What is Dharma?

Lately I've heard a lot of talk about Dharma. Most of the people I encounter talk about dharma as our life's purpose or even our primary profession. Patanjali gives us the yamas and niyamas as a guide for living well, which is dharma. 

According to Google, in Hinduism, dharma is the cosmic principle, virtue, righteousness, and duty, especially social and caste duty in accord with the cosmic order, and in Buddhism, dharma is the teaching or religion of the Buddha, one of the fundamental elements of which the world is composed.

Have you ever thought about:

•  why you're here on Earth

•  why you have your unique set of skills

•  your family and the circumstances you grew up in

•  why particular types of people or relationships keep showing up in your life?

I've worked through many practices, read lots of books and articles, participated in workshops and hired various helpers to find these answers.

Truly, though, no one knows about you or me. Our answers are found within each of us if we become still enough to hear the answers.

Take some time to be quiet each day--maybe in the morning before things become to busy or take a few moments around your mid-day break and then again, some time before you sleep.
Ponder the answers to these questions. The answers are within. 

Most humans do think about these things often. Some of us think about them more than others. Some of our religions or spiritual teachings discuss aspects or give us directives regarding these questions. There are also people, teachers, guides, mentors, coaches who are available to help us gain clarity. The answers are within. Guides are just that.

What is your dharma? What is the cosmic reason for your existence? If we are headed on a positive path, is that enough? 

This discussion barely scratches the surface; I'd love to continue this conversation below.

Can Yoga and Meditation Help Pain?

As I have discussed in previous posts, meditation has many positive effects and no negative side effects. It's amazing that most of us aren't taught from an early how to meditate or at least to be mindful. Of course, I look at my own children and know meditation can be forced upon anyone. We can model and guide people we connect with to be aware of their breath, their behaviors and what's happening in the world.

A number of clients are challenged by chronic pain. It's probably the most common complaint I hear about in my yoga therapy practice. 


Until this last year when I had a skiing accident, I didn't know what it was like to live with a constant pain--pain that keeps you awake at night; pain that discolors your day; pain that is always on the edge of your mind.

Through a variety of modalities, I have been able to alleviate the pain. I opted out of pain meds, yet I can see how someone who has chronic pains for years would be enticed by the possibility of any type of relief. 

Function has returned to most of my body and ever so slowly my brain is healing. Most influential in my healing has been my very gentle yoga practice performed 3 times a day and which includes meditation.

According to Dr. Jeremy Dean in his post called, Ancient Practice Can Heal Brains Damaged By Chronic Pain, Yoga can be an effective way to reduce the effects of chronic pain on the brain. So said Dr M. Catherine Bushnell, an expert on reducing pain without the use of drugs, at the American Pain Society’s recent annual meeting. Read more.

I am grateful to have yoga and meditation in my life to heal physical, mental, emotional and spiritual challenges. One thing for sure is that they are not quick fixes. Time, consistent practice as well as guidance from a trained professional are all necessary to get results.

I would love to hear about your experiences. To see if the work I do is right for you, schedule a wellness chat.  #meditationworks

Does Meditation Increase Flexibility?

Original Painting by JAM

While meditating the other day, thoughts of a dear friend came to me as well as an imagine. I painted the image and knew I had to give it to my friend. 

Listening to my gut over the years has proven fruitful. Answers to questions, new creative ideas and unexpected surprises as well as emotions, body sensations and things I need to do come to me while I sit.

When I first started meditating, it took all of my effort to stay seated without fidgeting. Eventually I felt comfortable and could focus for short periods. I would ask questions yet I couldn't sit long enough to receive an answer. I would receive answers in my sleep, yet not in my meditation.

Eventually I began receive answers or possible solutions to problems while sitting. I meditate with a notebook close by so that I can jot things down before I forget.

So does meditation make your mind more flexible? Yes. Those of us who have been stuck in our thinking find we can see other's points of view and different ways to do things over time.
Does meditation have a multitude of benefits? Yes. So many they have their own post.
Has it been show to change the brain and ward off aging? Yes. There are also many studies that show how the brain changes in long-time meditators.

Often I am asked about how to meditate regularly. As with any habit, it is a practice. There is no perfect way to meditate. You need to find what works for you and do it. There are many resources available on the internet. How do you know if they're good? Well, try out some of the free ones. I have found working with a teacher to be the most effective way for me to develop a regular practice. 

There are a lot of things that meditation is NOT--watching TV, listening to music, etc. The idea is to have a single focus and to eventually become one with what we are focusing on.

Salt Lake City folks, I offer meditation the first Wednesday of each month at MyBusinessBar, 4535 S 2300 E. Register.

If you'd like to hear about what's up with me, sign up here. I offer local meditation classes and will be offering an online meditation course in November of this year.

If you're interested in working with me further, grab a complimentary call.
Let me know how it's working for you.
#meditationworks