Aligning with Grace

Recently, I was captivated by a newsletter sent out by certified Anusara yoga teacher Abby Tucker , who referred to this wonderful Sanskrit word - "camatkara." Abby quoted the Tantrik scholar, Christopher Wallis , the author of the exquisite book, Tantra Illuminated: The Philosophy, History, and Practice of a Timeless Tradition , who defined this word as the highest state of consciousness "that is, wonder, or aesthetic rapture." Abby, in her newsletter describes this word as "the state of fully self-aware expansive wonder." As I worked with the Anusara Yoga Universal Principle of Alignment of both "Muscle Energy" and "Organic Energy" in my yoga class this morning - I considered how if we draw in, and wrap ourselves in wonder - that in time, wonder would wrap itself around us, enabling us to embody both of these principles. When we apply muscle energy to anything - we draw in and connect ourselves to that which matters and grounds us a...

Where do you most experience the pleasure of wonder? Does a few stolen, furtive, and sacred moments with a beloved soul friend present you with this gift? Or, does a cup of coffee in your favorite Parisian cafe elicit sweet memories and moments of wonder? Does the experience of immersing yourself in a treasured book take you places you never dreamed of, and where you become lost in your imagination? Right before my surgery, a dear friend came and visited me. She is not someone I get to spend a lot of time with. But it does not matter. The connection is deep... Over cups of tea, we shared secrets of the heart and and soul, and she presented me with a series of books she dearly treasures and loves - The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency - by Alexander McCall . She thought it was time for me to befriend these wonderful and gracious characters she has come to know during my time of recovery. I have to tell you, my friend is very wise. I would never have voluntarily chosen to read these books,...