Category: Daily Doses of Delight

“Light and Divinity” Meditation and Mantra

Katrina Ariel

In the quiet this morning, while breastfeeding my sleepy twin babies, the following meditation came to me.

Strange, perhaps, that I was sort of multitasking while meditating. However, breathing deeply and centering in can happen anywhere. It only takes a few minutes or even just a few breaths to connect to your divine truth.

First I’ll give you the mantra that came to me, then the meditation/visualization that came with it. You can use it as-is or make any alterations that feel right to you.

Using the mantra in repetition allows you to build the strength of the visualization.

Mantra:

I am one with God
I am a child of the Goddess
I am an expression of Divinity
I am Love
I am bathed in Light

(A note on God/Goddess: This mantra honors Divine Feminine and Divine Masculine, yet in the grand scheme of things, all is one. Again, work with what you believe and all is well.)

Meditation:

Sit comfortably in the best posture for you at this time.
Breathe deeply.
Relax any unnecessary tension in your body.

Inwardly, allow the mantra and the accompanying visualizations to guide you to your natural state of harmony.

“I am one with God.”

Imagine as a golden beam of light comes from your divine self through your crown chakra into you. It purifies and balances your chakras, core, physical body and light body. You are now fully glowing in golden light.

“I am a child of the Goddess.”

With your intention see the grounding connection that extends from your root chakra into the very core of the earth. From there a brilliant blue ray of light rises through your entire core and reverberates in your being.

“I am an expression of Divinity.”

Feel the divine resonance of the golden light that surrounds you, and the beautiful blue light that dances within you. You are pure, grounded, and your awareness becomes clearer with each breath.

“I am Love.”

Feel a rose-white light emerge from within your heart. It grows to fill your entire body, and the blue light expands to surround you.

“I am bathed in Light.”

Breathe and feel every cell of your body sparkle with light.

Remember, you can alter this meditation and mantra so they are perfect for your own beliefs and preferences. The main thing is to align with your divine truth and feel yourself awash with light! Enjoy. 🙂

 

Take a Breath and Create Balance Instantly

Katrina Ariel

Me-OakTree-Child01How does it feel to sit up tall and take a deep breath?

To me it feels so good! Amazing how refreshing it can be to simply create the space to b-r-e-a-t-h-e.

Whenever I feel overwhelmed or frustrated, if I check in I notice that my posture has collapsed and my breath is shallow. All it takes is a moment to mindfully re-align and connect with my breath.

It can make all the difference in the world.

Balancing poses in yoga can have a similar effect. Even tadasana (mountain pose) can work wonders if you give it a minute or two in the midst of a busy day. Another favorite is tree pose (vrksasana).

Really, anything positive that draws your complete attention to one focus in the present moment, especially when it blends body, mind and breath, can instantly bring a tremendous sense of balance to life.

Perhaps you’d like to take a moment right now to stand beautifully and breathe, or do a simple balancing pose, or take a walk and breathe some fresh air.

It’s helpful to remember that you have the power to create balance in your life at any moment. Even if it feels like you’re living in a whirlwind, you can take a breath and create calm within.

Blessings of balance,

Katrina

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Check out my book, Yoga for Dragon Riders!

It is a fun and comprehensive guide to infuse your life with the magical balance of power, love and wisdom! Breathe new inspiration into your daily yoga practice of asana, pranayama, meditation and more!

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P.S. All those in favor of tree pose in random places, say “aye!”

P.P.S. Here’s a recent pic of me and my boys at a magnificent tree near New Orleans. We’re enjoying the fresh air and the earth beneath our feet.

tree play 01

Feel Young at Any Age (inspired by children)

Katrina Ariel
IMG_0719
My babies, playing at Jandana Ranch. Zachary left, Ryan right (and Riley the dog, of course.)

As I was taking savasana at the end of my yoga practice this morning, my mind wandered (as it does) to a curious place. I thought about the many ways the very young (and young at heart) behave and live, and how so many of the things they do can keep us healthy, happy and vibrant at any age.

So, here’s a list of ideas, inspired by children, to help you feel young:

  • Sleep as much as you want
  • When you’re awake, move constantly
  • Play whenever possible
  • Don’t wear shoes if you can help it
  • Go outside every day, as many times as you can
  • Eat dirt (or at least play in it, without your shoes on)
  • Laugh lots
  • Cry when you feel like it
  • Let your emotions move (sure, you might be upset one moment, but it’s okay to giggle the next minute)
  • Eat good food (nourish yourself with the same care you would a precious baby)
  • Never stop discovering the world
  • Take pleasure in the simplest things
  • Delight in spending time with family and those you love
  • Try new things
  • Learn something new every day
  • Read to learn, but read stories too
  • Be true to yourself
  • Use your imagination
  • Believe in magic
  • Sing and dance
  • Nurture your passions
  • Make new friends
  • Build community
  • Smile for no reason
  • Don’t hold back
  • Test your boundaries and make new ones
  • Always remember, even when you think you’re alone, that you are loved beyond measure

 

Ebb and Flow. Inhale and Exhale.

