It has been nearly a week since I made an entry here. In this time, I have been engaged very quietly in the yoga of waiting...
Yoga is a practice, and thus, the yoga of waiting is simply, the practice of waiting...
The practice of waiting invites us and draws us more deeply into the present moment. At such times, we are able to notice things that might have escaped our attention or awareness at other moments in our lives.
As often happens, a lot of what I read or contemplate is precisely what I need to reflect upon.
In these last couple of weeks before undergoing surgery, I am taking time to slow down, prepare, and simply be. I've slept in a bit here and there, taken an occasional nap, gone for long walks, and I do whatever little yoga I can do at the moment, and focus on enjoying the simple things: doing a dog pose with as much devotion as I can, instead of a long held inversion or a really deep backbend... Going for a walk - rather than a two hour practice... Reading the newspaper slowly... Enjoying a cup of coffee by myself, or with a friend... Weeding my landscaping with care... Savoring a good glass of wine...
Who knows how long we have to live? I would like to arrive at the end of mine without regrets - living each day fully and completely. I read yesterday, how most people regret they didn't really do what they wanted to do because of fear or expectations. Others, regretted not spending more time with friends and loved ones...
As I wait for a day that I hope will eventually mark a physical turning point for me, I also realize there are no guarantees in life. Things may be remarkably better. But then, they may not...
In this past year, one friend gave birth to her stillborn daughter. Another lost a battle with cancer. Still another took her own life. And countless others suffered many losses of some kind or another...
Yoga, meditation, and all our spiritual practices - remind us of what is ultimately important. These practices urge us to become the best possible people that we can be: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And, they enable us to carry whatever burdens we must shoulder.
And so, I wait. I prepare. And I accept - that I cannot do things I once did. While so many believe great things are in store for me, I also know, that everything comes and goes, like the ebb and flow of the tides...
I thought of this yesterday, which was "International Handstand Day." I watched so many of my friends post poses of themselves on Facebook - some doing one handed variations I had never seen. Handstand is a pose I've loved, but I struggled with it yesterday. It was humbling, but it reminded me to be more compassionate with myself, as I try to be with my students when they struggle with it as well.
And so, I end now by sharing some quotes I read this past week, which brought solace and elicited deep reflection...
"One should always avoid suggesting to the mind thoughts of human limitations such as sickness, old age, and death. Rather, the mind should be told this truth: 'I am the Infinite, which has become the body." Yogananda
"You have a UNIQUE relationship with your body because unlike other relationships that you can just walk away from when the going gets rough - your body goes WITH you EVERYWHERE in this lifetime. The time is NOW to make peace and love your body right where you ARE in this very moment!" Gena Livings
"Great Spirit, I pray for the strength to accept the role I have chosen in this lifetime and to allow others to do what they have chosen to do, or what is karmically appropriate for them. When I pray for my own healing or that of another, let me pray only that the highest good be done, whatever that may be. Let me strive to have no expectations of what healing is in any situation but only to hold the one being prayed for in the highest love and esteem, in the knowledge that they are One with you." Joan Borysenko
And so, it is...
Monday, June 27, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Stepping into the Sacredness of the Solstice
This morning, I went for a walk, then hoisted Grace, my kayak, into my truck, to go down to the river. It seemed fitting to step into the healing and cleansing waters of the river, on this day of the Summer Solstice.
We are in the midst of a most incredible time. On this day, the earth pauses for a moment, offering her inhale, into her exhale, and the sun seems to pause on the horizon. There is a still point that we can access and experience, that allows us to open to grace more fully, and enables us to step more deeply into the sacred, and to be bathed in its healing energies.
This year, the solstice follows the longest lunar eclipse in a decade, sandwiched in between two partial solar eclipses - one which transpired on June 1, and the other to occur on July 1st. In addition to all of this, we are experiencing a conjunction of planets known as a Cardinal Grand Cross. I am incapable of explaining all the technicality relating to these astrological events, but suffice it to say, that is a time heralding great change, and inviting deep cleansing and releasing, as we prepare for all that it is to come.
Indeed, all of our energies and thoughts are enhanced and magnified today, and many will gather to unite their consciousness and vibrations, and offer prayers and meditations for the planet, for themselves, and for all those in need. It is a time of great auspiciousness.
I thought about all of this, as I arrived at the river. It was as calm and quiet as I had seen it in a very long time. My first steps into the river sent out gentle ripples, and soon I was paddling upstream, on the opposite and hidden side of the first island dividing the Maryland and Virginia sides of the Potomac River. After I angled around the corner, I quietly floated downstream, and not a person or boat was in sight.
I locked eyes with a small blue heron, and we quietly observed one another for a while. Then, he flew around me, and downstream, as if leading the way...
I came home, to chant and sit in meditation for an hour, engulfing the very moment of the solstice, giving intention to let go of attachments, what does not serve, whatever holds me back, and connecting deeply with the Infinite Self within, which I imagined spreading out all over the Universe, ever mindful that at the moment, a critical mass of souls were engaged in the very same endeavor.
Today, take time to sit in solitude or get together with like-minded souls. Unite your prayers and energies and give intent to let go of what no longer serves. Ask to receive what is most needed in this moment, as we begin our sacred journey into the summer season, and beyond, towards the dark of winter once again - for to everything, there is a season. But for now, let us enjoy the light, and the warm and lazy days of summer!
We are in the midst of a most incredible time. On this day, the earth pauses for a moment, offering her inhale, into her exhale, and the sun seems to pause on the horizon. There is a still point that we can access and experience, that allows us to open to grace more fully, and enables us to step more deeply into the sacred, and to be bathed in its healing energies.
