You don't have to Shut Your Mind off to Meditate- Learn 3 simple tools to help your meditation practice

Having one point of focus is the fundamental necessity to still the mind. The "monkey" mind as it is often referred to in the Buddhist and eastern philosophical circles, is just as the label implies, jumpy and erratic.

It will jump from idea to thought to belief, just as our ape friends hang from branch to branch in the jungle. Mind activity is infinite, and that is the very nature of our mind. So I am not suggesting that we need to change it so much so our reaction to it.

Allow the mind to do its thing. But notice the thoughts, and try to observe them rather than become engaged to them in a manner that pulls you out of conscious awareness.

This takes practice and a willingness to believe in your process.

It won't happen overnight. Your mind is so gifted at throwing at you all kinds of thoughts that then become scenarios, that then become almost entire story lines. We get so pulled into the story, that we lose our connection to the awareness lying beneath the automatic thought patterns. This is what is called delusion, or total identification with the Ego mind.

So "Core Connection" brings us to awaken from this delusion and realize we are not our thoughts, or what the mind would like to make us believe we are. We are the essence that observes that mind doing the monkey thing.

That is the key.

Confused a little? This may sound very abstract, so really the only way to truly experience this practice is to practice.

How do we "Core Connect"?

To simplify things (at least for those of you who are beginning meditation and just discovering you are on a spiritual path), begin with the following 3 key practices and begin finding stillness and some relief from your mind matters.

1) Stop and get still:

It is really plain and simple. You need to make time, even 5 minutes in the beginning is a great start. You need to stop your physical body, and sit preferably crossed legged on a pillow or chair. We are a society of multi tasking addicts, and that encourages us to never truly be focused and still. So shut off the cell, the computer, and stop moving and DOING. You are thus learning the art of BEING.

2) Choose the breath as your FOCUS:

So just because you sat your arse down, doesn't mean the mind will follow and stop. Actually, it may appear to be even more active, only because you aren't moving and distracting yourself with a hundred other things. So the answer is to choose a FOCUS. One solitary thing to feel and experience. The breath is most effective focal point you can choose.

3) The quality of the breath:

So what do I mean by focusing on the breath? I give entire workshops on this specific tool or process. For now just choose one QUALITY of the breath to focus on. So you may want to feel the temperature of the inhale and how it differs from the exhale. You may want to just feel the expansion of every inhalation and the opposite sensation of the contraction of the exhalation. Or simply listening to the breath.

As you practice you develop more steadiness and can incorporate other ways. Such as inhaling a feeling, such as gratitude and then exhaling joy back to the space. This is a type of Shambhala inspired technique I learned . Just choose something you feel comfortable with.

The goal is not to stop thinking.

To get "somewhere" or get "good at meditating". That is all ego crap. The goal is simply to be present and aware of what your mind is doing, BUT without getting pulled into it and lost in the charge of the thoughts your mind will put forth.

Watch, observe, and watch some more. Be still and present for yourself. That is meditation in a nutshell.

Questions? Ask away!

For now happy sitting,

Namaste

Piera

Solo and directed

I'm single, solo and a one woman show. It sometimes feels really hard going at it alone. But am I actually alone?

No. I have a great social network of friends and solid family support. I'm not alone for the holidays, or to the parties I'm invited to, my hospice work definitely reminds me of my connection to humanity, and my work is constantly engaging me in new relationships and professional networks.

No I'm not alone. But I do get lonely.

Or perhaps more accurately my mind would like me to believe I'm lonely and in need of a partner. And yes having one isn't bad, but sometimes it doesn't necessarily mean it's better.

There is an italian expression my amazing sicilian grandmother used to always say to me, "meglio sola che mal accompagnata". Translated: Better to be alone than in bad company. She never pressured me to get married and get on with it. Definitely an aware woman.

Sometimes we need to go at it alone. It's one way the Universe tests us. It's a toughie for sure. But it teaches us we are self sufficient, and we realize we are able to live this crazy life with our inner strength and spirit as our mode de operandi and not from external influences.

Ask any single mom, widow, divorcee or thirty something that often is surrounded by mommies and daddies whose ego likes to convince them their life is richer, sacrificial and more noble than someone who hasn't decided to go that route, what it feels like. It's not the easiest lesson, but once you learn it's so darn gratifying.