Katrina Ariel

Ocean01I once spent a month sleeping in my tent on a beach, while I attended a yoga teacher training. The first night, the sound of the waves crashing on the shore kept me awake. It wasn’t until I came to the realization that the sound wasn’t going to stop that I could finally relax.

Waves are, after all, the breath of the ocean.

Conscious breathing is the most fundamental practice of yoga. It supports every action, contemplation, and moment of stillness. Your breath is your guide and most intimate companion—one which is with you throughout your entire life.

As life continually changes, your breath reminds you that nature always has ebb and flow. The cycles of the moon and seasons reflect this, the waves of the ocean as well, yet you need look no further than your breath.

In each challenge, your breath is there. A deep, centering breath can remind you that the challenge is there to help you grow, even if you can’t see the sense of it. In each joy, taking a deep breath helps you be more mindful to experience it fully.

Mini-Meditation:

Take a moment to arrange your body so you are sitting in the most comfortable and optimally aligned position possible.

Settle into your breath.

Feel the earth below you, the sky above you, supportive and expansive.

Now imagine yourself sitting by the ocean. Hear the rhythmic sound of the waves.

Notice how your breath responds to this visualization.

Feel each breath as a wave of nourishing life-force within you.

Take a few minutes, or as long as you’d like, and enjoy each inhale and exhale to the fullest!

 

The Heart’s Song (Poem)

Katrina Ariel

Maha Shivaratri is here, and so it is a fitting time to go far into the Infinite.

Then again, any moment will do.

This poem is a contribution to the unending number of voices that turn their focus to the divine. It has a likening to Rumi, a tip of the hat to The Fionavar Tapestry, and a soundtrack of hope-bright harmony.

I hope you enjoy it.

The Heart’s Song

The most essential truth of all
Is made of Light
of Fathomless All
wrapped in Oneness
Infinite and Unending in Its expansion.

Read More “The Heart’s Song (Poem)”

For the Love of You

Katrina Ariel

Self-love is one of the most vital, beneficial, and worthy forms of self-care. Yet so many people find it difficult to even like themselves, much less LOVE who they are completely!

Part of this is a deep rooted misconception in our society that caring for yourself makes one arrogant or selfish. This is completely, utterly false.

Being able to extend love, compassion, kindness and acceptance to yourself is an essential part of being a whole, balanced human being.

It allows you to feel fulfilled within, rather than trying to find what you’re needing from outside sources. And by cultivating this ability to love who you are, including all the mistakes, flaws and quirks that go along with being gloriously human, you are in a position to genuinely love and care for others without depleting yourself.

If you already have a practice of self-love (yes, it’s a practice—some days are easier than others), then you probably have ways you remind yourself that you are worthy, complete, and beautiful exactly as you are right in this moment.

However, if you’re looking for some ways to integrate this practice into your life, here are a few ideas:

1) Every time you find that your self-talk is unkind, respond as if you were comforting a child. Be gentle with yourself, soothing your own thoughts toward yourself in a way that shows compassion. You might feel like you’re having a conversation in your head at first, but gradually you will find that those unkind thoughts are replaced by kind ones.

2) Look yourself in the mirror, in the eyes, and say, “I love you” either out loud or in your mind. Do it every single time you look in the mirror, and you’ll begin to believe it!

3) Tell your body, even your cells, how much you love and appreciate them—especially any parts of your physical body that are in need of healing or you have judged in the past. This is a very healing practice! Sending your physical body love and gratitude can go a long way in repairing energetic and physical issues.

4) Forgive yourself for ANYTHING and EVERYTHING you feel needs forgiving. Ho’oponopono is a great way to do this if you don’t have a preferred method.

5) Use the affirmation, “I love myself completely. I accept myself completely.” Again, repeat this until you really feel its truth. It may take some time, but it is an incredibly transformational practice!

Remember, loving and accepting yourself are your birthright! A child comes into the world knowing it is perfect, knowing it is made of love. Experiences along the way can change that perspective, but the underlying truth is this:

You are worthy of the most complete, unconditional, innocent and intimate love! Tell yourself how much you love YOU, every single day.

Om Namah Shivaya – A Song of Peace and Love (VIDEO)

Katrina Ariel

Music moves us in so many ways. Mantra in particular can help us to find ourselves again.

How you resonate, or the vibration you feel, can be a conscious choice. The more you choose your vibration consciously, the more you can influence life to unfold in the direction of your choosing.

For instance, if you continually bring yourself back to love, peace, joy, kindness, and the like, then these are the influences that will most often show up in your life. This is the “thoughts become things” theory in practice on a moment to moment basis.

But sometimes it isn’t so easy to stay in a pattern of love and joy, is it?

That’s where music can be so very helpful.

