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Working on the Ashtanga Primary Series? Some techniques for getting into Tortoise Pose.

Stories are an integral part of our lives. Stories influence our self-perception, mold our character, and in part, define who we are. It is often through our stories that we teach values and truths. Through the stories we tell, we imprint on the hearts and minds of others (and ourselves) who we are. Most of us remember our childhood stories. It is often through these stories that we learned who the good guys are and who the bad guys are. Stories like the one of The Three Little Pigs who left home to create a new life. The first pig, according to this story, built his house of straw. Along came a ""big bad wolf" who "huffed and pufffed" and blew that house down. The second little pig built his house of sticks and that same "big bad wolf" came along and blew that house down, as well. The third little pig had the good sense to built his house of bricks. Along came that same "big bad wolf" but he could not blow that brick house down. The moral of this story is to lay solid foundations so that when the winds of life come, we remain standing. Well, there is another version of this same story, told from the perspective of the "big bad wolf". It is entitled The True Story of the Three Little Pigs told by Alexander T. Wolfe. According to Mr. Wolfe, he was not a "big bad wolf" at all, he was merely a victim of unfortunate circumstance. According to Mr. Wolfe, he was making a birthday cake for his dear grandmother when he realized he had no sugar. Like most neighbors, he went next door to borrow sugar. It just so happened the next door neighbor was a pig who had built his house of straw. Mr. Wolfe said, "that straw was so irritating that I sneezed really hard and my sneeze accidently blew that pig's house down". "It seemed a waste to leave a perfectly good ham meal lying on the ground, so I ate the pig." "Finally," Mr. Wolfe said, "when the reports got out about me eating the two pigs, the reporters figured the story of me trying to borow sugar to make a birthday cake for my grandmother was not juicy enough, so they (the media) concocted the story of "the big bad wolf." Stories have different meanings, depending on who is telling the story and what message the storyteller wants to leave. It is for this reason that "We Must Tell Our Own Story, In Our Own Words! The stories we tell are powerful tools for shaping our identify and undergirding our sense of well-being in our world. It is important to our success and ability to thrive in our world that we look carefullty at the stories we tell about orselves and oour experiences. Perhaps you were "let go" from a position in which you had invested a lot of your time and talents. Why not tell a story about the successes you achieved while in that position.? Why not tell a story of the lessons you learned while in that position, lessons about that particular line of work, and about yourself? Perhaps you were in a relationship that you thought woulld be life-long and it ended. Why not tell a story of having experienced love and of being committed to "never giving up on love"? And yes, perhaps you have made more than a few "unfortunate choices". You may have failed more than a few times! Well, that makes you human! Why not tell a stroy of someone who (like Maya Angelou said) "did what you knew how to do and when you knew better, you did better." We are the stories we tell. And it is through our stories that we create our own reality. Perhaps, it is time to tell a new story, your own story; told from your own perspective and in your own words.

Put my cup, the silver cup, in the top of the sack of the youngest, with his money for the grain. The Books of the Bible Joseph Detains Benjamin 44:1 Then he commanded the steward of his house, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put each man’s money in the top of his sack. 2 Put my cup, the silver cup, in the top of the sack of the youngest, with his money for the grain.” And he did as Joseph told him. 3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away with their donkeys. 4 When they had gone only a short distance from the city, Joseph said to his steward, “Go, follow after the men; and when you overtake them, say to them, ‘Why have you returned evil for good? Why have you stolen my silver cup? 5 Is it not from this that my lord drinks? Does he not indeed use it for divination? You have done wrong in doing this.’” 6 When he overtook them, he repeated these words to them. 7 They said to him, “Why does my lord speak such words as these? Far be it from your servants that they should do such a thing! 8 Look, the money that we found at the top of our sacks, we brought back to you from the land of Canaan; why then would we steal silver or gold from your lord’s house? 9 Should it be found with any one of your servants, let him die; moreover the rest of us will become my lord’s slaves.” 10 He said, “Even so; in accordance with your words, let it be: he with whom it is found shall become my slave, but the rest of you shall go free.” 11 Then each one quickly lowered his sack to the ground, and each opened his sack. 12 He searched, beginning with the eldest and ending with the youngest; and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 At this they tore their clothes. Then each one loaded his donkey, and they returned to the city. 14 Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house while he was still there; and they fell to the ground before him. 15 Joseph said to them, “What deed is this that you have done? Do you not know that one such as I can practice divination?” 16 And Judah said, “What can we say to my lord? What can we speak? How can we clear ourselves? God has found out the guilt of your servants; here we are then, my lord’s slaves, both we and also the one in whose possession the cup has been found.” 17 But he said, “Far be it from me that I should do so! Only the one in whose possession the cup was found shall be my slave; but as for you, go up in peace to your father.” Judah Pleads for Benjamin’s Release 18 Then Judah stepped up to him and said, “O my lord, let your servant please speak a word in my lord’s ears, and do not be angry with your servant; for you are like Pharaoh himself. 19 My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father or a brother?’ 20 And we said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a young brother, the child of his old age. His brother is dead; he alone is left of his mother’s children, and his father loves him.’ 21 Then you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, so that I may set my eyes on him.’ 22 We said to my lord, ‘The boy cannot leave his father, for if he should leave his father, his father would die.’ 23 Then you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more.’ 24 When we went back to your servant my father we told him the words of my lord. 25 And when our father said, ‘Go again, buy us a little food,’ 26 we said, ‘We cannot go down. Only if our youngest brother goes with us, will we go down; for we cannot see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ 27 Then your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons; 28 one left me, and I said, Surely he has been torn to pieces; and I have never seen him since. 29 If you take this one also from me, and harm comes to him, you will bring down my gray hairs in sorrow to Sheol.’ 30 Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father and the boy is not with us, then, as his life is bound up in the boy’s life, 31 when he sees that the boy is not with us, he will die; and your servants will bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to Sheol. 32 For your servant became surety for the boy to my father, saying, ‘If I do not bring him back to you, then I will bear the blame in the sight of my father all my life.’ 33 Now therefore, please let your servant remain as a slave to my lord in place of the boy; and let the boy go back with his brothers. 34 For how can I go back to my father if the boy is not with me? I fear to see the suffering that would come upon my father.” New Revised Standard Version Liveology Yoga Studios creates uplifting content for your whole life. Join us on the journey of seeking God, self-study, healing, and awakening as we draw from spiritual traditions across the world. Subscribe for access to our exclusive library of articles and videos and other special benefits. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

