Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Baseball, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, One Hoop, Philosophy, Poetry, Science, Suffering, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Afterfeast of Pentecost, Dr. David Hubel, Dr. Torsten Wiesel, Ernest Thayer, eyes, ocular plasticity, truth, visual cortex, yoga, Yoga Sutra 2.20
Happy Pride!
Many, many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone observing the Afterfeast of Pentecost.
“The eye and the brain are not like a fax machine, nor are there little people looking at the images coming in.”
— Dr. Torsten Wiesel (b. 06/03/1924), co-winner of the 1981 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
On the surface, today’s practice appears to have two themes: How we see/perceive with our eyes (and mind) and how we see/understand (with our mind). The first part is directly related to the work of Dr. Torsten Wiesel (who was born today in 1924) and Dr. David Hubel. The second part is related to Ernest Thayer’s poem, “Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic, Sung in the Year 1888”, which was originally published in The Daily Examiner (now The San Francisco Examiner) today in 1888.
Then, suddenly, “there be dragons”.
If we go a little deeper, however, we find there is only one theme: How we see (and understand) what we perceive is based on what we believe — and what we believe can sometimes prevent us from seeing / understanding / perceiving what is right in front of us.
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE (including excerpts from the posts linked above).
FTWMI: Seeing/Perceiving & Believing in “Dragons”
“Ten thousand eyes were on him as he rubbed his hands with dirt;
Five thousand tongues applauded when he wiped them on his shirt;
Then while the writhing pitcher ground the ball into his hip,
Defiance flashed in Casey’s eye, a sneer curled Casey’s lip.”
— quoted from the poem “Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic, Sung in the Year 1888” by Ernest Lawrence Thayer
Please join me today (Wednesday, June 3rd) 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 “06032020 How Can We See, Dr Wiesel”]
Yoga Sūtra 2.20: draşțā dŗśimātrah śuddho’pi pratyayānupaśyah
— “The Seer is the pure power of seeing, yet its understanding is through the mind/intellect.” [Translation by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait (for comparative analysis): “The sheer power of seeing is the seer. It is pure, and yet it sees only what the mind shows it.”]
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.
September 25 — 27, 2026
### SEEING IS BELIEVING… & BELIEVING LEADS TO SEEING! ###
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Baseball, Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Music, New Year, One Hoop, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Bihu, Branch Rickey, Bright Week, Counting the Omer, David Vergun, Happy Songkran, Jackie Robinson, Jesse Jackson, Pana Sankranti, Pi Mai, Pohela Boishakh, Puthandu, Vaisakhi, Vishu
“Happy New Year!” and/or Happy “Happy Songkran, Pi Mai, Vaisakhi, Puthandu, Bihu, Vishu, Pohela Boishakh, and Pana Sankranti!” to all who are celebrating! Peace and many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone Counting the Omer and/or celebrating and/or observing Bright Week!
Happy Poetry Month!
“[Branch] Rickey later said: ‘I may not be able to do something about racism in every field, but I can sure do something about it in baseball.’”
— quoted from the “Sports Heroes Who Served: WWI Soldier Helped Desegregate Baseball” by David Vergun, DOD News (dated July 7, 2020, U. S. Department of Defense website)
Please join me today (Wednesday, April 15th) 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 in 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 “04152026 New Year & New Season for #42”]
“Jackie as a figure in history was a rock in the water, creating concentric circles and ripples of new possibility. He was medicine. The Lord’s arms of protection enabled him to go through dangers seen and unseen, and he had the capacity to wear glory with grace.”
— quoted from Reverend Jesse Jackson’s eulogy of Jackie Robinson (October 1972)
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.
September 25 — 27, 2026
### 
###
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Baseball, Faith, Football, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Loss, Minnesota, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Science, Suffering, Tragedy, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Believing, Bill Griggs, Branch Rickey, Buddy Holly, Carl Rogers Young, Carnival, Charles Follis, Charles Follis Foundation, David Shul, Don McLean, Dr. Mike Miller, J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, Jonathan Cain, Journey, Lenny Kaye, Michael Franti, Mishlei, music, Neal Joseph Schon, Proverbs, Ritchie Valens, Roger Peterson, Season for Nonviolence, Spearhead, Stephen Ray Perry, Val Willingham, Yoga Sutra 3.35
“Happy Carnival!” to those who are celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, everywhere.
