Blog Archives

FIRST LOVE

3/29/2020

DO YOU MISS GOD'S TOUCH?

Are you married? If so, do you remember the dating/courtship phase of your relationship? The honeymoon phase? In these early stages, did other people have to encourage you to make time for one another, to make the relationship a priority? I'm guessing that they probably did not, but it is natural for the excitement and passion to fade as time goes by. Although, if a couple continues to pursue intimacy as they mature, the relationship and affection only grow deeper.

It is the same with our Divine relationship. Our spouses aren't always there for us, nor are they meant to be, but God is ALWAYS there. We are the ones that wander, grow cold, and permit other things to take precedence over our relationship with Him. Even "good" things can become "bad" for us if they are taking precedence over our relationship with the Lord. He wants to spend time with you, intimate time, times of deep knowing.

The Lord is inviting us to remember Him as our first love. Will you accept the invitation from the preeminent, most significant, and most excellent lover of your soul?

In Luke 10:38-42, we gain direct insight and instruction from Jesus about how to prioritize our time and focus on a relationship with Him, over other "good" things. I encourage you to take time to read and reflect upon this passage.

We can do "good" and still miss the mark. - Ref. Revelations 2:1-7, 2 Peter 2:20-22, Jeremiah 11:7-8, 10
Divine Law- 1st and Greatest Commandment- Ref. Deuteronomy 6:4-6 & Luke 10:25-28

How do we love God will ALL of our heart, soul, strength, and mind?

We must understand that our hearts are deceitful, but the Lord searches and knows our hearts and minds. Ref. Jeremiah 17: 9-10
We must acknowledge that "The Law of Sin" dwells in our hearts; sin comes from our hearts (it is called "the seat of sin"). We must continually confess our sin and desperate need of God's grace; pray like David ("a man after God's own heart") "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. —Psalm 51:10-12 Ref. Romans 8:13, Jeremiah 17:9-10, Psalm 139:23-24, James 1:14-15, Mark 7:20-23
Jesus said, "that which comes from within a man's heart defiles him" Ref. Mark 7:14-23
What are you thinking? How can that give you insight into the condition of your heart?
Only the Holy Spirit can purify a heart and set us apart to God. Paul calls this change "circumcision of the heart." Ref. Ephesians 2:8-9
"Good treasure" comes by grace. ref Luke 6:45
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— Ephesians 2:8

Will you accept this gift into your heart, in all of its fullness, today and every day?

Suggested Application:
Memorize Psalm 40:12 by practicing Breath Prayer.
Inhale: I desire to do Your will, my God
Exhale: Your law is within my heart.

Copyright ©2020 by Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos

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YIN YOGA SEQUENCE FOR BACK RELIEF

3/25/2020

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YIN YOGA REMINDS ME OF FLOATING IN WATER; IT SIMULTANEOUSLY REQUIRES EFFORT AND EASE WITHIN THE BODY. IN A YIN CLASS YOU PASSIVELY HOLD VARIATIONS OF SEATED AND SUPINE POSES BETWEEN 3 TO 5 MINUTES.

YIN YOGA POSES APPLY MODERATE STRESS TO THE CONNECTIVE TISSUES OF THE BODY (THE TENDONS, FASCIA, AND LIGAMENTS) WITH THE AIM OF INCREASING CIRCULATION IN THE JOINTS AND IMPROVING FLEXIBILITY.

IT IS ALWAYS VERY IMPORTANT TO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY, BUT IF YOU ARE A BEGINNER HOLD POSES BETWEEN 2 TO 3 MINUTES INSTEAD OF 3 TO 5. LOOK FOR YOUR "COMFORTABLE EDGE"; NEVER STRETCH TO A POINT OF PAIN. YOGA SHOULD NEVER CAUSE PAIN.

YOU WILL NEED A TIMER, BLOCK, AND BOLSTER (OR PILLOW) FOR THIS SEQUENCE. TO ENJOY THIS TIME MORE FULLY, LISTEN TO MY YIN PLAYLIST WHILE ALLOWING YOUR BODY TO SOFTEN AND LENGTHEN.

REMEMBER TO BREATHE...
THIS IS A FRIENDLY REMINDER BECAUSE THERE IS A TENDENCY TO HOLD BREATH IN YIN WHICH WILL WORK AGAINST YOU.

XXO RONI

Photo by Jernej Graj on Unsplash

YIN PLAYLIST

PLEASE NOTE: YOU WILL NEED APPROXIMATELY 45 MINUTES TO COMPLETE THIS SEQUENCE.

STRAIGHT LEG SUPPORTED BRIDGE POSE

3 MINUTES
To Begin...

Lay down on your back with your legs straight along the mat.
Slide your block under your sacrum (the flat space behind your hips) below the lower spine.
Relax your arms to each side.

You can keep the knees bent or extend the legs straight. Allow your body to fully release into the support that the block provides. Enjoy this deep release for the lumbar vertebrae.

