Jai Ma

One of my favorite necklaces that I wear often has the word "Jai" on it, in the handwriting of my teacher Judith Hanson Lasater. She will often sign off with the word "Jai" which is translated from Sanskrit as "victorious". In honor of two happenings this weekend, Mother's Day and Shakti Fest (in the high desert near Joshua Tree, CA) we have been connecting to the mantra "Jai Ma", victory to the divine mother/feminine this week in classes. This energy of the divine mother represents Shakti, cosmic energy which is both responsible for the creation and the agent of all change. Over the weekend of Shakti Fest, the celebrations are in honor of this feminine aspect of all beings and you can hear the mantra, "Jai ma, jai ma, jai ma" repeatedly frequently.
Given the universal unrest in the world, many yogis believe that moving toward the element of the feminine must be undertaken in order to create a shift away from overly dominant Shiva (masculine) energy. Too much masculine energy results in a hardening or stiffness and lack of flow. This can manifest as tight muscles, digestive trouble, holding grudges, and unreasonable anger. It can be destructive on many levels. Shiva and Shakti need each other for full potency, with Shiva providing the conscious ocean of possibility and Shakti being that which drives manifestation. 

Not defined by gender, all of us contain both of these qualities: masculine and feminine. One way to connect to Shakti is through the heart chakra, the fourth energetic center of the seven major energy hubs in the body. It is located right in the center of the heart, connecting the lower three to the upper three chakras. When all is in balance, we tune into the hearts energy readily, connecting to love, compassion, joy, and forgiveness. This is a place of support and nourishment to whatever it is that we are bringing into the world.

I have a saying that although I didn't birth any babies, I have mothered many. We may birth ideas, businesses, relationships, and connections and when the element of unconditional love propels those connections we are residing in the flow of Shakti energy. The practice of affirming statements focused on the heart center support this. You many want to repeat these and stay with one that sits well within you:

• Infinite love is available to all.
• I lovingly accept myself as I am.
• My heart is open to giving and receiving love.
• I am worthy of love.
• I live in balance with others.
• I am loving to myself and to others.

Affirmations are repeated even if we aren't convinced they're completely true. So if we are trying to foster more kindness and connection, this may be a great place to begin. Love begins within. Let whatever divine feminine influence you have received in your life be the seed that blossoms into a stronger sense of loving energy.

However you spend this Mother's Day, with or without your mother, honoring your mother who has passed, or tapping into the energy of feminine unconditional love, take a moment to recognize how powerfully transformational this energy can be. Let's honor the feminine in all beings and allow it to take firm root within our own hearts.

Jai Ma!