Immortal Beloved II

And to end a beautiful month filled with many blessings - another love letter from the enigmatic but gifted Ludwig van Beethoven - found after his death and written to a woman who was not identified and is a testament to a relationship never publicly realized...

July 6, 1806

"My angel, my all, my very self - only a few words today and at that with your pencil - not till tomorrow will my lodgings be definitely determined upon - what a useless wast of time.
Why this deep sorrow where necessity speaks - can our love endure except through sacrifices - except through not demanding everything - can you change it that you are wholly mine, I not wholly thine?

Oh, God! Look out into the beauties of nature and comfort yourself with that which must be - love demands everything and that very justly - that it is with me so far as you are concerned, and you with me. If we were wholly united you would feel the pain of it as little as I!

Now a quick change to things internal from things external. We shall surely see each other; moreover, I cannot communicate to you the observations I have made during the last few days touching my own life - if our hearts were always close together I would make none of the kind. My heart is full of many things to say to you - Ah! - there are moments when I feel that speech is nothing after all - cheer up - remain my true, only treasure, my all as I am yours; the gods must send us the rest that which shall be best for us.

Your faithful,
Ludwig"

Immortal Beloved

I've ended a delicious week of many blessings, and this afternoon I treated myself to a viewing of the new movie - Sex in the City. For devotees of the series, the movie is sure to please.

I was moved by the reading of several love letters by the Carrie Bradshaw character in the movie. One of them was penned by Ludwig von Beethoven, and I excerpt it here:

The Third Letter

Though still in bed, my thoughts go out to you, my Immortal Beloved, now and then joyfully, then sadly, waiting to learn whether or not fate will hear us. I can live only wholly with you or not at all.
Yes, I am resolved to wander so long away from you until can fly to your arms and say that I am really at home with you, and can send my soul enwrapped in you into the land of spirits...

No one else can ever possess my heart - never - never - never - Oh God, why must one be parted from one whom one so loves...

Your love makes me at once the happiest and the unhappiest of men...

Be calm, only by a calm consideration of our existence can we achieve our purpose to live together - Be calm - love me - today - yesterday - what tearful longings for you - you - you - my life - my all - farewell. Oh continue to love me - never misjudge the most faithful heart of your beloved.
ever thine
ever mine
ever ours

The Present Moment

Nothing brings you into the present more than the breath...

Today in class, I explored coming more deeply into the present moment. Our practice - whether it be asana or meditation - or both - brings us more fully into the present moment. And really, now is the only time there is.

When we live in the present - time expands. We are able to savor each and every moment and it seems to last longer. We are not focusing on the past or fretting about the future. It takes a lot of practice to stay in the present, but it is worth it.

When we live in the present moment - we also cultivate greater acceptance. We accept where we are in terms of our circumstances and we live more deeply and without expectations. So, in essence, we learn to live with greater detachment.

Every time we come to our mats it is a different experience. Each moment is unique and unrepeatable. You will never be the expression of yourself that you are in this moment.

I went to river in the early afternoon. It was very peaceful. I enjoyed each and every moment - feeling the sun's rays beating down, the singing of birds, and the dancing of joyful butterflies. I thought of how blessed I was to be able to just sit without any demands on my time and just simply be - enjoying the unfolding of present moments, one after the other...

Reflections and Gratitude

The river was pretty busy during the Memorial Day weekend - so I went back this morning, when it was quiet and still and I could do my meditations and sacred chanting.

I sat on the bench and reviewed the many blessings of the last few days and weeks and I especially gave thanks for the new venture I am about to embark on with friends offering yoga and pilates classes in Loudoun County, Virginia.

The lease was signed yesterday and we all met in the new space discussing paint, flooring, and all kinds of details. There was a lot of excitement in the air. Everything literally fell into place in a matter of weeks. I find myself in a place I could only have imagined. For months I gave intent to connect with the right people to work with. Our visions are similar and we look forward to breaking new ground and helping others heal, which is our primary goal.

The river was as still as I had seen it in a long time. It has been such a wonderful companion during so many months.

As I move into the summer months I look forward not only to giving birth to new dreams - but to seeing them become a reality.

There is so much to be grateful for!

Remembrance

For the past four years during the Memorial Day weekend, my family has gathered with dear friends to celebrate the beginning of summer with a picnic at Wolftrap National Park in Vienna, VA, followed by Garrison Keillor's live broadcast of "A Prairie Home Companion."

Everything was perfect yesterday - the company, the weather, the conversation, the food - the wine! The seats we had were the best ever!

