"God is in the details" - How to Make Your Space Sacred

How to create a special place for yoga, meditation or me-time

Want to create a quiet, inspiring space for rituals like meditation or yoga — or just a place in your home that helps you feel more connected to what's meaningful in your life?

Creating your own sacred space lets you express your very human need for ongoing spiritual nourishment. Whether it's at home, at work or in some "third space" such as a hotel room when traveling, everyone can benefit from creating places where they intentionally choose what surrounds them.

Your sacred space might contain a single object such as a statue, sculpture or private altar you deliberately place in a special location, or it may be an entire room or garden or even your entire home arranged with furnishings, objects and décor that have special meaning for you.

"It's a place to be reborn and renewed every day — a place to find rest," says Las Vegas interior designer Laura Rogers. "It's about drawing yourself inward and getting closer to what's in your heart."

Rogers offers these tips on using décor, lighting, sculptures, altars, furniture and more to tangibly connect with the sacred or spiritual side of yourself.

Start by defining what "sacred" or "spiritual" means to you

If "God is in the details," as the saying goes, the places you live and work can make your spirituality more a part of your everyday life. And that can go a long way toward helping you feel more centered, grounded and happy. Your definition of what's sacred is as individual as a fingerprint. Yet unlike a fingerprint, your personal ideas and expression of what is sacred can evolve and change over time.

Decide what you want from your sacred space

Before you begin, think about what you're seeking and decide how you want to use it. Do you want to: 

• Create a private sanctuary for meditation and prayer, or simply for quiet reflection?
• Find serenity while you're at home?
• Call up the same peaceful feeling when you're away by visualizing your home space?
• Designate a shared space for connecting with others, or for ritual or ceremony?
• Co-create a family altar that continually evolves with spontaneous contributions from each of you?
• Deepen intimacy through regular family time in a special place?

Find inspiration in what you love

Make your sacred space personal. Choose what tastes, sounds, smells, looks and feels good to you. Choose objects that give you energy, inspire you or help you get into the ritual of your meditation, yoga, prayer or other sacred practice.

Also consider using a screen, curtain or other boundary to make your sacred space feel more contained, relaxing and personal.

Consider your personal reasons and occasions for wanting a sacred space

Creating a sacred space can be something you do once in your lifetime or every day, alone or with loved ones. Get creative with these ideas:

Seasonal rituals to celebrate and commemorate:

• Changes of season
• Movements of the sun, moon or stars
• Endings and beginnings of any kind
• Anniversaries and special occasions

Specific, one-time events:

• To consecrate a new space or transform existing space
• To celebrate a relationship or a success
• To clarify an important decision or change
• To be more present or conscious in any aspect of your life

Where should you locate your sacred space?

A single object can increase your awareness of your spirituality and connection with what is sacred to you. An entire room can invite you into your deeper self. You can create your sacred space:

Where you can see it — across from your bed, desk, sofa or kitchen table

As a small part of any room — whether it's a single object, an arrangement or altar

Wherever you have room — if not an entire room, then a corner of a room (a bamboo screen or shoji screen creates an ideal space), or even a closet

In a secluded area — such as a spare room or a corner of your bedroom reserved especially for meditation

In the garden — out of doors, when nature's voice is what you need

What kinds of items should you include in your sacred space?

This is your personal space. Knock down walls if you need to. What speaks to you, inspires you, moves you?

• Mementos: personal items that are meaningful to you
• Talismans: symbols of peace and safety
• Visual art: your own, your friends', postcards of famous works
• Photographs of loved ones and special places
• Statuary: traditional symbols of divine and protective energies 
• Stones and shells that hold memories from special places
• Candles and incense
• Color, light, texture, fabrics, carpets, mirrors, fountains, chimes
• Plants, flowers and other living things
• Musical instruments and favorite calming music or ambient music CDs
• Personal divination tools such as the I Ching, The Tarot, the Runes
• Sacred texts or words of wisdom — from any and all faiths

Use your power of intuition

Whether your life is urban, suburban or rural, whether your home is a sprawling estate or a studio apartment, you can create a special place for simple reflection, traditional meditation, ritual and ceremony. "It all starts with a desire within me to make something beautiful," says Rogers. "I want to make the sacred space in my house as comforting as I possibly can. I might have been inspired by a picture in a magazine, or something in a movie will trigger my thinking. I'll go about finding another piece of furniture to do that or rearrange something and it just happens."

Remember that this space is yours. Honor your heart's desires. Trust your intuitionto show you where to put it, what to include, how to use it — and see where it takes you.

Can Pilates help with my pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy?