This year, the solstice follows the longest lunar eclipse in a decade, sandwiched in between two partial solar eclipses - one which transpired on June 1, and the other to occur on July 1st. In addition to all of this, we are experiencing a conjunction of planets known as a Cardinal Grand Cross. I am incapable of explaining all the technicality relating to these astrological events, but suffice it to say, that is a time heralding great change, and inviting deep cleansing and releasing, as we prepare for all that it is to come.
Indeed, all of our energies and thoughts are enhanced and magnified today, and many will gather to unite their consciousness and vibrations, and offer prayers and meditations for the planet, for themselves, and for all those in need. It is a time of great auspiciousness.
I thought about all of this, as I arrived at the river. It was as calm and quiet as I had seen it in a very long time. My first steps into the river sent out gentle ripples, and soon I was paddling upstream, on the opposite and hidden side of the first island dividing the Maryland and Virginia sides of the Potomac River. After I angled around the corner, I quietly floated downstream, and not a person or boat was in sight.
I locked eyes with a small blue heron, and we quietly observed one another for a while. Then, he flew around me, and downstream, as if leading the way...
I came home, to chant and sit in meditation for an hour, engulfing the very moment of the solstice, giving intention to let go of attachments, what does not serve, whatever holds me back, and connecting deeply with the Infinite Self within, which I imagined spreading out all over the Universe, ever mindful that at the moment, a critical mass of souls were engaged in the very same endeavor.
Today, take time to sit in solitude or get together with like-minded souls. Unite your prayers and energies and give intent to let go of what no longer serves. Ask to receive what is most needed in this moment, as we begin our sacred journey into the summer season, and beyond, towards the dark of winter once again - for to everything, there is a season. But for now, let us enjoy the light, and the warm and lazy days of summer!
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Reflections on the Art of Teaching Yoga
Last weekend at this time, I was just concluding a workshop with Christina Sell on sequencing and using themes in the teaching of yoga. All week, I have been reflecting on some of her insights and the art of teaching in general.
Christina, a gifted certified Anusara Yoga teacher, was witty and inspirational at the same time, and just what I needed, as I face surgery next month, and a subsequent hiatus from teaching during the summer.
Every teacher finds him - or herself - fresh out of ideas, and perhaps needing to take a break at some point in time. And, in 14 years of teaching yoga, I have not taken a break of more than a couple of weeks, at the end of a session. So, while I focus on physical healing, I am hoping to also "reclaim" some inspiration, and come back "refreshed."
I have been having difficulty coming up with themes lately. Ironically, this has always been the easiest part of lesson planning for me! In fact, just today, someone wrote me asking me about a theme I used over a year ago in a class, and wondering if I could remember what else I said about it. Routinely, I run into students who were in classes I subbed, often over a year ago, that will recall a particular theme I used - word for word - things like: "Let go of holding on, and hold on to letting go," "Everything in God, and God in everything," "I am empty, I am full," "Life is practice, and practice is life," and so forth - but, right now, I am feeling, somewhat out of gas...
Re-reading my copious notes from last weekend's workshop, I was able to re-connect once again, with what draws, energizes, and inspires me about teaching in general, and yoga more specifically...
Christina's theme for our Friday night practice focused on yoga as a radical affirmation of life - where we say "Yes!" to everything we encounter. She noted that "yes" is the courageous acceptance of a situation we are in - in the here and now - completely and fearlessly. We must be radical in accepting all the parts of ourselves - what what is difficult, what we've discarded, and what is deep and beautiful within us.
Christina also spoke of teaching yoga as a very high calling that as teachers, we answer. And as such, we must be more careful about what we say, how we act, and even exercising more patience if that is not particularly natural for us. Yoga teachers for the most part, have chosen to shine more light into the world and to help people heal - physically, emotionally, and spiritually - and to remember their true nature and who they truly are. And in this context, it is important for teachers to draw upon each other and support one another in this endeavor - and I would add - even outside of their chosen style or tradition. So, while I primarily choose to study, practice, and teach Anusara Yoga, I do have friends who teach and practice other styles as well.
Christina went on to discuss the various kinds of students and teachers, and how they learn best, and what inspires them most. As teachers, we must be cognizant of our students, their various learning styles and needs, and yet also understand that we will never meet every student's needs. I was reminded of this very humbly this week, when a student dropped in a class and duly, but graciously noted, that that class was not for her.
The whole weekend with Christina, but especially her last session on the mechanics of good teaching, was so filled with insights. I loved the way she described the Anusara Yoga Syllabus and its three levels - not as poses we all had to master or attain - but as as poses that could each be approached as a peak pose, thus making an individual pose - and indeed, the entire syllabus much more accessible.
Because Christina is more of a technical teacher - more drawn to the bio-mechanics of how poses work and how they should be linked together, and I am more of a mystic and poet - more interested in how things are "languaged" and how they touch or inspire others, I was able to gain much greater insight into the art of teaching yoga from an entirely different perspective.
I consider it no accident, that I was able to attend this workshop, just at the time I needed it the most. During the lazy weeks ahead, after surgery, I hope to gather more nourishment from many of the gems of wisdom received...
Christina, a gifted certified Anusara Yoga teacher, was witty and inspirational at the same time, and just what I needed, as I face surgery next month, and a subsequent hiatus from teaching during the summer.
Every teacher finds him - or herself - fresh out of ideas, and perhaps needing to take a break at some point in time. And, in 14 years of teaching yoga, I have not taken a break of more than a couple of weeks, at the end of a session. So, while I focus on physical healing, I am hoping to also "reclaim" some inspiration, and come back "refreshed."