I remember the first time I saw Garrison Keillor in Minnesota, about 27 years ago or so - as a very young bride. I'd say Garrison and I have come a long way since then and we are certainly a little more seasoned!

Since this broadcast is held during the Memorial Day weekend in the nation's Capital - the show is replete with plenty of political references and jokes - but most especially - there is always a few poignant segments where we remember those who have given their lives selflessly for us and for the sake of our freedom.

I thought of being at my son's graduation last weekend and how my son lost a classmate born the very year he was born. I spontaneously and unexpectedly burst into tears thinking - here I am celebrating this rite of passage - and some mother somewhere is grieving for her child - who is not graduating and is no more. I can only imagine what that kind of grief would be like.

So many have lost their lives in the last few years. Yes - so many sons and daughters no older than my own. I am reminded of that every time I look at the pictures and information of the fallen that are periodically remembered in the newspaper.

Garrison Keillor read a "Memorial Day Sonnet," which I discovered, as a result of an Internet search - was the very one he read four years before, and I reproduce it here:

Memorial Day Sonnet

"We're here to honor those who went to war
Who did not wish to die, but did die, grievously,
in eighteen sixty-one and in two-thousand four
Though they were peaceable as you or me.
Young and innocent, they knew nothing of horror -
Singers and athletes, and all in all well-bread.
Their sergeants, mercifully, made them into warriors,
And at the end, they were moving straight ahead.
As we look at these headstones, now on row on row,
Let us see them as they were, laughing and joking,
On that bright irreverent morning long ago.
And once more, let our hearts be broken.
God have mercy on them for their heroic gift.
May we live the good lives they have lived."

Yes - may we live the good lives they would have lived - nothing more - and nothing less. We can honor them in no better way than truly living as fully in the moment as we were meant to live and be.

This is how we must honor those who have given their lives for us - and for those who gave them life as well - those parents who remember their children at this time.

The Upsurge of Consciousness

After a month of traveling, I once more settled into my Saturday morning routine of teaching my weekly private lesson.

It has been a blessing to work with this wonderful woman who is gifted in so many ways and is also so insightful and wise. There are no accidents. We are in each other's lives supporting one another in more ways than we can imagine.

I have watched her yoga blossom and it has been an incredible honor to witness this unfurling in her practice - this upsurge of consciousness in physical embodiment.

After class I shared with my student and friend the marvels of the recent workshops I had attended. She delighted in adjustments that helped her align and deepen in her poses after a month of travels for her as well. And I thanked her for this opportunity to work with her - because it had enabled me to come more deeply into my own strength and confidence as a teacher.

Afterwards, I thought of Denver and studying the Siva Sutras in depth - and particularly I recalled Sutra 1.5:

"Bhairava is the great upsurge of Consciousness."

It is the arising of absolute Consciousness as the Divine which liberates us from bondage. This arising is expansive and pervades the totality of existence.

The practice is work - but it invites us to deepen our consciousness and to enter the delicious experience of union with the Divine.

This I believe - summarizes the experience that my student and I had this morning.

In Denver, we did a practice where this sutra was woven in as a theme. Later, we journaled on our experience. This is what I wrote then, and it reminded me of the beauty of this morning. It was a message from the Divine internally experienced and outwardly expressed in the practice:

"The supreme surge of consciousness -
I am That - in embodied form - and in formlessness.
We are That. Give yourself over to That -
become That - one with the Absolute.

I have provided every opportunity
for you to experience the upsurge -
in practice, in meditation, in karma, in your life.
Become one with the consciousness -
you are That - there is no Other.
Enter into the Eternal Dance!"

Life and the practice - are manifestations of consciousness merging into Consciousness in an endless eternal dance!

Form and Content and Waves

This week, on my way to and from my weekly yoga class - I listened to the last web cast on A New Earth - a concluding two hour segment.

I have thought often of so many things that Eckhart Tolle wrote and spoke about - especially on how identifying with form and content keeps us tied to the egoic state and causes us suffering.

In my April 13th entry - "The Joy of Being" - I talked about how I always felt I needed to know as much as possible about loved ones - but how I came to the realization that I was focusing on form and content - and not really on the Essence of the person which is not defined by those details and is Eternal and without change.

This morning as I sat in meditation, I read these wise words by Paramahansa Yogananda:

"It is not necessary to go through every kind of human experience in order to attain ultimate wisdom. You should be able to learn by studying the lives of others. Why become helplessly involved in an endless panorama of events in order to discover that nothing in in this world can every make you happy?"

