Happy Holidays & Celebrate January 1st with us!
by Blair Lewis • December 25, 2011
December 25, 2011
Dear Friends and Family of Alive and Healthy,
We are writing to wish you all a very Happy Holiday to you and yours! We hope that this winter holiday season has brought you great fellowship and some quiet time for reflection.
I know that my most recent letters to you have been quick class announcements and greetings from my heart. Today, I wish to write a little more.
As a spiritual teacher, my duty is to help you and yours with establishing a life that makes sense and to regain your health & vigor. This effort requires honesty, trust, humor, science and courage. It is educational and scientific. It is a training program. Recently Pandit Rajmani of the Himalayan Institute spoke of this training:
”I must not let my mind continue making the list of all the follies. I must not allow the mind to count how many times I have failed, how many times I have suffered and how many times people have treated me unjust fully. That is old story. This world is wonderful, beautiful. I must train my eyes to see that beauty and joy that is inherent in this world. I must train my mind to look for the beauty and joy that is inherent in this world. I must train my soul to become interested and cultivate taste for that most absolute, unsurpassed beauty and joy that resides right next to itself at the same very lotus of the heart.” Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD, Living Tantra V
I see suffering… more than ever. I see it in all ages, races and vocations. With proper training, this suffering can end. Our deepest fears are birthing loneliness, purposelessness, anger, doubt, guilt and self-hatred. The only antidote to this tragedy is love….but it must be love that makes sense. Love that is sustainable. This is where the training begins, for a lasting love requires a healthy diet that supports both the mind and body; an exercise program that improves endurance and releases tension; a self-understanding that allows us to heal ourselves, help ourselves, forgive ourselves and get back in the game. The greatest service you can do for this world is to care for your body, breath and mind. Only a truly happy person can help this world. Such happiness comes from the heart of the Divine, not from worldly pleasures. You can attain this.
Spirituality today means ‘sustainability’ – created by vibrancy, wisdom, community, and values that embrace all differences. You must develop a personal philosophy that allows you to incorporate all your life experiences and move forward. The past that creates pain must be met with loving wisdom and practicality. We have all been hurt and we have all disappointed others, but only in the present moment we call ‘now’ is there a place where we can skillfully choose our next step.
I pray that our courses and classes will help you move closer to a joy that cannot be dimmed, a courage that never leaves you and a tranquility that will always beam from your heart. I know that our bodies are hurting, our minds torture us and there is so much pain; but, I also know there are time tested solutions to all of these challenges. I have trained for over thirty years to help you.
I am here to meet with you in person, online and by telephone to discuss whatever grieves you, kills your hopes or holds you back. The great sages say never delay doing a good thing for your mind, heart and soul.
Thank you for allowing all of us at Alive and Healthy to be a part of your life. We are honored to be with you.
Classes and More – in Person and Online
2011 has been an amazing year for Alive and Healthy. Our seminars and classes in Wisconsin and Texas have been well attended and filled with sincere folks seeking health, happiness and freedom from all fear.
And now after 6 months of testing, you can join us online or by telephone from anywhere in the USA. Currently we are using the www.GoToMeeting.com technology to allow families from all 50 states to join us for classes held on-site at Alive and Healthy Institute. Please email us if you wish to join us online. Thank you!
December 29
Thursday, December 29, 2011, 7:00 – 8:30 pm – At the Office!
The Science of Sadhana, Part 2 – learning how to apply the texts and techniques to build your foundation of fearlessness, service and community. As the New Year is only a few days away, now is the time for recommitting and refining your practice for the new year.
January 1st
We welcome the New Year in Dallas with a special fire offering and celebration at our home on January 1st from 10am – 11:30am. Group meditation will be held from 9:00 am – 9:30am, followed by chai and fellowship until 10 am. Your family and friends are welcome to join us. Please do RSVP to reserve a cup of chai and a place at the fire.
