Aligning with Grace

On this last day of the month, as we approach September, and its approaching fall rhythm, I share with you this wonderful piece from Jon Gordon's newsletter, which seems especially appropriate just a couple of days after the burial of Senator Ted Kennedy, because many have been examining his own legacy after having spent and lived the third longest tenure in the Senate... "Every one of us is going to leave a legacy. It just depends on what kind. So what kind of legacy do you want to leave? I encourage you to think about it because knowing how you want to be remembered helps you decide how to live and work today. Consider the following ways to leave a legacy and then identify other legacies you can share. 1. A Legacy of Excellence - Saint Francis of Assisi said, "It’s no use walking anywhere to preach unless your preaching is your walking." To leave a legacy of excellence, strive to be your best every day. As you strive for excellence you inspire excellence in other...

Jeff and I have returned from an exquisite break on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and we ended our too short sojourn there by sipping champagne on an 83 year old sail boat in the late afternoon yesterday, followed by a wonderful dinner in St. Michael's. The sail boat ride was wonderful. There were only 4 others on the boat besides Captain Iris Clarke and her First Mate, whose sense of humor and knowledge was absolutely delightful. Her love of the Selina II, a boat which has been in her family for several generations was so palpable. We were accompanied by two local Bed and Breakfast owners as well, who shared a lot about the wonders of this little gem of a town, and were absolute fun to be with. I hope to return again and stay at both of their places because they were so passionate about what they do! I feel so lucky to have been so welcomed by three area business women! I will list the web sites of these wonderful business owners that I met yesterday for those of you who are inte...

After a busy summer - and an especially busy last week or so - teaching and subbing a number of yoga classes - I am finally on the Eastern Shore of Maryland for a few days... After arriving yesterday afternoon, we settled in, became familiar with the surroundings, and slept in. We began the day by visiting the Blackwater Wildlife Refuge near Cambridge, where we were able to observe quite a number of bald eagles and other waterfowl. The first bald eagle we spotted was a magnificent specimen resting on top of a perch in the middle of a marshland. Then we were able to see a number of them flying about - their huge wingspans quite impressive and intimidating! After that, it was on to explore a number of quaint towns around the area. It is so beautiful here - and laid back! I would love to own a place someday on the water. For now, my room with waterfront views will have to do! There is something about communing with nature that enables me to feel a deep sense of connection and oneness wit...

This past Sunday morning, I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Manoj Challam lecture on "Ishta-Devatas," and the symbolism of Hindu Deities and murtis. Manoj also sells very beautiful and rare murtis - statues that are infused with spiritual energy. It is believed that one can experience transformation as a result of meditating before a murti. I had bought a murti of an upside down Siva doing a one-handed handstand when I was in Denver in May. This particular piece is about liberation, and I feel Siva transmitting his energy to me. I also bought a very beautiful murti of Siva Nataraja - the Lord of the Cosmic Dance, which is the manifestation of Siva most commonly depicted and recognized. Manoj described the Hindu deities as archetypes which reside in the collective unconscious which we can all tap into. I bought three other murtis on Sunday. One is of Shakti by herself - Siva's consort - who is the expression of Divine Consciousness as Creative Energy. I also bought a murti...

In the midst of so much busyness, I steal away to the river for a little while. I cannot remember when I was here last - it has been at least a week... It is hot and hazy, and threatening to rain, and I find some time to visit the river between teaching a private lesson, and heading off to sub two classes for my own teacher this evening... I paddle without effort. The surface of the river is blanketed by vast swaths of hydrilla poking through it. It has multiplied with great abandon since my last visit. I head straight up the middle of the river and the feeling comes to me that this river is different. I am in a different relationship to the river - because I am different... Only a year ago, I was paddling upstream working through very strong emotions. Now I simply paddle upstream... Yesterday, I worked with a gifted craniosacral therapist and we both acknowledged that in the months we have begun to work together again after a hiatus of about a decade, incredible work has been accompli...

Twelve years ago today, John Friend founded Anusara Yoga , on a day that was already auspicious for many reasons. It was also twelve years ago that I started teaching yoga, and that I took my first workshop with John Friend, and was blown away in more ways than one! Today is also the birthday of the teacher who introduced me to Anusara Yoga , and this wonderful community, and who also gave me my first job as a yoga instructor. I was blessed to be able to complete my first teacher training with her, which I began in 1996. Betsey Downing is today, one of the pillars of Anusara Yoga . She is currently the co-chair of the Anusara Certification Committee , and she has been a primary teacher to me in these last twelve years. She is a woman who exemplifies both humility and grace and it has been both a joy and an honor to witness her own evolution as a teacher and as a spiritual human being. I can think of very few people as committed to her own spiritual practice and growth. I would not be w...

I am off to a very full day away - subbing, visiting, and joining the group that I meditate with a couple of times a month... I wish to share this poem that was inspired by a couple of postings, or "Tweets" by a woman whose posts are very inspirational and who goes by the name of @iamwun on Twitter ... Silence God’s hand embraces me In Silence— and draws me deeper inside of His Heart in the Stillness of the Night “Deep inside the Silence there is a seat of silk and music and breath. It patiently awaits my visits.” All is well here— in the Silence and all is possible. I can release the past and dwell more deeply in the Present Moment “Let me bathe the past in a waterfall of love. It has been starving for my appreciation.” In due time, all pain is transmuted and the wisdom of all experiences is revealed— if one is willing to wait patiently in Silence, and trust in the Divine Order of Things (Tweets from Elsa Joy Bailey, @iamwun , 8/9/09)