As I meditated, I thought of sitting by the river yesterday and watching the waves undulating downstream. Each wave represented an aspect of form - or content - or detail about my life moving down the river. Another wave immediately followed. But they were only waves - coming and going - just details - reminding me of the impermanence of all things.

I thought of how this is true of all of us. Someday this life form will also move on. And yet, our souls are eternal. We must live in a way which is detached from these details which ultimately come and go - they dissolve - they flow down the river - for they are only impermanent aspects of our lives.

No matter how difficult a situation may be - we need to remind ourselves - as Eckhart Tolle himself reminded us - that this too shall pass.

The river has taught me many lessons which still continue to unfold.

Do All Things With Love

As I was organizing stacks of papers and trying to finally unpack after going to Denver and graduation in the last couple of weeks - I found a collection of quotes I had saved. This was was sent to me on December 25, 2006, and was titled - "Do All things With Love."

A dear friend once gave me this very reminder. I also recall how both St. Jane de Chantal and Mother Teresa both taught that we cannot always do great things in life, but we can always do small things with great love...

"Love is the most important ingredient of life.
Your life echoes emptiness without it.
With it, your life vibrates meaning and warmth.
Love will shine through even in hardship.

You will find as you look back upon your life
that the moments that stand out,
the moments when you have really lived,
are the moments when you have done things
in a spirit of love.

If you have it, you don't need anything else.
And if you don't have it, it doesn't much matter
what else you have.

Treasure the love you receive above everything else.
It will survive long after your wealth
and good health have vanished.
The way is not in the sky.
The way is in the heart.

Life in abundance comes
only through great love."

A surely timeless message!

Becoming Tomorrow's Leaders

I have pondered the Valedictory Address that was given by Sheila C. Johnson at the University of Virginia, on May 17, 2008.

Sheila is an eloquent speaker and a fascinating woman. She co-founded the Black Entertainment Network, she has a stake in three sports teams, and owns a number of businesses.

She told the students and families present - that the absolutes of her generation were not the absolutes of today's world. The playing field had significantly changed. Making it in today's world required so much more - yet today's young men and women were much better prepared to take on the demands and challenges of this world.

In the midst of a Presidential election, she challenged those present to look at the candidates and what they had to offer differently - and to not be coerced by those who traded in the currency of anger or fear.

There was so much wisdom in her words - her address is worth reading.

Sheila Johnson ended her discourse with a fitting quote from Thomas Jefferson - or as he is respectfully referred to on grounds - Mr. Jefferson:

"Leaders invite us to imagine greater goals and to stretch ourselves beyond what we think we can achieve. They challenge our limitations and inspire us to do more.."

Then she appropriately added to the graduating Class of 2008:

"Now go out there, do us proud and whatever you do, don't ever lose sight of - or take for granted - the greatness that lives within you."

I thought of Rumi who once wrote:

"The whole universe resides within you. Ask all from yourself."

For the complete text of Sheila Johnson's address, go to:
www.virginia.edu/majorevents/speeches/08valspeech.html

Spread Your Wings and Fly

I have just returned from four days in Charlottesville, VA where I watched my son graduate from the University of Virginia. It was a proud and very emotional moment.

The ceremonies were long - but full of history - and I am sure touching to all parents...

This morning we loaded up both cars, and I'm sure the drive home was bittersweet for my son.

I listened to music as I enjoyed each moment on the drive back - and took in the broad and verdant expanse that unfolded before me. I thought of the beauty of nature and how it is all a manifestation of the Divine in its majestic simplicity...

My thoughts were many and very intimate as I considered so many beginnings and endings in this past year - not only in my life - but in my son's as well.

Graduation is often referred to as a "Commencement." Yes, it is an ending - but it is also very much a beginning. As I said to my son as we got into our cars - he will be back to visit - but he will carry the most important part of his four years with him in his heart - the many life long connections and friendships that he has made and forged.

He has been blessed to have had many wonderful academic experiences in three institutions - each one surpassing the previous one. But he has been doubly blessed in the lasting relationships established as a result of all three experiences. God has surely steered the course of the ship of his life - and for that - my heart is grateful beyond words! What more could a mother ask for?

As I drove home, I listened to so many songs that contained insights of wisdom here and there:

From "Butterfly" by Mariah Carey:

"...I understand to hold you,
I must open up my hand
and watch you rise...

I have learned that beauty
has to flourish in the light...

Spread your wings
and prepare to fly...
Spread your wings
like a butterfly and fly...

And from the song "When You Believe:"

"There can be miracles
when you believe
Though hope is frail,
it's hard to kill...