Peace, ease, contemplation, and a little faith (believing) throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!
This is the “missing” compilation post for Tuesday, February 3rd. It includes a little note and a series of date-related excerpts. You can request an audio recording of this practice 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.
“For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.”
— Proverbs (New King James Version, 23:7)
Bring your awareness to what you believe, in your heart of hearts and in the back of your mind. “Believing” is the “Season for Nonviolence” principle of the day and it highlights the fact that what we believe, in our heart of hearts, shapes our thoughts, words, and deeds — and, by extension, the world. Patanjali made this point in Yoga Sūtra 3.35 (which is 3.33 or 3.34 in some translations), when he indicated that “By practicing samyama (focus-concentration-meditation] on the heart, knowledge of the mind is attained.”
So, what (or who) is in your heart? Do you believe “the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost”? Do you believe “in God above”? Some people do and some of those people (in the Western Christian traditions) are finishing up the final weeks of their pre-Lenten season, while others (in the Orthodox Christian traditions) are just beginning their pre-Lenten season. Regardless of which calendar they use (or the different ways they do it), these are all people who are preparing for the weeks-long ritual Lent, which is a very intentional — and, sometimes, very public-facing — expression of what they believe.
We can believing in things that are limiting our possibilites and/or things that expand our horizons. For instance, do you you can make a difference in the world? Do you believe you can make a difference in the world doing something you love? If not, have I got a story for you.
“On October 17, 1903, [Branch] Rickey felt the ‘Black Cyclone’s’ full power when he ran their ends dizzy for 20, 25, 35 and 70 yard gains, the last being a touchdown. After that game Rickey praised Follis, calling him ‘a wonder.’ It was the power of his example, his character, and his grace that convinced Rickey, that color could not belie his greatness. The rest is history….”
— quoted from the “Background” section of the Charles Follis Foundation website
Click on the excerpt title to learn about Charles “The Black Cyclone” Follis, born today in 1879.
The Black Cyclone (a special Black History note)
“For years, [Dr. Mike Miller], a research cardiologist, has been studying the effects of happiness — or things that make people happy — on our hearts. He began his research with laughter, and found watching funny movies and laughing at them could actually open up blood vessels, allowing blood to circulate more freely.
Miller thought, if laughter can do that, why not music? So, he tested the effects of music on the cardiovascular system. ‘Turns out music may be one of the best de-stressors — either by playing or even listening to music,’ said Miller.”
— quoted from a 2009 CNN Health segment entitled, “The power of music: It’s a real heart opener” by Val Willingham, CNN Medical Producer
“Now do you believe in rock and roll / Can music save your mortal soul?” And, what happens if the music died, as it did today in 1959? Would you believe that the show must go on?
Click on the excerpt title to learn more about the music, the musicians, and the tragic accident that happened today in 1959.
Today, 1959 (the Wednesday post about the music that died)
“Everyone deserves music, sweet music”
— quoted from the song “Everyone Deserves Music” by Michael Franti & Spearhead (written by Michael Franti, David Shul, Carl Rogers Young)
Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “02032021 The Day the Music Died”]
NOTE: The YouTube playlist has the Tommy Dee version of “Three Stars” during the practice and the Eddie Cochran version in the before/after music. The Spotify playlist has Cochran’s version during the practice and Charlie Gracie’s song “I’m Alright,” a tribute to Eddie Cochran, in the before/after music.
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).
### “Don’t Stop Believin’!” ~J ###
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Baseball, Football, Healing Stories, Music, One Hoop, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Believing, Dr. Mike Miller, Season for Nonviolence, Val Willingham
“Happy Carnival!” to those who are celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, everywhere.
Peace, ease, contemplation, and a little faith (believing) throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!
“For years, [Dr. Mike Miller], a research cardiologist, has been studying the effects of happiness — or things that make people happy — on our hearts. He began his research with laughter, and found watching funny movies and laughing at them could actually open up blood vessels, allowing blood to circulate more freely.
