Open your Heart: River Meditation with Sacred Cello Vibrations

My husband Cristof is the creator of these most sacred Cello vibrations. Watch this video and soothe your soul.
Creating and collaborating with him together has been such a delicious and exciting experience. I love you, Cristof!

Meditation, Postures, Thoughts

Watch this latest video from the hammock!

Creative Expression

The Intention for Today is creative expression.

Today, I invite the creative energies to express through me in abundant, benevolent and magical ways. May I become the vessel, the vehicle that is pure and free to carry through that which wants to emerge through me. May creative expression find its highest form through and within me.

Thank you creative expression for flowing your energies through me.

Peace and Love. New Meditation E-Course!

Hi Everyone,

I am so excited to share that I am launching a new program on Meditation that will be entirely online. Check out this video and then look at this link for more!

Meet my Meditation Inspiration: Sunflower

Inspiration comes in many forms. For my meditation practice, Sunflower is my inspiration. Sunflower has a meditative quality about her. The way she emerges into a room and her presence says it all. She is undeterred by any sounds and noises that happen naturally around her. Her focus is that of extreme concentration. When she is sitting in her meditation pose, she will remain still for hours. Her attention is drawn inwards where she resides in a place of ease, comfort and joyful peace. 

When she looks at me, it feels like she is looking at something deep within me. Her glance is profound and kind.

Living with Sunflower is a daily, moment-by-moment meditation class. She inspires me to become still, focussed and at ease. To her gentleness and teaching-by-example, I am eternally grateful.  

Visual Journey Inspires Visual Artist.

One Saturday morning, Rachael Shores, a regular meditator dropped by the Center for Meditation and Healing, also my home. Accompanying her was this lovely painting:

She calls it Attributes.

Among the many talents Rachael embodies, visual art is her passion. She brings life and drama with her brush strokes whether it is painting on canvas or designing murals for a wall. She dances with color flowing through the tips of her brushes moving in rythmically akin to the flow of Tai Chi. Her visual mastery is only complemented with her technical expertise in the manner her vision is executed into reality. Her love for creative expression exudes in the way she is present with her art.

When Rachael presented Attributes to me, she said, "This is what I experienced in our Visual Journey Meditation." I was flabbergasted. The journey that we had visualized is now translated onto canvas with Rachael's unique interpretation. I was holding in my hands the meditation that had flowed through me. Her artistic interpretation made the meditation tangible in an astounding manner. My husband, Cristof and I sat there gazing into the painting, re-living the fantasy-landscape that we had all experienced. The deep blue ocean with schools of fish floating by surrounded by dolphins who seemed to emerge from the flowing flame of wisdom. This is the flame around which three mentors were seated, each a manifestation of an inner attribute within us, holding a message as unique as each individual.

I immeditately had the strong urge to share this painting with you, the Pond community. Take a look at this painting, gaze at it for a moment. Look at the details and immerse yourself within it. Let this lovely painting aide you in your own visual journey.

If you would like this painting to serve you with its high vibration at all times, Rachael is happy to share a print for your home or office space. Get all the details here. Thank you Rachael for your passion and creativity.

Mountain Love,
Sophia

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Goodmorning to You!

As you begin the day, just breathe in and breathe out. Know that in each moment, that is all you need to do. Bring your awareness to your breath, to your breathing. All else follows from there.

Lift the burdens from your shoulders, lighten up the heaviness in your heart. Do it all through the breath. The breathe is your ally, your friend, your mentor, your guide. Take advantage of this most splendid of life's gifts.

Love you all!

Sophia

Cool way to calm your mind. New Program!

7 Week Visual Journey Meditation Program

Learn to meditate without getting all tangled up. This is a cool, fresh way of calming the mental chatter and getting more focused. Hosted by a young, Indian-American who found her true calling through meditation, you enter the anciant meditative practice with the help of someone who has been through the challenges of calming one's mind. Sophia makes meditation fun, helping you to just relax and design your own world of love and joy. You can lay down or sit on a chair or get cozy on cushions. You light tea lights to set the tone, sip chai or warm apple cider and ease into the meditation with cool, uplifting group of people.

