Smile. You may not know it, but your life just changed.
Skeptical?
Take another deep breath. Now, deepen your expression.
Whether you are new to yoga, a dedicated practitioner, or just someone trying to sort out all of the hullabaloo (and not call it “yogart” in mixed company), a joyful practice can help you find things you didn’t know you needed – and explore gifts you didn’t know you had to offer.
Still skeptical? That’s cool. It doesn’t change the fact that somewhere between that first deep breath and this next one (Inhale….Exhale.) your brain chemistry changed!
And just think, you didn’t even have to step on a mat.
“Happy New Year!” to those who are celebrating! “Ramadān Mubarak, Blessed Ramaḍān!” to anyone observing the holy month of Ramaḍān. Many blessings to all, and especially to those observing and/or celebrating Lent and/or Cheesefare Week (in preparation for Great Lent)!
Peace, ease, and self-forgiveness to all, throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!
“If my work is to be functional to the group (or to the village, as it were) then it must bear witness and identify danger as well as possible havens from danger; it must identify that which is useful from the past and that which ought to be discarded; it must make it possible to prepare for the present and live it out; and it must do that not by avoiding problems and contradictions but by examining them; it should not even attempt to solve social problems but it should certainly try to clarify them.”
— quoted from the essay “The Writer Before the Page” in “Part II God’s Language” of The Source of Self-Regard: Selected Essays, Speeches, and Meditations by Toni Morrison (b. 1931)
Please join me today (Wednesday, February 18th) at 4:30 PM or 7:15 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into in the class.You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra(at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “One Other One for Ash Wednesday, Day 2, & Ramadan 2026”]
*NOTE: The YouTube playlist includes an extra “relaxation” track that is not (yet) available on Spotify.
“The quality of light by which we scrutinize our lives has direct bearing upon the product which we live, and upon the changes which we hope to bring about through those lives. It is within this light that we form those ideas by which we pursue our magic and make it realized. This is poetry as illumination, for it is through poetry that we give name to those ideas which are, until the poem, nameless and formless-about to be birthed, but already felt. That distillation of experience from which true poetry springs births thought as dream births concept, as feeling births idea, as knowledge births (precedes) understanding.”
— quoted from the essay “Poetry is Not a Luxury” in Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde (b. 1934)
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Many blessings to all, and especially to those celebrating and/or observing Carnival/Shrove Tuesday/Mardi Gras, Cheesefare Week, the Lunar New Year & Spring Festival and/or getting ready for the the holy month of Ramaḍān!
Peace, ease, and acceptance to all, throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!
“Laissez les bons temps rouler!”
— Louisiana French for “Let the good times roll!”
Please join me today (Tuesday, February 17th) at 12:00 PM or 7:15 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into in the class.You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra(at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Mardi Gras & Day 1 2026”]
NOTE (*revised*): The YouTube playlist includes a special “relaxation” track that (as of 2/17/2026) is not available on Spotify. I will update Spotify when/if the track becomes available. Additionally, the second before/after music track hits different on YouTube. If you know, you know!
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Many blessings to everyone, and especially to anyone observing the Sunday of the Last Judgement; Shrove/Cheesefare/Forgiveness/Transfiguration Sunday; and/or Carnival!
Peace, ease, contemplation, and integrity throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!
Please join me today (Sunday, February 15th) at 2:30 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into in the class.You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra(at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Quinquagesima 2022”]
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
“Happy Carnival!” to those who are celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, everywhere!!
Peace, ease, contemplation, and creativity throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!
Please join me today (Wednesday, February 11th) at 4:30 PM or 7:15 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into in the class.You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra(at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “02112023 Breath, Light, Freedom”]
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
“Happy Carnival!” to those who are celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, everywhere!!
Peace, ease, contemplation, and groundedness throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!
This is the “missing” (and backdated) compilation post for Sunday, February 10th (with excerpts). In addition to the new content and excerpts, it includes some re-purposed content. You can request an audio recording of this practice or a previous practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
“When you are grounded you are completely present, your mind is still, and you are totally focused. It is from this place of being grounded that you can operate most effectively….”
