The Great Spirit of Wayne

     Dr. Wayne W. Dyer made his transition/transformation on August 30th, 2015. The author of, Your Erroneous Zones, has expanded to his next big journey. It was funny, I was watching him promote his new course online in late July and was thinking how he seemed too spiritually enormous to fit into his current Hay House program. As I watched, I could tell this program was just too small. I felt sad for him.  The information he was presenting was excellent but it was his spirit that concerned me. I could tell there was something missing. He was just not able to be fully Wayne. When I heard he had passed on, I was still shocked and saddened. But, I felt so happy for him too. Free at last! He could be his true amazing spirit once again. 

     My dear friend, Rebeca Salazar, who shares my love for Wayne’s work, came to my house and together watched his memorial service on September 18th, 2015. We laughed, we cried and we marveled at the impact this man had on our lives and the influence he had on this planet. However, in my opinion, the memorial was too small for him too. It appeared to me as though nothing in this world could quite encompass all of this amazing being. He was more beautiful than any of us could have ever imagined. Wayne W. Dyer was big! Very Big! As time goes on, we will see more and more clearly the legacy he has left behind.

     Wayne W. Dyer first came to my attention in 1986. A coworker meekly and humbly suggested I read, Your Erroneous Zones. She could see I needed Wayne’s teachings desperately. But my response was, “Wayne Dyer? You have to be kidding,” I scoffed. “He’s so mainstream, so overdone. I read literature,” I protested. As a result of my ignorance and ego, I missed out on an opportunity to change my thoughts and change my life. I remember feeling sorry for my coworker. I looked at her with pity and almost said aloud: “Self-Help books ... and a topic about sex ~ Please!” Like others, I am sure, I didn’t even take the time to correctly read the title of the book!

     Now here it is almost thirty years later and I cannot get enough of this man’s work! My distain, my ASS-umptions, my lack of openness sometimes shock me. I see now that this sort of knee-jerk reaction to something was a clear sign I was off track. I now cast my mind back on that moment in 1986 and imagine that interaction taking place in a new way. I see myself accepting that book my coworker so lovingly offered me. I see myself reading the book and having much to discuss with her. I see how she became an ally and a friend, instead of someone I would not take the time to get to know. Thanks to Wayne, I see clearly how time is not linear. I can now send love to this coworker from so long ago and thank her for showing me something about myself I really was not ready to embrace at that time. I know she feels this love.  In this moment I say, “Thank you.” I send her love.

     My second calling to the teachings of Wayne came in 2001 from my boyfriend at the time. We were watching a PBS Special. My boyfriend, like me, could be very dismissive about mainstream culture. He gently and tenderly asked me to watch Wayne’s program. Who could resist such an offer? The lecture was on how to get what you "Really, Really, Really Want." It was excellent! Together we began watching, listening and reading everything we could get our hands on. We were hooked. I was particularly drawn to the sound of Wayne’s voice. He had the most soothing speaking manner. His lectures were so well done. I began to see Wayne as a real teacher. I could see that Wayne’s teachings were for the ordinary person like me. I now understand that he wanted to be mainstream! He wanted everyone to find their true calling, to hear how to find their life's purpose. 

     Fast forward to 2015, I am currently listening to Wayne read his last work, his autobiography, I Can See Clearly Now. I have this feeling that Wayne’s work has cast me on a bigger and more exciting spiritual journey. My sorry little life has just gotten bigger. To date, I have read: Inspiration – Your Ultimate Calling, and Excuses Begone!; and still I have never read, Your Erroneous Zones! I just gave a copy to Rebeca. I am excited about reading this book now. I suppose I am saving it for a very special time when I can focus on it completely. Maybe I will write about this book in another blog entry. We shall see.

     At the memorial service, Dr. Carolyn Myss referred to Wayne as a prophet and a mystic. Yes, he was both. He grew into a great spirit.  His teachings showed us how to go within and listen. He showed us that ordinary people can be great if we listen to our inner self, that Great Spirit which ceaselessly calls to us night and day. Taking Wayne’s teachings to heart, I am feeling I will stay open to all opportunities and will be careful not let my ego get the best of me. Wayne said ego was an acronym for: Edging God Out. If we are all God, as Wayne suggests, it would be wise to stay humble and say, "YES" to chance opportunities, like someone offering us a book to read out of the blue.

