TABLE OF CONTENTS
The Upshift-The Path to Evolution on Earth: Ervin Laslo Interview
26
5 Tips for Improving your Yoga Practice in the Wintertime
54
Devotional Practices Worldwide and Japamala
62
5 Ways To Find Your Soul Peeps
70
Our Lives, and How To Live Them
74 How to Practice Emotional SelfHealing?
124
5 Surefire Signs You are Facing an Existential Crisis
132
What are Your Secrets for Success in 2023?
140
My First Mind Science Journal and Workbook
144
154
Feng Shui: Reenergize Your Home in Wintertime
82
Reincarnation of Animals
92
How to Recognize Emotional Blackmail
102
Puzzling Paradoxes
114
OMTIMES.COM January 2022
Starting Anew OMTimes January 2 2023 Edition spotlights the Polymath Ervin László, a Hungarian philosopher of science, systems theorist, integral theorist, and originally a classical pianist. He is an advocate of the theory of quantum consciousness, and a believer in Human Potential. In an exclusive interview with Sandra Sedgbeer, Ervin László discussed the last book "THE UPSHIFT: The Path to Healing and Evolution on Planet Earth, a groundbreaking work on bringing to light a new way to see our Evolutionary Journey
ERVIN LÁSZLÓ:
The Upshift-The Path to Evolution on Earth
An Interview with Sandie Sedgbeer
THE UPSHIFT
Climate Change, the Pandemic, the Refugee Emergency, Poverty, conflict, and Violence. It's hard to imagine that there could be a positive side to these converging global crises. Still, according to this week's guest, they do have an unsuspected silver lining. They bring us to a tipping point where we can choose our destiny. With me, today to outline the nature of this crucial point and share what each of us as conscious and responsible human beings can and must do to choose the right way forward is a world-renowned Hungarian philosopher of science systems theorist and integral theorist Ervin László.
A former professor of philosophy systems science and future studies at various universities in the US, Europe, and the Far East. Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Ervin László is the author, co-author, and editor of 106 books and over 400 articles and research papers. Ervin László joins us now to talk about his latest book, The Upshift: The Path to Healing and Evolution on Planet Earth, which not only lays out a pathway to healing and evolution on planet Earth but also offers us a detailed guide to becoming the change we need to see in the world.
OMTIMES\ January 2022
5 Tips for Improving your Yoga Practice in the Wintertime
I
by Dixie Somers
n the traditional practice of yoga,
energy imbalances that affect your
changing seasons produce different
health and well-being. In addition,
elements that influence the body,
adjustments need to be made to keep
internally as well as externally. For
your circulatory and digestive systems
example, winter's low temperatures
functioning optimally. Here are five tips
and reduced humidity can lead to
to keep in mind for wintertime yoga.
OM TIMES | January 2023
LIVE HEALTHILY
PRACTICE FAITHFULLY
Keep a healthy lifestyle throughout
It may be tempting to stay in bed
the winter to maintain optimal
or curl up in a blanket in f ront of
health and get the most from
the TV when it's cold outside, but
your yoga practice. That means
your yoga practice is something you
plenty of physical activity and
should keep up with. Suppose you
consistently getting a good night's
start skipping sessions that were
rest. All the precautions should be
your steady routine before. In that
taken to stay healthy, including a
case, you're developing bad habits
diet of f resh foods. Eat balanced
that may impact your sense of self-
meals, and even though it's cold
discipline in the future, as well as
out, nibble on natural fruits, seeds,
the quality of results you get from it.
nuts, and raw vegetables as your
Establish a warm-up routine to better
snacks.
prepare your body for the cold. OM TIMES | January 2023
Japamala and other Devotional Practices By Ageless Wisdom Institute
OM TIMES | January 2023
J
apamala, better known
it means only "bead of beads. "We
in the West as a rosary of
then have two chains, one spiritual,
prayers, is an ancient object
"Japa," and another material,
used in various religious
"Mala." Thus, the spiritual energies
practices and spiritual devotions.
invoked "Japa" energize the "Mala."
