I stumbled across this new television show called Shalom in the Home, where Rabbi Shmuley goes around the country helping families overcome their problems. It starts on April 10 on The Learning Channel. But you don't have to wait until April to hear the Rabbi's wisdom. You can watch a video podcast on fear and read some Shmuleyisms.
Earlier this month I read a press release that announced a pay-per-view séance where the medium would attempt to contact John Lennon. It's been getting some heat in the press recently with Yoko being quoted as saying it's "Tasteless and Tacky" in addition to other attacks.
But let's get back to ghosts and contacting the dead. I personally have never been able to contact spirits or the dead, unless you count those times back in high school with the Ouija Board. I do know there are "more things in heaven and earth, than are dreamt of in [my] philosophy" - Shakespeare. So I'll give almost anything a few moments of my critical eye and decide for myself.
I'm not going to be tuning into the John Lennon séance - but that's because I don't really care about contacting John Lennon. However, I am about to embark on a short journey to a supposed death location and attempt to contact someone. I am traveling with a colleague to Panamint Dunes in Death Valley - the location where Nuri Alexander’s physical remains were found. Nuri Alexander, also known at “The Blue Scout, was an apprentice of Carlos Castaneda, an author of many controversial books on Toltec Shamanism and later founder of Tensegrity (not of the Buckminster Fuller kind). When Castaneda left the world in 1998, apparently distressed at his departure, Nuri drove to Death Valley and threw herself off a cliff.
All this is conjecture and speculation. No one knows what actually happened. When a “guru” leaves the world, followers of the guru are always distressed at the passing, looking for almost any way to keep connected. This time tomorrow, I’ll be in Panamint Valley, stalking her last physical location and attempting to make contact with Nuri. I’ll be back on Monday and share my results.
For your laugh of the day, watch this news story covering a leprechaun sighting in Mobile, Alabama. I can't believe that there's actually a leprechaun, but it's quite amusing.
A few years ago, I was taking a class in a local high school. On the chalkboard I found the following suggestions. I think it's great that the teacher was suggesting these to her class - especially a high school class. I wish I knew who the teacher was so I could give credit.
How to live a Happy Stress free Life
1. Be impeccable with your word
Before you speak: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary?
2. Avoid being judgmental
Ask questions, express what you really want
3. Give the benefit of the doubt
We are all doing the best we can at our level of awareness.
4. Always do your best
In doing so, you avoid self judgment, self abuse and regret
If you've taken any yoga class, you've heard the word asana. Asana is the Sanskrit word for "seat" and is most often used to describe a physical posture or pose. According to Sri Dharma Mittra, "There are an infinite number of Yoga asana" while Mittra himself has categorized a mere 908 in his Master Yoga Chart of 908 Postures.
I just came across ElsaElsa, a funny astrology advice blog where the author, Elsa gives advice on relationships, money - the standard questions - to today's question: Is blogging a fad? It's a fun and witty site to read. Go check it out.
Remember the power you have to create your day, to generate energy, to shape your own thoughts and point your will towards your goal with enthusiasm and focus. Remember your power. When you wake up - TURN IT ON. Wake in it, walk in it.
She goes on to suggest these five steps to wake in a power state.
Open your eyes and smile.
Wiggle and Stretch.
Give thanks.
Set a challenge.
Create your State with Music!
These are good reminders. I had forgotten the power of music and how in an instant you can change your mood.
I've practiced yoga off and on for over 15 years. I remember watching the classic yoga practice show on Public television before I headed off to middle school. Doing a quick cobra pose and backbend before running out to catch the bus. I got caught up into high school drama and yoga fell out of focus until my final year in college. I actually attended a class where I learned more traditional postures like tree, eagle, triangle and half moon. By current standards that yoga class was a mere taste of yoga. It was non-denominational and was for out of shape beginners.
