Tag: meditation

Venus enters Sagittarius 01/12/2017!

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Friday, December 1, 2017.

Venus enters Sagittarius.

Mars in Libra opposes retrograde Uranus in Aries.

Early this morning Venus moves out of Scorpio and entered freedom-loving Sagittarius. Venus is the planet that represents our deepest values, beauty, money, love, relationships and thus shifts the Goddess of beauty from water energy to fire energy. Venus brings our awareness to the beauty of each sign. When Venus was in Scorpio the energy was passionate, intense and possessive and now that Venus is in Sagittarius we can find our self valuing our freedom, appreciating spontaneous acts of love and grand gestures. On the other hand, some may prefer to explore, be alone and free, reach out and expand. Now, as Venus moves into Sagittarius, the lessons of love take a lighter turn. Venus in Sagittarius is also a great time to explore, travel and expand our hearts, minds and all the beauty that surrounds us.

Venus will remain in Sagittarius until December 25th, 2017. It is time to think of love, money, and beauty as a philosophical quest, as an extension of us, as a time to be free and seek the space you need to be creative. Its a time to love on your terms, to let your mind expanded and a time to let the bonds that hold you back loosen as you fall into the arms of love this month. However do not fall into the trap of the shadow side of Venus in Sadge, such as that you can be seduced by the idea of a sudden flash of fortune, new love interest and be ready to drop the world in pursuit of what you perceive is happiness. Thinking that the grass is always greener on the other side, and that your actions and words don’t affect others around you. Being to impulsive and reckless and going to big and to far, beyond a point of no return.

Another highly significant planetary occurrence happens today an opposition between action-taking Mars forms and dynamic, unexpected and revolutionary Uranus. Creating tension between our will and drive and the part of us related to our inner rebel and revolutionary self! This cycle although it seems very doom and gloom helps us get more direction in regards to the part of us that may need courage to take revolutionary actions that need to take in place in your own life and for the humanitarian needs not just in our own life but the collective lives around the world. This cycle between Mars and Uranus is approximately a two-year cycle of bringing courage and direct action and it begun back in February this year. Looking back, carefully consider what began at that time, what was your vision and what actions have you taken to reach this vision? If you have planets or points between 23 and 27 degrees of Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, or Capricorn), in your birth chart, you can expect this will have direct significance in your personal life.

Happy Friday!

By Andy J xx

 

 

 

Oracle reading for 23/02/2017

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Set Your Sights Higher: “Increase your standards, and expect more for yourself. Don’t settle!”

“This card indicates that you have been trying to rationalize that some situation is OK… when it is not. You have settled for less than you desire, and for much less than you deserve. You do not need to compromise! Heaven will help you heal, or will replace troubling situations in your life. All you need to do is ask for Heaven’s help, and then adhere to the guidance that results.

Take time today to visualize and dream about your true heart’s desires. Do not worry about being disappointed-you deserve a great life, and you have the power and the Heavenly help to accomplish it! Fear and worries slow down your manifestation, so keep releasing all cares and doubts to Heaven.

You may feel intimidated by moving up to a higher plateau in your journey; however, you have Heaven’s reassurance that you are ready. Reach for the stars, know that you are qualified and deserving of these gifts, and open your arms to receive them!”

 

With the New  Moon Eclipse happening in 3 days what a good time to sit down and reflect on what you want to manifest into your life! Set your goals high! Get writing and Manifesting.

 

Have a great day xx

Wednesday 08/02/2017

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Wednesday 8th February, 2017.

The Moon is in Cancer.

The Moon forms a  T-square with Jupiter, Pluto, and Uranus.

The Moon is still in its home sign of beautiful Cancer. The Cancer Moon opposes Pluto in Capricorn, it than squares Jupiter in Libra and Uranus in Aires, so again we have a lot of energy with a lot of planets interacting today.

Today you will find emotional strength and have the ability to overcome challenges. So any problems that felt so big on Monday and Tuesday that you thought were too large to overcome,  will start to shrink! They become the right size and you will see them for what they truly are and you will gain a proper perspective. Today with this semi grand square in our skies you will find it easier to commit to working through difficult these problems now. Tap into your  inner master and genies and put it to work to problem solve.

Again you will succeed the most today if you can connect with other people. So whatever you are doing today include others… Whether its your job, at the gym at home , or just simply having conversations with others, if you have the chance to include others and bring them along do so, brainstorm with others, get support and you will utilizing these energies at their highest peak.

The Moon  T-square with Jupiter, Pluto, and Uranus we are left with much focus and attention to our relationships, careers, and personal plans. The Cancer Moon pushes us to consider our emotional needs, it is also very nurturing and is sensitive and dedicated to loved ones. Take some time and dedicate yourself to whom you call family, you may find you take extra steps to be safe and comfortable today.

Happy Wednesday.

Andy J xx.

Mindfulness Tips & Facts

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Anyone can practice mindfulness but it might take a bit of practice. At first you might find it hard to stop your mind from wandering. Here are sum fun facts to help you distract your mind, and help you refocus your mind.

So what is this thing called mindfulness? Below are some definitions:

  • The awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment to moment (Kabat-Zinn, 2003).
  • The non-judgmental observation of the ongoing stream of internal and external stimuli as they arise (Baer, 2003).
  • Keeping one’s complete attention to the experience on a moment to moment basis (Martlett & Kristeller, 1999).

Medically speaking..

After 8 weeks of practicing mindfulness exercises for an an average of 27 minutes per day, MRI scans of participants showed that mindfulness:

  • stimulated a significant increase in the density of gray matter in the hippocampus, important for learning and memory;
  • increased the density of gray matter in other neural structures associated with self-awareness, compassion and introspection;
  • decreased the density of gray matter in the amygdala – the part of the brain associated with anxiety and stress.