The first step in making these cupcakes is to make the cookie dough. After all they’re the highlight of the cupcake! For these cupcakes, I make bakeless cookie dough that does not include eggs and baking powder. This makes them safe to eat since they will not bake inside the cupcake. The Recipe: Mix together the butter, sugar, and vanilla extract as you normally would. Separately, mix the flour and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture until it’s well combined. Now you have delicious dough! Before you add the chocolate chips, separate 1/4 of the cookie dough and place it into a separate container. (This will be the frosting). Now, add as many chocolate chips as you can handle and mix well. Once you have chocolate chip cookie dough made, get two large spoons and a piece of wax paper. Scoop a spoonful of cookie dough and use the second spoon to get it onto the paper in as even a ball as possible. (This keeps your hands clean!) Try to make 12. If they are uneven, you can always add more to the smaller ones. Now, put them into the freezer and let them freeze completely through. This will take at least three hours, but overnight is preferable to ensure they are frozen on the inside as well. Once you have made the cupcake batter, add a large spoonful of batter to each cup. Place one of the frozen cookie dough balls into each cup on top of the batter. This ensures that the bottom of the cupcake is actually cupcake and not cookie!! Now, top the cups with the rest of the batter ensuring that the cookie dough is fully covered. Bake your cupcakes at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. While your cupcakes are baking, take the cookie dough you set aside and add 2 Tablespoons of milk. This will make the batter slightly runnier but still thick. Put your new frosting into a zip bag guiding it toward one of the bottom corners. With your fingers on the outside of the bag, push the frosting down. Close the bag and twist the top, allowing your hand to cup the top of the bag and push the frosting to the tip. When your cupcakes are done baking allow them to cool completely before frosting. Take the frosting bag you made and cut a small-medium hole in the tip (about .5 cm). You want it to be thick enough to easily cover the cupcake but not too big that it will get everywhere. If it’s not big enough, you can always enlarge it so start small! Pipe the frosting onto the cupcakes in circles and top with one chocolate chip. I’m not the best at piping, but it’s the effort that counts and it looks better than just globbing it on! Eat the cupcakes!!! The cookie dough should still be dough and make for rich, decadent cupcakes. You’ll want milk or coffee #food #cupcakes #recipes