Who know what miracles
you can achieve
when you believe?
Somehow you will.
You will -
when you believe..."

And then I thought of the wonderful quote by Anthony de Mello, SJ - the Indian Jesuit mystic:

"Spread your arms wide into the future -
The best is yet to come!"

Every door that closes opens others - to so much magnificence! One may not see it at first - but God's generosity always shines forth!

Under the Weather

I am here in Charlottesville, Viriginia for my son's graduation from the University of Viriginia this weekend. I won't have regular internet access, and have "hopped" on to someone's connection at the moment.

I have spent most of this week sick - for the first time in fact - since the beginning of the Gulf War! That is the reason I have not written regularly.

As I gathered some reading and studying materials to bring with me, I ran across these quotes and will share them here. They spoke to me on so many levels - reminding me of moments and experiences of the last year, and of a new endeavor I am about to embark on. As a friend reminded me this morning in a email - many wonderful changes have been experienced recently.

"Your journey has molded you for your greater good,
and it was exactly what it needed to be.
Don't think that you've lost time.
There is no short-cutting to life.
It took each and every situation
you have encountered to bring you to the now.
And now is right on time."
- Asha Tyson

"The next message you need is right where you are."
- Ram Dass

"The affairs of the world will go on forever.
Do not delay the practice of meditation."
- Milarepa

"Wherever you go in the midst of movement and activity,
carry your stillness within you. Then the
chaotic movement around you will never overshadow
your access to the reservoir of creativity,
the field of pure potentiality."
- Deepak Chopra

The River Flowing with Abundance

After an incredible drought, we are having the wettest spring in sixty years and the river sure is an indication of it! I wish I had brought my camera this morning!

The Potomac River has flooded its banks to the parking lot level in Algonkian Park. In fact, I often stand on a cliff in front of the lone bench by the boat launch to survey the river. Today I could literally step into the water from there!

The water flowed briskly and abundantly, purging massive amounts of debris. The foliage had thickened considerably in the week and a half since I had last been here to visit - blocking a full view of both sides of the river. All of this is nothing less than an indication of the impermanence of things - how everything changes - all of the time - nothing ever lasts forever...

I thought of this as I surveyed the spot I have been coming to all these many months - thinking of the various seasons I have experienced on that bench - the fall colors, the piercing winds of winter, the snow - and the first buds to emerge in search of spring.

As I've noted before - the river has been a metaphor for my life. It has gone from dying - to rising - from standing vigil - to bursting at the seams - and everything in between. Truly, not unlike anyone's life.

As I witnessed the raw, surging power of the river this morning - asserting its independence and presence, I couldn't help but marvel at what it has represented and what it is beckoning in me - what it seems to be presaging - and what it so confidently is forging a path towards...

Onward and upward!

The Heart as Embodied Cosmos in the Kula

The concept of "anuttara" - the Supreme - which is identified with Shiva/Shakti - is a foundational principle in the Tantric philosophy of Kashmir Saivism.

The heart is where the Supreme resides - particularly in an interior space within the heart of Siva that exemplifies and is characterized by non-dualism.

But it is in community that the Supreme is truly experienced and shared - in the "kaula" or "kula" that I spoke of in my recent blog. This was the experience of all the participants at the recent gathering of Anusara Yoga teachers in Denver. The energy of the Supreme was experienced - it was palpable and embodied as the Shakti - or Divine manifestation of the Supreme. Shiva on the other hand is Consciousness - or the Essence of this energy.

Last night, I realized that some thirteen years ago or so - I walked into a bookstore in Newport Beach in California, and picked up Paul Muller-Ortega's book - The Triadic Heart of Siva: Kaula Tantricism of Abhinavagupta in the Non-Dual Shaivism of the Kashmir, in addition to some of Paramahansa Yogananda's books. Little did I know then - how these two paths were calling me - one the forerunner to Anusara Yoga - the other to the meditation and spiritual lineage I would embrace.

I picked up Paul's book last night and showed it to my husband who was reading in bed and asked if he would like to read it. He looked at me and gently said - it really wasn't at the top of his list at the moment, and we laughed.

As I opened the book, I realize that I now understood - or at least had the capacity for understanding this book so much more after the intensive on the Siva Sutras in Denver. The chapter I opened to was titled: "The Heart as Embodied Cosmos: Kula." And I thought to myself - that was what the experience of last week was truly all about!

From page 100:

"As the Embodied Cosmos that emerges from Siva, the kula is the grand and complex structure of lived reality...Abhinavagupta equates the kula with the Heart [of Siva]:

My heart, which is composed of the emission of the quivering, flashing condition of the union of the Mother with the Father, whose body is full...is the Supreme, the immortal, the group (kula)."

