FOUR FOR FRIDAY 11: SPIRITUALITY
“Pan out. Imagine taking a frame and focusing it on a specific set of clouds. Now take that frame away. This framed image represents what you focus on. You can only see what's inside the frame. Pulling the frame away reveals all the other intricacies at work.”
—Ram Dass
1. Ram Dass
Ram Dass, born Richard Alpert, was an American spiritual teacher, psychologist, and author known for his influential work in spirituality and personal transformation. Ram Dass has been a teacher I’ve returned to often, whether for his meditation practice on the app listed below, his books, or his YouTube videos.
One of Ram Dass’s most famous books, "Be Here Now," is considered a cornerstone work in spiritual literature, blending Eastern spirituality with Western psychology. Throughout his life, Ram Dass continued to teach, write, and speak on topics related to mindfulness, meditation, and spirituality, profoundly impacting many people’s spiritual journeys, including my own.
I’ve been using this meditation app for a while. This app is loaded with teachings, guided practices, music, and more. This app has helped me tremendously on my meditative journey. It features accountability tools and provides the right sounds, melodies, and guidance for various individual goals. Depending on the day, I might use a guided practice or simply set an unguided timer for the necessary time frame. If you are interested in starting a meditation or prayer practice, I highly recommend checking this app out. It has been immensely beneficial for my needs.
3.Bikram Yoga
Bikram Yoga is a style of hot yoga developed by Bikram Choudhury, inspired by his teacher, Bishnu Charan Ghosh. It consists of a fixed sequence of 26 postures and two breathing exercises, practiced in a room heated to approximately 105°F. The heat aims to replicate the climate of India, where yoga originated, and to enhance flexibility, detoxification, and cardiovascular fitness.
What I Like About Bikram:
Consistent Workout: Every session is challenging, and you know what to expect. There are no surprises in the sequence, making it a personal challenge each time.
Mental and Physical Challenge: It pushes your focus, flexibility, patience, and vigor.
Personal Growth: It's a continuous challenge, encouraging self-reflection from one session to the next.
Caution:
Intensity: Bikram Yoga is intense and may not be suitable for everyone. Consult your doctor before starting, stay hydrated, and take breaks as needed.
Controversy:
Unfortunately, Bikram Choudhury, the founder, has faced numerous allegations of sexual misconduct and harassment from former students and employees. Several lawsuits have been filed against him, and in 2017, a U.S. court issued an arrest warrant after he failed to pay a multimillion-dollar judgment. In 2019, the documentary "Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator" further exposed these allegations and brought his controversial practices and behavior into the public eye.
4. Seth Speaks
An interesting read that I've recently been recommended is the "Seth Speaks" series. These books are based on texts where Jane Roberts, through a trance-like state, communicates with an entity named Seth. First published in 1972, the series has gained a significant following for its insights into metaphysical and spiritual topics. These topics include:
The Nature of Reality
The Soul
Reincarnation
Consciousness
The Power of Thought & Belief
Health and Healing
Personal Empowerment
These texts remind me of one of my all-time favorites, Conversations with God by Neale Donald Walsch.
You can find the "Seth Speaks" series here.
Disclaimer: These tools are simply options, and what works for one person may not work for everyone. I neither encourage nor discourage their use. Ultimately, the decision of how to use this information rests with you. The information provided regarding the use of supplements is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. It is crucial to consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, particularly if you have pre-existing medical conditions, are pregnant or nursing, or are taking medications. Supplements have the potential to interact with medications or cause adverse effects in certain individuals. Furthermore, the efficacy and safety of supplements can vary based on factors such as dosage, formulation, and individual response. Supplements should be approached with caution and should not be viewed as a substitute for proper medical diagnosis, treatment, or management of health conditions. Statements regarding specific supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always adhere to the instructions provided by the manufacturer and consult a healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.
