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[FTWMI] 2 EXCERPTS: “Re-Introducing SOPHIE” & “How Do You Love Ye?” (the post-practice Monday post) August 24, 2026

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Love, Music, One Hoop, Pain, Philosophy, Suffering, Tragedy, Wisdom, Yoga.
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone observing the Dormition (Theotokos) Fast; and/or working to cultivate friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom — especially when it gets hot (inside and outside) — on the International Day Against Intolerance, Discrimination, & Violence Based on Musical Preference.

Stay hydrated & be kind, y’all!

For Those Who Missed It: This post-practice post for Monday, August 24th, was originally posted in 2025. Some formatting, links, and retreat information have been added/updated. The 2026 prompt question was, “What is your favorite kind/genre of music?” You can request an audio recording of these practices 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.

Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.

“. . . the great aim of every human being is to understand the meaning of total love. Love is not to be found in someone else, but in ourselves; we simply awaken it. But in order to do that, we need the other person.”

— quoted from Eleven Minutes by Paulo Coelho (b. 1947)

Click on the first excerpt title below to “meet” Sophie Lancaster and the second excerpt title for a mini-post about Paulo Coelho. 

FTWMI: Re-Introducing SOPHIE

How Do You Love Ye?

“During the long hours at hospital, Sylvia decided that when Sophie was better, they would go into schools and talk to young people about difference, and how it is ok to be who you are and express yourself in your own way. Sadly, Sylvia never got a chance to do this with Sophie.”

— quoted from the “Welcome” page for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation

There is no playlist for the Common Ground Meditation Center practices; however…. 

You can find music referenced in the practice and in the excerpted posts on the playlist available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “08242021 A Day for SOPHIE”]

NOTE: The YouTube playlist contains this video with a graphic depiction of violence.

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 an app, which I have not 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 need 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).

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

September 25 — 27, 2026

### “Love is looking at the same mountains from different angles.” ~ Paulo Coelho ###

EXCERPT (repost): “All These Easter Eggs Are About Hope… Not Blind Optimism” August 23, 2026

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Abhyasa, Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Depression, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Loss, Music, Pain, Philosophy, Poetry, Suffering, Tragedy, Vairagya, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
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Many blessings to you all. Make sure to rest, relax, hydrate, and smile (when you can) — especially if you are observing the Dormition (Theotokos) Fast.

Stay hydrated & be kind, y’all!

“Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.”

— quoted from the poem “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley 

Click on the excerpt title below for more about William Ernest Henley (b. 1849) and how his life and work continues to inspire billions.

FTWMI: All These Easter Eggs Are About Hope… Not Blind Optimism

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”

— quoted from “The Sermon on the Mount,” in The Gospel According to Matthew (7:14)

“It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.”

— quoted from “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley

Please join me today (Sunday, August 23rd) at 2:30 PM for a “spirited” 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 “08232020 Henley’s Invictus Day”]

(NOTE: The playlists have slightly different before/after practice content. Both include the poem, but the YouTube playlist has a little more!)

“Invictus”

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 an app, which I have not 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 need 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

### YES! I WILL LEAVE A LIGHT ON!! ###

Saturday music & blessings August 22, 2026

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Yoga.
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone observing the Dormition (Theotokos) Fast and/or exploring friendship, peace, freedom, and wisdom — especially when it gets hot (inside and outside).

Stay hydrated, be kind, read (or listen), & notice the path, y’all!

Please join me today (Saturday, August 22nd) at 12:o0 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 by emailing myra        (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “08222021 Fire Thread”]

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 an app, which I have not 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 need 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

### 🎶 ###

roj vay’ potlh ngIq (“Peace is an important part of the process”) [the “missing” Wednesday post] August 19, 2026

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Depression, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, Love, Movies, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Poetry, Science, TV, Wisdom, Women, Writing, Yoga.
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone observing the Second “Feast of the Saviour” (in August) and/or exploring friendship, peace, freedom, and wisdom — especially when it gets hot (inside and outside).

Stay hydrated & be kind, y’all!

