What Color is Your Mat?

I casually drive along Main Street in Santa Monica enjoying the colorful scenery as the Pacific Ocean breeze dances through the air. Boutiques, cafes, restaurants, parks, and yoga studios devour the street.

I'm headed to one of my favorite cafes to dive into writing when at a stoplight a laughter catches my attention. I notice a yoga class just let out and a couple students are leaving. Their mats are slung over their shoulders as they swing a leg over their bike, kick up there kick stand and hang out for a minute to chat. A girl walks across the street in front of my car holding her yoga mat, wearing red Tods as her eyes gaze up at the sky with a blissful expression on her face. Another student drenched in sweat seems to have the same look on his face as he rolls up his yoga mat on the sidewalk.

The light turns green, I drive off still staring at the yogis. I smile to myself, my insides feel a bit more at peace, like I just finished a yoga class.

I park my car and walk into the coffee shop. Scene: "Hollywood hippie writers." I look for the table that seems to always be reserved for me. It's a blue-tiled french iron table with two mismatched cushioned chairs that stand nestled next to the window. As I settle in, I gaze at all the wired writers with their eyes fixated on their Mac screen hoping to perfect that one sentence which will turn their piece of work into success. Faces here look the same too, but with a slightly different "good" energy then the faces of the yoga students have. A sense of intensity but, peace. Excitement but, humbled. Their eyes are beaming with passion, I embrace this energy too.

After an hour, I get stuck on my own sentence. I decide to take a break and focus on the staff in the coffee shop. The baristas seem to be having fun making lattes as the busboys quietly interact with the customers. The manager looks on with peace.

I realize that today, I encountered yoga students, writers, and a staff who all seem to individually hold some good energy. Through their energy I captured good energy. Or was it that my environment which I created brought these kinds of souls to me. Either way does it really matter? The color of my mat, intentionally today was bright....

So, how are you going to leave your house today? When people drive by and see you, what will your expression look like? Will your interaction with the barista change his negative thoughts into a smile? You never know who you will touch in a day. Even with no contact.

So, what colors are you going to bring out into your world today?

Vedic Astrology News Astrological Weather for September

At the start of the month, Venus enters Libra (its own sign) from September 1, 2010 until January 2, 2011 (this is a long time for Venus to be Libra, but it will be going retrograde in October). Your artistic sensibilities may increase, as you desire more beauty and peace around you. Libra is a sign of balance, so with this transit, you learn to harmonize well with others and life's situations. Engaging in healing modalities to balance the body and mind is helpful. Performing spiritual practices (yoga, meditation, mantras), or performing charitable acts or service is also favored. Venus in Libra is good for diplomatic skills and helpful in mediation. Venus in Libra is also elegant and has a romantic view of love, but also be cautious of becoming too idealistic or overindulgent in relationship, which takes you out of balance with love.

Mars leaves the sign of Virgo on September 6, 2010, where it has been transiting with Saturn since July 21, 2010. This is a welcome relief as these two enemy planets separate now, which had created tensions. You have been learning to be responsible for your actions! Now Mars transits the sign of Libra (moving closely with Venus) until October 2, 2010. Mars and Venus together can give passion and spontaneity, but also can also promote minor agitation and irritation, so it is important to channel this energy into appropriate avenues.

Mercury goes direct September 12, 2010, having being retrograde since August 20, 2010. Now is the time to start moving forward with any plans you have considered since mid-August. Communications should gradually improve.

The Sun moves into the sign of Virgo on September 16, 2010, until October 17, 2010. The Sun will now be transiting with Saturn, and these two planets conjunct on September 30 and October 1. Saturn and the Sun are not friendly to each other, and could indicate the need for order and hard work. Challenges may surface around the issues of who is in charge, or who is the final authority on a matter. The qualities of efficiency and precision, and staying on task will be rewarded at this time.

And finally, this is the month of one of the most popular Hindu celebrations called Ganesha Chaturthi, which this year falls on September 11th. This is the festival that honors the birth of Lord Ganesha, the deity of wisdom, good fortune, and protection (and the deity of Vedic astrology). It is said that nothing can be achieved without the grace and blessing of Lord Ganesha.

Debra Infante, Vedic astrologer, can be reached at (928) 639-0623 for astrological consultations, either in person or by phone.

The Flood of Others' Words...

All the books, cd's, notebooks, workbooks, dvd's, post-its, blogs, websites. I am surrounded by so much literature to build me up as the Donald Trump of yoga. For years, I have been in conversation with such beautiful, powerful, intense people through their words, experiences, chants, ideas, and theories. I read them and highlighted, I listened and wrote. I stole everything I believed was of value and gently stacked away the rest, secretly knowing in a week, a month, a year I would be in another place, searching for another word, phrase, chant to hold on to, to guide me through the day...