The kula is really the power of the Supreme - of the Divine - as such we embody the strength, and freedom and consciousness of the Divine. We are entrusted with a sacred task and mission. I now understood at a deeper level the impact of this past week. As a wise friend and intuitive pointed out - I could not have reaped the fruits of that experience had I not undergone all the changes and growth of the last year. Truly, doors were opened - so that the doors of an innermost sanctuary could be opened - and so that the doors to my own heart could in turn open more widely - to give and receive...

Bathed in Shri and Shakti

I seem to be moving slowly - as if in an altered state of consciousness....

After leaving the gathering of Anusara Yoga teachers in Denver on Friday, I noticed that my senses were more heightened. I seemed to notice everything - details and colors in a way I hadn't in a long time. I sensed the unity in all things. And I enjoyed connecting with perfect strangers - and being very deeply present in my conversations with them at the airport.

Before landing at the Washington Dulles Airport, I looked out the window and felt myself literally get lost in the clouds - as if there were no boundaries between them and me. At one point it looked like the plane was skating on a sheet of ice - which was literally a sheet of clouds. Moments later, we were totally engulfed in them.

Late that evening, I meditated in my sacred space for the first time in days - feeling myself buoyed by the energy of many meditations there and the experiences and encounters of the last week - now residing in the temple of my heart. It was very special.

Yesterday morning I got up and went outside to do my pre-meditation exercises in the drizzle and was blown away by the plants and shrubs in my front yard. They had become a literal explosion of shri (beauty) and shakti (Divine Energy) in one week! I was almost shocked at the growth that had transpired and the palette of colors that became established during the course of one week. It was almost as if the shri and shakti of Denver had exploded out from the center of our gathering and come back to my home.

I am ready to begin a new week - ready to begin sharing some of the shri and shakti that I have so deeply received.

Kula and Sangha

Yesterday morning as we concluded the week long gathering of Anusara Yoga teachers, we were urged to anchor the light and to go back and re-new the vision of what if means for us to be teachers of this method and members of this community.

In order to understand what it is that unites us - we need to constantly reconnect with the Universal - with the Supreme - with the Divine. It is only in this way that we will truly anchor the Shakti energy for ourselves and for others.

One line of the Anusara Yoga Invocation which I discussed in a blog entry in December reads:

"Saccidananda Murtaye" - in other words we embody truth, consciousness and bliss - and we in essence become "murtis" - like the statues of Hindu deities that are living representation of the Divine itself.

As teachers of Anusara Yoga, we were reminded that we need to continue to evolve and grow and become brighter lights within the community. It is imperative that we do our practice - not only our asanas or physical poses - but our meditation practice as well. There was a lot of emphasis on this. From this place we are then able to serve our broader community more fully.

As teachers, we are members of a "kula" - an intimate family - and we are entrusted with holding a cohesive and high vibratory consciousness and single vision that continues to expand for the good of the planet. As a group, we gather together to commit our very life force for a new vision and to help others awaken and heal and delight in the practice.

A "kula" is a spiritual family and as such we hold to an ideal and protect the boundaries of that space for attainment to occur. The "kula" provides spiritual leadership for the broader Anusara community.

This larger community of several hundred thousands is the "sangha," which commits to the practice at varying levels. As teachers - we were all acutely aware of our responsibilities toward protecting the teachings we have been entrusted with - as well as protecting each other. We knew we were also committing to taking everything to the next step and living from a place of greater authenticity and integrity.

As Paul so beautifully reminded us - we need to be popping - like pop corn - with excitement all the time in terms of our core beliefs. We must embody our core beliefs - which at its very essence asserts that we are supreme consciousness and unbounded freedom. This encourages to become our best self - as we aspire to live, articulate, and become the most intelligent and loving human beings. Only then can we truly enable our own students to see that they are the embodiment of beauty itself.

There is so much to drink in and savor from this week. As one teacher shared before I had to leave for the airport:

"We are the matrika for our students. As such - we don't just know and share the spiritual teachings of our practice with our students - but we convey the whole power of the kula."

What an incredibly awesome responsibility and what a wonderful gift to receive and give - and pass on for generations to come!

Namaste!

The Seat of the Teacher

I will be leaving shortly for the last morning of the Anusara Yoga teachers gathering here in Denver. This week has been rich and wonderful beyond my wildest dreams and I am full to the brim.

Yesterday morning we contemplated Sutra 2.6 of the Siva Sutras:

"The enlightened and consecrated spiritual teacher is the means to the attainment."