For example, they are used in many
Generally, the "mala," used for the
cultures and religions to pace prayers
"japa" or "whisper," contains 108
or mantralizations. These beads
beads.
come in many different shapes, sizes, and materials. Depending on culture
It is believed that completing
or religion, they can have an unusual
the circuit of 108 mantras is one
number of beads.
more step on the path of spiritual upliftment. Each turn performed in
Hinduism and Buddhism use
the mala is a step on the ladder for
108 beads, always having a more
union with the divine ether.
significant account representing the Divinity, around which the 108
A Mala encourages its user to do the
distinct manifestations, returns,
japas daily.
or incarnations revolve. It is the representation of diversity that
THE DEVOTIONAL PRACTICE
revolves around a single unit. Reciting japamalas is a most "Japa" is a Sanskrit word that comes
essential prayerful attitude for any
from the verbal root "jap," which
devotee who wants to approach
means "to whisper, to whisper." So
the mystical philosophy of Divinity.
"Japa" is the yogic Practice of the
It may consecrate Japamala to the
murmuring repetition of mantras,
Blessed Vishnu, Krishna, the Blessed
scripture passages, or the name of
Divine Mother, Christ, or God if you
a deity.
will. To make Japamalas is to worship the Divinity, and one humbles
The repetition of these mantras for
oneself. Therefore, adopt the
the "Japa," or a "chain," a "cord of
Practice of doing japamalas many
energy." Mala is a word with many
times a day. Every day facilitates an
meanings in Sanskrit, but in this case,
individual to advance blessedly.
OM TIMES | January 2023
5 Ways To Find Your Soul Peeps
I
By John Holland
saw someone recently wearing
These are the like-minded people
a t-shirt that read: Where My
of a particular group or community
Peeps At? It made me smile
where you feel most comfortable.
because we all need our peeps
These are the members of
on our journey toward a more
your spiritual family where the
fulfilling and soulful life!
relationships are all about sharing, OM TIMES | January 2023
giving, and receiving energetically
I've met thousands of people at
from each other. These are like-
my workshops and online events
minded souls who are drawn
who are f rom all walks of life and
to each other, have similar
f rom all over the world and have
interests, will push you to be all
one thing in common: They're all
that you can be, challenge you,
on a spiritual quest to discover their
understand your point of view
soul and purpose. I really enjoy
and help you expand your mind
watching people come together,
and consciousness. These people
become f riends (sometimes for
in the f ront row of your cheering
life), and feel they can express
section accept you for who you
themselves with one another in a
are, encourage you to reach your
positive way. They no longer feel
goals and dreams, applaud your
alone or different. They have found
accomplishments, and are there
the members of their community—
when you stumble.
their peeps! OM TIMES | January 2023
Your Lives, and How To Live Them
R
By William Bezanson
eincarnation is a valid
should be happy, relaxed, and
spiritual law of the
confident to optimize one's life.
universe. Therefore, people should study their
Most OMTimes readers very likely
previous lives for guidance on their
already know of the validity of
current and future lives. Overall, one
reincarnation, and they know how
OM TIMES | January 2023
to live their lives. If such is the case,
Second, my hope. I sincerely hope
save your time by not reading this
that humankind will wake up
article.
and finally realize that religion, in general, is mostly based on myths,
But, by now, I'll bet that I've got you
allegories, and folk tales. I hope that
hooked and that you will indeed read
most people switch to mysticism for
this article. Great!
their answers to cosmic questions. Religion enables indirect union with
Your lives. (Plural). Yes, reincarnation
God through priestly teachings,
is a valid (spiritual) law of the
scriptural study, and corporate
universe.
worship. Mysticism, on the other hand, enables direct union with
The usual guidelines for living one's
God through spiritual study, psychic
life are f rom religious institutions.
practices, and individual spiritual
Some time ago, I was asked which
development.
religion would be the number one in the World in the next hundred years.