During pregnancy, levels of the hormone relaxing drastically increase to help your soft tissues stretch, allowing plenty of room for your growing bub. However it can also have its downside – the joints in your pelvis can become excessively flexible, sometimes causing pain with movement. This pain is called Pelvic Girdle Pain (PGP), and 45% of all women will suffer from it with 25% continuing to experience it postpartum.

To understand what is going wrong and how we can help, let's take a closer look at the pelvis. It has three joints that are affected by PGP.

The pubic symphysis. This joint sits at the front of your pelvis, down low where the pubic bones are joined together with cartilage and ligaments. This joint transfers the load of the trunk from your tailbone to your hips and acts as a shock absorber while you're walking.

The sacroiliac joints (SIJs), of which you have 2. They sit at the back of your pelvis, connecting your tailbone (sacrum) to the large curved pelvic bones (the iliums) with ligaments. These convert rotational forces generated by your lower limbs through your spine, stabilising you and also helping to absorb shocks.

During pregnancy, relaxin allows the ligaments of the pubic symphysis to stretch, letting the pelvic bones widen apart – a very important adaptation your body makes in preparation for delivery. However, this can cause pain on movements whenever your legs are wide apart such as when getting in and out of a car.

Relaxin also makes the SIJs more hypermobile, which can lead to a dull, aching pain near your tailbone (near the dimples) on one side or both. This may be particularly acute whenever your hips rotate and bear weight at the same time, such as when standing up from sitting, climbing stairs, or expended periods of walking. The pain may also feel like it is in your lower back, buttock, hip and thigh even though the SIJs are the real problem – we call this referred pain when it appears far from the true cause.

PGP is likely to worsen as the pregnancy progresses, but more than 70% of women whose symptoms started with their pregnancy are pain free by 2 months post delivery without the need of treatment. In the meantime, gentle core stability exercises such as those found in Pilates can help to stabilise your pelvic joints by increasing your postural muscle support – all helping to keep your bones in the right places! Exercises that gently engage the pelvic floor and deep abdominal muscles (as you have experienced in your Fix Program pregnancy classes) are particularly effective.

In the unfortunate (though fortunately rare) cases of severe PGP, hands-on physiotherapy treatment can offer relief and help correct the joints' positions. One of our Fix physios can also test to see if using a pelvic stability belt might ease your pain. These are designed to offer compression during painful movements to the lax pelvic joints. We are also great at giving advice on movements to avoid, practice of movements to adopt and exercises to limit your painful movements.

So please don't hesitate to let us know if you need further help with your PGP – there is a lot that can be done to help you through until you, your body and your bub are all settled.

10 Ways to Feel as Light as a Feather

1. Roll the windows down

Even if it’s freezing, do it for a few minutes.  Roll down all the windows in your car, and let the wind come rushing in.  Stick a hand out the window and catch the wind, and let the air whip your hair around your face.

2. Barefoot is better!

Always. Let your toes breathe and go barefoot around your house this weekend. If you need to turn up the heat, so be it!

3. Sing. LOUD.

In the car, in the shower, out with friends, it doesn't matter. Just let go and sing at the top of your lungs!

4. Dance, dance, dance.

Same as above – whether you’re by yourself at home, or out with friends, let loose. Put on that one song that makes you feel like you’re on top of the world and forget about what anyone else may think. Just let go and let your body move to the music.

5. Go technology free!

This is one of my favorite things to do on weekends! Cut the ties of email, social media, and texts for at least one day.

6. Ride a bike.

Riding a bike is one of the most freeing feelings – I think it has something to do with moving at such a high speed without being in the confines of a car or other means of transportation. If it’s cold out, don’t let that be an excuse! Bundle up!

7. Dare to go bare.

Sometimes it’s just nice to be naked, free of clothing and in your natural state! Just be sure to close the blinds ;).

8. Dive in.

Being underwater is literally like being in a whole new world…find a pool and dive in. Let your body twist and turn under the water and float whatever which way it pleases.

9. Climb a tree.

rowing up I was always up a tree, trying to reach new heights and be like the birds. When’s the last time you climbed a tree? Do it this weekend.

10. Remember to breathe.

Take a few minutes to clear your head of heavy thoughts and focus only on breathing.  A great way to feel the weight lift off your shoulders!

TIEN TAO WORKSHOP: Dr Lan - Qi Gong - 10 May @ 10am - 1pm

JOIN US FOR 
QI GONG WORKSHOP WITH DR LAN
10 May 2014 @ 10am - 1pm
MAYFAIR i.move studio
Somerset West

History

Chi Kung or Qi Gong is the science of cultivating our body’s internal energy, which in Chinese is called Chi or Qi.  The Chinese have been researching this Chi or Qi phenomena for the last four to six thousand years, and have found it to be an effective way to improve health, cure many illnesses and most importantly of all, however, they have found that it can help achieve both mental and spiritual peace.