— quoted from the “Reflection” section of the “Day 12 ~ February 11 ~ Groundedness” page for the “Season for Nonviolence,” provided by the Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace
While Patanjali said very little about asana (“seat” or pose) in the Yoga Sūtras, his initial instruction is literally (and figuratively) the beginning of every practice: “sthirasukham āsanam — cultivate a steady (or stable), easy (comfortable or joyful) seat (or pose).” (YS 2.46) There is a little bit more in the next few sūtras, which can help us deepen the experience, but everything else comes from that very first part: sthira — which is ultimately a sense of groundedness.
Being grounded allows us to relax, to release, to get a little bit more comfortable and breathe. Being grounded allows us to notice the different parts of your breath and to play with the breath. Being grounded allows us to move the body in certain ways; to notice how it feels to move and breathe; and, also to notice what we notice. We can extend and expand, contract and release, and even find our rhythm because we are supported, grounded.
There are different ways to be grounded and“groundedness”, the “Season for Nonviolence” principle for Tuesday, February 10, 2026, is just as important off the mat as it is on the mat. For instance, James Edward Maceo West (born 02/10/1931) had an accident at a very early age that illustrated the danger of working with energy when you are not grounded. The accident didn’t deter him and he grew up to develop technology that is still used to this day. In fact, the technology created by Dr. West was probably used in the recording of the music featured in the playlist (linked below), and definitely contributes to your ability to hear it.
“James’ approach to learning sounds very familiar: ‘If I had a screwdriver and a pair of pliers, anything that could be opened was in danger. I had this need to know what was inside.’”
— quoted from “James West Began 40 Years at Bell Labs with World-Changing Microphone Tech” by Mike Szczys (posted at hackaday.com on February 17, 2021)
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE ABOUT JAMES MACEO WEST.
“‘Wait, let me tell you what I think. I think that if the beast who sleeps in man could be held down by threats—any kind of threat, whether of jail or of retribution after death—then the highest emblem of humanity would be the lion tamer in the circus with his whip, not the prophet who sacrificed himself. But don’t you see, this is just the point—what has for centuries raised man above the beast is not the cudgel but an inward music: the irresistible power of unarmed truth, the powerful attraction of its example.’”
— Nikolai Nikolaievich, quoted in “Part One, Chapter 2 : A Girl from a Different World, section 10”, of Doctor Zhivago by Boris Pasternak (translated from Russian by Max Hayward and Manya Harari) with Introduction by John Bayley
The February 10th playlist features music composed by Jerrald (“Jerry”) King Goldsmith (born 02/10/1929), as well as music song by Robert Flack (born 02/10/1937) and “Ziggy Stardust” (who made his earthly debut on 02.10/1972). Whether a musician is singing, playing an instrument, and/or conducting, they need to be grounded in order to fully engage (and control) their breath.
The playlist also includes a song that samples a poem by Boris Pasternak (born 02/10/1890, according to the Gregorian calendar) and music inspired by the mountain climbing twins Jim and Lou Whittaker (born on the exact same day as Jerry Goldsmith), who would rely on at least three parts of their body being grounded as they climbed to great heights. There is not (necessarily) a song inspired by Edith Clarke (born 02/10/1883), who spent some time working as a “computer” just like Dr. West’s mother; however, her ability to stay grounded and not be deterred by people who wanted to hold her back was very much an inspiration for this practice.
“‘There is no demand for women engineers, as such, as there are for women doctors; but there’s always a demand for anyone who can do a good piece of work.’”
— Edith Clarke quoted in a March 14, 1948 Daily Texan article
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE ABOUT THE OTHER PEOPLE BORN ON FEBRUARY 10TH.
“I heard he sang a good song, I heard he had a style And so I came to see him, to listen for a while”
— quoted from the song “Killing Me Softly With His Song” by Roberta Flack
Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “02102021 Songs for Today’s Adventure”]
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
“Happy Carnival!” to those who are celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, everywhere!!
Peace, ease, contemplation, and groundedness throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!