Believing being solo is sad is the Ego. It's Ego's BS. Plain and simple.

Being solo doesn't mean someone is less giving or less generous. Mother Teresa is a prime example. We choose to devote ourselves to what we feel is worthy and what matters most.

Well that would be the enlightened way.

Unfortunately many feel they need to have the corporate job, be the supermom or dad domestically and otherwise, have the 3 car garage, have 3 kids, the million dollar home they rarely live in and the shiny big SUV.

This is the "I" or the ego that wants this identity. But if that means you are miserable in the process, fighting with your spouse, hardly able to spend quality time with those 3 kids and partner, and have barely enough time to sit in your million dollar home, who are you really fulfilling?

My good friend Vicki said to me yesterday, "You can be lonely, and miserable solo. Or you can be "solo and directed". There is a difference.

Brilliant!

We can choose to live single or solo, and yet be directed from our inner essence. That could be the most gratifying life possible. Because you live from your authentic Self, living your purpose and ultimately doing WHAT MATTERS MOST to you and fulfilling our obligation to the bigger picture.

You can give to your community, and those who are in need the love, support and food they need to survive and not feel alone. Then you realize your potential to make a difference on this planet, that goes beyond the house, cars and Louis Vittons on our shoulders.

That's not to say you can't do that with a partner by your side, a family, and the white picket fence deal. You just have to come from an authentic intention about why you want those things in your life. Is it for you, or your mama and papa, is it because your girlfriends have it, society tells you that is what is "normal" and you won't be "someone" if you don't have it?

Every word, thought and action must be congruent with your truth and purpose for living.

Otherwise you are living a facade. You are faking your happiness and that ultimately boils down to being the impostor you have to live with. Then you are really solo and undirected.

I'd rather be solo, and directed.

Namaste

Piera

Dis-ease: Why do we get sick? Learn how to prevent and heal disease!

Within the past few months, several of my family members and a few friends have been diagnosed with certain illnesses and pathologies. Even though I work with chronically ill and terminal patients, I never am immune to feeling compassion and a sense of confusion. When it hits home, it is all the more distressing. It seems to bring to the surface a sense of feeling things are just so unjust, and "don't make sense".

But they do. It is what is presently needing ATTENTION.

Disease often and unfortunately, awakens people to what needs attention, care and ultimately LOVE. So I will go as far as to state, that disease results when we have lost AWARENESS in our lives. The awareness of our body, our mind, and most importantly our spirit.

And when we have not consciously connected to our higher Self.

I nor alternative medicine can explain the exact cause or reason as to why we get sick or develop terminal disease. There is no one explanation because every human being is as diverse as the snowflakes that fall from the sky.

However we all embody a "Vital Force", which is a term I learned in Homeopathic College. This "force" is not a woo woo new age term. It is what animates you. It is what differentiates you, a living being from a dead body.

Historically it was thought that the heart is what was responsible for keeping us alive. Yes, it is a vital organ that is central to our health and wellness. However, what is it that keeps that heart ticking? What allows your heart to emit electrical impulses. pump your blood and oxygen throughout your body?

Hard to define when you can't see the vital force, measure it or put it in a test tube. But it lies at the very core of your being, and is responsible for keeping you in homeostasis or balance so that you heal and even prevent disease.

So why then do people get cancer? Get a heart attack and suffer chronic pain and degeneration?

I believe that disease is a result or manifestation of a long standing disharmony within. Yes there are cases where children fall ill and genetic disorders cause physiological derangements which lead to illness.

But let's put those cases aside and look at the majority of chronic illness and disease.

Disease is a result of an accumulation of not being Core Connected. What causes us to be disconnected to our higher Self?

• Repression: When we don't honour our emotions, by releasing them in healthy ways we develop disease.

• When we live in isolation, or with feelings of hopelessness and being unsupported we may develop disease.

• When we reject our Truth and our Soul's calling to live our life purpose because we allow others or even our own resistance to get in the way, we develop disease.

• When we live with resentment or anger towards others or ourselves we develop disease.

• When we act out of greed, dishonesty, and unloving intentions towards others, we may develop disease.

• When we feed our bodies dead food, void of nutrition and unconscious about where or how the food came to our plate, we may develop disease.

