The moon has her cycles, and each phase a sign. The moon as a planetary body is a representation of some of the Divine Feminine wisdom, which governs in the Heavens as well as on Earth.

Tonight is a New Moon. Often times you may hear someone refer to the New Moon as a Time of "Letting Go". This is true, and It is also an opportunity to renew! New Moon is indeed a time where we may find ourselves pondering what's been parted with, as much as we are thinking about planning, planting seeds, cultivating skill-sets, and developing a resolution, whether it be something new or something of old refreshed.  

Be well to yourself this New Moon! As we enter into the Winter of our 2108, here in the Mid Atlantic, we also come to a time of introspection, growth and Joy. Please, Contemplate the wisdom of the lessons learned and prepare to start anew, with strong resolve!
"Persevere, Remain Determined and Stay Uplifted," He said, "For Gradual Change is Always Taking Place."

As Lao Tzu Said, "Nature hurries not, yet Everything is accomplished."

Stay on the path; steadfast and loving, patience is key!
Embodying Your Truth is a Matter Worth Attending to, Every Minute of Every Day!!!
Do Not Worry!
All is Well Beloved, and All is in its Rightful Place for the times.

You Are Never Alone! Love is Within You Always! 

You Are A Divine Light, The Universe Just Needs You To Show Up!
And P.S. Remember....There are Angels all Around Us. #Grateful

A few weeks ago I was asked to be interviewed by Mrs. Sharina Lopez in regards to the classes I have been teaching at the Eldersburg Branch Library.
You can read her finished works in your local paper, or follow the link below to read online! 
https://www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/neighborhoods/cc-nh-south-carroll-111418story.html​

​
Sharina asked me the following questions during our interview. 

How long have you been instructing yoga classes?
How long have you been instructing the Yoga classes at the library?
Why do you think it is important for the community to attend the Yoga classes?
What type of activities will you be sharing during your Deep Relaxation Classes at the Library?


My name is Bryan Nupp, I am 26 years old and I have been teaching yoga at the library for three years.
I received my 200 hour certification after a 10 week immersive experience at Satchidananda Ashram, Yogaville, VA. Living at the ashram and studying yoga every day is still among the most treasured experiences of my life so far. It was also during the teacher training that I met my future wife, Emily Martin, who is a yoga teacher and yoga therapist. The very first class I ever taught after returning from my journey at Yogaville was a private class for the librarians and staff at the Eldersburg branch library in November of 2015. Soon after, I began teaching a weekly class on Wednesday evenings which is called “Deep Relaxation”.
In the spirit of Yoga, I wanted to make sure that I offered something that was free and accessible to the community. I remember when I had been teaching there for almost a year and was approached by one of the librarians whom politely asked, “Would you be open for us to start paying you to teach here?” Of course I was open to it, although the thought had not crossed my mind until then. I just loved sharing yoga for sharing’s sake.
Yoga has been an integral part of my well-being since I began learning from books in 2011. Yoga found me in a time of true need, and provided me with a sense of direction, lasting peace and clarity that had eluded me before. Practicing and teaching  yoga has been incredibly valuable in helping me to develop a set of tools to navigate life’s changes, remain grounded and fearless in the face of life’s challenges, and has led me to network with people I never would have met before. The physical aspects of yoga are well known to most, and have been accepted as a form of exercise and injury prevention in modern society. In my experience I have learned that Yoga is so much more than exercise, it is a way of life! The benefits of practicing yoga go way beyond the physical. There is a sense of peace that we are all longing for, and I rediscovered it through these timeless teachings. There is something in yoga for everybody.
The classes that Emily and I teach at the Eldersburg branch library are precious resources for people of all ages and experience levels. The classes we teach are very beginner friendly, with a focus on slow gentle movements, and cultivating mobility and flexibility of the joints and muscles. Furthermore, it is the focus on breath and mindful awareness of our internal and external environment that transforms this practice into a moving meditation. Every yoga teacher has their own background, style, and delivery, it is important to find a few that resonate with you. Remember that Yoga is an excellent form of injury prevention, when practiced safely and under the supervision of an experienced practitioner. As always it is wise to listen to your body, consider talking with your health care provider, and the instructor before beginning any new program or routine.
As I finish my bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness, I have begun looking more and more into the clinical research behind complementary and alternative (CAM) forms of healthcare. The slow-growing body of research surrounding yoga, acupuncture, and other forms of CAM continues to support what our ancient ancestors all knew and held as truth. The mind-body-spirit connection that yoga facilitates is an essential component of health and wellness, and one that our community’s would greatly benefit from in these times. I am an advocate for being personally responsible for our individual health and well-being, which in turn affects the whole. That is another reason I wanted to get into teaching. With the practice of Yoga comes mental clarity, a sense of calm, and at it’s essence Universal Love. With all of the chaos, darkness and craziness in the world, a little more clarity and Love may be just the perfect antidote. 