     In closing, I have a feeling if we start to emulate the Great Spirit of Wayne, we will be blessed by learning more about who we really are.  Wayne loved humanity and because of this love, his influence will never die. He gave us all such a gift we never knew we needed so badly. Thank you, Wayne for all your 75 years here on this planet! I am excited about seeing you in your new form. Your loving presence is still with us, Dr. Wayne W. Dyer! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

My 77+ Journals from 1978 to the Present

  The Wonders of the Journal

 





      It was the Fall of 1978 and I was experiencing something new ~ connections with people my own age.  We were the blind leading the blind.  Big gangs of teens roaming the streets, the malls, the city and the bars.  It was a heady time with disco music and punk rock colliding into each other.  Should we be happy or mad?  We looked at each other for guidance.  I soon realized that that there was no guidance coming from my peers.  My parents were starting to go their separate ways, my brothers and sisters were sort of periphery thoughts for me.  They almost seemed invisible as I focused on: my friends, boyfriends, “just” friends. 

 

     Realizing that even if I did know what to ask, I didn’t have anyone who gave me answers that I really valued or appreciated.  Self-help books were not popular yet.  I didn’t even know there were words like “Psychology” or “Philosophy”.  There was no internet. Some people didn’t even have landlines. Coffee shops were horrible places where greasy dirty food was served.   We had to meet to firm up our plans.  Since we were not very organized, we just went to the bars where we had established a friend base.  From those bars we started to create our community. 

 

 

     Still, with all the friends, pub parties and dances, I still had a lot of time on my hands to think and wonder about my newly forming social circle and the meaning of life.  One day, without much thought, I took an empty notebook and started to write in it.  Something just clicked!  I had an immediate positive response.  Though I only wrote a page, I felt relief from my thoughts.  I had no idea that I had so many thoughts swirling around in my head.  The sensation was so nice, I did it again.  There was nothing profound in these writings but the release of mental tension was profound. 

 

     Pretty soon I began taking my notebook with me on my walks. I would find a beautiful place, sometimes just leaning on a tree or sitting on a rock and I would write.  I had this thought that writers were depressed, so I began to see myself as an angst-ridden writer from old.  This phase did not last because when I wrote,  I had to be honest.  I could tell when I was being untrue to myself.  I found when I wrote, it was like there was someone, something answering my unasked questions, giving me guidance and support.  This was much needed at the time of adolescent upheaval. 

 

     I began reading about other writers when I started to identify with certain quotes I heard.  Like, "People are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges." By Joseph Fort Newton, a Baptist Preacher from Texas.  (It's sort of interesting to me that I was in secondary school in Ireland when I read this quote and I ended up living in Texas.)   This was the first quote I ever read that resonated with my spirit.  The other inspirational quote I read in college.  It was Rainer Maria Rilke.  The quote had come from his book Letters to a Young Poet:

 

 

 

     After Rilke, I was hooked on poetry and nature and spirituality and the quest to understand self. I read the book, The Artist's Way by Julie Cameron who suggested writing for thirty minutes a day ~ everyday! So, I did this for many years but I found that my spirit did not really work within the rules too well, so now I just write ~ no rules! My journals went from lined notebooks to sketchbooks without lines.  I met a wonderful artist who encouraged me to paste things in my journal and expand my page playground. 

 

     I find that the best time to write for me is early in the morning when no one is up and the world is silent.  It's sort of like meditation because I am listening to myself. I have tried writing on the computer but it does not work for me.  There is something about the hand, the eye, the pen sliding on the paper which creates the alchemy of the journaling. Hand-writing is so powerful for me that I must have a pen that feels just right on the paper or the inspirations do not come. I have started to keep an "Inspiration Notebook" next to me because these amazing ideas come to me and I want to remember what they are and to follow up on them.  I do not re-read my journals because 90% of it so terribly boring.  Plus, the past is the past.  I am nothing like my past.  Each day I change.  Journaling helps me to become a better person. 

 

     Sometimes I think of burning all my journals and freeing myself from the past.  I am still too attached.  I think about reading them all again and looking for reoccuring themes and ideas.  For this reason, I keep each entry dated.  I sometimes include where I am writing and recent events but other than that, I just start with the minutia of my life and work into a good one hour writing sesssion. 

 



 

          The whole journaling experience is a continuing journey and I complete this blog entry with the above quote from May Sarton whose writing helped me go deeper into those moments of joyful solitude.  These quiet times are so precious to me. Journaling has proven to me that I am never alone because some of my inspirtations are beyond anything I could have made up in my head.  How I ever picked up that notebook in 1978 was a miracle.  I feel immense appreciation for the wonders of the journal and the soul.  I keep writing.      

