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

Six Nights of Sunsets by MJ LaDuke

*no reproduction of photo without written permission by MJ LaDuke

Anticipating a sunset often brings you to a myriad of flashbacks...from oceans to lakes across the country to islands far away to countries overseas. But tonight, the Great Lakes, one in particular, bring solace to the heart, peace to the mind and comfort to the soul allowing us to stay in the present moment. Let us look no further than the present and no farther into the past without creating unrest. For each sunset brings new meaning to life and new additions to our dreams.
A new destination brings depth to the spirit and a smile to the face when savoring the moment the sun meets the horizon. The anticipation soared as we approached our destination, we were taunted with each turn of our trek. A glimpse of the lake was in sight for but a moment only to disappear swiftly by a vast verdant abyss of pines, fruit laden trees and endless rows of maize. Each fork in the road exalted berries, fruit or wood!
With an endless view of the Great Lake in sight we arrived at our destination, yet the journey began anew as we set a new course for our Six Nights of Sunsets...a walk down the jetty proclaimed unrest on one side and tranquility on the other. The fishermen emerged as dusk drew near and the young-at-heart created their own memories as fearless stunts graced the waves and the chill of the water caressed their bodies. Their silhouettes glistened in the sun and their shadows danced with the skyline as we awaited the moment when the sun kissed the earth.
The clouds grew bountiful, but the source of all life jetted through each sliver of space offering beams of light to dance on the water below. As the end drew near the clouds gracefully passed and revealed the burning orange sphere. The beauty went unnoticed by many as they continued on with their evening play. Children's laughter drifted from the swings, teenagers demonstrated their athletic prowess off of the jetty and sweethearts walked hand-in-hand along the water's edge.
The moment came and swiftly went and now we anticipate the setting of the second night. As the eyes are closed and the sounds of the waves crash upon the shore, they sound not unlike that of the ocean. But something in the sound of the fresh water waves exudes more comfort than their salty counterpart. Perhaps the cooler nights and the unity of family that abounds create a heartfelt feeling that only the change in seasons can bring.
On this night, the sun is clearly visible as the clouds linger above the unique giver of life sharing warmth and beauty to all that acknowledge its presence. Behind the jetty it slowly sinks into the water and brings light to the other side of the sleeping world. As we say goodnight to the day we embrace the night that we are left with and each other. Only the aura of what once existed remains.
The third day brings unrest to the surrounding waters and even the partner of jetties can't hold back the force of the tide and winds. The animated weather brings clouds so dense not even a mere glimpse of the sun can be found yet the rituals of many remain the same. However, the spirited waters welcome brave souls to ride her waves as if upon the salty oceans. A conquered surf reveals yet another purpose for each evening whether a blatant or clandestine sun.
Into the night the weather turned restless to reveal a morning filled with a blanket of fog. The lighthouse faded and remained cloaked well into the afternoon hours. To the sailor's delight, the hours passed and the veil slowly lifted as the vast lake opened her arms once again welcoming the last Dog Days of summer. The fate of the next setting of the sun was sealed and hearts walked with a lighter step with anticipation of the evening's ethereal beauty.
And so it came. The lighthouse stood tall and proud as a beacon for all. The sun's audience faded this eventide, but for those loyal fans the show was grand. A tequila sunrise kissed the horizon as it spanned across the lake. The prism of color remained into the night as onlookers faded, yet the memory will live on in hearts and dreams for nights to come.
On this fifth evening the clouds were absent; Not one decorated the canvas of the night. A blazing sun exuded nobility and nostalgia as the setting was anticipated by all. Not even the smallest white cap erupts from the water. Only a slow ripple rolls across the lake to enhance the glistening path of light and even the fish swim beyond the lures to maintain the serenity. Stillness has arrived.
The journey down the jetty was like no other this week...waves remained obsolete and the path dry. The end became the beginning as we watched and waited. The breathtaking ritual was full of grace and prowess admired by most, and missed by few. Patience brings the pinnacle of the holiday to full circle.
The sixth and final sunset was a backdrop for the consummation of the holiday. The evening
held a plethora of memories from dawn to dusk from undulating greens and sparkling waters to
historical landmarks and thought provoking cinema. Though the mesmerizing sphere fell slowly below the horizon with less attention than deserved it was not forgotten nor dismissed. As the last rays danced upon the water, we hold the shining star in our hearts for eternity as it feeds our souls and nurtures our spirit. Without it, we would surely perish.