In the seven weeks, you will have your own unique practice that you can go to anytime of the day and night. After the first session, you will be showerd in loving light that will help you get in touch with your deeper self. By week 3, you will already feel a profound difference oozing into every part of your life.Your left and right hemispheres of your brain become more and more harmonized. You feel your body becoming healthier and stronger. Your sense of clarity and focus deepen even more. These are just the beginning of the possibilities for you.

Come and try a free mediation with Sophia before you purchase the program and see if this is for you. Connect with her via reflectionpond.com.

The 7 week program is intuitively designed for you. You will be equipped with a regular meditation practice which you can carry with you for the rest of your life. You will have practical tools to access your creative juices whenever you need it. And you will let go of blockages and hurdles in your personal and creative life.

Still your mind and relax your body. Come through places of peace and places of nature. Fly high in the sky like a hawk. Run through a pond like a jaguar. Sit underwater or swim like a dolphin through a flame or dissolve into a cloud. Bring yourself into a world of imagination where anything is possible.  Strengthen intuition, sharpen focus and flow with your creativity into an inspired 2012.

Live Cello accompaniment will be offered by Cristof Ensslin. As Cristof plays his Cello, you will find yourself floating in worlds of your imagination, with his delicate string-plucks as well as long and graceful bow moves.

If all of this resonates with you, sign up and open up to to receive and allow for more creativity, love and abundance to fill their lives. The Program begins on November 22nd and goes on every Tuesday until January 3rd. Register now! Special Early Bird of $77 ends on October 31st. Then regular $98 will apply.

You can sign up HERE.

Cycling for a Cause: Blue Ridge Parkway September 13-22

Tomorrow, we drive up to start of the Blue Ridge Parkway to begin the 10 day Cycling for a Cause Event. My husband Cristof and our friend Phil will be navigating all 469 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway and raise funds for a good causes. I will be in the support car with supplies and equipment. 

Ever since we moved to Asheville, NC, it has been a dream for Cristof to ride the Blue Ridge Mountains all the way through. And now we stand at the threshold of this dream becoming a reality. Today, we pack all the supplies and get a good night's rest before we head up north.

Thank you all for your support and encouragement. Much love to you. Come back to this blog for more reports from the road. And check out Cristof's blog here:  http://cyclingtheblueridgeparkway.blogspot.com/

Much Love,

Sophia

Simplicity and Clarity

Today, the intention is to access clarity and simplicity.

I intend today to experience clarity so that I may see through the opacity and be in touch with the essence of life. I intend to experience simplicity so that all that is most important to me stays in focus.

Thank you Clarity and Simplicity for gracing our lives.

Trust in the Flow

Today's Intention is to Trust in the Flow.

Allow yourself to follow the flow and trust in its innate intelligence. Trust in your own wisdom as you recognize the movement and rhythms of life. Know that all is fine. Know that all is well.

Thank you Flow for flowing through us.

Finding the Stillpoint with Tolle's Stillness Speaks

Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle.

The book, Stillness Speaks by Eckhart Tolle points clearly, ways to freedom: awareness, acceptance, just being.

I learnt that simply becoming aware is a liberating experience. Becoming aware of the thoughts. Becoming aware of the space in which the moment happens. And becoming aware of the now. Right now is all there is. The past happens in the now. The future happens in the now. So this moment is simply to be experienced. And bringing acceptance adn awareness to that experience is what deepens the space in which all this happens.

Written with crystal clarity, this book brings deep insight, helping us to free our minds from the habitual ego-mind and to bring compassion towards ourselves and towards others for being in the graps of the ego. It also sheds light on the beauty of surrender: surrendering to the present moment.