Please join me today (Tuesday, February 10th) at 12:00 PM or 7:15 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into in the class.You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra(at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “02102021 Songs for Today’s Adventure”]
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
“Happy Carnival!” to those who are celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, everywhere!!
Peace, ease, and contemplation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!
This is the “missing” (and backdated) post-practice post for Monday, February 9th (with excerpts).In addition to the new content and excerpts, it includes some re-purposed content. The 2026 prompt question was, “What is something moving around in your mind (& heart) that may move you to change?”You can request an audio recording of this practice or a previous practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra(at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
“Contemplation has long had an important role in spiritual practice. We’re encouraged to bring a wise and loving attention to our experience, gently investigating the nature of what’s happening in each moment with a sense of care and interest. For example, when we contemplate the dynamic nature of experience, we’re not trying to convince ourselves intellectually that things change; we’re actually softening into our direct experience and noticing that this breath arises and passes away. This sensation appears and dissolves. This emotion feels sticky or solid. We discern what thoughts seems useful and what thought do not seem useful.”
— quoted from a December 20, 2025, message to the Common Ground Meditation Center sangha by Shelly Graf
In addition to being one of the Co-Guiding Teachers at Common Ground Meditation Center, Shelly Graf has a background in clinical social work. I bring this up because it explains a little exchange we had during an informal meeting over tapas. This conversation happened years ago and, for the life of me, I don’t remember the subject of the meeting. However, in a passing moment, Shelly Graf taught me something about contemplation that has stuck with me to this day: It’s not just thinking.
“Contemplation”, which was the “Season for Nonviolence” principle for February 9th (2026), comes in a variety of different flavors. It can be sitting with a concept (like contemplation, peace, ease, lovingkindness, etc.) and/or it can be the kind of contemplation Saint Ignatius of Loyola outlined in The Spiritual Exercises — which is similar to svādhyāya (“self-study”), the fourth niyama (internal “observation”) in the Yoga Philosophy, and which involves putting yourself in another person’s shoes/circumstances. However, no matter the form of contemplation, engaging in a contemplative practice can be transformative (i.e., bring about change).
And this is what Shelly pointed out to me all those years ago. In certain paradigms, contemplation is directly related to change.
“So where does change come from? And how do we recognize it when it happens?”
— Forest Whitaker, as “Happiness”, in the movie The Air I Breathe by Jieho Lee and Bob DeRosa
According to the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) developed by psychologists James O. Prochaska and Carlo DiClemente (et al) in 1977, there are six stages of change: precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance, and termination. You can think of them as: “not ready”, “ready”, “get set”, “go”, “pace yourself”, and “the finish line”. In the conversation with Shelly, I referenced “contemplating” something when, in fact, I was in the precontemplation stage — meaning, I hadn’t really gotten to a point where I was seriously considering making a change.
The TTM stages are just one (of five) of the model’s components (which include processes of change, levels of change, self-efficacy, and decisional balance). The overall model also includes what motivates (or triggers) change in behavior, as well as what may be a barrier to change, and what supports or hinders change. Research has shown that these stages are applicable in a lot of different situations where people want/need to change their behavior, including smoking (which I believe was the original research); weight management; stress management; depression; and adherence to prescription drug protocols.
Some TTM research has also been conducted around how people commute and how people could be encouraged to reduce their reliance on single occupant motor vehicles (especially those powered by fossil fuels). While some of the transportation research focused on “pre-action” and “action” (versus the six stages) — and some defined the processes in different ways than the TTM — it is interesting to note how using this model (and these stages) on an individual level can be applied to social change.
“The only thing that I could say, in defense of my being on the [City] Council, is an old stupid woman who wasn‘t satisfied with those persons that were running to fill the unexpired term left on the Council in this district. I think that that‘s a slogan that I‘ve carried with me – If I don’t like what the other fellow‘s doing, I get up and do it myself.”