Miller thought, if laughter can do that, why not music? So, he tested the effects of music on the cardiovascular system. ‘Turns out music may be one of the best de-stressors — either by playing or even listening to music,’ said Miller.”
— quoted from a 2009 CNN Health segment entitled, “The power of music: It’s a real heart opener” by Val Willingham, CNN Medical Producer
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE.
Believing in the Power… [of Music & Connections] (the “missing” Tuesday post with excerpts)
Please join me today (Tuesday, February 3rd) 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 “02032021 The Day the Music Died”]
NOTE: The YouTube playlist has the Tommy Dee version of “Three Stars” during the practice and the Eddie Cochran version in the before/after music. The Spotify playlist has Cochran’s version during the practice and Charlie Gracie’s song “I’m Alright,” a tribute to Eddie Cochran, in the before/after music.
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.
### ###
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Art, Baseball, Books, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Food, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Meditation, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Alicia Keys, Bessie Coleman, change, Creativity, January 26th, Queen Bess, Virginia Woolf
Many blessings to everyone, everywhere.
May you be safe and protected / May you be peaceful and happy / May you be healthy and strong! May you create the circumstance that all you to soar!
This is a short post-practice post for Monday, January 26th (with excerpts). The 2026 prompt question was, “How do you express your creativity?” You can request an audio recording of this practice 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.
“Unconsciousness, which means presumably that the under-mind, works at top speed while the upper-mind drowses, is a state we all know. We all have experience of the work done by unconsciousness in our own daily lives. You have had a crowded day, let us suppose, sightseeing in London. Could you say what you had seen and done when you came back? Was it not all a blur, a confusion? But after what seemed a rest, a chance to turn aside and look at something different, the sights and sounds and sayings that had been of most interest to you swam to the surface, apparently of their own accord; and remained in memory; what was unimportant sank into forgetfulness. So it is with the writer. After a hard day’s work, trudging round, seeing all he can, feeling all he can, taking in the book of his mind innumerable notes, the writer becomes—if he can—unconscious. In fact, his under-mind works at top speed while his upper-mind drowses. Then, after a pause the veil lifts; and there is the thing—the thing he wants to write about—simplified, composed. Do we strain Wordsworth’s famous saying about emotion recollected in [tranquility] when we infer that by [tranquility] he meant that the writer needs to become unconscious before he can create?”
— quoted from the essay “The Leaning Tower (A paper read to the Workers’ Educational Association, Brighton, May 1940.)” as it appears in The Moment and Other Essays by Virginia Woolf (b. 01/25/1882)
Sometimes, like today, the January 26th. practice picks up where the January 25th practice left off — with a little focus on how we can create the causes and conditions that foster more practice. These are the same causes and conditions that we find in a more just and more productive world.
This practice is typically inspired by people who celebrate(d) birthdays today. While I initially thought I would skip most of the birthday and anniversary references this year, and focus more on creating space for the mind to create, it turns out we created space for both.
Click on the excerpt title to discover why the practice involves some “flying lessons”.
A Note & EXCERPTS: “Creating: Music for This Date II” & “En L’Air” [the January part] (the “missing” Sunday post)
In addition to Elizabeth “Bessie” Coleman (b. 1892), several other creative people were born today!
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE FOR MORE.
Creating: Music for This Date II (the “missing” Wednesday post)
“Create the world you want, and fill it with the opportunities that matter to you.”
— Alicia Keys (b. 01/25/1981)
There is no playlist for the Common Ground Meditation Center practices.
NOTE: Links for the playlist inspired by the January 26th birthdays and anniversary are available in the posts excerpted above.
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).
### PLAN TO SOAR! ###
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Abhyasa, Baseball, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Life, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Sukkot, Vairagya, Yoga.
Tags: 1956 World Series, 988, Baseball, Brooklyn Dodgers, Casey Stengel, Don Larsen, gratitude, New York Yankees, sports, Sukkot, yankees, Yoga Sutra 2.33, Yogi Berra
“Chag sameach!” to those celebrating Sukkot! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone grateful for friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, wisdom, and second chances.
May everyone be healthy and strong; may everyone be peaceful and happy.
