A Joyful Practice

Another Quick Note & EXCERPT: “Noticing Things [on… June 2nd]” June 2, 2026

Happy Pride!

Many, many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone observing the Third Day of the Holy Trinity.

“And will any say when my bell of quittance is heard in the gloom,
And a crossing breeze cuts a pause in its outrollings,
Till they rise again, as they were a new bell’s boom,
‘He hears it not now, but used to notice such things?’”

— quoted from the poem “Afterwards” by Thomas Hardy, set to music by Lon Lord

Today is the anniversary of the birth of two people who noticed things: Thomas Hardy (OM), born today in 1840, and Sir Edward William Elgar (1st Baronet, OM, GCVO), born today in 1857.

Both used their art to bring awareness to the things they noticed and one of the things they both noticed was people’s patterns and how those patterns reflect what was at the core or the heart of certain people and what motivated those people — in other words: they noticed the roots/foundations of people’s actions and how those actions cultivated the world around them.

Even if you do not consider yourself an artist, you are one of the people creating the environment in which we all live — so, your awareness is important.

Click on the title of the excerpt below for the entire 2023 post about awareness:

Noticing Things [on Friday, June 2nd] (the “missing” and revised invitation)

“‘I had a neat stock of fixed opinions, but they dropped away one by one; and the further I get the less sure I am. I doubt if I have anything more for my present rule of life than following inclinations which do me and nobody else any harm, and actually give pleasure to those I love best.’”

— quoted from Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy

Please join me today (Tuesday, June 2^nd) 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 “06022023 Noticing Things II”]

NOTE: At some point I may (or may not) update it to include more of the “Enigma Variations.”

“‘There, gentlemen, since you wanted to know how I was getting on, I have told you. Much good may it do you! I cannot explain further here. I perceive there is something wrong somewhere in our social formulas: what it is can only be discovered by men or women with greater insight than mine–if, indeed, they ever discover it– at least in our time. ‘For who knoweth what is good for man in this life?–and who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun?’”

— quoted from Jude the Obscure by Thomas Hardy

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.

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’re Invited to Bend… & To Take The Deepest Breath You’ve Taken — On Retreat!

September 25 — 27, 2026

### BRING YOUR AWARENESS TO YOUR AWARENESS ###