Mind Body Messenger
issue#4, August 2003

Keeping Up with Heather

Wow! I have gotten so much feedback on my last column. It seems that the experience of “one body, many selves” is one that many of you are exploring. In this issue of the Messenger, Christopher will be revealing more on this subject in his column.

For my column, I want to first remind you to take a good look at the ‘upcoming events’ calendar. We have some really exciting programs coming up, and we need your support to make these programs a success. As well, I am happy to announce some new developments.

Firstly, I am excited that a few of my articles on healthy lifestyles will be published in Family Circle magazine. These pieces should be appearing from October 2003.

Secondly, we are looking forward to offering our first in a series of Free Healing Circles at our home studio in Bulimba. These circles are open to all, both healers and general participants, and will be a fun, casual and interactive experience with healing, energy work, and metaphysics. Please RSVP your intent to join, and bring your friends!

Thirdly, we sadly inform our Canadian friends that we will not be travelling overseas this month. We have postponed our trip to January 2004. This means that we are happily informing our Australian friends that yoga classes, courses, and private sessions will be available in September in Australia. See upcoming events for more.

Finally, I have a simple concept for you to consider this month. This comes from a healing card that a friend emailed from Canada. Take some ‘time’ to contemplate…

Let go of time

• How much do you need to do today?
• Must you fill every moment to feel useful or productive?
• How much of your life is directed by time?

Answer these questions honestly.

Now, what have you been intending to do for yourself, that you don’t have the time for? My challenge to you this month is to add at least one element of your own personal growth journey to each day. This may be related to fitness, yoga, meditation, relaxation, organization, connecting with friends or family members, being alone in nature; whatever strategy you choose that you feel is the right step for you to take in this moment to continue on your journey of personal development. The assignment is not just to take action in your strategy, but when you are practicing your strategy, imagine you have all the time in the world to enjoy your walk, to surrender to your meditation, to learn in your course. Try not to think about stopping at the grocery store on the way home, or why your boss said what he/she did yesterday, or what you should be doing instead. Keep your awareness fully focussed on your practice. Then, when complete, you can go on with your day. Notice how different you feel after offering yourself this gift of awareness, attention, and focus. It is helpful to journal your results and experiences.

I look forward to receiving your feedback.

Namaste, Heather!

Fantastic Films

In our one-on-one work with our clients, we often recommend films in order to better experience and integrate particular concepts that have been brought up in a healing or private consultation. By popular demand, we have compiled a list of our favourites. It is important when you see these films that, rather than simple watching the film as a detached viewer, you put yourself into the role of the main character. This simple technique will help you to better under-stand and integrate the lessons in each film. Enjoy the following films on the subjects of reality; dreams; character; the negative ego; stalking oneself; and awakening or blending your inner child, all are available on video or DVD:

The Truman Show
The 13th Floor
Dark City
The Matrix
Pleasantville
Groundhog Day
Powder
Regarding Henry
Sliding Doors
The Game
The 13th Warrior
The Holy Man
Disney’s ‘The Kid’

As well, we have just seen two newer films that offered some amazing metaphysical concepts.

Run Lola Run written, directed and produced by TomTykwer and starring Franka Potente is a fast moving film that is said to explore the theme of “cause and effect”. It can also be said that the film explores the concept of alternate realities. An exciting film with “existential twists that boggle the mind”.

The Tracker, starring David Gulpilil is said to be a “clever, multi-layered story of white fanaticism and Aboriginal guile”. However, what I saw in this film is a man who has mastered the art of stalking himself (see Carlos Castaneda). It is a rare experience to observe a man who isn’t being directed by his ego, and this film offers an exquisite example. A must see for Self Mastery I and Self Mastery II students, and for anyone interested in seeing a real stalker in action.

We hope you enjoy these films, and please send us your suggestions for films with a strong metaphysical message. In the meantime, see you at the movies, Heather and Christopher!

The Power of Observation
by Christopher Lipscomb

Recently while taking a break at a shopping mall, I witnessed an energetic toddler running rampant amongst the lower shelves of a bookshop. Leaving a trail of destruction behind him, he raced ahead like a runaway train. For most inquisitive toddlers the sensory experience must have been amazing. Though much to the relief of the shop assistant, it was short lived, as Mum was just three steps behind and closing in fast. And, after a quick scuffle, order was again restored.

I sat there for a moment as the boy was being led away and my attention turned to my ‘to do’ list. Heather had just asked me a couple of days earlier to do a follow up piece to her ‘Which Self Do I Take To Yoga’ article, but inspiration wasn’t exactly knocking on my door. As usual, I was putting myself under so much pressure to come up with a mind-blowing idea that nothing seemed good enough. My approach to writing articles is a chaotic one at the best of times. I usually entertain so many ideas and themes all at once, that there seems to be a runaway toddler loose inside me too.

I peered back into the now deserted bookstore and realized the internal struggle I was having with my article was being reflected right here in front of me. The bookstore, with an abundance of resources to draw from, now resembled my mind. I observed these dynamics for a moment when a little light turned on inside me; suddenly everything began to slow down. I could see now that my enthusiasm to write was in the hands of an ‘immature self’ who wasn’t really going to get me anywhere. Just like the toddler, he was running around mindlessly grabbing themes and concepts while my doting conscience followed close behind wondering how to make some sense of the mess! I began to observe the patterns, exposing the ways I sabotage myself from communicating thoughts and feelings on paper. In person and during workshops, I’m quite the performer; confidant and comfortable putting across my point of view. But, while preparing to express on paper, another ‘me’ takes over. Some of these manifestations include, “I’m just not smart enough”. “No-one will read this”. “It’s not perfect, so why bother?” “What was I trying to say again?” etc, etc.