The messages in this book are presented in short nuggets of wisdom, written in short paragraphs. I loved this style as it allowed me to reflect on the points presented here after each paragraph. The questions that Eckhart asks throughout the text is a wonderful launching pad of my own introspection. For instance, on page 28, he asks:

Can you see that this "I" is fleeting, a temporary function, like a wave pattern on the surface of the water?

The "I" he is referring to is the identity of the self derived from the ego: name, occupation, gender, our life stories. All of the external ways of identifying ourselves refer to the form, the body, not the formless that is within each of us. And this formless I Am is eternal, Echkart states. This is the I AM that you are. Beyond all the classifications, titles, labels and names of all sorts, you are limitless, unbounded, and infinite.

This kind of reflective question reveals something within me that is beyond words and concepts. It seems paradoxical that in thinking about these insights brings me to a space within that is beyond thoughts. In this way, the thoughts serve beautifully in enabling the experience of peace and stillness that rises from beyond the thinking and the thoughts.

This book was introduced to me by Oprah in one of her conversations with Eckhart. It is a book that he wrote before, A New Earth which for me laid a wonderful foundation for reading Stillness Speaks and made the material easily graspable for me in my mind as well as in my heart.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel at peace and find ways to connect with oneself and with the space within us in a deep, full way. It is a truly life-enhancing book.

Love,

Sophia

Experience the Moment

Today, the intention is to experience the moment.

Let us recognize the moment as the space within which LIFE happens. Connect with the vast depths of awareness within a single moment. Become conscious of the infinite and the eternal within this moment.

Thank you Moment for the depth of your wisdom within us.

Recognize the Stillness

Today's intention is to Recognize the Stillness Within.

Today, remember that who you are is beyond all the things, the relationships and all the concepts you have about yourself. Take a moment to be still and get in touch with the deep stillness that is within you...that is you. Let go of the rest.

Thank you Stillness for your depth and wisdom.

PS: If you are like me, you may find yourself clinging to something or some idea at times. Just acknowledge that and know that it is part of the process of letting go. Remain kind to yourself.

Learning to Let Go.

This is a theme that I have touched upon in the Sunday Reflections before. Perhaps, I wrote from a more intellectual level than an emotional one. What I am currently going through, is exactly what needs to happen for a letting go on a deeper, emotional, heart level. I hesistated to write about this last week as it is something that makes me feel very vulnerable. Well, then I thought, this blog has always carried something very personal and in sharing my vulnerability, I have felt stronger in my heart. So here it is:

Many of you may know about a cat called Orlando who came to live with us last December. I have often remarked that he chose us, not the other way around. (Here is the video blog I made about his coming into our life last December). So, he became a member of our family and for the last seven months we were connecting and getting to know each other.

I believe that Life gives you exactly what you need to experience at the right time in order for you to grow and evolve. Right now, the lesson for me is to be in the present moment and let go. One of my teachers on this path is Eckhart Tolle and he describes in his book, A New Earth, how our ego-mind looks at the external world for its sense of self. Personal identity, career, physical possessions, relationships and our own physical body all play into the image from where the ego derives its identification. And unknowingly, we all fall into that trap. We mis-judge ourselves by equating our profession or our status and personal history as who we are are. Tolle reminds me that who we are is deeper than all the externals. It is the space within us, the unbounded consciousness that is always still and profound.

Recently, I experienced something that deeply challenged my sense of self and identification. I was becoming very much enchanted by my cat who is independent and wild, exploring the jungles nearby at the same time, spending time in the park with me as I lay on the grass to read a book. He would just sit next to me and relax while I enjoyed the sun. Well, recently, the cat who had chosen us as his care-givers, decided to move on into the wild. It has been two weeks now since he walked into the forests and we have not seen him since. When I realized that he was not here anymore, I fell into deep sadness. When I realized that crying my eyes out was not helping the situation, I printed up posters and called up vets and searched online lost and found websites for missing pets. I rallied the neighbors, knocking on their doors asking if they had seen Orlando and when some said yes, it boosted up my hope and joy and anticipation about seeing Orlando again.