January 2nd
Monday nights, Starting Jan. 2nd, Blair teaches at Krama Yoga Center
Meditation with Movement and Stillness– 4 week class, Jan. 2, 9, 16 & 23.
6:00 – 7:00 pm Movement with Ricky Tran
7:15 pm – 8:45 pm Meditation & Stillness with Blair
This is a four-week class that combines the movement of hatha with the inner dynamics of meditation. The class is for adults and teens seeking a masterful approach to stress management and strengthening of self-confidence.
Location: Krama Yoga Center, 2760 E. Trinity Mills Rd. #120, Carrollton, TX 75006, 469-324-9642
Located in the Briarwyck Shopping Center on Trinity Mills Road at Marsh Lane, by the 24 Hour Fitness.
http://www.kramayogacenter.com
Thursday, January 5th, Group Meditation, 7:00 – 8:30 pm – At the Office!
The first Thursday of every month is for group meditation. Everyone is welcome!
Sunday, January 8th, new times and new format:
9:00 – 9:30 am Group Meditation
9:30 – 10:00 am Chai and Fellowship
10:00 – 11:30 am Satsang with Blair
Theme for 2012: The Science of Sadhana – an introduction to the texts and techniques to build your foundation of fearlessness, service and community. This Sunday we will begin exploring the Perennial Psychology of the Bhagavad-Gita, this Swami Rama’s commentary on the psychotherapeutic view of this great text. Feel welcome to bring any version of the Gita that you love.
Could You Help Us Help?
We want to be more available online, in print and in person to those seeking help from all suffering. As you know, no one is ever turned away. As more people have a lack of finances, the only way we can increase our community outreach is to have your support.
We humbly seek your tax-deductible donations to help us fund programs, equipment and our web-presence.
The Alive and Healthy Institute is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt spiritual organization and we are happy to receive your donations online, by check or charge or cash.
You can mail us your contribution to Alive and Healthy Institute
14114 Dallas Parkway, Suite 260
Dallas, Texas 75254
Thank you very much!
The Topic of Money for Your Class….wait….it’s good news
Alive and Healthy wants to help you save money. As you know all of our classes have been by Love Offering this year. This means that you pay only what you can afford to give and feel welcome to come for free as your finances dictate. We have always suggested a Love Offering of $20 per class, and yet accepted whatever is in the offering plate. However, some of you have been graciously paying $20 or more several times a week – while we need and appreciate your support, we karmically think we should balance the situation. The auto-pay solution begins January 1st!
Auto-pay begins January 1st, 2012 and offers you the following benefits:
• $108 per month for all weekly classes held at Alive and Healthy; $159 for couples and families per month
• Free 20-30 minute meeting with Blair each month for spiritual counseling and practice refinement
• 50% discount on all Alive and Healthy ‘in-house’ weekend seminars and special events
• 20% discount on books and Neti-pots
We hope that you will see the benefits of Auto-Pay and enroll. Alive and Healthy will continue its policy of a suggested a Love Offering of $20 per class or $30 per family. You can still pay only what you can afford to give and feel welcome to come for free as your finances dictate.
Have a very Happy Holiday! We look forward to seeing you real soon! Thank you for your donation.
Yours in Service,
Blair and Terri
The Spirituality of Sanskrit Nov. 18-20
by Blair Lewis • November 2, 2011
We are very pleased to announce that Jon Janaka will be coming teaching The Spirituality of Sanskrit at Alive and Healthy on November 18, 19, and 20th.
Jon Janaka holds a Masters Degree from the University of Wisconsin where he studied Sanskrit and the History of Religion in India. After his graduate studies, he lived and worked at the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, Pennsylvania for 7 years, where he studied under the guidance of Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. His unique combination of academic background combined with personal immersion in the traditions and techniques of the Himalayan Sages prepared him to bring the transformative power of the Sanskrit language to a modern audience.
