Julia Matheson
I had a spiritual reading this morning. Wow, this woman is a-mazing! I’ve been seeing her for years, and let me tell you – she has single handedly changed my life.
Big call I know. She has such a special gift; a connection to the spirit world, the divine, arch angels, past lives – who knows, but it’s something far bigger than you or I. When I first saw her I didn’t even believe in half of this, [Read more…]
So I completed my first yoga workshop! #goaltick
I’ve done a yoga retreat before, where I delved pretty deep into my physical practice – but this was the first time I really got to expand my mind with traditional yoga ideas and philosophies – notepad and all.
The workshop was an Introduction to Tantric Yoga – and I’ll be honest, the word ‘tantric’ was a little off putting. It immediately brought to mind something sexual, something a bit ‘R’ rated. But, as I learned, it seems this word has lost it’s true meaning.
“Based on ancient Indian and Tibetan traditions, Tantra Yoga is an energy based system that teaches us methods for consciously connecting with the Universe in order to feel, harness and amplify beneficial Universal energies within our own being; aspects such as vitality, creativity and imagination, self-confidence, love and compassion, intuition, mental concentration and spiritual lucidity.”
Tantic yoga actually has two branches 1) Hatha and 2) Kundalini. I never knew these styles were both delineated from Tantric Yoga.
“Yoga, in its authentic form, is a system that allows us to balance and harmonise not only our physical bodies but more importantly, our thoughts and emotions, bringing a state of inner calm and stability that will lead to health and healing, personal empowerment and better relationships.”
I learnt all about traditional yoga; the chakras, correspondence and resonance, asanas, sublimation. But what really stood out to me was the personal transformation aspect of yoga.
In yoga, this personal transformation is called self realisation. It’s the thing that fascinates me, and drives a lot of my work – the question “Who am I really?“. Its an inquiry into ourselves, into something deeper than our personalities or physical existence. It’s that sense of “I”, that is disconnected from our body or our circumstance. It’s the true ‘us’ separate from our state of mind, or identification with our thoughts or emotions. It’s our sense of self that remains constant.
Who am I?
Why am I here?
Yoga gives us the tools to start to investigate these questions.
There is a universal intelligence within us, and yoga allows us to tap into this. It can help us decipher the meaning of our lives.
How rad, that simple breath and body work can connect us to universal energy, and ultimately our life’s purpose.
HAPPINESS = ENQUIRY INTO THE SELF
Happiness is not outside us, which unfortunately in our culture we are lead to believe. It’s the ‘when I have’ mentality – “When I get that promotion life will be great.” “When I have the body I want I will be happy.” “When I have my overseas holiday . . .” “When I get that new car. . .” “When I find the perfect partner . . .” “When I save enough money . . .” Can you see how prevalent this way of thinking is? I know I can be guilty of it too.
It’s a perpetual cycle none different to a mouse on a wheel. The problem with this mentality though is that it puts the power outside of us, we are made to be dependant on others, or on things to bring us happiness. Instead of finding happiness within ourselves.
Self enquiry brings us freedom within ourselves. We are free beyond our minds or emotions. In yoga our minds are likened to a crazy monkey. In fact – a crazy monkey that’s been stung by a scorpion! Our minds are constantly throwing bones for us to fetch. For most, it is our minds that rule us, instead of us controlling our minds. So cultivating this enquiry into the self allows us to live mindfully, to be conscious of ourselves in the world, as opposed to constantly chasing the bones our mind throws us.
It ultimately creates a freedom from fear and inadequacy. And it’s when we step away from fear, that we allow our true selves to shine. We become more connected to our driving force, our personal mission in life.
Self realisation is the deeper aspect to our own existence.
“Dare to be free, dare to go as far as your thought leads, and dare to cary that out into your life.” – Swami Sivananda
I’ve always gained a certain sense of peace, power, and connection through my yoga practice – but this was the first time it was really explained as to WHY! Talk about the penny dropping. Wow.
Know who you are and why you are here.
Namaste.
“Know yourself and you will know the Universe.” – Ancient Greeks
PS – For more information on meditative Tantric Yoga – check out Agama Yoga.
I pulled out my oracle cards the other night.
