Advent: A Time for New Beginnings

Advent is the opportunity to begin again.  As we prepare for a very holy event we prepare our minds and hearts to be renewed no matter what our beliefs.  We can change our attitudes and/or behaviors and at the same time, get rid of baggage (both emotional and physical).  We can make new friends and repair relationships with old ones. We can look to the New Year with hope and let our faith provide the underlying strength!
The holiday or Advent season can be somber for many, but we must recognize that fear and isolation are weapons Satan uses to try to destroy human community, and we must fight back! We cannot allow him to wipe out the hope and optimism left in our hearts.We can find strength from Isaiah 40:1-5 where he speaks of comfort not fear.There is peace in finality yet the journey can also be laden with love and comfort.  We must not let our enemies control us nor tempt us into sin and negativity.  This is the time to wash our hands clean of evil, narcissism, hypocrisy, and malice. 
Advent literally means "arrival".  The month is swiftly passing by and we need to take constant measures to enjoy the fruits of this beautiful season.  We miss this essence if we do not become mindful of our hearts and the gift that is offered on December 25.  Divinity is coming into our midst.  It is not a coming of just the past, but a recurring possibility of a future of peace.  Advent, according to Dietrich Bonhoeffer, might be compared to a prison cell "in which one waits and hopes and does various unessential things...but is completely dependant on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside." It is a fitting metaphor.  But dependency does not release us from responsibility.  If the essence of Advent is expectancy, it is also readiness for action: watchfulness for every opening, and willingness to risk everything for freedom and a new beginning.
I choose this new beginning.  What do you choose?
Many blessings to you and your family this Advent season.  Let us become humble enough to recognize the gift set before us. 

30 Days of Gratitude

As we move into a season of cool weather and special holidays perhaps we can take a moment each day to reflect on our abundance and the precious gifts we have been given.  With poverty, hardship and even the natural disasters that touch us each day we cannot ignore even the smallest blessings.  Challenge your children and coworkers to do the same.  Be a catalyst not for change, but for insight and wisdom.  For this wisdom will come to bring understanding.  With this understanding, we will find peace and infinite love.

 

gratitude: \ˈgra-tə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\

 : the state of being grateful : thankfulness

Consider these questions as you reflect each day:

• How many TV's do you have? How often to you throw out electronics for something new?
• Do you have a running vehicle?  Do you have more than one?
• Is your food pantry full?  How much food do you throw away each day? When is the last time you donated food?
• How many coats do you have?  Is your closet full?
• When is the last time you gazed up at the roof over your head each night?  
• Do you run the water when you brush your teeth?  Do you ever look at the clarity of the water that comes out of your faucet?
• How many times a week do you buy coffee?
• How many times a week do you eat out?
• How many blankets do you have in your residence?  
• Do you have access to medical care?

After pondering these questions, perhaps your pen will flow with great ease.  And perhaps your list will continue past 30 days...

May we humbly pray for continued peace, health, happiness and prosperity for all mankind. 

Namaste ~ MJ

Salutations for the Full Hunter's Moon ~ October 2012

October is the month of the Full Hunter's Moon (September 2012 was the Harvest Moon).
This was the time to hunt in preparation for winter. This full Moon is also called the Travel Moon and the Dying Grass Moon.
Moon Salutations offset the common and powerful Sun Salutations. During a full moon, the lunar energy is most strong, but the benefits from Moon Salutations can be felt at any point in the cycle. The sacral chakra, Swadhisthana, is balanced through this series of asanas as the feminine side of our energy or yin is honored. In Sun Salutations, the masculine side of our energy, or yang, is honored. Moon Salutations are good for either sex, however, as we need that balance of both sides of energy.
October 29 the moon will be most full. Let the lunar energy fill you with peace and calm. The moon is cooling and luminous and these Salutations work to celebrate and promote all the magical gifts that the moon has to give.

Enjoy moon salutations to mirror this energy, calm the mind, relax the body, promote healing, feel empowered, uncover wisdom and creativity and grow in peace and balance.

