Final Reflections on Friendship

Yesterday, while I was on my way to my weekly yoga class, I heard Barbara J. King interviewed on her new book, Being With Animals. She is an anthropologist teaching at William and Mary, and she had some fascinating things to share about the friendship between human beings and their animals, but most especially about the relationships and connections that exist among animals themselves.

For example, King studied apes in Kenya while working on her dissertation, and she observed that when one of the apes died, the rest of the community allowed the closest member of the family or friend, private time to grieve and be alone with the body before any others. King also pointed out that elephants often caress the bones of what we would consider to be a loved one, even after not having visited a particular area for a long time. They have the ability to recognize the remains of other elephants they were connected with, and knew where those remains were located.

I was fascinated by the stories King shared - and how the urge to connect with others is a phenomenon evident in so many species of living things. I reflected on these insights as I went for an evening walk at twilight - with the moon looming like a huge china plate in front of me - and the bright orange sun merging incandescently with the horizon behind me.

This desire to know and be known - to love - and be loved - to have true companionship is something Paramahansa Yogananda spoke so eloquently about, as you may have noticed from my last two entries. So now, I will share some final passages from his writings.

Note that Yogananda also speaks of the importance of finding friends from one incarnation to another. Whether one actually believes in the transmigration of souls or not - does not really matter. I think we all would agree that some soul connections are so strongly felt that they defy any kind of explanation. We have all had the experience of meeting certain souls that we feel we have known forever - just as there are some that we are distrustful of - or wary of - from our first encounter...

"It takes character to be able to apologize graciously and sincerely...

How can I learn to love my enemies? Meditation fills one with Divine Love, which enables one to love one's enemies...

Always remember that you need the inspiration of better company - of those more highly evolved than yourself - to keep constantly improving...

Make every effort to rediscover your friends of past incarnations. Try to resume such friendships, and perfect them into divine friendship...

One may come in daily contact with some people and yet not feel in sympathy with them. You have to adapt yourself to such persons and learn to love them...

When friends are very near to you, draw them into the orbit of your life...

Do not be deceived by physical beauty...An unattractive body may harbor the soul of a real friend...

Seek your friends of past incarnations in order that you may continue your friendship with them in this life, and perfect it into divine friendship...

Friendship is the universal spiritual attraction that unites souls in the bond of divine love...

When divine friendship reigns supreme in the temple of your heart, your soul will merge with the vast Cosmic Soul...

Making others happy, through kindness of speech and sincerity of right advice, is a sign of true greatness...

Friendship is pure by nature...Divine love is unlimited and Infinite..."

Today, give thanks for your true friends - especially those that have been there - no matter what - who have stood by you and accepted you - despite your warts and limitations - and loved you nonetheless. What greater example do you need of Divine Presence and Love?

More on Divine Friendship

Yesterday, I found a few minutes in my schedule to go down and visit the river. I had not been down to visit in weeks, and after the heavy rains, I found that the parking lot by the boat ramp had been blocked off, and with good reason. The waters had risen to the level of the parking lot! It was truly an amazing sight to behold!

The cliff by the riverbank was no more!

I crossed the barriers and walked down to the edge where the water met both land and pavement - and marveled at how the edge of the cliff disappeared almost powerlessly into the waters. The Potomac River was as wide as I had ever seen it in these parts, and the currents were undeniably strong.

I observed with wonder at the strength and power of this river that had been a silent witness to my own healing journey these last couple of years. For nearly a year, I visited it every morning, offering my humble prayers and meditations at its banks. And now, I imagined what it would be like to try to navigate these waters with Grace, my trusty kayak. But of course, I knew that doing such a thing was beyond the realm of my abilities and safety for me. Still, I enjoyed a few moments by the swollen river bank, listening to the waters rushing by and lapping at the surface of its surrounding environs, now held captive by its power...

Experiencing the river in this manner, invited me to reflect on the passages I had been re-visiting on spiritual friendship by Paramahansa Yogananda. For one who has been graced with this experience of deep friendship, it in some ways, bears similarity to being embraced by these waters and endowed with the power and its infinite realm of possibilities such as this river now displayed. I can think of no greater or more meaningful gift one can receive in this life than true soul companionship, for it is truly, a gift of the spirit.

Here are some more passages worth pondering...

"Friendship consists in rejoicing in the good fortune of one's friends and in sympathizing with them in adversity...

