EXCERPT: “Gazing into Our Self (again)” October 24, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, Meditation, One Hoop, Religion, Science, Tragedy, Yoga.Tags: 988, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, Harry Houdini, meditation, Samyama, svadyaya, svādhyāya
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Many blessings to everyone. Peace within you; peace all around you; peace to and from everything and everyone you encounter.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
“People who look for the first time through a microscope say now I see this and then I see that and even a skilled observer can be fooled. On these observations I’ve spent more time than many will believe, but I’ve done them with joy, and I’ve taken no notice those who have said why take so much trouble and what good is it?”
— Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (b. 1632)
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, known as the “Father of Microbiology, was born today in 1632.
The internationally acclaimed Harry Houdini performed his last show today in 1926.
Click on the excerpt title below to learn what they have in common with Friedrich Nietzsche, James Randi, Yoga Sūtra 1.39, and the practice of svādhyāyā (“self-study”).
Please join me today (Saturday, October 24th) 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 by emailing myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10202020 Pratyahara”]
If you are struggling, 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.
