Aligning with Grace

Every year at this time, I look forward to receiving the new Inner Reflections desk calendar published by the Self-Realization Fellowship , with inspirational quotes by Paramahansa Yogananda , accompanied by the most stunning photographs - a veritable feast for the eyes and nourishment for the soul. Call me an "old fashioned" kind of girl - but I really do prefer an Engagement calendar for my desk, inviting my glance every morning, rather than using the electronic apps provided by my mobile devices. Yes - I do love the "tactile" feeling of flipping pages, taking in the amazing photographs, and savoring the delicious quotes. And this year's calendar, does not disappoint! This is truly one of my favorite gifts of the season! The pictures are breathtaking and even haunting at times - and the quotes that are highlighted, always complement the photos exquisitely. For example: A picture of a palm tree stretches out horizontally atop white sands, its fronds se...

The summer begins to wane, and I have spent it - more busy than I had originally anticipated or expected - but at the same time, it has afforded me space for deep reflection... This morning I read the following quote, which touched me profoundly. I asked myself - how true is this for me? "The meaning of life, is to give life meaning." ~ Ken Hudgins If I review the events in my life and that of many others thus far this year - and indeed - if I review the course of my life in general, I would have to say this is true - in every conceivable way... There are times, I have sought the meaning of life elsewhere - in the thoughts and prose - and the teaching of others - valuing the nuggets of wisdom contained therein, more than those that are born of my own internal musings. But as I wrote to a friend today, the days of endless study with others, is essentially over for me - at least for now. Instead, I will drawn upon the vast wealth of insights, knowledge, and intuition that resi...

Some people come into this world, and make all the difference... Some people come into your life, and leave it forever changed... Some people come into your life - and as a dear friend and songwriter once sang - leave footprints in your heart and your soul... Some people come into your life - and despite immense tragedy and suffering - manage to truly live in the light... Some people come into your life, simply to point the way... Some people come into your life and make their mark - in very quiet and unassuming ways... The gifted poet, Mary Oliver asked in her poem about summer: "Tell me, what is it that you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" I still ask myself that question, while some never get the chance to do so... Why do we come into this world? "We come into this exquisite world to experience ever more deeply our divine courage, freedom and light." ~ Hafiz Some people come into the world to shine light - and when they leave this world - go bac...

There is a time to live, and a time to die... Parents know that they must provide their children with a strong foundation, education, and values - so that they may eventually leave the nest and flourish on their own... In the last few days I've received so much sad news... A dear friend is helping her father transition... Another awaits the birth of her child, facing complications. And another was just diagnosed with cancer. A dear friend of my family transitioned today... I consider all these occurrences against the back drop of my yoga community and the events that shattered it... What does all this mean? What does it say to me? I am reminded of the fragility of life and the importance of living fully in the present moment... I am reminded that children need roots and wings - much like some of my yoga community's progeny - which are now finding their voices and stepping into their own power... I am reminded that the only constant is change... And, I am reminded of of the famo...

I cannot sleep. And so at dawn I rise and go down to the river... The tumultuous past weeks, in my Anusara yoga community, have taken its toll on so many. I can almost hear the voices of despair, sadness, and anger, and once more I recite the Reiki Precepts, reminding myself to not worry, not to be angry - and to be compassionate for everyone... But in my heart of hearts, here down by this river, I also acknowledge, truly, for the first time, that there is such a diversity of opinions in this torn community, represented by three Facebook pages, that the community that once existed, can never again come together in any sort of configuration. There are too many perspectives that cannot be reconciled. I am saddened by this. But, it is also a call to step into our power, and more fully acknowledge our connection to the Divine... Just as I am about to leave and come home, I spot a magnificent and noble swan on the other side of the river. I have never seen one here... I have a painting ove...

There are so many things that warm the heart and the soul... I think of this - on this beautiful morning as I look out the window to an explosion of fall colors. Every year, I am amazed at this spectacular display from nature; it never fails to disappoint! I think of this - as I bask in the afterglow of Jim Brickman's piano recital last night, at the Barnes at Wolf Trap . His evocative melodies and the passion with which he plays - I almost wrote - "prays" - are still resonating deeply within. When I watched him play last night - I thought to myself - yes - this is how he prays - with his whole body and soul - and his magical hands - making beautiful music that wafts up to the heavens as incense rises before God. I think of this - as I turn to the Spiritual Diary of Yogananda - every day before I begin my morning meditations. I have been doing this for years, and still the quotes are fresh. I share this excerpt from today: "You are endowed with greater strength ...