A Joyful Practice

First Friday Night Special #41: An Invitation to “Doing the Little Things” (a brief post-practice post with links) March 1, 2024

Many blessings to all, and especially to those observing Lent, St. David’s Day, and/or the 19-Day Fast during this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!

This is the post-practice post for tonight’s “First Friday Night Special.” You can request an audio recording of tonight’s Restorative Yoga practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email me at 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.

“Brothers and sisters, Be joyful, and keep your faith and your creed, and do the little things that you have seen me do and heard about. I on the third day of the week on the first of March shall go the way of my fathers. Farewell in the Lord.”

— based on “62. The Assembly of Mourners” in Rhygyvarch’s Life of St. David (circa later 11th century)

I want you to do a little thing, just a little thing: relax you jaw.

You might have to move it around first and/or open it wide first; but, then, soften the lower portion of your face.

Now, take a deep breath in and, as your exhale, relax your shoulders. I know, I know, that’s a second (and a third) thing; but, still just a little thing.

If you do one more little thing — like, say, relaxing your fingers — you may start to notice how little things can make a big difference.

For many people, this time of year is when they do something that is a little different from the things they do throughout the rest of the year. Maybe they just do a little Spring cleaning. Maybe, as many people are doing right now, they give up something for Lent and/or they observe the Baháʼí Faith 19-Day Fast. Maybe, as many people will soon be doing, they fast during Great Lent, Passover, or the holy month of Ramaḍān. Maybe, as many people will soon be doing, they fast and celebrate during Maha Shivaratri.

Each of those examples requires time, effort, and patience. Furthermore, from the outside, doing any of these things requires something that can look like a little inconvenience and/or an imposition. However, in each of the participating communities, these rituals and traditions are a big deal. There is a material and a symbolic aspect of each example, which means that doing little things can lead to big benefits.

CLICK HERE for the 2023 post about Lent, the Baháʼí Faith 19-Day Fast, and Saint David’s Day — and why little things can be a big deal.

The March First Friday Night Special features a Restorative Yoga practice. It is accessible and open to all.

Friday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “03032023 Liminal & Lofty Redux”]

Prop wise, this is a kitchen sink practice. You can practice without props or you  can use “studio” and/or “householder” props. Example of “Studio” props: 1 – 2 blankets, 2 – 3 blocks, a bolster, a strap, and an eye pillow. Example of “Householder” props: 1 – 2 blankets or bath towels, 2 – 3 books (similar in size), 2 standard pillows (or 1 body pillow), a belt/tie/sash, and a face towel.

You may want extra layers (as your body may cool down during this practice).

Pethau Bychain Dewi Sant — Bob Delyn a’r Ebillion / St. David’s Little Things — Bob Delyn and the Ebillion

### Your patience will be rewarded. ###