• When we don't move our bodies, and feel the vitality within on a consistent basis in healthy ways, we may develop disease.

• When we turn to alcohol, drugs, and other addictions negating our true need for love, we may develop disease.

• When we can't offer our partner intimacy based on mutual respect, honesty and love, we may develop disease.

• And ultimately at the core is the level of Love in our lives. When we first and foremost don't love ourselves, berate, degrade and sell ourselves out for others we may develop disease. When we can't love others without conditions and from a genuine place of giving we may develop disease.

Strengthening the Vital Force with Intention

Cultivating AWARENESS is the key.

Be conscious of what you are saying to yourself everyday.

Be conscious of your emotions and the sensations that come with them.

Be conscious of your words, actions and thoughts. For they all impact every cell, atom and part of your being. Every time you disown a part of yourself, by not being true to you, you are giving your immune system a harmful hit.

Give it words of praise, compassion and love and watch how your whole state and being changes. You say yes to Life. You enforce your most awesome Self.

Love and continued Light

Namaste

Piera

It's more than just the Year of the Dragon....Kill the dragon that is sabotaging your life!

We may not all have vast amounts of money, or resources, or powerful networks of people,(yet) but we all do have the same amount of time in a day. Those 24 hours that seem to fly by, are precious and will make or break your efforts to achieve your best year ever.

How are you really spending your time? Social media, phone chats, T.V, endless emails, text messaging, internet and on and on. In short it's called "resistance" or more commonly known as procrastination.

Resistance will try to creep into every nook or cranny of your psyche and mindset.

So everyday you gotta slay that dragon. Resistance is vicious. It breaths the fire of distraction, rationalizations, and just straight out bullshit excuses for not working on your goals. You gotta kill it by sitting the seat of your pants to the seat of the chair, over and over again.

It's not just the year of the Dragon. It's a lifetime of dragons.

Because guess what? That dragon resurrects every single morning, right after you open your eyes and take that first conscious breath. Actually just like in video games it has INFINITE LIVES!

I haven't been consistent with this. I'm fessing up because the only way I am going to achieve anything worth achieving in this life, is with integrity and commitment.

So I sat down and really evaluated what I as doing with my 24 hours. Things seriously need revamping.

As I started getting serious with where I want to go with my goals in life, it became sooooo apparent that time was a huge factor interfering with my success. I thought resources or money was. But actually that is just scarcity thinking. Abundance truly is our birth right.

My time management changes in 2012:

1) In bed by 10pm, and up by 6, at least during the week!

I'm committing to getting in bed earlier, getting at least 7 hours, and waking up earlier to meditate on my day's goals. AND the 30 minutes before I head to lala land, are going to be positive thoughts, visualizations and prayers of gratitude.

Gotta slay that dragon before you go to dreamland and help the subconscious work on what you WANT in life, not the crap. Your brain doesn't stop working when you sleep. And your creative process does a hell of a lot of work during sleep time. So make sure you put AMAZING feeling thoughts into your head before you fall asleep. You give it the food it needs to work on your desires and aspirations.

Kinda similar to the next one...

2) The first 60 minutes of my day must be dragon proof:

What you do with the first hour right after you open those pretty eyes of yours will make or break the whole rest of the day. Do you get that? It is CRUCIAL and imperative that you take the first hour of your day and truly gear your mindset against that flame breathing monster.

I'm waking up smiling, and forcing it if I have to. I'm meditating on how awesome my life is because of it's abundance. I'm literally counting every fricken' blessing and feeling that resonate within me. I'm connecting to my higher power, asking for guidance and support to make it a kick ass day. I'm also inviting my creative subconscious to inspire me for my greatest and highest good. I'm reading my goals 3 times, that are written and sitting on my nightstand. I'm throwing in a little visualization as I ask, and pray. I'm seeing all that I desire my reality to be.

Call it airy fairy or whatever. But this stuff works. I know it does, because when I am consistent with this, I see RESULTS. My goal is to get real consistent. No need to beat yourself up if one day you just can't do it. But overall, this has got to be the deal.

3) Less Facebook, less Bbm, less emails, less time spent with people who aren't adding substance to my life and more connecting with those that do.