Jealousy is self-love and death to friendship...

Divine love has its foundation in service on the spiritual and intuitional planes, and is unconditional and everlasting.

The greater the mutual service, the deeper the friendship...

Help your friend by being a mental, aesthetic, and spiritual inspiration to him or her....

The secret of Christ's strength lay in his love for all, even his enemies. Far better to conquer by love the heart of a person who hates you than to vanquish him by vindictive force...Thus will the flame of your love bury away the partitions of hatred and misery that separate your soul from other souls...

Practice loving those who do not love you. Feel for those who do not feel for you. Be generous to those who are generous only to themselves. If you heap hatred upon your enemy, neither he nor you will be able to perceive the inherent beauty of your soul...

Be true to yourself and to others, and you will gain the friendship of God..."

Today, give intent to be a true friend to someone. But you must love yourself first. Practice loving someone who does not love you. Be generous - as your dearest friend has been generous with you. For in this simple act, you will perceive - both the inherent beauty of your soul - and that of all others that you encounter. May you realize that in this inherent beauty, you are all one!

Divine Friendship

Some of Paramahansa Yogananda's most beautiful writings have to do with the subject of friendship. His devotees and followers often end their letters to one another with the words, "In Divine Friendship." The purpose of all friendship according to Yogananda, is to unite us more deeply to the Divine, however we imagine this Presence to be in our lives.

I had not read these beautiful passages in a while, and I found re-visiting them the last few evenings, nothing short of delicious, and much richer with insight the second time around. I will share some excerpts here, and let them speak for themselves. May you imbibe the beauty of these words and what constitutes true friendship...

"Friendship is God's love shining through the eyes of your loved ones...

True friendship unites two souls so completely that they reflect the unity of Spirit and its divine qualities...

True friendship is broad and inclusive. Selfish attachment to a single individual, excluding all others, inhibits the development of divine friendship...

Be a cosmic friend, scattering love everywhere...

Consider no one a stranger...

Realize that the same lifeblood is circulating in the veins of all races...We are Americans or Hindus for a few years, but we are God's children forever...

Be ready at all times to shed the light of friendly service over all living creatures...Brightly reflect the light of God's love...

If you open the door to the magnetic power of of friendship, souls of like vibration will be attracted to you...

When perfect friendship exists either between two hearts or within a group of hearts in a spiritual relationship, such friendship perfects each individual. The heart purified by friendship provides an open door to unity. Through it you should invite other souls to enter the temple of brotherhood - those who love you, and even those who love you not..."

Savor these gems. There will be more to follow in the coming days...

Clearing the Dust Off of Your Mirror

Last night I attended the first session of a series of workshops Anusara Yoga certified teacher Todd Norian was set to teach on the chakras at Willow Street Yoga in Maryland. The Friday evening practice was open to students of all levels and ended with "kirtan," which is a form of call and response chanting.

Todd is a very gifted teacher whose workshops I have frequently attended. I always come away with very wonderful insights from his teaching. The theme for the evening was "Clearing the Dust Off of the Mirror of the Heart."

Todd noted how by the middle of January, most people have abandoned their New Year's resolutions. He pointed out that the world is a reflection of who we are, and if we don't like what we are seeing, we need to clear ourselves. And yet, we come into our lives from the Universe already whole and complete - we are both radiant and cloaked at the same time - which is at its essence, a paradox. But it is this process of being concealed that enables us to experience the joy of the revelation of who we are most fundamentally at our deepest core.

Practitioners of Anusara Yoga begin their practice guided and grounded by a principle that invites us to "open to grace." Within that principle is contained the seed of all change and transformation.

I found myself reflecting on how much Todd's insights paralleled the excerpts from the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda in his Spiritual Diary for this past week. I believe, that clearing the dust off of our mirrors begins with self reflection. It is a good way to begin the year - and it is not too late to intend to clear some aspect of ourselves in some small way. Truly, small changes add up. As Mother Teresa was fond of saying:

"We cannot always do great things,
but we can always do small things
with great love."

I invite you to reflect on the following passages, and perhaps commit to clearing some of the dust off of your mirror...

"One secret of progress is self-analysis. Introspection is a mirror in which to see recesses of your mind that otherwise would remain hidden from you. Diagnose your failures and sort out your good and bad tendencies. Analyze what you are, what you wish to become, and what shortcomings are impeding you."