— Mrs. Juanita Jewel Craft (b. 1902), quoted from The Black Women Oral History Project, Schlesinger Library on the History of Women in America, at the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study at Harvard University (interview conducted by Mrs. Dorothy R. Robinson (on 01/20/1977)
Born in Round Rock, Texas on February 9, 1902, Juanita Jewel Craft (née Shanks) contemplated change… and then got others to contemplate change.
“I am going to venture that the man who sat on the ground in his tipi meditating on life and its meaning, accepting the kinship of all creatures and acknowledging unity with the universe of things was infusing into his being the true essence of civilization.”
— quoted from the “What the Indian Means to America” in Land of the Spotted Eagle by Luther Standing Bear
There is no playlist for the Common Ground Meditation Center practices.
*NOTE: Since there are several moveable feasts around this time of year, the second excerpt includes references to events that did not take place on February 9, 2026. It also features a playlist that I low-key referenced during this practice.
“A nimble mind can accept that it’s like this right now. We can notice how it feels to relate through a softer relationship with appreciation for the dance of experience arising in relationship to all things. We’re intimately contemplating the truth of the teachings through our own direct, embodied observation. And here we find the agency to learn and grow as we go along.”
— quoted from a December 20, 2025, message to the Common Ground Meditation Center sangha by Shelly Graf
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
“Happy Carnival!” to those who are celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, and especially those observing the Sunday of the Prodigal Son.
Peace, ease, contemplation, and a little faith throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!
This quick note with excerpts is the “missing” post for February 8th. Some of the quotations are remixed from earlier posts. You can request an audio recording for a related practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra(at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
“What we believe about ourselves can hold us hostage. Over the years I have come to respect the power of people’s beliefs. The thing that has amazed me is that a belief is more than just an idea—it seems to shift the way in which we actually experience ourselves and our lives. According to Talmudic teaching, ‘We do not see things as they are. We see them as we are.’ A belief is like a pair of sunglasses. When we wear a belief and look at life through it, it is difficult to convince ourselves that what we see is not what is real. With our sunglasses on, life looks green to us. Knowing what is real requires that we remember that we are wearing glasses, and take them off. One of the great moments in life is the moment we recognize we have them on in the first place. Freedom is very close to us then. It is a moment of great power. Sometimes because of our beliefs we may have never seen ourselves or life whole before.”
— quoted from “Healing at a Distance” in “III. Traps” of Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. (Forward by Dean Ornish, M. D.)
In talking about “dreaming” (Saturday’s principle of the day for the “Season for Nonviolence”), I actually referenced today’s principle several times: “Faith”. One could even argue — and there’s some science to back this up — that having faith is part of being human. However, before you get it twisted, remember that faith is not necessarily religious.
Faith is defined as “great trust or confidence in something or someone” — which means, you can have faith even if your belief is based on disbelief. No matter where we come from or how we were raised, we all believe in something (or someone). For some people it is science and/or Nature. For others it is community and/or God (whatever that means to at this moment). People can also have faith in themselves and in their own abilities. In fact, this year’s group Sankalpa (on Saturdays) begins with the words “I trust…” — in other words, it begins with faith.
“The basic word I-Thou can only be spoken with one’s whole being. The concentration and fusion into a whole being can never be accomplished by me, can never be accomplished without me. I require a You/Thou to become; becoming I, I say you.”
— quoted from Ich und Du by Martin Buber (English translation by Walter Kaufmann)
The February 8th practice is usually inspired by people of faith who were born on this date.1 Martin Buber (who was born today in 1878, in Vienna, Austria-Hungary) was an Jewish, existential philosopher who did not consider himself a philosopher or a theologian; because, he said, he “was not interested in ideas, only personal experience, and could not discuss God, but only relationships with God”.
“Let us strive to know more about ourselves, –it is human, it is Christian-like to do so. Then there will be minds from which to select students for the college, that may come forth to the community graduates in Pharmacy, Surgery, Dentistry, and Medicine. It is well known that many noble-minded women have graced the chambers of the sick with good service, in different conditions of need, too; but at the present women appear to shrink from any responsibilities demanding patience and sacrifice, or rather seem not to rely on the union of their strength with that of our great Creator, in time of need.
