There is a reason for this season, no matter what tradition we observe or celebrate...
This is a time of preparation, and delving more deeply within ourselves, as we journey into the heart of winter...
But, it is also a time for waiting...
What a lesson this is, in a culture of instant gratification - where everything occurs instantly - where no one truly knows how to wait - or acknowledge its quiet lessons and the fruits born of its practice...
For many of us, and most particularly Christians, this time of Advent ushers in the Christmas season. We prepare our hearts and home - we await with joyful expectation, exercising hospitality, generosity, and being generally of good cheer. We are pregnant with possibilities... As Mary was... Yes, anything is possible...
What a positive message this is for us to digest and embody during a year that has seen much strife and negativity. But even in the midst of all of that, the promise, the seeds, and the possibility of love blooms, everywhere, most especially in places where one least expects it...
This is a time to welcome others. Not to turn our backs on anyone... And the season is seeded from the remnants of our observation of Thanksgiving, when we took the time to express our deepest gratitude. And there is always something to be grateful for. When I can't find something to be grateful for - I think of that child of the Holocaust, who scratched these words into the barracks where he - or she died:
"I believe in the sun, even when it is not shining."
What should we express our gratitude for? For EVERYTHING!
Henri Nouwen, the much loved theologian, once observed, that the experience of waiting in the scriptures occurs within the context and expectation of a promise, and it was this promise that allowed those dwelling in the experience of waiting, the courage to wait. This sense of promise enabled the following individuals in the Gospels - Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary, Simeon and Anna - to wait - from a place where they felt nurtured and fed - so they could stay where they were - in the moment - accepting their experience...
Nouwen also noted, that "this is very important for us [as well]...because we can wait only if what we are waiting for has already begun for us. Waiting is never a movement from nothing to something. It is always a movement from something - to something more..."
I need to wrap my brain around that...
We wait, to receive more - to give birth to something greater in ourselves - something we already are...
This week, I read a message which asserted that we should give thanks for what is not yet. In doing so, we help create what we have not quite received...
We wait, with a deep sense of expectation...
We should say: "I have received and I am grateful..."
Let us begin this season of waiting as if it were an adventure. Every day truly is... Let let go of being impatient. Advent, and this season - is an invitation for all of us to live more deeply in the present moment...
Wait! If you hurry, you might miss the biggest gift of the season - regardless of your tradition or spiritual practices: It is the Gift of God's Grace and Peace...
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Many Ways to God
I arise early, on this morning, the eve of the beginning of Advent, a sacred season, on the heels of Thanksgiving, with my heart filled to the brim with rich experiences...
I sit in meditation, and begin to prepare for Advent...
On the LONG flight back from Istanbul (12 hours), I was able to sit and reflect on these experiences, and I thought to myself - there are truly - many ways to God...
This is one of the lessons that I learned...
All paths lead to God...
All traditions find their completion in God...
I have always had a deep reverence for other spiritual traditions, and have found myself equally at home in almost of all of them...
In my very early 20's, as an undergraduate student, I took a graduate course on contemporary Jewish philosophers and Zionist writers, under the guidance of a Reconstructionist Rabbi. I was drawn to Judaism all of my life, and later learned I had both Sephardic and Ashkenazi roots in my background.
In my early 30's, I lost myself in studying Buddhist traditions, and was moved most especially by its Tibetan expressions.
As an educator, I had the privilege of teaching comparative religion courses for many years, which indulged this interest of mine.
In my 40's, I came to study Vedanta, and immersed myself in its teachings, drawn especially by the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
At the time, I was still the Chair of the Theology Department at a Catholic Institution, and I delved in all these traditions and teachings guardedly, because I felt I still publicly represented my own tradition and school. And even though I personally did not feel separation of all that nourished my heart, I know that many did not see things in the same way I did...
In my 50's, as my study of yoga, and Anusara Yoga in particular deepened, I was drawn to Tantric texts and teachings...
Over the course of several decades, I have collected religious artifacts of many traditions. I have a room that is mine, painted in purple - a prayer space - where Hindu murtis, Catholic saints, Buddhist prayer wheels: a dorje and bell - and Buddha and yab yum statues abound - all co-habitating the same space together. I have Catholic rosaries blessed by saints and popes, Hindu and Buddhist mala beads, and a Muslim rosary as well. I also have Holy Water from the Ganges, from Lourdes, and from Ephesus.
