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We are the only creatures on the planet who can change our biology through our thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Our cells are constantly eavesdropping on our thoughts and being changed by them. When we fall in love, positive thoughts and emotions course through our body and strengthen our immune system. Keep Reading
Where's Deepak
Deepak and Yahoo!
What We're Reading
NEW from Deepak
 
The Third Jesus: The Christ We Cannot Ignore
Words of Wisdom
“We do not, in fact, have a body and a mind, but a mindbody – one seamless web of intelligence.”
–Deepak Chopra
"All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think, we become."
- Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
"Don't fight darkness.Bring the light, and darkness will disappear"
- Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
Chopra Center Spotlight
This month our Chopra Center Staff Spotlight features our Program Consultant team. Read about more here
SynchroDestiny
May 1–4, Sedona, AZ
60-day special ends Mar 2
Emotional Freedom
April 21–25, Carlsbad, CA
60-day special ends Feb 21
Soul of Healing
March 17–21, Carlsbad, CA
30-day special ends Feb 17
What We're Watching
and Listening to
We have a few places left for our upcoming Journey into Healing program taking place this Feb. 14–17 at La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. Journey into Healing is an in-depth exploration of healing led by Chopra Center co-founders Deepak and David. Guest speakers include Ayurveda expert Dr. Vasant Lad; holistic oncologist Daniel Vicario, M.D.; and neonatology specialist Jamieson Jones, M.D. Read more about Journey into Healing here
On the Air
Tune in to Sirius Stars Channel 102 every Saturday at 10am EST for your weekly dose of Chopra balance and wellbeing. Not a subscriber yet? Learn more about Deepak's Wellness Radio show
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Your BodyMind
According to the ancient Vedic tradition, we are multifaceted beings. We have a physical body, a subtle body (the realm of the mind), and a causal body (the realm of spirit). We live simultaneously on each level, and becoming intimate with these dimensions of our nature enables us to live with vitality, creativity, and happiness.
For thousands of years, the relationship between the mind, the body, and the soul has been a matter of great debate. Some believe that there is a hierarchy in which spirit is king. In many traditions, being out-of-body has long been considered the hallmark of an enlightened or more “highly evolved” spiritual being. Others say that the mind and the realm of emotions dictate every moment.
Often relegated to the lowest rung of the hierarchy is our physical body, the tangible, earthbound aspect of our selves. Yet if we take the perspective that we ARE multidimensional spiritual beings having human experiences, then there is no need to deny the body in any way; rather, we can embrace it as the vehicle that allows us to experience our life on this planet.
 The physical body is a plane of existence that regularly reminds us that this earthly realm is transient. We need to love it and take care of it, but not become too attached since it is ever changing. Our body encompasses the environment around us, our personal molecules, and the life force (prana) that enlivens us.
The Buddha taught that we should look after our body and maintain the health and vitality of this flesh temple. In the Dhammapada, the Buddha states, “The One who knows the self is dear will cherish and protect it; the wise one is vigilant through the night.”
When our body is healthy and strong, it is a reflection of the nourishing choices we have made for the wholeness of our mind, body, and spirit. In contrast, a large majority of illnesses (though certainly not all) stem from thoughts and emotions that run counter to our body’s natural desire for health and well-being. In fact, approximately 90 percent of our physical toxicity is emotionally derived ― which means that unresolved emotional issues such as a lack of self-love and an inability to forgive can wreak havoc on our physical selves through stress and anxiety.
Becoming more conscious as we engage in the world, choosing to minimize toxicity and maximize nourishment, is the key to a healthy body. To become more conscious, we need to listen to the needs of our bodymind.
How often do we do this? How often do we stop ourselves in a moment and take a deep breath? How often do we meditate? How often do we close our eyes before making a decision, place our hands on our heart, and “feel” the right choice?
If we spend a bit more time listening to our body’s wisdom, hearing its signals of comfort and discomfort, we will make more nurturing choices. With this intention, meditation offers a valuable tool, helping us make better choices by enhancing our ability to listen to the needs of our bodymind ― and experience its gifts.
Living here on the planet means that we each have a unique opportunity to be housed within this physical shell where we can hug and kiss, enjoy the touch of others, taste delicious foods, experience sexual intimacy, hear soothing music, watch a magnificent sunset, breathe in inspiring aromas, dance with abandon, communicate with voice and song, and feel the multitude of physical experiences for at least the span of our lifetime.
This Namasté celebrates the inseparable bodymind and the single creative intelligence that can express itself as our thoughts ― as well as the molecules of our cells, tissues, and organs. As you read this month's features, we encourage you to consider the ways in which you can honor and support your physical body, the loyal companion that carries you throughout this life's journey.