Now, speaking of mystical and
I interpreted "number one" to mean
spiritual matters, there are many
the highest number of members, and
writings that defend the laws of
for churches, this is often meant to be
karma and reincarnation. How else,
the highest number of "identifiable
except by karma and reincarnation,
givers." I have two answers: my guess
can one explain the death of an infant
and my hope.
child or the impoverished peasant born into suffering? Why should
First, my guess. I would guess that
one person be so "lucky" to have
the same religion that dominates
frequent fortunate circumstances
currently, namely Christianity, in its
while another has a long run of "bad
many variations, will be the number
luck?" Why should only the orthodox
one religion a hundred years from
Christian have the potential to be
now. I guess this situation is because
"saved," but another who was born
of inertia. Specifically, people don't
into a "heathen" environment and
like to make fundamental changes,
never learns of the Gospel be doomed
so they will resist switching to a
to damnation? Such a universe would
different religious affiliation.
be very unjust if the whims of God OM TIMES | January 2023
Feng Shui: Reenergize Your Home in Wintertime
W
By Omtimes Staff
inter always ends
Winter is the Season of the
up being a time
Element of water
of more stillness, coziness, and just
being. So winter is naturally a "yin"
Feng Shui has five elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal.
season, A quieter, more reflective period that encourages us to spend
The Water Element is an essential
more time in the house with our
component in the field of Feng Shui.
loved ones.
Water represents intuition: the inner OM TIMES | January 2023
knowledge that allows the water
liveliness, refresh the air and prevent
element to guide you into a space of
the accumulation of bacteria in our
confidence. So enjoy the wintertime
homes during these months: citrus
to refuel, dream and plan changes in Citrus oils are more than pleasant
the next initial stages.
smells. They are among the most Winter is a time when the earth
useful essential oils. Just a few drops
breathes. Like a gestation period, it
of lemon or orange oil will increase
prepares to sustain life for another
the power of cleaning products. They
year. It offers us a particular time
disinfect surfaces, purify the air and
for introspection. By creating a cozy
release a pleasant f ragrance besides
and harmonious home during this
rejoicing those in a bad mood.
period, the house itself will help you stay attentive and cheerful at this
Do something new
time of year. While you have more time indoors When winter seems to be creeping,
during the colder season, it is a great
purifying our homes with new energy
time to work on all the projects you
may be healing. Read more about
want to get started. Cooking is a
some Feng Shui remedies to organize
great way to add warmth and joy
your living space, making it brighter
to your home. Creating and trying
and warmer while staying in tune
new soups and stews with seasonal
with the season.
vegetables is a great way to connect with nature since we cannot get our
FENG SHUI REMEDIES FOR WINTER
hands on the garden at this time
MONTHS
of year. You can also try any other hobby you've always wanted to do
Clean Your Home With Citrus
Change the decoration of your home
With the cold, we have not opened
When the energy feels "stuck" in the
the windows for a long time, and the
winter, it may be time for a small
energy and air of our houses can be
environmental change. However,
tremendously stagnant. Fortunately,
instead of buying things for a new
there is a simple cure to raise
decoration, you may already have
OM TIMES | January 2023
Reincarnation of Animals DO OUR PETS REINCARNATE?
A
By Ministry Earth
nimals, like humans, are
According to several spiritual
beings endowed with
traditions, all individuals in the
Souls. Souls are part of
Animal Kingdom have a reincarnating
our eternal nature, so
soul. However, mammalian-class
it is entirely possible to claim that
animals have spirits closer to human
these beings (Non-Human Beings)
characteristics of evolution. The
also pass through the process of
reincarnation of animals is close to
evolution and reincarnation.
ours, except for the element of Free OM TIMES | January 2023
will, which only human beings seem
have a human conscience - the
to have.
reincarnation of animals is carried out according to their spiritual
After the departure of an animal f rom
needs.