Then I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and it was like going into an all you can eat yoga buffet. I tried so many varied styles and teachers. Practicing at the Piedmont Yoga Studio, (home of Rodney Yee) and Funky Door Yoga, before it was Funky Door. In those days I was almost a yoga Nazi. You know the type. They get to class early. Roll their mat out right by the teacher, to get the best view. They’re in class every day. I wasn’t quiet that bad, but I was close.
Then I got into other practices and I stopped doing yoga. I moved to LA and after at least two years, finally went to my first yoga class in Los Angeles.
It’s been a challenge re-starting my practice. I don’t remember yoga being this hard. But I’m also not struggling with the postures like I used to. I’m able to control my mind and silence the negative thoughts. And I don’t compare myself to my classmates, like I used to.
So although it’s been years since I’ve practiced, in some ways I haven’t missed a day. Sure, it’s taking some time for my body to be flexible, but in some ways it’s easier to become flexible now. Just because I’ve taken time out, doesn’t mean, I’ve taken steps backward.
The LA Times asked three psychics their feelings on who will win the next American Idol. All three psychics were varied on their winners list including Chris Daughtry, Kelly Pickler and Katherine McPhee.
Do you want to be guarenteed a place in Heaven? According to this article from Yahoo News, president for life, Saparmurat Niyazov told his followers on TV:
"Anyone who reads the Rukhnama three times will find spiritual wealth, will become more intelligent, will recognise the divine being and will go straight to heaven."
The Rukhnama
is a central part of education from primary school to university, and knowledge of the text - up to the ability to exactly recite passages from it - is required for passing education exams, holding any state employment and to qualify for a driving license.
This South Park episode on Scientology has been creating some heat. It was supposed to rerun last week, but was pulled by Comedy Central due to an unconfirmed ultimatum from Tom Cruise. I can understand why Tom Cruise would not want the episode to show – his character is pretty ridiculous. But come on, this is an edgy comedy show. Variety has the scoop here, and you can watch the episode here on YouTube.
I think everyone knows that South Park pokes fun at everyone and every thing possible, but when you start talking about religion or beliefs, tolerance often goes out the window. There's an interesting discussion on David Markland's post "In Defense of Scientology" over on Blogging.la.
Moxibustion is a technique used by Acupuncturists where they burn a small amount of herb and apply it directly to the skin, an acupuncture needle already inserted into a point or held just above a point. Moxibustion is believed to warm cold channels and increase Chi circulation.
I recently found this Chakra mini-kit by Running Press. It's a cute little box that includes a mini-book and some chakra stones. The mini-book briefly explains the seven chakras, giving the appropriate color, element, sense and stone associated with each chakra. It also describes several yoga postures, when practiced, help balance that particular chakra.
The mini-book is well made and will withstand many readings. All in all, it's a cute little kit that gives valuable information. A perfect gift for someone. I bought mine online at Powell's books for about $10, including shipping.
Dr Tatsuo Hirano has an interesting technique for healing yourself with your mind called Modern Medical Chi-Kung or Shen-Kung. Dr. Hirano has updated ancient practices for the modern practitioner. Most of his techniques are for other holistic health practitioners, such as acupuncturists, but his techniques are also taught to the layman.
Modern Medical Chi-kung ™ (MMC) is not a set of exercises, typical in traditional chi-kung, but a new method of diagnosing and treating many medical complaints without contact. Based on principles of electro-magnetic energy, MMC redefines and updates the ancient Chinese art of energy healing into a new method of rapid, non-touch examination and treatment that is capable of quickly improving both physical and mental conditions.
This article gives an introduction to Dr. Hirano's techniques. He also gives lectures, teaches and practices his technique in the Los Angeles area. I recently attended some of his lectures and in the upcoming weeks, I will write about my experiences.
The Psychic Junkie had a link to the Osho Zen Tarot, an online tarot application where you can ask a question and it will give you a reading. The cards are beautiful and it reminds me of the Vertical Oracle by Antero Alli.