The study of Sanskrit gives the sincere yoga student access to the profound aspects of the original yogic texts. Sanskrit is a language of sounds (not words) heard by the Sages and Rishis in deep meditation; these sounds are an expression and encapsulation of the consciousness of the Divine. Reciting these ancient hymns with precision and respect can lead the aspirant to the source of Truth, Happiness and Bliss. I hope you will join us in this pursuit of the Divine Experience through the study of Sanskrit.
Here are the details of his seminar:
Thursday, November 17th, 7:00 – 8:30 pm, Fee: Love Offering only
Satsang on Sanskrit with Guest Instructor Jon Janaka and Blair Lewis
Jon has come down from wintery Wisconsin to provide us with a great weekend seminar on The Spirituality of Sanskrit. Tonight will be a fascinating question and answer session on mantras, sound, vibration and Sanskrit.
The Spirituality of Sanskrit– the language of the Gods
Friday, Saturday and Sunday Seminar, November 18, 19, and 20th
Fee: Early Registration: $149.00 per person; $225 per household.
At the Door: $199.00 per person
Individual Class Sessions are $35 each.
Yoga Instructors may qualify for special pricing, please write us for details.
Work-study Scholarships are available.
Please email us for payment arrangments.
Friday Evening, November 18th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
• Introduction to Sanskrit as a Spiritual Practice
• Language and Consciousness
Saturday Morning, November 19th, 9:00 am – 12 noon
• Sanskrit Alphabet
Saturday Afternoon, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
• Prayers of the Tradition
• Mantra and Meditation
Sunday Morning, November 20th, 9:00 am – 12 noon
• Prayers of the Tradition
• Recap and review
• Home Practice of Sanskrit
SPECIAL GATHERING – at the home of Theresa Oswald and Blair Lewis
Saturday Evening, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Fee: Love Offering only
– A Special Master Class & Satsang on Shiva Sankalpa Sukta
We look forward to seeing you at The Spirituality of Sanskrit – the language of the Gods.
Location:
Alive and Healthy Institute
14114 Dallas Parkway, Suite 260
Dallas, Texas 75254
Helpful Thoughts from Dr. Shapiro
by Blair Lewis • August 31, 2011
Helpful Thoughts by Dr. Shapiro
If you deny me, I will come back.
I am your thoughts and I’ll cut you no slack.
Millions in numbers are me and my friends.
We fill up your noggin from end-to-end.
Your equating us with “good” or “bad” allows us to last,
And allows us to replay for you all of the past.
As you fall victim to your very own mind,
We’re not taking the blame for your self-made bind.
But if you knew how the mind works & didn’t let it run astray,
Then the fun we have tormenting you, would simply go away.
Jordan Shapiro, MD is a physician completing his Pediatric Residency at the University of Cincinnati and a long time staff member of Alive and Healthy. He is a life long student of meditation and an avid traveler to plains of suffering all over the world — serving those most downtrodden in any manner possible.
Contemplation & Relaxation — new class
by Blair Lewis • August 30, 2011
Contemplation & Relaxation – Pondering the Present and Relaxing Past the Past
This two-part class will provide you with valuable insights into how to frame your life in a manner that inspires and steadies your view of yourself and your world.
“Contemplation is not a skill limited to the spiritual seeker, rather it is an essential skill for every man, woman and child.” — page 250, The Happiness Revolution
For over 30 years people have come to me complaining about their mind harassing them. At first they did not realize what it was, they thought it was their neighbor, child, boss, or spouse. I taught them powerful, quick-acting methods to discover the truth, for the problem was their mind and the cure is contemplation. Transforming the mind from foe to friend is possible for everyone.
Jubilant with their discovery, they knew their nemesis…. but now, what to do? They needed to cleanse their mind of harassing behaviors, but the source was unconscious. How do you fix something you aren’t even aware of? The answer is: align yourself with the deeper forces of the unconscious and learn to cultivate & refine them. There is a type of relaxation that cleanses the mind, I call it, “Relaxing Past the Past.” It is easy to learn and easy to practice.