Thursday is the day that is traditional recognized as the day of the guru or teacher.

A mere sampling of my notes on the topic:

To be in the seat of the teacher is one of the highest levels of embodiment. As a teacher you serve your students in leading them to the highest ecstasy. However, teachers must always think of themselves as a student first and continually engage and immerse themselves in a course of study.

What we receive from a teacher continues to resonate in us forever. Sometimes it takes you years and decades of serving in the role of the teacher to understand the sacrifice of our teachers in the past and present - who have offered not only themselves - but what is most precious to them in the teachings and practices that we receive.

When teachers give and share their wisdom - they are literally sharing something that is so valuable and meaningful to them that they wish others to delight in the very experiences they themselves have.

A good teacher will go to that place of vulnerability within them - and share from that place - in other words - you show and share your heart.

As a teacher always let your students feel your passion and your devotion to your practice, your experiences, your standards, your wisdom and knowledge - but ultimately - share the Source of your Inspiration.

And remember - each student before you is always a form and reflection of the Divine. Honor those students - for they come before you wanting a drop of grace that is always permanent in its effects...

The Practice as an Offering

On this fourth day of the Anusara Yoga teachers gathering - we went deeper into the teachings of the Siva Sutras and the practice. There is so much I can share - but I will focus on a personal highlight of the practice...

We delved into sutra 2.8 which can be paraphrased as:

" Your very body is the great place
where the oblation occurs.
You body is a temple for the Divine."
Or,

"The body is the offering to the Supreme.
Let the body sing with praises to the One."

This teaching was exquisitely woven into the morning practice.

After the practice I thought of my favorite quote by Rumi:

"You heart is the true mosque.
Within your body is the place
to offer your salutations to the Lord."

During one of the many Dog poses of the practice - John Friend strategically placed his fingers on the back doors of my heart - and the front of my heart exploded open while I deepened in a way I never had. All of a sudden, I truly experienced what it means to melt the heart and make an offering to the Divine in my body.

Later, he assisted me in a head stand drop back. Again - the experience was deeply moving.

As I reflected after the practice - I realized that for a year I had been unconsciously protecting my heart - not wanting to open deeply there - so afraid of hurting anymore. And yet - if we are to truly make an offering of the practice we must go to the heart and embrace all its vulnerability.

At the very moment I realized this - I heard the sweetest song of a chorus of birds. They too were making an offering with their voices. And then I was engulfed in the roaring of an "OM" - the very sound of the Divine before the awareness came to me that it came - not from the cosmos - but from a moving vehicle!

Overwhelmed by Beauty II

We concluded another exquisite day of the Anusara Yoga teacher's gathering. I want to share some highlights of the last three days...

The community is wonderful. I have gotten to know local members of the North Carolina, Arizona, New Mexico, and Hawaii kula - or communities - among others.

Today I practiced alongside a beautiful young mother and former dancer who was just radiant. We partnered for a number of things and I could feel her love and support in every assist. I felt truly honored to be in her presence!

Yesterday a beautiful woman from Hawaii invited me to visit. There is currently a volcano that is active and she enthusiastically urged me to come see the Shakti Energy of the Divine Feminine in all her manifestations!

Yesterday I also bought a new necklace with an "OM" on one side - and the inscription - "Open to Grace" on the other side. I felt it was time to wear something different as I feel myself enter a new phase in my life - and this seemed like an appropriate gift to give myself as an early Mother's Day present.

Today I had a woman come up to me and say that I had given her an adjustment years ago at a training that opened her very deeply and was very significant for her and when she realized I was here - she wanted to come share that. I was amazed - and touched by her sharing that - especially after having done the workshop on the "Art of Adjusting" recently in Sarasota. I always felt that wasn't one of my strengths in teaching. But with each workshop and my teaching such wonderful and eager students over the last several months - I am feeling so much more confident.

There is so much more I could say - but really - the magic of this time - the beauty, the openness, the compassion - can hardly be expressed.

We did celebrate a couple of birthdays today - including that of a man who turned 66 and whose practice is nothing short of inspirational. We were led in a practice that was celebratory and based on Sutra 3.9 of the Siva Sutras: "The self is the dancer."

This theme was masterfully woven into our practice as we were invited to dance our individual dances - singing the uniqueness of our poses - and culminating in Natarajasana - the pose representing Shiva in his manifestation of the Cosmic Dancer.

