Good for the Soul

Why have the topic "Good for the Soul" on a Green website? Because, "going green" IS a spiritual practice.

One of the guiding principles in my life is...

Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.

I have practiced yoga and meditation for over 20 years. I try to attend weekly yoga classes at Simplify Yoga in Coventry, RI. Yoga School of South County in Peace Dale, RI is also a favorite yoga studio of mine, but I don't get there as often. I was reunited with yoga there after years when my sister brought me along to a Mom's Yoga on Friday mornings before my children were in school. There is a sitter available for this class so moms can get the much needed peace yoga can offer.

Though I lack in my own meditation practices, I appreciate the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh. He teaches that one does not need to become a Buddhist in order to improve their lives by practicing Buddhist mindfulness. The Fifth Mindfulness Training includes...

...cultivating good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I vow to ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being, and joy in my body, in my consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society.

There are two wonderful meditation groups I'd like to mention. The first is Mondays from 8 - 9PM at Simplify Yoga. There is also a sangha (a community that practices together) that meets from 6 - 8PM at Westminster Church in East Greenwich (RI) on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. When I join either of these groups I usually feel more peaceful and happy and both are open to the public for drop-ins. I highly recommend this practice.

Looking for a Sangha near you? - check out this Local Sangha Directory

Kripalu - A wonderful yoga retreat center located in the Berkshires of Massachusetts

Another wonderful meditative experience is a Gong Bath. You don't get wet, as the name might lead to believe, but lie comfortably and let the sound of the gong "wash" over you. One of the oldest musical instruments in the world, gongs are created based on ancient wisdom. The body vibrates at the same frequency as the gongs and this allows self healing. Some people may experience strong emotions during a gong bath, but many just enjoy a state of deep relaxation. I personally love to go when I can. I recommend you bring your own blanket and cushions if you have them because if you tend to be late (like I do) you may not get any at the studio. Simplify Yoga has these periodically and so does a studio called Focus Yoga in East Greenwich.