 These are the asanas for the Yoga Moon Salutation:
Prayer Pose - palms together overhead
Crescent Moon Pose - arching to the left
Goddess Pose - squat, arms at sides in an L-shape, palms forward
Transition Pose - star pose, the body is like a 5-pointed star
Triangle Pose - extending to the left, right arm up Head to knee - left leg Lunge to the left
Forward Facing Lunge - right leg extended
Squat Pose - Malasana, hands in prayer position
Forward Facing Lunge - left leg extended
Lunge to the right
Head to Knee - right leg
Triangle Pose - extending to the right, left arm up
Transition Pose - star pose
Goddess Pose
Crescent Moon Pose - arching to the right
Return to Prayer Pose - palms together overhead.

Moon Facts & Folklore

• The crescent Moon hovers to the right of Venus on the 12th
• On Halloween, the Moon's in its spooky football-shape gibbous phase, floating above Jupiter.
• Corn planted under a waning Moon grows slower but yields larger ears.
• Babies born a day after the full Moon enjoy success and endurance.
• A new Moon in your dreams promises increased wealth or a happy marriage.

Cruel and Unusual Punishment: Falling on Grace

               There comes a time in life that you begin to see things differently, and this new insight is not always considered an attribute.  Consider it as a form of enlightenment from the vast experiences you have acquired throughout the years.  Our journey often takes different paths, unexpected paths, and it is this acquired insight that allows us to manage each new experience with more ease and Grace than before.

                It brings a heavy heart to mind, however, to use this new found grace when the path becomes dark and cold once again.  Somehow the pain and affliction build upon each other at the same moment and any hope for a life of light seems distant and almost obsolete.  Everywhere you turn negative energy and karma are directing spears of ice at your innermost being (the spirit of your beautiful beating heart) chiseling away at the surface, while slowing eroding your protective barrier. 

                How can those who you have loved most suddenly turn into harsh, bitter souls with vengeance as the only path left in their core?  Where they wronged so profoundly that they cannot see beyond hope? Or perhaps the present reality and the option of admitting fault is a burden just too large to carry?  Is loving another so cumbersome that choosing an anxiety laden life and regression to infantile actions  more appealing? Love cannot be turned on and off like a switch.  It evolved through positive actions and words forming a foundation to share throughout time.  If it truly ever existed it cannot be abandoned nor forgotten. 

                Falling on Grace  is the only solution that deems worthy in any circumstance, especially paths of cruel and unusual punishment.  The role of the servant and practicing submission is an arduous role, but one that proves rewarding at the end (I keep telling myself).  As we reflect on the past and the myriad of poor choices made is it possible to consider present day challenges as continued punishment? Absolutely not!  This is when you come back to Grace and understand in our hearts that if we are truly remorseful we can justly walk on paths of peace.  The speed bumps along the way are merely reminders that all energy is being attracted and repelled at the same time and it is our choice to choose love, gratitude and humility vs. vengeance, deceit and pain.

                A life without love is not the intention of this earthly world.  With this in mind, do we actively seek this love out or allow it to gently fill our lives in divine timing?  How long do we live without this innate quality, this love?  To watch selfishness vs. selflessness is heartbreaking and often a lonely road for many.  Where do we find strength to walk our walk of Grace each day when those that mean the most are on a self destructing path?  We can walk with open hearts through prayer. 

                Solace can come through formal prayers, breath prayers, and in the comfort of nature.  Let the soothing sound of the leaves gently falling bring peace as they drift through the branches onto the crisp, frosty grass only to be met by the glistening sun.  Allow the bursts of color warm your heart and bring a sense of comfort as thoughts of this new path of darkness attempt to taint your soul.  What lies ahead is unforetold, but the power of Grace will take you past the pain and into a sea of light.     

                      

Reality or Fantasy?

Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot,

Who calls you back when you hang up on him,

Who will stay awake just to watch you sleep.

Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead,

Who wants to show you off to the world when you are in your sweats,

Who holds your hand in front of his friends.