I have been having difficulty coming up with themes lately. Ironically, this has always been the easiest part of lesson planning for me! In fact, just today, someone wrote me asking me about a theme I used over a year ago in a class, and wondering if I could remember what else I said about it. Routinely, I run into students who were in classes I subbed, often over a year ago, that will recall a particular theme I used - word for word - things like: "Let go of holding on, and hold on to letting go," "Everything in God, and God in everything," "I am empty, I am full," "Life is practice, and practice is life," and so forth - but, right now, I am feeling, somewhat out of gas...
Re-reading my copious notes from last weekend's workshop, I was able to re-connect once again, with what draws, energizes, and inspires me about teaching in general, and yoga more specifically...
Christina's theme for our Friday night practice focused on yoga as a radical affirmation of life - where we say "Yes!" to everything we encounter. She noted that "yes" is the courageous acceptance of a situation we are in - in the here and now - completely and fearlessly. We must be radical in accepting all the parts of ourselves - what what is difficult, what we've discarded, and what is deep and beautiful within us.
Christina also spoke of teaching yoga as a very high calling that as teachers, we answer. And as such, we must be more careful about what we say, how we act, and even exercising more patience if that is not particularly natural for us. Yoga teachers for the most part, have chosen to shine more light into the world and to help people heal - physically, emotionally, and spiritually - and to remember their true nature and who they truly are. And in this context, it is important for teachers to draw upon each other and support one another in this endeavor - and I would add - even outside of their chosen style or tradition. So, while I primarily choose to study, practice, and teach Anusara Yoga, I do have friends who teach and practice other styles as well.
Christina went on to discuss the various kinds of students and teachers, and how they learn best, and what inspires them most. As teachers, we must be cognizant of our students, their various learning styles and needs, and yet also understand that we will never meet every student's needs. I was reminded of this very humbly this week, when a student dropped in a class and duly, but graciously noted, that that class was not for her.
The whole weekend with Christina, but especially her last session on the mechanics of good teaching, was so filled with insights. I loved the way she described the Anusara Yoga Syllabus and its three levels - not as poses we all had to master or attain - but as as poses that could each be approached as a peak pose, thus making an individual pose - and indeed, the entire syllabus much more accessible.
Because Christina is more of a technical teacher - more drawn to the bio-mechanics of how poses work and how they should be linked together, and I am more of a mystic and poet - more interested in how things are "languaged" and how they touch or inspire others, I was able to gain much greater insight into the art of teaching yoga from an entirely different perspective.
I consider it no accident, that I was able to attend this workshop, just at the time I needed it the most. During the lazy weeks ahead, after surgery, I hope to gather more nourishment from many of the gems of wisdom received...
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
You Are the Love
This morning, as I sat in meditation, on this day of a lunar eclipse, sandwiched in between two partial solar eclipses - the first occurring on June 1, and the next on July 1, I heard these words deep inside:
I was surprised by this insight arising within, but then later on, I read a metaphysical interpretation of these three eclipses and the coming Summer Solstice, and found that they were about releasing and letting go, about healing and restructuring relationships, facing challenges, and taking decisive actions to move forward. And really, who doesn't find all of this relevant on some level?
Later in the day, I spoke to a dear friend experiencing a great loss, and she shared with me the wisdom and tools one of her teachers had given her to deal with her situation. He too, reminded my friend, not to doubt herself, but to take time to nourish herself, and to remember that despite the hurt and loss she may be feeling, she remained the very embodiment of love.
When I talked to my friend, I reminded her to be compassionate with herself - and with others involved - because it would enable her to shift the necessary energies in those relationships, and thus release any karmic ties that would otherwise bind or continue.
In the writings of so many yogic sages and scriptures, we are reminded time and time again, that we are the one we seek. There is a spark of the Divine that is within each and every one of us. And this spark makes us all one. We spend our whole entire lifetimes looking for and seeking fulfillment and love outside of ourselves, when everything we have ever needed, has been inside of us all along.
It is so easy. And yet this is also such a hard lesson to learn!
I am always reminded of the poet Rumi, who wrote:
And yet, we do not believe this. We don't allow ourselves to see this. We are, as I like to remind my students - a microcosm of the macrocosm...
Yes. You are the love that you need and you seek. The kingdom of God is always within you. During this time of great energetic and cosmological shifts, ask to receive what you most need. Or, as Christina Sell, a wonderful and very gifted Anusara yoga teacher told us at a workshop this weekend, quoting one of her teachers:
No one will walk your life's path with you in its entirety. Not here - not there - and not beyond this life.
Seek and you will find. Ask and you shall receive. Knock and it shall be opened to you. Everything is within. All the love you'll ever need - because you are that love - and always connected to the Source of that Love. Embrace it. And shine it out. And awaken that knowledge in others!
"You are the love that you need.
Shine it out, and then see that love
reflected in others - in their eyes.
Everything you need is inside.
Anything else is limiting and unfulfilling..."
Shine it out, and then see that love
reflected in others - in their eyes.
Everything you need is inside.
Anything else is limiting and unfulfilling..."
I was surprised by this insight arising within, but then later on, I read a metaphysical interpretation of these three eclipses and the coming Summer Solstice, and found that they were about releasing and letting go, about healing and restructuring relationships, facing challenges, and taking decisive actions to move forward. And really, who doesn't find all of this relevant on some level?