"Everyone should learn to analyze himself disspassionately. Write down your thoughts and aspirations daily. Find out what you are - not what you imagine you are! - because you want to make yourself what you ought to be. Most people don't change because they don't see their own faults."

"Endeavor to make yourself what you should be and what you want to be. As you keep your mind on God and attune yourself to His will, you will progress more and more surely in your path."

"It is a good idea to keep a mental diary. Before you go to bed each night, sit for a short time and review the day. See what you are becoming. Do you like the trend of your life? If not, change it!"

For more information on Todd Norian and his schedule, visit:
www.deeppeaceyoga.com

Living Without Expectations

Several times this week, I have been reminded to live without expectations. This of course, is more easily said than done!

We should give to others, without expectations. I reflected on this on one of the walks I took earlier this week. But if truth be told, we often do expect something in return - perhaps an acknowledgment, a thank you card, and so forth.

When we expect something, we are in attachment to someone or something. And thus we set ourselves up for disappointment - for we have no control over what others do - or say - or do not do - or say.

This week I celebrated my 29th anniversary. I was teaching my yoga class on the other side of the river, and knew we were planning to celebrate with dinner over the weekend. So I drove home, arriving at 10:30 PM, expecting to just get in my PJ's and head for bed.

But instead, I came home to a treasury of cards and the most generous gifts, and found myself truly speechless. I had no expectations, and was instead, genuinely surprised by an unconditional outpouring of love.

When we give from the heart, we give without expectations. When we receive from the heart - we also receive without expectations and without conditions.

As I end this week, and look forward to beginning another one, I give intent to say and do - and receive - without expectations.

Fingers of God's Grace (Poem)

This morning, I enjoyed playing with my students as I worked them deeply - integrating some of the insights I had picked up from the teacher's practice I attended on Friday with Anusara Yoga teacher, Desiree Rumbaugh. I was pleased with the work they did, and at the end of class I shared with them the poem I had written for Des after the practice, and which I also offer here for all of you as well...

Fingers of God's Grace

Eager hearts, we are,
Awaiting to drink in
The inspired instructions
of a gifted teacher--
Truly a teacher's teacher,
Who shares her wisdom
And experience with us--
A gathering of hungry
And excited instructors

Hands and fingers,
Are placed mindfully on our mats,
As we are inspired to see
Our fingers as divine connectors
To grace, which we embody
Even in the pads of our fingers

We are guided, and told
To urgently draw energy in,
From the earth, into our fingers--
All the way into our upper backs,
A firm, but gentle insistence
Leads us to use this energy
To open to grace,
By opening our hearts
More fully and simply,
And more completely--
And the subsequent rush
Is exquisite, like some dripping
And nourishing our deepest essence

Each and every soul present
Merges and dances
With the infectious
Flow of energy, coursing
Through our bodies and heart
As we are led further and deeper,
Carried by the winds
Of a collective and supportive energy
That is unseen by the naked eye,
But that makes us all one

No one will ever place fingers
And hands, unmindfully again--
For not only are the fingers
The divine connectors to grace
In our bodies and hearts--
They also initiate an unstoppable
Chain of reactions, enabling us
To wholeheartedly become
And totally embody
The very Fingers of God's Grace
In our acts and words,
And in our hands
As we reach out and touch--
Becoming the vessels of
Healing light and abundant grace
Selflessly dispensed
Into all awaiting hearts
That are sent into our care

We are the Fingers of God's Grace--
Nothing more
And nothing less,
Entrusted with a Sacred Task

We Are the Fingers of God's Grace

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to come together with my community at Willow Street Yoga, and experience a teacher's practice with the radiant Desiree Rumbaugh, one of the most gifted Anusara Yoga certified teachers. I have had the pleasure of studying with Des for over a decade, and have watched her blossom. Her enthusiasm, energy, and laughter are always contagious, and as vintage Desiree yesterday morning, she rose to the occasion and did not disappoint!

I always come away with profound insights from her practices or workshops, and I had the opportunity to work with her and gain a deeper awareness into what is happening in my body and why. She gave me some very useful tools to address some pertinent issues, and I started practicing what she suggested just this very morning.

We worked a lot in this practice at drawing muscle energy from our fingers into our upper backs, and melting the heart more by also drawing in the bottom tips of our shoulder blades - not an easy feat to accomplish in many poses.

