~Kama Sutra~

Taking it out of the Bedroom and Into your Relationship "Making love is meditation. It is sacred, it is the holiest of holies." ~ The Kama Sutra Okay, so the ancient Indian text The Kama Sutra conjures thoughts of sex - after all, it is a sex manual! But just as practically as its tips can be applied in the bedroom, many of its messages can be applied to dating, love and intimacy, too. After all, the "Kama" for whom this Sutra (which translates as wisdom) is named is actually Kama, the Indian version of cupid. Reading the book (or, let's face it, skimming its pictures), it's easy to get caught up in (and excited by) the acrobatics of it all. The strongest elements, however, are not the contortionist-like positions and creative names they're labeled. Although it's certainly worth it to give as many as you care to a try! The real lesson of Kama Sutra can be found in the principles that come across very clearly throughout its pages. Whether applied in or out of the bedroom, with your partner of years or your potential first date, these ideas will help you find success in love. Equal rights… equal nights! Leafing through the Kama Sutra you'll notice that pleasure is always given and received equally. Positions are meant to feel good to both partners. Think this is just about sex? Think again! Maintaining balance in your relationship will help to ensure both partners are happy. This is true of early dating stages too. Be courteous and kind and expect the same. Know what you want (need?)and don't be afraid to share it. If your potential paramour doesn't like it and doesn't share in return (even at the dinner table), then they're not the one for you. Be assertive (sometimes) Women in particular sometimes have trouble going after what they really want. This most often stems from society's conditioning that to be feminine we should be demure and "ladylike." However, in the Kama Sutra, you'll find all sorts of references to strong, forthright women who own their power - sexually and otherwise! If you're a woman (and shy) and the very idea freaks you out, take heed. You don't have to be a raving banshee or psycho stalker to express your interest in someone. If you're single and you like a someone, consider letting them know. The worst that can happen is they'll say no, and what's the big deal? Better hear the truth than to waste your time with unrequited lust! Likewise, it's okay for men to relinquish control instead of leading all the time. In other words, it's not always up to one partner to make the first move whether it's your first date or your 50th anniversary. Switch things up! All about fit… Kama Sutra dedicates an entire section to "proper fit" between partners. Of course, it's referencing our naughty bits and the fact that certain people more naturally go together - but it's also true of every area of a relationship. There is no point trying to make someone into something they're not - or trying to be someone you aren't. Make the most of what does work in your relationship and work on what doesn't. If this is in bed, then be open to exploration - find the best way to maximize pleasure for both people. But if the bad continues to outweigh the good across the board in your pairing, it is possible that you're just not compatible. And don't beat yourself up for that. No rules No matter what any book tells you, no amount of "playing the game" is going to create the love you want. It won't matter how many times you call (or don't), how many dates you wait before you hook up, whether you approach the hottie across the room or vice versa. The best thing you can do - in bed and beyond - is to be yourself. Your natural fit is out there (and in more than one)… When you find it, your beloved will want to give and receive pleasure with you in all of its incarnations.

Meditation with Your Spirit Guides

Every culture and faith has the idea of a guiding spirit, a guardian angel or an inner voice that can be accessed for secret wisdom, guidance and spiritual vision.

Whether you call this helper your Spirit Guide, Guardian Angel or Highest Good, it's important that the name you choose to draw upon this magical source of assistance seems natural to you.

Once you've defined what you're seeking, it's time to go about creating a situation that allows you to connect to your guide. Find a comfortable time and a quiet place where you can feel calm and relaxed without being disturbed for at least 30 minutes.

Next, using a compass, place four white candles in fire safe holders at each of the cardinal direction points, North, South, East and West. Space them a few feet apart; widely enough to sit safely and comfortably inside them. Light the candles and settle carefully inside this magical space you've created.

Then, in your mind's eye, picture a glowing white light that radiates from your heart out until you are enclosed in a perfect sphere of light. It should extend from your heart to the border made of candles, above your head and below you. When the image feels complete, sit for a moment and enjoy the warmth you've created.

Now, it's time to journey to meet your guide. Visualize yourself walking down a white stone staircase onto a moonlit field. At the end of the field is a thicket of trees surrounding a small clearing with two large flat rocks. Sit on one rock, safe in the knowledge that you are protected and about to meet your guide. Close your eyes and ask your guide to come to you.

Sit on the rock, close your eyes, and ask your guide come to you.

In a few moments, you should hear footsteps coming towards you. Open your eyes and greet your guide. It may initially take an unexpected form, an animal, or a person. (It's not unusual for your guide to change shape over time.) Greet your guide and thank him or her for coming.

Ask the guide to present you with three symbols that are important for you to consider at this point in your life. When you are handed each of the symbols, accept them with gratitude and without judgment. Examine them carefully and then return them to your guide. Thank them for their guidance and help. Say goodbye

Now, retrace your steps from the clearing in the trees, through the field and up the stairs. After you've returned to your white sphere in your safe, comfortable room, sit quietly with your eyes closed for a moment before stirring. Then open your eyes, draw the white light back into your heart, carefully extinguish the candles and put them away.

Write down each of the symbols given to you by your guide. Describe them in as much detail as possible. Set your notes aside and return to them in a day or two. This will allow your subconscious to work on the symbols. Next, sit down and write about what they represent and what they reveal about your life. This should provide you with startlingly clear insights

In future visits with your guide you can ask direct questions. Remember to always be polite, gracious and grateful for the help you're given. Over time you will learn how your guide communicates and get more profound results from your visualizations. Soon, you'll have established one of the most important relationships of your life--your personal relationship with spiritual wisdom.