Remember To Be Kind by Pamela Aloia

Remember to be kind.

In the midst of our hurried or focused moments, allow kindness to prevail.

Saw something posted on Facebook the other week that said “It’s better to be kind than to be right.”  Consider that for a moment. 

Reflect upon the kindness you share with your coworkers, your spouse/significant other, your kids, pets, strangers in the store, “crazy” drivers on the road, person sitting next to you on the plane, etc. 

Sometimes showing kindness takes some work to filter through the frustration or anger or disappointment we’re feeling.  Taking that time to filter is well worth it for we may never know how well placed the timing is for that kind moment.

Show kindness to yourself and others.  The world needs kindness so much more than meeting deadlines, or pressuring ourselves or kin to excel. 

Please – be kind.  🙂

– Pamela Aloia

Learn more about Pamela and what she can do for you at www.solangel.com
Check out her book “52 Pick Me Up” available worldwide!

 

Clearing Chakras by Pamela Aloia

Clearing Chakras

People often ask how to clear our chakras. While there are many ways to do so, and I offer a class surrounding that very topic, I will touch upon a two common ways to do so. 

First and foremost – doing something you love opens and clears our energy centers.  Nothing beats clearing the chakras than finding yourself in the moment, either working at something or not, when you attain a state where your mind is clear and your emotions are even and calm, and your body is relaxed.  Walking can do this for some people, listening to a certain type of music, gardening, etc.  The activities and non-activities that enable us to reach the place where absolute clarity and calm exist together, are wonderful ways to clear the chakras.

Another way is to focus on them through a form of meditation. With practice, anyone can feel or see or know what their chakras are doing. There are lots of wonderful chakra meditations and chakra sound/toning CDs to help nurture our wheels of energy. Listening to these pieces will help us become more aware of our chakra health and how to ease them into perfect alignment and existence – especially when we’re going through life challenges.

Working every day on your own chakras brings greater awareness of and all individual energy sessions involve chakra work as well.  Energy and chakra work can be done in person or remotely.

– Pamela Aloia

For more information on chakra balancing, chakra classes, or setting up an energy session with me, feel free to connect with me at lookinside@solangel.com.
Visit www.solangel.com
Check out Pamela’s book “52 Pick Me Up” available now worldwide

Chakra States by Pamela Aloia

Chakra States

By working with individuals and groups through my energy center, Sol Angel, one of the things we focus on during sessions, classes, and meditations is balancing our chakras. As many of us know, our chakras are wheels of energy that keep our bodies, minds, and spirits in balance.

Our chakras are fluid – just as our physical body moves, our emotions flow, and our thoughts race and slow down. Depending upon our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual states, our chakras will react accordingly – their openness differing, speed of spinning, where they face, etc. can all change with a simple thought or deep-seated emotion.

For example, if someone starts berating us for not doing a good job or messing up a project, our solar plexus chakra may typically respond in some fashion.  It might spin in a different direction, not spin at all, be partially open or closed, etc.

However if someone who loves us pays us a compliment or simply smiles or gives you a hug – your heart chakra is bound to respond by finding alignment, opening up, rounding out, etc.

We may have been in energy sessions or readings were someone tells us that our chakras are opened or closed, or facing to the side, or not spinning.  And that may very well be true.  However, while it may have been true at that moment, it does not mean they will stay the way.

Our chakras can be affected by our physical environment, our positive or negative thoughts, and many other factors. Knowing that our chakras are constantly in flux can help us understand how to better work with them for positive results.  We can also work to clear our chakras, or notice them and visualize them existing in the most pristine of fashion, so they can positively affect our mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical states as well. The relationship is bi-directional.

That is why chakra balancing meditations are so successful. We are able to adjust the chakras, and work through any energetic “stuff” that may be keeping them from functioning at their topmost level.

If for some reason, our chakras are staying in a specific state for an extended period of time, it may be helpful to have some energy work done (by yourself or a trusted energy practitioner) to clear whatever may be congesting that particular chakra.

Our next blog post on Chakras will be about clearing the chakras.

– Pamela Aloia
Learn more at www.solangel.com
Check out Pamela’s Book “52 Pick Me Up” – now available worldwide!

Chakra Basics by Pamela Aloia

Chakra Basics

Chakras are wheels of energy that help regulate the energy flow of our body.  Similar to the meridians in our body, chakras can become blocked by various factors that prevent them from functioning optimally. Our body is full of chakras – we have main chakras and many, many minor chakras.  For the point of brevity I will focus on the seven main chakras that are commonly discussed. The below indicates the physical location of the chakra.

Crown

Third Eye 

Throat 

Heart

Solar Plexus

Sacral

Root

Each chakra is associated with various physical and emotional aspects. There is plenty of corresponding information on the internet with regard to what each chakra represents and affects, so I will refrain from explaining that here.