 Chinese Qigong can be roughly divided into four periods. We know little about the first period, which is considered to have started when the "Yi Jing" (Book of Changes) was introduced sometime before 1122 B.C., and to have extended until the Han dynasty (206 B.C.) when Buddhism and its meditation methods were imported from India. This infusion brought Qigong practice and meditation into the second period, the religious Qigong era. This period lasted until the Liang dynasty (502-557 A.D.), when it was discovered that Qigong could be used for martial purposes. This was the beginning of the third period, that of martial Qigong. Many different martial Qigong styles were created based on the theories and principles of Buddhist and Daoist Qigong.

Brief History of Qi-Gong

 Chinese Qigong can be roughly divided into four periods. We know little about the first period, which is considered to have started when the "Yi Jing" (Book of Changes) was introduced sometime before 1122 B.C., and to have extended until the Han dynasty (206 B.C.) when Buddhism and its meditation methods were imported from India. This infusion brought Qigong practice and meditation into the second period, the religious Qigong era. This period lasted until the Liang dynasty (502-557 A.D.), when it was discovered that Qigong could be used for martial purposes. This was the beginning of the third period, that of martial Qigong. Many different martial Qigong styles were created based on the theories and principles of Buddhist and Daoist Qigong.

Tien tao chi kung originated in mainland china.

Introduction

                           

Chi Kung or qi Gong in Chinese means to cultivate internal energy (Qi or Chi) through certain breathing exercises and internal training (Nei Kung).  But, in fact, it is much more than just a breathing exercise.

Chi is material based. The Chi Kung practitioner contains static electricity, infra-red magnetism, etc. It is an energy, the biological or vital energy of the human body. Chi in Chi Kung is not limited to just the inhaling or exhaling of air. And this whole concept is based on preserving the Mind in the Tantien (field of elixir), 4 cun below the navel for awakening and enlightenment.

Theory

In Chinese medical theories, Chi is more important than blood. Chi leads the blood to flow. If one is lacking in blood; by an infusion, one can regain normal levels. But if one is lacking in Chi, ie no biological energy in the heart cells, the heart will not pump and the blood not flow. If chi is weak, the body is weak.

Meridians (energy channels)

There are 12 main meridians and 8 extra meridians through which chi flows. If chi flows through the meridians smoothly, the body will be healthy. If chi doesn't flow smoothly, being restricted or blocked, the body will be sick.

Chi Kung exercise is different from other medical treatment, either eastern or western.  It does not depend on anything or anyone else. It is ‘self help’ therapy. It has no side-effects and as long as the practitioner is correctly taught, then practices with patience and perseverance, chi kung exercise prevent and even cure disease.

Styles

There are different styles of Chi Kung or Qi Gong being practiced in the world. Although there are only 2 main styles:  Soft and hard Chi Kung or Internal and External Chi Kung.  The Soft style is mainly practiced through Tai Chi, Pa Kua, Nei Kung and meditation, while the hard style is mainly practiced in martial art such as kung fu, aikido, karate and etc.

          

Jing-an offers two Main kind of Chi Kung(Qi Gong) Styles - Core Foundation – Tien Tao

The Soft styles - 18 Tai Chi Chi Kung Steps and 11 Balancing Gong Steps the Hard styles - 8 Section Brocades (PaTuan Chin), Muscle Sinew Classics (Yi Jin jing) & Iron Shirt Chi Kung

The Dao quotes:”Relaxation is the Route to Longevity. Stress is the Root of all Illness”

Osteperosis Testing, Screening & Monitoring

OSTEOPOROSIS TEST

Don’t wait until it is too late, you can do something right now

The ultimate screening and monitoring test for osteoporosis that does not deplete your medical savings account. 

This new technology from Israel provides immediate W.H.O. approved T and Z scores and fracture risk assessment; approved in the USA, Canada, UK, entire EU and many other countries around the world. Recognised by the International Osteoporosis Foundation and tested and supported by gynaecologists, general practitioners and pharmacists in South Africa.

 covered by medical aids. 

         PRESENTATIONS ON THIS TEST WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE MAYFAIR HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTRE ON THE 23rd OF APRIL 
IN HALF HOUR SLOTS: 10am, 12pm, 2pm & 5:30pm.

PLEASE CALL 021 851 7037 TO CONFIRM YOUR RESERVATION.

 

After the talks you will be able to have your test done

 at Mayfair - costs R350.00 (if paid cash or EFT),

 R365.00

 if paid via Credit Card at Mayfair Front Desk.


For more details on the test, you are welcome to call Colin Owen on 082 557 2872

On request we will present our International Clinical Trials to your doctor or specialist as well as a publication in the highly regarded, peer-reviewed Journal of Bone Mineral Research.