I got home today craving a boost of inspiration, love, and peace from any of the words that flooded my studio. I closed the door, I frantically walked over to a book shelf of Deepak Chopra, Rumi, Patangali, and Yogananda. None of their creations were calling me. I turned to my stack of Paulo Coahlo, Stephan Covey, Debbie Ford, and Victor Frankle, again nothing. I was feeling a sense of panic, a sense of loneliness, fear of, "if I don't have my books, cd's, dvd's, etc. calling me, then who, what, how will I know what to do next?" I released myself from anxiety for a moment and looked at my alter. The beautiful, soulful, peaceful area that I created for these exact moments.

Enough with running to another bookstore, another yoga retreat, another detox session. They are all fabulous and beneficial, but once the book is completed, the yoga retreat is miles away, and the detox session is all cleaned up, I am usually left with beautiful memories and educational insights that I store away and hopefully remember to revert back when needed. But, I usually end up moving to the next trendy book, yoga retreat, and detox session of the year.

My mind, body, and soul were screaming for me to just sit and be. Stop with all the "books" and just enjoy the peace of closing my eyes and going with in.

Finally, I gave in. After a few internal arguments, some cursing, and fidgeting..my 20 minute meditation melted into pure peace and acceptance. As I slowly opened my eyes , I realized how full of "words" I am.




Simplest way to meditate:

There is a story that goes like this:

Once upon a time, a student went to a great sage to ask about the meaning of life and how to attain the direct experience of the Highest.
He asked his question, but the sage gave no answer. He just sat there.
Again, the student asked about how to find and fulfill the Purpose of life. Again, the sage just sat there.
The student tried different words, and appealed with great emotion. The sage just sat there, as before.
Finally, the student became frustrated, and blurted out, in an angry tone, "Why don't you answer me!"
The sage smiled, and said, "I have been answering you, but you were not listening. The answer you are looking for is to be found only in Silence."
To sit in stillness and silence for even a few minutes each day is a very useful thing to do.
May you find that silence which leads to Silence.
Story by: Swami Jnaneshvara

Live Like You Were Dying

New post on amyapplebaum.com. Life coaching for the female entrepreneur.

Our lives are full of routine. Some parts of the routine are enjoyable, like the first blissful sip of morning brew, kissing your lover good morning, and watching your favorite TV show after dinner. But, most routines come with an overwhelming feeling of boredom and stress. Throw in envy as well when your BFF tells you after she just got offered her dream job that she is going to treat herself to a yoga retreat in the Himalayas for her birthday. Your response to her constant spontaneous ideas is, “I live my life vicariously through you.”

Why?! If you have such a desire to pursue your dream job, or you have always wanted to go on a yoga retreat, or you think skydiving would be the ultimate high, why isn’t your Facebook page filled with albums of these experiences?

There are so many excuses: financial problems, too comfortable, too old… or is it just fear of the unknown? You will never make the wrong decision if your gut and your heart are filled with passion. I guarantee you, the minute you take that step forward, your dreams will turn into a reality. The universe will guide you. It is that simple.

Ask yourself again, “when was the last time you did something for the first time?” Hopefully tomorrow your response will be, “Yesterday!”

Certified yoga teacher Susan Singer recently moved back to La La Land from the City of Gold (Dubai) to embrace her dreams and the new phase of her life. Every pocket of free time is spent researching, freaking out, writing, crying, meditating, laughing, and self-doubting about her new business endeavor. She hopes her daily entrepreneurial experiences are an inspiration to her fellow fabulous females.

Osho...

A lesson:
"All great discoveries are found by amateurs." - Osho

It is good to attain a skill, but it is not good to settle with it forever. Whenever the feeling arises in you that now the thing is looking stale, change it. Invent something, add something new, delete something old. Again be free from the pattern - that means be free from skill - again become an amateur. It needs courage and guts, to become an amatuer again, but that's how life becomes beautiful.

Just one amazing lesson from the great Osho....

"Please don't try to understand me intellectually. I am not an intellectual, in fact I am anti-intellectual. I am not a philosopher, I am very anti-philosophic. Try to comprehend me. Listen silently with no inner chattering, with no inner talk, without evaluating. I am not saying believe what I say, I am not saying accept what I say. I am saying there is no need to be in a hurry to accept or reject. First at least listen - why be in such a hurry? When you see a roseflower, do you accept or reject it? When you see a beautiful sunset, do you accept or reject it? You simply see it, and in that very seeing is a meeting. If what I am saying has anything of truth in it, it will be understood by your heart. But the mind has to give way. And then you will not need to change your life according to it, it will be changed of its own accord."
Osho

If you are not famalier who Osho is, click on this link below and dive into a rare, but spiritual cool divine being.

http://www.osho.com/Main.cfm?Area=Shop&Language=English

Vedic Astrology News for August

On August 1, 2010 the planet Venus enters the sign of Virgo, its sign of debility, until August 31, 2010. Venus will join Saturn and Mars, as these three planets now travel together through the sign of Virgo this month. The debility of Venus, a benefic planet, means that the planet may not be able to express all its positive energies now, and will have some challenge protecting itself as its

Venus in Virgo, in her quest for perfectionism, can create a more critical attitude with those we love, as we are inclined to analyze love more than appreciate the love we have. With the added energies of Saturn and Mars, we may not understand our loved ones' motivations or needs, or feel out of synch somehow. The Saturn aspect with Venus may give some delay or restriction, while the Mars influence can create passion, action, or conflict. This is a good month to focus on spiritual love, be unpretentious with others, and be helpful and of service in some meaningful way. Let this Venus in Virgo desire for perfection and purity help you to improve your own personal expression of love. Focus daily on creating harmony and peace.