Wait for the one who is constantly reminding you of

How much he cares about you and lucky he is to have you.

Wait for the one who turns to his friends and says, “…that’s her.”

Thought for the day...

dōTERRA Launches New Products

The vision and mission remain the same at dōTERRA. In a sometimes grim world, where public health diminishes, health care costs increase, and the global economic crisis remains unanswered, dōTERRA provides individuals with a better choice. Essential oils have become a complimentary or alternative means for individuals and their families to take control of their health.

With the commitment to wellness by many comes global awareness and extraordinary growth with dōTERRA’s unwavering commitment to the highest quality standard—CPTG—essential oils, solid education, and the dedicated hard work of many people. This growth has led to two new, beautiful offices, one in Tokyo and the other in Taipei.  

Now, dōTERRA is pleased to offer several new products to expand the already robust line of CPTG essential oils and wellness products.  I will highlight a few here, but please take more time to educate yourself on the other amazing additions at http://www.doterraeveryday.com/engage-2012-new-products-2/

IQ Mega™
Deodorized Omega-3 Fish Oil

dōTERRA IQ Mega™ takes the fishy taste out of fish oil and puts the fresh orange flavor of dōTERRA’s wild orange CPTG essential oil in this great tasting and easy to swallow omega-3 supplement providing 1,000 mg of concentrated, pure omega-3 from fish oil per serving. IQ Mega contains the essential nutrients EPA and DHA to support healthy brain, cardiovas­cular, immune and joint function.* IQ Mega is formulated to be used daily, by children and adults, with A2Z Chewable.
150 ml (5 fl. oz.) liquid, US $46.00 Retail, *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

 A2Z Chewable
Strawberry Flavored Dietary Supplement
dōTERRA’s A2Z Chewable is a proprietary formula of ingredients developed for children, or for and adults who have difficulty swallowing capsules. Combining a blend of B vitamins with a blend of vitamins A, C, E, and botanical extracts, A2Z Chewable supports healthy cell development and longevity when taken daily.*

 A2Z Chewable is formulated to be used with dōTERRA’s odorless IQ Mega™ Omega-3 fish oil as a comprehensive dietary supple­ment that supports healthy immunity as well as antioxidant protection.

60 Chewable tablets

US $26.00 Retail

Order either item from my website: http://www.mydoterra.com/marianneladuke

Back-to-School Special: FREE Massage

Purchase eight (8) private yoga sessions and receive a FREE massage to compliment your path to wellness.  Enjoy relaxation not only in shavasana, but anytime your muscles are craving additional care and attention.  Combined with yoga, massage is a great way to keep the muscles relaxed and ready for any fitness routine! 

Purchase before August 10 and receive a FREE intro kit of doTERRA CPTG essential oils including 5m bottles of peppermint, lavender, and lemon.  Learn how to use essential oils in every day life including topically, internally and aromatically.




Call 586.929.0806 for details or to purchase your package today!  Please visit www.bhaktiwellness.com for additional information.  No other discounts apply. Offer expires August 31, 2012.

Product of the Month ~ Thyme

The benefits of Thyme continue with emotional healing...
It is especially helpful in addressing feelings of anger and resentment often associated with overeating.  Thyme counters the need to "stuff" or "eat" feelings such as sadness, anger, or disappointment.  Thyme can open the heart and assist in facing all kinds of negative emotions.

Place a few drops in empty capsule and take internally.  Inhale throughout the day as needed.

Order at: http://mydoterra.com/marianneladuke

Check back next week for August Product of the Month!

Can also be used for: antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, blood clots, bronchitis, common cold, croup, dermatitis/eczema, greasy/oily hair, hair loss, mold, pnemonia, psoriasis, sciatica, tuberculosis.

Philosophy of Yoga: Yamas and Niyamas

The path of yoga is open to everyone.  It is a path that consists of compassion, peace, love, acceptance, and a desire to honor all living creatures.  The philosophy is outlined in the Yamas and Niyamas, or the 10 guidelines for leading a healthier, happier, and more conscious life.