Contemplation allows you the time and the space to sort out distractions and make powerful life-changing decisions. Relaxation can interrupt the flow of power that keeps you doubting and missing opportunities. Get your mind on your side and live your life.
“Contemplation hones and refines your ability to listen to your conscience.”
– page 254, The Happiness Revolution
Instructors: Blair Lewis, author of The Happiness Revolution and Theresa Oswald, MD
Part One: Thursday, Sept 8, 7-9 pm
Part Two: Thursday, Sept 15th, 7-9 pm
Fee: $49 per person – or – $79 per household
Bring: Pen and notepaper; a curious mind; a desire to be a little philosophical & very relaxed.
Location: Ask for location and directionx
Trees for Tibet – Battle of the Bands
by Theresa Oswald, MD • August 30, 2011
Battle of the Bands
Kevin & JJ, Event Producers
Volunteer Crew
Yogis in the Hood
Southmoor
Volunteering is Fun!
Rockin' Out
Pongamia Pinnata is the Tree for Tibet
Getting into the Groove
Watching Doje Video
Now is the Time to Conquer Fear
by Blair Lewis • July 18, 2011
On Tuesday evening, July 26th, the Dallas-Fort Worth community has a rare and illuminating opportunity to meet a world-renowned scholar and humanitarian – Pandit Rajmanit Tigunait, Ph.D. His topic will be: Conquering Fear, the Science of Self-Transformation. The following excerpt from his most recent book, The Pursuit of Power and Freedom: Katha Upanishad, clearly illustrates the importance of his upcoming topic:
“As spiritual scientists, the sages of the Himalayas were interested in discovering the anatomy of health and happiness, stamina and weakness, and joy and grief. In an attempt to find lasting peace, they tried to understand the source of fear and the way to eliminate it once and for all. Their limitless appetite for unveiling the mysteries of life enabled them to invest all their resources – physical, mental and spiritual. This gave them access to a world filled with infinite possibilities – a world beyond our normal understanding.”
“All of us want to be happy. In search of happiness, we are continually adding new nuances in the fields of science and technology, religion and politics, and trade and commerce. Experience tells us that the more we possess, the more fearful we become, and yet our desire for power and possessions forces us to exhaust all our energies acquiring everything possible. On the one hand, we want to be happy. On the other hand, we do not want to let go of that which makes us miserable. And yet we fail to see why we are caught between wanting and not wanting, freedom and bondage.”
Pandit Tigunait will share the techniques and insights that he has gleaned from a lifetime of study and commitment to helping individuals and families overcome fear, doubt and anger. His presentation will delight you with a wonderful blend of wisdom, humor and humility. He will be speaking at the Center for Spiritual Living in North Dallas. Details are online at: www.AliveandHealthy.com
The Biography of Pandit Tigunait
The spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Ph.D. is the successor of Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Lecturing and teaching world-wide for more than 30 years, he is the author of fourteen books including his autobiography Touched by Fire: The Ongoing Journey of a Spiritual Seeker and the best-selling At the Eleventh Hour: The Biography of Swami Rama, and is a regular contributor to Yoga International magazine.
Pandit Tigunait holds two doctorates: one in Sanskrit from the University of Allahabad in India, and another in Oriental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. Family tradition gave Pandit Tigunait access to a vast range of spiritual wisdom preserved in both the written and oral traditions. Before meeting his master, Pandit Tigunait studied Sanskrit, the language of the ancient scriptures of India ; Pali, the language of Buddhist scriptures; Prakrit, the language of Jaina scriptures; and Zend-Avesta, the language of the Zorastrian tradition. In 1976, Swami Rama ordained Pandit Tigunait into the 5,000-year-old lineage of the Himalayan masters.
While living in the world with his wife and two children, Pandit Tigunait walks in the footsteps of his master — he writes, teaches, guides and administers the work and mission of the Himalayan Institute, a multi-national humanitarian organization, while joyfully maintaining his personal commitment to his spiritual pursuits.
