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Meditation Newsletter by Marcia Sacks September 2002 ~*~*~* Table of Contents: * Your True Identity
~*~*~* Your True Identity You're not who you think you are! The philosophy of yoga and the teaching of the mystics tell us that we are not our bodies, our emotions, or even our thoughts. We are Spirit, limitless and divine. Most often, we seem very locked into the experiences of our physical vehicle, the intensity of our emotions, and the swirling of our thoughts. How do we begin to come into contact with the realization of ourselves as Spirit? First, just try reflecting on the categories of what people tend to identify with. Listen to conversations around you. People say: "I am a doctor," "I'm a computer engineer," "I'm Tom's mother," "I'm an American." We label ourselves by relationships, religion, nationality, possessions ("I'm a Mac user" I'm a Cadillac driver"), by our addictions and health issues ("I'm an alcoholic" "I'm a person with chronic fatigue") and even by what we eat ("I'm a vegetarian."). Next, journal each night about anything you were angry or upset about during the day. Was it because one of your 'identities' was threatened? (i.e. "How dare she talk to me that way . doesn't she know I'm a college graduate?") Now, watch your thoughts. As a meditation technique, ask "Who am I?" and observe the thoughts that come into your mind. As each thought arises, try to see if you are identifying with a body sensation, emotion, or worldly association. After you categorize the thought, just let it go, saying the Sanskrit word 'Neti' ('not this') or in English, "I am not this thought." Take some quiet time
on a regular basis for this. Perhaps you will get a cosmic verification
as you question "Who am I?" Or, in the space between the thoughts,
in the silence of just being, you will receive an affirmation of your Divine
reality.
"Self-realization is knowing -- in body, mind and soul -- that we are one with the omnipresence of God; that we do not have to pray that it come to us, that we are not merely near it at all times, but that God's omnipresence is our omnipresence; that we are just as much a part of him as we will ever be. All we have to do is improve our knowing." ~~~ Paramahansa Yogananda, Sayings of Yogananda ~*~*~* My Self is holy beyond all the thoughts of holiness of which I now conceive. Its shimmering and perfect purity is far more brilliant than is any light that I have ever looked upon. Its love is limitless, with an intensity that holds all things within it, in the calm of quiet certainty. ~~~ from A
Course in Miracles, Workbook Lesson 252,
~*~*~*
FALL CLASSES with Marcia Sacks Astrology: Read Your Own Horoscope begins Monday, September 23, 7:30-9:30 p.m., 6 weeks, Forest View High School, Arlington Hts. Contact District 214 Community Education (847) 718-7700 for registration. Meditation begins Tuesday, September 24, 7:30-9:00 p.m. 6 weeks, Forest View High School, Arlington Hts. Contact District 214 Community Education (847) 718-7700 for registration. Inner Work for Self-Healing begins Wednesday, September 25, 7:30-9:00 p.m. 4 weeks, Forest View High School, Arlington Hts. Contact District 214 Community Education (847) 718-7700 for registration. NEW: Inner
Work for Writing Success, a one-evening seminar, Thursday, October 3, 7:30
- 9:30 p.m. View High School, Arlington Hts. Contact District 214 Community
Education (847) 718-7700 for registration.
For more information on the classes give me a call 847-882-3315 or visit http://marciasacks.com/chicagoclasses.htm *~*~*~ Kriya Yoga Satsang:
A Meditation Circle with Marcia Sacks,
Satsang is the Sanskrit word for fellowship, a gathering of like-minded souls. These evening gatherings will include chanting, silent meditation, and a talk on spiritual living and our inner journey. The next Satsang is September 19 (3rd Thursday of the month) at 7:30 p.m. (Love offering requested). 1595 Fairfield Lane, Hoffman Estates, IL Please call 847-882-3315 or email marcia@marciasacks.com if you will be attending. ~*~*~* "Compassion: The Science of Softening Your Karma": Sunday Noon Meditation - with Marcia Sacks, Swami K. Adinadananda, September 22, Temple of Kriya Yoga, 2414 N. Kedzie, Chicago, IL - (773) 342-4600 The Noon Meditation
is a weekly 45 minute inspirational talk by a Temple swami, combined with
chanting and silent meditation, followed by tea and
~*~*~* HARVEST OF WISDOM
FESTIVAL
Every year the Temple
of Kriya Yoga has a festival celebrating books of Eastern wisdom featuring
short talks by swamis and disciples about their favorite books. I'll be
talking about one of my new favorites "The
Song of Rama: Visions of the Ramayana" by the Sage Valmiki as told
by Devi
~*~*~* To have Marcia speak at your group, club or convention on "Astrology for Success," "Relax and Rebalance with Meditation," or "Inner Work for Self-Healing" call 847-882-3315 or email marcia@marciasacks.com ~*~*~* Article about astrology & the chakras by Ray Grasse: http://www.innerself.com/Astrology/chakras.htm Meditation and science article at Wired.com: http://www.wired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,53820,00.html Brand new! My friend Evamarie Pilapuf has a new yoga video in the Yoga in Nature Series. The Sun Salutation Survival Kit is for Intermediate level hatha yoga students. She teaches hatha classes locally at the Barrington Park District and her website is http://www.treeoffitness.com Yoga Seva: Ann Waring,
Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor, is opening her second location September
26, at 1320 N. Riverside Dr., McHenry, IL, offering hatha yoga classes,
private instruction, thai yoga therapy, and massage. Contact: Yoga Seva
815-356-1760 or email
If you're looking for hatha yoga classes around the Chicago area check the Yoga Chicago directory at: http://www.yogachicago.com/classes.shtml ~*~*~* Marcia Sacks, Professional
Astrological Services
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