“Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.” – Maya Angelou 

Why travel? Travelling enables us to see and experience different perspectives, cultures, ways of living and being, allowing us to open our minds and hearts to our fellow humans across the globe. We are travellers by nature, nomadic hunter gatherers’, having only started settling down in one place about 10 000 years ago with the shift into the agricultural revolution.  

Human migration began about 120 000 years ago in Africa. The latest scientific research in genetics and genome testing has revealed a much more complicated story of the history of humans and earlier hominid species. This data is providing archaeologists and scientists with an increasingly sophisticated view of our ancestors and the migration of peoples across the globe over the last 120k years or so. Different ideas and theories are evolving that paint a very different picture to what we thought before, that humanity began in Africa, the cradle of humankind. Populations did not just extend from Africa across the globe to remain in isolation, they settled and continued to share their DNA, interbreeding with other groups and sub species such as Neanderthals and Denisovans. What this tells us, is that our history is messy, we are the product of a tangled web of genetic relationships between different ancient and modern human groups, none of us can claim to be from a single region, as people have been on the move throughout history, sharing ideas, beliefs, foods, treasures, tools and practices, thus forming cultures, which continue to shift and adapt to new ways of being. We are all intimately intertwined in our evolution… Food for thought indeed!  

Be curious, explore mindfully…  

Yes, it is possible! Be an Ecotourist – Do your best to adhere to responsible travel practices, stay with organisations that support the environment and social/economic well-being of the local people, try to mitigate any negative impacts we create when travelling. Stay informed, and keep up to date with the latest in innovation and technology as well as what’s happening globally so you can choose to visit countries that are working with indigenous communities or local people and making efforts to look after and preserve natural habitats for future generations.  

Sustainable travel tips:   

• Volunteer some of your time (with an NGO offering long term positive impact) 
• Donate to a local charity organisation 
• Shop locally, handmade items from artisans and craftsmen 
• Regard impacts of wildlife tourism/activities 
• Respect the local culture, learn some local phrases 
• Minimize your waste, use less plastic 
• Choose sustainable accommodation and tour operators  
• Lower carbon footprint: rent a bicycle, fly direct, walk, pack light 
• Look at bigger picture when bargaining, few dollars is a lot for locals in developing countries 

• Don’t give to beggars 
• Remind/educate others to be responsible travellers 
• Use a refillable water bottle/coffee cup 
• Take out travel insurance 
• Be adaptable and understanding 
• Combat over-tourism and consider travel to lesser known places 
• Turn off lights, AC/fan/heating and TV when you leave your room, close curtains to keep cooler in hot climates  
• Use reef friendly sunscreen & don’t stand on coral reefs 
• Don’t support tours/operators that partake in questionable/unethical treatment of wildlife or local people 

Be aware of greenwashing – Companies and organisations sometimes use marketing strategies in an effort to deceive customers into believing that their products, activities, or policies are genuinely eco-friendly when they really aren’t. It’s difficult to tell just by looking at a website, so check out Tripadvisor reviews, get referrals from friends and family about places they have been.  

So how do you get from A to B? By boat, bus, train or automobile?… Well, most likely, on a plane. 

“Will flying become an ethical NO-NO? It’s unlikely. For a start, the no-fly movement is a very European phenomenon, a continent blessed with easy rail access and free movement across borders. For an American or Australian traveler, the reality is more complicated, unless they want to just travel in their home countries. It’s also important to understand the positive effects the ‘jet age’ has had on the world: from bringing prosperity to far-flung corners of the planet to broadening minds and encouraging multi-culturalism, mass travel has been, on balance, a very good thing.” 

The aviation industry represents 3.5% of the world’s GDP and has created 65 million jobs worldwide. Aviation provides the only rapid worldwide transportation network, generating economic growth, creating jobs, and facilitating international trade and tourism. Aviation has become the enabler of global business and is now also being recognized by the international community as an essential enabler to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Aviation is already known as a driving force of global technology development and innovations, and these emerging technologies will improve aviation infrastructure and airspace utilization in the years to come as growth continues in the industry. Communication and collaboration are key to seeing these latest innovations and inventions become a reality in the future.  

