A Joyful Practice

A Quick [REVISED] Note & EXCERPT: “The Practice of Observing Where You Are (and keeping notes)” August 10, 2025

Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone navigating the road(s) with friendship, peace, freedom, and wisdom — especially when it gets hot (inside and outside).

Stay hydrated & be kind, y’all!

This is a *revised* version of 2024 note. Some date-related information, class details, and links have been added/updated. 

“When I have got some more observations of it I shall bee [sic] able to tell you how long it will last and where it will pass[. At] present I dare not pretend to that knowledge.”

— quoted from a letter to “to Crompton [for Newton]” dated “December 15^th (1680)” by John Flamsteed, the first Astronomer Royal

Every mindfulness-based practice is an opportunity for observation — for noticing what we notice and bringing awareness to our awareness. You could even say that observation is part of the cornerstone of a mindfulness-based practice.

These practices are also a way to better study cause and effect, on and off the mat. One of the underlying intentions, especially during [the last few year’s of] Saturday practices, is to notice cause and effect in order to better understand our trajectory — which, in turn, can help us navigate through life with a little more intentionality.

August 10^th is the day the cornerstone for the Royal Observatory, Greenwich was laid (in 1675); the day Ferdinand Magellan set sail today (in 1519), with the intention of circumnavigating the globe; and the day the United States Congress passed legislation (in 1846) that established the Smithsonian Institution.

Click on the excerpt title below for more about observation, navigation, and preservation.

FTWMI: The Practice of Observing Where You Are (and keeping notes)

Please join me today (Sunday, August 10^th) 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 available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “04192020 Noticing Things”]

NOTE: This is a 2-for-1 playlist. You can start with Track #1 or Track #14.

Extreme heat can not only make people lethargic and unmotivated, it can also lead to extreme agitation and anxiety-based fear. We may find it hard to think, hard to feel (or process our feelings), and/or hard to control our impulses. If you are struggling in the US, help is available just by dialing 988.

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.

### YOU WILL REACH YOUR DESTINATION! ###