Eastern Spiritual Practices -A Conversation with Cheri Michel and Dr. Paula Trimble-Familetti

Dr. Paula Trimble-Familetti

6 Aug, 2023

Eastern Spiritual Practices -A Conversation with Cheri Michel and Dr. Paula Trimble-Familetti

  • What is your religion/Faith tradition? 

I do not have a religion, but I do have Faith in a higher power. I have specific practices I do through Yoga and Meditation that allow me to feel more connected to that higher power. I am drawn to Eastern spiritual practices. I have found some common ground with Martial Arts, Meditation, Yoga, Ayurveda, Mantras, Buddhism, and Hinduism. I use what resonates with me. I believe these practices have been made available to us to help us all be the best humans we can be. These are healing practices to help guide us all on our paths. I believe that religious paths are very personal and sacred to each individual. I find it fascinating how similar some practices are between different religions. I believe in kindness to all living things and the planet. I believe in helping your fellow human. I believe in respecting others and their choices on their personal paths. If kindness were a religion, I would sign up!  

  • What is the significance of burning incense? 

There are a couple of different reasons why we burn incense. Scents, in general, have a powerful effect on the mind and environment. It can help deepen our focus in Meditation and empower our spiritual focus. Scents cleanse the space for inner and outer journeys. Depending on the scent, it can have a calming effect on the mind/body constitution.

  • Do you light candles in your tradition, and why?

I do light candles! Candle lighting is personal for each individual. It helps me to feel more relaxed and focused. It sets the tone and sends the message to my mind that it is time to settle down and be quiet. It honors and creates a sacred space for Meditation and practice. It is a portrayal of God and the light within. It also shows respect for the fire element, which represents transformation. There are many ways to meditate. Focusing on a candle in meditation is one example of an ‘open eyed’ meditation.

  • What do hand gestures mean?

Hand gestures are called Mudras in the Vedic and Yogic traditions, and there are many gestures to invoke different types of healing or intentions. There are points on the hands and fingers that stimulate certain parts of the brain and systems to create a specific healing action or energy in the body. For example, I have a statue in my house of a hand. The index finger and thumb are touching. This mudra is called Gyan mudra. It is the mudra for wisdom. There are many mudras used for different purposes.

  • Do you have prayer beads? 

I do have prayer beads, and in the Vedic tradition, they are called Mala beads. They are used as a tool for Meditation.

The number 108 is considered a sacred number in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Yogic tradition. Malas or Japa beads come in a string of 108 and are used for devotional Meditation, mantra, and prayer. With each bead, a mantra or prayer is repeated to meet 108. The Meru bead is the larger bead or tassel on the mala and is not part of the 108. This guiding bead marks the beginning and end of the mala/chant/prayer/mantra.They are meant to keep your mind focused and are used when chanting mantras and for healing. For each bead, you chant a mantra until you make your way around 108 times. So interesting! 

108 Sun Salutations or Surya Namaskar A to celebrate our transition into Spring. Spring is a season of phenomenal renewal. The earth awakens from its slumber and blossoms into new life, new beginnings, and new awareness. It is a great time to reflect on health and well-being. Together we will flow and breathe to become one body, heart, and mind. 

Below are a few interpretations regarding the significance of 108. 

  • The Sanskrit alphabet has 54 letters. Each letter has a masculine (Shiva) and feminine (Shakti) energy 54 X 2 = 108
  • Desires. There are said to be 108 earthly desires in mortals.
  • Time. We have 108 feelings. 36 related to the past, 36 to the present, and 36 to the future.
  • Astrology. There are 12 constellations and nine arc segments. There are 12 houses and nine planets. 12 X 9 = 108
  • The diameter of the sun is 108 times the Earth.

Cheri Michel, is a Certified Yoga Teacher, Martial Artist, and Board Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner who studied at SCU (Southern California University of Health Sciences). Among other accomplishments, she also graduated from Chopra University as a meditation teacher and a Perfect Health instructor.