But the Asuras pierced it with evil. Khandogya Upanishad Prapathaka 1. Khanda 2. 1 When the Devas and Asuras struggled together, both of the race of Pragâpati, the Devas took the udgîtha (Om), thinking they would vanquish the Asuras with it. 2 They meditated on the udgîtha (Om) as the breath (scent) in the nose, but the Asuras pierced it (the breath) with evil. Therefore we smell by the breath in the nose both what is good-smelling and what is bad-smelling. For the breath was pierced by evil. 3. Then they meditated on the udgîtha (Om) as speech, but the Asuras pierced it with evil. Therefore we speak both truth and falsehood. For speech is pierced by evil. 4 Then they meditated on the udgîtha (Om) as the eye, but the Asuras pierced it with evil. Therefore we see both what is sightly and unsightly. For the eye is pierced by evil. 5 Then they meditated on the udgîtha (Om) as the ear, but the Asuras pierced it with evil. Therefore we hear both what should be heard and what should not be heard. For the car is pierced by evil. 6 Then they meditated on the udgîtha (Om) as the mind, but the Asuras pierced it with evil. Therefore we conceive both what should be conceived and what should not be conceived. For the mind is pierced by evil. 7 Then comes this breath (of life) in the mouth. They meditated on the udgîtha (Om) as that breath. When the Asuras came to it, they were scattered, as (a ball of earth) would be scattered when hitting a solid stone. 8 Thus, as a ball of earth is scattered when hitting on a solid stone, will he be scattered who wishes evil to one who knows this, or who persecutes him; for he is a solid stone. 9 By it (the breath in the mouth) he distinguishes neither what is good nor what is bad-smelling, for that breath is free from evil. What we eat and drink with it supports the other vital breaths (i. e. the senses, such as smell, &c.) When at the time of death he does not find that breath (in the mouth, through which he eats and drinks and lives), then he departs. He opens the mouth at the time of death (as if wishing to eat). 10 Aṅgiras meditated on the udgîtha (Om) as that breath, and people hold it to be Aṅgiras, i.e. the essence of the members (angânâm rasah); 11 Therefore Brihaspati meditated on udgîtha (Om) as that breath, and people hold it to be Brihaspati, for speech is brihatî, and he (that breath) is the lord (pati) of speech; 12 Therefore Ayâsya meditated on the udgîtha (Om) as that breath, and people hold it to be Ayâsya, because it comes (ayati) from the mouth (âsya); 13 Therefore Vaka Dâlbhya knew it. He was the Udgâtri (singer) of the Naimishîya-sacrificers, and by singing he obtained for them their wishes. 14 He who knows this, and meditates on the syllable Om (the imperishable udgîtha) as the breath of life in the mouth, he obtains all wishes by singing. So much for the udgîtha (Om) as meditated on with reference to the body. The Upanishads translated by Max Müller Liveology Yoga Studios creates uplifting content for your whole life. Join us on the journey of seeking God, self-study, healing, and awakening as we draw from spiritual traditions across the world. Subscribe for access to our exclusive library of articles and videos and other special benefits. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

Years ago, I heard an African proverb about a pride of lions. According to this proverb, when the "king" of the pride grew old and physically powerless, the one quality he maintained was his "ROAR". His role within the pride changed from being the leader of the pact, to a secret weapon of sorts. When the pride went hunting, the now toothless, clawless, powerless lion would hide in the path of an intended prey. As the prey approached, this old lion would ROAR. The prey became so frightened, he "ran away from the roar", into the arms of the young pride, and became their meal. If only the prey had "run to the roar", his fate may have been different. Like this prey, we often run away from that which we fear, rather than facing our fears head-on.We neglect to have a conversation with our partner because we fear he or she may be offended. We want to go back to school but we fear what others may think. We know it is time to leave a certain job but we fear losing the security we think we have. Let me suggest the following approaches to addressing our fears: F - Face your fear.. Fear is an "expectation" that something bad will happen, it is not based on what has actually occurred. Have that conversation with your partner.Express your feelings and allow the other participant in your relationship the opportunity to change. E - Examine what is really going on. If you have that conversation with your partner about what you need and want, and he or she becomes offended, is it really the end of the world? Isn't it often the case that our greatest growth comes from our most challenging moments? A - Ask yourself, What is the worst that could happen? and What is the best that could happen? Sometimes just siting down and listing the pros and cons gives us a more realistic perspective. And lastly... R - Respond in faith, knowing that courage is not the absence of fear, but moving in a responsible and reasonable direction in spite of fear. Written by The Rev. Clara T. Mills. To be used with permission only.