The future of the aviation industry – Leisure travel will recover before business travel and due to remote working improvements and may not get to pre covid levels for years. In the meantime, airline companies are phasing out older aircraft for newer more efficient and environmentally cleaner ones. Some are already shifting flight routes to reduce the effects of contrails. Developments are underway to produce synthetic and cleaner jet fuel & hybrid engines. Improvements in air traffic control systems like Iris will enable a 4D view of air traffic management, and other new AI technologies such as biometric boarding will make travelling more efficient and reduce the impact on the environment. 

So, it’s not all doom and gloom and a small amount of people abstaining from flying altogether in the short term is not going to solve all the problems we face today. It is of course important to be mindful and be as sustainable as possible while we continue to evolve, create and solve our issues and move towards more sustainable and eco friendly travel. Wellbeing not only means taking care of yourself, this is just one component, it also involves being proactive and engaged in the world around you, thinking about other humans, all living creatures and by being conscientious of your impact on the environment. This is what we do here at Samahita Retreat and hope you will join us in the quest to achieve wellbeing for all!  

References: 

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/the-great-human-migration-13561/  

https://theconversation.com/heres-how-genetics-helped-crack-the-history-of-human-migration-52918  

https://www.discovermagazine.com/planet-earth/its-official-timeline-for-human-migration-gets-a-rewrite  

https://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-travel-tips-5114584  

https://greenglobaltravel.com/green-travel-tips-ultimate-guide-sustainable-travel/  

https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/travel-logistics-and-infrastructure/our-insights/back-to-the-future-airline-sector-poised-for-change-post-covid-19  

https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/01/26/1067290/new-technologies-clean-up-air-travel/  

https://simpleflying.com/airlines-new-technology-impact/  

https://www.icao.int/Meetings/FutureOfAviation/Pages/default.aspx  

https://www.worldnomads.com/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/planet/your-guide-to-greener-air-travel  

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/greener-air-travel-will-depend-on-these-emerging-technologies/  

https://www.weforum.org/press/2021/11/20-airlines-commit-to-use-new-technologies-to-minimize-climate-impact/  

https://www.aeologic.com/blog/top-emerging-technology-trends-in-aviation-industry/

No matter who you are, what language you speak or where you come from, music is a Universal language that we can all understand, and enjoy. Music is as old as humanity itself and may have even begun before we began to create languages. It’s difficult for archeologists and historians to pinpoint as prehistoric instruments were made from soft materials like reeds, wood and animal skins and haven’t survived, the oldest being a flute made from bone. So, what is the function of music? Why has it survived and continued to evolve alongside humanity? In today’s blog I will shed a little more light on the magic of music and sound and how it contributes to our overall wellbeing. 

A brief history of music

So when did humans start to play music and why? Where did it start and what were the first instruments created? We listen to music everyday and it’s such a big part of our lives, memories, traditions, cultures, it brings people together! Some suggest that music helped create and form society itself. We all have a different idea of what constitutes sounds being called “music”, for example, I may consider a mother humming to her baby music, but you may not. Aside from that, the first music to have been created was likely singing, using the voice and then rhythm, created by hand clapping or sticks and stones being tapped together. Some of the oldest instruments found are flutes made from bone which date back to about 40 000 yrs ago. Simpler instruments like drums, shakers and rattles are thought to have existed before that, however being made of weaker more biodegradable materials, have not survived. 

Our tribal hunter gatherer ancestors played music and danced around the fire before a hunt to bring people into a cohesive group, and after to enjoy the success of the hunt together, for entertainment, happiness. Flutes are thought to have been used to attract birds for hunting, for survival. Drums were used in sacrifices and military processions. Music was played to Kings and Queens in courts and castles. It has been shared amongst peoples through exploration and the trade routes, instruments and melodies evolving over the ages as new sounds were discovered. Music forms a big part of ritual and religions. Music keeps workers happy when doing repetitive or boring work, thus increasing productivity. 

Music and Yoga

In the Indus valley about 3500 years ago, the Vedas: 4 “books of knowledge” were created and are regarded by Hindus as the sacred foundation of their religion. The Vedas embrace a multitude of texts and interpretations in ancient Sanskrit comprised of poetry, hymns, philosophical dialogue, rituals, myths, mantra and musical arrangements in 4 parts: the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Athar Vedas. Originally passed down orally and preserved by Brahmin priests chanting the verses in a very specific way. To ensure that the sound of each word remains unaltered, practitioners are taught from childhood complex recitation techniques that are based on tonal accents, a unique manner of pronouncing each letter and specific speech combinations. 

