Adjusting to the “new normal” isn’t easy for any of us. There are moments when I long for the good old days before this Pandemic struck us all. And I read the news and think about all that is happening to so many people around the world. Today after meditation I pulled out this card and it made perfect sense. It’s not what’s happening to us, it’s how we respond and grow from these times that truly matters. Growth is painful but necessary. And we can choose to shrink with the times or grow, to our full potential.
This morning’s visitor. Mr Swallowtail butterfly. Big, bold and curious. Judging from the time he spent, think he approved of my motley collection of plants.
Sometimes I have to go searching for positive energy and beauty in a world that can sometimes feel and look so ugly.
Sometimes Mother Nature sends me a visitor or shows me a glimpse of her simplicity and her breathtaking beauty.
Reminding me that though it doesn’t seem quite obvious there IS transformation and regeneration taking place. There is still hope for this planet.
Time to trust the process by learning from Nature.
Everything is exactly where it needs to be.
Everything is happening just the way it’s meant to be.
And there is still beauty in this world. Thank God!
It’s easy to give up when things get difficult. I’ve done it an umpteen times. When our muscles ache with exercise after a long break. When our job application gets rejected or put on hold again and again. When no matter what we do or say, someone chooses to misunderstand us or walk away. Life’s path has its share of pebbles and thorns, but the point is to keep moving. Even when your knee bleeds. Even when you feel like crying out loud with frustration. It always looks worse before it gets better. Keep going. Don’t quit.
Anxiety has a way of coming in waves. Some may be up all night thinking. Some may be bingeing . Some may be restless and confused. Some may wander about with this tight knot in your stomach. Completely natural during these difficult days, there are a few ways which have helped not only me release the anxiety but also countless others.
Here are 5 quick and easy ways to relieve yourself of anxiety.
Deep belly breathing or pranic breathing is the fastest way to release pent up stress and anxiety. Incorporate it as part of your meditation or just do this whenever you start feeling the knot of anxiety.
Spending more time outdoors. Even if it’s a walk in the neighbourhood park. Colour therapy speaks about the healing and soothing powers of the colour green. And who else can heal best but Mother Nature.
Keep a stress ball by your laptop, helps release any anxiety or agitation while interacting with others.Eat more fruit. The scent of oranges is supposed to boost happiness. Green leafy vegetables, fish are rich sources of nutrients that help relax us nourish us naturally.Burning Essential oils or Camphor Crystals . Lavender, Jasmine, Neroli by stimulating the smell nerve receptors and sending messages to the brain to relax. If you wake up with morning anxiety then burn it in the room upon arising, and if you suffer from evening bouts, then make sure you have your burners ready in the evening
Anxiety can hit us anytime and anywhere. And though it may initially feel like it’s getting too much, calming techniques like breathing, walking or even talking to a friend can bring relief. However, if you feel it’s chronic, or not lessening despite natural aides, do consult your medical practitioner.
All the greatest minds that have walked on Earth have told us our ego is our biggest enemy.
It is something that is there in every human being. For some of us it’s more, for some of it’s less.
We’ve been taught that in love there is no ego.
We’ve been told about the male ego.
We’ve experienced our own ego clashes.
We’ve all been slapped by Ego’s heavy hand.
It’s the slap that makes us human.
And we deserve it when we’ve made a mistake, or acted selfishly or insensitively. That’s what makes us human. That’s when we make mistakes. That’s when we realise we are all the same, full of flaws and full of gifts. But if we want to be better human beings then maybe it’s time to learn from the ancient and the wise.
“Can you dissolve your ego? Can you abandon the idea of self and other? Can you relinquish the notions of male and female, short and long, life and death? Can you let go of all these dualities and embrace the Tao without skepticism or panic? If so, you can reach the heart of the Integral Oneness.” – Laotze
You are no longer a beginner when you decide to meditate. Something in you recognizes the need for inner peace. And you’ve cleared the first step to the most important journey you will ever make in your life.
However what follows is consciously making Meditation a part of your daily routine. Like brushing your teeth and hair. Like making your first cup of tea. Make time to meditate. Even if its for 5 minutes. Even if it’s for an hour. Set reminders.
Choose a technique that works for you. Explore different meditative techniques for at least a month and you will intuitively know which technique works for you. There are hundreds of ancient and contemporary techniques to choose from. I began with just focussing on my breath for months.
Don’t Quit. Keep going. There will be tough days, there will be easy days. Even after nearly 2 decades I still find it hard to stay still at times. But I remember the first step I took when I decided to meditate. And as any meditator will tell you, it will be the most memorable journey of your life.
All the best on your journey.
Mita Bhan
This answer was originally published on Quora in response to a question sent to me. https://qr.ae/pNrhcf
In all honesty, I could not bring myself to write my regular Monthly forecast. It would be so trite to write the things I’ve written about for the past 10 years while the world was experiencing such grief and loss. I do hope you understand my reasons and am grateful you choose to join me as I explore the Lessons we need to learn from this Pandemic that’s taken so much peace so suddenly from so many of us. Call it an act of God. Call it a conspiracy. Call it a Law of Nature. The Coronavirus has become a household word and it’s here to teach us all something.
Each day has become a gift. The present moment has become a gift Cherish it. Give something back to the planet.
And there is so much to be thankful for. Our list of blessings increases with our mindfulness doesn’t it?
But WHY is all this happening to you, me, the entire human race? To teach us valuable life lessons to help us evolve and get out of the bubble we’d been in? To remind us that Lessons will repeat themselves until we learn. To give us the choice. Of Evolve or Repeat?