On August 28th and 29th, Venus will be at 27 degrees Virgo, its exact degree of debility. So the last week of August presents a wonderful opportunity to practice increased integrity and heightened sensitivity in all your relationships.

Also this month, Mercury turns retrograde for the second time this year, on August 20, 2010, going direct on September 12, 2010. As Mercury rules communications of all types, be extra clear with speech and what you put in writing. Use this time to review and revise any future plans or projects to activate once Mercury goes direct after September 12. The Mercury retrograde period is a great time for deep reflection and meditation practices.

Debra Infante, Vedic astrologer, can be reached at (928) 639-0623 for astrological consultations, either in person or by phone.

Vedic Astrology News

The Summer Eclipse Season Begins in June!

Eclipse season is here again, beginning with a partial lunar eclipse on June 26, 2010 at 10 degrees Sagittarius in the nakshatra of Mula. The second eclipse, a total solar one, will occur on July 11, 2010 at 25 degrees Gemini (nakshatra of Punarvasu), and be discussed in next month's article. Many astrologers consider these two eclipses this summer to be especially deeply felt, intense, and highly transformative. This first eclipse on June 26, is very close to the US chart's Ascendant degree, so our country is greatly affected by this one. As these eclipses are on the Sagittarius/Gemini axis, it will be especially impactful those who have major planetary placements (such as the Ascendant, Sun, or Moon) in the signs of Sagittarius and Gemini, and close to the degrees mentioned above.

The nakshatra where an eclipse takes place gives clues to its manifestation and what we are to understand and experience. The nakshatra of Mula, which means "the root," is the nakshatra located at the Galactic Center of our universe, suggesting we will be guided to the very core of our being. It is important not to be afraid of our hidden dark side, but to surrender spiritually, and be healed. The deity associated with Mula nakshatra is the goddess Nirriti (later replaced by Kali), and the shakti or energy of this nakshatra is "the power to destroy." In this case, we are called on to dispel ignorance and fear, and embrace a path of right living in a non-violent way (ahimsa).

This eclipse could also indicate an accelerated need for intense research in the world, and a strong interest to investigate spiritual and philosophical knowledge. The symbol of a "tied up bunch of roots" in this case can symbolize increased focus on natural healing and herbology (roots can indicate herbal medicine, such as Ayurveda). It can also suggest we need to bring people and ideas together for mutual healing of ourselves and our Earth in a balanced way. Mula nakshatra is ruled by Ketu (south node of the Moon) so from a higher perspective, there is certainly an otherworldly, liberating quality about this eclipse.

This lunar eclipse on June 26th will also be conjunct the outer planet Pluto (Pluto is a transpersonal planet and so may affect the collective consciousness of which we are all a part). If we apply Pluto to the mix, we are called as a global community to "dig deep" and begin the evolutionary process towards a more just, equal, and moral climate in the world. We could compare the planet Pluto to Shiva, the destroyer, but who is also a great healer! This can indicate the need and beginning of quite a regenerative period. The more challenging side of Pluto is the desire to be in control with subsequent power struggles, with repressed, misunderstood energies rising. With proper awareness, and by surrendering and releasing any destructive tendencies, we are guided toward self-renewal.

Remember that eclipses are considered omens, and describe times of change, new beginnings, and increased awareness. Things we have previously ignored, now come to light for us to address and heal. In Vedic astrology, eclipses are traditionally days for spiritual initiation, so with the June 26 eclipse in Mula nakshatra - we can even go deeper with our spiritual practices and meditations.

We can feel the intensity (some might even say instability) of eclipses for six days either side of the exact eclipse dates, as well as the two weeks intervening between the lunar (June 26) and solar eclipse (July 11). The intense effect or outgrowth of eclipses can last up to six months or more.

With a lunar eclipse (June 26), we tend to be more emotional than usual, and we are asked to use any intense feelings that surface as motivators, shedding light to a more creative and valuable life path. I always feel these outer planetary combinations are just reflecting our "inner terrain" - so we are ready for deep change and expansion! This eclipse presents us with a significant opportunity for soul growth if we choose.


Debra Infante, Vedic astrologer, can be reached at (928) 639-0623 for astrological consultations, either in person or by phone.