Autumnal Resolutions

September 10, 2010 at 2:59 pm (Uncategorized)

If you need a little assistance getting excited about the upcoming change of season, take a moment to read the article below.  It will introduce you to one of my favorite concepts, “Autumnal Resolutions”!

In 1949, Katharine Elizabeth Fite wrote in Good Housekeeping: “What we need in autumn is an emotional or spiritual shot in the arm.  Why don’t we make the effort that would provide something new in our lives?  Why don’t we do again some of the things that we used to enjoy?  The things that have nothing to do with age but are primarily a state of mind?  Why must we wait until January first to make all of those shining resolutions?  Why don’t we make a few resolutions on a golden September day?  Certainly such resolutions would have more of the “now” quality than the January variety, which are made when we are worn out in spirit, body, and pocketbook, and have no real urge to do anything but rest.”

In Sarah Ban Breathnach’s Book, Simple Abundance, she writes “Since ancient times, September has been viewed as the beginning of the new year, a time for reflection and resolution.  When the leaves start turning colors, it’s time for turning over a personal new leaf so that our lives may be restored.  It seems to me that January resolutions are about will; September resolutions are about authentic wants.  What do you want more or less of in your life, so that you can love the life you’re leading”

Yoga is a wonderful practice that can assist you in finding inner peace; allowing you to tune into your authentic wants.  Yoga can be applied to the management of chronic conditions and injury rehabilitation. It can be used in conjunction with other therapies, such as Physical Therapy, to assist the recovery and healing process. With a qualified instructor, yoga can be modified to accommodate a multitude of physical limitations. Yoga can help increase circulation, mobility, and strength.  It is also an effective method to reduce stress and support you on your path towards emotional and physical well-being.

Used with permission by Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance
A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, Grand Central Publishing, www.simpleabundance.com

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From 1.26.07

January 26, 2009 at 9:19 pm (Uncategorized)

“Three years ago tonight, my son was a few days shy of two and a half years old.  I kissed him goodbye and went to bring my second son, his little brother into this world.  I remember thinking at the time, foolishly, how grown up and mature he was…

 

 

I was a cork; the pain was the ocean beneath me.  I visualized staying afloat; on top where I could breath.  I remember the calmness within the storm.  The memories are rich with strength, focus, and breathe.  I can recall the sound of whales in the background.  I can hear Krishna Das soothing me with gentle voice chanting “Shri Guru Charanam”…

 

 

“I surrender to the feet of the Guru, and find my refuge in God.

If I had no shame, no guilt, and no fear…then I could raise my eyes and look at you. But I can’t bear the love in your eyes. I have to turn away. Could you really be looking at me that way? No one has ever looked at me like that. How could this be? I am all naked in front of you. I want to run but my legs don’t move. I want to hide, but I see you everywhere I turn, and if I look up for a moment, you’re looking at me the same way. I have nowhere to hide. I fall at your feet and my eyes pour out their pain, sadness and longing. You bend down and lift me up. You wipe my eyes with the corner of your blanket. You ask me to sit by you. You show me that I am yours and you are mine, not just this moment, but always… At your feet, I am home.”

 

 

The first time I read those words, the song became about Motherhood for me.  Children are the wise ones, they are divine, and they are light.  I envisioned the little Guru inside guiding the way to our separateness that will never quite be separate.

 

 

Our perfect gift came into this world at 3:43pm on January 26th, 2004…three years ago…”

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World Kindness Week / November 10th through November 16th

October 21, 2008 at 2:20 am (Food for Thought)

http://www.actsofkindness.org/

 

 

September 19, 2008
Recognizing Our Own Abundance
Planting The Seeds Of GenerosityThe most difficult time to be generous is when we ourselves are feeling poor. While some of us have experienced actually being in the red financially, there are those of us who would feel broke even if we had a million dollars in the bank. Either way, as the old adage goes, it is always in giving that we receive. Meaning that when we are living in a state of lack, the very gesture we may least want to give is the very act that could help us create the abundance that we seek. One way to practice generosity is to give energy where it is needed. Giving money to a cause or person in need is one way to give energy. Giving attention, love, or a smile to another person are other acts of giving that we can offer. After all, there are people all over the world that are hungry for love.