Hello World,
Hari Om,
Just checking in and sharing some inspired and creative thoughts, feelings and a message from the Universe.

Recently I have been reading, watching, listening to and essentially immersing myself in the Legendarium of Tolkien's Mythology. That is, rewatching Peter Jackson's montage, and honorary works of art in the directing of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of Rings" trilogy. I have also been rereading the Tolkien Estates, "The Sillmarillion", whilst listening to it on AudioBook on the Audiobooks app for android, on my way to and from work...
I love fantasy, adventure, and things of ancient renown, and especially this above mentioned Universe created by the skillful mastery of J.R.R. and Christopher Tolkien.
Reading in this way, and immersing myself in something that brings me great joy at this time, feels truly fulfilling to me. These fantasy novels and works of art have returned to me in a time in my life which has presented many challenges. Furthermore, reading and taking time for myself has allowed me to find Inspiration, Hope and Respite in a world wrought with challenges, pain and distractions.
Sharing how to take time to nourish our hearts and souls by doing things we love is a worthwhile pursuit if ever there was one!
Living As One, Creating A Vision of Love for Generations to Come, And Acknowledging A Circle of Angels All Around Us.

Below are several of my recent writings, works of poetry, stream of consciousness...musings...

When I think about the fears of "reality", I remember and receive...

We all go through things in Life that challenge us to the core.
We all have fears, with which we must find peace with, in this life or the next.
Though Wisdom heeds Us.
To Be Here Now.

A common bond lives within us all,
an ancient light, a kindled flame,
which propels us forth, and Lights the Way.
To Overcome the challenges of our Day
Finding the Courage to speak, act and Be Brave.

Our fate lies together,
to become as One People, One Heart, One Voice,
At this meeting of the times,
Where all the Truth will Be Revealed,
and Where The Light shall Rejoice.

Letting Go of Patterns of Old, The Long Darkness near End
Jaguar Medicine comes to Aid from moonlit den,
Casting back shadows like the Star of our Home.
Mighty and Beautiful like the onrush of Dawn,
Fearless, Weariless, Strong in Magic, Heart and Song.

Walk in Love, Be In Love.

Peace


OM


OM

For Deep Release, practice this mantra, or phrase.

OM
Breathing in Peace,
Letting Go.
Let Breath Be.

Breathing in Peace,
Letting Go. 
Let Breath Be.

OM
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Sutra One, Book One.

Yogas Citta Vritti Nirodhah

OM

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a collection of aphorisms and potent bits of wisdom that guide and inform the seeker all about Yoga and it's applications. It is definitely a must have for all those interested in delving deeper into the Yoga journey. In the Yoga Sutras, there are a multitude of verses that will inspire and clarify your journey as you explore the depths of Yoga beyond the mat. Many people do not realize that Yoga is a way of life, and so much more than physical exercise alone. Yoga embodies a deep wealth of philosophy, ethical codes, and practices which guide us to live a more meaningful life, and eventually to witness spiritual liberation.
In the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, there is mentioned the eight limbs of yoga "Ashtanga". These practices, each build upon the other. They are cumulative, diverse and comprehensive in their applications and benefits. The fourth limb encompasses the practice of pranayama. Pranayama can be broken down into two root words, "prana" and "ayama". Prana is translated as wind or energy, our vitality. Prana is the creative life force that drives evolution, it is the Breath of Life. Ayama means to embody, cultivate, sustain or lengthen. Therefor, pranayama is about sustaining our lifeforce through connection to breath. It's about cleansing, building and maintaining a strong energy body. It is an intentional practice, like yoga asanas, but one that works on a more subtle body than the physical alone. Pranayama, when practiced regularly has a number of physical, emotional, and mental health benefits which bring us into balance, and connects us to a higher vibration, a greater sense of well-being.
Below I have included a link to a video where you can hear and watch me share a little about two different pranayama practices. These two, Dirga Swasam and Kapalbhati are equally beneficial when used appropriately and together at the start of the day, or anytime you need to refresh, enliven and center yourself.