There are many ways to God...
All paths lead to God...
And so, on this incredible trip, I traveled to a country, that though officially secular, was as close to the heart of Islam as I had ever been. I was moved by the beauty of the peoples' hearts, by their reverence, by the various expressions of this faith all co-mingling together.
I was touched by observing a fashionable young Turkish woman, in boots and a short skirt, walking arm in arm with her grandmother, covered in a hijab.
But, I was most especially moved at mid-day, at the top of the Wall of Constantinople, listening to the call to prayer by the muezzin, all over the city, all blending into one. It was so breathtaking, and moving, and eerie all at once. I could not help but wonder, what it would be like, to live where the call to prayer was seamlessly woven into the fabric of everyday life. My only experience of a daily call to prayer has been while visiting or doing retreats in Catholic monasteries.
I was moved by seeing relics in the Topkapi Palace of the sultans - the staff of Moses, and beautiful and ornate boxes containing cuttings of the Prophet Muhammed's hair and beard.
I was moved by visiting the Hagia Sophia, built by Justinian, the largest church in Christendom for 1000 years, and the Chora church, covered with the most exquisite mosaics. And, by my visit to the Blue Mosque, which, was my first visit to a mosque. I donned head scarf and removed my shoes, and walked reverently in its hallowed space.
But, my greatest and most moving experiences were in Ephesus. There, I visited the remains of the Basilica and tomb of St. John the Evangelist. It was to him, that Jesus entrusted the care of his mother. And visiting her home, where she lived out her earthly years, was an incredible dream come true, and one that I never expected would be in this lifetime. This site, is holy to Christians and Muslims alike. Later, I also visited the site of the Ecumenical Council in Ephesus In 431 AD, where Mary had been proclaimed "Theotokos," the God Bearer, or the Mother of God.
A dear friend reminded me, to consider, in the words of the poet May Sarton, that homecomings are like moving "in the thickets of undigested experiences," and to take the time needed for a soft and proper re-entry...
I arrived late on Wednesday afternoon, and in the evening went to the store, and found myself so out of place and time, I could hardly drive. I had no perception of depth, and my eyes could not adjust or see in the dark. I drove so slowly, it was a good thing I was close to home...
The next day, on Thanksgiving, I put up the small icons I had bought on the wall in my prayer corner, as well as my new wall hangings of the replica of Jesus Pantokrator from the Hagia Sophia, and an Arabic inscription for "Allah."
I also framed and hung a print of a whirling dervish, impregnated with Arabic writing. When I asked the dealer who sold it to me, what the writing meant, he pointed to an English translation: "Appear as you are, or be as you appear." I locked my eyes with his, and exclaimed, "Rumi!" And he smiled, and bowed his head in acknowledgment. I placed this print above another framed print of a Rumi quote I received on my 50th birthday:
"Your heart is the true mosque; within your body is the place to offer your salutations to the Lord."
There are so many ways to God...
And often they are found or experienced where we least expect it.
The ways to God are everywhere. In every person. In every land. In every religion. There are many paths. And they all lead to the same place...
I sit in meditation, and begin to prepare for Advent...
On the LONG flight back from Istanbul (12 hours), I was able to sit and reflect on these experiences, and I thought to myself - there are truly - many ways to God...
This is one of the lessons that I learned...
All paths lead to God...
All traditions find their completion in God...
I have always had a deep reverence for other spiritual traditions, and have found myself equally at home in almost of all of them...
In my very early 20's, as an undergraduate student, I took a graduate course on contemporary Jewish philosophers and Zionist writers, under the guidance of a Reconstructionist Rabbi. I was drawn to Judaism all of my life, and later learned I had both Sephardic and Ashkenazi roots in my background.
In my early 30's, I lost myself in studying Buddhist traditions, and was moved most especially by its Tibetan expressions.
As an educator, I had the privilege of teaching comparative religion courses for many years, which indulged this interest of mine.