Paul was simply delicious...Let me share some of my notes of the day:

Every single day to the degree that it is possible for us - we savor our mind, the beauty that we see through our senses and the beauty of the emotions that arise within our hearts and we bring this nectar to the challenging things in our lives.

Our practice allows us to rest in the subtle pulsation of our heart and it spills over into our speech and works - so we can walk our path with the goal in our hands.

Every day there has to be that "rasa" - that savoring that softens our lives and allows us to experience this moment of infinity...

Life is good even in the midst of challenges. Our strength, wealth, and our support comes from our practice and the community. These two combined see us through...

The challenges we have contain infinite grace - then we are prepared to cross whatever comes in our path...

Overwhelmed by Beauty

I have concluded the second of the five day gathering of Anusara Yoga teachers in Denver - and for once - I am at a loss for words.

I have been overwhelmed by beauty and am filled to the brim.

The community is nothing short of amazing and in so many ways it feels like coming home. It is nothing short of breath-taking to be practicing alongside the best of the best - and being supported by one and all.

Listening to Paul Muller Ortega has been simply exquisite - like imbibing the sweetest nectar. The energy in the room is palpable and feels like a rich current of grace embracing us all.

The experience here has been beautiful beyond words.

I am honored to have been asked to serve on the curriculum committee because it will enable me to give back some of what I have received.

God is good and gracious!

Acceptance, Enjoyment, and Enthusiasm

I am in Denver for a gathering of Anusara Yoga certified teachers for a week - and I am looking forward to seeing friends, experiencing community, and imbibing words of wisdom from the Siva scholar, Paul Ortega-Muller, whom I have had the pleasure of listening to before. To hear him speak is to literally drink in and become intoxicated by poetic musings that are both ecstatic and sensual. I simply cannot wait for the many delights this week will surely yield!

Last night I read the final chapter in Eckhart Tolle's A New Earth. I have been savoring this book - line by line - and morsel by morsel. Like a fine gourmet meal - I am satisfied but I will surely miss the web casts and discussions.

In the twilight of evening, as the day yielded gracefully into the evening - I listened to music on my deck for what seemed to be hours. I enjoyed each and every moment as I danced in the moonlight and was kissed by the evening breeze and was blessed by rustling limbs on the trees. Beauty and joy surrounded me.

Then when I retired, I read the last chapter. Here are some of the sections that spoke to me - and related to my experiences earlier in the evening...

There are three ways in which consciousness can flow into what you do and thus through you into this world...The modalities of awakened doing are acceptance, enjoyment, and enthusiasm...If you are not in the state of either acceptance, enjoyment, or enthusiasm, look closely and you will find that you are creating suffering for yourself and others...

Whatever you cannot enjoy doing, you can at least accept that this is what you have to do...Performing an action in the state of acceptance means you are at peace while you do it...

The peace that comes with surrendered action turns to a sense of aliveness when you actually enjoy what you are doing...Joy is the dynamic aspect of Being...

Joy does not come from what you do, it flows into what you do and thus into this world from deep within you...You will enjoy any activity in which you are fully present...

The joy of Being is the joy of being conscious...

Enthusiasm means there is deep enjoyment in what you do plus the added element of a goal or vision that you work towards...

This is why Ralph Waldo Emerson said that, "Nothing great has ever been achieved without enthusiasm..."

I thought of this on the plane as I watched the movie "The Bucket List" with Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson. I remember the movie did not get great reviews. Yet parts of it touched me profoundly...

There is a moment when both of the actors are gazing at the pyramids and the Morgan Freeman character recalls - as I posted recently - that ancient Egyptians were asked two questions before they were allowed to proceed to the afterlife: Did they experience joy in their lives - and did they bring joy to others?

Without giving details of the plot away, let me just say that one of the characters does experience joy profoundly before he dies by opening his heart to giving and receiving love...

I end this day with gratitude for the many blessings received, and for the opportunity to experience joy in so many simple ways.

May you too, find and bring joy!

Awakening to Inner Purpose

On Monday, Oprah and Eckhart Tolle will cover the last of the chapters in the book - A New Earth: Awakening To Your Life's Purpose on their weekly live web cast. For nine weeks millions have been riveted to the discussion of this book. I find it fascinating so many all over the world are involved in this effort. What an incredible and unprecedented experience to be part of!

Chapter 9 - the next to the last chapter is titled "Your Inner Purpose," and here are some parts I underlined in my text:

You inner purpose is to awaken. It is as simple as that...

Your outer purpose can change over time...Finding and living in alignment with the inner purpose is the foundation for fulfilling your outer purpose...

Awakening is a shift in consciousness in which thinking and awareness separate...