Portions were taken to them from Joseph’s table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. The Books of the Bible The Brothers Come Again, Bringing Benjamin 43:1 Now the famine was severe in the land. 2 And when they had eaten up the grain that they had brought from Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again, buy us a little more food.” 3 But Judah said to him, “The man solemnly warned us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ 4 If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food; 5 but if you will not send him, we will not go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face, unless your brother is with you.’” 6 Israel said, “Why did you treat me so badly as to tell the man that you had another brother?” 7 They replied, “The man questioned us carefully about ourselves and our kindred, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Have you another brother?’ What we told him was in answer to these questions. Could we in any way know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?” 8 Then Judah said to his father Israel, “Send the boy with me, and let us be on our way, so that we may live and not die—you and we and also our little ones. 9 I myself will be surety for him; you can hold me accountable for him. If I do not bring him back to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. 10 If we had not delayed, we would now have returned twice.” 11 Then their father Israel said to them, “If it must be so, then do this: take some of the choice fruits of the land in your bags, and carry them down as a present to the man—a little balm and a little honey, gum, resin, pistachio nuts, and almonds. 12 Take double the money with you. Carry back with you the money that was returned in the top of your sacks; perhaps it was an oversight. 13 Take your brother also, and be on your way again to the man; 14 may God Almighty grant you mercy before the man, so that he may send back your other brother and Benjamin. As for me, if I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” 15 So the men took the present, and they took double the money with them, as well as Benjamin. Then they went on their way down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph. 16 When Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the steward of his house, “Bring the men into the house, and slaughter an animal and make ready, for the men are to dine with me at noon.” 17 The man did as Joseph said, and brought the men to Joseph’s house. 18 Now the men were afraid because they were brought to Joseph’s house, and they said, “It is because of the money, replaced in our sacks the first time, that we have been brought in, so that he may have an opportunity to fall upon us, to make slaves of us and take our donkeys.” 19 So they went up to the steward of Joseph’s house and spoke with him at the entrance to the house. 20 They said, “Oh, my lord, we came down the first time to buy food; 21 and when we came to the lodging place we opened our sacks, and there was each one’s money in the top of his sack, our money in full weight. So we have brought it back with us. 22 Moreover we have brought down with us additional money to buy food. We do not know who put our money in our sacks.” 23 He replied, “Rest assured, do not be afraid; your God and the God of your father must have put treasure in your sacks for you; I received your money.” Then he brought Simeon out to them. 24 When the steward had brought the men into Joseph’s house, and given them water, and they had washed their feet, and when he had given their donkeys fodder, 25 they made the present ready for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they had heard that they would dine there. 26 When Joseph came home, they brought him the present that they had carried into the house, and bowed to the ground before him. 27 He inquired about their welfare, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” 28 They said, “Your servant our father is well; he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and did obeisance. 29 Then he looked up and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” 30 With that, Joseph hurried out, because he was overcome with affection for his brother, and he was about to weep. So he went into a private room and wept there. 31 Then he washed his face and came out; and controlling himself he said, “Serve the meal.” 32 They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians could not eat with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. 33 When they were seated before him, the firstborn according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth, the men looked at one another in amazement. 34 Portions were taken to them from Joseph’s table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him. New Revised Standard Version Liveology Yoga Studios creates uplifting content for your whole life. Join us on the journey of seeking God, self-study, healing, and awakening as we draw from spiritual traditions across the world. Subscribe for access to our exclusive library of articles and videos and other special benefits. Make sure to follow us on Instagram and YouTube! Thank you for your continued and growing support. Peace & Pineapples!

The cross is traditionally associated with Christianity and is worn or placed as a symbol of Christ's death and resurrection.

What I hear, I keep. Translation: What I hear, I keep. Meaning: Receptivity Learning Education Prudence Wisdom

Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, made history as the first African American to hold the office, serving two terms from 2009 to 2017. Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, made history as the first African American to hold the office, serving two terms from 2009 to 2017. Born on August 4, 1961, in Honolulu, Hawaii, he is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, where he became the first Black president of the Harvard Law Review. Prior to his presidency, Obama served as a U.S. Senator from Illinois, where he gained national recognition for his oratory skills and his ability to connect with diverse audiences. During his presidency, Obama focused on a range of significant issues, including healthcare reform, economic recovery, and climate change. His landmark achievement, the Affordable Care Act (ACA), aimed to expand healthcare access and reduce costs, fundamentally reshaping the American healthcare landscape. Additionally, he implemented measures to address the economic crisis following the 2008 recession, such as the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which provided stimulus funding to create jobs and boost economic growth. Obama's foreign policy was marked by a focus on diplomacy and multilateralism. He is well-known for his efforts to improve relations with Cuba, culminating in the restoration of diplomatic ties, and for negotiating the Iran nuclear deal, aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear program. His administration also prioritized combating climate change, exemplified by the Paris Agreement, which sought global cooperation to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate environmental impact. After leaving office, Obama has remained an influential figure through his writing, public speaking, and various philanthropic endeavors. His memoir, "A Promised Land," published in 2020, reflects on his presidency and the challenges he faced. Alongside his wife, Michelle Obama, he established the Obama Foundation, which focuses on empowering the next generation of leaders. Through these initiatives, Barack Obama continues to inspire individuals and communities, advocating for civic engagement, social justice, and the importance of democratic values. Liveology® creates uplifting content and products for abundant life. Shop our all natural bodycare, handmade products, and spiritual apparel! Subscribe  for access to our wealth of articles and videos on victorious living. Thank you for your continued and growing support all over the world. Peace & Love!