In my 40's, I came to study Vedanta, and immersed myself in its teachings, drawn especially by the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
At the time, I was still the Chair of the Theology Department at a Catholic Institution, and I delved in all these traditions and teachings guardedly, because I felt I still publicly represented my own tradition and school. And even though I personally did not feel separation of all that nourished my heart, I know that many did not see things in the same way I did...
In my 50's, as my study of yoga, and Anusara Yoga in particular deepened, I was drawn to Tantric texts and teachings...
Over the course of several decades, I have collected religious artifacts of many traditions. I have a room that is mine, painted in purple - a prayer space - where Hindu murtis, Catholic saints, Buddhist prayer wheels: a dorje and bell - and Buddha and yab yum statues abound - all co-habitating the same space together. I have Catholic rosaries blessed by saints and popes, Hindu and Buddhist mala beads, and a Muslim rosary as well. I also have Holy Water from the Ganges, from Lourdes, and from Ephesus.
There are many ways to God...
All paths lead to God...
And so, on this incredible trip, I traveled to a country, that though officially secular, was as close to the heart of Islam as I had ever been. I was moved by the beauty of the peoples' hearts, by their reverence, by the various expressions of this faith all co-mingling together.
I was touched by observing a fashionable young Turkish woman, in boots and a short skirt, walking arm in arm with her grandmother, covered in a hijab.
But, I was most especially moved at mid-day, at the top of the Wall of Constantinople, listening to the call to prayer by the muezzin, all over the city, all blending into one. It was so breathtaking, and moving, and eerie all at once. I could not help but wonder, what it would be like, to live where the call to prayer was seamlessly woven into the fabric of everyday life. My only experience of a daily call to prayer has been while visiting or doing retreats in Catholic monasteries.
I was moved by seeing relics in the Topkapi Palace of the sultans - the staff of Moses, and beautiful and ornate boxes containing cuttings of the Prophet Muhammed's hair and beard.
I was moved by visiting the Hagia Sophia, built by Justinian, the largest church in Christendom for 1000 years, and the Chora church, covered with the most exquisite mosaics. And, by my visit to the Blue Mosque, which, was my first visit to a mosque. I donned head scarf and removed my shoes, and walked reverently in its hallowed space.
But, my greatest and most moving experiences were in Ephesus. There, I visited the remains of the Basilica and tomb of St. John the Evangelist. It was to him, that Jesus entrusted the care of his mother. And visiting her home, where she lived out her earthly years, was an incredible dream come true, and one that I never expected would be in this lifetime. This site, is holy to Christians and Muslims alike. Later, I also visited the site of the Ecumenical Council in Ephesus In 431 AD, where Mary had been proclaimed "Theotokos," the God Bearer, or the Mother of God.
A dear friend reminded me, to consider, in the words of the poet May Sarton, that homecomings are like moving "in the thickets of undigested experiences," and to take the time needed for a soft and proper re-entry...
I arrived late on Wednesday afternoon, and in the evening went to the store, and found myself so out of place and time, I could hardly drive. I had no perception of depth, and my eyes could not adjust or see in the dark. I drove so slowly, it was a good thing I was close to home...
The next day, on Thanksgiving, I put up the small icons I had bought on the wall in my prayer corner, as well as my new wall hangings of the replica of Jesus Pantokrator from the Hagia Sophia, and an Arabic inscription for "Allah."
I also framed and hung a print of a whirling dervish, impregnated with Arabic writing. When I asked the dealer who sold it to me, what the writing meant, he pointed to an English translation: "Appear as you are, or be as you appear." I locked my eyes with his, and exclaimed, "Rumi!" And he smiled, and bowed his head in acknowledgment. I placed this print above another framed print of a Rumi quote I received on my 50th birthday:
"Your heart is the true mosque; within your body is the place to offer your salutations to the Lord."
There are so many ways to God...
And often they are found or experienced where we least expect it.
The ways to God are everywhere. In every person. In every land. In every religion. There are many paths. And they all lead to the same place...
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thanksgiving 2011
I returned late yesterday, from the most amazing trip to Istanbul and Ephesus, so filled with spiritual experiences and graces, and I will write about it shortly.