By now I could see that what I needed more than anything was to allow a far more conversant part of me to emerge. An ally whom, without crushing my spirit, could bring the best out of me with the littlest amount of fuss. I let myself become conscious of these dynamics purely by observing why there was so much resistance to getting to the point I’m at right now. The clues were all there but I wasn’t doing anything about them, preferring to beat myself up instead of responding. Each one of these resistances could be easily enough dealt with, though the major problem was the way I was rushing the process and not allowing greater wisdom to guide me.

As simple as it might sound, taking time to see which part of ‘you’ is directing your awareness is a powerful and effective technique. To ‘Know Thy Self’, is essential, because the persona we entertain the most is the window through which we perceive our world. This is a concept that I will discuss further in my next article. For now, I will introduce this theme through the words of Ghandi, who said “become the person you want your world to be,” and then demonstrated this by being true to his conscience. My true conscience (and yours) has nothing to do with being spiteful, egotistical, needy, vengeful, inconsiderate or petty, so why do we allow ourselves to be so? The power to observe oneself gives you the room to catch these parts of you in action, but more importantly to then do something about it! These exercises will help you to not only become more conscious of your ‘selves’, but will help you to access your higher self, making better choices, decisions, and seeing more clearly your direction in life.

5 ways to observe yourself and become more conscious in everyday life:

1. Listen without judgement. Try not to analyse, judge, criticize, or formulate your own next thought while you are listening.
2. Wait 3 seconds before engaging your mouth.
3. Don’t initiate any unnecessary conversation (ie: talking just to fill the void).
4. Try to determine which ‘self’ is perpetrating a particular habit (ie: biting your nails, gambling, overeating, worrying, gossiping).
5. Observe your tendency to take certain circumstances too seriously. When you find yourself dwelling in worry or concern, take a “nature break”; stand barefoot in the grass, wash your hands and feet in cold water, close your eyes and turn your face to the sun, or go hug a tree. Observe your response as nature soothes your concern.

Amazing! Amidst all this self-reflection I still got my article done. C.

Upcoming Events

Brisbane, August 2003

Healing Circle

In a commitment to support the apprenticeships of graduates of The Energetic Healing, as well as offering an introduction to metaphysics and energetic healing to all of our students, we are launching a series of Free Healing Circles. The evenings will include a short discourse on concepts in healing and metaphysics such as working with chakras; energy balancing; understanding illness and dis-ease. The evening will also include an opportunity for everyone to receive a group healing. Graduates of The Energetic Healing are encouraged to attend and offer a private healing to any interested participants. If you would like to attend as a Healer or as a Participant, please contact Heather at heather@yogatrinity.com If you would like to attend as a Participant and receive a private healing from an apprentice, please indicate your interest. Space is limited, so please express your intent ASAP.

• Dates: September 11, 2003 (following dates: Oct 23, Dec 4, Feb 5, Mar 18)
• Time: 7:00-10:00pm
• Location: 2/459 Hawthorne Road, Bulimba (corner of Hawthorne and Nora)
• Cost: Free

Please bring: pen and paper, light refreshment to share, a massage table if you plan to offer a Healing.

RSVP: (07) 3899 8769 or heather@yogatrinity.com

Bioenergetics and Metamorphic Technique

Two unique techniques that will help neutralize the blockages that limit your ability to be vibrantly health and alive. Bioenergetics combines yoga postures, breath-work, and sound to break the blockages in your body relating to energy, sexuality, fears, unexpressed emotion, and worldly pressures. Metamorphic is a massage technique that helps to gently release blockages, ideal to share with your children, spouse, friends, and healing circle. Active Life Staff 50% off!

• Date: August 17, 2003
• Time: 12:00-4:00pm
• Location: Active Life Fitness, 228 Wynnum Road, Hawthorne
• Cost: $80, includes information booklets.

Self Mastery One

What will you experience and learn in Self Mastery? Experience Relaxation, Understand Responsibility, Give yourself Permission to Enjoy Life, Tap into Your Intuition, Overcome your Fears, Become Aware of the Magic around you, and Open your Beliefs to new ideas and new possibilities in a fun and safe environment.

Afternoon Session

• Dates: August 26-September 16 (Tues & Thurs)
• Time: 10:00am-2:00pm (to be confirmed)
• Location: 2/459 Hawthorne Road, Bulimba
• Cost: $400 ($375 Early Bird, cash only, by August 15)

Evening Session

• Dates: August 20-September 10 (Mon & Wed)
• Time: 6:30-10:30pm
• Location: 2/459 Hawthorne Road, Bulimba
• Cost: $400 ($375 Early Bird, cash only, by August 15)

Become the ‘author of your reality’ in this experiential course that offers YOU the keys to Self Mastery. For more information please contact heather@yogatrinity.com

The Practice of Yoga – Beyond the Asanas

This monthly workshop series will explore the art, science, and philosophy of yoga that will extend your yoga practice far beyond the physical postures into a magical exploration of a system that has been practiced for thousands of years. Each workshop will include a 20minute physical practice to loosen the body followed by discussion and practice of many forms of yoga, important figures in yoga history, breath-work, chanting, and meditation. Not only will you enjoy a powerful experience in this workshop, but you will have concepts, techniques, and practices to take home. Available to all levels.

• Date: 1st Tues of every month, beginning Tues Sept 2
• Time: 7:30-9:30pm (refreshments after class)
• Location: 2/459 Hawthorne Road, Bulimba
• Cost: $20 per class, or $60 for 4 classes.
• Facilitator: Heather Agnew