The Yamas guide us in our interaction with others.  They are social disciplines.  They consist of the following:
Ahimsa ~ The practice of nonviolence toward yourself and other living beings in your actions, thoughts and speech.  In yoga, we listen not only to our bodies, but to our inner dialogue (self-talk).
Satya ~ The practice of truthfulness in speech, thoughts, and deeds.  To have an intention of helping, not harming...to exhibit honest while owning your feelings.
Asteya ~ Embodies taking only what belongs to you.  Thus, not stealing, not coveting, and not being jealous.  In every day life it is practiced by using objects in the right way, managing your time and letting go of cravings. 
Brahmacharya ~ Moderation in all things on all levels.  Channeling your emotions, practicing self-containment, not overindulging your mind, speech or body.  Listen to and feel your body; when you are truly connected you will rarely overindulge.
Aparigraha ~ Letting go of reliance on possessions and relationships, or "attachments," for your peace and happiness.  This is hard to do, but often invigorating!  To practice this is to simplify - to distinguish needs from wants, ton consume less and live more.

The Niyamas guide how we interact with ourselves and our internal world.  They consist of the following:
Shaucha ~ External and internal purity.  Clear your mind and body of toxins and negative energy.  One can achieve this through good health habits, such as an organic diet, living in an orderly environment, using cruelty-free products, and refraining from excessive amounts of stimulants and depressants.
Santosha ~ To maintain equanimity, or evenness of mind, through all that life offers.  Guidelines include contentment, accepting what is and making the best of everything.  Exhibit gratitude and joyfulness. 
Tapas ~ Many of us know this at "heat" or "fire".  It is the practice of both mental and physical discipline.  Guidelines are sacrifice and enthusiasm for spiritual growth regardless of how difficult the path.  Stay in the moment no matter how uncomfortable (or "hot") it becomes.  The fire brings transformation (in the Manipura chakra/solar plexus).
Swadhyaya ~ Self-observation.  Pausing between stimulus and response, allowing room to breathe, relax, feel, watch and allow.  Guidelines consist of self-education and study. Do not become self-absorbed but exhibit meditation and desire to know the truth.
Ishwara-Pranidhana ~ Surrender to God or to the light and energy of the universe.  Here, you connect with the energy of the universe or the divinity within yourself.  Honor this through music, chanting, painting, communing with nature, etc.  Let go of your ego and celebrate the connection that is beyond you. 

Two of my favorite verses apply quite nicely:

"Don't indulge your ego at the expense of your soul." 1 Peter 2:11


"Rejoice always!" 1 Thessalonians 5:16

Om Namah Shivaya

Pure Summer Cooking with dōTERRA®

Add any of these CPTG (certified pure therapeutic grade) essential oils to your favorite recipes!

 

Black Pepper Essential Oil

is extracted from the plant Piper nigrum of the Piperaceae family. The oil is made from the unripe fruit of the plant, while white pepper for household use, is made from the same fruit, but the berry is picked when fully ripe and the outside layer (pericarp) is removed before drying. The unripe, sun-dried peppercorns (fruit) are used for the extraction of the oil, using steam distillation which produces a yield of nearly 2%.

This warm and spicy essential oil helps to increase warmth of the body and mind, relieving sore muscles and joints, boost the immune and digestive system, stimulate the kidneys and disperse bruising by increasing circulation to the skin.

Cilantro Essential Oil 

The essential oil of cilantro is extracted from the leaves of the plant by a steam distillation.

The oil itself is an antioxidant that helps control free radicals. It has long been known that cilantro also helps in cases of indigestion. Like other essential oils such as eugenol (the essential oil of clove) it has bactericidal and fungicidal properties. It may also have a chelating effect on heavy metals. (That is it will leach heavy metals out of the system.)

Tangerine Essential Oil 

 Tangerine is a wonderfully sweet, fresh and citrusy essential oil and is thought to promote happiness, and help with nervousness and anxiety. For support of the nervous system, use in the diffuser to surround yourself with the aroma. The aroma is very popular with children, and can have the same relaxing effect as for adults.