But today, as with many of you, my thoughts dwell on all the things that I am grateful for, ever mindful, as Meister Eckhart once affirmed, that:
And so, I share with you a prayer by the German theologian, Deitrich Bonhoeffer, who was put to death by the Nazis, and a poem by e.e. cummings:
May you be grateful today, for all that is. But, may you remember to express gratitude for everything, every day of your life!
But today, as with many of you, my thoughts dwell on all the things that I am grateful for, ever mindful, as Meister Eckhart once affirmed, that:
"If the only prayer you ever say
is thank you,
it would be enough."
is thank you,
it would be enough."
And so, I share with you a prayer by the German theologian, Deitrich Bonhoeffer, who was put to death by the Nazis, and a poem by e.e. cummings:
O Heavenly Father,
I praise and thank you
For the peace of the night.
I praise and thank you for this new day.
I praise and thank you for the goodness
And faithfulness throughout my life.
You have granted me many blessings;
Now let me also accept what is hard from your hand.
You will lay on me no more than I can bear.
You make all things work together for the good of your children.
Deitrich Bonhoeffer
i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky;and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes
(i who have died am alive again today,
and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth
day of life and love and wings:and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)
and this is the sun's birthday;this is the birth
day of life and love and wings:and of the gay
great happening illimitably earth)
how should tasting touching hearing seeing
breathing any-lifted from the no
of all nothing-human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?
breathing any-lifted from the no
of all nothing-human merely being
doubt unimaginable You?
(now the ears of my ears awake and
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)
now the eyes of my eyes are opened)
~ e.e. cummings ~
May you be grateful today, for all that is. But, may you remember to express gratitude for everything, every day of your life!
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
In the Footsteps of Constantine, Mary, and Rumi
Tomorrow, I head out for Istanbul. As a former theologian, I am looking forward to seeing sites significant and sacred to the origins of Christianity, and important to Islam as well. I will travel to a part of the world I have never been to, and the farthest I have ever been.
I am both excited, and somewhat anxious. I am a "homebody" - an introvert and contemplative at heart. But, I look forward to the experiences that await, and most particularly, traveling to Ephesus, site of early Church Councils that defined Christian dogma, and the place where tradition teaches that Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived out her earthly years.
I only wish, I had the time to travel to Rumi's birthplace as well! But, that may have to be at some other time!
Blessings to all of you until I next write!
I am both excited, and somewhat anxious. I am a "homebody" - an introvert and contemplative at heart. But, I look forward to the experiences that await, and most particularly, traveling to Ephesus, site of early Church Councils that defined Christian dogma, and the place where tradition teaches that Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived out her earthly years.
I only wish, I had the time to travel to Rumi's birthplace as well! But, that may have to be at some other time!
Blessings to all of you until I next write!
"Drain the cup of passion
and walk steadfast
on the path of Truth.
Close both eyes
and see the mysteries
with your inner eye...
Go beyond your tangled thoughts
and find the splendor of Paradise.
Go beyond your little world
and find the grandeur of God's world."
~ Rumi
and walk steadfast
on the path of Truth.
Close both eyes
and see the mysteries
with your inner eye...
Go beyond your tangled thoughts
and find the splendor of Paradise.
Go beyond your little world
and find the grandeur of God's world."
~ Rumi
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Birthday Blessings
The sun has gone down on a good day. On a birthday...
Today, I am grateful for so many things.
For the gift of life. For family, friends, and loved ones.
I am grateful for the outpouring of love. Much of it unexpected.
A line from The Wizard of Oz says:
This is true. But it is also true that how we love, and that we love, is all that matters. This is what God sees.
Love is all there is, for in love we know God.
This is the gift of this day...
Today, I am grateful for so many things.
For the gift of life. For family, friends, and loved ones.
I am grateful for the outpouring of love. Much of it unexpected.
A line from The Wizard of Oz says:
"A heart is not judged
by how much you love,
but by how much
you are loved by others."
by how much you love,
but by how much
you are loved by others."
This is true. But it is also true that how we love, and that we love, is all that matters. This is what God sees.
Love is all there is, for in love we know God.
This is the gift of this day...
