Kalani Das

The EVOLVE Podcast

an exploration of mindfulness, spirituality, and conscious living.
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The Sacred

April 15, 2016 by kalani

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mindfulness, spirituality, kalanii das, evolve, health
Artwork by Cameron Grey

Not until a person dissolves can he or she know what union is. There is a descent into emptiness. A lie will not change to truth with just talking about it. - Rumi

Some people will tell you that there are places on this earth that are more sacred than others. These words may lead us to believe that there are also some people who are more special or sacred than others. These beliefs often lead to valuations based in personal preferences, experiences, and which can lead to feelings of low self-worth. “This place is not special.” “I am not special.” “I need to be more like the special people.”

The truth is, if the universe is indeed a sacred body, then every aspect and expression contained within it is also sacred. The spirit of creation does not play favorites and equally supports the whale as it does the minnow.

It’s true that some places on the earth are more highly valued by people, likely for their natural beauty, unusual features, or historical uses, but these values are all placed upon lands by people. While there’s nothing wrong with making a pilgrimage to a place that one believes holds some key to spiritual enlightenment, it’s also true that enlightenment can come at anytime, and in any place, on earth. What can be achieved in one place, can be achieved in all places.

Don’t let yourself fall into the trap of believing that you need to travel from home in order to fulfill your spiritual destiny. Each of us can make tremendous progress where we are right now. Your entire life is contained with in the present moment. There is no other time. Anything that you can do, you can do now.

Where does one place end and another begin? Naming a place does not separate it from the continuum that is the earth. You are not contained within your city, state or country.

You are not bound by the borders of man.

You do not exist on the earth.

You are the earth.

Everything in the universe is the universe.

You are also the universe – and the power of the universe runs through you.

Look back throughout the history of mankind and you will clearly see that anyone, from any place, and of any economic or social status, is capable of great wisdom, spiritual grounding, grace, and love. Don’t, for a second, believe that you have a deficit when it comes to achieving a deeply fulfilling life.

Some may tell you that you need to travel to an exotic location or that you must wear certain types of clothing, sing or chant certain songs, make specific utterances, and position your body in specific ways, all so that you may ascend the spiritual ladder.

Participating in ritual often helps us feel more grounded, like we belong to something greater than ourselves. We search endlessly for answers, keys, and hidden secrets to enlightenment. When will we realize that everything we need, every bit of information, is available to us in this moment-in this place. It is when we stop the fervent search for something outside of ourselves that we come to a place of true contentment.

You may be an elderly person or a child. You may be rich or poor. You may feel strong or weak. No matter what labels you or others placed upon you, no matter what circumstances surround you, and no matter what you believe about the world, know that where you are you are right now is as sacred a place as atop the highest mountain. Know that the keys to your spiritual life are held in no one’s hands but your own. Contentment is not granted to us by others. It is your birthright.

Let a child be your teacher. Experience the joys of life by observing nature. Trust and follow your intuition. Most people are too distracted with their own suffering to be your guide. If someone tries to convince you that this life is some form of torture, wish them well, then prove them otherwise.

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Filed Under: EVOLVE, Mindfulness Tagged With: being, happiness, Love, mindfulness, Mindfulness-based stress reduction, miracle, peace, Personal Development, Presence, Spirituality, stress reduction, thoughtfulness, wellness

Judge Not

January 31, 2016 by kalani

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Artwork by Cameron Gray.
Artwork by Cameron Gray.

All this talk of purity and impurity –
These are just opinions. Beyond them are the astonishing energies of creation.
Rays of light from a trillion suns you illumine the alter of your sky.
Rolling blue-green oceans sanctify the air you breathe.
In this moment, you are inhaling their blessing.
Who are you to call any of this pure or impure?
Find the center around which everything revolves– stand here and be flooded with joy.
- The Radiance Sutras

Are we separate, or are we part of the great oneness of the universe?

We stand at the alter of the night sky, Often feeling small, insignificant, and separate from all that is. But isn’t the opposite the truth? Are we not also part of, and connected it to that which the Greeks called the Universe? - the One Song.

Is the flowering plant separate from the ground in which it grows? Uproot any plant and you will have the answer. The seed provides the idea and the earth takes on a new form. What we see, label, and categorize as separate, are in reality, part of the same. The seed asks the earth to express itself as the flower. Everything that grows up from the earth IS the earth in a unique expression of celebration.