Mantra is a form of meditation using a sound, word, or phrase recited silently or aloud and are often combined with breath and rhythm. At its core, it harnesses the inexplicable, inseparable human connection to sound and has been purposefully composed to produce a certain effect on the mind and the body. Chanting is a deep devotional practice (bhakti) to be done with care and respect of the culture from which it comes. When the correct technique is used, chanting can help to alleviate anxiety and stress and improve one’s mood. Humming, like when practicing Brahmari (bee breath) or chanting Om can boost the production of nitric oxide in the body which helps regulate the nervous, immune, and cardiovascular systems. This in turn, can help increase blood flow and promote muscle relaxation.

Sound and wellbeing

Sound has long been used by ancient peoples to heal and explore altered states of consciousness. Aborigines used the didgeridoo over 40 000 years ago as a sound healing instrument. Tibetan singing bowls have long been used in spiritual ceremonies. Sound and mantra meditation is a form of focused awareness type of meditation. One kind that has become more popular is called “sound baths”, which uses Tibetan/quartz singing bowls, gongs, bells, tuning forks and voice to guide the listener. These practices show how sound manifests not only through hearing but through tactile physical vibrations and frequencies. Although science is still catching up to understanding how sound heals, sound-based vibration treatment has been shown to improve stress, anxiety, pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, stiffness, and increases blood circulation and lowers blood pressure. 

Binaural Beats and Solfeggio frequencies

Sounds emit a frequency which is measured in Hertz (Hz). These frequencies are said to have different effects on our body, mind and emotions. The human brain is essentially an electrical device, with different tasks and emotional states generating various frequencies. There are 5 widely recognized brainwaves (gamma, beta, delta, theta, alpha), each having a distinct purpose in helping us how to think, behave, move and process information. If our physiology, diet or environment causes an over or underproduction of a certain brainwave, it can alter the balance of our bodies and induce many negative effects such as insomnia, anger, stress, learning difficulties or anxiety. This is why it’s key to optimize our brains for a better wave balance, rather than aiming to increase or decrease a particular one. 

Solfeggio frequencies make up a 6-tone music scale, which was used in religious music of the 10th century, first introduced by Benedictine monk Guido d’Arezzo, and are most commonly associated with the Gregorian chants. They were lost over time and were rediscovered by Dr Joseph Puleo in the 1970’s. Solfeggio frequencies are widely used today in sound therapy. (They also relate to the chakras/energy centres within the body)

1. 396 Hz – Associated with Liberating Guilt and Fear
2. 417 Hz – Associated with Undoing Situations and Facilitating Change
3. 528 Hz – Associated with Transformation and Miracles (DNA Repair)
4. 639 Hz – Associated with Connecting/Relationships
5. 741 Hz – Associated with Expression/Solutions
6. 852 Hz – Associated with Returning to Spiritual Order

Binaural Beats involve playing two slightly different frequencies simultaneously, creating a perceived third frequency that impacts brainwave activity. Used in relaxation, meditation, and focus enhancement and can induce states conducive to astral projections and lucid dreaming.

The crescendo

Music influences the limbic system of the brain through pitch and rhythm, affecting our emotions, feelings and sensations. Ancient cultures understood the power of rhythm, harmonics and tone. Music is vibration, and everything in nature is vibrating, resonating at different frequencies. So, sounds played at specific frequencies with the right intention, have the power to effect healing. When it comes to your health and wellbeing, you could certainly benefit from exploring some of these sound healing modalities like listening to Binaural beats before bed or trying brainwave entrainment like what we offer here at Samahita on our Brain Health Upgrade program or joining the weekly gong/sound meditation. As new research continues, it will be exciting to see the potential impact of future sound technologies and how they will evolve in entertainment, retail, healthcare and beyond! For now though, simply consider the kind of music you listen to while commuting to the office, when you’re working out, practicing yoga, working or relaxing. The impact of your musical choices will have an effect on you, so notice these differences and continue to explore the magic of music!

