|
|
MEDITATION,
HEALTH AND SPIRITUALITY
by Yirser Ra Hotep (Elvrid Lawrence) MSW,
Master Yoga Instructor/Stress Management Consultant
For the past 22 years I have practiced and taught Yoga.
Yoga has been a fundamental element of my adult life. In
fact Yoga has been a lifesaver for
me in that by practicing and living it's principles I was
able to reverse a downward spiral in my life and find
rebirth. In recognition of the reality of my rebirth I
adopted the name of Yirser Ra Hotep.
WHAT'S IN A NAME?
The word Yirser denotes the ancient Kemetic (Egyptian)
concept of rebirth, regeneration and the cycles of nature
also called AUSAR. Ausar was personified in a legend as a
person who overcame physical and spiritual death and went on
to teach Kemetic people how to live in MAAT. MAAT means
universal order, harmony and justice. Ra represents the
life-force and energy which is manifested in the form of the
Sun. Ra is related to the life-force that exists in nature
and that which flows through the internal energy channels of
the body. Understanding the concept of Ra allows us to
intuitively know the oneness of all things that exist in the
universe and ourselves. Hotep represents the peace of mind
which comes about when our true natures are experienced and
we are able to realize the benefits that accrue from harmony
within self and harmony with the DIVINE.
These concepts among others represent the
bio-psycho-spiritual perspectives by which we who live today
can bring about revitalization of our individual and group
lives by internalizing the concepts that underpinned the
psychic understanding of our African ancestors for tens of
thousands of years. In ancient Kemet (Egypt), it was
understood that in order for the whole (society) to be
healthy, then each individual in society needed to be
healthy. Therefore promoting the well-being of the few
became a policy for the betterment of the many.
ANCIENT ART FOR MODERN LIVING
In today's world we see that there is a lack of MAAT.
Disease, substance abuse and immorality plague the
individual, while corruption, greed and contempt for GOD
permeates many of Society's institutions (government,
business and religious). In order to correct this state of
affairs we must begin with the establishment of MAAT in each
of ourselves as individuals and then become reborn in the
spirit of AUSAR. How do we do this? By putting discipline,
order, balance and self-respect into our lives. These can be
achieved through MEDITATION.
<<NEXT>> |
|
|
|