During all this time, I also shifted deeply into the present moment. I would focus on whatever I was doing and became one with it. It was during these moments that I felt serene and at peace. Almost a dramatic change from the deep sorrow I felt over Orlando's disappearance. I remembered the good moments that we shared and remembered how we communicated with each other. When I was sad about him not being here, it was my ego-mind clinging to the external world. I had identified so much with having a cat and taking care of cat. It had become part of my life. And when he was gone, my sense of self seemed to have eroded. I wanted to have that fluffy, furry cuteness living with me, a gorgeous cat who had made his home in my heart. And now, he was not here any more. This just became a source of pain and sorrow, something many of you can relate with, perhaps when you too lost something or someone or felt empty and wanted a certain outcome.

This has been a real lesson for me in letting go. I have to let go of the need of having Orlando here physically. I must come to terms with the situation and accept it first. There have been moments for me where I have felt a sense of peace and then I have fluctuated back in wanting the lovely being back with me. And this back and forth is getting less turbulent as I find myself shifting in greater acceptance and even celebration. Celebration of the fact that Orlando has alive in him a wild nature, an adventurous spirit, and an unlimited amount of cuteness that can melt anyone's heart. I am so confident that he can survive and even thrive on his own, that it is another source of relief. And above all, I greatly appreciate the gifts he has give us and continues to give us, in his physical absence. He has been a great teacher and thus a guru in his own right. I have learnt to have faith, to take conscious actions, be in the present moment, act from a place of love, shift into gratitude mode and also to embrace the pain I feel by letting it be. Most of all, he has taught me to let go of the egoic clinging to the past, to external sources of identification and open up to the truth, beauty and wisdom that lies in the stillness within me.

Thank you, Orlando.

Love,

Sophia

Be Inspired From Within.

Today's intention is to Be Inspired From Within.

Today, get inspired from within. Become aware of any hints and nudges that you receive to do something that comes from your truth and your inner beauty. Follow the sign and feel the joy in honoring your inner wisdom.

Thank you Inspiration from Within for lighting up the pathways.

PS: How do you know whether your idea is an inspiration from within? If it feels good to you and brings goodness to everyone, you know you are on the right path.

Inspiration From Within

A couple of days ago, I went into the mountains really early. I woke up at 3:45. Made some Chai-tea. Left home at 4:30am and was on top of the Blue Ridge at 5 am. When I arrived, everything was quite. The moon was shining. Yet, there was no sound. No crickets, no owls. Not a leaf moving in the breeze; no small animal walking on the grass. Nothing. It felt to me as if I was in an auditorium just before a concert is about to start. I am arriving and taking my seat. The musicians are in the back already, present way before me and will initiate their song at any moment now. 

Then, as I was breathing with quiet anticipation, one bird began a little chirp. Then silence. Then she did that again, to which another bird responded. Then a pause. The first one sang again. And now these two birds were having a conversation. A new bird with a new sound joined in. Then another. Then another. And another. Until there was a whole symphonic melody going with finely timed interjections from one bird and then another. It was a musical harmony of the highest sort.

I sat there with my eyes closed. Listening deeply to their song. It filled me up with joy. I felt refueled, rejuvenated and uplifted. Their song danced in my heart all day long. And the memory of the experience invites me to revisit the morning birds again. 

All this was inspired by my Dad who came to visit us this April and convinced us to wake up real early to go see the sunrise on the mountains. Recently, something called me to do what my Dad inspired us to do...to go into the mountains early morning. It was an inspiration from within that guided me and it felt really good to follow that nudge. 

Love,

Sophia

Uplifting Thoughts

Today's intention for the day is Uplifting Thoughts.