What we need o-day in every community, is, not a shrinking or flagging of womanly usefulness in this field of labor, but renewed and courageous readiness to do when and whatever duty calls.”
— quoted from “Chapter XIX. General Remarks.” in A Book of Medical Discourses, In Two Parts by Rebecca Crumpler, M. D.
Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler (who was born today in 1831, in Christiana, Delaware) was the first African American woman to earn a medical degree in the United States — way back in 1864. Her focus on children and belief in healing very much dovetail with those of the pediatrician Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen (born today in 1938, in New York, New York), who is known for her emphasis on alternative medicine and integrative medicine.
Similarly, Lisa Perez Jackson (who was born today in 1962, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) has structured her life around her belief in science (specifically as it relates to the environment) and preparing children to be the leaders of the future.
“The first girls to attend [the Coretta Scott King Young Women’s Leadership Academy] were previously at the city’s lowest-ranked middle school. This year the school’s eighth graders earned one of the highest scores of all public schools in Atlanta on a state exam.
They’re Jackson’s sweet spot, these kids. African-American girls, who, like her, may have faced obstacles but are full of promise. ‘Listen,’ she says, ‘if these young women don’t grow up strong and talented and committed to our environment, then our country’s gonna suffer, not just them.’
Her speech hits home: ‘You have a right to clean air and clean water,’ she tells the girls, touching on one of her core initiatives, environmental justice—that is, to give a voice to the people, usually poor minorities, who are most severely affected by environmental hazards and calamities. ‘You have a right to have a healthy school to learn in.’ But such heady rights come with responsibility. The girls must be willing to do their part, she tells them—to blow past the wheezing stereotypes that only young men wearing pocket protectors are good at math and science, and that black women don’t set policy or lead. ‘You will bring clean air to your community,’ she tells them. ‘Which you can’t do if you don’t have the education.’”
— quoted from the O, The Oprah Magazine (June 2011) article “Clean Power: Lisa Jackson Fights for Our Right to Healthy Air, Water and Land: Somebody has to do it. We’re lucky it’s her.” by Lisa Depaulo
You may notice that the people I highlighted above2 did not grow up in the same place or within the same faith community; nor are their lives necessarily characterized by faith in the same things. However, it is notable that they all believe(d) in the power of human connection (i.e., relationships) and in human possibilities.
Take a moment to also notice that their beliefs led all of them to teach.
“The Hindus use the greeting ‘Namaste’ instead of our more noncommittal ‘Hello.’ The connotation of this is roughly, whatever your outer appearance, I see and greet the soul in you. There is a wisdom in such ways of relating. Sometimes we can best help other people by remembering that what we believe about them may be reflected back to them in our presence and may affect them in ways we do not fully understand.”
— quoted from “How We See One Another” in “VII. Live and Help Live” of Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories That Heal by Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D. (Forward by Dean Ornish, M. D.)
Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “02082023 Being Human, prequel”]
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
1February 8th sometimes overlaps with religious and/or culture observations that are related to faith and, to a certain degree, to what it means to be human. While I will often incorporate stories related to these celebrations into the practice, I did not reference the fact that today (in 2026) was the Sunday of the Prodigal Son in some (Orthodox) Christian traditions. I will note here, however, that the story of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) is a story about faith, specifically about one’s belief in repentance, forgiveness, family, home, and community.
2Although I quoted Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen today (and on Friday, when the principle was “healing”), I have not yet written a post about her. That said, I am officially putting her books on my reading list!
“Alles wirkliche Leben ist Begegnung.”
“All real life is meeting.”
“All actual life is encounter.”
— quoted from Ich und Du by Martin Buber (English translations by Ronald Gregor Smith and Walter Kaufmann, respectively)
### As they say in Zulu, “Sawubona!” [“I see you!”] and “Yebo, sawubona!” [“I see you seeing me.”] ###
Please join me today (Sunday, February 8th) at 2:30 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules”calendar if you run into any problems checking into the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra(at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “02082023 Being Human, prequel”]
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible. Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
Happy Carnival (to those who are already celebrating)! Peace and ease on the final day of World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW) and throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!