›



A Journey of Self Discovery

My Ten Favorite Books:

1. My most favorite book, the book that gave me best understanding of chakras, energy and healing was

Anatomy of the Spirit by Carolyn Myss.  This book is a step-by-step guide (an interesting guide) to understanding energy in the body. Myss helps you understand how to have healthy energy.  The book has meditation suggestions and practical ways to live a life that is vibrant and spiritual.  Myss has another book that was just as enlightening:  Why People Don't Heal - and How They Can

2. My second favorite book has to be Awareness by Anthony DeMello.  DeMello was a Catholic priest from India.  He had a different view of religion and spirit.  When I read my favorite quote in this book, I was hooked, "I'm and ass, your an ass." DeMello was direct and forthright throughout.  He says forget what others think, be you.  He used wonderful stories as teachings which helped drive home the theme of the book which is be yourself.  If you feel like having your illusions of religion shattered, read this book. 

3.  My third favorite is by Leo Buscaglia, PhD.  Dr. Buscaglia wrote the first book with the simple title, Love.  I so admired the lifestyle of Buscaglia!  He used to invite himself into the presence of anyone sitting alone in airports, restaurants and parks.  He was just interested in people and loved to hug.  His books are filled with stories of love and family and friendship. Buscaglia loved leaves and would bring them into his livingroom when the neighbors complained that he needed to clean up his garden.  Busscaglia loved family and togetherness.  He was a model of love during his life and made everyone in his presence feel universal love and joy.  Any book by Leo Buscaglia will bring your heart healing and love. 

4.  Fit for Life and the companion cookbook The American Vegetarian Cookbook - from the Fit for Life Kitchen are awesome!  They are old, but the information is the same.  Eat a plant-based diet and you will learn how to eat, stay healthy and enjoy life to the fullest.  Harvey and Marilyn Diamond are the authors.  Thanks to these books, I learned about Natural Hygiene and got to meet my health guru: Mamiko Matusda, PhD.  Dr. Matsuda is featured in one of my earlier blogs. 

5. On the same lines, Tissue Cleansing through Bowel Managment by the late Bernard Jensen, D. C. and Nutritionist, teaches how to care for the bowel, the origin of disease and ill-health.  This is a classic text which taught me what I needed to know to have a body that works wonderfully.  Below: a photo that makes fun of my obsession with the colon that followed after reading this book. 



Hotel Colon, Barcelona, Spain



6. The next book that I love is: Psycho-Cybernetics - A New Way to Get more Living Out of Life, by Maxwell Maltz, M.D.  This book was my intro to the power of my mind.  Written in 1960, this book opened the door to the infinite possibility of visualization.

7. Born to Run, by Christopher McDougall.  McDougall takes a trip to Mexico and studies the Tarahumara Indians, the barefoot runners of the world.  He discovers through his own back and foot issues that wearing more and more padding on one's feet will not stop the issues caused by running.  By his study of the Tarahumara, McDougall writes a national bestseller that sparks a debate on running barefoot.  Since I began yoga in 1987, I have been fascinated by the feet and I was so happy learn new insights on how to preserve my feet.  McDougall taught me that my feet were sensitive for a reason and wearing shoes that are heavily padded blocks the body's ability to sense how to orient the body during movement.  Excellent videos are online to show ways to run correctly.  I thank my brother, The Blaggard for introducing me to this book.  Just as a side note, I went hiking with the Tarahumara in 1992.  I was able to see first hand that these amazing people go barefoot in the snow.  One of my Tarahumara guides was only 11. She had to keep slowing down for me. 

8. The Artist's Way, by Julia Cameron.  What a beautiful book this was! I am a right-brained sort; therefore, this book appealed to me body and soul.  'Artist Dates', journal writing, and confronting the negative voices that one hears when taking radical action toward a dream, are but a few of the teachings presented in this wonderful book.  I have written a journal since age 15 and only after reading this book, did I start to pay attention to the insights and messages that writing and creative activities inspire.
 
9. The Alchemist, by Paolo Coelho. I never knew a beautiful book like this could ever exist.  No book has ever touched me to the core like this book.  Coelho was indeed Divinely inspired when writing this book. When reading it, I had this feeling of "I knew it!".  I had this same feeling when I saw the movie, What the Bleep Do We Know?  Both this book, and The Artist's Way, were given to me my friend Paula (wherever you are now - Thanks, Paula!).