Friday, November 11, 2011
Blessings on 11.11.11
On this sacred day of 11's --
on this day of 11.11.11,
of portals opening,
and veils thinning,
on the heels of a Full Moon,
and the remembrance
of the sacrifice of Veterans,
my heart swells with joy
and deep gratitude
for all that ever was--
for all that is,
and all that is to come...
On this sacred day,
of hearkening the wisdom of angels,
I step into the river
and its raging blue currents
swollen and heavy with dying leaves,
baptizing myself anew
to a life of contemplation,
deep practice,
and dedicated meditation...
On this sacred day
of new beginnings
and deepening consciousness,
of grace and special blessings,
I give thanks,
I chant,
I pray,
and I lay all at the feet
of My Beloved Divine...
On this sacred day,
I release,
I forgive,
I repent,
and I cleanse--
letting go of what no longer serves,
and all desire for retribution...
On this sacred day,
I re-commit to my sacred path--
fully embracing my ecstatic journey,
and to living as fully and deeply
as I can, extending healing to the souls
I encounter along the way,
and anointing the places I visit,
as sacred ground...
On this sacred day,
I plunge into the Unknown
with great abandon;
I pledge to live in each Present Moment,
as fully and completely as possible--
recognizing God in everything,
and everything in God...
On this sacred day,
of 11.11.11,
on the eve of relinquishing
my 55th year
and stepping into my 56th,
my heart bursts with gratitude
for all the blessings
and sacred lessons received--
for the special soul companions
sent my way, in every epoch
of my life, but most especially
for the Gift of Faith
and the Love and Presence
of the Beloved Divine...
On this sacred day,
My soul rejoices and sings,
and dances to
its unique song...
May the prayers
and sacred energies of this day
transform and heal the planet,
and culminate in the recognition
that we are all One; and
we embody the One
we so desperately and passionately seek!
on this day of 11.11.11,
of portals opening,
and veils thinning,
on the heels of a Full Moon,
and the remembrance
of the sacrifice of Veterans,
my heart swells with joy
and deep gratitude
for all that ever was--
for all that is,
and all that is to come...
On this sacred day,
of hearkening the wisdom of angels,
I step into the river
and its raging blue currents
swollen and heavy with dying leaves,
baptizing myself anew
to a life of contemplation,
deep practice,
and dedicated meditation...
On this sacred day
of new beginnings
and deepening consciousness,
of grace and special blessings,
I give thanks,
I chant,
I pray,
and I lay all at the feet
of My Beloved Divine...
On this sacred day,
I release,
I forgive,
I repent,
and I cleanse--
letting go of what no longer serves,
and all desire for retribution...
On this sacred day,
I re-commit to my sacred path--
fully embracing my ecstatic journey,
and to living as fully and deeply
as I can, extending healing to the souls
I encounter along the way,
and anointing the places I visit,
as sacred ground...
On this sacred day,
I plunge into the Unknown
with great abandon;
I pledge to live in each Present Moment,
as fully and completely as possible--
recognizing God in everything,
and everything in God...
On this sacred day,
of 11.11.11,
on the eve of relinquishing
my 55th year
and stepping into my 56th,
my heart bursts with gratitude
for all the blessings
and sacred lessons received--
for the special soul companions
sent my way, in every epoch
of my life, but most especially
for the Gift of Faith
and the Love and Presence
of the Beloved Divine...
On this sacred day,
My soul rejoices and sings,
and dances to
its unique song...
May the prayers
and sacred energies of this day
transform and heal the planet,
and culminate in the recognition
that we are all One; and
we embody the One
we so desperately and passionately seek!
Friday, November 4, 2011
Inner Reflections 2012
This is the time of year that I look forward to getting my new calendars for the coming year. I like to collect yoga poses and create my own wall calendar for my office. But I also like a good, "old fashioned" desk calendar that I can write in. As tech savvy as I am, I just prefer a beautiful engagement calendar with inspirational quotes to feed my soul from week to week during the coming year.
These calendars have changed throughout the years, but for the last several ones, my desk has been beautifully graced and my soul has been just as equally inspired, by the "Inner Reflections" calendars published by the Self-Realization Fellowship. Each yearly edition is nothing short of exquisite - comprised of breathtaking photographs accompanied by inspirational quotes and selections from the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
And so, I recently received the 2012 edition, with its beautiful fall maple leaves on the cover - a simple composition of gorgeous bursts of orange, reds, and a hint of yellow, against a turquoise backdrop.