Pardon me, while I catch up!

This “missing” (and backdated) compilation post for Wednesday, August 19th, includes new and re-purposed content, an extra poem, a previously posted video, and a series of excerpts. 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.

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.

“RIKER: So none of the background which we have provided would be helpful in understanding why they continue to fight?

SCHOLAR: The portfolio will indicate that the conflict is over a piece of land, or wealth, or some other tangible asset. But we both know that is not the case.

RIKER: They’ve been at war for so long, it has become personal.

SCHOLAR: Exactly. The basis for peace must also be personal….”

— quoted from Star Trek Deep: Next Generation, “Loud as a Whisper” – (season 2, episode 5, aired January 9, 1989), conversation between First Officer William T. Riker (played by Jonathan Frakes), Riva (played by Howie Seago), and the Chorus (played by Thomas Oglesby as Scholar/Dreamer/Artist, Marnie Mosiman as Woman/That Which Binds Them, and Leo Damian as Passion/Warrior)

Understatement of the Day: There is a lot of conflict in the world.

Most of the conflict in the world is not new. We may point to something that happened yesterday or two weeks ago or two years ago or six (or ten or twenty) years ago as being the beginning of the conflict. However, more often than not, the roots of the conflict go much deeper than whatever we can point to at this moment. I think this is true about global conflicts, as well as about individual conflicts — and this idea is highlighted in the Yoga Sūtras.

According to the Yoga Sūtras (1.5; 1.30-1.32; 2.2-2.11), everything we think — and, therefore, everything we say and do — is a seed that can be described as klişțāklişțāh (“afflicting/dysfunctional or non-afflicting/functional”). (That which is klesha (an “affliction”) grows into suffering. Every seed (regardless of how it is colored) can be dormant, attenuated/weakened, intercepted, or fully activated/rooted through our actions. Part of the practice is about being very mindful of what we “plant” in the world and very deliberate and intentional about what we uproot versus what we nurture. One of the ways we do this is by practicing peace.

“Shanti Shanti Shanthi Om”

“Peace [within us], Peace [all around us], Peace [to and from everything and every one we encounter] With our conscious, subconscious, and unconscious mind and on every plane of existence.”

— Sanskrit and English, quoted from the end of the shantipats

There are, without a doubt, a lot of pithy, poignant, and even meaningful quotes about peace. However, again and again, I come back to a reminder found at the end of every shantipat. The importance of peace is emphasized by the fact that the word shanti (“peace”) is repeated three times.

That final “peace” is drawn out and can be translated as an emphatic “Peace, because I said so!” or “Peace, because I demand it!” However, more often than not, I translate the three repetitions as, “Peace within us, peace all around us, peace to and from everything and everyone we encounter.” Then, I tack on a little reminder: “Peace, like [insert quality of the day] begins within.”

In other words, peace is personal and [finding your personal] “roj vay’ potlh ngIq (peace is an important part of the process).”

Since our experiences are different, the details of our conflicts are difference. So, if we want peace, we have figure out “qaStaH nuq jay (What the bleep is happening?)” and the best way to communicate with ourselves and others [i.e., “Holchaj yIjatlh. (Speak in their language).”]

August 19th is the anniversary of the birth of three people who changed how we consume media and what media we consume.  

Click on the excerpt titles below for the 2020 post and the 2023 note related to Philo T. Farnsworth (b. 1906) and Gene Roddenberry (1921), and the related 2025 post that connects their television innovations to the work of Dorothy “Dot” Miles (b. 1931).

qaStaH nuq (“What’s happening?”)

bISeH’eghlaH’be’chugh latlh Dara’laH’be‘ (“If you cannot control yourself, you cannot command others”)

“…people meet and part.
The word becomes the action in this language of the heart.”

— quoted from the English translation of the poem “Language for the Eye” by Dorothy Miles

FTWMI: Holchaj yIjatlh. (“Speak in their language.”)

