Self-Inquiry Learning to meditate, although challenging for some, brings peace and tranquility in the midst of our busy lives.  To practice contemplation and write in a journal brings answers we were not expecting and clarity to our current issues.  On the other hand, self-inquiry can create tension, frustration, anger and static energy.   Self-Inquiry is one of the Niyamas from the Yoga Sutra; Svadhyaya.  Svadhyaya means self-study.  Self-inquiry is the act of studying yourself.  This

Journaling Do you keep a diary or write in a journal?  You may have two or three journals you have either bought, or been given, just lying around your house.  A percentage of those journals just lying around may have writing in the first two or three pages and the rest is left blank.  There are a small percentage of people who write in a journal every day and are diligent in this practice.  Journaling can feel like a chore.  It can be tough to create a journaling routine and carving time out

Contemplation “What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action.” Meister Eckhart Whenever I hear the word contemplation; I think of the Monty Python skit where philosophers are playing soccer.  As soon as the whistle blows; instead of playing they all put their hands to their chin and begin contemplating.  Finally, one of them gets an idea and kicks the ball and scores.  While this is a comedy skit, it accurately portrays the practice of contemplation. Rather

Create Sacred Space “This is my simple religion.  There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophies. Our brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”  HH Dalai Lama A sacred space is defined as a space distinguished from all other spaces.  A space where all the actions, thoughts and intentions within this space can bear spiritual meaning.  Sacred space is where you can meditate, journal, throw an oracle card or even just sit in contemplation.  It is a space