I will share with you a few excerpts from this calendar - each week showcases a visual feast for the eyes depicting simple and majestic scenes from nature, paired with an appropriate selection from Yogananda. I opened the calendar randomly a few times and these are the quotes on those pages:
"Practice the art of living in this world without losing your inner peace of mind. Follow the path of balance.
It is wise now and then to remove yourself from everyday considerations, to calm your mind and try to understand what kind of person you are and what kind of person you want to be...
Every day look at yourself in the mirror of introspection... That is the way you can become flawless in the spiritual mirror of your soul...
Whether your worldly possessions be many or few, you are still rich in gifts from God. Love Him, not for the outward things He may give you but for His gift to you of Himself as your Father..."
This last quote, comes from my birthday week!
This wonderful calendar is priced at $13.95 and is available in many bookstores, but it can also be ordered directly from the publisher:
Treat yourself and loved one to a wonderful gift that will keep on giving every week of the coming year. I have treasured mine and kept them!
These calendars have changed throughout the years, but for the last several ones, my desk has been beautifully graced and my soul has been just as equally inspired, by the "Inner Reflections" calendars published by the Self-Realization Fellowship. Each yearly edition is nothing short of exquisite - comprised of breathtaking photographs accompanied by inspirational quotes and selections from the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
And so, I recently received the 2012 edition, with its beautiful fall maple leaves on the cover - a simple composition of gorgeous bursts of orange, reds, and a hint of yellow, against a turquoise backdrop.
I will share with you a few excerpts from this calendar - each week showcases a visual feast for the eyes depicting simple and majestic scenes from nature, paired with an appropriate selection from Yogananda. I opened the calendar randomly a few times and these are the quotes on those pages:
"Practice the art of living in this world without losing your inner peace of mind. Follow the path of balance.
It is wise now and then to remove yourself from everyday considerations, to calm your mind and try to understand what kind of person you are and what kind of person you want to be...
Every day look at yourself in the mirror of introspection... That is the way you can become flawless in the spiritual mirror of your soul...
Whether your worldly possessions be many or few, you are still rich in gifts from God. Love Him, not for the outward things He may give you but for His gift to you of Himself as your Father..."
This last quote, comes from my birthday week!
This wonderful calendar is priced at $13.95 and is available in many bookstores, but it can also be ordered directly from the publisher:
Treat yourself and loved one to a wonderful gift that will keep on giving every week of the coming year. I have treasured mine and kept them!
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Ishvara Pranidhana: Humility, Faith, and Anusara
It's been a while since I've made an entry. It's not because I haven't wanted to - but sometimes life and responsibilities get in the way, and sometimes our attention is called elsewhere... I've had family matters to attend to, losses to address, and so forth...
This week, I have worked with backbends in my classes and have emphasized the engagement of "Kidney Loop." I chose to link these with a theme of "Ishvara Pranidhana, one of the niyamas from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which is often translated as "Devotion to the Lord."
Nicolai Bachman, in his book, The Path of the Yoga Sutras, which I have been using as a primer for my themes this session, describes this niyama, or observance, as the cultivation of humiity and faith.
Anusara Yoga emphasizes the importance of beginning our practice from the back body because it is there that we connect to the universal - to something bigger and greater than ourselves. "Kidney Loop" enables us to this. For me, initiating the practice from the back body is about connecting to the Divine. And if we connect to the Divine, we must listen to what it says to us. Sometimes those promptings lead us down very different paths of life than we originally envisioned.
Twenty years ago, I was completing my doctorate in Salesian Spirituality and education. I did not start practicing yoga until five years later. If anyone had told me then that I would have left the comfort and safety of academia to teach yoga, I would have thought them crazy. After all, I was the person who loved the articles and interviews in Yoga Journal in early 90's, when it was much better than it is now, but was annoyed by all the asana articles!
Four years ago, I left the studio I had taught at for nine years. I made a comfortable living. I had packed classes. If anyone would have told me when I began my certification process in Anusara that I would leave this studio and venture into the unknown, I would have laughed.