“When it was over, I was so happy, I felt like crying. I wanted to win this one for Casey. After what I did in Brooklyn, he could have forgotten about me and who would blame him? But he gave me another chance and I’m grateful.”
— Don “Gooneybird” Larsen, #18 (who got a second chance today in 1956)
Please join me today (Wednesday, October 8th) 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 (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10082022 Second Chances”]
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.
### ###
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Baseball, Books, Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, One Hoop, Pain, Philosophy, Science, Suffering, Tragedy, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Afterfeast of the Ascension, Dr. David Hubel, Dr. Torsten Wiesel, Ernest Thayer, eyes, J. R. R. Tolkien, Martin Gardner, ocular plasticity, Shavuos, Shavuot, truth, visual cortex, yoga, Yoga Sutra 2.20
Happy Pride!
“Chag Sameach!” to everyone who is celebrating Shavuot. Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone celebrating the Afterfeast of the Ascension.
For Those Who Missed It: The following post with date-related excerpts was originally posted in 2024. Class details, as well as some formatting and date-related information, have been updated.
“After the banquet, at a Harvard decennial class reunion in 1895, [Ernest] Thayer recited Casey and delivered an eloquent speech, tinged with ironic humor and sadness. (It is printed, along with Casey, in Harvard University, Class of 1885: Secretary’s Report No. V, 1900, pp. 88-96.)…. Surely the following passage is but a roundabout way of saying that it is easy to strike out:
We give today a wider and larger application to that happy phrase of the jury box, ‘extenuating circumstances.’ We have found that playing the game is very different from watching it played, and that splendid theories, even when accepted by the combatants, are apt to be lost sight of in the confusion of active battle. We have reached the age, those of us to whom fortune has assigned a post in life’s struggle, when, beaten and smashed and biffed by the lashings of the dragon’s tail, we begin to appreciate that the old man was not such a damned fool after all. We saw our parents wrestling with that same dragon, and we thought, though we never spoke the thought aloud, ‘Why don’t he hit him on the head?’ Alas, comrades, we know now. We have hit the dragon on the head and we have seen the dragon smile.”
— quoted from “There was Ease in Casey’s Manner…” in The Annotated Casey at the Bat: A Collection of Ballads about the Mighty Casey / Third, Revised Edition, Edited by Martin Gardner
In The Hobbit, Or There and Back Again, J. R. R. Tolkien reminded us “It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.” Well, folks, we have been living with several dragons in our midst and, having not included that fact in our previous calculations, we find ourselves recalculating — and “[hitting] the dragon on the head…” only to see it smile.
I realize that everyone may not identify my metaphorical dragon in the same way that I intend it. So, let me be clear: the dragon equals our problem(s) and how we deal with our problem(s).
The Grace of “Being Sensational and Seeing Clearly” & FTWMI: When Intuition Expands *UPDATED*
“Science is not an intelligence test. Intuition is important, knowing what questions to ask. The other thing is a passion for getting to the core of the problem.”
— Dr. Torsten Wiesel (b. 06/03/1924), co-winner of the 1981 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Every person, every organization, every family, village, city, state, and country has a problem (or two… or more). Some problems seem uniquely ours and others transcend all the different labels we may apply to ourselves.
Back in a June 2022 side note, I posted that “… we may have different opinions about why we, here in the USA, have a problem — but we really can’t deny that there is a problem. We also can’t afford to deny or ignore the fact that it’s a problem no one else in the world is having. Neither can we deny or ignore the fact that if we keep speaking with ourselves, instead of with each other, than we will keep having this problem.”
The subtext to my observation is also the subtext to the speech Ernest Thayer gave in 1895 and to his poem, “Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic, Sung in the Year 1888”, which was originally published in The Daily Examiner (now The San Francisco Examiner) today in 1888. To extend the dragon metaphor just a little more, we can look at that subtext as the dragon’s tail. What beats us, bashes us, and biffs us — what lashes us and, ultimately, may defeat us — is our own ego and our reluctance (or inability) to see things from a different perspective.
Again, I realize this metaphor isn’t perfect. I realize some people may interpret in a different way than I intend it and that some people just won’t get it. I also understand that some people may understand it in a different way today than the would have last week or last year (when it wasn’t the Year of the Dragon)… or last century. That’s kind of the point.