Desiree began the practice by noting that the fingers are divine connectors to grace, and thus, we need to pull energy from our fingers into our upper backs and our hearts. We kept coming back to this in every pose we did, and a number of people present experienced openings and breakthroughs in their practice.

Desiree was in town to teach a weekend workshop at another local studio not affiliated with Anusara. In the late evening, I basked in the wonderful energies of the day, and before retiring, was further elated to hear that one of my dearest students ventured forth in heavy traffic to cross the river and experience Desiree for herself. This was her first workshop, but she enjoyed it and felt she had been well prepared for it! (Ah! Sigh of relief!)

I had thought earlier yesterday, of how we make connections and touch others, and often, we have no real idea how deeply we impact others. I especially reflected on this earlier in the week when a former student and friend of mine, introduced me to a group of co-workers at an organization I had been asked to volunteer at, teaching yoga and meditation, to a group of women in need. I listened to how my friend described me, and remember thinking to myself, "Wow! Who is that person? Me? Am I really everything she is describing? Did I really have that kind of an impact in her life?"

Of course, what we do, in times that really matter, always is guided by a Divine Presence. At least, that is what I believe. Especially when we touch others most deeply.

We never know who we are going to touch and how. Every good deed we do - or hurtful one for that matter - is like a stone I cast into my beloved river - which sends out ripples all the way to the other side and the riverbank of the neighboring state that my river bisects.

I have been touched profoundly by Desiree - her generosity, her openness, her vulnerability. This is a woman who has suffered tremendous loss and challenges, but who still manages to awaken other hearts and bodies from a place of humility, all over the world. Her message and presence are always fresh and very real.

It does not matter what we do for a living. It only matters who we are - and what we do with that. Let us give intent today - to touch someone - in whatever way they may need!

Pour the Light

This is the beginning of a very busy day for me. I arose in the waning darkness to sit and meditate. My heart was heavy with sadness for so many things - for loved ones close to me suffering such incredible loss. For the devastation in Haiti, caused by the strongest earthquake there in 200 years. I had a chance to speak to my parents who live in the neighboring Dominican Republic, which felt the quake just as strongly. They survived unscathed - something so many others were not able to do...

As I sat in meditation, and the sun began to rise, I became mindful of expanding myself with light so that I could send it into so many hearts and places. The list grows so long. In less than an hour I will teach a yoga class, and encourage my students to open to grace and find the invincible summer that lays hidden in the depths of winter within them. I will guide them through a centering to enable them to connect with and experience the rising sun within their hearts.

And so, it seems appropriate to share this poem I wrote recently, and posted to Twitter and Facebook yesterday, because it is a reminder I need again today...

Pour the Light

"Such love does,
the sky now pour,
that whenever I stand in a field,

I have to wring out the light
when I get home."
~ St. Francis of Assisi

Go out today and stand in the light.
Let the beauty of this day unfold before you.
Let the message of these words nourish you.
Let the sky pour out its light and love
all around you.

And may you share and shine that light
with those whose hearts are gray and heavy,
and hungrily seeking
for a lamp to light their way.

As I posted on Twitter this morning, my intention for today is - Let me be filled with light that I may shine light to others. Go out and shine light!

For Lovers of God Everywhere

I eased into this morning by meditating with a fellow devotee of Paramahansa Yogananda. It was a beautiful way to begin the day, sharing a reading from Yogananda's writings, followed by a meditation that was both sweet and deep as we shared our Kriya Yoga practice together. I offered mine for a soul and her spouse undergoing a very critical and life-threatening situation.

I am blessed to be able to meditate with this soul companion as I am also blessed to meditate with my Reiki meditation group. Once a month we gather to chant and meditate together and offer the healing energies of our shared practice for many intentions. After this gift of coming together for a couple of years, I find myself deeply reaping the incredible fruits of these beautiful opportunities I have been given...

After meditation, I turned to a book that I acquired recently - For Lovers of God Everywhere, by Roger Housden, subtitled - Poems of the Christian Mystics.

There are a series of very beautiful pieces in this book, and I want to share a few. The first selection comes from the writings of St. Augustine. I first encountered this piece in my twenties, when I was devoted to joining the Visitation nuns in St. Paul, Minnesota, for the Liturgy of the Hours, when I was both young and had the time and flexibility to do so. I read an excerpt from this piece at that time, and was moved to the core. Now, I re-discover it once again, and find it is just as touching and edifying the second time around, if not, more so.