References: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_music 

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170620093153.htm 

https://www.musicianwave.com/history-of-music/ 

https://www.healthline.com/health/sound-healing 

https://thehumancondition.com/sound-healing-therapy/ 

https://mindeasy.com/the-9-solfeggio-frequencies-and-their-benefits/ 

https://www.mindvibrations.com/solfeggio-frequencies/ 

https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/tradition-of-vedic-chanting-00062 

https://www.healthline.com/health/mind-body/mantras-for-anxiety 

https://lucid.me/blog/5-brainwaves-delta-theta-alpha-beta-gamma/ 

In a world of rising obesity rates, heart disease, diabetes, cancers and mental health problems, people are taking things into their own hands to look for ways to improve their health and prevent and treat disease. In today’s blog we will explore the Biohacking movement and look at some of the simple methods and techniques that have been adopted by Biohackers looking to optimize their health and wellbeing.  

What is Biohacking? 

As a term, it has come to be understood as DIY human enhancement, the conscious control of our external environment to encourage better physical and mental performance and longevity, basically, it is the desire to be the absolute best version of yourself. Biohacking involves paying attention to what we eat, drink, smell, touch, hear, and see. It’s about using evolving science and technological advances to understand and fine-tune human biology. There are 3 types of “hackers”, Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Biology, Nutrigenomics and Grinders.  

DIY Biology – Focuses on experimenting and knowledge-sharing. The pursuit of biology outside of scientific institutions by amateurs, students, and ‘hobbyists’.  

Nutrigenomics – Entails the use of your genetic makeup as a dietary guide for optimal health and performance. Not just about eating healthy, whole foods, but includes taking dietary supplements like magnesium or Nootropics to optimize your health.  

Grinders – the most extreme type of biohackers. They generally conduct self-experiments by injecting drugs, implanting gadgets, and getting stem-cell therapy. They often identify with transhumanism, altering the human body for physical enhancement and/or aesthetic purposes. Some examples would be injecting stem cells, or implanting microchips.  

Not a quick fix solution or a one-size-fits all approach… 

Although some aspects of biohacking have the intention of finding shortcuts to improved health outcomes, ultimately, it’s more about the process, it becomes a lifestyle, your whole perception, outlook, habits and approach shift towards maintaining and optimizing your wellbeing. So, what I’m saying is, don’t think you can just try this one thing, and it’ll solve all your problems. Each human is completely unique, in their biology, lifestyle and goals, so biohacking enables YOU to take charge of your health by steering your own unique ship! It equips you with knowledge, understanding, diverse tools and strategies to approach things rationally, and course correct when life throws you a curveball, and as you shift through the various stages of life. One would be wise however to make sure you do your research, comparisons, and due diligence when taking something on, and it’s important to not be over-reliant on external products, technologies, or “hacks”. Take care, evaluate the risks (and rewards). There are a lot of chancers out there, flashy advertising, click-bait, discernment is key.  

KISS – Keep It Simple Silly! 

So perhaps your interest has peaked and you’re like, “Ok so where do I start? What are some of these biohacks?” Then read on!… Many of these things cost little or no money and are pretty simple to incorporate into your life. What’s key to remember is, we’re all at a different starting point with what we understand about “health or wellbeing” as well as having different bodies, goals etc… It doesn’t really need to be that complicated though, keep it simple, do what you can, with what you have, seek help where needed.  

Here are my top 10 “biohacks”  

1. Get enough quality sleep – You could try an app or Oura ring to track your sleep habits. If you snore, try taping your mouth at night. Invest in blackout curtains. 7-9 hours daily.  

1. Try intermittent fasting – Human growth hormone levels go up and insulin levels go down. Your body’s cells also change the expression of genes and initiate important cellular repair processes. 

1. Take cold showers – Start with a regular warm shower then blast the cold at the end, research has shown this to be as beneficial as ice baths. Builds mental stamina.  

1. Make time to meditate – Try using an app for guided meditations or listen to Binaural beats. Build over time.  

1. Try HiiT and strength training twice a week – Short 30 min workouts to boost heart health and build muscle, focused training and a combo of both, improves strength and endurance. Great fat burning activities.  

1. Start a breath practice – Try a combo of box breath (you could even start with this one, lying down, knees bent), then do Brahmari/bee breath sitting up. Few mins of each daily.  

1. Eat less processed/inflammatory foods – Make small steps towards better eating habits, but start here…  

1. Get connected to nature – Follow the circadian rhythm. Ground barefoot on the earth, hug a tree. Plant a tree.  

1. Practice daily gratitude – Bring this into your daily meditation practice or start a journal.  

1. Take regular sauna sessions – Better sleep, relaxation, detoxification, weight loss, relief from sore muscles, relief from joint pain such as arthritis, clear and tighter skin, improved circulation. 