Tangerine essential oil is also thought to help the digestive system, reducing flatulence - possibly related to its anti-anxiety effects. In addition, tangerine can be beneficial to the skin, used traditionally to help stretch marks and have a    positive effect on cellulite. 

Tangerine has also been show to be antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative, digestive, diuretic, hypnotic and a laxative.  

Basil Essential Oil

Basil oil is a good tonic for the treatment of nervous disorders and stress related headaches, migraines and allergies. It is used to clear the mind and relieve intellectual fatigue, while giving clarity and mental strength.

It has a beneficial action on the respiratory tract and is often used for asthma, bronchitis and sinus infections. It furthermore is also effective in cases of constipation, nausea, vomiting and cramp, and is also good when used for menstrual problems.

It helps to minimize uric acid in the blood, thus relieving gout. It is useful in arthritis as well and when used on the skin, it helps to control acne. In general it refreshes the skin and can also be used on insect bites.

Get yours today at:

 http://www.mydoterra.com/marianneladuke

Breath of Summer Unfolds by MJ LaDuke

It is not uncommon for our own children to lead us back to our own childhood.  Today was the perfect day for my journey into the past…..a past of delight and limitless summers where water is my refuge.  A clear blue sky, an omnipresent sun, and water that beckons one to  float, submerge, drift and find relief from the rising heat.

               

Most cannot find solace this early in May, but blessings unfold in mysterious ways. 

Three generations found comfort from the refreshing abyss this day. 

A splash, a laugh, friendship and family intertwine.  The tree of life yields such when water kisses the vine.

Memories flash and smiles remain.  Imprints are created and new joy sustains.

Underneath the clear blue cool, waves reveal the sparkle of the floating azul.

From below the surface the vista breathes comfort and peace, allowing all to rest easily with a dream laden sleep.

Until we gather one more time, the remains of the day are all but mine. 

Welcome us back pool of bliss, for nothing takes the place of the summer's first kiss.

Until we meet again...

Isha Kriya Meditation

Breathe In: I am not the body.
Breathe Out: I am not even the mind.

Either in discipline or indulgence,
In companionship or aloneness,
Only one who is in constant touch with the
Ultimate reality, will know bliss.
~ Sadhguru

Happy Mother's Day!

Cinco de Mayo Luna

Saturday, May 5, the moon will be up to 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than the other full moons of 2012, according to NASA.
Enjoy with moon salutations or meditation.  Let the energy fill your soul and bring balance to an imbalanced world. 
While you're appreciating the beautiful sight, perhaps take a moment to wish upon a star.  Star light, star bright...

Namaste ~ MJ

 

Mood Management with dōTERRA’s Essential Oil Blends

Our moods are a complex interplay of emotional and physical components. Use dōTERRA Essential Oil Blends to bring peace and balance to your world; don't get lost in the chaos of everyday life!

Serenity Oil: lavender, sweet marjoram, Roman chamomile, ylang ylang, sandalwood, and vanilla bean extract.
Citrus Bliss Invigorating Blend: wild orange, lemon, grapefruit, mandarin, bergamont, tangerine, clementime, and vanilla absolute.
Elevation Joyful Blend: lavandin, tangerine, elemi, lemon myrtle, melissa, ylang, ylang, osmanthus and sandalwood.
Balance Grounding Blend: spruce, rosewood, frankincense, blue tansy, and fractionated coconut
oil.
Visit my website to become a preferred member and receive 20% off all products at
http://www.mydoterra.com/marianneladuke

Chakra Balancing with doTERRA

I am pleased to announce that Bhakti Wellness is not only offering chakra assessments, but chakra balancing. Using the AromaTouch Technique of applying certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils to the seven major energy centers, one can bring balance to an unbalanced world that also supports the spiritual development and awakening of the mind, body and spirit.