The second selection comes from the works of Hadewijch, a medieval mystic, and one of my favorite poets. Her writings are full of unbridled passion. And the third selection is by St. Francis of Assisi, and this piece I'm sure, is not widely known or recognized by many.

I Came to Love You Too Late

I came to love you too, late, Oh Beauty,
so ancient and so new.
Yes, I came to love you too late.
What did I know?
You were inside me, and I was
out of my body and mind
looking for you.
I drove like an ugly madman against
the beautiful things and beings
you made.
You were inside me,
but I was not inside you...
You called to me, you cried to me;
you broke the bowl of my deafness;
you uncovered my beams
and threw them at me;
you rejected my blindness;
you blew a fragrant wind on me,
and I sucked in my breath and wanted you;
I tasted you
and now I want you
as I want food and water;
you touched me,
and I have been burning every since
to have your peace.
~ St. Augustine

You Who Want

You who want
knowledge,
seek the Oneness
within

There you
will find
the clear mirror
already waiting
~Hadewijch

Wring Out My Clothes

Such love does
the sky now pour,
that whenever I stand in a field,

I have to wring out the light
when I get home.
~ St. Francis of Assisi

Go out today, and stand in the light. Let the beauty of this day unfold before you. Let the message of these words nourish you. Let the sky pour out its light and love all around you. And may you share and shine that light with those whose hearts are gray and heavy, and hungrily seeking for a lamp to guide the way.

Offering the Day

I came across this beautiful Salesian prayer by St. Francis de Sales that I had forgotten. It seems like a perfect way to begin this day - and indeed, any day:

"My God. I offer you this day.
I offer you now,
all that good that I shall do
and I promise to accept,
for love of you,
all the difficulty that I shall meet.
Help me to conduct myself
during this day
in a manner pleasing to you.
Amen."

Let me add these beautiful quotes I found on cards I purchased when I did my spontaneous trip down to Charlottesville this week. They too, are perfect reminders, offerings, and blessings, for every day:

"Let us be grateful for those
who give us happiness;
They are the charming gardeners
who make our souls bloom."
~ Marcel Proust

"Kind hearts are the gardens.
Kind thoughts are the roots.
Kind words are the flowers.
Kind deeds are the fruits.
Take care of your garden
And keep out the weeds,
Fill it with sunshine,
Kind words and kind deeds."
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"It's a simple procedure to calculate
the number of seeds in an apple.
But who among us can ever say
how many apples are in a seed?"
~ Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

And so, as the inside of the card containing this last quote urges:

"The seeds of greatness are within you.
Each one ready to grow in
countless and wonderful ways."

I add these final thoughts as you embark on your day, or perhaps end it. It does not matter. The invitation is there to begin tomorrow differently:

Today, and every day,
offer your day to God.
Give thanks for everything given
and received, even the challenges--
for they too, have their hidden blessings.

Give thanks for all the souls
that have come into your own
and have helped you become more fully
all that you are meant to be.

Tend the garden of your life.
Sow it with good deeds
and water it with constant repetition.
Become all that you are meant to be--
nothing more
and nothing less,
than an irrepeatable and unique manifestation
of the Presence of God to others.

And as a dear soul friend of mine is so fond of say, "Be well!" For as Julian of Norwich still reminds us today, echoing from the 14th century - "All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well!"

An Invincible Summer

Yesterday, after teaching a private lesson to a wonderful yoga student, I spontaneously hopped into my car and drove down to Charlottesville, about two hours away from where I live, and the home of the University of Virginia, the magnificent institution my son graduated from a year and a half ago.

I had not returned since his graduation, and I was amazed by all the changes that I encountered along the way. Snow had been predicted for later in the evening, so I enjoyed riding out ahead of it, and taking in the bucolic scenery in the depths of winter.

As I worked with my student earlier in the day, I was reminded of this quote by Albert Camus, that I wove into our work together as a theme:

"In the depths of winter,
I finally learned that within me
there lay an invincible summer."

This is the time of year many of us get down because of the cold and darkness, and yet we must go through the season of winter to give birth to the spring, and subsequent summer. It is good to remember, that even when we are experiencing winter, and cold and snowy skies - somewhere on this beautiful planet it is summer, and the sun is shining.

I thought of the beauty of winter, as I enjoyed my unexpected traveling experience, through the countryside and quiet farmlands. I cranked up the tunes in my car - singing many hymns, psalms, and spiritual songs - remembering those days in my youth when I made some spare change as a liturgical musician. Later on, I switched to more contemporary artists.

