I’m reading the book, “Eastern Body, Western Mind” by Anodea Judith. The subtitle is “Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self.” I’m not an expert on the chakras and I find the content fascinating and illuminating. I plan on writing more about the content, especially this one theme called, “Resonance.” If you have the book, the concept is described on page 292. Ms. Judith writes, ” The rhythmic entrainment (blending of sound waves together, as in two people harmonizing when they sing) of various frequencies within our body and consciousness forms a coherent, central vibration that we experience as a kind of resonant “hum” when we’re having a good day.”
This was interesting for me to read because of late, I’ve been in a strange mood. I’ve been feeling “out of synch” with things, both in teaching and my relationship to the outside world. It might not be something you would notice if we talked or if you took my class but it’s something I’ve felt. So this idea of creating “resonance” was of real interest to me. The other piece that made it particularly relevant that I read this passage today is because today is a day when I’ve felt better than I’ve felt in weeks. Of course, on a spiritual level, one might feel that this is a sign from the Universe: that I just happened to pick up THIS book from the pile of the 3 I’m currently reading, and just HAPPENED to read this passage TODAY, as I’m feeling good. Whatever the reason, I was glad the synchronicity happened. It made me take a moment to write down what I’m experiencing and the actions I’m taking, because perhaps there’s something there that might resonate with you.
Here are 5 ingredients:Â
Good weather and spending time outside. If you live here in Boston or anywhere in New England, you know how variable the weather can be from day to day. When it’s sunny outside, you do whatever you can to get your dose of Vitamin D. My schedule today from a teaching perspective was light, so I have been able to take time to be outside. This has made me feel warm, healthy and revitalized. I have quite a few things to do inside, at my desk, but I made an effort to forgo those things to be outside instead.
Had lunch with a really good friend. I’ve been trying to meet with him for weeks and it worked out that we could have lunch today. The idea of having a social lunch, not business related, and on a Saturday, when people are generally in relaxing mode, was priceless. I often teach throughout the weekend and miss the regular ebb and flow that  many people experience… that “down time” that happens on the weekends. To take the time to do something social, face to face, with a great friend and to focus on listening, sharing ideas and supporting each other was more valuable than any business related lunch I could have.
Turned off the news. I have CNN or the local news on all day. I have lulled myself into thinking that it’s better than leaving the dog in silence. This means that I’m constantly hit with whatever they’re saying, and the concept of “Breaking News” (which has completely lost it’s validity) is what I hear all day. I somehow thought it was better for me as well to work at my desk with some background noise. But NOT today. I realized the dog, at almost 15 years of age, really can’t hear the TV anyway. I realized I don’t really need to have my head filled with all the noise from the “news.” So, as I write this, I have classical music playing in the background. If you’ve ever watched the movie, “Something’s Gotta Give” with Diane Keaton, you see her writing her latest play with French music playing in the background. This is me, right now (except it’s not classical). I can’t tell you how much happier it makes me to have this floating through the air. It’s literally soothing my soul.
Cut back on my time on social media. Yes, I posted a few times on Twitter and Facebook. But I really, really tried and made a concerted effort to stay off social media. And, I’ve found that lately, in my somewhat “off” state, time on social media just makes me feel more disconnected and edgy. So today, with less social media time, I actually feel more connected to myself and those around me.
Talked to 3 people I did not know. I spend a great deal of time by myself when I’m not teaching. I might be surrounded by other people as I work in a coffee shop but I’m usually heads down, working on the laptop. So today, in my “feeling a bit more in synch with the Universe” state, I spoke to a few people I did not know. I learned through these interactions that taking the time to connect, not disconnect, can make US feel good.
What we each need to feel in synch and connected will be different for everyone. Maybe some of these things will resonate with you and others will trigger a “No way!” reaction. But I believe that in order to create a sense of greater resonance, we have to be still enough to FEEL it. We need to be aware enough to recognize it. And, lastly, we need to have the willpower to do what WE need to in order to feel it, rather than giving in to competitive urges to be in reaction, “do the right thing,” “do what everyone else is doing,” or whatever counter urges are competing with you, putting yourself first.
Just as an aside, I included  a picture of a heart with this post, because, according to Ms. Judith, feeling in love (this refers to with the Self) contributes to the feeling of being in synch with the universe. This is a 4th Chakra state, although this whole idea of resonance is part of Chakra 5.
I wish you the joy of discovery as you search for your top 5 things!