Dear friend

Something to consider.

Something to taste.

Something to learn.

Something to intrigue.

Something to contemplate.

Take a moment to pause, take a deep breath, rest and enjoy.

Annemaree

Issue 04

Contents

Club Meditation

Warm chickpea salad

Brake!

The meaning of AUM?

Kindness...

Join us in this unique concept…..

The Yoga Studio

18 Wilson Street

South Yarra,  Victoria 

Tuesday Evenings

8.15p.m. – 9.15p.m. (commencing 11 March, 2008)

An evening of deep relaxation and meditation… 

As a participant in the Club Meditation sessions, you will receive a selection of small gifts that will enhance your relaxation and meditation practice.

It is a simple fact… the number one influence in the ageing process is STRESS!

However, when you feel Cool Calm & Collected you will become more productive, efficient, focused, creative, energized and confident.  Sleep comes easily, body aches dissolve and anxiety stays away.

Let me know if you would like to join our Club Meditation…..or just feel free to ‘rock up’ on the night

For further information please click here.
or contact  Annemaree on 0412 616 787

Healthy as...

1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 large clove of garlic, finely chopped               
½ tspn chilli flakes
Finely grated rind of ½ lemon
1 cup (200g) dried chickpeas, soaked in cold water overnight, drained
1 Spanish onion, finely chopped
½ small preserved lemon, finely chopped 
1 cup chopped parsley
1 cup chopped mint                                              

Combine lemon juice, oil, garlic and lemon rind in a screw-top jar. Shake well. Cook chickpeas in a saucepan of boiling salted water, skimming scum from the surface, for 50 minutes or until tender. Drain. Rinse in cold water then combine with onion, preserved lemon, mint and parsley. Add dressing. Mix well.  Serve warm.

A warm chickpea salad is ideal to include in a ‘yogic diet’.  This flavoursome side dish is also delicious with grilled or barbecued fish.

Serves 6.

Health benefits of chickpeas.

There are many health benefits to eating chickpeas. The high protein content is perfect for those wishing to replace red meat in their diet. Chickpeas are also high in fibre and help to lower cholesterol.

Become a part of what you are doing in the present moment; performing at your peak, increasing productivity, stretching time and living more fully.

'Learn to meditate' next available date:
Sunday, 6 April 2008 (5.00pm - 6.30pm)       

The four week course runs for four consecutive Sundays (public holidays excluded) and are for those who prefer to learn in a group setting.

Corporate and one-on-one meditation courses are also available.

view:  meditation
email: info@coolcalmandcollected.com.au
or call Annemaree on 0412 616 787

Aum is said to be the representation of the Original Sound, the oneness with the ‘supreme’ and the merging of ‘physical form with the spiritual'.

The sound ‘ahhhh’ starts in our chests at the heart center, moves upward with the ‘ooooo’ sound in the throat center and ends with the sound ‘mmmmm’, which vibrates the higher centres in the head.

According to ‘The Concise Light on Yoga'  by B. K. S. Iyengar, the letter A symbolises the conscious or waking state; the letter U the dream state; and the letter M the dreamless sleep state. The entire symbol, together with the crescent and the dot, stands for the fourth..samadhi -  integration or wholeness, or absolute  truth

Visually, AUM has a lower curve which symbolizes the conscious turned outward through the gates of the senses and being the larger, signifies that this is the most common state of the human consciousness.

The upper curve denotes the state of deep sleep or unconscious state. This is a state where the sleeper desires nothing.

The middle curve signifies the dream state. In this state the consciousness of the individual is turned inwards. These three curves, the three states of a person's consciousness, together represent the entire physical phenomenon.

The semi circle symbolizes ‘maya’ and separates the dot from the other three curves. It is the illusion of ‘maya’ that prevents us from the realization of this highest state of consciousness which is represented by the dot above the semi circle.  The dot signifies the coming to rest of all differentiated, relative existence. This utterly quiet, peaceful and blissful state is the ultimate aim of all spiritual activity.

The first sound A is pronounced at the back of the open mouth. The second syllable is "U" and is sounded in the middle of the mouth.The third sound M is at the front of the mouth and closes the lips. This last sound, when closing the lips, is said to be like locking the door to the outside world and instead reaching deep inside our own selves to our inner truth.

The fourth sound is the invisible fourth dimension, the soundless silence that follows the uttering of AUM.

Reciting AUM creates a deep sense of tranquillity and awareness.

                           Kindness in work creates confidence
                           Kindness in thinking creates profoundness
                           Kindness in giving creates love

                                                                                           Lao Tse

Afterthought:

In the time it has taken you to read this you have possibly taken a deep breath, reflected, imagined and slowed down just a little.

So now stand up and stretch; walk around for a minute or two and drink a glass of water.

Hopefully this small break will have restored your energy.