Pretty self explanatory. I'm not checking email or going online till I get at least one hour of work, writing or something on my task list done. I don't watch T.V, or many DVDs. Those hours are spent working out or yoga, making time to eat healthy and seated at a table, educational or career seminars and community outreach.

I also will not subject myself to chatting with drama queens, negative Nancys and people who don't resonate. The quality of my energy on a consistent basis is critical. Those individuals are dragons in disguise. Cut them loose and make positive, better connections with people in your life. Find people who ELEVATE you, and bring you to higher place.

No joke, this is the battle plan.

You got to psyche yourself up so HIGH that you are confidence incarnate.

Here is to 2012 with better habits, connections, relationships and a true commitment to the dreams. Dragons are gonna die each day. You in for this battle?

Namaste

Love and Light,

Piera

What I learned in 2011

2011 has so far been quite an interesting year for me. I've taken some time lately to reflect on what I experienced and learned thus far on my journey. I've been fortunate enough to have some time alone, in silence and in stillness. The following is what surfaced and stood out. Some are very light hearted and some are more serious. It's a mix of it all.

This past year I learned that:

• Where you invest your love you invest your life. Thank you Mumford and Sons :)

• That if you wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle enough, you will find your inner mojo every time. Thank you LMFAO, lol.

• That earth angels truly exist. You just have to let go of the Ego and allow yourself to see them. Thank you Vicki, my eternal angel.

• Happiness is not found in another person, place or thing. That looking for joy in the external is a very exhausting and futile endeavour. I'm tired of that and done with it. Happiness must begin within.

• Cats are just as amazing as dogs! You just have to remember they can climb on counter tops, open fridges, and still love you when they go off on their own and want their space. Thank you to Ozzy and Bailes.

• That HIV and Cancer are not death sentences! That we are remarkable human miracles that can heal, and regain wellness when we truly face the real problem-emotional and spiritual dis-ease.

• From my HIV clients: That we are greater than our labels, our perceptions and those of others, and our past. From those less fortunate than I: I learned that we all have gifts to give and share no matter how poor, unemployed, sick or "different" we may be.

• That you are the company you keep! There is no getting around this one. The circle of friends you hang out with and surround yourself with, says VOLUMES about you, your own beliefs, and what you ACCEPT in your life.

• That I'm REALLY REALLY REALLY thankful that I did not give in to the pressure to fit in or be cool in my teens and twenties and enter into the party drug scene. I used to wonder if I missed out on that so called "fun" and perhaps led too straight of life. But the universe blessed me with the confirmation that I truly took the better highway.

• That chocolate can be eaten in moderation, in even the worst of times. It actually is a more special experience when I don't over indulge too often :) which leads me to...

• Too much vino, too much vegetarian, too much healthiness, too much of anything or anyone does not serve me well. The lesson of balance keeps coming back to haunt me. And it's good, I need to be hit over the head with this one!

• That dating in your 30s is a huge TEST to your patience and SANITY. I'm still working on this. Actually joking aside, I'm happy and proud to admit I didn't settle just because everyone else was getting married, or moving on or having kids.

• More on dating... That when he doesn't call you back, he really is sane and doing you a favour. It's far worse to be called 10x a day, texted 50 times with freaky messages, and emailed proposals of the future he sees with you, within 7 days of meeting the weirdo. WOW thank God that is over.

• And on a more serious note about dating partners: That my sense of spirituality is very important to me, and I will not negotiate it, or downplay it, or jeopardize it for anyone. That I want to be able to share similar spiritual beliefs with my mate.

• AND...That I respect my body by aiming to eat clean, exercise daily, not drink excessively or smoke, and leading an overall active lifestyle and I want my potential companion to also share and practice these same values. I've overlooked this for some reason lately. I'm letting go of that denial.

• That religion is something you just don't discuss with religious people. Therefore I will avoid to the best of my ability to speak of religion with those who only believe in their religion and have no respect for the beliefs of others. This includes priests, deacons, rabbis, rectors, Imams and Mothers. (Note: Being religious is not the same as being spiritual.)

• That true friends are there for you anytime, any day, any week or any month. They are there regardless of the past, or what was said or not said, and not only when it's most convenient for them.

• That being alone and being lonely are two very different things. Being lonely at times is normal. However feeling alone in life, is debilitating and risks one's health.