While I began my journey heavy in thoughts, I felt my breath expand within me as the rising sun, filling my being with warmth and joy, as I encouraged my own student to do earlier in the morning.

If today you feel sluggish, or down, tired or spent. Close your eyes for a moment. Tune into your breath. Bring your awareness to your heart. Visualize the sun rising within you - expanding your ribs circumferentially. Then visualize your energy field expanding with light. Allow yourself to be blinded by your own light. And then, whisper in your heart:

"In the depths of winter,
I finally learned that within me
there lay an invincible summer."

(By the way, the picture at the top of the blog is of the Potomac River, at Algonkian Park, where I often visit!)

Avatar - Inviting Transformation

It seems so many of the messages I have received from many gifted souls and intuitives recently, focuses on the coming year as being one of transformation.

Like so many others, I went to see the movie "Avatar" by the famed director James Cameron. I initially resisted seeing the movie, because it did not seem appealing to me. I also chose not see it in 3D since I have a phobia for heights and have eyes that were "lasered" for monovision.

I found the movie enticing, touching, a thing of beauty, and packed with powerful messages. Though it has invited wide criticism, it has also mobilized the planet in very unexpected ways.

Without giving away the plot or story line, suffice it to say, the movie is very reminiscent of "Dances With Wolves," which was released about 20 years ago, and is similar in plot to other movies as well. Still, there is something irresistible and magical about "Avatar."

The movie acknowledges that there is sacredness to nature and an energy that permeates all things and unites every thing that lives. This movie speaks to the sacred, to the mystical, to ethics, to stewardship, to a sense of respect, and to the awareness that every created being has a place and a purpose. It addresses so much, and has certainly stirred a wave of deep emotional reactions in all that have seen this movie.

I was struck last night, by how the movie has broken attendance and financial records all over the planet, and I realized, and was very much excited by the fact that I believe we have reached a critical mass in our history. Perhaps now, more than ever, there are more of us who believe in the inter-connectedness of all things on whatever level of understanding we have, and that we have a responsibility for this planet and all of its life forms.

Perhaps now, more than ever, we collectively acknowledge that there is a Force, or Source, which I recognize as Divine - which permeates all things and connects us.

Perhaps now, more than ever, we realize the importance of community, and working together to create the solutions needed to our very significant problems.

Perhaps now, more than ever, we are awakening to living more simply and sustainably, and realizing that not all that matters is the acquisition of material things.

I believe that this movie, while not perfect, and most definitely a product of the Hollywood establishment, invites in us deeper reflection and ultimately transformation of heart and soul. It is amazing to think that so many on this earth have been moved and touched so profoundly by this movie!

Go see it if you haven't!

God! God! God!

I arise in the waning darkness, to meditate on this, Paramahansa Yogananda's birthday...

It is cold - we are in a deep freeze - but I am warmed by my votive candles and the presence of a Great Master and many guides, who envelope me in love...

I cross the river to meet with my gifted therapist, also devoted to Yogananda. We had chosen this day to meet and meditate together, and I am showered with many crucial insights and a precious message given to me from the Other Side...

I am overwhelmed by many feelings on this day, and come home to a message from a dear friend and soul, who has also celebrated this day of a shared Master, in her own special way...

I practice yoga and trade tips with another dear soul and friend, and it feels good to truly "Open to Grace" and all that it offers...

I drive down to the river and walk along the boat launch, gingerly cracking the ice that hugs the edges. Yet the currents in the middle of the river are strong and they flow copiously. I pay homage to a river that has been silent witness to so much...

I return home to prayers asked by another dear soul, friend, and student, whose husband will receive a long awaited transplant tomorrow, which is also the Feast of Epiphany, and the gifts bestowed by the Three Wise Men...

I am in awe of many blessings received...

I sit now, as the sun goes down, soon to begin my evening meditation, and I am drawn to my favorite prayer by Paramahansa Yogananda, which I have shared with readers here, every year. Every reading of it yields new insight, and it seems fitting to end this day and entry with it on my lips...

God! God! God!

From the depths of slumber,
As I ascend the spiral stairway of wakefulness,
I whisper:
God! God! God!

Thou are the food, and when I break my fast
Of nightly separation from Thee,
I taste Thee, and mentally say,
God! God! God!