Later in the day, I spoke to a dear friend experiencing a great loss, and she shared with me the wisdom and tools one of her teachers had given her to deal with her situation. He too, reminded my friend, not to doubt herself, but to take time to nourish herself, and to remember that despite the hurt and loss she may be feeling, she remained the very embodiment of love.
When I talked to my friend, I reminded her to be compassionate with herself - and with others involved - because it would enable her to shift the necessary energies in those relationships, and thus release any karmic ties that would otherwise bind or continue.
In the writings of so many yogic sages and scriptures, we are reminded time and time again, that we are the one we seek. There is a spark of the Divine that is within each and every one of us. And this spark makes us all one. We spend our whole entire lifetimes looking for and seeking fulfillment and love outside of ourselves, when everything we have ever needed, has been inside of us all along.
It is so easy. And yet this is also such a hard lesson to learn!
I am always reminded of the poet Rumi, who wrote:
"The whole universe is inside of you.
Ask all from yourself."
Ask all from yourself."
And yet, we do not believe this. We don't allow ourselves to see this. We are, as I like to remind my students - a microcosm of the macrocosm...
Yes. You are the love that you need and you seek. The kingdom of God is always within you. During this time of great energetic and cosmological shifts, ask to receive what you most need. Or, as Christina Sell, a wonderful and very gifted Anusara yoga teacher told us at a workshop this weekend, quoting one of her teachers:
"You are the only person [in this life] going all the way with you!"
No one will walk your life's path with you in its entirety. Not here - not there - and not beyond this life.
Seek and you will find. Ask and you shall receive. Knock and it shall be opened to you. Everything is within. All the love you'll ever need - because you are that love - and always connected to the Source of that Love. Embrace it. And shine it out. And awaken that knowledge in others!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
What I Know
Late yesterday afternoon, as I was tackling the grueling traffic on the beltway, here in the Washington DC area, on my way to teach my weekly yoga class at Willow Street Yoga Center, I asked myself, "What do I know?"
In other words, what have I learned that has shifted my consciousness, or my perspective recently - or what I have learned or practiced that has enabled me to deal with life's circumstances or curve balls.
Earlier this week, I read the article "Who Do You Think You Are?" by Sally Kempton on the site: Patheos.com
In this article, Sally discusses how to work with "avidya," a Sanskrit word which describes the basic ignorance of who we are, and she cites Sutra 2.5, of Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. This is what Sally has to say:
"'Avidya,' the sutra says, 'is to mistake what is perishable for the eternal, what is impure for the pure, what is sorrow for what is happiness, and the not-Self for the True Self.'"
I've read and taught the sutras many times throughout the years, but this week, this simple verse, spoke volumes to me. I am also continuing to reflect on the teaching from the Bhagavad Gita that reminds us that we are only entitled to our actions, but never to the fruit of our actions - for these belong only to God. In other words, we must act freely - without expectations and with no attachment to the outcomes.
If I could truly embody both of these teachings, I would experience a freedom that is simply unimaginable. I would also be able to live more fully in the present moment. Nothing else would matter...
In recent weeks, I have been led to include, what I call a "Prayer of Surrender" in my meditations. Instead of asking for specific things, I simply lay all the things I wish to release at the feet of the Divine, and only ask for what I - or others - most need. This has been very liberating. After all, who, better than God knows what is most indicated and necessary in another person's life?
Yesterday, I also ran across this quote:
Today, I read these words in a poem:
What do I know?
I know that no one appointed me "Master of the Universe."
I know that I do not have the big picture.
I know that I can't control anything.
I know that the things that are meant to be, are those that happen.
I know that if things are in the flow, then they are what they must be.
I know that what is in the past - is in the past.
I know that what was - WAS.
I know that what is happening now, is what is meant to be.
I know that what is - IS.
I know that what others do and I perceive as a hurt, is really about them.
I know that I can turn anything around by changing the way I see it.
I know that your perspective is not mine. And yet neither is fully accurate.
I know that the things we worry about, are the things that never happen.
I know I can counter something energetically, by blessing it.
I know that I need to keep working on all of these things.
I know that everything is in God's hands.
I know that everything will be as it should be.
I know that everything is perfect as it is, in this moment.
I know I am never alone even if I think that I am.
I know that we are all one - and cannot be separate from one another.
And I know, that if I embody all of these things, I will very slowly, but deliberately, whittle away at the ignorance of my True Nature.
And thank you to Forensicscience.net for the "shout out as great blog!
http://www.forensicscience.net/best-reiki-blogs
In other words, what have I learned that has shifted my consciousness, or my perspective recently - or what I have learned or practiced that has enabled me to deal with life's circumstances or curve balls.
Earlier this week, I read the article "Who Do You Think You Are?" by Sally Kempton on the site: Patheos.com
In this article, Sally discusses how to work with "avidya," a Sanskrit word which describes the basic ignorance of who we are, and she cites Sutra 2.5, of Patanjali's Yoga Sutra. This is what Sally has to say:
"'Avidya,' the sutra says, 'is to mistake what is perishable for the eternal, what is impure for the pure, what is sorrow for what is happiness, and the not-Self for the True Self.'"
I've read and taught the sutras many times throughout the years, but this week, this simple verse, spoke volumes to me. I am also continuing to reflect on the teaching from the Bhagavad Gita that reminds us that we are only entitled to our actions, but never to the fruit of our actions - for these belong only to God. In other words, we must act freely - without expectations and with no attachment to the outcomes.
If I could truly embody both of these teachings, I would experience a freedom that is simply unimaginable. I would also be able to live more fully in the present moment. Nothing else would matter...