Here's the description from card #23: The Creator
There are two types of creators in the world. One type of creator works with objects - a poet, a painter, they work with objects, they create things. The other type of creator, the mystic, creates himself. He doesn't work with objects, he works with the subject; he works on himself, his own being. And he is the real creator, the real poet, because he makes himself into a masterpiece.
You are carrying a masterpiece hidden within you, but you are standing in the way. Just move aside, then the masterpiece will be revealed. Everyone is a masterpiece, because God never gives birth to anything less than that. Everyone carries that masterpiece hidden for many lives, no knowing who they are and just trying on the surface to become someone.
Drop the idea of becoming someone, because you are already a masterpiece. You cannot be improved. You have only to come to it, to know it, to realize it. God himself has created you; you cannot be improved.
Over the weekend, I was talking to a friend about Feng Shui colors and the effect it has in your life. He quipped that when he had red bed sheets there was more romance in his life, although traditionally, red (a color of passion and high energy) is not considered a good bedroom color.
If you're intrigued and want read about the basics, here's a good article on Feng Shui and color. It explains different colors effect the energy of certain rooms and gives suggestions for creating the right mood in each room. It suggests to use warm colors in the kitchen, dining and living rooms and cool colors in bedrooms and bathrooms - places of rest and relaxation.
Like my friend, you can use bright colors in accent pieces, sheets, pillows or lamps to bring a specific color into your room without being dominating. Want more romance in your life? Then get to adding more red in your bed room.
I just found Psychic Junkie, a site for any of you that happen to be addicted to psychic readings. I don't think I have that problem just yet, having had my first phone reading last week, but the site has great info. Including this advice list:
Psychics aren ’t reliable. Make a list of all the predictions you’ve received that have been wrong – now do you still want to call?
The only 100% accurate oracle is the passage of time.
Psychics are not special beings with mystical powers. Everyone is capable of using their intuition.
Readings usually lead to expectations, false hopes and living for tomorrow.
Live in the present- the present is a gift. Don’t let life slip by while you worry about the future and mourn for the past. Live for today.
Become the person you want to be. Do it now. Make things happen. Create your future.
An idle mind is the devil's playground. GET BUSY!
Ask that the truth be revealed to you and then let go and let it unfold. Trust me…this is very powerful.
All the answers are already within you. Learn to trust your own intuition.
Que sera, sera. Whatever will be, will be. The future’s not ours to see. Que sera, sera. Ain’t that the truth?
Thaksin Shinawatra, prime minister of Thailand, believes that his enemies are using black magic to oust him.
"They are using all kinds of means to try to destroy me, including black magic and the supernatural," he told a meeting of civil servants at Government House, the prime minister's offices. Without naming names, Thaksin said his critics were using photographs and voodoo-like dolls to cast spells. "But don't worry, I have talismans and various Buddha amulets with me to ward off their magic," he said.
Respected Astrologer/Senator Boonlert Pairintra said "that the planet Mercury used to favor the prime minister but has been eclipsed by the God of Darkness." Must be that Mercury Retrograde at work again.
Everyone has seen those late-night ads for the Psychic Hotline, but how many people have actually called them? Up until a few days ago, it never crossed my mind to even consider talking to a phone psychic.
However, as editor of Daily Mantra, I try out services I might not normally use. Since my car was recently involved in a hit and run accident, this seemed like the perfect “test” for a phone psychic.
Apparently, Nascar racer Tony Steward, has a recurring dream where he's late for class in his underwear. When asked by Fox Sports if he had any recurring dreams; he responded:
"For some reason, I keep having this dream that I'm at high school and I'm late for class. And I'm wearing nothing but my underwear for some reason. I don't know why. It's the weirdest dream I've ever had, but it comes back all the time."
According to this article from the Mercury News, Yanni spent a night in jail after a late night 911 call from his girlfriend.
The girlfriend, Silvia Barthes, 33, told police that Yanni threw her clothes from the closet and ordered her to move out of his house, a $7.7 million property on South Ocean Boulevard. Barthes reportedly told police Yanni grabbed her forearms and shook her, then threw her onto a bed. She said he also slapped her, according to the report. Yanni claimed he only grabbed her arms after Barthes kicked him in the groin, police said.
