mind, simply acknowledge it and let your ego know that you are not willing to allow this to ruin the gift of the present anymore. let it pass gently without attaching yourself to the thoughts or emotions of these memories. Remember, life is made up of the present; the rest is merely an illusion. You only have now so make the very best of it.

The above excerpt is from Richard A. Singer‘s award winning book, Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul.

The man who removes a mountain
begins by carrying away small stones.
Chinese proverb

Meditation

Often, when we look at the entirety of any task that confronts us along our passage through life, our ego immediately fills our mind with overcomplicated messages and often defines the task as an impossibility. The ego’s goal is to overwhelm you with these interpretations and, ultimately, lead you to giving up on your true purpose. The ego desires endless struggle and suffering. As a spiritual being searching for truth and awareness, you must transcend the influence of the ego and simplify your world. Simplicity is where success, peace and enlightenment are discovered. This is the essence of your being.

Real Life Application

Choose a task in your life that you often dismiss from your consciousness because of its perceived complexity. Sit down with paper and a pen, and take notes as to how this task can be broken down into smaller, more manageable steps that you can take on without much difficulty. This process can be applied to any project that you wish to embark upon. It’s that simple. Stop intellectualizing and pushing yourself further away from completion, and begin taking the necessary action to progress. All great feats are done in this manner. I almost feel as if I should apologize that I don’t have any great philosophical or intellectual suggestions to share with you, but try it this way, you may be pleasantly surprised.

The above is an excerpt is from the Richard A. Singer’s award winning book, Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul.

What are the benefits, if any, of mindful eating? The idea of being aware of each bite seems to have its roots in Buddhism.  In fact some Buddhist teachers instruct their students to meditate during the course of their meal, as an exercise to help expand consciousness.  Writing for the New York Times, Jeff Gordinier examines how this topic seems to be gaining in popularity.

Academics, such as Dr. Lilian Cheung, a Harvard nutritionist, has been studying mindful-eating while at the same time encouraging businesses and health providers to try it.  Prof. Brian Wansink, of Cornell University, has conducted experiments on the psychological factors of our endless craving for food.  And today certain businesses, such as Google, are supporting the “mindful lunch hour.”

Perhaps to fully benefit from a meal is not just a matter of making healthy dietary choices.  The way we eat and the thoughts we have while eating, may to some scope influence the overall value of our meal.   For more information, read the full article on the NY Times website.

The following passage if from Meagan O’Nan‘s blog entry 10/12/2011:

“Imagine having a conversation with someone whom you don’t know or someone whom you think you know…what would you ask them? Perhaps, you would ask them what they do for a living, if they are married or have kids, where they are from, their favorite things, etc.

BUT, what IF all conversations started with questions like, what do you want to be remembered for? Or, at the end of your life what will you look back on and value the most? Yes, I know, these are the questions I have asked in my survey. I feel as though if we were to ask each other these questions then we have a wonderful opportunity to really get to know someone.

Why don’t we get to know someone with questions like these initially? My thoughts are that we don’t want to expose ourselves in fear that we might be rejected by the other person. Just a hunch, and perhaps a bit deep, but a good guess nonetheless. We don’t ask the questions because we don’t want someone to ask us the same questions…not because we don’t love to answer questions like those, but because we want to be heard and we are not sure if that person is really going to hear us AND accept us.

Maybe from now on, I will ask these questions to everyone who crosses my path. Afterall, I want to be remembered for loving others. I believe that loving others is truly taking the chance to hear them and love them for who they are. And if I want to be remembered for loving others then I must be willing to expose myself as well – to be ready to answer the same questions that I ask.”

The Women of Wisdom Foundation is a National Women’s Organization based in Seattle WA, providing diverse and innovative programs that offer women opportunities for personal growth and transformation. WOW promotes women’s spirituality, creativity and wholeness, and empowers women’s voices and their contributions to the world, honoring the Divine Feminine in all. Womens events include a range of mind body and spirit topics for a full healing experience.

Dreamriver Press author Teri Degler has been invited to conduct a workshop  in this year’s 19th Annual Woman of Wisdom Conference.  Her workshop, titled Unveiling Your Creative Fire, is taking place on Monday, February 21st at 9:00am.  See the following link for details:  http://www.womenofwisdom.org/2011conference/MondaySchedule.php

When: Thursday January 27th, 7:00pm – 9:00pm
Where: Birch Coffee (in the loft Library)
@ The Gershwin Hotel
7 East 27th Street (between Fifth & Madison), New York, NY

Free and open to the Public
Coffee, tea, beer, wine, food are available to purchase from Birch Coffee.

About the author:

Richard Singer is a trained psychotherapist, college instructor, and a seeker of truth. He continuously searches for wisdom to use in his life, as well as helping other human beings in their precious journey. He has studied Eastern Psychology, Buddhist Healing, and Non-Violence at the Doctoral Level; in addition, he has spent years devoted to the study of wisdom recorded throughout history. He seeks to impart this knowledge to the world through his writing. Richard states that, “My books are not only for reading, they are meant to be lived.” Richard has written two meditation books and co-authored an inspirational children’s book.

He has been featured in many magazines, on various radio and television shows including BBC News in London.  His book, Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul, has received positive reviews from the Library Journal, Martha Stewart’s Body and Soul Magazine and many other review forums.

Richard will be leading a discussion on the topic of Mindfulness.  As Richard states in his book, Eastern Wisdom for Your Soul:

Mindfulness is the secret of life. A life lived mindfully is a life filled with peace, tranquility, joy, truth, bliss, ecstasy and compassion. Mindfulness is our direct link to the universe.

We look forward to seeing you on the 27^th.

The evening will be co-presented by Dreamriver Press and Strangers Gate Books

Cosponsored by:
Manhattan Valley Radio’s The Urumqi Hour with Iskandar Andrews
The Remembrance Project

Birch Coffee is dedicated to sustainable practices and good living. Coffee, tea, beer, wine and food are available to purchase before and during the event.

Theodore Poulis, Dreamriver Press publisher, was recently interviewed by the Green Bus Tour. The Green Bus Tour is a group of sustainability experts, musicians, artists, yogis & healers on a mission to inspire a culture of conscious living. Green Bus will reach millions of people through live events, online media and collaborative commerce. Visit the Green Bus Tour website to find out more: www.greenbustour.com

See the interview below.