Most of today’s top hacks come from Ayurvedic and TCM practices, you could consider the yogis as the original biohackers! There are many benefits to these approaches, the key is to stick with it and the results will show over time. Something as simple as wearing a Fitbit or using an app like My Fitness Pal can be useful tools to help you stay on track with your goals and outcomes. We’re all different so it’s vital to find a way that works for you to put your health at the top of your priorities list, “doing the things” as they say…  

To wrap it up… 

Keep being curious, being interested in your wellbeing, without needing to go to extremes! As they say, it’s all about balance. A little reminder, not everyone on social media with a large following knows what they’re talking about (all the time), many people cherry-pick bits of information or site articles and studies that “back up” what they’re saying without actually being factual, concrete or based on long-term studies, evidence or human trials. Just because something happens in a Petri dish or to mice, doesn’t mean it will have the same effect on the biology of a human being. Correlation does not imply causation. You don’t even need to call yourself a Biohacker or do anything outrageous to improve your health and wellbeing, just get the basics right, be consistent, show up for yourself, enjoy the process and continue to stay ahead of the latest research from reputable sources. That’s our approach here at Samahita. Clean, wholesome food, daily breathwork, meditation and movement, spending time in nature, connecting with kind, like-minded people, the recipe for a life full of vitality and wellbeing! #keepitreal  

Peace and love 

Kirst xx   

References:  

https://www.forbes.com/health/wellness/biohacking/  

https://www.integrativenutrition.com/blog/biohacking#  

https://blog.mindvalley.com/biohacking/  

https://www.transparentlabs.com/blogs/all/what-is-biohacking  

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/biohacking#overview  

https://daveasprey.com/beginners-guide-to-biohacking-101/  

https://www.shape.com/fitness/workouts/8-benefits-high-intensity-interval-training-hiit  

Taking refuge in the Three Jewels: Embracing the world in all its complexities…

Life can be hard at times. We can feel overwhelmed, sad, fed-up, worried or confused, wanting to sometimes just run away or, like an ostrich, bury one’s head in the sand. Neither of these things will provide us with any meaningful or long-term solutions to our dismay or suffering, so what can we do instead? In today’s blog, we’ll unpack the framework of Buddhist philosophy. Throughout the ages, humans have sought to understand the meaning of life, a way out of pain and suffering (dukkha). Upon reaching enlightenment, Siddhartha Gautama (The Buddha – meaning “the awakened one”) shared his first sermon in India, and spoke about the 4 Noble Truths, which form the basis of his teaching from then on. The philosophy of Buddhism was born, to see things as they are, not the way we wish them to be, a way out of suffering… 

The 3 Jewels – The Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha

Taking refuge in the Three Jewels of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha is one of the first steps in following the Buddhist teachings, a way to formalize one’s commitment and faith. Taking refuge doesn’t however mean retreating or escaping from life and its realities, rather, embracing life and all its complexities. The essence of Buddhism is about liberating the mind, freeing oneself from our human conditioning and to realize our true nature. 

“Remember that awakening, freedom from suffering, salvation, if you will, liberation, omniscience, Buddhahood, all come from your own understanding, your insight into your own reality. It cannot come just from the blessing of another, from some magical empowerment, from some sort of secret gimmick, or from membership in a group.” (Robert Thurman – Buddhist and professor at Columbia University)

Buddhism has spread all over the world, and over the course of its development, different schools of thought and ritual emerged to become the branches known today as Mahayana and Theravada, and there are subsects to these as well. (such as Vajrayana, Zen, Tibetan, Nichiren) Without going into too much detail here, the philosophy and doctrinal foundation is the same with a slight difference of interpretation. The foundations for all Buddhists, are based on the key principles; The 4 Noble Truths, the Noble 8 Fold Path, the 5 Precepts, and the 3 Jewels – The Buddha, the Dharma, the Sangha. 

I take refuge in the Buddha – Zen teacher Robert Aitken said of the First Jewel…

“This refers, of course, to Shakyamuni, the Enlightened One, but it also has a far broader meaning. It includes mythological personages who preceded Shakyamuni and dozens of archetypal figures in the Buddhist pantheon. It includes all the great teachers of our lineage … but also everyone who has realized his or her nature — all the monks, nuns, and lay people in Buddhist history who have shaken the tree of life and death. In a deeper and yet more ordinary dimension, all of us are Buddha. We haven’t realized it yet, but that does not deny the fact.” 