SEATED AND SUPPORTED BUTTERFLY POSE

5 MINUTES

Gently remove the block from your sacrum and return your back to the mat in a fully extended, lying position.
Bend your knees and roll onto one side in a fetal position, feeling the effects of the supported pose your body was just in.
Press your way up to seated and position yourself so that your knees drop out and the soles of your feet come together.
Support yourself with props as needed (i.e. bolster in lap, blanket under hips, etc.) and begin to fold forward. The upper back and neck can round if that is comfortable for you.

SUPPORTED CATERPILLAR POSE

5 MINUTES

Slowly rise up from Butterfly pose and begin to extend the legs straight in front of you.
Invite gentle movement and release into the legs and hips in whatever motion feels good in your body.
When you feel settled, begin to fold yourself toward your extended legs, again using props where you feel they will benefit your pose for today.

SUPPORTED SPHINX POSE

5 MINUTES

Rise out of your fold and give yourself a moment to rest with the head above the heart, then gently make your way to the belly.
Come onto your belly, legs extended, tops of your feet and pelvis pressing into the mat. Place the bolster under your chest, letting your forearms rest on the floor in front of the bolster.
Prop yourself onto the forearms so the elbows are right beneath or just in front of the shoulders.
Legs extend straight back behind you; glutes should be relaxed.
Check for a mild sensation of compression in your low back. If it’s too intense, remove the bolster, bend your elbows out to the sides, and rest your forehead on stacked hands or fists.
Head can stay lifted or you can drop it to hang forward or rest it onto a block.

If you don’t experience sensation in supported sphinx, you could remove the bolster and adopt a traditional, unsupported sphinx pose with the forearms on the floor. You could also use the bolster under the forearms themselves for still more intensity.

To increase the intensity of the stretch, bend your knees.

After five minutes, remove the bolster (if using) and release onto the mat, forehead supported on stacked hands, elbows out to the side.

SUPPORTED CHILD'S POSE , TAD POLE OR FROG

5 MINUTES
Place your hands under your shoulders and gently press up into tabletop. You may wish to turn to face the long edge of the mat so that your knees have more padding. Place the bolster lengthwise with one end between your knees. Release your hips toward your heels and your torso onto the bolster for supported Child’s pose.

Remain here, or, to move into supported tadpole, lift up your torso and move the bolster farther forward.
Bring your knees wider and lift your hips and shift them forward, so they’re about in line with your knees.
Bring your big toes to touch, and check in here to see if you have found your "edge".

For more sensation, move into supported frog: Separate your feet, turning them out and flexing them, and adjust so that your shins are parallel to each other, hips in line with knees, knees in line with ankles.

You can turn your head to one side or, if you need to shift the bolster farther back to support the pelvis or hips, rest your head on a block placed in front of the bolster. Blankets or towels under your knees or ankles can alleviate discomfort. You can dial the sensation up or down moving hips closer to or farther from heels.

To come out, press back up into tabletop, shifting the bolster forward as necessary.
Invite gentle movement and release into the legs and hips in whatever motion feels good in your body.

SUPPORTED SUPINE TWIST

3 MINUTES (EACH SIDE)

Begin by lying on your back, extend both legs straight along the mat.
Extend your hands out into a “T” shape, or bend the elbows to 90 degree, making a “cactus” shape.
Place your Rectangular Yoga Bolster (or pillow) along your right leg, lengthwise along the ground, in line with the edge of your mat.
Hug your left knee into your chest, bending at the knee, and gently lower your leg across your body so your shin comes to rest on the bolster.
To intensify this twist, turn your gaze away from your leg, and to reduce the intensity, or change the location of the twist in your spine, move the knee closer or further from the face. Keep both shoulder blades grounded to the mat.
Feel your spine lengthening as you spend more time in your twist.
To come out of the twist, extend both legs long along your mat, bring the bolster to the other side of your body, and repeat.

BANANA POSE

3 MINUTES (EACH SIDE)

Begin by lying on your back, extend both legs straight along the mat.
Begin to stretch out long, taking the arms overhead and legs extended. Walk the feet over to the right, crossing the left ankle over the right (if you’d like additional stretch).
Stay here, or begin to reach the upper arms over toward the right side as well.
Adjust your head and shoulders but be mindful to keep the hip stationary to create maximum space on the left side, in the shape of a crescent moon (or banana).
Send your breath into your left waist. and feel the left side body growing longer with each and every round of breath.
Allow the weight of the body to settle for the next 3 minutes.
Make your way back to neutral and then repeat on the opposite side.

Waterfall (Legs Up the Wall) Pose

8 TO 10 MINUTES
SAVASANA

This pose is an important inversion that helps to reduce stress, quiet the mind, lower blood pressure, and induce relaxation. It also reduces swelling, improves circulation, and may prevent varicose veins.