For only $75, begin with dowsing of the chakras, followed by the AromaTouch Technique, and additional dowsing to ensure balance. Should you possess an energy center that struggles to achieve clarity, a home practice of yoga asanas are prescribed along with an applicable crystal to assist in the process. Allow 60 minutes.

Assessments are also available without balancing for only $35 and a guide and crystal are provided for home use. Allow 45 minutes. All sessions are by appointment through the contact page at bhaktiwellness.com.

Wear Your Inspiration With Yoga Jewelry

Now you can wear what matters most to you with customized, inspirational pieces that are handcrafted in the USA. Whether it's a cameo ring (four to choose from) to bring balance to your energy centers, the Tree of Life medallion to remind you of our connection to all that is, or hand stamped pieces with your own thoughts, Jewel Kade can allow you to keep a mantra with you each day.
Browse my jewelry website to order at www.mjladuke.jewelkade.com or contact me to find out how to earn your favorite pieces for FREE through my yoga website at www.bhaktiwellness.com/contact.html!

Elements Hosting: Therapeutic Night Out

Elements Hosting: Therapeutic Night Out

Nourish the Conscience

"What we call conscience is the voice of Divine Love in the deep of our being, desiring union with our will." ~ J. P. Greaves

Let us Pray...

God of Widsom,
open my mind and heart to your will,
and shape my conscience with your love.
Send your Spirit and guide me to grow in understanding.
Help me make the good and loving choices you call me to make.
Amen

May your intentions on the mat be heartfelt and insightful. Use the third eye to look within and the heart to feel Divine love. Allow the intake of each new breath to nourish the physical and energy body as the pranayama (extension of the lifeforce) travels from crown to root through the nadis.
Let this intention be released in order to heal and return to you new or as something different. Let go of your will and desire in order to let your path of existence to flourish.

~ Namaste, MJ

In Memory of MLK

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."



"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

Winter Feast for the Soul

"What nine months does for the embryo, forty early mornings will do for your growing awareness." ~ Jelaluddin Mevlana Rummi

Join me from January 15 through February 23, 2012 for forty days of self awareness and a journey you will surely not regret. As many spiritual leaders have taken their own forty days of discovery, you too can use these days to change your life. Forty is historically significant and as we begin Ordinary Time and prepare for Spring, we welcome a path of peace.

Invite change into your own life with forty minutes of insight into your own soul. Whether it's 40 minutes at once, two twenty-minute sessions or four ten-minute sessions of meditation, yoga, martial arts, prayer, journaling, or random acts of kindness, the positive energy created during this time will mend your spirit and nurture your heart. During the quiet space and time, let yourself find inner stillness to cultivate positive change to yourself, those you love and the planet.

For more information about private yoga and meditation sessions contact MJ LaDuke at Bhakti Wellness at mj@bhaktiwellness.com or visit www.bhaktiwellness.com.

Namaste ~ MJ

Is Yoga Right for You?

Has the New Year brought you to a place of contemplation?

Do you desire more peace?
Do you desire more balance?
Do you desire better sleep?
Do you need to reduce stress?
Do you need to reduce anxiety?
Do you need to increase flexibility?
Do you need to increase muscle tone?
Do you need a better diet?
Do you need better will power?
Do you need to increase awareness of your self?
Do you need to increase spirituality?
Do you need desire a new path to spirituality?
Do you know what brings you peace?

Yoga brings all of this into a positive light. Yoga "yokes" you with the divine...the divinity within yourself, whatever that may be. Discover a new journey through yoga into the energy body. Or, just begin with the physical asanas (postures) to create awareness of the body and the breath. Use this insight to bring you to an emotional and spiritual state of awareness.

Discover the sound of the universe.....Om. Mention this blog post and receive a chakra assessment of the energy body for only $10 ($35 value) through March 31, 2012. You will receive a free crystal to assist in bringing balance to your energy body and a guide to use yoga asanas to achieve the balance you desire.

Follow this link for a free guide and answers to common questions asked before beginning the path of yoga.

www.bhaktiwellness.com

Namaste ~ MJ