Sometimes when we practice generosity, we practice it conditionally. We might be expecting to “receive back” from the person to whom we gave. We might even become angry or resentful if that person doesn’t reciprocate. However, trust in the natural flow of energy, and you will find yourself practicing generosity with no strings attached. This is the purest form of giving. Remember that what you send out will always come back you. Selflessly help a friend in need without expecting them to return the same favor in the same way, and know that you, too, will receive that support from the universe when you need it. Besides, while giving conditionally creates stress (because we are waiting with an invisible balance sheet to receive our due), giving unconditionally creates and generates abundance. We give freely, because we trust that there is always an unlimited supply.

Being aware of how much we are always supported by the universe is one of the keys to abundance and generosity. Consciously remember the times you’ve received support from expected and unexpected sources. Remember anyone who has helped you when you’ve needed it most, and bless all situations that come into your life for the lessons and gifts they bring you. Remember that all things given and received emanate from generosity. Giving is an act of gratitude. Plant the seeds of generosity through your acts of giving, and you will grow the fruits of abundance for yourself and those around you.For more information visit dailyom.com

This article is printed from DailyOM – Inspirational thoughts for a happy, healthy and fulfilling day.
Register for free at www.dailyom.com

 
Currently reading :
How Can I Help? Stories and Reflection on Service
By Ram Dass
Release date: By 1985-03-12

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Grace

September 19, 2008 at 1:59 am (Spirituality/Faith)

I was reading a little Anne Lamott…although there is nothing “little” about her writing, at least not for me.  Every book that I own of hers is dog-eared, highlighted, notes in the margin…I digress.  It occurred to me while reading a chapter called “Wailing Wall”, that my yoga mat / my yoga practice has become my modern day version of a wailing wall.  I come to my mat to hand over what is larger than I to something greater.  My practice strips away all that is unnecessary.  My breath, prana feeds the light inside and everything else just melts away.  All that remains is grace. 

 

Grace is when one lives in the Spirit.

The spirit is another plane of consciousness

different from the material plane where we live most of our lives.

That other plane, the plane of spirit, gives one perspective on one’s life.

Grace has come to bring you back into the presence of God.

When you have a graceful life, it’s almost as if the walls fall down before you.

Everything is so easy, because you see everything so clearly and you are so loving.

Grace is what moves the soul to God.

That’s the basic journey we are on…to open you up, to heal you, to heal you to the One. 

~  Ram Dass

 

The “church” and the world are miles away from anything that I would consider ideal or inviting.  However, in my little space, I am one.

 

I remember my grandmother writing to me many years ago about handing over what she could not handle, to god.  At the time, I thought that I was agnostic, perhaps even atheist…I was strongly opposed to anyone telling me that I had to believe in “one” god or worship said god in a certain way.  I was too insecure and lost at the time to realize that I could find my own way.

 

Now I know that finding my own way is the only way.  Stitching, patching, quilting together, my own happy little colorful version of “frayed, consignment store faith”.  And I have to say, it is the most beautiful, bright little bit of comfort that I wrap myself up in when I can.

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If my heart were a garden…

September 19, 2008 at 1:57 am (Passages)

“If my heart were a garden, it would be in bloom with roses and wrinkly Indian poppies and wild flowers.  There would be two unmarked tracts of scorched earth, and scattered headstones covered with weeds and ivy and moss, a functioning compost pile, great tangles of black-berry bushes, and some piles of trash I’ve meant to haul away for many years.” Anne Lamott

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September 19, 2008 at 1:54 am (Favorite Quotes)

