The Satsang Monthly Newsletter
The Sangha House
July 2021
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The Sangha House Community |
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The Satsang Newsletter
Welcome to our second edition of The Satsang Newsletter from The Sangha House.
We have articles from our regular contributors including a delve into the subject of self judgement by Andy Spragg. Andy has kindly included a meditation link at the end of his piece for your enjoyment.
Joanne Lawrence takes a look at the issue of our personal perspectives and how they can impact our reality. A fascinating read.
Denise Spragg has provided an illuminating contribution on the power of touch from a holistic point of view.
Dorian Bass White poses the question, what would happen if we slowed down. Thought provoking and highly relevant.
We are delighted to announce that Warwick Lydiate, a long standing member of The Sangha House and regular workshop provider on the Enneagram will be providing us with a bi-monthly contribution. In this months Satsang he discussed knowing yourself - and others from the perspective of human personality.
This months books recommendations come from Morgan Hudson. Morgan is one of our holistic therapists.
Our film recommendation comes from Chris Brossard. He critiques the film Nomadland featuring Frances McDormand.
This month I have included an interesting article on research into the fact we have three brains situated in the head, heart and gut and how they work together and also this month's Pause for Thought on peace.
We really hope you enjoy this months edition of The Satsang.
Namaste
PuddingMcPudding
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Life is a rollercoaster
Andy Spragg
Self Judgement
It is really easy to drop into the trap of self judgement. In this day and age, we are almost encouraged to believe we are not good enough and to apply heavy internal critique to everything we do.
It’s a very unproductive place and holds us back a great deal. Inside, all of us know that in order to do something well, we must approach it with an attitude of self confidence and self belief. If we have that self confidence, we are halfway there.
Just think about the last time you picked up something heavy. If you approach the object with the view ‘you are coming OFF the floor’ then we stand a good chance of lifting it. If we, however, doubt our ability, then that thing is definitely not going to be lifted!
It’s the same with anything we are putting our minds to. Self belief is so key here.
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Knowing yourself – and others
Warwick Lydiate
Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh says that ‘we cannot really love without understanding.’ This of course involves understanding and loving ourselves as well as others.
I have been intrigued by the subject of human personality for many years. Everything from psychology to spirituality, and even serious astrology can involve thinking about the ways we feel about ourselves, as well as how we react to each other and the daily situations of life. Success in life and relationships usually means bringing the very best of ourselves into family, friendships, work environments and romantic partnerships.
Personality forms partly out of habits and patterns of thought and behaviour collected through early stages of life. These can become entrenched to the point that change to habits such as fears, desires or prejudices can only really happen by careful mindfulness towards self and others.
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Perspective
Joanne Lawrence
It is all perspective. There is nothing good or bad, thinking makes it so…
This past 18 months has challenged these ideas. No one could have predicted the circumstances we have found ourselves in. We have had to adapt, pay attention, and try and keep going. Some people have seen this past year as challenging; a dark and lonely time and others have enjoyed being told not to do anything and to stay in. Seeing this as a time to slow down and appreciate the little things.
Firstly, I will be clear in saying, this is not a few words to tell you to look on the bright side. I am very aware of toxic positivity, which can lead to us feeling misunderstood, not listened to and that our pain is not important. What I am saying is our perspective of an event, issue or thought, can impact how we feel about it and the way we feel about ourselves and our circumstances. I believe it is important to acknowledge when things are difficult, whether this is due to change, situations, relationships or difficult events. That is life, stuff happens. You may have heard quotes like, ‘learn to ride the wave’, I heard another perspective on this… ‘don’t ride the wave, just be aware of it.’ By being aware of our feelings and thoughts we can observe them, maybe step back and gain another perspective on them. Maybe look down on them or up at them and see them from a different angle. Giving ourselves a wider perspective. Reminding me of probably one of my favourite quotes….’When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change’. I have come back to this so many times this past year. It does not mean that everything will become perfect, and we will never have ‘issues.’ Again… sorry to tell you but we all have issues! And we always will at different points in life. Again, this is life.