“I am not a tree!” You say. “I don’t have roots stuck into the earth. I’m an individual. I’m not dependent on the earth like a flower.” When we believe that we are something separate from the source of our being, we turn towards a path of suffering, of feelings of separateness, of insignificance, and powerlessness.

When we admit to ourselves that we are, in fact, part of the Universe, part of the Earth, and nurtured by the same creative Spirit that sways the oceans and illuminates the night sky, then we turn ourselves towards the path of limitless love, feelings of strength, and connectedness.

Rumi once wrote:

“These forms we seem to be are cups floating in an ocean of living consciousness. They fill in sink without leaving an ark of bubbles or a goodbye spray. What we are, is the ocean, too near to see, though we swim in it and drink it in. Don’t be a cup with the dry rim, or someone who rides all night and never knows the horse beneath his thighs, the surging that carries him along.”

 Have you ever paused to observe the divine power of creation that flows with in your own body?

What a miracle it is, the Gift of Life–to be animated, expressive, a self-aware expression of the Earth!

Take time to sit and be still enough to experience the sensation of being. Feel the hum of universal energy inside your body. This energy came from a star, traveling millions of miles, nourishing plants and all the creatures of the oceans and the land. You are blessed with life!

Spend time each day in appreciation and gratitude for this life experience. This is your time. Know that you are a unique expression of the earth, nurtured by the same force that drives a tree to grow and flowers to bloom.

Let go–and allow the One Song to be witnessed through the earthly expression you call your life. Your heart is the heart of the universe.

Jesus said, “Judge not, least ye be judged.” The ego judges while the heart loves. The mind tries to solve puzzles, while the soul dances freely. The body experiences sensations. It is up to you, the Observer, to create your life from the inside out. You are everything you need.

Your practice for today and beyond: See yourself and others as unique expressions of the earth, different notes in the same melody of the One Song.

 

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Filed Under: EVOLVE, Mindfulness, Self-Esteem, Spirituality Tagged With: being, beingness, happiness, health, joy, lowering anxiety, mindfulness, miracle, peace, Personal Development, Presence, sleep, Spirituality, stress reduction, thoughtfulness, wellness, Yoga

Calm in the Storm

January 10, 2016 by kalani

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Splash11Kalani discuss the idea of the Holographic Mind - the idea that all thoughts, feelings, and emotions are linked together through the mind's network of neuro-connections. Having a human mind os having a busy mind, but thoughts don't need to become runaway trains of thinking. Kalani provides some simple practices to help  you create a functional and productive relationship with your mind and actually enjoy the process.

Share this PODCAST with anyone you think would benefit.
Send your questions and comments to Kalani by using the contact form.

This podcast features music by Azam Ali, Greg Ellis and Layne Redmond & Tommy Brunjes.

 

 

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Filed Under: EVOLVE, Mindfulness, Spirituality Tagged With: being, beingness, happiness, health, joy, Love, mindfulness, miracle, peace, Presence, Spirituality, wellness, Yoga

Experience Being

August 31, 2014 by kalani

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Splash17When we suspend labeling, categorizing, associating, and judging, we open up the possibility for greater awareness of being. Being or "experiencing the now" is one of the goals of a medication or mindfulness practice. Wherever you are, you always have the potential for experiencing the world as it is and fastening feelings of wonderment and connectedness to all that is. In this episode, Kalani discusses ways to deepen your life experience by using your senses and managing thoughts that can distract you from reaching this simple and profound goal. Share this show with anyone you think could benefit.

Music for this episode by Layne Redmond, Greg Ellis, and Azam Ali. Used with permission.

 

 

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Filed Under: EVOLVE, Mindfulness, Spirituality, Stress Reduction, Thoughtfulness Tagged With: being, beingness, happiness, health, Love, meditation, mindfulness, miracle, peace, Presence, stress reduction

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Categories

Teachings

  • Everlasting Contentment
  • Good News and Neurons
  • Associations
  • A Natural Practice
  • Surrender to Beauty
  • Staying Centered
  • The Truth
  • The Enlightening Path
  • Ohana – The Key to Kindness
  • Life is Sensational
  • The Sacred
  • Anger
  • Judge Not
  • Life Is Now
  • Calm in the Storm
  • Experience Being
  • Liberating the Soul
  • The Nature of Thought
  • Peace of Mind
  • Seeing as New
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