May your dreams come true.
This is the “missing” post & excerpt for February 7th. My apologies for the delay and for not posting music before the practice. You can request an audio recording for a related practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra(at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
“It is necessary that we dream now and then. No one achieved anything, from the smallest object to the greatest, unless the dream was dreamed first, yet those who stop at dreaming never accomplish anything. We must first see the vision in order to realize it; we must have the ideal or we cannot approach it; but when once the dream is dreamed it is time to wake up ‘get busy.’ We must ‘do great deed, not dream them all day long.’
The dream is only the beginning.”
— quoted from the “1918: Make Your Dreams come True ~ February 5, 1918” by Laura Ingalls Wilder (b. 1867), published in Laura Ingalls Wilder, Farm Journalist: Writings from the Ozarks, Edited by Stephen W. Hines
“Dreaming” is the “Season for Nonviolence” principle of the day and, according to the Yoga Sūtras, can be the source of wisdom. However, some types of dreaming can also be a form of grasping or craving — which is antithetical to the practice. So, as is so often the case, the practice becomes about finding balance.
It can be challenging to find the balance between dreaming and that “trustful surrender” that is letting go and having faith in your efforts (and in what has already been written). In our physical practice, it can be the balance between effort and relaxation. In our philosophical Yoga practice, it is the balance between abhyasa(“[continuous and deliberate] practice, [engaged with sincere devotion]”) and vairagya(“non-attachment”). (YS. 1.12-1.14) In a spiritual and/or religious practice, it is having faith in yourself and in God (whatever that means to you at this moment).
When we find that balance, things get done. According to the Yoga Sūtras, the process by which we find that balance leads to mental and physical vitality, as well as freedom and liberation from suffering. (YS 1.2 – 1.4; 1.12 – 1.15; 1.29 – 1.40; 2.18) This process — which is the Yoga Philosophy — includes the practice of santoşā(“contentment”), which leads to “…happiness without equal.” (YS 2.42)
And there’s the twist: How do you dream or desire (which can be a form of craving) and also be satisfied/content? How do you find balance when you may think of contentment as “settling” — as if there is something more and you are missing out?
“At this second Carol realized that for all Guy’s love and dead elegances his timidity was as depressing to her as the bulkiness of Sam Clark. She realized that he was not a mystery, as she had excitedly believed; not a romantic messenger from the World Outside on whom she could count for escape. He belonged to Gopher Prairie, absolutely. She was snatched back from a dream of far countries, and found herself on Main Street.”
— quoted from Main Street by Sinclair Lewis (b. 1885)
I think of both santoşā and the Zen Buddhist practice of shoshin(“beginner’s mind”) as practices that encourage us to stay in the present moment — with a sense of awe and wonder about what comes next. These practices also create the opportunity for us to be grateful for what we have been able to do in the past, present, and in the future.
During the practice, I reference several people born on February 7th; people who dreamed of “something more”. Three of them found their something more by writing about what they knew and about what they dreamed. Like their father, the fourth birthday person also worked to create the world of which they dreamed, a more just world, a more equitable world… but (unlike the others) their writing was “brief”.
“In the early seventies, blacks argued for bifurcated jury trials, and this Court today has mandated such for the State of Alabama. In the seventies, blacks asked that sentences for rape and other offenses be not discriminatorily and freakishly imposed.”
— quoted from the special concurrence opinion for Beck v. State, 396 So. 2d 645 (1980) by Alabama Supreme Court Justice Oscar W. Adams (b. 1925)
“Are you happy in this modern world? Or do you need more? Is there something else you’re searchin’ for?
I’m falling In all the good times, I find myself longin’ for change And in the bad times, I fear myself”
— quoted from the song “Shallow” written by Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando, Andrew Wyatt, Stefani J. Germanotta
Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “07092022 Awareness of the Mind’s Awareness”]
Music Note: There are two (going on three) playlists on YouTube and Spotify with today’s date. However, due to circumstances beyond my control, I decided to substitute the playlist highlighted above.
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255)for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
###
A Joyful Practice 