A Very Quick Note & EXCERPT: “You and Your Heart Are Invited” September 7, 2024

Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone working to strengthen and cultivate a mighty good heart.

Stay safe! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.

“The human heart yearns for peace and love and freedom. Peace heals, elevates, and invigorates the spirit. Peace represents the health of humanity.”

— Dr. Michael DeBakey (b. 1908), quoted from “Quotable Quotes: The Human Heart and Peace” in Azerbaijan International Magazine (6.3) Autumn 1998

Dr. Michael DeBakey, who was born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, today in 1908, was an internationally renowned heart specialist. He knew a thing or two about hearts and about health. If we take his words and face value — and then take a look around — we might conclude that there are places that are obviously unhealthy. Then, there are places where the metaphorical heart that is our society has been engaging in behavior we know is not good, healthy, or wise. Finally, there are the places that look like the very young and super athletic person who collapses because no one noticed the hole or the block in their heart.

As I mentioned during last night’s practice, sometimes we need a professional (like Dr. DeBakey); however, needing the help of a professional does not mean that we don’t also take care of ourselves — which is what I invite you to do during each and every practice.

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR A LITTLE MORE.

FTWMI: You and Your Heart Are Invited

“The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there.”

— quoted from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert Pirsig

Please join me today (Saturday, September 7^th) at 12:00 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.

Saturday’s playlist available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “09092020 Tolstoy’s Theory”]

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 a new app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.

If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).

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.

### LISTEN TO YOUR HEART ###