May you Be Happy, Healthy and Free!
Sincerely,
Bryan

On this day I walk the path of compassion,

I choose Love over hate, Understanding over anger.

I will not worry, I trust that everything is in the Hands of The Creator and that All is Well.

Just for today I make it my aim to work diligently and honestly, to the best of my abilities.

On this day I will honor my teachers and ancestors, by showing respect to all things.

On this day I will practice mindfulness, and use this gift of good health to better myself and serve others.

Just Living for Today!

Before Siddhartha became the Buddha (awakened one) and he ventured beyond the palace walls, he lived with every pleasure a young man could ever desire. The best teachers privately schooled him, he was renowned for his skill in archery and horse riding, he had a whole team of chefs to oversee his every meal and the most beautiful women were brought to dance and perform before him at his wish. He was a brilliant mind, and excelled at everything he tried. His very name, Siddhartha meant, "he whose purpose in life has been attained". It was predicted before his birth, that he would either become a very powerful and successful king or he would renounce the world and live the life of a priest. So his father did everything in his power to influence his path to follow that of a successful heir.
However, one day Siddhartha's curiosity drew him beyond the palace walls, he had always been a deep thinker with many questions as a child, and now he desired to see the world. What he encountered was very different than what he may have imagined. He  saw people plagued with sickness, for the first time he saw the effects of true hunger, he witnessed the elderly struggling to walk to the market, and a man set on his cremation pier, all for the first time in his life. This upset the young prince who grew up with every luxury imaginable, and had never seen death or disease within the palace walls. He asked his friend, the charioteer who rode with him what had happened with this people and then wondered, "Will my beautiful wife and son also be like this one day?"
"Yes my lord, even Princess Yashodara, beautiful as the full moon on a cloudless night, will one day be claimed by old age and death. None of us with these flesh and blood bodies can escape these things."
Very soon after, on their way back to the palace, they saw a man seated on the side of the road, motionless and thin, but he seemed different. The young prince asked the charioteer, "Is this man also dead?"
"No my lord, he is a Siddha, one who has renounced the world and who has realized the Truth."
As Siddhartha spent the next few days in the palace, he contemplated what he saw, and how it made him feel. Compelled by an earnestness to find the Truth and a way to go beyond the realm of birth and death, Siddhartha began his journey, renouncing his future kingdom, and leaving all his wealth, family and riches behind with the single goal of finding a way to end suffering, and go beyond death. He said it was one of the hardest things he had to do, but his purpose and his mission were clear and nothing would stand in his way of realizing it.
During the Buddha's many years of intense practice he tried different means of achieving lasting peace and happiness, and ending suffering. He spent six years with the forest dwellers, austere ascetics, who denied their bodies of even the simplest of comforts. Often times these folk are depicted, unclothed, unshaven, half starved, owning nothing more than a begging bowl, spending every waking hour in prayer or performing strict austerities. It is said that the Siddhartha, towards the end of his time with the forest dwellers, in his attempt to break the desires and attachments of the body, went on a fast where he was eating no more than a single grain of rice every day, for months. This attracted many of the forest dwellers, and they bowed at his feet for performing such incredible self disciplines. Five of them became his disciples.
It became evident to him one day, when he came out of meditation and looked down at his shrunken body which had become so malnourished that he could see his spine protruding beneath his rib cage, that he would not last much longer like this, and these harsh practices were interfering with his meditation. This extreme was not the solution to what he sought.
By chance, or by divine connection, a young maiden was coming to the forest to pay alms, to share a blessed offering to the ascestics who practiced there. When she saw the radiant Siddhartha, she bowed and offered him the prasad, holy offering, and he ate slowly over the course of the evening until his hunger was satisfied, and he felt his strength begin to return.
When his disciples saw that this man whom they had put all their trust in change his course they were disgusted, called him a hypocrite and left him there by the bank of the river. 
Again, Siddhartha was alone..but the real journey was only about to begin.

To be continued....

May you be Happy, Healthy, and Free from Suffering.

Blessings,

Bryan


**Special Thanks to Eknath Easwaran for his inspiring transaltion of the Dhammapadda and the stories of the Buddhas Life.
OM SHANTHI. OM SHANTHI. OM SHANTHI.