I take refuge in the Dharma – Robert Thurman said of the second Jewel…

“Dharma is our own reality that we seek to understand fully, to open to fully. Dharma, therefore, also consists of those methods and the teaching of those methods that are the arts and sciences which enable us to open ourselves. The practices that we do, which will open us, which follow those teachings, which implement them in our lives, in our practice, and in our performance, which deploy those arts: they are also Dharma.”

I take refuge in the Sangha – The late Chogyam Trungpa said of the third Jewel…

“The sangha is the community of people who have the perfect right to cut through your trips and feed you with their wisdom, as well as the perfect right to demonstrate their own neurosis and be seen through by you. The companionship within the sangha is a kind of clean friendship, without expectation, without demand, but at the same time, fulfilling.”

Below is a little more detail into the foundations of Buddhist philosophy. I encourage you to do your own further research, there’s so many interesting and wonderful things to learn! 

The 4 Noble Truth’s 

The logical process of seeing life, seeing things as they are. 

1. The truth of suffering (dukkha) – Life is suffering. (stress, discomfort, disease, dissatisfied) 
2. The truth of the cause of suffering (samudaya) – Desire, craving through the senses, wanting more for the Self (as opposed to the whole).
3. The truth of the end of suffering (nirhodha) – Change our perception and reduce our attachment to desire, suffering will reduce.
4. The truth of the path that frees us from suffering (magga) – The way to the ending of suffering, the middle way, the Noble 8 Fold path.

The 5 Precepts/Virtues (panca-sila)

The precepts are the guidelines with which to live a moral and ethical life. 

1. Abstain from killing – not senselessly killing other beings, concern for the welfare of others.
2. Abstain from stealing – Taking only what has been given, developing a sense of fair play and generosity towards others.
3. Abstain from sexual misconduct – Not misusing the senses, to lead a more simple and balanced life.
4. Abstain from wrong speech – Speak truthfully and kindly, not to gossip or lie.
5. Abstain from the use of intoxicating substances that cause inattention – Avoid intoxicants like alcohol, unnecessary drugs, even caffeine to allow the development of inner clarity needed to be mindful. 

The Noble Eightfold path

To train the practitioner in 3 areas: wisdom, ethical conduct and mental discipline. 

1. Right understanding – Seeing everything in the world as it is, not as we wish it to be. Eliminate ignorance. 
2. Right intent – Commitment to the path. This must come from the heart, recognizing the equality of all life with compassion. There to help and support. 
3. Right speech – Awareness of the impact of our words, thoughtful communication. 
4. Right action – This encompasses the 5 precepts as well as safeguarding our Earth.
5. Right livelihood – The work you do in the world must not harm anyone or anything or compromise any of the precepts.
6. Right effort – Cultivate enthusiasm, a positive attitude in a balanced way. Focused action. 
7. Right mindfulness – Being aware of the moment, clear, undistracted, fully absorbed. This forms the basis of meditation.
8. Right concentration – Once the mind is uncluttered, you can then turn it to focus on an object. Release from the control of past pains and future mind games takes us closer to freedom from suffering. Meditative absorption. 

Buddhism is a rich and deep philosophy which welcomes all faiths and people. The philosophy and teachings are realistic and practical, allowing us to embrace our existence, train the monkey mind, provide insight into our reality, to change the way we act and respond. To live in fullness with empathy, compassion, complete embodiment of the human experience while touching the essence of our true nature, in the now.

References:

https://buddha101.com/p_jewels.htm 

https://studybuddhism.com/en/essentials/what-is/what-is-the-sangha 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dharma 

https://intellectuallyfit.com/buddhist-four-noble-truths-simplified/ 

https://buddho.org/buddhism-and-morality-the-five-precepts/ 

https://www.learnreligions.com/the-four-noble-truths-450095 

https://www.learnreligions.com/brief-guide-to-major-schools-of-buddhism-449971 

https://hwpi.harvard.edu/files/pluralism/files/the_dharma-the_teachings_of_the_buddha_1.pdf 

https://www.learnreligions.com/taking-refuge-becoming-a-buddhist-450056 

How do we “live Yoga off the mat?”

