Year of the Dragon

In Today's Email:

• Year Of The Dragon: Embracing Power and Generosity…

• Our Gift To You: Guided Manifestation Journal…

• Yogapedia: Reclining Bound Angle Pose…

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TODAY'S LEARNING
Year Of The Dragon- Embracing Power and Generosity

Animal Origins of the Chinese Zodiac

There are many stories told to children regarding how the animals in the Sheng Xiao took their places. According to a legend, the Jade Emperor called on a variety of animals to compete in a race, with the top 12 placing the 12 winners on the calendar. In another tale, animals were invited to a great feast, and the order of the 12-year calendar cycle would be determined by who showed up for nom-noms first.

Of course, no good story would have each creature arrive without some sort of obstacle or intrigue. Thus, each animal's voyage tells about its misfortunes, vices, and brave acts encountered along the road.

Rat ended up first, followed by Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig, whether it was for a race or an invitation to supper.

The Dragon's Symbolism

Each animal’s story has had profound implications on how we view animals. Rat is thought to have only prevailed via deceit, which is why rats have long been associated with being untrustworthy creatures.

Conversely, Dragon, although finishing in fifth place, gained the respect of the Jade Emperor. According to Lisa Chiu of China Global Television Network (CGTN) America, "by all accounts, the dragon would have won the race, as it could fly, but it had stopped to help villagers caught in a flooding river cross safely; or it stopped to assist the rabbit in crossing the river; or it stopped to help create rain for a drought-ridden farmland, depending on the teller."

Dragon gained a reputation for appropriately using his strength to help others rather than just himself as a result of his benevolence.

Becoming Dragon

In the Chinese calendar, the dragon stands for a lucky time—a time to be resolutely ambitious. On the flip side, the confidence we may feel during this time can also make us stubborn and unwilling to admit mistakes—or power imbalances.

We would be wise to pay attention to both the genesis tale of this mythical creature and the traits they represent—especially within ourselves—as this year's Dragon-inspired influence rolls around.

Consider using the following reflection practice.

1. Sit on a chair, preferably one with no side arms.

2. Close your eyes gently.

3. Drop your hands and keep them loose at your sides.

4. Now, ground yourself firmly through your buttocks and core, sitting up straight, and firmly pushing down into the chair seat.

5. Slowly lift your arms out to your sides, as if they were large wings, until they are shoulder height.

6. Pause here, and exhale slowly and loudly, as if you have fire in your breath.

7. Lower your arms to your sides.

8. Repeat this up-and-down cycle two more times.

9. Take a few deep breaths and open your eyes.

10. Finally, grab a pen and some paper and reflect on the following questions:

• Where do I feel power in my life?

• Is this power “right-sized”?

• If not, what adjustments might I want to make this year?

• Where can I use my power to help others?

DEAL OF THE DAY
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TODAY'S POSITIVE NEWS

When considering the great victories of America’s conservationists, we tend to think of the sights and landscapes emblematic of the West, but there’s also a rich history of acknowledging the value of the wetlands of America’s south.

These include such vibrant ecosystems as the Everglades, the Great Dismal Swamp, the floodplains of the Congaree River, and “America’s Amazon” also known as the “Land Between the Rivers”—recently preserved forever thanks to generous donors and work by the Nature Conservancy (TNC).

ZEN STORY
PARADISE & HELL

A soldier named Nobushige came to Hakuin, and asked: “Is there really a paradise and a hell?”

“Who are you?” inquired Hakuin.

“I am a samurai,” the warrior replied.

“You, a soldier!” exclaimed Hakuin. “What kind of ruler would have you as his guard? Your face looks like that of a beggar.” Nobushige became so angry that he began to draw his sword, but Hakuin continued: “So you have a sword! Your weapon is probably much too dull to cut off my head.” As Nobushige drew his sword Hakuin remarked: “Here open the gates of hell!” At these words the samurai, perceiving the master’s discipline, sheathed his sword and bowed. “Here open the gates of paradise,” said Hakuin.

OUR GIFT TO YOU

Every now and then we will be giving away free digital goods to our community. In order for you to see our digital gifts, make sure that you place our emails into your primary folder. Our goal is to give away something awesome at least once a week!

Today you get our Guided Manifestation Journal. Do you want to attract more things into your life and make positive changes? If so, then this free digital journal is a great tool to help you manifest your dream life! Discover how to use the law of attraction and positive affirmations to bring more abundance into your life.

To download please click on the button below called “Download”.

CRYSTAL OF THE DAY

YOGAPEDIA
Reclining Bound Angle Pose (Supta Baddha Konasana)

What is Reclining Bound Angle Pose?

Reclining bound angle pose, or supta baddha konasana in Sanskrit, is a restorative supine posture. The yogi lies on the back with the soles of the feet touching and knees wide. The pose opens the inner thighs and groin, and relaxes the mind.

Instructions

• Lie on the back.

• Exhale and draw the soles of the feet together as the knees widen.

• Rest the arms alongside the body, palms facing up.

• Breathe while holding the pose.

DAILY MEME