Awakening Self Blog
Doubt (Samshaya): The Third Obstacle to Spiritual Practice
This post, on doubt (samshaya) is the second of a 9-part series on the obstacles to spiritual practice, from verse 1:30 of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras:
vyādhistyānasanśaya pramādālasyāvirati bhrāntidarśanālabdha bhūmikatvānavasthita…
read moreYour Inner Witness – the First Step to Release Suffering
The first step to overcome debilitating emotions or agitating thoughts is cultivating the Inner Witness.
When we want to create positive change in our lives – and especially in our emotions – it’s important to recogni…
read moreWhy I Love Walking (and What I Miss When I Don’t)
So many of us drive, even for short distances. Is it a way of avoiding the world? What are the gifts of walking? Here is my short reverie on a walk across town.
My chiropractor’s office is a very short drive from my home – about 3-5 minutes or so. Si…
read moreWhy Anger Matters and What to Do with It
Anger gets a bad rap in the therapy – and spirituality – community. It’s labeled a “negative” emotion, and for good reason. When anger runs us and we react to it, it can blow like a volcano and make quite a mess of our relationships…
read moreStyana (Dullness) – the Second Obstacle to Spiritual Practice
This post, on styana (dullness), is the second of a 9-part series on the obstacles to spiritual practice, from verse 1:30 of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras:
vyādhistyānasanśaya pramādālasyāvirati bhrāntidarśanālabdha bhūmikatvānavasthi…
read moreMe-First Commitment to Transformation
In this era of blatant narcissism, it may be a very outrageous thing to say. But when we recognize that growth, healing, love, and change start with us, we need to be "me-first". I was having a conversation with a friend yesterday, and she shared with me something...