Are you feeling somewhat low, tired or blue? The pineal gland (shiva's abode) is sensitive to light, and with an increasing proportion darkness urges us to hibernate (A gentle reminder of how much connected with nature we really are, no matter how 'civilized' or 'advanced' our society may be!). We all thrive on sunlight, the warm, life sustaining container for our lifeforce to dance in.  For some of us, this lack of abundant sunshine may result in feeling SAD (seasonal affective disorder), and depressed. The good news is you can rise beyond being the victim of circumstances and generate your own light within. Here are a few tips to keep you radiant that go beyond buying full-spectrum lightbulbs:

1)Soak up the Sunshine. On sunny days, spend at least an hour in the sun. If you get out early in the morning,  you can do 'sunning your eyes' - close your eyes and slowly move your head side to side, 'paining' with your eyes a cresent moon.   Have your hat off to let some sunrays penetrate your crown.  When you combine sunshine with a refreshing walk in the nature, you are wrapped up in magic and lit for the day!

2)Keep your Body Alive. Put on your favorite music on and dance unabashedly, shake your body, or do anything that moves it in a healthy way. Feel that life force pulsating, our bodies are made to move!

3) Gaze into the Candle (without blinking). Trataka, as yogis call this powerful meditation technique, directly stimulates the pineal gland, and the sixth chakra (third eye) associated with it. The tears that begin to flow when you

don't blink will carry out stress hormones and make you feel better right away. You will also nurture the witness consciousness, a foundation of any spiritual practice.

4)Arouse your Shakti (sexual energy) in the many ways you know (lovemaking, self-loving, sexual energy activators) and bring her up to the higher centers with tantric transmutation techniques (if you don't know how, here's invitation to come to a class or a session). Even better, practice the complete Ipsalu formula (ASATE). This  article gives you a hint. You can keep yourself in a state of mild arousal all day long, being so enchanted you may not even notice the sky is getting dark.                                                                    

5)Sing From your Heart. When you sing, the ego personality takes a back burner while the soul steps in. You don't even need to be perfectly in tune. Everyone is a singer. The blissful singing soul is waiting to be freed, regardless the evaluation of your voice. Invite your kids to join you or singalong your favorites on media.
There are certain mantras, that, when sang aloud, shift your consciousness into exhilarating states.

6)Let Your Creativity Flow. Draw, paint, create an art, play a musical instrument, play with your kids, cook or bake,  make home made presents or tree ornaments.  Write some poetry,  bring in whatever feeds your inspiration.

7)Connect with other kindred spirits. There's nothing like joining your light with another to generate even more radiance!  Hang up with a friend or go out!There's plenty of exciting events going on to meet others , create new, exciting frienships and expand your light (mine too!).

 

Have a radiant winter!

 Beaming Love,

 

shakti*