The chakras are designed to be positioned in our centerline, along the spine for ease of reference.  The crown chakra is facing up above our head and the root chakra faces down to the ground.  All the other main chakras have two cone-shaped spirals of energy – one facing and extending out the front of the body, and the other extending out the back of our body. The smallest part of the cones of these chakras meets at the spine.

Healthy chakras are open and spin clockwise.  (The ones in the back also spin clockwise.) The “face” of the chakra should be parallel to the body and spinning at a decent rate. This rate will be different for everyone.  Each chakra may spin at different rates. Chakra size should be comparable to each other.

Some minor chakras worth mentioning are the navel chakra and the high heart chakra.  The navel chakra is positioned between the sacral and the solar plexus chakras; the high heart or thymus chakra is positioned in between the heart and the throat chakra. Minor chakras exist at the body joints as well.

If you want to learn more about your chakra and their health, a great way to start is working with chakra meditations. Regular practice of these meditations and other methods, help us become more sensitive to the our chakras’ energies.

Stay tuned for the next blog post on chakra states.

– Pamela Aloia

Check out more at www.solangel.com
Get a copy fo Pamela’s book “52 Pick Me Up“!

Discipline is the Refining Fire by Michael Aloia

Discipline is the Refining Fire

To be more exact, self-discipline is the refining fire by which our talent becomes ability. Without it, we remain raw and untapped – our potential never truly realized. Self-discipline gives us that edge – the focus, the will. It sets us on a path and keeps us from taking a wrong turn. Self-discipline is the spark to ignite progress when the flames begin to fade and fire seems to die out. Self-discipline sets us apart from the norm.  It keeps us hungry and it builds character. Self-discipline keeps us in the game long after everyone else has gone home or given up.

As the world watches its best athletes compete in the 2012 Summer Olympics, we all witness first-hand what self-discipline can achieve – it achieves greatness. This greatness is not necessarily determined by a gold or silver medal, but the sheer feat of being on an Olympic team. At that moment – win or lose – they are one of the best of the best. Achieved through self-discipline.

As we go through our daily lives, our own self-discipline standards and practices will play a major role in our ability to achieve. Again, it is not the difference between winning and losing, but the difference between who we are now and who we will become tomorrow.

Be the difference!

– Michael Aloia
Learn more at www.asahidojo.com
Check out Michael’s books: “How Aikido Can Change the World” and “Rescuer Mindset“

Today is Your Day by Michael Aloia

Today is Your Day

We often hear others who are about to embark on a new direction, a life modification or new perspective that they will begin their adventure tomorrow or the ever popular “Monday” start date. The question always seems to arise – “why not today?” Is today not good enough?  Is today too soon to make the first step?

The words of Ben Franklin always seem to ring out making it as true now at it was then: “Don’t put off tomorrow what you can do today”.  There is no time like the present.  To quote a line from the movie Rocky 3, “There is no tomorrow”. Though that may seem harsh and appear to be without hope, it is reality. Tomorrow has yet to be and sadly for some, may never come.  Putting something off until tomorrow creates a loop-hole in our commitment – an escape clause – an easy way out.

This is why today is the most important day of our lives. What better time to start something new or different than today? Why would we wait given the reality? Tomorrow never comes to those who choose not to live today. Today is what makes tomorrow worth living for.

Our day is today – seize the day!

– Michael Aloia

For more information or to get the book “How Aikido Can Change the World” visit www.asahidojo.com
Read other published articles by Michael here
Schedule a workshop or seminar with Michael– Contact us
Become an ASA/AUI Affiliate – Contact us

Spiritual Cravings

Spiritual Cravings

Remember that meditation is something that helps us get in touch with our inner selves – our inner thoughts, and most importantly, our inner feelings. Similar to what our bodies feel drawn to eat, our spirits are drawn to varying forms of meditations. One day our bodies may crave fruits or vegetables, and the next day, we crave protein. Similarly, one day our spirits may benefit from a chakra meditation and another day, a walk in nature.  There is no right or wrong way to meditate – to nurture our souls. Our spirits tell us what is needed to best benefit us in that moment. All we need is to be open and listen.

Take a few moments several times this week to take deep breaths until you feel more centered and open. Ask your mental body to take a 5-10 minute break.  🙂 Then feel what type of nurturing activity or non activity your spirit would like. Enjoy the process, have courage to follow through, and bask in the results!  

Namaste,

– Pamela Aloia

Check out more on Pamela including her book “52 Pick Me Up” at www.solangel.com

Real and Lasting

Real and Lasting

The founder of Aikido created a system, rooted in ancient ways but primarily based on his own martial experience and even more so heavily influenced by his personal spiritual and religious path.  His connection to those beliefs as well as his connection to the universe is often difficult for both outsiders and practitioners to comprehend fully.  In some regards, we will never truly understand since we did not walk in his geta.  However, the teachings of Aiki are universal and reflect more on the context of self than on the martial aspects.