• That I can't "save" anyone from themselves or their self destructiveness. Salvation comes from finding the love within and giving it out.

• That my body may not be perfect, but boy does it do amazingly perfect things. I get reminded of this more and more. Like the way it knows when I've had too much Baci Perugine chocolates or chickpeas.

• That a good Cesar is hard to find in this city! Come on people, how hard is it to mix tomato juice with some alcohol and the right spice.

• That a rainy, cold or grey day isn't so bad if you have a cappuccino, a good book and a warm blanket. I'm blessed to have all of those at my disposal. There are many who don't.

• That Toronto isn't so bad. We have been spared natural disasters and destruction, for the most part are tolerant of diversity (I excuse and forgive the one woman on bloor west who took the liberty of calling me a wop), and the CN tower is one hell of a sexy masterpiece. Thank you to the immigrants who built it :)

• From my dad: You are as old as the colour of your hair. Thank God for Just for Men hair dye. Kidding aside his Joie de Vie has truly taught me how vitality and youthfulness is really a result of your ability to have fun, be playful and go with the flow of life. You really are as young as you will allow yourself to feel.

• That spanish is a beautiful language to learn, but going latin dancing on a first date doesn't always mean a good time. Never doing that again. Next.

• That wherever you go, there you are. So running off to another city, country or continent doesn't mean your life problems instantaneously resolve. You can't run from yourself, your issues or the lessons you need to learn. They are here to remind you of what needs attention and care. I'm still working on this one.

• Resistance is futile. Let go and Let God. Also working on this one :)

When are we ever done?

Wishing you the best end of this 2011, and an amazing 2012!!! Ole'!!

Namaste

Piera

Slimming solution or just a Toxic Tea?

I've been asked by numerous clients and friends lately about the safety of "slimming teas". These teas are often found in health, bulk food stores and I even caught them on the shelf of dollar stores. They are sold as diet teas that purportedly support weight loss and suppress the appetite. Many are foreign made and provide inaccurate nutrient information labels.

Once I read the ingredients of these "slimming" teas, alarm bells began to go off.

Two ingredients were in almost every one of these "slimming" potions. One is Senna and the other is Cascara Sargrada. Both these herbs are strong laxatives and diuretics.

At best these teas can encourage some elimination and provide relief for occasional bouts of constipation. I stress the word occasional here. If you suffer from chronic constipation then these teas are not the answer either. Both Senna and Cascara are very harsh on the inner intestines and colon. They may in the long term create dependency and a lazy bowel that will not function optimally on its own.

Your bowels are just like muscles in your body, and need to be "exercised" so to speak. The best way to "exercise your bowels" is to provide healthy doses of whole food fiber which adds bulk. The bulk encourages the peristalsis action of the bowel. This is the muscular contraction that helps encourage healthy, and regular bowel movements.

Slimming teas are not the answer to losing excess weight. They can actually be dangerous as you may lose fluids, and excess electrolytes if you develop diarrhea. You risk dehydration and potentially the ph balance of your body. Potassium is a water soluble mineral that you will lose in large quantities when you experience excess laxative effects. Potassium regulates your heart beat. Since proper heart function is dependent on correct electrolyte balance, a severe deficiency of potassium can make your heart stop beating. Also these teas may encourage your body to crave more food because you may lose many minerals and trace nutrients in their laxative effects.

Many of these teas are imported from China, especially those found in dollar stores. There is really no way in knowing what is in them or the purity of the ingredients. They are mass made and sold.

Read labels and if you see any of the following ingredients steer clear:

• Senna
• Cascara Sagrada
• Uva Ursi (diuretic)
• Kola nut ( stimulant, caffeine, upper)
• Ma Huang (stimulant, upper)
• Guarana (stimulant, upper)

The last two ingredients are often found in diet pills as well. These provide a stimulant effect on your nervous system that may suppress appetite and increase the metabolism. But both these are contentious. The effect on your metabolism may be minimal and not enough to induce a sufficient boost to any weight loss efforts. The danger is that they will stress the heart in addition to the stress the rest of the ingredients pose.

Double wammy of dangers here!