10.  The last book could be The Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell or Journey of a Solitude by May Sarton or The Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach or the wonderful story of the Delaney Sisters or The Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman; but I am choosing Louise L. Hay: How to Love Yourself.  All the books on this list have helped me learn about who I am. The life journey is so exciting and full of so many twists and turns, but Louise Hay helped me to get to the bottom of it and just accept Self.  What a powerful exercise it is to look in the mirror and say, "I love you, I really love you", without squirming, looking away or hearing the saboteur's laughter.  With practice, I am learning to discover who I am and why I am here.  I do realize that books are only guides, they cannot do the work for me. It's my journey to take the action needed to make manifest the Soul's calling.  Blessings to all who have the courage to speak their truth, live their dreams and follow their hearts, regardless of what others think. 


 

The Tibetan Five Rites

The Tibetan Five Rights (T5R) both stimulate and balance our hormones and return our chakras to their regular speed.  When your chakras are spinning correctly (clockwise) your glands are also restored to health.  The key is to practice all five rites each day and to do the whole 21 repetitions of each rite.  Start with 3-7 and work up to more, as the strength increases.  

The T5R originate from a remote monastery in Tibet where they were done by the monks every day.  The monks looked extremely young for their age and lived surprisingly long.  More about the T5R can be found in the book: The Ancient Secret of the Fountain of Youth by Peter Kelder.  Youtube has also a range of demonstrations to watch and learn about the rites.  Maryse Moerel does a very nice video presentation (see bottom of page).  She claims to be doing the T5R for fourteen years.  

Rite I

Rite I is reminiscent of the whirling dervishes of the Sufi Tradition.  The spinning action of this rite mirrors the directional spin of our chakras.  By this spinning, the Chi, Prana or Life Force is stimulated.  It is very natural to feel dizzy during this rite.  In fact, it is actually a sign that our vestibular systems are working correctly when we get dizzy while performing this exercise.  Practice only three to seven reps at a time and work up to the whole 21 spins.  

Rite I stimulates the Crown Chakra.  While turning, place the tongue behind the teeth and this allows the psychic energy to enter the body.  When this rite has been completed, lay flat on the mat and allow the body to relax.  This is a perfect transition point for Rite II.

Rite II

Rite II has a lot of stretching and bending to the spine.  In yoga, this action is considered to be extremely rejuvenating.  Plus, this action moves the cerebral-spinal fluid which has a positive effect on the whole nervous system.  There is increased circulation within all the internal organs with this rite.  The abdomen benefits the most.  The Root Chakra and the Sacral Chakra receive the infusion of energy of this rite.  Such energy stabilizes mood and many psychological issues related to family, career, money and relationships are balanced.  

The Mula Bandha and the Uddiyana Bandha are two of the yogic locks that are also stimulated performing this rite.  (The Bandhas or locks give strength and stability to the body.)  
 

Rite III

This rite stimulates the Cervical and Thoracic Spine. The chakras affected are the Solar Plexus, The Heart chakra and the Throat/5^th Chakra.  The heart, thyroid, parathyroid and thymus glands are revitalized during this rite.  Keep the tongue behind the teeth, as this rite is performed for the full benefit of psychic energy.  Remember to perform only what is possible and build up to all 21 repetitions.  The Jalandhara Bandha is the yogic lock which is strengthened during this rite.  Goals related to personal power and career are revitalized here.  

Rite IV

Again, the Solar Plexus, Throat and Heart chakras are stimulated while performing this rite; but also the Third Eye chakra center is activated.  Life Force energy is driven into the body by the movement of the lower extremities while supported by the arms.  Keep the tongue behind the teeth and practice nostril breathing.  The Jalandhara Bandha is also strengthened during this rite.  Psychic abilities are increased by Rite IV.

Rite V

This final rite is great for the immune system in general.  It rejuvenates the nerves in the spine and strengthens our arms and legs.  The hamstring muscles are lengthened, thus reducing lower back pain. All three bandhas are stimulated during this exercise.  This exercise builds the sense of contentment and creativity to the Self and promotes personal wellbeing.  The Heart and Solar Plexus are the main focus of this rite.  

In Closing: 

In closing, please read this information after the first week of practice and again after 30 days.  Take note of how you feel and notice what parts of the exercises you may have omitted or overdone.  Notice how much stronger you have become.  If possible, keep a log of what parts of your life have improved or need improvement since you began the T5R.  

Here is a link to  Maryse Moerel doing a fabulous demo of the Tibetan 5 Rites: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qLKhvsfQKc

https://www.facebook.com/soulforceliving

 

I was certified by the Yoga Alliance as a Yoga Teacher today! 