“Live in the world, and yet remain above it. Find a balance between the sacred and mundane, and between worldly success and inner fulfillment. There is a way to find freedom in this world, you do not need to try to find freedom from this world.” – these are the core teachings of the Himalayan sages.
Conquering Fear — The Science of Self-Transformation
An Evening with Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Ph.D., the Spiritual Head of the Himalayan Institute
Tuesday Evening, July 26th, from 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Location: Center for Spiritual Living, 4801 Spring Valley, Suite 115, Dallas, Texas 75244
Fee: By Donation Only, Suggested Love Offering is $15
Conquering Fear — A Special Evening with Pandit Tigunait in Dallas
by Blair Lewis • July 7, 2011
Conquering Fear — The Science of Self-Transformation
An Evening with Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Ph.D., the Spiritual Head of the Himalayan Institute
Tuesday Evening, July 26th from 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Location: Center for Spiritual Living, 4801 Spring Valley, Suite 115, Dallas, Texas 75244
Fee: By Donation Only, Suggested Love Offering is $15
For Reserved Seating (which is strongly encouraged), please contact: Jill Pickett at 469-544-4823 or email Jill@aliveandhealthy.com
Pandit Tigunait will help you learn to:
• Understand the source of fear — the source of fear and doubt can be known and understood.
• Transform fear and self-demeaning habits by retraining your mind to hear and heed the voice of the heart.
• Apply the science of self-transformation — for your personal growth, worldly success and lasting relationships.
Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Ph.D., the spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute, is the successor of Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Lecturing and teaching worldwide for over 25 years, he is the author of fourteen books, including his autobiography Touched by Fire: The Ongoing Journey of a Spiritual Seeker and the best-selling At the Eleventh Hour: The Biography of Swami Rama, and is a regular contributor to Yoga International magazine.
Pandit Tigunait holds two doctorates: one in Sanskrit from the University of Allahabad in India, and another in Oriental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania. Family tradition gave Pandit Tigunait access to a vast range of spiritual wisdom preserved in both the written and oral traditions. Before meeting his master, Pandit Tigunait studied Sanskrit, the language of the ancient scriptures of India, as well as the languages of the Buddhist, Jaina, and Zoroastrian traditions. In 1976, Swami Rama ordained Pandit Tigunait into the 5,000-year-old lineage of the Himalayan Masters.
Looking for the light switch in my mind
by Blair Lewis • January 15, 2011
Today I sat observing my mind.
Constantly, I had to start over.
Every time the mind projected a fantasy, I got engrossed and believed it to be real. So real that I did not want to leave before it was over.
I started again.
The movie screen of my mind flickered with full-length feature films, some brief vignettes, and trailers of coming attractions.
My body flinched and shuddered during the scary parts, my emotions were in full play.
It was so realistic, but in truth, it was pure fantasy and historical fiction.
It was quite a scene.
Consider how powerfully the images of the mind influence our self-confidence, our physical and mental health, and our relationships with others….and especially our relationship with ourselves.
And most of these images in our mind play out at an unconscious or pre-conscious level, thus we make decisions without knowing the source of our likes and dislikes.
We reach out for the comfort foods, drinks or cigarettes without knowing why we feel the need to be comforted.
This condition is popular and common.
For thirty-seven years I have been training to be a Seer – one who can see through the mirage of the mind; one who can see what lies beyond the mind.
This can only be done with a clear, calm and tranquil mind; without this, we will believe the movies until the lights go on.
We must stop complaining about the show and look for the light switch.
Did someone just yell, “Found it!”?
Things we need to remember
by Blair Lewis • January 14, 2011
Things we all need to remember:
Our mind lies a lot.
Our sensory perceptions are not very accurate and are easily influenced by foods and feelings.
Memories are changed every time we remember them.
Thus, our impressions may be faulty, they could even be lies.
So who really knows what happened in the past?
Most likely we are living lies that we believe…
…someone likes me
…someone hates me
…someone thinks this about me
…someone thinks this about them
If the lies we believe are kind, life is good.