According to Harvard University, Studies have shown that mindfulness can:

  • relieves stress
  • relieves depression
  • relieves anxiety
  • lowers blood pressure
  • improve chronic pain
  • improve sleep
  • improves capacity to deal with stress
  • improves ability to form deeper connections with others.
  • Mindfulness has also been found to boost immune function.

8 Quotes To Help Foster A Mindful Attitude

Beginner’s Mind

Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most.

Patience

Patience, and the mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown.

~Chinese proverb

Non-Judging

With our thoughts, we create the world.

~Buddha

Acceptance

Meditation practice isn’t about trying to throw ourselves away and become something better; it’s about befriending who we are already.

~Pema Chrodon

Trust

…and then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.

~Anais Nin

Non-Striving

Be yourself. Life is precious as it is.There is no need to run, strive, search or struggle. Just be.

~Thich Nhat Hanh

Letting Go

Don’t worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.    

~Howard Thurman

Generosity

What people really need is a good listening to.

How to meditate without falling to sleep! 

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Are you falling asleep During meditation?

Some questions to ask yourself if you find that you are drifting off whilst meditating..

Is your body or your mind exhausted?  due to intense exercise, physical work or mental exhaustion ? i know some days i am drained and nod off during meditation, Being a Nurse i am physically , emotionally and mentally exhausted some days ( well most at the moment). Is your stomach full when you meditate? or do you practice mindful breathing &  meditation right after a meal? Are you sleep deprived or are you trying to meditate for longer than what you naturally feel like doing? Where and what position are you meditating in?

One of the reasons its suggested to meditate in the morning is cos you awake fresh and alert ( well you should be, there is one exception.. if its rainy and stormy outside). If you haven’t had enough sleep, or are physically exhausted, then it is probably not the best time to meditate. Have some rest first, then try meditating.

If you are still falling to sleep , and you are well rested, keep at it, Keep refocusing on the object of meditation. The mind knows how to be busy thinking, or how to sleep  but is not used to being aware but “empty”, so when we try and switch off and meditate, the mind will try and get distracted, going off on tangents or it will try and go to sleep. Sop keep at it!!!  It will help strengthen your will power, and hopefully with practice you will eventually not have this problem anymore.

There is an exception, if after a busy, exhausting day in which you need to unwind and distract your brain from over thinking, using this breathing mediation is perfect to unwind, relax and fall to sleep carefree, if you are having trouble focusing because of all the traffic in your head, write down all the things on your mind, and a ” to do” or ” things to remember” list for the next day. By writing them down, you are releasing the stress associated with thinking you will forget important things what needs to be done.

Falling asleep can also happen if your sessions are too long. If that is the case, then diminish the length to what is natural to you. Don’t be too ambitious, grow step by step. You can use guided meditation apps in which you are following directions, and at the end they  bring you back to a conscious state. You should not force your mindful breathing sessions or any meditation longer than you are motivated to do.

Sleepiness may be contributed to attempting to mediate right after a meal, especially if you have eaten a lot like i tend to do, its a curse being an emotional eater, i eat when i am happy, sad, stressed, anxious… sigh so i tend to try to meditate pre meals, or a mini session at the coffee shop, or  before bed. If you meditate with a full stomach, much of your energy will be diverted to digestion and less will be available for meditation. If you have just eaten, you will likely have better results if you wait two to three hours after a meal.

Another reason could be if you take alcohol or other drug’s within a 24 to 48 hour period before meditating, as this can t distort your meditation experience, increase your chances of entering either a sleep or a passive state and often it can deaden or dull your inner sensitivity.

What position are you meditating in? if you meditate lying down or in a reclining chair,or in big comfy beanbags or couch  you are more prone to falling a sleep, or  may make it more likely for you to nod off during meditation. You may get better results if you sit upright in a cross legged pose, or a yoga mat, or  in a straight-backed chair.

Practicing meditation after some light exercise, or a shower, can make you be more awake during the session.

Hope this helps and inspires you to continue meditating.

Written By Andy Jackman x

Mindfulness Breathing Meditation

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By focusing on the breath you become aware of the mind’s tendency to jump from one thing to another. The simple discipline of concentration brings us back to the present moment

The purpose of this exercise is to simply notice, accept and be aware of your breath, it’s bringing you back into the moment. As well as this, the mindfulness of breathing is a good antidote to restlessness and anxiety, and a good way to relax: concentration on the breath has a positive effect on your entire physical and mental state.

Sit quietly in a chair with both feet on the ground and your hands in your lap. Close your eyes, if it feels comfortable. If not, soften your gaze. Allow yourself to feel centred in the chair. Bring your attention to the present moment by noticing how you’re feeling physically. Scan your body from head to toe and consciously try to let any tension slip away. Take a moment to notice your environment – any sounds you might hear in the background, what the temperature feels like in the room.Bring all of your attention to the physical act of breathing. Start to notice the breath as it enters your body through your nose and travels to your lungs. After the out-breath you count one, then you breathe in and out and count two, and so on up to ten, and then you start again at one.

Don’t try to do anything with your breathing – simply notice it, pay attention to it and be aware of it.  Each time your mind wanders away from the breath (and this will happen many times!), notice where it goes and then gently bring your attention back to the feeling of the breath going in and out.

Start of by just doing a few minutes , set a timer for 5 minutes (Eventually work your way up to 10, 15 then 30 minutes). When the meditation has ended, take a few moments to yourself, just to really feel connected with the present moment. Expand your awareness from the breath into the room around you, and as you feel comfortable to do so, open your eyes and bring the exercise to a close.

Take a few moments to think about what your experience was in this exercise, and how you feel in the present moment. Journal and take notes on how you feel, and compare your notes at the end of the week, and you can not only feel it, but you will be able to reflect and see the difference.