Physical pain is something that we can all expect to experience during our lives. So, how do we cope with living in pain, how can we possibly find some good in it? This is indeed a challenge, especially for those who live in states of chronic pain, varying from minor aches of ever day wear and tear to states of suffering and agony.  

I have recently recovered from a violent short term illness, stricken with high fever and incredible pain in my body and mind. This is a situation where I was glad to remember that everything is temporary.
Pain is indeed a humbling teacher.
I began to write down all the ways I could think about pain in a positive way.
The force with which pain calls it's victim to the present moment is so intense, that often the thought of everything else diminishes. Oh, if only we could voluntarily call upon this kind of one-pointed concentration, and total absorption to other aspects of our lives.
Pain invokes compassion. When people (and animals) are in pain, it gives others the opportunity to serve and help them, to open their hearts and feel what the other must be feeling.
This is a wonderful experience, a truly divine connection between two sentient beings. This opportunity to serve, love and give acts as a bridge that draws us closer to God, closer to that Love within us.
For the one who is suffering and receiving the acts of compassion, their hearts open with gratitude and humility, also drawing them ever closer to their Divine Nature.
Pain slows down the passage of time, minuted pass like hours, and the days seem to stretch long. Time is indeed relative, and our time here on Earth is short, so we really should make the most of it.

It also definitely gives a different perspective on our good health, and that we should be humbly grateful for it. We value the very simplest things when we recover our health after an injury or illness, walking and running, eating and drinking, our hobbies and loves of life can again be fully enjoyed. 

"The body is a painted image, subject to disease, death, and decay,
held together by thoughts that come and go.
What joy can there be for those who see that there white bones
will be cast away like gourds in the autumn?" 
​- The Dhammapada, Age, verses 147-149


I wish you happiness, good health and peace on your own personal journey,

All is Love,

Bryan Nupp

"Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think.
Suffering follows an evil thought,
as the wheels of a cart follow the oxen  that draw it.

Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think.
Joy follows a pure thought,
like a shadow that never leaves.

"He was angry with me, he attacked me,  he defeated me, he robbed me" -
those who dwell on such thoughts will never be free from hatred.

"He was angry with me, he attacked me, he defeated me, he robbed me" - 
those who do not dwell on such thoughts will surely be freed from hatred.

For hatred can never put an end to hatred;
Love alone can. This is an unalterable law.

People forget that their lives will end soon. 
For those who remember, quarrels come to an end."

-Chapter One, 1-6, Twin Verses, The Dhammapada, commentary by Eknath Easwaran

One of the joys of Buddha's teachings, at least for me, is that it's always easy to see the merit in what  is being shared. 'We are what we think' is both simplistic and powerful, let us be aware of what we fill our minds with. Let us cultivate positive thinking, train our mind's eye to see the beauty in all situations, and to find gratitude, even in life's challenges. Let us cultivate a razor sharp will and train our minds to be useful tools that better ourselves and others.
The Buddha describes the untrained mind in such metaphors like "The untrained mind is like a fish thrashing on the banks of the shore" or , "An intoxicated monkey who's being stung by bees."
I am sure we have had moments where we can relate.
​
We see in the next verses, two choices are again presented. The one who holds onto grudges and hostilities, ruminating and stagnating in their negativity and hatred; this person remains trapped in a cage, with the key on the floor.
The latter, is the one who chooses to let those experiences pass, much like wind through the branches of a mighty tree.  He remains free from hatred, his heart light and available to the moment at hand.

Verses, 5 and 6, touch on the universal power of love and kindness.
We can change the world by changing ourselves. The only way to spread peace is by being peaceful yourself, in the same way, love alone can put an end to hatred, anger, jealousy, and violence.
In the words of Swami Satchidanada, "Pouring love on hate is like pouring water on fire."

Verse 6 touches on our mortality, and again is profoundly simple, life is too short to be spent in anger or bitterness. We all have challenging moments in life,  and are especially tested when we begin to connect with spiritual values and virtues. This is natural and to be expected along the way. The Buddha advises us to remember that life is short, and while we may not be able to escape quarrels all together, we have the choice of how we react to them. Forgiveness and Love will always uplift you and keep you moving forward, remember this and that Love Alone is one of your greatest tools on this journey of awakening.

May you be happy, healthy and full of light,
​
Om Shanthi
Bryan Josiah