It is a phrase often thrown around in a class, at the studio and online. Many who claim to be “yogis” or those who just practice asana, perhaps don’t really understand the possibilities and depth that this practice of Yoga can offer us. Today we will begin to scratch the surface into the “rest of Yoga”, the parts unknown, ignored and not particularly eye-catching to put on one’s Instagram page, BUT, bear with me, it’ll only take a few minutes to read and hopefully you’ll gain a little more insight into true Yoga and perhaps then, over time, the residue of which, will begin to become part of your life, off the mat as well. Let us begin with ourselves, human beings.

How we conduct ourselves as human beings in the world requires some guidelines of sorts, which we learn mostly from our parents at a young age. We need a moral compass with which to navigate our behavior, reactions, responses. Through evolution over millennia, human beings have organized ourselves into groups all over the world, forming cultures, religions, ideologies, beliefs, politics, organizations, countries, rules and regulations. Our ability to work together and hold each other to account has attributed to our success as a species. We are the same, yet we are so different, depending on where you come from. Regardless of where you come from, most civilizations and peoples have very similar guidelines when it comes to the way we treat each other. We may not agree with all of them, or part of, but they are there to help us maintain a sense of equilibrium and balance in our existence and with the people around us. The alternative, is chaos, drama, hatred, delusion and suffering. Over the years, the yogis developed some guidelines which are known today, from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras as the yamas and niyamas, the laws of nature. (the first 2 parts of the eight limbs of Yoga – yamas, niyamas, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi)

II.32 Śauca-santoṣa-tapaḥ-svādhyāyeśvara-praṇidhānāni niyamāḥ

Purity, contentment, austerity, study and feeling divine presence are the niyamas.

Let’s start with the 5 niyamas, how we treat ourselves, the inner observances. They are tools to help us build character, to cultivate self-confidence, self-discipline and happiness, the bridge between you and your consciousness, the truth deep within ourselves.

– SAUCHA – Cleanliness and purity of thoughts and actions, both inside and out. Giving us the ability to recognize our bad habits that no longer serve us, a way to clean up our impurities. Being authentic and natural.

– SANTOSHA – Contentment. We are encouraged to accept and appreciate what we have in our lives so we are not constantly seeking the “next thing”. I’ll be happy if/when…

– TAPAS – “to burn”, austerities that purify all levels of being. Practices that are sincerely done to bring about control of the senses, discipline.

– SVADHYAYA – Self-study through philosophy, scripture, mantra and direct experience. To observe and reflect on our thoughts and actions in daily life. Being open to learning, always a student.

– ISVARA PRANIDHANA – Devotion, surrender, trust, full commitment with humility and gratitude. Dedication to the process, while letting go of the expectations. To follow a higher principle in life.

II.30 Ahiṁsā-satyāsteya-brahmacaryāparigrahā yamāḥ

Not causing injury, truthfulness, not stealing, harnessing of energies (moving towards Brahman), not taking anything that is not needed – these are the yamas.

The 5 yamas, refer to how we connect and interact with others and the world around us, our ethics. Practicing and taking these into consideration enables us to become more aware of our thoughts, words and actions and guides us to be more authentic, kind and understanding with ourselves and others.

– AHIMSA – Non-harming, non-violence towards self or others. Being peaceful.

– SATYA – Truthfulness, not lying, seeing and reporting things as they are, not as we would like them to be.

– ASTEYA – Not stealing, or taking that which is not yours, including ideas, information and emotional favours.

– BRAHMACHARYA – Right use of energy, moderation of the senses. Freedom from dependencies and cravings.

– APARIGRAHA – Non-greed, non-attachment, taking only what you need. Not being possessive over things or people.

These guidelines, which are not religious, nor are they dogmatic, presided over by some person, king, priest or organization, they are simply there to hold ourselves accountable. They are there for us to transcend our habits, fears, conditioning and untrained impulses. None of us are perfect, we make mistakes, so we would be wise not to judge others so harshly when there is still work to do on ourselves. Now we may or may not have had the perfect upbringing, support and guidance, but there is always the chance or possibility to change and transform. We have the ability as human beings, to change our story. Yoga is one of the ways to do that…

All of this material and the introduction to Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras is covered in the Centered Yoga 200hr TT. And if you’ve already covered this, then our ATT’s coming up next year dive deeper into these topics.

So, if you’ve been feeling lost, stuck, confused, burnt out, at a dead end, OR looking to dive deeper into the path of Yoga, consider coming to spend some time here with us in Thailand at Samahita. We have some wonderful programs, trainings and an amazing team of staff to support you in your wellbeing.  See you soon!

