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BODHI Article

A New Year’s Revolution

Imagine please a New Year’s resolution list with nothing to do. No place to go to, no financial pursuits, no weight gain or loss objectives, no relationship goals. Nothing to do.

In formulating a New Year’s resolution, the impulse is to resolve to do something desirable; to achieve a meaningful tangible, measurable goal. This brings with it certain inherent limitations. Firstly, a year is a mighty long time for the mind to forget the best of intentions.

Also, by setting just one result oriented goal, one has simultaneously negated all other possibilities that may arise along the way. The best that can be achieved is the success of that one particular thing. The scope of what is possible becomes diminished to just that result.

Thirdly, result based intentions can be frustrating because they are not under our direct control. The best of skill and effort may not fruition into the desired results, perhaps due to circumstances beyond one’s conscious control.

Finally, these resolutions are often heavy with the sense of incompleteness. “If only I had this, I would be complete”. The desire for it, the need to cling to it, the anxiety of losing it and the despair of eventual loss is the source of suffering.

To join the New Year’s Revolution, cast this impulse aside (just lie down and wait for it to pass!). For this year, let us simply appreciate and support what is already there. Here is one way:

• Let the ‘to do’ become ‘to be’. To be present, peaceful, healthy, inspired and kind with what is already there, starting with yourself.

• Reflect on why these qualities may be meaningful for you. Accept the answers that present themselves and go deeper.

• Observe the unlimited creativity, potential and possibilities that are released by this practice, far beyond what can presently be imagined. Observe this dispassionately.

• Notice how much lighter this is. It is the essence of true creativity and growth. Notice this innocently.

• Take it one day at a time. Align with this intention every morning:

Just for today, I will live with gratitude
Just for today, I will not worry
Just for today, I will not anger
Just for today, I will do my work honestly
Just for today, I will show love and respect for every living being

May you enjoy all that is born from this New Year’s Revolution in the years ahead,

Namaste
Bhaskar, founder of BODHI

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BODHI News

BODHI : my yoga space

Unveiling our beautiful new yoga practice center!
5B-5 rue Commercial, Roxboro, QC, H8Y 2N9

bodhiprinciple.com/myyogaspace.htm

The BODHI philosophy and excellent community of teachers are now in service to the public. 2 min walk from Roxboro-Pierrefonds train and bus station!

BODHI : Take your practice with you

A free reference video of BODHI Open Yoga : for every body CD is now available for download at: bodhiprinciple.com/OpenYogaCD.htm

This reference video was recorded spontaneously on-site in a corporate office, at the request of a BODHI program participant. The CD can be timed to this video for a visual reference to the guidance. Please use it for this purpose only and do not practice to the video alone. The audio guidance is vital and yoga, being an introspective process, is best practiced with the eyes closed.

Public Workshops : Mindfulness Practice in Turbulent Times

Please contact us for details : 514 944 5346

Sample feedbacks:
• “I want to help myself eliminate the anger and the negative emotions that I have. You, with the little session we had, showed the way. Thank you.”
• “You are a calmly inspirational person, Thank you. Now, following this inspirational presentation I will introduce yoga in my life as a way to become more respectful and peaceful.”
• “The thoughts inspired me to look at ways to improve my life and my family’s.”
• “Thank you so much. You are just what the doctor ordered. It was very refreshing.”
• “Your approach with the body and energy is so unique and, the way you communicate the principles of breathing and stretching, concentration and visualization, we feel better already. Thank you for this very enlightening experience.”

BODHI Corporate yoga program

“I do not have aspirations to become a yogi or to be very flexible. I enjoy the classes because they make me feel good. It is my sanctuary. It is where I relax and realign soul, mind and body. The teacher is caring, happy, peaceful and trouble free. I like to have this in my life.”
– Mme. Chantal Lagacé, Director of Marketing, Desjardins, BODHI program participant.

It is a privilege to be of service in several companies including the icons of Montreal corporate culture : Desjardins, Bombardier and Hydro Quebec.

Take this step towards a healthier lifestyle at your work. Enjoy deep relaxation, increased flexibility, toned muscles and reduced stress. To find out more, please visit : www.bodhiprinciple.com

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Practical Tip

Word Power

Renown yoga master Swami Prabhavananda has said that all speech must have three qualities before it is found to be worthy of utterance:

Truthful, pleasant and of benefit

If one needs to be compromised for sake of the other, silence is recommended. It is also of great personal benefit and joy to be in the company of people that practice this simple principle.

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Word of the Season

Shanti – Peace (in the entirety of one’s being: body, speech and mind), tranquility; absence of suffering; state in which one experiences inner contentment regardless of external circumstance.

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Quote of the Season

“If you can meet with triumph and disaster, and treat those two imposters just the same.”

– Rudyard Kipling (as written in gold above the player’s entrance to Wimbledon center court)

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Joke of the Season

I went to my yoga master and asked her, “great master, show me the place of perfect peace”.

She replied, “If I showed it to you, it will not be peaceful anymore!”.

.

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Recipe of the Season (from ‘Sivananda Recipes’)

Carrot Cake

100g (31/2 oz / ¾ cups) raisins

200g (7 oz / 1 1/2cups) plain flour
150g (5oz / 1cup) grated carrots

1 table spoon arrow root
150ml (5 fl oz / 2/3 cup) water

½ tsp each ground nutmeg &
4 tablespoons of honey cinnamon
50g (2 oz / ¼ cup) mocovado sugar

2 tablespoons baking powder
50g butter

* Melting method
* Cake tin: one 18x25 cm (7”x10”) rectangular tin, greased and floured
* Oven temperature: 180F / gas mark 4
* Baking time: 45 – 50 minutes.

1. In a saucepan boil the raisins and the grated carrot in the water for 5 min. Remove from the heat and mix in the honey, butter and sugar. Allow to cool.
2. In a mixing bowl, sift the flour, arrowroot, nutmeg, cinnamon and baking powder.
3. Make a well in the centre and pour in the wet mixture. Beat with a spoon for one minute. Turn into the prepared cake tin and bake for 45 min. check if the centre of the cake is dry. If is not, leave for a few minutes longer.
4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 10 min. Turn out onto a wire cooling rack. When cold cut into squares.

Bon Appetit!

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