Yoga is Creativity.

Creativity is a divine gift from God to humanity which anyone can access. Whether it is painting, ritual, music or movement we can all receive some type of benefit from creative expression. My on-going creative project is Yoga. How? Well…the simplest way for me to put it is: There are over 14,000 different postures (Asanas) and 50 different styles (Disciplines). A person can put together any routine for their own schedule or liking. Most styles involve some sort of relaxation. Whether a person is moving, breathing, or meditating, eventually there comes a time when the mind opens up and thoughts quiet down. This is where real insight and creativity happens. I don’t know HOW it happens. It just does. An exquisite mystery.

Yoga is Healing.

The ultimate goal of yoga is union with the All; it is to become completely aware of the Self or soul. The natural progression of practicing yoga leads one to: peace of mind and heart; power of will, love, and intellect; direct influence of the mind upon the body and the world outside the body; psychic abilities of various kinds; control of mind and better concentration; control of the emotions (removal of worry, pride, anger, fear, lust, and greed); bodily health, suppleness, beauty and longevity; and the prevention and removal of psychosomatic dangers and troubles. The Yoga Sutra’s Yamas (things to avoid) and Niyamas (things to do) are guidelines for living a life of integrity and truth. It is not necessary to obey these rules because these are just suggestions to live a happier, more fulfilled life. Yoga heals by allowing us to experience life in the continuous unfolding moment.

Yoga is Community.

Together, when people do yoga, something magical happens. There’s a wonderful feeling of togetherness, love, and camaraderie. This may manifest because each person starts to take responsibility for their life, beliefs, and experience. Yoga teaches that when the flow of the universe treats you kindly or harshly, you have control of your own attitude and outlook.The community of people studying and practicing yoga quickly becomes tight. I believe yoga brings people together in a magnetic sense; we want to share the bounty of its blessings with one another. A big group, focusing on transcending themselves, is a pretty incredible force of energy! As a teacher, I am excited to be able to share some of yoga’s power with my community.

Yoga is Committment.

Practice meditation (Dyana), breathing techniques (Pranayama), yoga postures (Asanas), and a deep relaxation (Savasana) at least three times a week. To really feel the essence of yoga, it is important to declare that yoga become part of your daily life. This is a committment that is only bound by your own will. Once you see the magic that yoga creates in your life, you will only want to continue with it.

May all beings be peaceful.

May all beings be happy.

May all beings be safe.

May all beings awaken to the light of their true nature.

May all beings be free.

~ Metta Prayer

Erika Faith is a movement facilitator at One Spirit Weekend.  Her school, Cloud Nine Yoga, prides itself in being a community based, non dogmatic Yoga Education entity with a history of facilitating the awakening of many hearts and teaching freedom of the mind and body.  For more information about Erika please visit http://www.cloudnineyoga.com/

Congratulations on embarking on becoming a leader in your own self care program. Whether you are a seasoned practitioner or just starting out by reading this article you are on your way to becoming a Leader in your own life. Now the fun begins!

As we embark on a healthier path we become bombarded with information and a lot of times it contradicts other health advice we are taught. It can become very confusing. It seems everyone has their “science based” opinion about the do’s and don’ts of what to eat, how to exercise, what mind set to have, what spiritual practice is the best, what healing modality will heal certain ailments, what gadget is the best etc.

There is a lot of information to decipher to find what is right for you. This process can be daunting when all you want to do is “know” what is right for you and then focus your time, energy and money on executing the best self- care plan possible for you. Sometimes it is easier for someone else to tell you what to do, which has been occurring for a long time in the health care industry but not the most effective.

Every person is an individual. Yes, we are born with the same parts; heart, liver, hands, feet etc. but due to our belief systems, ancestry, genes and other factors we operate very differently from one another.  So it is very difficult and many times unsuccessful to treat an individual’s health problems the same way as another’s with similar symptoms.

The key to helping self-decipher all the information and advice, is to develop ones’ intuition. When you are guided by your intuition it can become easier to feel, sense and know what is right and wrong for you. Your internal guidance system will direct you into your highest potential and the best self-care program.

There are various ways to strengthen your intuition; your internal guidance system. The three main areas to begin with are the physical, mental and spiritual bodies.  Here are the basics to begin the strengthening process of your intuition. Please note that even though these three areas are separated, they exist together as a whole, they work together to create One Spirit, and therefore the tools & techniques for each area overlap and help with all the bodies.

Physical body: Cleansing the body of toxins and excess waste will help you become a better listener to it’s messages. Toxins in the body can prevent someone from being able to clearly hear their internal guidance system.