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Your Three Brains - How Your Head, Heart, and Gut Work Together For A Better You |
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You know the sayings, “follow your heart” or “I had a gut-feeling”? There’s a reason people use these kinds of phrases to describe their feelings or why they took a particular action when doing something. Although the brain is responsible for the actions you take, there’s more to it than that. You might be surprised to hear that your head, heart, and gut are all classed as “brains”. Over the last several years, neuroscience has shown that aside from the brain in your head , we also have a gut brain (enteric brain) and a heart brain (cardiac brain).
What Are The Three Brains?
Think about when you had to speak in public and got butterflies in your stomach or made a decision because you followed your heart. The heart, head, and gut all have complex neural pathways that work together. Listening to all three of them is key to making better decisions. By keeping your three brains healthy, they can work together efficiently for a better you.
This article explains how your head, gut, and heart work together to create a powerful mind and a healthy body:
- The human body has three brains
- Each brain can learn, change and communicate
- Make better decisions with your head, heart, and gut brain
- A healthy heart keeps your brain sharp as you age
- How to nurture your three brains for a better you
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Most Inspirational Reads
Both recommended by Morgan Hudson
Holistic Therapist at The Sangha House
The Body - A Guide for Occupants
by Bill Bryson
Bryson takes us on a journey around the human body which somehow manages to be humbling, entertaining and informative all at once. Full of scientifically accurate information as well as pocket sized little factoids, all in Bryson’s easy style of writing. As a massage therapist I have an innate interest in the human body so I found this book really interesting, if you’re not budding biologist though this book is still great for general knowledge, it’s jargon free and easy and enjoyable to read.
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Ruby Wax's No Brainer - It's all in the mind
When I think of Ruby Wax I think of the raucous comedienne of the 1990s. Turns out she knows an awful lot about neuroscience!! I didn’t actually read the book myself but downloaded the audible which has the added benefit of being narrated by Wax herself. This book offers excellent insight into what makes us tick, it’s packed with interviews with all sorts of interesting people from neuroscientists, to a mortician and a particular Buddhist monk you may be familiar with. Of course that monk is none other than regular house guest, Gelong Thubten! This book is witty, informative and inspiring! I enjoyed it so much I will undoubtedly read or listen to the rest of her works! I think you will especially enjoy this book if you have an interest in mental health and/or mindfulness.
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Inspirational Film Recommendation
by Chris Brossard
Nomadland
We went to the cinema for the first time in over a year and a half. ‘Nomadland’ was on at the Brewhouse. It had just won loads of academy awards and Frances McDormand is one of my favourite actresses, having played the policewoman in the original Fargo and the lead in Three Billboards outside Edding, Missouri.
The film is about those people who have lost out economically in America since 2008 and who live in RVs (recreational vehicles) or, what we call, campers or campervans. The film really captures what it is like for these people: Finding part time work in huge Amazon distribution centres or in diners or shops; moving from place to place because they are not allowed to stay in one site for too long; seeking solace from strangers they meet along the way.
And this is the true point of the story. Meeting strangers along the way, the film captures the kindness of strangers, the dignity of their common humanity and the respect for one another in these harsh conditions. Even more importantly, this film taps the depths of humanity and the unique mystery of each and every one of us, our restlessness and longing for meaning. We are unfinished, incomplete and going somewhere. The last lines between them are: “see you down the road”.
Since seeing this film my view of those I meet along the way has changed and I endeavour to respect and value each person as a unique and special human being. It is a film that should be seen.
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We would love to hear about your most inspiring reads so please do contact us to enable us to share with our readership. |
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What Would Happen If I Slowed Down?
There was once a young fellow named Matajuro.
Matajuro wanted to be a great swordsman, just like his father.
So he packed his things and went to Mount Futara, to find the famous swordsman, Banzo.
"You wish to learn swordsmanship under my guidance?" asked Banzo.
"Yes", said Jiro. "If I work very hard, how long will it take to become a master?"
"Oh, I see that you cannot become a sword master," said Banzo, and he turned to go.