*No reproduction of any part or whole of article without written consent by the author.

Living in the Present (Moment)

After hearing Mike Babcock, NHL coach of the Detroit Red Wings, speak today, I had to immediately put pen to paper for his words resonated with me as a yogini as I'm sure it did for many of the 400+ in attendance even without a yoga mindset.

It often takes a tragedy to stop us in our tracks and allow for a better perspective on life, but Mike Babcock lives each day with a positive attitude and a perspective based on his core values...family. There was nothing he could emphasize more than to cherish each day with those you love.

Yesterday afternoon many lives were touched with tragedy including Mike Babcock. A Russian aircraft carrying 45 passengers crashed just after takeoff outside Yaroslavl leaving only two survivors. Three of the fatalities were affiliated with the Red Wings and Babcock changed his practiced speech accordingly...

"If you live in the present, how could you ever go wrong?", he remarked. It doesn't take years of yoga training and philosophy to realized that if you stop dwelling in the past and dreading the future, you can have a joyful life each day. Some advantages of living in the moment include decreasing mind made suffering, increase in clarity of thought, creating a sense of calm which can eliminate fear, and achieving an emotionally positive mindset.

How does one arrive at such a state, however? Babcock reminds himself each morning of his choice to be positive or not. As he comments about the "Upward Success Spiral", he encourages listeners to "find something you are good at!". If you are passionate about something you are good at you will become great by default. Babcock has one fear. That fear is not to be great. So each morning he stays in the moment and continues on his quest to be the best coach he can be, the best husband he can be, and the best father he can be.

As YogaFit teaches, the essence is as follows: Let go of expectations, judgment, competition, listen, feel, breath, and stay in the present moment. How else could anyone manage the daily challenges, curve balls and temptations we are presented with? His advice was sincere, heartfelt and genuine. May we all live each day as he does and be great at our passions!

"We are not held back by the love we didn't receive in the past, but by the love we're not extending in the present."
Marianne Williamson

Introduction to Kids Yoga

The statistics relating to health, fitness and obesity in children today are daunting. Allow them the gift early on of connecting their mind, body and spirit as they take their first step on the path of yoga. During this customized workshop, they will enjoy movement, increase body awareness and self esteem, and begin to take responsibility for their overall health.


Saturday, July 30 from 11am - 12:30pm or

Sunday, July 31 from 1pm - 2:30pm both in the Bhakti Studio

$15 per child (ages 6-12)

Each child will receive a Yoga Guide to take home and a chakra crystal.

Email mj@bhaktiwellness.com to reserve your child's spot today! Limited space available.

Gifts of Summer

Children catching fireflies.
Mesmerized by the light.
Freedom in flight.
Drift by night.
Follow the path of pure delight.

Close your eyes.
Feel the breeze.
Listen how it kisses the leaves.
Floating through the trees.
Gently blowing over the seas.

"If we pursue mere earthly gain,
We choose a path that ends in pain;
But joy remains within the soul
When we pursue a heavenly goal."
~ D. De Haan

Surya Namaskara: Sun Salutation

Experience the morning air and the rising sun as we give gratitude for our source of life. A spiritually robust time of day to connect with the mind, body and spirit. Allow yourself the time you deserve while you focus on the breath entering and exiting the body. Awaken the spine and create a day of purpose.

Friday, June 24 at 7:30am in Ford Field, Northville

Call 586-929-0806 for details or visit www.bhaktiwellness.com. $10 per person ($5 is donated to the American Heart Association).

Namaste~ MJ, Bhakta

"Forgiveness is Free. Hate is Expensive."
(Bitterness eats the soul)