Mental body: Learning tools and techniques to quite the mind of chitter chatter will help you to hear or visualize the REAL messages that are meant for you.  Meditation, breathing exercises & yoga are just a few of the many powerful ways to access the minds intuitive nature.

Spiritual body: All the techniques for the physical and mental body will naturally guide you on your spiritual path. When you have physically detoxed, are practicing yoga and meditation, your internal guidance system will naturally lead you on a spiritual path that reflects your true nature.  When your heart and mind process spiritual and religious ideas and concepts you will receive clearer guidance on what the truth is for you.

Your self-care program based on your internal guidance system will provide a strong foundation for you being a leader in your life, a path to Independence!

“Raising your vibration is a choice.

You are the master of your own light.

Within you lives this undeniable radiant beauty.

Awaken to your gifts and share them as was intended.”

~Ananda Anahata

Tip #1 Choose Optimal Fuel

The way we fuel our bodies deeply and radically affects the way we think, feel and behave.  By improving our food choices we improve our overall health, stamina and happiness while shaping a new destiny for ourselves. The physical body thrives when fueled by the highest quality fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods provided to us by Mother Nature. Adding more live, organic plant foods full of sun energy, vitamins, enzymes and minerals reconnects us with our own vibrant natural state.

“I choose optimal fuel for this body because it provides me with the energy, clarity, creativity and longevity that I require in order to create magic on this planet.”

Tip #2 Cleanse & Purify the Physical Body 

Periodic cleansing and fasting revitalizes the body enabling it to heal and recharge itself. Through the cleansing process, toxins from processed, cooked foods, chemicals and environmental impurities are released initiating the body’s own healing abilities. Our bodies were originally designed to handle periods of feast and famine and are very capable of thriving while fasting and cleansing. We may choose to fast from a certain substance such as dairy, meat, sugar, coffee, alcohol or solid foods. You may choose to fast from a substance for a weekend, fast one day a month on juices or do an intestinal cleanse once a year. Listen to your body.

“I cleanse and purify my body regularly because this vessel and the beautiful spirit thriving within it have a higher purpose.”

 Tip #3 Mind the Mental Diet

We have the power to shape our reality and it starts with our internal view of the world.  Our thoughts, speech and actions determine our reality and define our future. By shifting the quality of our thoughts from fear to faith, from criticism to compassion, from lack to abundance, from separateness to unity, from hate to love shifts our experience of the world. Listening to our internal dialogue and taking time to pause and reflect before acting gives us the opportunity to choose more wisely. Use powerfully worded daily affirmations to confirm your intentions for a vibrant, thriving life full of bliss, prosperity and love for yourself and others. 

 “I am mindful of the content that I feed my mind. I choose to use positive empowering language with regards to myself, others and my surroundings because my thoughts, speech and actions create the bliss that surrounds me.”

 Tip #4 Clear the Emotional Body

Just as the physical body holds toxins and debris so does the emotional body.  Pains from childhood, being socialized, relationship experiences, family dynamics, economic influences and sexual interactions are just a few of the sources for latent emotional holdings.  These memories shape our views of life affecting the choices we make with regards to relationships, health, success and happiness.  Emotions serve as a window into ourselves.  Exploring these feelings and searching out their source, enables us to release any emotional debris that is inhibiting us from realizing our true potential and experiencing a peaceful, thriving life. Addressing emotional issues is a vital and necessary process of spiritual growth and personal transformation.

 “I embrace the opportunity to look inward and shine a light where darkness resides in order for my true self to fully blossom.”

 Tip #5 Connect to Higher Consciousness

It is when the mind is quiet and the body still that the real truth may be revealed.  In this space we are primed to receive messages with regards to our purpose and how to proceed in manifesting our full potential. Our minds our like a turbulent body of water, only in the stillness can one’s reflection be seen.  In this peaceful space one connects to a source of power and wisdom greater than the individual.  Trusting the insights gleaned during meditation provides essential guidance and support along our journey.  According to Dr. Dean Ornish, “The benefits of meditation include expanded awareness, increased concentration, a quieter mind and the experience of transcendence, peace, joy and inner nourishment.”

“I create time and space for reflection and stillness in order for the truth to be revealed to me.”

Subtle improvements in each of these areas enhance the quality of life in the most amazingly joyful ways.  Live, Laugh, Learn, Love and Let Go!

Go Forth and SHINE!