“I gave a lot of thought this year to my own Christmas list
I think these should be given to all, and no-one should be missed;
The first and most important is that we should learn to Love…
Ourselves — and then each other as we will in ‘heaven above’.
And after that Intelligence., growing like a seed;
And then a little Discipline, a scolding when we need!
And last of all, when all these are working as they should.
The right amount of Humour to make life good.”

— quoted from the English translation of the poem “Christmas List” by Dorothy Miles

Wednesday’s “Courage filled” playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “08192020 To Boldly Go with Courage”]

Playlist Note: The YouTube playlist includes an interview with Gene Roddenberry and the Dorothy Miles poem “Language for the Eye” (which is also below).

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 an app, which I have not 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 need 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).

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

September 25 — 27, 2026

### roj ###

Wednesday music & blessings *UPDATED w/EXCERPT* August 19, 2026

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Poetry, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone observing the Second “Feast of the Saviour” (in August) and/or exploring friendship, peace, freedom, and wisdom — especially when it gets hot (inside and outside).

Stay hydrated & be kind, y’all!

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE!

roj vay’ potlh ngIq (“Peace is an important part of the process”) [the “missing” Wednesday post]

Please join me today (Wednesday, August 19th) 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 the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra        (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

Wednesday’s “Courage filled” playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “08192020 To Boldly Go with Courage”]

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 an app, which I have not 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 need 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

### 🎶 ###

A Snippet/Note & EXCERPT: “Exploring & Having Our Say” August 18, 2026

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, First Nations, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, One Hoop, Philosophy, Wisdom, Women, Writing, Yoga.
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone observing the Dormition (Theotokos) Fast, and/or exploring friendship, peace, freedom, and wisdom — especially when it gets hot (inside and outside).

“If we allow ourselves to be discouraged, we lose our power and momentum. That’s what I would say to you of these difficult times. If you are going to that place of intent to preserve the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge or the wild lands in Utah, you have to know how to dance.”

— quoted from Two In the Far North by Margaret “Mardy” Murie

We all have stories to tell. The more we travel, the more we explore, the more stories we will discover.

Click on the excerpt title below to explore a story about how (some) women were able to tell their stories and for the stories of explorers born on August 18th: Captain Meriwether Lewis (b. 1774) and Margaret “Mardy” Murie (b. 1902).

FTWMI: Exploring & Having Our Say

“Dear Son,

Don’t forget to be a good boy and help Mrs. Catt put the RAT in ratification.”

— quoted from the letter Mrs. Phoebe “Febb” Ensminger Burn wrote to her son Tennessee Representative Harry Burn in 1920

Please join me today (Tuesday, August 18th) at 12:00 Noon 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 the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email me at myra             (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “08182020 Exploring & Having Our Say”]

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 an app, which I have not 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 need 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

### Tell Me One of Your Stories ###

EXCERPT (snippet repost): “Big Gold 2” August 16, 2026

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in First Nations, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Science, Yoga.
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Many blessings to everyone, everywhere, and especially to anyone observing the Dormition Fast and/or cultivating friendship, peace, freedom, and wisdom — especially when it gets hot (inside and outside).

Stay hydrated & be kind, y’all!

“It was in the Klondike that I found myself. There nobody talks. Everybody thinks. You get your true perspective. I got mine.”

— quoted from the essay “Eight Factors of Literary Success,” as published  in No mentor but myself: Jack London on Writing & Writers by Jack London (Second Edition, Revised and Expanded, Edited by Dale L. Walker and Jeanne Campbell Reesman)

Click on the excerpt below to discover what happened when Keish/Skookum Jim (also known as Jim Mason), his sister Kate Carmack, their nephew Dawson Charlie, and Kate’s husband George Washington Carmack found gold today in 1896.

Big Gold 2 (the “missing” Wednesday post)

“I’ve been fooled before
But now I know
I’ve made the mistake in the past
But now I know the difference
From gold and brass

Not the kind of gold you wear
But the kind that can feel my care
You look like gold”

— quoted from the song “Gold to Me” by Ben Harper

Please join me today (Sunday, August 16th) 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.

Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify.  [Look for “08162026 Really BIG Gold”]

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 an app, which I have not 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 need 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

### BE SKOOKUM! ###

No Zoom Class Means You Can “Do it differently…” August 15, 2026

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Meditation, Music, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Suffering, Vipassana, Wisdom, Yoga.
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone observing the Dormition Fast and/or cultivating communication that leads to peace — especially when it gets hot (inside and outside).

Stay hydrated & be kind, y’all!

“Do it differently
So it won’t come out the same
Step up, be strong,
Get yourself out of pain.

— quoted from the poem “DIFFERENTLY” by Donna Garrett

Have you ever noticed a pattern in your life? Have you ever noticed certain things happening around the same time year after year? I have. Some of those things are situations over which we have no control (like my mother passing away at the beginning of August 2020 and my brother being hospitalized in August of 2026). Then there are things over which we have some control… like how we deal with the patterns in our lives.

While I am doing some things differently this year (specifically to get myself out of pain/suffering), some things seem to be the same. I emphasized “seem”, because although I am once again cancelling some classes in August, I am cancelling them for different reasons… and some of those reasons are a definite choice.

There are no Zoom classes today (Saturday, August 15th) or Monday (August 17th); however, I am planning to hold the regular Sunday class. I apologize for the inconvenience (especially as I will be cancelling some upcoming classes so that I can visit my brother).

Meanwhile, I am sending recordings to anyone on the class email lists and, of course, you can always check out one of my videos.

Click on the excerpt titles below for the philosophical posts that inspired previous practices on this date.

Consider What’s Downstream

Do It, But Differently (the Sunday post)

“In the conventional practice of non-violence we are not led to entertain a stream of structured, organized non-violent thoughts. For example, when someone slaps us on the right cheek, we are told to offer the left one also—this is said to be practicing non-violence. But this approach to non-violence does not free us from pain, nor does it purify our mind. According to Vyasa, we must design a system of practice that neutralizes the force of violence, step-by-step and point-by-point. In violence, the mind is churning out negative thoughts involuntarily. To practice non-violence, we have to train the mind to churn out positive thoughts voluntarily. We accomplish this by the methodical practice of contemplation.”

— quoted from the commentary on Yoga Sūtra 2.33 from The Practice of the Yoga Sutra: Sadhana Pada by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD

You can request an audio recording of a related practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra       (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

The playlist we used for the 2023 practices is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “0123-24/2022 Doing: Lessons in…”]

NOTE: If it is accessible to you, please consider using the Spotify playlist as it contains the original music (referenced in the original practice). Even better, if you already have the album!

The original Keith Jarrett recording is not available on YouTube (in the US) without a “Premium” membership and, after listening to several different “interpretations” – which do not / cannot include the vocalizations – I decided the Fausto Bongelli sounded the closest to the original. Sadly, one movement is missing and so I used a recording by Tomasz Trzcinkinski, who was the first person to record the music using the transcription. There are also now transcriptions for other instruments – which I didn’t sample, even though I think some of them would be lovely. There are also “covers” using electronic instruments, which I’m considering a hard pass (even if it seems contradictory to the original theme), out of respect for the composer. 

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 an app, which I have not 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 need 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

### OM OM AUM ###

[More Out of this World] Communication (just the music & blessings) August 12, 2026

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Yoga, Science, Music, One Hoop.
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone preparing for the Dormition Fast and/or cultivating communication that leads to peace — especially when it gets hot (inside and outside).

Stay hydrated & be kind, y’all!

Please join me today (Wednesday, August 12th) 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 the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra        (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “08122025 Communication”]

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 an app, which I have not 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 need 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

### 🎶 ###

Tuesday music & blessings August 11, 2026

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Yoga.
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to creating histories of friendship, peace, freedom, and wisdom — especially when it gets hot (inside and outside).

Stay hydrated & be kind, y’all!

Please join me today (Tuesday, August 11th) at 12:00 Noon 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 the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email me at myra             (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “08112021 The Roots of Your Story”]

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 an app, which I have not 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 need 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

### 🎶 ###