According to the box, “The cards are designed to help manifest your goals, life purpose and divinely inspired dreams” – Sounds pretty good to me!
I’ve only ever used the cards a handful of times, I am definitely no expert – I mainly did it for fun. Not that the self-readings I’ve done in the past haven’t been insightful, but I doubt by own levels of spirituality – I trust in other people who are more ‘skilled’ or ‘talented’ to do readings for me, but I have never backed myself in the ‘spirituality’ stakes. Wow was I wrong! I was about to learn a pretty cool lesson.
I shuffled the cards and asked for guidance (as the instructions tell you to do), I pulled out 4 cards and lay them face down in front of me. As I turned the cards over one by one, and read each one aloud, I was completely shocked.
The cards spoke my truth.
With the cards lined up in a row, the card on the left signifies your immediate past, the next your present, and the 2 after that, your future in 3 month increments. Mine read as follows:
1. Empowerment – “You’re more powerful than you realise. It’s safe for you to be powerful!” This card confirms that your inner power wants to surface. You’ll use this power appropriately, and you’re incapable of abusing it. Instead of worrying what others think about you, use your power to make the world a better place.
This is exactly what this past year has been for me. Stepping out of my comfort zone, finding what authentically inspires me, and having the courage and faith to begin a brand new life-path. If I had to sum that up in one word, it sure would be empowerment.
2. Time To Move On – “It’s time to let go of the old and worn out so that the new can come in.” You need to make room for the new by letting go of the old. First, let go emotionally and intellectually. In other words, ‘quit’ or ‘say goodbye’ in your mind and heart. Don’t plan, scheme, or worry about how your letting-go (or replacement) will occur. You’ll get infinite guidance whenever it’s the right moment to take action. Until then, stay lovingly detached from your old situation.
This hits my present reality to a T! I literally just quit my job, said goodbye to friends, and travelled half way across to the world, home to Australia. What the future holds for me at this stage is uncertain. I don’t yet know where I’ll be living, what my new job will be, or how long I’ll be away for again. It’s scary for me not knowing all the answers, but as this card reminded me – I’m clearing space, making way for the new to come into my life.
3. Self-Employment – “You’re a born entrepreneur, and your business is surrounded by magical opportunities.” You have the drive, discipline and desire to be your own boss. This card also shows you that you have the magical ingredients for a successful business. You’re fully supported spiritually. As long as you stay enthusiastic, new opportunities will come to you. Your positive energy attracts customers, clients, and contracts.
This card made me laugh, as I have just launched my own business. Website is complete, clients base is growing, workshops are being planned – and yes, it’s one of my goals to be working solely for myself in the not so distant future.
4. Rest – “You’ve been working hard. Take a nap and get some rest.” This card asks you to slow down, rest, and be very gentle with yourself. By drawing this card, you’re urged to let go of unnecessary activities, and to focus on self-renewal.
This card made me smile knowingly. For I am like a dog with a bone once I get started on something. I can get swept up with impatience, and wanting everything to happen NOW! I know that I need to make time for play, and for rest – to rejuvenate away from the busy-ness of chasing goals, plans, and big dreams. I need to nurture myself to allow for self-renewal.
These cards really hit home for me. Every single one of them.
It was the first time I actually felt some higher being there with me, I don’t know if I believe in angels, or spirits or any of that but something was there; guiding me towards those specific cards.
I couldn’t believe I had done it all on my own, no spiritual reader, no appointment booked, no money paid – just me and a deck of cards.
I have a newfound respect for my own spiritual power. It’s comforting to know that I can draw on it any time I need.
For some, the word ‘spirituality’ freaks us out. But whatever you call it – your instinct, or your ‘gut’ – it’s all the same thing. It’s our intuition and higher spiritual guidance. Something that often gets over-run by our noisy, logical, minds.
When was the last time you shut down your mind, and tapped into your own inner guidance?
Perhaps there’s been something that your intuition has been trying to tell you?
Make time to get connected with yourself.
You have more power within than you realise.
“One of the great gifts of spiritual knowledge is that it realigns your sense of self to something you may not have even ever imagined was within you. Spirituality says that even if you think you’re limited and small, it simply isn’t so. You’re greater and more powerful than you have ever imagined. A great and divine light exists inside of you.”