earthly life, only its soul is repaired. The reason is that they do not have a
For example, let us say that a
system of consciousness as complex
dog was very loved in a particular
as ours to work with. At least not
family, and he died. His soul goes
in this plane of existence. For that
to a temporary spiritual plane and
reason, some spiritual schools regard
soon returns to the body of another
the process of reincarnation of
domestic animal to continue its
animals to be more agile and fluid
evolution.
than human reincarnation. So, the question would be that Animals share with us the
in his new reincarnation, is it
privilege of having a soul.
possible for the animal to return
Pythagoras
to its "original" family? Yes, it is possible. Depending on the animal's
THE REINCARNATION OF ANIMALS:
needs, it can still have strong
WHERE DO THEY GO?
emotional bonds with a group of people, such as his original family,
Many families are concerned. They
promoting a feeling of happiness
think their pet has reincarnated
and concomitant evolution. This
elsewhere and is no longer loved by
is why some animals become our
the new owners. This is a thought
'Familiars."
that needs to be removed from your The real difference between
strain of thought.
humans and other animals is Animals and ourselves go through
that humans have a perception
reincarnation to evolve their souls,
of good and evil, just and unjust,
acquiring cognitive skills so they
etc. The sharing of a common
can one day be at peace on the
view in these matters makes
spiritual plane. With this in mind -
a household and a state.
and knowing that animals do not
Aristotle
OM TIMES | January 2023
How to Recognize Emotional Blackmail
E
By Ascending hearts
motional blackmail can
A blackmailer's goal is to manipulate
happen in friendships,
the other person and turn them into
family relations, or
someone who fulfills their desires.
romantic relationships.
Sometimes Blackmailing can be
OM TIMES | January 2023
done subtly so that the other person
someone telling your partner, "If you
may not even realize that it is being
do it again, it's all over!" These are
manipulated.
basic phrases in which there will be a later consequence if the order is not
Although it may seem difficult to
followed.
believe, a person who resorts to emotional blackmail is also insecure
How can we defend ourselves against
and weak. They need to recourse to
this kind of emotional blackmail?
blackmail to reach their goals since
First, making the blackmailer see
they do not see themselves as able to
that he is not capable of causing
achieve healthily. Although they tend
us fear. A threat or pressure always
to present themselves as very secure,
seeks to generate fear, and thus, the
well-mannered, reasonable, and self-
victim ends up obeying. However,
contained people.
if there is no fear or if we make the person feel that we are not feeling
Here are 4 ways to avoid Emotional
fear, we dismantle the manipulation.
blackmail and avoid falling into this type of manipulation.
The answer to an "If you do it again, it's all over" threat could be, "I'm free
1. EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL BY PRESSURE OR THREAT
to do whatever I want, and if that makes you want to leave me, I cannot do anything!" So the important
Manipulation of this kind consists of
thing is to make the person see that,
putting pressure on another person
instead of accepting the threat or
so that f reedom is limited. If one
punishment, we can face it, and not
does not do as one is asked to, there
for that, we will change our actions.
is a later punishment or a great deal of upset. The feeling presented by the victim in the face of this
2. EMOTIONAL BLACKMAIL THAT CREATES GUILT
manipulation is fear. This Emotional blackmail creates a The typical phrase parents say to
sense of guilt in the victim, making
their young children is, "If you do
one believe oneself to be a bad
it again, you will be punished," or
person if one does not obey. Phrases
OM TIMES | January 2023
Puzzling Paradoxes
A
By Royce Amy Morales
paradox is a complex,
Like a political debate of two equals,
entangled, messy place
there is no winner.
to find yourself. It means that you are sitting in
Lately, humanity is finding itself
a duality, with two sides of equal
thrashing about in some massive
power, both sides pulling at you,
dualities. The amount of divisiveness,
believing they are right.
right/wrong thinking, desire to fight OM TIMES | January 2023
or flee, and needing something
WHERE DOES DUALISTIC
external for happiness are all signs
THINKING COME FROM?
of dualities. The truth is you have already These attitudes are indicative of
accomplished that high-level
feeling divided from within.
spiritual task. Maybe before you were even a toddler.