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Unconditional Love

Isn’t that funny. We expect and demand someone to give us what we are not willing to give. Unconditional love. If we expect that from someone to make us feel safe and loved, wanted and desired, don’t we have to understand what it is? Don’t we have to feel it for ourselves before we can accept or expect anyone else to give it to us? Unconditional love: loving without limitations, conditions, or reservations. If we don’t provide that for ourselves, what is our point of reference to measure the love that is to fulfill our lives. How would we know what we are searching for or what we expect someone to give to us? How do we express to someone what we need?

In order to know that there is such a kind of love, we had to have read it somewhere, seen it in a movie or somewhere, sometime, someone showed us a glimpse of it. Right? Wrong. We were born knowing unconditional love. It is a gift, a birthright given to us from the very beginning. It’s the conditioning once our souls take on the human form that limits our belief in unconditional love. It’s erased and replaced by conditioned thoughts of the world. We learn our actions cause reactions. We learn that we are either good or bad. We learn What is acceptable and what is not. That becomes our point of reference, removing us far away from what we were born with. After time and experiences it almost seems hopeless to return.

It is true that seeing glimpses of it in movies and books confirms in our hearts that it does exist. We are told that it is only fantasy. That it is the fantasy we are craving. Not true. Our spirit is craving what we knew from the beginning.

We need to take the time to find out what “unconditional love" is for ourselves instead of Depending on someone to do it for us. If we aren't clear on what it is how will our needs and desires get met? We expect someone to give us something but we aren't clear as to what that “something is. Following that path, we will always be disappointed. We will always place people in position to let us down; all the while they have no idea what we are expecting from them. If we are unable to express our need in a clear manner there will be no one that will understand. If it is not clear to us it certainly will not be clear to them.

Finding your true unconditional love means finding the true you. When was the last time you really focused on finding out who you really are? So in reading this, the answer sounds easy but how do you begin? Where do you start to begin this path of finding unconditional love?

You must work through painful experiences that create anger or bitterness in you. Why did it happen? What was the lesson to be learned in it? Be grateful for the people that were put in your path to help you with that lesson, rather than resenting them for hurting you. It is absolutely impossible to unconditionally love yourself if you harbor bitterness, anger, guilt or any other feelings that are not love.

When looking through your “looking glass? you see things as you have been conditioned to see them. That woman smashed into the back of your new car because you feel you don’t deserve to have a new car. The kids are disobeying you because they don’t care about you. Your partner is angry because you blame them for things and it’s not their fault. It’s all bad luck; if it weren't for bad luck you’d have no luck. Hear that before?

It’s how you look at the lessons that will make your journey easy or difficult. Clean off your “looking glass?and let’s get started.

• Focus on who you are. Write down all the qualities you know about yourself. For example; (You love helping people, You love working with children, You are creative and so on.) Write them down so you can actually see the wonderful qualities about yourself that you know are there.

• Practice speaking out loud all of the things you deserve. You deserve that new car, you deserve people to respect you, and you deserve unconditional love. This is called affirmation. When your subconscious hears the words it starts to believe them. But you must do the work because no one will do it for you. You are in charge.

• Find a way to return to times and places that bring up resentful, fearful feelings where your needs were not getting met. If you don’t feel like you can do it alone, find a “coach" or therapist, or a friend that will help you feel safe and loved during the times of recalling these events. Talk about them. Get honest, healthy, and safe feed back. Your ultimate idea of a bounce back partner is your life partner who is in your life to help you grow and heal these areas. The idea here is to recall them, feel them (pain and all), and then release them, let go to open up another room for unconditional love.

Recalling the event or person will give you a starting point. Recall the people involved, recall how you felt, and what should have happened instead to meet your needs. How would you handle it today, knowing that you deserve to get your needs met, knowing that you deserve unconditional love, and knowing that in order to receive unconditional love you need to give it.

Feel the pain that the event and people caused you. Go deep inside, feel the anger, feel the hurt, feel the rejection, feel the disapproval, feel how alone you were at that moment in your life. Cry.Cry. Cry. And when you are through crying all of the tears you have over it, think for a moment how that situation would be handled today, knowing that you deserve to get your needs met, knowing you deserve unconditional love, and knowing in order to receive unconditional love you need to give it.

And finally, release the past, release the pain, and forgive. Forgive means to stop being angry about or resentful against, to relieve from payment of. To relieve from payment of the past is the step that will bring you to unconditional love. The world owes you nothing. You were born deserving it, so was everyone else. We are here on our journey’s to help each other heal.

Learning how to love yourself unconditionally., creating your dream love by being clear on what you are looking for and be sure that you are able to provide that for yourself before expecting someone to provide it for you, that’s where you will find unconditional love.