Lie on your back facing a wall, feet on the floor and knees bent. Have your bolster or pillow at your side.
Raise your legs and slide your body forward until your bottom and the backs of your legs are resting against the wall. Wiggle and adjust as needed.
You can choose to leave your hips on the ground and close to the wall, or you can elevate your hips on a bolster/blanket, take the comfortable resting position that works best for you today.
If you are choosing to use a bolster, bend your knees so that your feet are against the wall. Press your feet to raise your pelvis, and slide your yoga bolster under your bottom. Gently straighten your legs.
Relax your arms to the sides, releasing your shoulders. Or place your hands on your abdomen and feel your breath.
When you’re ready to come out of the pose, hug your knees to your chest for a few breaths, then roll to one side to in a fetal position, release completely.

Pose Photos by: Yogi Approved, Seattle Yoga News, Yoga International, and ShopHalfMoon.

DISCLAIMER: As with all exercise programs, when engaging in our exercise tutorials, or exercise videos, you need to use common sense and listen to your body. To reduce and avoid injury, you will want to check with your doctor before beginning any new fitness program. By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of any online fitness tutorials, videos, or information shared on our websites or social media accounts; this includes emails, videos and texts. Thank you for your understanding.

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BREATH = ESSENCE OF LIFE

3/20/2020

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Photo by Max van den Oetelaar on Unsplash

DEVOTIONAL
BREATH = ESSENCE OF LIFE
By: Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos

WHEN IS THE LAST TIME THAT YOU REQUIRED A REMINDER TO BREATHE?
OR HAD TO PAY FOR A BREATH OF FRESH AIR?

BREATH IS A FREE, LOVE-GIFT FROM GOD TO YOU. FROM YOUR FIRST TO YOUR LAST AND EACH ONE IN-BETWEEN, GOD IS BREATHING HIS LOVE INTO EVERY CELL IN YOUR BODY.

“And the Lord God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Genesis 2:7

“The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” Job 33:4

“Thus saith God the LORD, He that created the heavens, and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; He that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein:” Isaiah 42:5

HAVE YOU EVER PERFORMED CPR? OR BLOWN ON A LOVED ONE TO COOL THEM DOWN OR TO DISLODGE AN EYELASH?
BREATH IS INTIMATE.

“In whose hand (God’s) [is] the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:10

“All the while my breath [is] in me, and the Spirit of God [is] in my nostrils;” Job 27:3

“…He (God) set his heart upon man, [if] He gather unto Himself his spirit and his breath;” Job 34:14

“Thus saith the Lord GOD unto these bones; Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and ye shall live:” Ezekiel 37:5

“And I will lay sinews* upon you, and will bring up flesh upon you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and ye shall live; and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.” Ezekiel 37:6
*Sinew- def. fibrous tissue uniting muscle to bone or bone to bone; a tendon or ligament, also known as fascia.

After the resurrection, Jesus came to visit His disciples and they were overjoyed to see Him. He said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20)

“As God breathed life into Adam, so Jesus, “the last Adam,” breathes new life into His people. Jesus becomes, in Paul’s language, “a life-giving spirit” (1 Corinthians 15:45).-Dr. Derek W.H. Thomas

The breath of God = Imparting the nature of God. There is a sanctifying effect to the breath of God—in receiving it you are made to reflect God’s likeness. The Christian life, then, is a life powered by the breath of God, transforming a person more and more into the likeness of God. How can we obtain this life? The “man of dust” obtained life because God breathed into him. Where is the breath of God given to us?

“Paul’s phrase in 2 Timothy 3:16 the Bible is “breathed out.” God’s Word is God’s breath to us, bringing us life, making us more like Christ. The Bible has the power, through the work of the Holy Spirit, to both teach and demonstrate all the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” -Davis Wetherell

SELF INQUIRY:

Are you routinely reading God’s Word so that your life can be renewed by His breath of life?
What do you need to eliminate from your schedule so that you prioritize time and space to receive more breath of life from God?
What are you willing to give up so that you can get more life from God?

APPLICATION:

Practice Mindful Breathing:

Sit quietly, bring your awareness to your inhalation and exhalation. As you slowly and fully inhale, imagine that you are literally breathing in the love, goodness, and grace of God. As you slowly and fully exhale, imagine that you are literally breathing out negative thoughts, emotions, and words/labels that attempt to steal your life.

Breath Prayer:

Inhale- “I receive Your (God’s) breath”
Exhale- “Your Spirit transforms me.”

Copyright ©2020 by Ronilynn Brissey-Ramos

RONI'S PLAYLIST

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FIRST LOVE

YIN YOGA SEQUENCE FOR BACK RELIEF

STRAIGHT LEG SUPPORTED BRIDGE POSE

SEATED AND SUPPORTED BUTTERFLY POSE

SUPPORTED CATERPILLAR POSE

SUPPORTED SPHINX POSE

SUPPORTED CHILD'S POSE , TAD POLE OR FROG

SUPPORTED SUPINE TWIST

BANANA POSE

Waterfall (Legs Up the Wall) Pose

BREATH = ESSENCE OF LIFE

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