What do the Tarot cards have to say?
and the Tarot assures me that there is HOPE there is RECOVERY there is a NEW ORDER but first we need to learn.
Have a look at your sunsign.
Aries
If you’ve found yourself at a fullstop in life, you may be denying something within. Time to take more charge of your life and depend on fewer people. They’ve shown you their true colours. Time to march on. And knowing you, you will do it.
Taurus
For every shadow there’s a ray of light. For every tear drop shed there’s a smile. You’ve understood the cycles of highs and lows and learnt that nothing lasts. A part of you is ready for achieving something significant this year. Nobody can stop you but your own thoughts.
Gemini
As you discover the lies you’ve been living with, a part of you may no longer wish to associate with those who’ve used you or deceived you. You may realise a larger purpose to your life and associate yourself with a cause. Just get your finances in order before you take a leap.
Cancer
You’re stronger than you think and your deepest fear is only a figment of your imagination. You’ve learnt to express yourself instead of repressing your true feelings about someone or something. A creative side is waking up within you.
Leo
How much do you truly need? Reassess your life and your needs practically. All your answers are already inside you but don’t distract yourself from inner reflection and introspection.
Virgo
Love is forever and even though your old flames have moved on with their lives, there’s still a flame that burns bright. Maybe that is the secret to getting through? Maybe it’s time to whisper out what you feel to the one you love the most.
Libra
Crossroads come for a reason. Choosing between a new career path or the tried and tested. Staying single or marrying the special someone. The answers will unfold. And you’ll be glad you to took the right path.
Scorpio
Solitude and instrospection has its advantages. You’re able to think of life from a broader angle now and understand relationships a little better. Honesty with self and others is the best policy to prevent a misunderstanding.
Saggitarius
Staying busy brings a different kind of peace. Sorting, decluttering, reorganising and cleaning helps to make space for something better, something new.
Capricorn
Karma has a way of popping out just when we least expect it. The more you resist the changes in a relationship, the more it will hurt. Forgiveness does not mean what they did was okay, it means for peace of mind, you just have to let them go.
Aquarius
After the darkness will come the dawn. There is hope, there is relief, but only after processing the pain and the strife inside. A cycle ends and a new cycle begins. How will you make it different this time?
Pisces
Don’t underestimate yourself or your abilities. The time has come to have greater self belief and greater focus. Your dreams can come true and more and more people will see your greatness. But first you need to believe in yourself. Listen to the voice that tells you can.
We’re all connected. We’re all in this together as human beings. And we’ll all emerge transformed in some way. It’s not easy, and it’s not smooth but we’ll do it.
For information about Tele Tarot/Distant Reiki kindly message 9810138315/mita.bhan@gmail.com. No charges for Distant Reiki for Coronavirus Patients. Percentage of all earnings will go towards feeding and care of destitutehumans and animals
Om Asato Maa Sad-Gamaya | Tamaso Maa Jyotir-Gamaya | Mrtyor-Maa Amrtam Gamaya | Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih || *****
This morning I heard a solitary conch blow in the distance.
Someone somewhere was evoking the Gods. Invoking blessings, peace, health and happiness. Purifying the atmosphere with its vibrations, ringing out the primordial sound “Om’ into the atmosphere. Removing the darkness bit by bit.
Someone somewhere was praying for all of us.
And to that someone somewhere, I will always be grateful. And I pray their prayers are heard.
****
Om Asato Maa Sad-Gamaya | Tamaso Maa Jyotir-Gamaya | Mrtyor-Maa Amrtam Gamaya | Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||
Meaning: 1: Om, (O Lord) Keep me not in (the Phenomenal World of) Unreality, but make me go towards the Reality (of Eternal Self), 2: Keep me not in (the Ignorant State of) Darkness, but make me go towards the Light (of Spiritual Knowledge), 3: Keep me not in (the World of) Mortality, but make me go towards the World of Immortality (of Self-Realization), 4: Om, Peace, Peace, Peace.
This is one of my favourite renditions of this powerful mantra.
Energy flows where attention goes. Choose to be mindful of your thoughts today. Direct your attention from what could go wrong to what could go right (and will) 🙂
For customised readings and guided healing meditations, get in touch with me at mita.bhan@gmail.com
“Tayata Om Bekanze Bekanze Maha Bekanze Radza Samudgate Soha” the Medicine Budha
One does not even need to go into the details of the suffering around the Corona virus to know that what the world needs right now is healing energy not the destructive energy of fear, ignorance and suffering.
If the news is disturbing you, or if you’re struggling with an ailment or are taking care of a loved one who is ill, the Medicine Buddha Mantra brings peace at a deep level. It can be chanted by anyone, healthy or otherwise and is believed to raise the purifying vibrations on this planet. Tibetan doctors believe if this mantra is recited 108 times by the patient into his glass of water, the water becomes charged by the Medicine Buddha and can be repeated till healing occurs.
“To the Bhagawan with equal compassion for all Whose name when just heard dispels lower realms’ suffering Dispeller of disease and the three poisons I prostrate to Medicine Buddha Lapis Light.”
Tayata Om Bekanze Bekanze Maha Bekanze Radza Samudgate Soha
During my morning meditations ill be this Medicine Mantra will be chanted for the next 40 days and if you’d like your name or a your loved ones name to be included for healing energies please add them in the comments.
image from buddhaweekly.com
“The patient is to recite the long Medicine Buddha mantra 108 times over a glass of water. The water is now believed to be blessed by the power of the mantra and the blessing of the Medicine Buddha himself, and the patient is to drink the water. This practice is then repeated each day until the illness is cured.”