Each of us perceives things the way we perceive them based on our previous experiences and then we move through the world accordingly. Patanjali pointed this out in the Yoga Sūtras (particularly in YS 2.20) and outlined ways to bring our awareness to our awareness, to notice what we notice — in order to expand our awareness and, in the process, expand our understanding.
Another way to look at this same concept is through the eyes of scientists like Dr. Torsten Wiesel (who was born today in 1924) and Dr. David Hubel, who collaborated on research that centered on the way we physically see — and sometimes don’t see.
How Can We See, Dr. Wiesel?
“We’re interested in how the brain works, and we work on the part of the brain that has to do with vision. And we…we record from single cells in the brain, and ask how it is you can influence those cells by shining lights and patterns.”
— Dr. David Hubel, summarizing research with Dr. Torsten Wiesel that won the 1981 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine
Please join me today (Tuesday, June 6th) 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 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 “06032020 How Can We See, Dr Wiesel”]
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.)
ERRATA: Title corrected and included J. R. R. Tolkien’s last name.
### We Shall See What We Shall See ###
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Baseball, Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Lent / Great Lent, Life, Music, One Hoop, Pain, Passover, Peace, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: 42, 988, Counting the Omer, Jackie Robinson, Lent / Great Lent, Passover
“Chag Sameach!” to everyone celebrating Passover and/or Counting the Omer! “Happy Songkran!” / “Happy New Year!” to all who are celebrating! Peace and many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone celebrating and/or observing Lent & Great Lent during Great / Passion / Holy Week!
Please join me today (Tuesday, April 15th) 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 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.
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.)
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Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Art, Baseball, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Faith, Lent / Great Lent, Music, Ramadan, Religion, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Chaitra Navaratri, George Plimpton, Karaniya Metta Sutta, Metta Sutta, Navaratri, peace, Season for Nonviolence, Season of Non-violence, Sidd Finch, Siddhartha, The Amaravati Sangha, Yoga Sutra 2.20, Yoga Sutra 2.36, Yoga Sutras 2.30-2.31
Many blessings to all! “Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Chaitra Navaratri!” Many blessings to those observing Lent & Great Lent!
Peace, ease, and even more peace to all, throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!
“This is what should be done
By one who is skilled in goodness,
And who knows the path of peace:
Let them be able and upright,
Straightforward and gentle in speech,
Humble and not conceited,
Contented and easily satisfied,
Unburdened with duties and frugal in their ways.
Peaceful and calm and wise and skillful,
Not proud or demanding in nature.”
— quoted from “Karaniya Metta Sutta: The Buddha’s Words on Loving-Kindness” (SN 1.8), translated from the Pali by The Amaravati Sangha. Access to Insight (2004)
This time of year is full of stories (including in poems) associated with various rituals, traditions, celebrations, and observations related to people overcoming challenges (and personal demons) in order to achieve peace. This is true about the Season of Nonviolence, as well as about Lent and Great Lent (for many Christians). It is also true about Chaitra Navaratri, the third day of which is today (Tuesday).
EXCERPT: The following slightly revised excerpt was originally posted in a slightly different context.
Navaratri, the Hindu festival of “nine nights” celebrating divine feminine energy in various manifestations, occurs four times a year. Magha Navaratri is one of the celebrations referred to as Gupta Navaratri meaning it is “hidden/secret” — again, not because no one knows about it, but because it is not as obvious as the bigger celebrations in the Spring and Fall.
Each day and night is dedicated to a different manifestation of Durga, the divine mother. Some people see the manifestations as nine different women; however, they are also seen by some as the same woman at different points in her story. For instance, her third form is Chandraghanta, whose name “one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell” comes from the image of the newly-wed Parvati. She is depicted as a combination of beauty, grace, and courage, with her third eye open — the result of all the (yoga) preparation performed by Her previous manifestation. That open third eye means that she is always ready to fight evil and demons. In fact, she is sometimes known as the “Goddess Who Fights Demons.”
Here “demons” can be a metaphor for anything that ails you physically, mentally, emotionally — even energetically, spiritually, and religiously. They can be challenges and hurdles that need to be over come. They can even be mistakes… sins… or vows (as I referred to them during the High Holidays) that can be absolved or forgiven. In fact, the faithful of all the different religions believe that there are ways (and even special times) when mistakes, sins, and broken vows are turned away… or washed away.