In recent weeks, I have been led to include, what I call a "Prayer of Surrender" in my meditations. Instead of asking for specific things, I simply lay all the things I wish to release at the feet of the Divine, and only ask for what I - or others - most need. This has been very liberating. After all, who, better than God knows what is most indicated and necessary in another person's life?
Yesterday, I also ran across this quote:
"Surrender is the simple but profound wisdom
of yielding to, rather than opposing the flow of life."
~ Eckhart Tolle
of yielding to, rather than opposing the flow of life."
~ Eckhart Tolle
Today, I read these words in a poem:
"To live in this world
you must be able
to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go."
~ Mary Oliver
you must be able
to do three things:
to love what is mortal;
to hold it
against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it;
and, when the time comes to let it go,
to let it go."
~ Mary Oliver
What do I know?
I know that no one appointed me "Master of the Universe."
I know that I do not have the big picture.
I know that I can't control anything.
I know that the things that are meant to be, are those that happen.
I know that if things are in the flow, then they are what they must be.
I know that what is in the past - is in the past.
I know that what was - WAS.
I know that what is happening now, is what is meant to be.
I know that what is - IS.
I know that what others do and I perceive as a hurt, is really about them.
I know that I can turn anything around by changing the way I see it.
I know that your perspective is not mine. And yet neither is fully accurate.
I know that the things we worry about, are the things that never happen.
I know I can counter something energetically, by blessing it.
I know that I need to keep working on all of these things.
I know that everything is in God's hands.
I know that everything will be as it should be.
I know that everything is perfect as it is, in this moment.
I know I am never alone even if I think that I am.
I know that we are all one - and cannot be separate from one another.
And I know, that if I embody all of these things, I will very slowly, but deliberately, whittle away at the ignorance of my True Nature.
And thank you to Forensicscience.net for the "shout out as great blog!
http://www.forensicscience.net/best-reiki-blogs
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Body Speaks
In 1998, I read two books that significantly shifted my perspective about the body and my understanding of consciousness. These books were, Hands of Life: An Energy Healer Reveals the Secrets of Using Your Body's Own Energy Medicine for Healing, Recovery, and Transformation, by Julie Motz, and The Heart's Code: Tapping the Wisdom and Power of Our Heart Energy, by Paul Pearsall, PhD.
Let me explain why these books have remained seminal works on the shelf where I keep the books I consider most influential.
Julie Motz is an intuitive healer who worked with Dr. Mehmet Oz, back in the day when he was just a heart transplant surgeon and Oprah had not "discovered" him. At that time, Motz worked closely with Dr. Oz, in the operating room, "dialoguing" with both the "exiting" organ, and the new one being received. Motz reveals in her book, how the "out-going organ" and the body are saddened at their parting of the ways so to speak, and the "in-coming organ" is just as apprehensive about its coming into a new host. Motz sought to make all the parties involved "play nicely," and this led to a quicker recovery for the patient. Of course, there is much more that this process entails.
I was somewhat shocked at the time. How could a body part "dialogue" with a whole organism - or another individual? Did it have its own mind? I had not yet considered that consciousness could fully exist in every cell of the body.
Paul Pearsall's book was equally unsettling and fascinating when I read it. He recounts countless stories where transplant recipients "inherited" a donor's tastes, likes, and even memories. In one story, a young recipient is able to help solve the murder of her donor by identifying the perpetrator. In another case, a recipient, a foreigner with a weak command of English, utters as one of his first words, an arcane expression used as a code between two spouses, one deceased, and the other living, to indicate things were alright between them.
What explanation could there be for such a thing? Back then, it was such an amazing thing to me. Now, it is something I take for granted.
Around the very same time I read these books, I met my very gifted craniosacral therapist, Suzanne, and now I could write my own book about the incredible experiences I have had in my healing journey, in subsequent years.
As I prepare for a hysterectomy next month, something that has been a long time coming, I have been struggling with how comprehensive this surgery should be. So, more specifically - without being evasive - the question I have been asking myself is - should I - or should I not remove my ovaries?
There are many reasons for and against doing this. My surgeon wisely noted, that we don't completely understand the function of the ovaries. I wondered if I should split the difference - take one out, and leave one in...
Today, on Suzanne's table, I got a clear answer.
For a few months, we had worked together to ready my body for this major transition, and I really felt everything was quiet, and just ready and waiting. But, to both of our surprise, we got very clear messages about what to do, and I was convinced, as a result, that these organs needed to stay in. I even received specific instructions of what I needed to do for the recuperation to go more smoothly!
I "received" details about the inter-relationship of these organs to other systems, and how they worked in tandem. Other parts of my body jumped in as well. For years, I've experienced increasing pain in my legs due to the condition that has made the surgery necessary, and they "spoke" to me as well, noting that I had been able to endure so much pain for so long because of my dedication to my yoga and meditation practice - even though the yoga has become increasingly more limited, and thus frustrating to me as well. Still, I was "told" that once this situation is resolved, I would be able to deepen my practices in a way I could not have done so up until now.
I was even told that with all of this, a deeper feminine wisdom would emerge that would be more characteristic of this second half of my life. All of the various dialoging parts of my body joined in unison to commend me by noting that I had honored my process and really listened to my body, and that I took time to explore and address whatever needed attention, and that I had also done my homework.
So, that being said, I am at peace. In more ways than one. Over 13 years ago, I might have questioned this experience, but I no longer do so.
In many recent entries I have written about how answers to questions come in so many ways - if we are willing to listen. They can come from perfect strangers and chance encounters, from nature, from people we know, things we read, and so forth. Lately, it seems I am overwhelmed by messages and insights coming - sometimes so rapidly - I almost do not have time to process them.