No matter where I go, the spotlight of my mind
Ever keeps turning on Thee;
And in the battle din of activity my silent war-cry
is ever:
God! God! God!

When boisterous storms of trials shriek
And worries howl at me,
I drown their noises loudly chanting:
God! God! God!

When my mind weaves dreams
With threads of memories,
On that magic cloth I do emboss:
God! God! God!

Every night, in time of deepest sleep,
My peace dreams and calls: Joy! Joy! Joy!
And my joy comes singing evermore:
God! God! God!

In waking, eating, working, dreaming, sleeping,
Serving, meditating, chanting, divinely loving,
My soul constantly hums, unheard by any any:
God! God! God!

I savor this last paragraph, repeating it over and over again, it is truly my favorite, and it has fed my heart and soul on many of occasions. May it now feed yours...

20 Tips for a Positive New Year

I am enjoying reading about resolutions people I know have set for this new year. This morning I came across these tips by Jon Gordon. Trying to do all 20 would be a challenge, so I suggest taking one a day - or better yet - focusing on one a week to more deeply become whom you are meant to be in 2010:

• Stay Positive. With faith all things are possible.
• When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement: My purpose is____.
• Take a morning walk of gratitude.
• Instead of being disappointed about where you are, think about where you are going.
• Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a college kid.
• Transform adversity into success by deciding change is not your enemy but your friend.
• Make a difference in the lives of others.
• Believe that everything happens for a reason and expect good out of challenges.
• Don't waste time on the past. Invest in the present moment.
• Mentor someone and be mentored by someone.
• Live with the 3 E's: Energy, Enthusiasm, Empathy.
• Remember there's no substitute for hard work.
• Ask every morning: What are the 3 most important things to do to create what I desire?
• Instead of complaining focus on solutions. It's the key to innovation.
• Read more books than you did in 2009.
• Learn from mistakes and let them teach you to make positive changes.
• Each day focus on what you get to do, not what you have to do. Life is a gift, not an obligation.
• Each night before you go to bed think of something you are thankful for and that you accomplished.
• Smile and laugh more. They are natural anti-depressants.
• Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it.

For more information, visit Jon Gordon:
www.JonGordon.com

Giving Thanks in the New Year

I end one year with Gratitude on my lips.

I being a new one with Gratitude in my heart...

I sit in meditation at the close of one year and the dawn of another - and the end of one decade and the beginning of another - with so many blessings and reasons to be grateful for - tumbling out of my heart - that they form a vast legion! Who knew I could think of such an infinite number of reasons?

As I suggested in my blog entry for yesterday, this year, choose to express gratitude every day, just once a day. You will find yourself going beyond this self-imposed perimeter soon enough. Making the commitment to be grateful just once a day - is so simple - it will open the floodgates to many more opportunities, and it will slowly change the course and direction of your life by softening your soul, enriching your perspective and igniting your deepest insights. There is a vast reservoir within you of infinite power and possibilities just waiting to be tapped.

I share with you this excerpt from the people at the "Go Gratitude" movement:

"May we choose Love over fear; unity and harmony over separation and discord. May we have the strength to claim our authentic power; standing true in Word, action, and deed, and with firm resolve BE the change we wish to see in the world...

May we remember Heaven is within our Hearts, opening our eyes to the sacred in all things. May we breathe prayers of thanks into each moment, and with reverence honor the gift this Life brings..."

And this, from Catherine Russo Epstein and her newsletter: "Jewelsofthelotus.com:"

"Can you feel the joy that is within your heart?
Can you feel the love that is all around you?
Can you see the magic that lies within?

Take a stand in your life, be upright and courageous.
Believe that the heart is open to the full capacity to love...
whatever is winging its way toward you.

Accept with GRACE all that is in your life right now,
Love it and don't fight it.
Peace is your choice."

And finally, a simple blessing from me, to all of you, for this New Year:

New Year's Blessing 2010

May this newest year rise
to meet the embrace
of your most deeply held dreams

May a new decade
unfold within you its promise
of the infinite possibilities
that are yours for the asking

May the paths you take
ground your body, mind and soul,
and reflect your choices,
intentions, and prayers

And may the life you choose to lead
be showered with the blessings
and Wondrous Love
that is the Gift of the Infinite

Blessings to all of you - on this dawn of a new year and a new decade! May it surpass all your wildest dreams and expectations!