To your good health and happiness,
The Chopra Center Staff
P.S. Please share your comments, questions, and suggestions with us
Meditation Q&A
 Q: Sometimes I’m able to relax and settle right into my meditation, while other times I find it hard to concentrate and can barely sit still. What can I do to get into that quiet, peaceful state more easily?
A: The first thing to keep in mind is that if you are “trying” to do anything during your meditation, you are doing too much. Meditation is gentle and effortless, so don’t try to concentrate on your mantra or anything else. Silently repeat the mantra, and when you notice your mind has wandered away, come back to the mantra.
It’s best not to compare meditations or analyze them at all. Each meditation is like a snowflake, and you will never have the same one twice. As the Greek philosopher Heraclitus wrote thousands of years ago, “You can’t step into the same river twice, for fresh waters are always flowing in.” You are not the same person who meditated yesterday or even this morning, and your experiences will always change. Be assured, however, that when you have a regular meditation practice, you cultivate the ability to be naturally present and aware ― during meditation and throughout the day.
How We're Stretching
Pranayama – the formal practice of regulating the breath – allows us to calm, cleanse, or invigorate our bodymind. In fact, many master yogis believe that pranayama is the essence of yoga. Keep reading....
 We are pleased to present Kids Yoga, a special new class that weaves the powerful principles of The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success with yoga family fun. Kids Yoga takes place every Saturday at the Chopra Center. You and your children will experience yoga’s amazing power to nurture your body, mind, and soul. Kids attend free!
Dr. Malynn Utzinger Radio Special
This Feb. 28 the Chopra Center’s director of women’s health, Malynn Utzinger, M.D. will be the guest on the Breaking Free radio show hosted by Sarah Maria Dreisbach. They will be discussing what women can do to feel great about their bodies and themselves, and the keys to optimal health. Sarah Maria is a certified Primordial Sound Meditation instructor, body-image expert, and the founder of Break Free Beauty, an organization helping women love their bodies and overcome eating disorders. Tune in to the Voice Americachannel from 9 to 10 a.m. (Pacific Standard Time)
Living Perfect Health
Your body already knows how to cleanse and rejuvenate itself. You are constantly shedding toxins and waste through elimination, and every night when you sleep, your body completes a "mini-fast."
 However, this natural cleansing process often isn't enough. The constant exposure to the toxins now found in water, air, food, and medications places a huge burden on your body. How to detoxify the Ayurvedic way
Words of Wisdom
"All speech, action, and behavior are fluctuations of consciousness. All life emerges from, and is sustained in, consciousness. The whole universe is the expression of consciousness. The reality of the universe is one unbounded ocean of consciousness in motion."
- Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
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A basic premise of Ayurveda is that our experiences in consciousness translate into patterns in our bodies. We frequently cite the expression, “If you want to understand a person’s experiences in the past, examine their body now. If you want to predict what their mind and body will be like in the future, examine their experiences now.” Another way of saying this is: “Biography becomes biology.”
Keep Reading
Featured Programs
Soul of Healing returns to Carlsbad, California! Join us this March 17–21 for a week of healing at the deepest soul level. Limited to only 40 participants, Soul of Healing is a rare opportunity to learn with holistic experts Deepak and David while you are pampered in the Chopra Center's loving setting. Soul of Healing includes:
Read more about Soul of Healing
In Loving Memory
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
"I will fill the world with love and create Heaven on Earth"
Balancing Your Dosha
In the Ayurvedic view, exercise is meant to leave you feeling invigorated, happy, and ready for the day’s activities ― not exhausted and in need of painkillers.
The secret is finding some physical activities that you like and that are suited to your mind-body type or dosha. Here are a few guidelines
What We're Eating
Morning Bliss Shake
Our recipe can be found here
Teacher Feature
Mary Callaghan
Dublin, Ireland
Primordial Sound Meditation instructor
Read about Mary here
Learn about becoming a Chopra Certified Instructor or find a teacher in your hometown
What's in Store
The Gift of Love
A beautiful gift package to invigorate the senses. A great Valentine's Day gift idea!
Words of Wisdom
“The important thing is this: to be able, at any moment, to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.”
- Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts.”
–Thich Nhat Hanh
Alliance for a New Humanity
The Alliance for a New Humanity invites you to join the Human Forum this March 11–13 in Costa Rica as world leaders, humanitarians, and those from every walk of life come together to create a world based on social justice, peace, and human rights. Keep on reading
Dream On
Discover balance, healing, and transformation
This February 23–24, the Chopra Center & Spa @ Dream in New York invites you to learn Primordial Sound Meditation. You will let go of stress and access your inner silence, calm, and creativity. To learn more, please call 212.246.7600, Option 2, or visit the Chopra Center NY website
We're Proud to Suppport
Survey Winners
Congratulations to the winners of our Namasté Survey drawing! See the list of winners here
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