A couple of years ago, I wrote and self-published two books: The River Speaks, and The River Speaks: The Dialogue Continues. Both of these books documented the lessons I learned on the banks of the river, and later on, inside of it, when the river instructed I come in. Then, one day - I realized it had ceased talking and teaching - and our relationship to each other changed.
I share this, to encourage you to listen to your body. Listen to the insights that come to you. My most powerful insights and messages come through my practices. Everything speaks. "God speaks, in the silence of the heart - and we listen." This is what Mother Teresa of Calcutta once taught. Yes, God speaks. And sometimes God speaks through a gifted therapist, or through the body - or both.
For Suzanne's account of the session, see:
http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/presence-matters/2011/06/07/awakening-the-deep-feminine/
Let me explain why these books have remained seminal works on the shelf where I keep the books I consider most influential.
Julie Motz is an intuitive healer who worked with Dr. Mehmet Oz, back in the day when he was just a heart transplant surgeon and Oprah had not "discovered" him. At that time, Motz worked closely with Dr. Oz, in the operating room, "dialoguing" with both the "exiting" organ, and the new one being received. Motz reveals in her book, how the "out-going organ" and the body are saddened at their parting of the ways so to speak, and the "in-coming organ" is just as apprehensive about its coming into a new host. Motz sought to make all the parties involved "play nicely," and this led to a quicker recovery for the patient. Of course, there is much more that this process entails.
I was somewhat shocked at the time. How could a body part "dialogue" with a whole organism - or another individual? Did it have its own mind? I had not yet considered that consciousness could fully exist in every cell of the body.
Paul Pearsall's book was equally unsettling and fascinating when I read it. He recounts countless stories where transplant recipients "inherited" a donor's tastes, likes, and even memories. In one story, a young recipient is able to help solve the murder of her donor by identifying the perpetrator. In another case, a recipient, a foreigner with a weak command of English, utters as one of his first words, an arcane expression used as a code between two spouses, one deceased, and the other living, to indicate things were alright between them.
What explanation could there be for such a thing? Back then, it was such an amazing thing to me. Now, it is something I take for granted.
Around the very same time I read these books, I met my very gifted craniosacral therapist, Suzanne, and now I could write my own book about the incredible experiences I have had in my healing journey, in subsequent years.
As I prepare for a hysterectomy next month, something that has been a long time coming, I have been struggling with how comprehensive this surgery should be. So, more specifically - without being evasive - the question I have been asking myself is - should I - or should I not remove my ovaries?
There are many reasons for and against doing this. My surgeon wisely noted, that we don't completely understand the function of the ovaries. I wondered if I should split the difference - take one out, and leave one in...
Today, on Suzanne's table, I got a clear answer.
For a few months, we had worked together to ready my body for this major transition, and I really felt everything was quiet, and just ready and waiting. But, to both of our surprise, we got very clear messages about what to do, and I was convinced, as a result, that these organs needed to stay in. I even received specific instructions of what I needed to do for the recuperation to go more smoothly!
I "received" details about the inter-relationship of these organs to other systems, and how they worked in tandem. Other parts of my body jumped in as well. For years, I've experienced increasing pain in my legs due to the condition that has made the surgery necessary, and they "spoke" to me as well, noting that I had been able to endure so much pain for so long because of my dedication to my yoga and meditation practice - even though the yoga has become increasingly more limited, and thus frustrating to me as well. Still, I was "told" that once this situation is resolved, I would be able to deepen my practices in a way I could not have done so up until now.
I was even told that with all of this, a deeper feminine wisdom would emerge that would be more characteristic of this second half of my life. All of the various dialoging parts of my body joined in unison to commend me by noting that I had honored my process and really listened to my body, and that I took time to explore and address whatever needed attention, and that I had also done my homework.
So, that being said, I am at peace. In more ways than one. Over 13 years ago, I might have questioned this experience, but I no longer do so.
In many recent entries I have written about how answers to questions come in so many ways - if we are willing to listen. They can come from perfect strangers and chance encounters, from nature, from people we know, things we read, and so forth. Lately, it seems I am overwhelmed by messages and insights coming - sometimes so rapidly - I almost do not have time to process them.
A couple of years ago, I wrote and self-published two books: The River Speaks, and The River Speaks: The Dialogue Continues. Both of these books documented the lessons I learned on the banks of the river, and later on, inside of it, when the river instructed I come in. Then, one day - I realized it had ceased talking and teaching - and our relationship to each other changed.
I share this, to encourage you to listen to your body. Listen to the insights that come to you. My most powerful insights and messages come through my practices. Everything speaks. "God speaks, in the silence of the heart - and we listen." This is what Mother Teresa of Calcutta once taught. Yes, God speaks. And sometimes God speaks through a gifted therapist, or through the body - or both.
For Suzanne's account of the session, see:
http://massagemag.com/massage-blog/presence-matters/2011/06/07/awakening-the-deep-feminine/
Friday, June 3, 2011
Sacred Love
I continue to savor parts of Adyashanti's Emptiness Dancing, in addition to several other books I am reading simultaneously. Within this book, there is an exquisite chapter on the nature of real love, and I have taken time to reflect on certain passages and sentences, and have posted them as Facebook and Twitter updates as well.
Adya notes that without love there is no truth, and without truth, there is no love. There are many different kinds of love, and the love that we are at our essence is real, and transcends all experiences and emotions. He also points out, that if we stay connected at the heart, it is very difficult to lie or even tell a half-truth. This love is indiscriminate, and doesn't know how to turn itself on and off. Furthermore, love isn't something we fall in and out of. Love simply is. Period.
