Michael/Michelle here:
I have been meditating every day for over three years now. This year I have found it has really helped me stay calm and centered and grounded as many things change around me. I remembered when I started meditating I worried was I doing it right? What about all these stray thoughts? What if I skip a day? This week Randy will help those who want to meditate every day but not stuck trying to do it.

This week I am in in Ascuncion Paraguay. Paraguay has relaxed vibe plus a stubborn/proud streak, almost a death energy (they had a war in 1870s with Argentina and Brazil and Uruguay where 99% of males over 15 years old in country died - still recovering from that - that is why only 6 million people live here and it is almost the area of California which has 36 million people). I am applying for residency here because it is easy to get and will led to second passport in 3 years if I want it. Can use to live in Chile or Peru etc or even here. But I think I prefer the mountain vibe to the low land tropical one. Though the people are friendly here and the women are into high heels (which I like :-) it is a bit conservative.  Only legalized divorce a few years ago. it is the Catholic influence I think. They also got rid of a dictator in 1989 and had a pretty violent time under him (however the revolution was fairly peaceful in 89, sorta like the East German Wall toppling after years of brutal dictatorship there. Hmm may there there was something energetic going on in 89 that lead to so many dictactorships changing in Eastern Europe and South America at the same time...).

I tell you the police here look like they are dressed to be in WWII German Afrika Corp... or French foreign legion... kinda weird but I guess a bit better than all the police in some other countries looking like they are in the Army. Almost like I am in the movie Casablanca! Of course these days I sometimes think that the police in USA and UK look liek the Army too - when I seen SWAT team like cops in the airport carrying automatic weapons and bullet proof vests... and read about raids by SWAT teams with the FDA on raw milk farms or Gibson Guitar...

love
M/M

PS We have three talented healers living at my house: Randy, Rukmini and Sandra. Plus myself remotely. Learn more about what we can do and help support this Sandbox gathering place at http://abundantmichael.com/blog/page.cfm/Sandbox-Healers

This Wednesday gathering we learn how to Meditate with Randy Goldberg. How would your life be if you were more centered and calm during crisises? What problems did you have last time you tried to start meditating on your own? How would guidance from a former Yogic monk who has meditated in Indian ashrams help you?

We will learn how to establish yourself in a daily meditation practice

We will learn several types of meditation, including breath, grounding, visualization, and mantra.

Meditation is the art of expanding your awareness and realizing your inner wealth. We will explore the various obstacles people face in doing a regular daily meditation as part of their self-care routine.

Randy Goldberg has taught meditation to individuals and groups including at GWU, AU, and Howard Universities, DC-JCC, and Takoma Metaphysical Chapel. Randy is a former Yoga monk, a Craniosacral therapist, a world renowned astrologer interviewed by the Washington Post and by CNN. He facilitates Family Constellation therapy for individuals and groups. You can reach Randy at randy (at) randygoldberg.org or 202-380-6850 www.randygoldberg.org

- Michael/Michelle
http://www.abundantmichael.com/

This video is from the Winter Solstice that I attended in Florida December 2010 - I went to this class and it was amazing and very spiritually moving. The class was the day before the Full Moon, Lunar Eclipse and Solstice Day on December 21. The class starts with us holding bear grip in silence, so bear with it if nothing seems to be happening when you start the play button!

Here is where I am sitting in class (circled in red) - I am wearing all white and have a white head scarf down my back too:

I heard this mantra at Winter Solstice at Harijiwan's class. It's called Jai Te Gung and is from the Dasam Granth, which was written by Guru Gobind Singh. It is used to cut through blocks to what you want to project or manifest in the world.


The complete mantra and translation from Mantra Pedia at www.spiritvoyage.com is below



Khag khand bihandan khal dal khandan at ran mandan bar bandan
Bhuj dandh akhandan tej parchandan jot amandan bhaan prabhan
Sukh santaa karnang durman darning kilbikh harnang as sarnang
Jai jai jag kaaran srist ubaaran mam pratipaaran jai tegang

Translation:


The sword breaks through and cuts down the demons of the mind and body. This beautiful and powerful weapon adorns the battlefield of life.
It is as an extension of the arm, unbreakable, terribly fast, it's awesome splendor overshadows even the sun.
It protects the peace and happiness of the saints and destroys any powerful negative energy. It has erased the negativity and guilt that I carry. I seek its refuge.
Praise, praise be to the great doer of the world, savior of the creation, my great protector, praise be to the sword!

You can download a short loop from Dharam Singh's  website here.

The Kundalini Yoga website gives some good tips and about 20 online lessons in Kundalini yoga.Also some nice charka information

[Kundalini Yoga's] power comes from the Kundalini, an enormous reserve of untapped potential within each of us. It is normally depicted as a coiled or sleeping serpent, located in an area towards the base of the spine.

By gradually and safely awakening this serpent and employing its power, you will benefit greatly from an elevation in consciousness, promotion of physical well-being and an expansion of awareness. You will feel more relaxed and at ease with yourself. Your life will be transformed into one which is happy, healthy & harmonious.