How to REALLY Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwVwXeYhw8w = Great Video!  Dr. Neal Barnard on the CBS News. Just so interesting.  Quick Just five minutes or less. 

Book Review for: Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness, by Robert Cheeke

Review for Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness by Robert Cheeke

Perfect Paperback: 317 pages

Publisher: Book Publishing Co.; 1st edition (April 7, 2010)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 0984391606

ISBN-13: 978-0984391608

     I, the reviewer of the book: Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness, had seen Robert Cheeke’s picture in VegNews and on Facebook but I really didn’t pay attention to his fabulous physique and the many articles about his success because I falsely believed that vegans could not build muscle. Why, because my friend said so - plain and simple. My friend had tried to gain muscle as a vegan but her personal trainer told her that it could not be done and she gave up. Her personal trainer was a "professional" bodybuilder.  Because I know that my friend is very diligent and disciplined about everything she pursues, I did not bother to verify this information for myself. Then, Robert Cheeke was scheduled to come to Houston to speak and just because he is vegan, I planned to attend.

     On the lucky occasion where I got to meet Robert Cheeke, I was quite taken by this wonderful, happy, sweet man! He was vegan and he gained all his muscle by plain good vegan food and well-researched supplements.  It was true!  Vegans can gain muscle!  Robert Cheeke was proof!  He had an immediately distinctive personality and he was a delight to listen to; and best of all, he was extremely knowledgeable. He shocked the whole audience immediately by stating that we don’t do things every day like we say we do. We are only half-heartedly acting on our commitments. He went on to say that his book, Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness, was a book which accurately documents how he has really committed himself to his passion – vegan bodybuilding and fitness. Cheeke, one could tell, knew his craft and it was apparent how he was the first individual to succeed as a vegan bodybuilder. It was obvious that Cheeke really does do the work he says he does and clearly was not your average athlete. His relentless nature, networking skills and discipline helped him win name for himself in this very difficult sport and because of this skill, he is known all over the vegan literature. If you are vegan, you know who Robert Cheeke is. He made his name known by his awe-inspiring efforts. When you listen to Cheeke, it’s apparent that you getting to know a person of greatness; and for a man so young, you can be sure that his success is breaking way beyond conventional borders.

     I bought his book after his lecture because I knew this was a person I wanted to know more about. This book, Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness outlines the steps to Cheeke’s success and also it details how to be successful in anything you put your heart and soul into. So, not only are you buying a manual to achieve ultimate fitness and health but you are buying a handbook for success. And what I learned from Cheeke is that you must really do your own research. You cannot rely on someone else’s report. He says over and over that “Anything is possible”, and one’s determination and belief in oneself is the key to any possibility becoming a reality. You will read how Cheeke breaks the rules, beats the odds and succeeds by following his passion.  His life story is very engaging and he included this all through his book. His book states in no uncertain terms that you have to be willing to pursue your passion and do all the work it requires. This means sacrifice and dedication. He lists the steps for health, success and how to have an awesome muscular vegan body.

      Vegan Bodybuilding and Fitness is a book with step-by-step instructions on how to get toned, strong and healthy. It’s full of his personal stories and pictures that document his amazing success. Cheeke is unendingly generous with the knowledge that he has gained over his many years as a vegan bodybuilder. He shares every bit of it in this book. He makes no false claims. He only states what he knows, what he has done and what he has achieved. His book is full of sage advice and motivational quotes. He tells his readers to not waste time focusing on your limitations but to focus on your passion and joy. This, he says, will create that gorgeous body you deserve.

     For this reviewer, the big gift of this book were his many meal plans and suggestions for what to eat and when. He gives food plans for a vegan, a raw vegan, a whole foods vegan and a vegan who has a tendency toward allergies. Cheeke reviews protein powders, vitamins, minerals and supplements. Nowhere do you get the feeling that he is promoting one product or another. He only focuses on what has worked for him. The workout plan he outlines is simple and versatile. He helps his readers really believe that they can do this work. This reviewer found the many photographs of Cheeke using the equipment and the written plans on how to use the equipment to be very instructive.

     Lastly, I enjoyed meeting Robert Cheeke! If you ever have a chance to see him at a speaking engagement, I highly recommend his presentation. Not only does he have this wonderful book to offer but he also has his website, his clothing line, his DVD’s and his abundant materials. Cheeke has a genuine zest for life and he really wants to help you succeed in whatever it is that brings you joy and happiness. And I can say from personal experience, if you email Robert Cheeke he writes back, and like his book promises, you feel like he’s your new best friend.