Here are a couple of passages, slighted edited, that I resonated with:
"[Real love] is pre-existing... Possibly the only fear greater than death is love, real love. Finding out that you do love, that this is your nature, is the beginning of the end for everything in you that thinks it is separate... There is no such thing as loving once and then not loving...
True love has nothing to do with liking someone... It is a love of unity, a love of seeing God... This is a love that has no opposite...but is present in everything... When you realize this, it is a revolution because [this love] loves the unlovable, loves what you're not supposed to love or what you were not allowed to love culturally, and is not paying attention to the separating rules of ego...this is a different kind of love... This love is timeless. This love is uncontained...
The truly sacred love is the love of what is, not a love of what could be. This love liberates what is..."
At the same time, I read these words from a channeled message (slightly edited) by the Circle of Light:
"I ask you to place your focus on giving Love in every way, without attempting to control it. Allow it to pour forth through you as poetry, as art, as parables and as stories, as theater, as dance, as celebrations, as expressions of appreciation, as music, and as anything Love speaks through you. You will come forth as an array of symbols of the giving forth of Love in the symbols of the world."
Wow. So much food for thought here...We are speaking of a love that is Divine - which unites us all at our essence, and that we express in our words, and deeds, our practices, and all of our creative ventures. It is a love that we cannot be without...
I am blessed to know many whom I believe embody this kind of love. I am part of a community where I have experienced that kind of love, sometimes from people I hardly know. What a wonderful blessing that is! And in these last few days, I have certainly been reminded of this, as I prepare for major surgery next month, and find myself at the receiving end of an outpouring of love and support, and offerings of care...
I dare to dream, and ask, and imagine - a world where this kind of love is the norm. I choose to believe, that as a people, we are awakening, and on the verge of the dawning of a new era, where this kind of very sacred love, will prevail all that is...
I pray that I may more deeply embody, reflect, and come to know that kind of love. And, I pray and wish that for you as well!
Adya notes that without love there is no truth, and without truth, there is no love. There are many different kinds of love, and the love that we are at our essence is real, and transcends all experiences and emotions. He also points out, that if we stay connected at the heart, it is very difficult to lie or even tell a half-truth. This love is indiscriminate, and doesn't know how to turn itself on and off. Furthermore, love isn't something we fall in and out of. Love simply is. Period.
Here are a couple of passages, slighted edited, that I resonated with:
"[Real love] is pre-existing... Possibly the only fear greater than death is love, real love. Finding out that you do love, that this is your nature, is the beginning of the end for everything in you that thinks it is separate... There is no such thing as loving once and then not loving...
True love has nothing to do with liking someone... It is a love of unity, a love of seeing God... This is a love that has no opposite...but is present in everything... When you realize this, it is a revolution because [this love] loves the unlovable, loves what you're not supposed to love or what you were not allowed to love culturally, and is not paying attention to the separating rules of ego...this is a different kind of love... This love is timeless. This love is uncontained...
The truly sacred love is the love of what is, not a love of what could be. This love liberates what is..."
At the same time, I read these words from a channeled message (slightly edited) by the Circle of Light:
"I ask you to place your focus on giving Love in every way, without attempting to control it. Allow it to pour forth through you as poetry, as art, as parables and as stories, as theater, as dance, as celebrations, as expressions of appreciation, as music, and as anything Love speaks through you. You will come forth as an array of symbols of the giving forth of Love in the symbols of the world."
Wow. So much food for thought here...We are speaking of a love that is Divine - which unites us all at our essence, and that we express in our words, and deeds, our practices, and all of our creative ventures. It is a love that we cannot be without...
I am blessed to know many whom I believe embody this kind of love. I am part of a community where I have experienced that kind of love, sometimes from people I hardly know. What a wonderful blessing that is! And in these last few days, I have certainly been reminded of this, as I prepare for major surgery next month, and find myself at the receiving end of an outpouring of love and support, and offerings of care...
I dare to dream, and ask, and imagine - a world where this kind of love is the norm. I choose to believe, that as a people, we are awakening, and on the verge of the dawning of a new era, where this kind of very sacred love, will prevail all that is...
I pray that I may more deeply embody, reflect, and come to know that kind of love. And, I pray and wish that for you as well!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Teaching (Yoga) as a Calling
Do you have a calling?
Do you know what that calling is?
Don't think you do? Well guess what! We all have one, and some of us take a while to find out what it is. For some, it takes a whole life time...
As a child, I remember being asked what I wanted to do when I grew up. I would often respond, that I wanted to help people. I really had no idea what that meant, but somewhere along the way, I thought studying psychology would be the way to live out my calling. And then I studied theology in the early 70's, when so much change was in the air, and thought this would be my route.
The one thing I said I would never do is teach. Yes, really... Seriously! It was the one thing I was bound and determined NOT to do...
But God, the Universe, or whatever, had other plans for me, and through a series of circumstances, I wound up teaching high school one year while I was finishing my Master's degree, because I needed a job. Desperately. I was offered a job on the spot and I took it. That should have been my first clue. They wanted someone - anyone - to take the job!
It ended up being such a horrendous year in many ways. I could write a book about my experiences. When I tell stories about that year, people think I made them up. I think the one everyone likes the best is the story of the girl caught "entertaining" boys in the confessional in the chapel during the lunch shift. And I don't mean telling jokes! A friend of mine who was also a school teacher said I lied and made this up. Until it happened to her! She eventually caught a pair of students in the confessional in her own school. (Obviously, we are talking Catholic schools here!)