“There is a vitality, a life force, an energy, a

quickening that is translated through you

into action, and because there is only one

of you in all of time, this expression is

unique. And if you block it, it will never

exist through any other medium and it will

be lost. The world will not have it. It is not

your business to determine how good it is

nor how valuable nor how it compares with

other expressions. It is your business to

keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep

the channel open. You have to keep

yourself open and aware to the urges that

motivate you. Keep the channel open. …”

Martha Graham to Agnes Demille

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Catalyst

September 19, 2008 at 1:51 am (Inspiration)

I was fortunate enough to be able to attend an amazing two and 1/2 hour workshop yesterday.  It was transformational!  The piece below was the last reading before we began meditating.  It was so beautiful that it moved me to tears.  I emailed the instructor who had read it to inquire about it’s source. It turns out that she wrote it!  She sent it to me and gaveme permission to share it.  Enjoy!

 

 

Gassho / Namaste Meditation

(Two hands coming together)

 

May I open my heart to Loving Kindness

 

May I open my eyes to see beyond the manifest,

Towards higher Truth, greater Wisdom and Compassion

 

May I nourish the seed of my Being

By acknowledging what Is,

minding that which requires my devoted Attention

and opening up to Grace.

 

May I find my strength in the warmth of those who Love me,

Draw my inspiration from the well of infinite Potential within me

and my faith from the rhythms of the Universe.

 

Just for Today,

May I forego anger, impatience, frustration, anxiety and temptation,

And receive Grace.

 

So that I may give back Peace & Loving Kindness.

 

Shanti ~ Peace

Nicole Bacon

www.yogamandala.com

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Strength Undefeatable

September 19, 2008 at 1:49 am (Favorite Quotes)

“Security is mostly a superstition.

It does not exist in nature nor do the children of men as a whole experience it.

Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure.

Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.

To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is

strength undefeatable.”

Helen Keller

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Receiving Grace

November 16, 2007 at 3:59 am (The Journey)
Tags: ,

January 14, 2008

 

Some time ago, I took a workshop in Littleton, Massachusetts.  I was awe-inspired by the energy and light of the woman assisting that day.  I sought out this woman and continued to take classes with her whenever I was able. 

 

Changes and circumstances in my life made the frequency of these occasions much less than I would have preferred.

 

I have been filling in for a dear friend, mentor while she is in Thailand tending to elephants.  I meditate about what to teach them.  “Teach them Chakra Yoga!” the universe tells me.  I listen.  We start at the beginning and work our way up.  Did you know that one of the animals associated with the root chakra is an elephant?  I did not, until now. 

 

I have been blessed with the trust and light of her students.  They like to stick around after class.  I resist my “priorities” and I stay in the moment, I pay attention.  I let go of my agenda and follow the one that the universe has provided.  A very wise Yogini talks to me about trust.  She tells me that I am the embodiment of Yoga.  I blush.

 

The amazing woman from years ago sends me an email announcing a workshop about “Yoga in the Spirit of Transformation”.  (Sigh)  I could definitely use some transformation…. How?  Money, time, and days without snow are in short supply these days.  It miraculously transpires.  All of the pieces fall into place.  I arrive.  She shows up with a bowl of fruit, a vase of flowers, and a smile of recognition. She shows up with another teacher, another light.

 

I land in my body.  I am a student, a sponge!!  I receive; I refill the well that has almost run dry.  With energy, touch, words, they transform my practice, my path, and my life…

 

“Just for Today…” the new light says.  Tears slip from the corner of my eyes as I realize, truth, trust, and transformation.  I am exactly where I needed to be!  Something shifts as I lift up the oars and simply allow myself to “receive Grace”.

“Just for Today…” just for this moment, is enough!  And enough is all I need…

“Place your burden at the feet of the Lord of the Universe who accomplishes everything.  Remain all the time steadfast in the heart, in the Transcendental Absolute.  God knows the past, present and future.  He will determine the future for you and accomplish the work.  What is to be done will be done at the proper time.  Don’t worry.  Abide in the heart and surrender your acts to the divine.”

~Ramana Maharshi

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