"But..." pleaded Matajuro, "I will pass through any hardship -- do anything you say! How long then?"
Banzo looked at Matajuro, "Oh, maybe ten years."
"But my father is getting old. I want to show him I am a great swordsman like him. If I work even more intensively, how long would it take?"
"Oh, well, then, maybe thirty years," said Banzo.
"Wait!' said Matajuro. 'First you said ten years. Then you said thirty years! I want to master this art now! I am willing to work as hard as I must!"
"I see," said Banzo. "In that case you will have to work for seventy years. A person in such a hurry seldom gets good results."
This is, I'm told, one of the World's most famous Zen koans.
It's also a fantastic way to illustrate what I believe to be a seldom mentioned (but often very real) truth of reaching many of our goals, health and fitness related or otherwise:
Things are often easier than we think...but they also take longer.
With that in mind, take a moment to ask yourself the following:
1. Why do I feel I need to rush towards my goal...and what would happen if I slowed down?
2. Am I so committed to what I say I want that I'm willing to wait for it?
It's ok to want everything to happen "yesterday."
But it's also ok (and very, very normal) for that not be the case - at least for many of the things that are worthwhile :-)
Dorian Bass-White is a fitness instructor at The Sangha House in Taunton. Come and try out his kettle bells session every Tuesday at 5.30pm and his exercise session every Wednesday at 11am.
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Coming up at The Sangha House |
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Gong Bath with Peter Whitehart - Sunday 25th July
Let the healing sound waves relax and heal you.
Come and join us for our Gong Bath with the inspirational Peter Whitehart. A truly relaxing experience. Relaxing on a mat, covered with a blanket, allowing the deep gentle resonance coming from the gongs to penetrate your body.
These events are incredibly popular and this is the first one after the lock down so book in quickly to secure a place.
This event will be held in our physical studio at The Sangha House in Taunton.
If you are able to attend please click on the link below to book your place
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-sangha-house-gong-bath-tickets-156239074277
Further dates to be added.
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Pause for Thought
Pudding McPudding
If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from, our peace,
Thich Nhat Hahn
What does peace mean to you? Most people are constantly worrying and chasing after new goals rarely content to just be fully in the now as this exact moment is our only true reality.
The past is just that and when you are able to make peace with yours, you create a whole new sense of freedom. Freedom from negative energy, freedom to forgive yourself and others and the freedom to grow and realise your greatest potential.
Dale Carnegie said "Remember, today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday".
Tomorrow never comes. As the days change we always have a new tomorrow.
Therefore surely to be at peace we have to the best of our ability stay grounded in the present moment whether that be through mindfulness, meditation, absorbing yourself in an activity you enjoy, surrounding yourself with souls who uplift you, consciously disconnecting from that which would seek to lower your connection to all that is good and kind in this world.
As within, so without.
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The Power of Touch
Denise Spragg
People often ask me why I became a holistic therapist after years of working as a solicitor in a busy magistrates’ court in the South East of England. It was something I’d always been interested in, but the real push I needed came after a conversation I had with my late mother. It was some time after my father had passed away, and we were chatting over a cup of tea. I asked how things were going, and after telling me about day-to-day things, she looked at me and said, “but what I really miss is a hug. Apart from you and Andy (my husband), nobody touches me any more.” This really hit home with me, and it inspired me to get out there and study for my massage qualifications. In the West, we still seem to equate touch with certain categories of people – for example, it is acceptable for parents and children to touch each other, as it is with romantic or sexual partners. However, in other situations, it is less acceptable, and often becomes equated with assault or threatening behaviour. We understand, of course, that there are boundaries with what is acceptable and what is not, but when did we lose the collective understanding of how comforting a hug, or a friendly hand on our shoulder, actually is?
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Murad Facials
Murad high performance results driven facial personalised for your skin concerns or just a lovely pampering treat. One hour appointments including detailed consultation so we can get the very best for your skin.
Usual price £60, but take 20% off by quoting SATSANG 21 when you book.
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