On this evolutionary journey we have chosen to be on, duality is the
You entered this physical world in
final f rontier to get past an essential
a non-dualistic state; everything is
spiritual goal. However, there is no
the same, and I am connected to all
user manual explaining how to get
consciousness. However, within a few
there, and non-duality goes counter
months, you recognized yourself as
to everything we have been taught.
an individual and started dividing life between yourself and others.
Giving opposing labels to things seems a logical choice. Think
Plus, in order to have control
about how often your thoughts
over you, and assuring you would
divide something into two sides.
acceptably fit into society, parents
You watch a movie and criticize
labeled some things you did as good,
it as good or a waste of time. You
some as bad, some choices as right,
meet someone and immediately
and some as wrong. Naturally, you
determine if you should continue a
wanted to please them, trying to
relationship or chalk them off. You
keep or gain their approval, so you
judge a political party as senseless,
bought those dualities. Thus, their
yet you continue to dutifully vote for
value system became your own.
them. Even before you entered school, you What would it look like to no longer
were taught by use of comparisons.
perceive the world and all that
Nighttime is for sleeping, and
happens as divided into two parts?
daytime is for playing. Sweets are for
How can that happen? Is it possible
dessert not dinner. Spring is better
to reach a spiritual place of “is-ness,”
than winter. Happiness is good, and
seeing reality as one unified field?
sadness is bad.
OM TIMES | January 2023
How to Practice Emotional Self-Healing?
H
By OMTimes
ow we see ourselves
Many people took advantage of
had changed since the
the more secluded time to better
pandemic's beginning
care of their skin and hair, and skin
when we were forced to
care recipes began circulating on
think about our health and look at
the internet. It became an object of
Self Care through a new lens.
consumption to post that photo in
OM TIMES | January 2023
a bathrobe, surrounded by candles,
about what is acceptable, negotiable,
with masks and hydration in the hair
or not and base your relationships
and a glass of good wine in hand.
on that basis. It may be difficult at first, but knowing how to say "no"
However, self-care goes far beyond
is a powerful way to take care of
aesthetic care.
yourself and avoid potentially painful situations.
There is emotional self-care, which is just as important, if not more so. After
Wanting to please others has a name:
all, what's the use of having perfect
"People Pleaser."
skin and shiny, soft hair if, internally, there are criticisms, judgments, and
Intend to Live life with "Gusto."
unhappiness with who you are? It is very common, especially in the So, in addition to aesthetic care,
busy routine of most people, that
which is also important, it is essential
emotions are not experienced as
to take care of mental health, and
they should. That's when internal
that's where emotional self-care
repressions come into play, the
comes in.
difficulties in understanding what you're feeling and the escape of
Self-care is nothing more than
some emotions. However, none of
taking care of yourself, as the name
this is healthy: emotions are part
suggests; when there is a concern
of the human condition. Therefore,
with emotional self-care, what is at
knowing how to identify and feel
stake is being well, inside and out.
them in all their power is important.
TEN WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE WITH EMPHASIS ON SELF-HEALING
GET USED TO JOURNALING: WRITE A JOURNAL Often, writing about what you feel
Setting limits: Learn how to say No.
can help a lot in the process of self-knowledge. It doesn't have to
In relationships with others, it is
be a diary per se. It can be a lined
essential to set clear boundaries
notebook or any other notebook you
OM TIMES | January 2023
5 Surefire Signs You are Facing an Existential Crisis
E
By Cathedral of the Soul
xistential crises are
In other words, the existential crisis
phases of deep reflection,
is natural for the human being and,
marked mainly by
when well lived or understood,
personal conflict, that can
it can represent a moment of
arise at any moment.
transformation for the individual, such OM TIMES | January 2023
as attaining self-knowledge, moral
it, will make the appearance of other
and emotional maturation, personal
symptoms favorable.
growth, and even spiritual awakening. 2. Does not feel like being with anyone But if the symptoms are not correctly "worked out," the person facing an
As your mind is already in constant
existential crisis may suffer much
turmoil, the person with existential
more, drowning in various disorders,
crisis seeks to isolate himself to find a
phobias, depression, and isolationist
balance in his thoughts.
behaviors. Also, mental fatigue eliminates any According to psychologists, five
desire to make social interactions,
main symptoms characterize most
such as hanging out with f riends or
existential crises.
even being in the company of family members.