Today, reach for a single uplifting thought. When you become aware of lower vibrating thoughts, just think of something that brings you a smile. You have got to be the gatekeeper of the thoughts that enter the castle of your heart and mind. It is only about that one high-energy thought. Then, the next and the next until you come into a stream of uplifting, energizing, happy, positive thought patterns.

Thank you Uplifting Thoughts for giving us wings to fly.

PS: One suggestion is to think of someone who makes you smile always. Or reach out for some adorable animal babies which melt you in the most serious of moods. One of my favorite uplifting thought is that of gratitude. I write 5 things I am grateful for and the feeling of appreciation is just a very high-vibration feeling. Remember, this is not about suppressing your bad feelings and thoughts. It is a suggestion for how to change things around, once you acknowledge that you are experiencing those thoughts/feelings of lower frequency.

Conscious Action

Today's intention for the day is Conscious Action.

May we take each step today knowingly with conscious awareness. Each action we take matters and sets the tone for our life experience. Let your inner compass and truth guide you today at every moment.

Thank you Conscious Action for helping us stay on the path consciously.

PS: Allow for a moment of reflection before every step you take. Refrain from just doing without knowing why you are doing something in the big scheme of things. Take it one step at a time today.

Living Your Truest Life

What does it mean to be "in our dreams awake"? When I read this quote by Thoreau, I am reminded how critical it is to have a dream. A Big Dream, I might add! Even if one may think their time has gone, they are too old to dream or they are too young to make a dream happen, I think, A BIG DREAM is so essential. It is what keeps driving us to expand ourselves, grow out of our shells of comfort and dare to cross the river. It is the mighty flame that often remains alive as a tiny spark throughout our lives, until it is allowed to expand, grow and flourish in all its totality. And to those of you who think you are too old to dream, that is a statement that may be your comfort shell that you could grow out of, if you choose! 

No, it may not seem easy to do so. Giving birth and being born can be strenuous, time-consuming process. Yet, it is one of the most beautiful wonders of life. So, it may not feel easy or even fun to go through the process of engaging in your dream. You may even share your dream and may be you are encouraged to rethink your options. You may feel completely drained and exhausted from the current responsibilities of life and work and family and may not even be able to spare a moment to breathe. And that is exactly why, I encourage you to take time to reconsider how you are engaged in your life. What shackles are holding you down. What is preventing you from living your highest potential.

I myself have experienced such shackles. After giving it some thought, I can share with you some of my hurdles. For me, it is the fear of success. That is what it boils down to. Yes, success can be defined in as many ways as there are people. And one aspect of success for me is to live in the present moment fully. Another aspect of success for me is to be able to create in this world and contribute my talents and services for the betterment of our world, and living a financially abundant, prosperous life. And the fear that I have is that if I give my very very best, it will still not be good enough and I will not make it to where I want to be. And it is very interesting how this fear sneaks it lovely face at unexpected moments and sometimes out of nowhere, leaving me awe-struck.

I can imagine that if you have not already overcome your fears, you are also facing some nuanced version of a fear that underlines your actions. My first suggestion is to take time to notice what is driving the patterns in our life. Observe. Reflect and make notes. And then, take active steps to dismantle them.

You can ask yourself: What is this fear here to teach me? What message do I need to learn and transcend? And based on the answers that come, commit to taking 1 baby-step towards overcoming them. Yes, just 1 step. Do not worry about resolving the whole thing yet, because that can also be overwhelming. Just take that tiny action step which shows you what you would be doing if you do not have that fear. And this could even be the beginning of a rapid dissolving of this fear.

Thoreau says that "Our truest life is lived when we are in our dreams awake". I have had some tastes of what he may be referring to "our truest life". And I know that for us to constantly be living our truest life, we must live our dreams.

Love,

Sophia

PS: Share with us what your fears look like and how do you plan on taking an action step to dismantle this fear.  Share your comments below or on our Facebook Page!