Healthy weight loss really boils down to eating a balanced healthy diet free of processed foods and excess alcohol and sugar. Also incorporating regular exercise that provides enough intensity to keep you sweating and increase your heart rate for 30 minutes 3-5 times per week. Keeping active the rest of the time is also important. So taking stairs, walking more, and generally not sitting around living a coach potato life.

Here is my formula for safe, effective weight loss:

Clean diet + regular intense exercise (30 minutes)+ deep regular sleep + spiritual connection of some sort = Less stress, more energy, healthy weight, and happier YOU.

To your health always,

Piera

Namaste

Occupy Your Heart

The time has come to occupy something else.

It is irrefutably one of the most unsettled ages in history. It seems the problem lies outside of us. Yes, in part there are massive inequalities and destructive energies happening before our eyes in our world today. The scenes we see are upsetting and for many of us infuriating.

So we want to "Occupy" Wall Street, the economy and ultimately our survival. But, what if the solution of the problem lies right within us?

Maybe we need to step away from the tents on the sidewalk and begin a different "Occupy" movement. One that starts right within our own very selves.

The blood we see being shed and the majority of the rest that is unseen is really originating from a disconnect every individual experiences with themSelves. The Self seems to have taken a rather discouraging backseat which in my opinion is the reason we see the strife, pain and madness in our world today. At least it's one of the major reasons.

When I say Self, it is not the "me" I am referring to. The me is the capitalist driven, label shooting, material obsessed and corrupted vibe we see in the "1%" and those of us that have sadly developed that me dis-ease. I call it "me dis-ease" because we have lost our connection to our higher Self and have been disillusioned by the "me" within us to act out of fear instead of love.

There are only 2 energies or ways you can act, think, or speak. Love or fear. So when we avoid cultivating that relationship with Self we are supporting our fear mechanism. The one that tells you "you aren't good enough, have enough, valuable enough or to the extreme end unworthy and unloveable.

I propose we Occupy our own hearts as the very first step to seeing change outside ourselves. From within we create without. This is scientifically proven. This is mentally studied and proven. AND this is spiritually the supreme law.

HOW do we occupy our own heart and Self?

• Stop the negative self talk. This means stop the "I'm fat, I'm not in her/his "league" dialogue, I'm too short, I need more degrees, I don't have enough money, I'm a slob, I'm a pig, I keep messing up, I can't do this, I can't , I should, I could, I don't know how or have the connections. This is massively damaging to your subconscious mind and internal spirit.

• Honour your truth. It's plain and simple. Do what feels right from the depths of your inner being. Not because the Jones are doing next door, or your best friend thinks its cool or because some Kardashian just talked about it. Stop following the crowd, and follow your own desire. This means less T.V, less Facebook, less bullshit from those you simply don't resonate with. This is the definition of living on purpose.

• Walk your talk. Once you begin to honour your truth and come to an awareness of what is really important to you, PRACTICE it every single day. Practice it from the moment you lift your head off the pillow to the very end of the day before you go to dreamland. Live with your purpose on the forefront of all that you do. Do you know what your purpose even is? Read on...

• Define what you value, and is your philosophy in life. WHAT MATTERS TO YOU? beyond your own house, Ferrari, equities, and paycheck. This will lend clarity to that all time question we often think about but are so scared or distracted to consider. What is your purpose here on this planet? If you don't know what you truly value, and what you will not accept as being the highest and best vision for your existence, then you simply can't occupy a dam thing. Occupy the PURPOSE you know is within every single atom of your existence. How do you know it's there? Keep reading...

• Connect to your passion. Every single one of us has a passion(s) for something(s). You know what it is because it's an incredible feeling that permeates your whole being. When you think about it you can't help but beam a smile of those pearly whites. Every ounce of your being feels AMAZING and "fatigue" isn't ever part of the equation, even when you only slept 3 hrs that night. When you occupy your heart, you live your passion. You live on purpose and with honour, and you don't hurt yourself or others in the process! Because it is the very best and most awesome part of you.

Occupy your heart.

Love yourself, and then you can truly love another. The wars we see without are because we don't truly love OURSELVES. For how we treat our sisters and brothers out there, is a direct reflection on how we treat ourselves. The moment we occupy our own hearts, is the moment we share that massive ability to love everything and everyone else.

Namaste

Yours in Light

Piera