I love comfort. And I dislike change... But on both of these occasions, I heard an inner prompting that began as a slight nagging, then became more like a nuisance, until I was finally open enough to listen to the message and the Voice within. All of a sudden, everything became clear. There was a deep inner knowing. I simply KNEW I had to move on.
In the first instance, I left the stability that a regular paycheck brought. I also left the prestige of being the Chair of my department. In the second instance, I left a very cushy situation: a decent income for a yoga teacher, students I had taught for years, and everything I expected to be there for a long time. It was gone shortly after I turned 50.
I bring this up, because in the last week, three highly respected Anusara Yoga teachers have resigned their certification. Many are quite upset over this. But the thing is, I respect all of these people even more, because they dared to listen to their inner promptings and follow their hearts. This takes much more guts to do - especially when you are not quite sure what will come next.
I have tried to quell all sorts of rumors, emotions, and so forth.
None of us can really say we will always do this or that. Life is impermanent. If we are true to ourselves - if we connect with the Divine - and we listen and trust what we hear within, we might be led down a very different path.
I have tried many spiritual paths. And I retain elements of all of them in my practice, my worship, and my life. If we don't change - we don't grow, and as John Henry Newman once wrote, "Growth is the only evidence of life."
We are all the sum total of all the people and teachings and paths we have encountered. We should always be glad and supportive for those who choose to march to their own drum - because in the final analysis, we are all enriched because of it.
This week, I have worked with backbends in my classes and have emphasized the engagement of "Kidney Loop." I chose to link these with a theme of "Ishvara Pranidhana, one of the niyamas from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, which is often translated as "Devotion to the Lord."
Nicolai Bachman, in his book, The Path of the Yoga Sutras, which I have been using as a primer for my themes this session, describes this niyama, or observance, as the cultivation of humiity and faith.
Anusara Yoga emphasizes the importance of beginning our practice from the back body because it is there that we connect to the universal - to something bigger and greater than ourselves. "Kidney Loop" enables us to this. For me, initiating the practice from the back body is about connecting to the Divine. And if we connect to the Divine, we must listen to what it says to us. Sometimes those promptings lead us down very different paths of life than we originally envisioned.
Twenty years ago, I was completing my doctorate in Salesian Spirituality and education. I did not start practicing yoga until five years later. If anyone had told me then that I would have left the comfort and safety of academia to teach yoga, I would have thought them crazy. After all, I was the person who loved the articles and interviews in Yoga Journal in early 90's, when it was much better than it is now, but was annoyed by all the asana articles!
Four years ago, I left the studio I had taught at for nine years. I made a comfortable living. I had packed classes. If anyone would have told me when I began my certification process in Anusara that I would leave this studio and venture into the unknown, I would have laughed.
I love comfort. And I dislike change... But on both of these occasions, I heard an inner prompting that began as a slight nagging, then became more like a nuisance, until I was finally open enough to listen to the message and the Voice within. All of a sudden, everything became clear. There was a deep inner knowing. I simply KNEW I had to move on.
In the first instance, I left the stability that a regular paycheck brought. I also left the prestige of being the Chair of my department. In the second instance, I left a very cushy situation: a decent income for a yoga teacher, students I had taught for years, and everything I expected to be there for a long time. It was gone shortly after I turned 50.
I bring this up, because in the last week, three highly respected Anusara Yoga teachers have resigned their certification. Many are quite upset over this. But the thing is, I respect all of these people even more, because they dared to listen to their inner promptings and follow their hearts. This takes much more guts to do - especially when you are not quite sure what will come next.
I have tried to quell all sorts of rumors, emotions, and so forth.
None of us can really say we will always do this or that. Life is impermanent. If we are true to ourselves - if we connect with the Divine - and we listen and trust what we hear within, we might be led down a very different path.
I have tried many spiritual paths. And I retain elements of all of them in my practice, my worship, and my life. If we don't change - we don't grow, and as John Henry Newman once wrote, "Growth is the only evidence of life."
We are all the sum total of all the people and teachings and paths we have encountered. We should always be glad and supportive for those who choose to march to their own drum - because in the final analysis, we are all enriched because of it.
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