Kerrie Dancing Butterfly is a modern-day Shamaness who skillfully integrates the fields of self-empowerment, Shamanic teachings, emotional release, spiritual studies, meditation techniques and energy healing.  She is sought after for her Transformational Empowerment Shamanic Healing Sessions, Personal Coaching, Inspirational Workshops and Sacred Ceremonies. Through her rich and diverse background, she combines the teachings of the masters with life experience and a personal touch to gently facilitate profound personal transformation and awakening. Learn more about Kerrie at www.JourneysfortheSoul.com and www.OneSpiritWeekend.com.

So, what in the universe does quantum physics have to do with business? Only EVERYTHING! Let me explain.

Quantum is the study of the fundamental particles from which all matter forms. Physics is the science that deals with matter as energy in motion and force. Thus, quantum physics is the branch of a new wave of science based on quantum theory, which describes and predicts the properties of all physical systems.
 
Now you see why ‘everything’ is my answer to the question? Do you realize the potential here? A science which can help us to understand the very nature of the physical changes we are currently experiencing on this earth.

Quantum represents the potentiality in business to create profound influence. Physics represents the ways in which that potentiality is applied and realized. New scientific breakthroughs tell us there’s another, better approach than what we are currently using, but here’s why we’re so off course right now:

The limiting concepts from Newtonian physics continues to be the primary influence upon which our everyday lives are based: one thing logically leading to another/this causes that/one thing logically leads to another. This thought form no longer describes what is actually happening.

There is an immediate need for business to evolve even beyond the limited triple bottom line thinking of economic, ecological and social considerations. There are unlimited factors involved in every aspect of business. This level of consideration I call the quantum bottom line.

As quantum entrepreneurs, we must begin to take ALL aspects of life under advisement. We must, to create a new shift upon this earth. In this role, as conscious leaders we must begin introducing these concepts while modeling innovative behaviors for our team. Based on who we are as individuals and aligned with our purpose and passion.
Whether the circumstance in this moment concern employee satisfaction, customer relations or financial upheaval, it really doesn’t matter. All must be a consideration of the whole.?known and unknown?factors

As a business entrepreneur, you have science on your side as you consider the quantum quotient of all aspects of business; every department, every negotiation, every employee and every smallest relationship.

All this talk about quantum this and quantum that doesn’t need to be complex. We’re really only taking the quantum nature of the universe and applying it to business. This is where understanding the quantum nature of the universe is important.

Drawing upon one of nature’s most incredible quantum ‘inventions,’ let’s use a plant seed as an example. Think of the enormous potential it contains; specifically, with proper support and nutrition, one seed has the ability to produce a tree and provide abundant fruit to feed and to nurture. And so it is by applying quantum physics to business.
 
One kind gesture seed, one change of perception seed, one willingness to change seed, one lead by example seed,  just one conscious seed has the potential, with proper support to inspire exponential growth and provide abundant fruit to nurture your business and the lives of everyone associated with your business.
As quantum leaders, we move boldly in a new direction because we now know we control our own reality and are interconnected with everything and everyone. With awareness, compassion and humility we forge a fresh path/ a new WAY of being . 

Business owners who are focused on implementing quantum level methods are the ones who will prosper in these transformational times. Simply being open to a new way of understanding opens you and your business to unlimited potential. Come experience your unlimited potential at One Spirit Weekend as we support one another in our evolving roles as awakening leaders.

-What I hear, I forget.
-What I see, I remember.
-What I experience, I understand!
 
One Spirit Weekend is about experiencing to understand!
 
During these rapidly changing times, it is vital that each of us clearly understands our role and how to best fulfill that role. It is also imperative that we are aware of the transformations currently taking place and what effect they will have upon the earth as well as you and your family. When you experience yourself as an awakened leader in the presence of hundreds of other like minded leaders, you will understand your unique role.

The experience of dancing together under starlit sky; the joy of sampling the best food available on the planet; the vibration of the Sedona energy; the feeling of community; receiving the latest  information from experts who are living the life they are talking about–these are the experiences we all long for. This is why Puma & I have attended so many festivals–why we have gone to so many conferences–why we are drawn to seminars and retreats.

One Spirit Weekend takes all the successful elements from each of these and combines them into one cohesive experience, with the intention of awakening the leader within each of us, so that when we return to our families, communities and jobs, we do so empowered; knowing that we have a network supporting us in our designated role.
 
The team we have assembled to present this One Spirit Weekend has been guiding and supporting people through the transformational process for decades. As leaders, we too are being called to reach our highest potential. This is our opportunity to step into our roles as leaders.

Please join us as we experience this awakening together as One family.