I can imagine her anger at being told to move out, but that's no way for an enlightened individual to react. What about loving your enemy? Or loving your lover?
According to Rob Brezsney, the author of Free Will Astrology, the horoscope for Aquarians this week includes the following quote from Ghandi:
"Every moment of your life is infinitely creative and the universe is endlessly bountiful. Just put forth a clear enough request, and everything your heart desires must come to you."
Although I would argue that is applies to everyone at any moment.
While Darren is busy spreading his message; Bjorn Ulavaeus, former Abba star, contends that celebrities merely latch onto popular belief systems to help their career.
I wonder, does Bjorn think that his statement could help his career? One would wonder.
When he made the game winning hit for a game back in 1997, former Philadelphia catcher, Darren Dalton saw something else.
"That was the first time I realized it," he said. "I remember coming out of the stadium and I started crying. (His second wife Nicole, whom he is divorcing) said, 'What's wrong? You just got the game-winning hit.' And I said, 'I didn't hit that ball. Something happened, but it wasn't me.'"
He's written a 32,000 word manuscript (partly in his spare time while serving three months in prison) and believes that the day of reckoning will be on December 12, 2012, at 11:11 a.m. GMT.
You can read more on Fox, there's a nice discussion over at Baseball Musings, and Chris points out that Issac Newton believed the second coming of Christ was in 1948.
It's Oscar night and we all know celebrities will go to any legnth to look good, including putting caviar on their face and partaking of a diamond massage. Here's what Teri Hatcher is doing in preparation for her Oscar night.
"Desperate Housewives" star Teri Hatcher partook of the [diamond massage] treatment this week while visiting an invitation-only diamond event in Hollywood Hills.
In probably the most expensive massage ever, $1.5 million in 18-carat diamonds are placed on energy points on the body and ultraviolet light "reads" the resulting vibrations.
Watch tonight to see if that million dollar massage did any good.
I recently ran across this site that offers three steps to find a guru. Now, I am of the belief that you don't need a guru to find enlightenment or live a fully enlightened life, so this really cracked me up. I'll briefly quote and recap the three steps.
The I Ching, also known as the Book of Changes, is an ancient Chinese Oracle. You pose a question and then use one of two techniques to receive guidance: the traditional way is of throwing yarrow sticks and the more standard is to throw three coins. Based on how the coins or sticks fall, you get a broken or solid line. Depending on how many solid and broken lines you get and in what order they fall, one of sixty-four hexagrams is applied.
Mercury went into retrograde yesterday (March 2nd) and will stay there until the 25th. That must explain why I was stuck in traffic on the way to my tax appointment and then when I arrived they didn’t have me on the schedule! It all worked out fine. We reviewed the numbers and double-checked some deductions that ended up giving me a much larger refund. I even made it to the post-office in time to drop off the returns; however I won’t hold my breath on getting a response in the standard 3 week timeframe.
Traditional a Mercury retrograde is a bad time for communications, business and travel. My experience yesterday is a case in point. You might want to wait until the end of the month to send in your tax refund. Computers and electronic equipment often have unexpected problems and crashes, so be sure to back-up often.
However retrogrades are a good time to review old projects, clean out your space, relax and meditate. Is there an old project that you’ve wanted to do for ages? Now is a time to take it off the back burner and pay it a little attention.
Maybe you’re going to Hawaii to get out of the city and enjoy natural scenery. Why rent your standard gas guzzling SUV? BioBeetles operates a rental car company that uses BioDiesel vehicles. BioDiesel cars run on 100% vegetable oil and burn cleaner from gasoline vehicles. If you've never heard of Bio-Diesel vehicles, this is a good introduction. They have recently opened their first location on the mainland – in Los Angeles.
I stumbled across this new television show called 
Here's the description from card #23: The Creator