But, for a moment, let’s step back to the idea of overcoming challenges and hurdles.
For Those Who Missed It: The following was originally posted in 2023. Links, formatting, and some date related information have been updated.
“‘He told me his name was Hayden Finch, but he wanted to be called Sidd Finch. I said that most of the Sids we had in baseball came from Brooklyn. Or the Bronx. He said his Sidd came from “Siddhartha,” which means “Aim Attained” or “The Perfect Pitch.” That’s what he had learned, how to throw the perfect pitch. O.K. by me, I told him, and that’s what I put on the scouting report, “Sidd Finch.” And I mailed it in to the front office.’”
— quoted from the Sports Illustrated article (originally in the April 1, 1985 issue) entitled “The Curious Case Of Sidd Finch: He’s a pitcher, part yogi and part recluse. Impressively liberated from our opulent life-style, Sidd’s deciding about yoga—and his future in baseball.” by George Plimpton
During a conversation with one of my yoga-buddies [in March 2023], I mentioned that “context matters.” That statement can be taken in several different ways, but consider that — like kids during a spelling be — our understanding of a situation is based on context. Another way to say that is that our perception is based on context. Our perception is also based on expectation, which is based on our past experiences. This comes up in Yoga Sūtra 2.20, where Patanjali explained that we “see only what the mind-intellect shows [us].” This is also connected to what neuroscientists, like Dr. Beau Lotto, call our “space of possibility”. Politically (and socially), we can even think in terms of the Overton window (also known as the window of discourse) — just on a personal, individual level. How ever you look at it, it all boils down to one of the reasons why we humans make “bad” witnesses: We don’t always perceive The Truth; we perceive a truth (our truth).
In some ways, it’s like a Venn Diagram for “art”, where art is not an object, but, rather, the overlap between the artist’s intention and the audience’s perception. Similarly, if you have a subset of Facts in one circle and two other circles containing the understanding and/or awareness of two different people, there will be some overlap — which we will call the truth. But very rarely (if ever) will there just be one big, giant circle duplicated three times — which we can call The Truth. Yet, one of the yamas (external “restraints” or universal “commandments”), is a commitment / dedication to The Truth. (YS 2.30 – 31, YS 2.36)
Is that even possible? Especially today, in this day and age?
Yes, it is possible with awareness and grace.
I’m Thinking Several Aphorisms / Prose Really Illustrates Life For Our Overton Lookout Subsets. Click here for the 2019 post related to this practice.
Please join me today (Tuesday, April 1st) 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 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 “04012022 An “Important” Story”]
Yoga Sūtra 2.36: satyapratişţhāyām kriyāphalāśrayatvam
— “When a yogi is established in truthfulness, actions begin to bear fruit. [Truth is the foundation for fruitful action.]”
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.)
### As far as I know, everything I’ve stated above is true ###
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Baseball, Basketball, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Fitness, Football, Healing Stories, Health, Life, One Hoop, Philosophy, Science, Vipassana, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: asana, asymmetry, Gupta Navaratri, hatha yoga, Henry Lewis Hank Aaron, Hokkien, Hope Ricciotti MD, John Jeffries, joints, Kalaratri, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Maha Khumb Mela, Navaratri, pawanmuktasana, Season for Nonviolence, Simplicity / Preparation, Soma Yoga, Somatic Yoga, Toni Golen MD, unilateral, Willis Johnson, Year of the Snake
“Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Magha Gupta Navaratri!” “Happy (Lunar) New Year!”, “Happy Hokkien New Year!”, and/or “Happy Carnival!” to those who are celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, and especially those observing Maha Kumbh Mela. (Also, “Happy (National Weatherperson Day!”
Peace, ease, and contemplation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!
For Those Who Missed It: The majority of this post was originally posted in 2024. Some additional year-specific information and links have been updated or added.
“Research still hasn’t confirmed a cause-and-effect link between weather and joint pain, though many people insist they can predict the weather based on such aches. It’s believed that changes in barometric pressure — which happen as weather systems change — trigger these sensations in the joints. Less air pressure surrounding the body can allow muscles, tendons, and other tissues around joints to expand. This can place pressure on joints, possibly leading to pain.”
