Aligning with Grace

"I felt in need of a pilgrimage, so I sat STILL for three days." ~ Hafiz The Persian poet Hafiz knew a thing or too, and even back in the 14th century, things were not that different than they are today. People were busy. Overwhelmed. Scattered. There was just too much to do and take care of.  People had serious burdens and none of the comforts we take for granted these days. Like running hot water. Or health care - for the most part! If Hafiz were around today, he would say to us: "Take a sacred pause!" Yes, right here, right now! I woke up feeling anxious and overwhelmed and went for a walk. It's what I do most mornings anyway. It grants me a clarity of heart and spirit that is food for my soul. It is also an opportunity for my intuition to provide the insights I need for course corrections in my life and for creative endeavors as well. My walk is a meditation. But more than that, it is a sacred pause. It acts as a reset button. Your...

I arose on a magnificent morning, after having been gifted with an extra hour of sleep - and drove over to the other side the river to take a yoga class with the teacher that I have studied the longest with, and who is truly gifted and compassionate. I arrived early, which was good, because it was practically standing room only! All came from far and wide to imbibe more tales about Hanuman! My teacher continued to work with themes related to Hanuman , and today the focus was on Bhakti - which is understood to mean "the yoga of devotion." We were encouraged to offer and experience our poses as an expression of self-love, which is often a neglected aspect in the practice of devotion. As part of the centering, we were read this beautiful poem by Hafiz, one of my favorite Sufi poets: No More Leaving At some point Your relationship with God Will become like this: Next time you meet Him in the forest Or on a crowded street There won't be anymore "leaving." That is, G...

How does a soul wake up? In so many different ways... What makes a soul wake up? So many different things... Like, meditating or practicing yoga, in the early morning with the windows wide open, after a long, hot summer, to the sweet sounds of birds happily chirping... Like, paddling on a river you have all to yourself - surrounded only by blue herons and creatures great and small... Like, spending time with a treasured friend, and laughing joyously with great abandon... Like, being in the effortless company of a like-minded soul, that energizes your own, and never drains you in any way... Like, listening to great music as you dance all around the house... Like, completing a designated task, and crossing it off the list, and then enjoying the fruits of a job well done... Like, reading, and writing, with all the time and not a care in the world... Like, going for a long ride or walk in a park, or along the beach... There are many things that make us feel alive, and make our souls wake u...