Find out if you have any of them: Playing in bed, listening to music, 1. Anxiety and mental fatigue
or watching movies is one of the people's favorite shows during this
This is considered one of the most
phase.
common signs of an existential crisis, the famous psychological fatigue.
"There is no worse death curse than the humdrum daily
Even the person pretending to be
existence of the living dead."
reflective, and "calm" can endure the
― Anthon St. Maarten
reigns of total chaos inside his head. A constant whirlwind of thoughts,
3. Pessimism and discouragement
usually pessimistic, filled with lower emotions that make the individual
Defeating ideas and thoughts also
extraordinarily anxious and exhausted.
prevail in those who go through this type of crisis. The existential crisis
Like other body muscles, the human
typically develops f rom an impactful
mind also needs moments of rest.
event, such as the death of a loved
Otherwise, stress increases and, with
one, the loss of a job, reaching
OM TIMES | January 2023
What are Your Secrets for Success in 2023? THE SEVEN SECRETS FOR SUCCESS
P
By Marcia Sirota, MD.
eople are always posting
to do well without having to work for
articles about the secrets
it. Unfortunately, the writers of these
to success. Still, many of
blogs are perpetrating a common yet
these blogs suffer from
dangerous myth.
a lack of common sense. All those tips for “quick and easy” success are
Only a tiny proportion of the
pandering to a segment that wants
population is lucky, and everything
OM TIMES | January 2023
happens to come easily to them. So, for
about anything else. This quality really
most of us, the first secret to success is
separates successful people from not-
that it will take work if we want to do
so-successful ones. Consistent effort
well.
over time is what counts, not doing the work only when we’re in the mood
Here’s my 2023 list of the seven
to work. When we can buckle down
secrets for real and lasting success.
and get it done, even when we’re tired
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on
or it isn’t fun, we’re going to reap the
your way to being your best self and
greatest rewards.
living your best life! Silence the inner critic. For many Put in the time and effort. We wish
people, there’s a voice in our heads
it weren’t the case, but there’s no
that’s always ready to put us down,
shortcut to success. Even those who
undermine our confidence, criticize
are extremely talented will still need to
our efforts or tell us that nothing
put in the work to achieve their goals.
short of perfection is acceptable. But,
The good news is that the more we do,
unfortunately, that “inner critic” won’t
the more skilled we become, so over
help us succeed. On the contrary, it
time, we’re bound to perfect our craft,
can demoralize us or even paralyze our
whatever it is. Plus, when things come
efforts. Any successful person will tell
too easily, we miss out on that feeling
you they don’t have or don’t listen to
of pride and accomplishment. Instead,
negative self-talk. But, if you want to
deep down, we feel like we cheated, so
succeed, you must do the same.
we can’t fully enjoy our success. But, when we’ve worked hard for it, success
Always work toward a positive;
tastes sweet. We feel like we’re putting
never away from a negative.
in our best effort, which has paid off.
I can’t tell you how often I’ve heard
We can enjoy and appreciate the
someone say, “I can’t mess up” or
results of all our hard work.
“I can’t fail.” Instead, they need to say, “I will succeed” or “I can do it.”
There’s no substitute for self-
When we try to avoid a negative
discipline. Successful people do the
outcome, we become focused on the
work even when they’re tired, not in
negative instead of putting our energy
the mood, or would rather do just
into creating a positive outcome.
OM TIMES | January 2023
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