Whenever you become anxious or stressed, outer purpose has taken over, and you lose sight of your inner purpose. You have forgotten that your state of consciousness is primary, all else secondary...

The present moment is always small in the sense that it is always simple, but concealed within it lies the greatest power...Only when you align yourself with the present moment do you have access to that power...Anxiety, stress, and negativity cut you off from that power...

Through the present moment you have access to the power of life itself...

When you meet with people...give them your fullest attention. You are no longer there primarily as a person, but as a field of awareness...

Doing unfolds...more powerfully when the dimension of Being is acknowledged and so becomes primary...

Your entire life journey ultimately consists of the step you are taking at this moment. There is always only this one step, and so you give it your fullest attention...This step is primary, the destination is secondary...What the future holds for you depends on your state of consciousness now...

When doing becomes infused with the timeless quality of Being, that is success...

The essence of you who are is consciousness...

Dedication to the inner purpose of awakening changes...your life...For some people there is a sudden or gradual break with their past: their work, living situation, relationships - everything undergoes profound change. Some of the change may be initiated by themselves...This is what I have to do. The decision arrives ready-made...

Other kinds of change may suddenly come to you from without. A chance meeting brings new opportunity and expansion into your life...Some relationships dissolve, others deepen...

Some changes may look negative on the surface but you will soon realize that space is being created in your life for something new to emerge...

Much to ponder in this chapter. But then, that has been true of every chapter!

Shining Our Light

Yesterday I received a newsletter from one of my favorite jewelry makers. She makes very special pieces that I have bought for myself and given as gifts. Every month she writes something upbeat. I will share some excerpts from her latest newsletter:

"My world is brighter because you have shared your light with me.
In turn, I share my light with others to help make their world brighter.
If we all shine our light together -
imagine the possibilities."

Imagine what the world would be like if we all pooled our light together!

What would this world be like? All the time, I am inspired by souls who continually lead authentic lives and are not afraid to live life from a heart centered place...

All of our interactions, all of our teachings, all of our thoughts, lead to one destination - and that is the opening to our divine self within. When you live your life as a meditation, you come from a place of interconnectedness and the true beauty of your life leads you to manifest Home - right where you are...

Remember, you are in charge of your voyage - you get to choose how you flow over the rough waters. There will always be storms at sea, but you can prepare yourself by choosing how to ride the waves. The point isn't always to have a calm journey - sometimes the deepest lessons are in the roughest waters - but the idea is how we choose to carry ourselves on the ocean.

Go forth this month, remembering to shine your light out to others. Remember that with each day, and each NOW moment, you have the ability to create yourself anew. Stand fully in your own power and be the example. Make your life a sacred event, with every thought, action, and interaction. Life was meant to be fully experienced, the bitter and the sweet.

Enjoy every drop!

For jewelry made with spirit and love, check out:
www.artisanswelldesigns.com

The Magic of the Present Moment

I think there is nothing like the song of a bird to bring you back into the present moment...

But frankly, any well cherished song has the power to bring you back into the present moment...

Yesterday afternoon I drove down to Charlottesville with my husband to meet our son - who will be graduating from the University of Virginia in a couple of weeks - to hear Bruce Springsteen in concert.

It was a magnificent afternoon and the drive down was beautiful. Everything was green and lush - verdant and teeming with life. We drove with the windows down listening to Springsteen's new CD - Magic. I thought to myself - this ride - this moment - this experience - the view - everything - indeed - life itself - is magic!

I remember thinking - "This is the only moment there is - there is no where else I need to be - there is nothing I need to do and nothing I need to think about. I love this moment! Ah! I am enjoying it fully!" I think Eckhart Tolle and Oprah would be proud!

And it seemed as though time stood still...

I enjoyed the time after the concert even more as we went to one of my son's favorite haunts - the Buddha Biker Bar to drink pitchers of beers at midnight. We walked the streets of Charlottesville past midnight and traced paths that my son took so many times and which were alien to me. I was so into the experiences of each moment...

This morning, before we drove back home, on another magnificent blue sky day with sunlight drenching everything - I heard a bird chirping and I was drawn into its beauty and simplicity.

For a moment - that was the present moment - and which spilled into the next moment and the next one after that - there was nothing else. There was only this sound. And it was perfection itself. It was pure magic....

And I thought - this song is more beautiful than any I have ever heard...

In this present moment - it is everything - and yes - in this moment - it is truly the most beautiful song and sound...It is a manifestation of the Divine...

This simple sound of a bird chirping disclosed the magic of the present moment...

Nothing more and nothing less...