I took my second job teaching high school to prove to myself that it couldn't be that bad everywhere. And it wasn't. I proceeded to spend the next 23 years teaching at two Visitation schools, first in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then in Georgetown, in Washington DC.
My son, whose birthday is today, was actually conceived at the beginning of a school year, and I was in labor on graduation day, in 1985...Talk about perfect timing - and it was totally unplanned! I guess teaching was in my genes!
In 2002, I left teaching high school, to teach yoga part time, which I had been doing on the side for about 5 years at that point.
I've never made a lot of money at it. In fact, some years, like the last couple, I've brought in enough to cover my yoga workshops, training, and related travel expenses, and that's about it. But, that's okay. I never made a lot teaching high school either, and its not why I choose to do either one.
I knew early on, I wasn't interested in becoming a nationally known teacher. There are many others who are more talented and gifted practitioners - and, maybe even better teachers. Though my students will tell you that is open for debate. But, I did know, that I wanted to make a difference in my own local community, and just introduce regular folks to yoga.
In her last show, Oprah spoke of what a calling is. It is something that lights you up. She spoke of letting your life speak for you, and that when you do that, you will receive in direct proportion to what you give. And that's what I have tried to do. And that's what I have received...
Oprah also spoke of being a safe harbor for others. She urged her listeners to connect. Embrace. Liberate. Love somebody. Then then spread that love to two and then more - and see what a difference it makes.
That's what I have tried to do with all my students throughout the years. Sometimes I have succeeded at it better than at other times. For the times I missed the mark, I am sorry.
Today, I looked at my students whom I teach at my home studio - a small, but dedicated group that has stood by me, through thick and thin when I left the studio I was at 3 and a half years ago. And so, I told them, that in the fall, I would offer them the opportunity to take two classes a week from me for the price of one. I wanted them to deepen their practice, and did not want money to stand in the way of that...
This little group has been wonderful. And they have seen tremendous trials. Death. Serious illness. Divorce. Infidelity. Cancer. And so forth. It seemed like such a little thing to offer, but I know it was the right thing to do...
What is your calling? It doesn't matter. Find what lights you up. And do it! Give, so that you may receive!
Do you know what that calling is?
Don't think you do? Well guess what! We all have one, and some of us take a while to find out what it is. For some, it takes a whole life time...
As a child, I remember being asked what I wanted to do when I grew up. I would often respond, that I wanted to help people. I really had no idea what that meant, but somewhere along the way, I thought studying psychology would be the way to live out my calling. And then I studied theology in the early 70's, when so much change was in the air, and thought this would be my route.
The one thing I said I would never do is teach. Yes, really... Seriously! It was the one thing I was bound and determined NOT to do...
But God, the Universe, or whatever, had other plans for me, and through a series of circumstances, I wound up teaching high school one year while I was finishing my Master's degree, because I needed a job. Desperately. I was offered a job on the spot and I took it. That should have been my first clue. They wanted someone - anyone - to take the job!
It ended up being such a horrendous year in many ways. I could write a book about my experiences. When I tell stories about that year, people think I made them up. I think the one everyone likes the best is the story of the girl caught "entertaining" boys in the confessional in the chapel during the lunch shift. And I don't mean telling jokes! A friend of mine who was also a school teacher said I lied and made this up. Until it happened to her! She eventually caught a pair of students in the confessional in her own school. (Obviously, we are talking Catholic schools here!)
I took my second job teaching high school to prove to myself that it couldn't be that bad everywhere. And it wasn't. I proceeded to spend the next 23 years teaching at two Visitation schools, first in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then in Georgetown, in Washington DC.
My son, whose birthday is today, was actually conceived at the beginning of a school year, and I was in labor on graduation day, in 1985...Talk about perfect timing - and it was totally unplanned! I guess teaching was in my genes!
In 2002, I left teaching high school, to teach yoga part time, which I had been doing on the side for about 5 years at that point.
I've never made a lot of money at it. In fact, some years, like the last couple, I've brought in enough to cover my yoga workshops, training, and related travel expenses, and that's about it. But, that's okay. I never made a lot teaching high school either, and its not why I choose to do either one.
I knew early on, I wasn't interested in becoming a nationally known teacher. There are many others who are more talented and gifted practitioners - and, maybe even better teachers. Though my students will tell you that is open for debate. But, I did know, that I wanted to make a difference in my own local community, and just introduce regular folks to yoga.
In her last show, Oprah spoke of what a calling is. It is something that lights you up. She spoke of letting your life speak for you, and that when you do that, you will receive in direct proportion to what you give. And that's what I have tried to do. And that's what I have received...
Oprah also spoke of being a safe harbor for others. She urged her listeners to connect. Embrace. Liberate. Love somebody. Then then spread that love to two and then more - and see what a difference it makes.
That's what I have tried to do with all my students throughout the years. Sometimes I have succeeded at it better than at other times. For the times I missed the mark, I am sorry.
Today, I looked at my students whom I teach at my home studio - a small, but dedicated group that has stood by me, through thick and thin when I left the studio I was at 3 and a half years ago. And so, I told them, that in the fall, I would offer them the opportunity to take two classes a week from me for the price of one. I wanted them to deepen their practice, and did not want money to stand in the way of that...
This little group has been wonderful. And they have seen tremendous trials. Death. Serious illness. Divorce. Infidelity. Cancer. And so forth. It seemed like such a little thing to offer, but I know it was the right thing to do...
What is your calling? It doesn't matter. Find what lights you up. And do it! Give, so that you may receive!
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