References:

https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/yoga/beginners/yamas-niyamas

https://yogainternational.com/article/view/yoga-philosophy-basics-the-5-yamas/

https://yogainternational.com/article/view/yoga-philosophy-basics-the-5-niyamas/

“Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects.” Dalai Lama

Oftentimes in life we walk around like zombies or do things out of habit with not much awareness and little thought of the consequences. Perhaps you’ve heard the saying: “For every action, there’s an equal or opposite re-action.” So what does this metaphor mean and how much of an impact does this have on our lives and others’? In today’s blog we’ll explore the effects of our actions, thoughts and efforts and how they ripple outwards into the world…

The science behind the ripple effect

Everything we do in life bears a consequence, either positive or negative. Every choice we make from something as simple as deciding to exercise in the morning or smile at the stranger on the bus impacts our lives. Philosophers and scientists have been theorizing about the mysteries of the Universe since the 1600’s. Galileo and Descartes came up with their ideas to explain cause and effect, paving the way for Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation. At the time, the mathematical equations were so powerful that scientists came to believe that everything in the Universe could be determined and calculated simply by applying the math – determinism. Quantum mechanics then started to take the spotlight and in the 1920’s, Einstein came up with the Unified Field Theory. In the 60’s meteorologist Edward Lorenz then coined the term “Butterfly effect” (Part of Chaos Theory) in which he determines that it was virtually impossible to forecast long term weather predictions as nature is far too complex and minute variables can have far reaching interconnected consequences. In a nutshell, all these theories and mathematical equations are attempting to explain how matter/particles interact with each other and gravity/electromagnetism and time on a subatomic level. When you go down far enough, beyond particles or matter, there is only energy, and since everything is energy, how are you directing YOURS and what impact does it have on your life and in the world?…

You are not powerless

In this day and age we are closely connected to each other through our access to information, travel, advances in technology and the sharing of ideas. We live in a global village, we share global problems like pollution, poverty and corruption, but we somehow feel that most of things are out of our hands and we can’t really do much to create positive changes, we get despondent. But we can, just by starting with ourselves, not getting caught up in the complexity of it all, simply doing your bit. Think about the past, historical events that have taken place, how changes in society have come about, they didn’t happen overnight. They were created by the ripple effect, actions of the few that have influenced the many, over time. As individuals we certainly do have the power to make a

difference and instead of pointing fingers, blaming and wasting time on what other people are doing, we can all think, what am I doing, daily. As they say – Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Helper’s high!

Life is not easy, nor is it meant to be, there is much suffering and pain. But in between the difficulties and challenges of life, there is also joy, happiness, kindness and compassion. It is in our human nature to help others when we see they are in distress. Scientific research shows that helping others brings happiness to yourself, acts of kindness releases those feel good hormones, a phenomenon known as helpers high. The power of the kindness-ripple effect has the ability to change our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing. Research has shown that practicing meditation increases our empathy and compassion for others. It changes one’s perspective, shifting away from the me and mine Self, allowing the mind and heart to open to others. Compassion is not just a passive practice/word, it is a verb, requiring action, a response.

A Bodhisattva-in-Training…

In Buddhist teachings, there is a Sanskrit term for a being who is headed for enlightenment and encompasses the qualities of compassion and altruism (unselfish concern for the welfare of others): Bodhisattva. We may not be able to liberate ALL beings from pain and suffering but we can work on ourselves and find ways to help others along the way, especially within our own communities. We can become a Bodhisattva-in-Training, following a path that is more meaningful and fulfilling. Samahita has always been involved in supporting organizations and charities, being as sustainable as we can be, doing our bit to make a difference.  So where to begin? It doesn’t have to be perfect, it doesn’t need to be on social media, just start. Begin today, with a small gesture, a kind word, a smile… A smile that can ripple out into the world!

References:

https://medium.com/the-abs-tract-organization/the-ripple-effect-8c8495d46554
https://yourstory.com/2023/07/butterfly-effect-small-actions-big-changes
https://exploringyourmind.com/the-theory-of-the-ripple-effect/
https://science.howstuffworks.com/math-concepts/butterfly-effect.htm
https://www.happiness.com/magazine/science-psychology/benefits-of-kindness/
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_helpers_high