When you listen to (or create your own) music that brings a resonance of light and goodness, it is so much easier to bring the harmony you desire into your own vibration and surroundings.

So, without further ado, here is a music video that has both music and images to help brighten your heart and your day!

If you enjoyed this, please share! You’ll help others grow the feelings of love and peace in their own hearts (and therefore the world)!

This song is on my album, “Gratitude.” Click on the image to the right to purchase on iTunes.

Creating a Feeling of Freedom

Katrina Ariel

To all of us, freedom is something that is of the highest importance. We each want to feel sovereign to ourselves, able to choose what is best for our own lives and act accordingly.

But for so many people that liberation is blocked by feelings of scarcity (not enough time/money, etc.), or by very real obligations that seem to get in the way of you feeling truly free.

The key is to create freedom within.

In the words of the great Bob Marley, “None but ourselves can free our minds.”

And once you have found freedom within, that feeling informs the rest of your life–no matter what you are doing in the outside world.

Mini-Meditation:

Sit tall and comfortably, letting go of any tension in your face.

Take three slow, deep breaths: in through your nose, and out your mouth.

Feel the Earth below you, supporting you and sending you tremendous love.

Now, bring your focus to your heart.

Feel the rise and fall of your chest as your breath moves.

Your heart center calls you back to your true, divine self.

Remember who you truly are: a child of the Universe, infinitely loved. Take a moment to acknowledge that you are a bright, beautiful spirit!

Keep breathing deeply, bringing your awareness now to your third eye.

Imagine the purest light in the center of your head, even with your brow.

This light bathes your pineal gland and helps to clear your mind.

Take three (or more) slow, steady breaths, allowing this light to literally free your mind and align your mental energy with your heart energy.

As you feel this alignment and the light of your mind and heart come into harmony, bring that beam of light down into your root chakra at the base of your pelvic floor. This aligns your mind, heart, and body, bringing forth the light of your true self into the manifest world.

Take as long as you need, making sure you feel grounded and at ease.

To the freedom of us all!

Katrina

P.S. Music often creates a feeling of freedom without you having to work at it (isn’t that great?!) Check out my mantra album, which so many people have said makes them feel uplifted, peaceful, and free.

How to Stop Worrying

Katrina Ariel

This is a very simple (though perhaps not easy) way to stop yourself from worrying:

1. Focus on the Now
2. Think about “what IS,” not “what if”
3. Breathe deeply and trust yourself
4. Repeat

Focusing on beauty is a great way to shift your thoughts and feelings.

I don’t pretend to have this mastered, but when I catch myself obsessing on thoughts that aren’t true or serving the moment, this is what helps me get out of that thought pattern.

Women seem to have a particular talent for worrying, though men can excel at it as well. Sometimes I think I’m hard-wired to fret over things completely out of my control, or things that haven’t happened and may not come to pass. I’ve been this way since I was a little girl.

But that doesn’t mean I have to live in a constant state of worry for the rest of my life! We are all able to make choices and changes in our thought patterns at any time.

So, I choose to practice these steps, over and over and over again, as much as necessary until my thoughts naturally stay on “what is,” rather than straying to “what if.”

Some other tips that can help you be free from worry:

  • Get grounded: connect to the earth and focus on the beauty of the natural world.
  • Smile for no reason.
  • Do yoga, or move your body in a way that feels good. This is always a great way to come into the present.
  • Focus your thoughts on what you DO want to happen in your life. Create a positive imprint in your mind and emotions.
  • Sing or put on music that makes you feel good.
  • Get creative in whatever way appeals to you.
  • Pray, if you are so inclined. But do it in a way that states that you are grateful for whatever it is you’re asking for, as if it has already come to be. Having faith (in whatever way naturally calls to you) helps build trust in yourself and in the Universe.
  • Do something that helps you to relax.

What are your tips to stop worrying? Please share them with me in the comments. We can all use all the help we can get. 🙂

The Scent of the Sacred

Katrina Ariel

The scent of the sacred permeates all life.

It is most fragrant at times of awe, love,
beauty, and even sadness.

Sometimes it is fouled by fear scents,
or blown about by the winds of struggle,
but the sacred is always to be found
if you are seeking it.

To breathe is to dance with the sacred,
to move is to explore and expand.
To imagine, delights all that is sacred,
And the universe sparkles on one divine hand.

To be still and pulled into the present,
to breathe and feel and belong in the now,
reminds you that you ARE the sacred;
that you are the singer of the song.

Presence of Gaia by Josephine Wall

It’s funny, I haven’t written poetry in such a long time. It was an incredibly ally in my youth, and then I began to sing and I tend to write songs now instead. Which is also good. 🙂

I did have a time in my life where I would wake up and sit down with a cup of tea and my book of Rumi. And often I am inspired by the prose of authors both humble and well known.

Please let me know in the comments if this has inspired you in any way . . . or better yet, leave some lines of your own poetry to continue the lyric.