March 2007 Issue 45

Keeping up with Heather

Hello Friends,

March promises to bring us much rain in Australia, a blessing in a country that has suffered from drought for many years. Rain is also considered a blessing in many indigenous traditions, as water is thought to cleanse the land, purify the minds of the people, and provide nourishment for our dreams and goals.

When we dream, intend, imagine or visualize, those "seeds" that we plant with our intentions need the light of awareness and the nourishment of water to grow and materialize. As well, these seeds need the earthly foundation of taking action in your daily life in order to produce the fruit or rewards that you are seeking. A recent film, "The Secret", is making waves around the world as it helps us to understand how the power of intention really works. "The Secret" is a film based on ancient teachings that helps us to understand that through the Law of Attraction, we can make manifest anything we wish. Having been a Rosicrucian student for a few years, this has been a part of my studies and is not entirely new to me, but "The Secret" has served as a good reminder that worry and doubt are the enemies of creation, and if we want to create happiness and fulfillment in our lives, positive thinking is the key.

At first glance "The Secret" offers a somewhat superficial and materialistic approach to this ancient and powerful natural law. I found it a disappointing film in that the approach suggested was to use the Law of Attraction for short term material gain. We are living in a world now where we continue to try to find happiness and fulfillment outside of ourselves with impermanent things; money, cars, relationships, jobs, status. In Yogic philosophy it is the attachment to these impermanent things that serves as an invisible tether to each and every one of us, trapping us in the suffering of never finding satisfaction because we are looking in the wrong places. And, this is where I made the mistake of disregarding the film on this point. What's the point in helping people to get what they want when they don't even know what they really want, and will simply fill their lives with "stuff" as an alternative. Well, how short-sighted could I be? Luckily some other wise people in my life have encouraged me to take a second look...and they were right. If "The Secret" can fulfill the most immediate and short-sighted goals, it can also help us to reach our loftiest goals.

The film tell us that we can have anything our hearts desire using "The Secret", well if I want something more than a few bucks and a new car...then I can use "The Secret" to achieve it. If I think my aims are loftier (quite a judgment I know) than I can simply use "The Secret" to aim higher. An end to global warming, world peace, health and well-being for all, and self-actualization as my own personal goal...these can all be realized using "The Secret".

My resistance to "The Secret" was just one of the many possible obstacles that appear when we are faced with the news that we can take responsibility for the circumstances in our lives. The biggest resistance is doubt. And, there are many people out there who doubt the power of the Law of Attraction. So, for those of you who are skeptics, I suggest you give "The Secret" a scientific experiment. Borrow someone's copy, pay attention to the details and then use "The Secret". Ask for something small, do this with sincerity, and see what happens. You may actually get what you want. And really, which would you rather, to continue to be a skeptic, or to be a realist with the power to make your dreams come true?

The Secret is available around the world in both DVD and in a book form. I do hope that you enjoy watching/reading, and of course enjoy your creative manifesting. Remember though, be careful what you wish for...because you will most certainly get it!

Namaste, Heather.

Ten Things To Do To Make "The Secret" Work for You.

Here are ten simple things you can do to start using "The Secret" in your everyday life.

Know What You Want: Make a list of what you would like to experience or achieve. Get clear on your goals, and go for details as much as possible, for instance:

"I want to be a healthier, more energetic, more active person."

Know Why You Want It: Make a list of reasons why you want to achieve your goal, and include reasons why you deserve it, why this experience is one that you can have now in your life, for instance:

"I want to live longer, have less aches and pains, feel younger and more supple, be able to hike or play sports with enjoyment, be leaner, feel more connected to and comfortable in my body, have enough energy to do all the things I want to do in a day... "

Know How You Will Get There: Intention is great, but along with your powerful intentions, you must take some action to bring these goals into your reality. Live as though you already are experiencing your dreams and goals, for instance, if your goals are health related, along with your intentions and visualizations you could start exercising, let go of the television remote and get actively involved in your community's leisure and recreational activities, eat the way a healthy person eats, take some classes that will help you to understand your body better, buy the clothes and equipment that will assist you, start journaling your eating, exercising and energy levels to better understand your body's rhythms, pay attention and become aware of what you can do to help your body achieve your goals.

Doubt Your Doubts: Especially if we want to overcome habits or thought patterns that we have held for a long time, we must become conscious of our doubts, and make it a habit to "doubt our doubts". Whenever a thought enters your mind that you can't achieve your goal, remind yourself of the reasons why you can, and turn that negative thought into a positive. Remind yourself that you can create anything you want, and this will become the new thought pattern in your mind, and it is one that will serve you much better than your doubts ever could.

Use the "As If" Principal: In your language to yourself, and in your imagination act as though it is already the truth. You are already experiencing what you wish to achieve in your life. You can do this by phrasing your goals differently: "I am an active, energetic and vibrantly healthy person", or "I have a career that fulfills me and helps me to grow". This simple change in language tells your subconscious mind to hurry up and make this your reality, and helps to reduce the excuses that your mind will create as to how long it will take and how hard it will be.

Choose an Attitude of Gratitude: Along with the "as if" principal, it is important to maintain a sincere feeling of gratitude for all that you have, and for receiving all that you wish for. Being grateful for the opportunity to dream, feeling grateful to receive your dreams and wishes will magnify your intentions, and help you to maintain a positive attitude, and support the Law of Attraction as you manifest all that you intent.

