Brad4d Savasana

As I watch a movie about the existence of angels, it calls to mind some of the things that I believe. Your beliefs might not have evidence, but ask yourself—do your beliefs inspire you to be a kinder, more peaceful person to others? Do your beliefs bring you a state of calm?

Rather than speak from your reaction, it is better to pause and choose the right words to facilitate understanding and compassion. Tolstoy says sometimes it’s best to be silent.

Martin Luther King gave his life in service of a greater mission. Great leaders transcend their ego and seek to bridge people, cultures, and nations. James Taylor echoes this sentiment in his song, Shed A Little Light, which starts with the words, “Let us turn our thoughts today to Martin Luther King.”

Making a tough drive in hazardous conditions cultivates a sense of awareness and concentration. It’s a good practice for living.

As many people’s New Year’s resolutions begin to wane, we can always begin again. Rather than setting a date to do something, why not start now? If you don’t succeed today, take heart—you can always start again tomorrow, or in an hour.

Certain places can exude magic if you tune in. I found a blissful connection visiting Concord, Massachusetts, especially Walden Pond. This is a short passage from Thoreau.

We can try to prove someone wrong, we can argue our point of view, or we can throw a tantrum or bully others to get our way. It means nothing if it doesn’t bring us together. Our political, religious or cultural views may differ, but we can remember that we are all connected through our spirit.

Rather than being aversive to pain, ask it what it can teach you. Iyengar tells us that “pain is your guru” in his book, “Light on Yoga.”

During our daily grind, taking a brief moment of pause pulls us out of a state of reactivity and into a state of receptivity. Tara Brach writes about the Sacred Pause in her book, Radical Acceptance.

Ram Dass’ Love, Serve, Remember Foundation keeps his spirit alive by reposting his blogs, articles and archives. This is a letter of encouragement to keep our hearts open to compassionate action in the world.

This passage from the Mundaka Upanishad honors how deep, how wide is the Lord of Love. Although this part of Indian spirituality, it resonates the Psalms of David. This translation is by Eknath Easwaran

In our hurried and distracted world, it’s important to find moments of silence. Thomas Merton writes about silence in his book, “Love and Living.”

Most of us might be aware of our physical bodies, especially when we experience pain. Have you developed an awareness of your “inner body?” This passage from Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth” gives us a simple method of becoming aware of our energy body.

We often feel powerless to effect change in the world. Wayne Dyer, in his book “Your Sacred Self,” maintains that following our spiritual quest actually transforms our collective spiritual deficit.

Although we might find comfort with others, it’s important for us to spend time alone. The ego finds it uncomfortable, but our authentic self breathes fresh air, unencumbered from societal expectations. This passage is from Osho’s book, “Love, Freedom, and Aloneness.”

We easily get caught up in labeling ourselves and others without considering our paradoxical nature. Richard Rohr writes about the need for nondualistic thinking in our society.

Our ego taunts us to make choices that give temporary pleasure, but eventual pain. Isaiah 60 tells us to “rise up in splendor.”

Karma is misunderstood as a powerful force of judgment. It is more about what types of seeds we choose to plant in our world. This passage is from Nischala Joy Devi’s “The Secret Power of Yoga.”

I find it interesting that so many people are attached to traditions that no longer serve. They hold fast and cling to things that no longer serve a purpose. Anthony de Mello echoes this sentiment in this parable.

Hugh Prather’s “Little Book of Letting Go” gives methods in releasing what binds us. This passage is about the tyrant that runs our lives, the ego.

Anthony de Mello recalls the story of the mystical temple bells in his book, “Song of the Bird.” It’s a story of deep faith and mindfulness.

Swami Satchidananda taught many ancient concepts in “a new wrapper.” His book, “To Know Your Self,” has many relatable essays about modern life. To attain peace of mind, choose a beautiful thought.

Life can seem like a roller coaster. We encounter a thrill ride of ups and downs. The Yoga Sutras remind us that if we want to shine our inner light, we should seek balance, not letting the thrills disturb our inner calm.

We use “love” to describe feelings between family members or romantic couples. It is much deeper and more eternal than that. This is the famous passage from 1 Corinthians 13.

During times of excess, we feel the need to “do without” to restore a sense of balance in our lives. Deepak Chopra emphasizes that we should look at our lives and communities with this same sense of wholeness. This passage is from “The Shadow Effect.”