There is conflict in us all and to deny otherwise is losing touch with ourselves.  True victory is self-victory – masakatsu agatu. To be able to move forward we must accept and embrace all that we are.  Though we are given, lead or shown the “way” does not always mean we will walk it. This is the human condition – this is the challenge we all face. Nevertheless, the path is always there for us to take – it is a matter of choice. We may not feel the same as or understand the Founder’s position, take or beliefs, yet that does not negate our own path and efforts. Consider, however, that our martial path is completely different from his.  His choice of art, style, culture and faith makes what is different the paramount difference. 

Take for example Karate and Aikido. The two arts, though born from the same culture, have completely different philosophies – two different ends of the spectrum.  One is to devastate – a winner and a loser – no equality, where the other is to enhance mutually – no winner or loser – each equal.  Given just this one aspect, coupled with the belief or philosophy of the West in being taught to stand our ground, win at all costs and that there is no one more important than me – then we may have an internal conflict which ultimately seems to find its way to the external.  Aiki poses this challenge to its practitioners.  How do we overcome ways of the mind and ego and permit ways of the spirit to flourish. The defeat of another is ultimately the defeat of one’s self. How do we find the equality in a situation, how do we both mutually benefit? 

Aikido is about strengthening “we” as the individual to enhance the quality of all life – not about winning in a fight. We must be honest with ourselves for it to be effective. Beating someone or hurting another is easy – we don’t need martial arts or budo training for that.  However, to make a real and lasting difference in ourselves and allow that difference to make an impact in another is extraordinary.  There are no competitions or trophies for such accomplishments. Thus, Aikido has no competitions or trophies. It is all personal achievement – often remaining without external praise or reward. 

The achievement is real and lasting and its personal.

 –        Michael Aloia

Michael is the Dojo Cho of the Asahi Schools of Aikido www.asahidojo.com and President of the non-profit organization Aikido United International www.aikidounited.org

Check out Michael’s book How Aikido Can Change the World

Cycle of Growth

Cycle of Growth

Allowing it to Grow
It starts with a spark of inspiration – an idea or thought.  If deemed appropriate, we firmly plant this thoughtform into our psyche.  While part of us would like instantaneous, ever expansive results, we know this thoughtform needs time to grow and develop.  We allow this thoughtform to germinate – no pressure or timeline applied. As it sprouts, we watch it pass through its many stages.  We guide it and let it unfold on its own course.  We find beauty and newness in each stage, allowing it to grow through its trials and successes, expanding its physical boundaries.

Constant Nourishing
As we allow this thoughtform space and time to grow, we nurture it along the way, best as possible.  We allow it to change course or exterior presentation, accepting it for what it is, realizing it is always in flux.  Through our consistent attention, feeding, and watering of positive thoughts and excitement surrounding the thoughtform, we constantly nourish its growth process.

Persistent Flow
Through appropriate allowing and nourishing we enable the thoughtform to expand and plateau on its own.  The periods of expansion and exposure allow it to spread its roots into other people’s psyche.  Its subtle plateaus allow it time to integrate and grow into its newfound space and freedom. 

Whispers in the Wind
The thoughtform experiences many iterations of ebbs and flows, growth spurts and plateaus.  We no longer hearken in vigilance of the process.  We are now one with the polarities; we are the ever-expanding thoughtform, and it is us.  We coexist, in complete harmony, and communicate through whispers in the wind. 

Being Aglow
As we reach new heights with our thoughtform and as its expansion continues to extend beyond our physical existence, the ease and light of our thoughtform illuminates us.  We radiate ease and light to those around us – we shine with confidence and heart.  We truly are aglow, sharing our light and experiences with everyone.

 – Pamela Aloia
Check out all of what Pamela has to offer including her book “52 Pick Me Up” at www.solangel.com

What We Make of It

What We Make of It

We all share the same path, yet we will all experience a different journey. This does not make it right or wrong or even less valuable.  Actually, the lessons learned on the path/journey are only truly valuable to the one who experiences them firsthand – the direct, personal contact that takes place. Through those experiences and more so how we choose to embrace them, or not, will not only affect us but also those around us. This is the ripple effect.

We often confuse the word “serve” with “servitude”. Though similar looking and sounding, each have a distinct definition and ideology attached. We are to serve the best interest of others – our fellow man, the community – the world.  But first we must serve the good of ourselves.  This means to do things that enhance us internally – building a better person – enhancing our character, strengthening our spirit, etc. Servitude means to be enslaved to another or thing. This could also denote a winner and loser concept. We are left with nothing else but to follow one way, giving up our own ability to make a real difference. Because of the often confusion of words and their meaning, people will often dismiss the idea of serving others or helping others unless it equates to some return gain to them.  However, the return gain is a better community – mutually finding a way – hence the ripple effect in action.

What Aikido was when it was created and what it has become and ultimately what it means to each of us are not one in the same.  Aikido is what we make of it, what we do for it and what it does for us. The definitive ripple effect in our lives.

– Michael Aloia

more info at www.asahidojo.com
Check out Michael’s book “How Aikido Can Change the World”
Michael is the School Director of the Asahi Schools of Aikido and President of Aikido United International – www.aikidounited.org