Let Go of Your Preconceptions: Let go of the idea that you have to know how this will happen and when. Trying to control the universe in this way just sets up road blocks and robs you of the power to make your dreams a reality. You don't know how your dream will be fulfilled, but if you want to speed up the process, take positive steps towards your goal, rather than speculating and expecting the worst.

Plant Your Seeds Daily: Take some time every day to imagine life as you wish it to be. Think it, see it, taste it, touch it, feel it, hear it. Use all your senses, as well as the emotion that you will feel when you reach your goal. That "feeling" energy will help to supercharge your visualization. Surround yourself with images that reinforce your goal. For instance, turn a bulletin board into a collage of pictures of the person you want to be. Healthy bodies, healthy lifestyles, words that inspire you to go for it. It may sound like "kid stuff", but it will be a tangible reminder to you of what you want, and will feed your subconscious mind the pictures that it needs to make your dreams a reality.

Know When to Share: Some people in your life will be totally inspired by seeing The Secret and by hearing your successes, but others may not be interested or ready. Remember to use your enthusiasm to fuel your own dreams, and let others find their own path if that's what they choose. Know when to share your ideas and inspirations, and when to keep them to yourself. If someone in your life is skeptical, you don't have to talk to them about The Secret. In fact, their lack of belief may cause you to doubt your process. And, that last thing that we want is for our personal (and private) growth to be a cause of friction in our relationships. Others will come to their own unique understanding in their own time. They might just have another way of going about things. Always keep in mind that just because someone is not on your path, doesn't mean they aren't taking the journey.

Learn More: You can learn more about the Law of Attraction and the Power of Intention with the following resources:

• Power of Intention, Wayne Dyer
• The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, Joseph Murphy
• The Lost Mode of Prayer, Gregg Bradden
• The Teachings of the Ancient Mystical Order of the Rose Cross (The Rosicrucian Order) www.amorc.org
• What the Bleep Do We Know (DVD)

Have you seen "The Secret"? Have a story to share? Please send your Secret Success to heather@yogatrinity.com and we will use your story to help inspire others in their lives.

Red Lentil Dhal

Rich in protein and fibre, low GI, and deliciously spiced, Dhal is a staple of the Indian diet, and could become a family favorite in your home too. Serves well with rice or naan, with a simple cucumber, yogurt and lemon juice salad on the side.

• 500g red lentils
• 5 cloves
• 1 tsp cumin powder
• ½ tsp cardamom powder
• 1 bay leaves
• 2 garlic cloves peeled and well crushed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small green chilli, finely sliced
• salt to taste
• 1 carrot sliced
• 1 zucchini sliced
• ½ head of broccoli, roughly chopped

1) In a large pot, add dried lentils, 1 litre of water, 2 bay leaves and salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 20 minutes.

2) In a separate pan heat oil and add cloves, chilli, spices, and garlic. Fry until aroma is released then add spices to lentil mixture and stir well so spices permeate through lentils.

3) Place carrot, zucchini and broccoli in with the spiced lentils and cook on low heat for about 2 minutes or until veggies are tender. Serve hot and enjoy.

Date Changes:

Change is in the air, and we are in the process of rescheduling our July Yoga Teacher Training Retreat to May/June, and we hope you will join us. We are looking forward to an inspiring and transformative month of Yoga, learning, personal growth, and the achievement of your dream to become a Registered Yoga Instructor. An email next week will confirm all the details, or you can stay posted by visiting our Teacher Training page at www.yogatrinity.com

Upcoming Events

Yoga Classes Canberra

Yoga and Pilates Classes continue until April 19, join anytime!

• Venue: ACT Aboriginal Cultural Centre, Yarramundi Reach, ACT
• Location: On Lady Denman Drive btwn Clunies Ross/Parkes Way & Tuggeranong Pkwy - totem poles out front
• Cost: $15 drop in or Pre-booking and Prepayment: $12 per class 1 class/week, $10 per class 2+classes/week

Schedule:

• Tues: 6pm Core Yoga, 7:15pm Hatha Yoga
• Wed: 6pm Hatha Yoga (Beginners), 7:15pm Ashtanga Yoga (Intermediate)
• Thurs: 6pm Core Yoga, 7:15pm Hatha Yoga

For details, class descriptions and registration information please visit http://www.yogatrinity.com/schedule.html

YTT Canada

There is an opportunity for another Yoga Teacher Training program in Tottenham, Ontario Canada this autumn, so if you are interested in taking part in this unique program, and becoming a Registered Yoga Instructor, please contact Shira Harrison MacIntyre of Balance Yoga Studio at info@balanceyogastudio.ca or write to heather@yogatrinity.com.

Sanskrit Glossary:

Ekam Sat, Vipra Bahuda Vadanti: There is but one reality, though the wise speak of it in many ways.

Thoughts On...Relaxation

Most of us have carried subtle tensions for so many years that we’ve forgotten what real relaxation is. Rather than a temporary state achieved by dissipating knotted energy, it is a continual enjoyment of muscular tension and high energy at the same time.
Dan Millman, Body Mind Mastery

The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.
Sydney J. Harris

Never tell yourself ‘I can’t relax and enjoy myself until…’ Relax and enjoy while you are in the middle of things.
Andrew Matthews – Follow Your Heart

A good rest is half the work.
Yugoslav Proverb

I still need more healthy rest in order to work at my best. My health is the main capital I have and I want to administer it intelligently.
Ernest Hemingway