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The Monks of Resonance – Lessons from the high mountain monasteries

In the midst of bustling cities and modern life, it’s easy to forget about the ancient wisdom that lies at the heart of many of the world’s great spiritual traditions. But what if we could tap into some of that wisdom, and bring a little bit of serenity into our daily lives?

• Find your inner mountain. For centuries, monasteries have been built in remote, high-altitude locations for a reason: the solitude, the silence, and the breathtaking views all combine to create an environment that is conducive to spiritual growth. So how can we replicate this experience in our own lives? By finding quiet moments throughout the day, whether it’s through meditation, reading, or simply taking a few deep breaths.
• Practice mindfulness. Monks spend their days in contemplation and study, but they also understand the importance of living in the present moment. Whether we’re on a mountaintop or in our own backyards, mindfulness is the key to unlocking a deeper sense of connection with ourselves and the world around us.
• Embrace impermanence. In the high mountain monasteries, everything is temporary: the snow that falls, the trees that grow, the monks themselves. And yet, despite this impermanence, the monastic community remains steadfast in its commitment to spiritual growth and selflessness. We can learn from their example by embracing the fleeting nature of life and letting go of our attachment to outcomes.

“The world is full of noise, but it’s only when we silence the mind that we truly hear.” – Shunryu Suzuki, Zen master and founder of the San Francisco Zen Center.

If you’re looking for a deeper sense of connection to yourself, your community, or the natural world, consider visiting one of these high mountain monasteries. Or, if that’s not possible, try incorporating some of their wisdom into your daily life. You might be surprised at the difference it can make.

Resources:

• Santiniketan, a Buddhist monastery in India
• Abbey of Moulins-Lasagnes, a Benedictine monastery in France

The Ripple Effect – How a single thought colors your entire aura

Your thoughts have the power to create a ripple effect that can impact every aspect of your life. A single thought can color your entire aura, influencing not only your mental and emotional well-being but also your physical health and relationships.

• Thoughts are contagious. Research has shown that our thoughts and emotions are highly infectious. When we think a certain way, it’s like sending out a signal that can be picked up by those around us.
• A positive thought can create a chain reaction of positivity. When you focus on the good things in life, it sets off a ripple effect that can spread to others. As the Dalai Lama so eloquently puts it: “Be kind whenever possible. For every kindness we show, the universe gets a little brighter.” [Source]
• A negative thought can have far-reaching consequences. When you dwell on stress, anxiety, or fear, it’s like sending out a toxic signal that can pollute your aura and affect those around you. As Buddha wisely said: “All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” [Source]

So how can you harness the power of your thoughts to create a positive ripple effect?

• Practice mindfulness meditation. Focus on the present moment and let go of worries about the past or future. You can use guided meditations like Headspace’s free “Take10” program to get started.
• Foster a sense of gratitude. Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for. This simple practice can have a profound impact on your mood and overall well-being.
• Surround yourself with positivity. Spend time with people who uplift and inspire you, read uplifting books or listen to empowering music.

“The thoughts that we think create the reality that we experience.” – Deepak Chopra

By harnessing the power of your thoughts, you can create a ripple effect that spreads love, kindness, and positivity throughout your life. Remember, every thought counts, so choose wisely.

References:

• Dalai Lama’s Path to Tenacity
• Buddha’s Teachings on Buddhism
• Headspace’s “Take10” program

About the Author:

This article was written by a meditation enthusiast with a passion for spreading positivity and mindfulness. For more articles on meditation, yoga, and self-care, follow us on social media!

Zen and the Art of Listening – Turning Hearing into a Spiritual Practice

Listening is often seen as a passive activity, something we do out of necessity rather than intention. But what if we were to approach listening as a spiritual practice? A way to cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and connection with others?

• Start by letting go of distractions. In today’s world, it’s easy to get caught up in the noise of social media, email notifications, or background chatter. Take a few deep breaths and consciously let go of these distractions.
• Pay attention to the person speaking. Make eye contact, nod your head, and use verbal cues like “uh-huh” or “I see” to show you’re engaged.
• Suspend judgment and criticism. Instead of mentally preparing a response or evaluating what’s being said, simply focus on the words and tone.
• Listen for the underlying message. Rather than getting caught up in specifics, try to understand the deeper emotions, needs, or concerns behind someone’s words.

“The art of listening is a powerful way to connect with others. When we truly listen, we’re not just hearing words – we’re experiencing the person speaking.” – Brené Brown

“In the midst of chaos, there is always the possibility for profound connection and understanding. It’s all about being fully present in the moment and truly listening to the other person.” – Marc Newfield

As we cultivate this art of listening, we can experience numerous benefits:

• Better relationships: By actively engaging with others, you’ll build deeper connections and foster a sense of community.
• Increased empathy: As you understand the underlying emotions and needs behind someone’s words, your capacity for compassion will grow.
• Improved mental clarity: The act of focused listening can quiet the mind and bring greater calm.

Sitting in silence with an open heart and a willingness to listen is a powerful way to connect with ourselves and others. As we turn hearing into a spiritual practice, we may just find that it’s not just about listening – it’s about being heard.

The Internal Gong – Awakening the vibration within the spine

In many spiritual traditions, it is believed that there exists a powerful internal gong within the human body. This gong, often referred to as the “Sushumna Nadi,” is said to be a vital energy pathway that runs along the center of the spine and connects the base of the skull to the perineum.

According to yogic teachings, when this internal gong is awakened, it has the potential to bring profound transformation and enlightenment. The ancient yogi, Patanjali, described the experience as follows:

“The awakening of the Sushumna Nadi is like a mighty drumbeat that shakes off all impurities, bringing about a state of inner peace and unity.”

So, how can you awaken this internal gong? The following practices are said to help:

• Meditation:** Sit comfortably with eyes closed and focus your attention on the base of the spine. Imagine a gentle, pulsing energy rising up through the center of the body, filling the entire spine with light.
• Yogic Postures:** Engage in specific yoga postures that target the spine, such as Cobra Pose, Cat-Cow Pose, or Pigeon Pose. These postures can help awaken and balance the energy along the Sushumna Nadi.
• Breathwork:** Practice conscious breathing techniques, such as alternate nostril breathing or Kapalabhati Breathing, which can help stimulate the internal gong.