If the lies we believe are cruel, life is hard.
Believe the kind ones until there is nothing left but kindness.
Unconditional Love
by Anne Schanz, Ph.D., LPC • November 11, 2010
What a concept! Love with no conditions. This has confused me for most of my life. My notions of love are so embedded into relationships that I didn’t really understand how such a thing might exist–except from God, but not among us mortals.
Recently, another jarring ‘what if’ has come to me.
What if ALL LOVE is unconditional? That set my mind reeling.
—Well, let’s look at this. If all love is unconditional what about all the relationship issues? What about all these different kinds of love relationships: romantic, agape, friendship, pets, etc?
What if love is love, and it exists separate from the giver and receiver? What if it really has NOTHING to do with relationships at all?
OMG! Now, my synapses are popping.
When do I FEEL love? I feel love when I am in a certain state of being. It is associated with feeling warm, calm, happy, joyful, excited– an endless array of expansive feelings.
Are these expansive feelings really about what I am doing or what another is doing for me? Hummmm. I have been conditioned by association to believe that is true.
When I am feeling these feelings I do certain behaviors which are loving. Are my behaviors love? No, they result from my being in the state of love.
How did I get to the state of LOVE? I assumed that someone else evoked it or put me there, but is that true? Can I put MYSELF there? Am I really in charge of feeling love(d)?
When I focus on certain thoughts/images I can put myself there. When I act lovingly toward others, I put myself there. AM I IN CHARGE OF MY FEELING LOVED?
Yes, I believe I am.
So then, what my spouse, child, brother, sister, mother, father, uncle, aunt, friend, co-worker, enemy does or does not do— DOES NOT control when or how I feel love(d)?
I can feel love(d) regardless of what others say, feel or do? I have unconditional love at my own discretion, anytime? WOW! That changes everything.
Then, I can conclude that my relationships are entirely separate from feeling love/loved? Relationships are just ‘contractual’ arrangements for reciprocation of services/behaviors. Dealing with relationships is just a negotiation for services/behaviors with no impact on my feeling love(d) or not?
This changes everything.
Emotional Release Tapping Techniques Workshop
by Blair Lewis • November 7, 2010
- Monday, December 13
- This class is also offered monthly.
- 11:00 – 1:00 pm OR 7:00 – 9:00 pm
- Instructor: Dr. Anne Schanz, PhD
Enjoy this holiday season like never before! Learn to tap out the BLUES, ANXIETY and STRESS.
This will be a hands on, experiential workshop where you will learn acupuncture meridian point sequences to tap out emotional trauma and stress. You will learn how to eliminate phobias, relieve anger, guilt and shame, grief and anxiety BY YOURSELF. PAINLESS AND EASY. Almost too easy to believe.
Self Acceptance
by Anne Schanz, Ph.D., LPC • November 6, 2010
Self Acceptance is very tricky. Our usual approach is to embark on goals to change the parts of Self that we don’t want or like. This will never work.
By identifying those things we don’t want or like, we are rejecting (part of) Self. It makes no sense at all that we will reach Acceptance of Self through Rejection of Self. Therefore, we must ACCEPT ALL OF SELF.
WOW! That sounds completely backwards in this self help, fix it, make it go away culture. But, what if……
If I did not reject any part of Self, how might I feel?
Calm, peaceful, open, safe, warm…
Could that be what love feels like?
Hold the Tomatoes
by Theresa Oswald, MD • November 21, 2009
I was talking with a friend about ways to deal with recurrent troubling thoughts. From years of experience with my own thoughts and many discussions with friends, it appears we all have thoughts that are unhelpful. If you are like me and have not found the off switch for the negative thought stream, here is an analogy that may be useful. Thoughts are like horsd’oeuvres. If you don’t like tomatoes, the bruschetta is not a problem if you don’t put it on your plate. The thoughts, like horsd’oeuvres being served at a party, will keep passing by but if they are not useful you can just leave them on the tray.