— quoted from “What triggers weather-related joint pain?” — a 2022 “Ask the doctors” post by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women’s Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor, and Hope Ricciotti, MD, Editor at Large, Harvard Women’s Health Watch (posted November 1, 2022*)
Do you ever notice/observe that you, your mind, and/or your body feel a certain way just before it rains… or snows? Or maybe you notice that you feel a little off when you don’t get enough sun. Or, maybe, you notice how you feel when you get too much sun. “Correlation does not imply causation.” So, washing your vehicle or feeling a certain pain/discomfort in your joints does not automatically mean it’s going to rain — unless there’s a 90% chance of rain in the forecast. Similarly, we are not guaranteed an early Spring just because one (or more) of the groundhogs didn’t see it’s shadow. Unless, of course, the predictions of said groundhogs are based on science.
Still, we shouldn’t discount the way we feel and it is interesting to note how we feel in relation to the weather and how the weather affects the way we feel. It is also interesting to notice when we pay attention to the weather and the effect the weather has on the way we move about our days.
For instance, during the years when I had the opportunity to teach “Rooftop Yoga”, I checked the weather forecast on a daily basis. Sometimes I even checked multiple times a day and got very familiar with the radar. Similarly, I checked the weather fairly often when the possibility of a snow storm meant I might need more winter gear before the end of my day. Other times… I checked the weather by walking outside. My guess is that if you want and/or need to be outside for your job and/or for an outdoor sport — like skiing or baseball — you probably also pay attention to the weather.
The question is: Are you simultaneously paying attention to your body (as you pay attention to the weather) and what do you do based on what you observe?
“Another possibility is that you do things on cold, damp days that can worsen joint pain or stiffness, such as sit on the couch for hours watching movies. Also, since you’re expecting discomfort when the weather shifts, you may notice joint aches more than you would otherwise. To ward off weather-related joint pain, keep moving with regular exercise and stretching.”
— quoted from “What triggers weather-related joint pain?” — a 2022 “Ask the doctors” post by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women’s Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor, and Hope Ricciotti, MD, Editor at Large, Harvard Women’s Health Watch (posted November 1, 2022*)
If you do unilateral movement — like walking, running, or skiing — you may not automatically notice your body’s asymmetry. The asymmetry of our bodies becomes more pronounced and noticeable when we do unilateral movement in sports like baseball, either type of football (in certain positions), basketball, golf, tennis, pickleball, and even gymnastics and dance. When someone is serious about playing or doing such things — especially on a pro level — they will typically use unilateral/asymmetrical exercises in their training. However, we humans have a tendency to resist where we are already strong and bend where we are already flexible — and it is easy to play into these tendencies. This can be problematic because, if we only cultivate strength where we are already strong and cultivate flexibility where we are already flexible, the body that is trained for a certain type of activity can quickly break down. In fact, several studies have connected low back (and shoulder) pain in baseball players to the asymmetrical movements required for certain positions.
While all of that may seem fairly obvious, how we use yoga to find balance within the imbalance is not always as obvious. For example, a good twisting sequence with some asymmetrical/unilateral movement can come in handy when you plan to be (outside) doing certain sports. Focusing on asymmetrical yoga poses can be a way to realign the body and mixing in a little “wind releasing” and some Somatic Yoga can not only release tension around the spine, it can also help “repattern the brain” — which how we cultivate new muscle memory. I have also noted how good a good twisting sequence feels when (it turns out that) precipitation is in the forecast.
But, just because we do all of that on February 5th doesn’t mean it’s going to rain; does it?
Nope, it just means we’re observing National Weatherperson’s Day (and the anniversary of the birth of John Jeffries), celebrating Hank Aaron (b. 1934), and noting the invention of (what would become) the modern day mixing bowl.
Note: Previous posts may reflect the fact that February 5th often falls during Lunar New Year / Spring Festival celebrations. In 2025, today is the eighth day of the Lunar New Year — which, for some, is Hokkien New Year’s Eve. It is also the seventh day of Navaratri (which is dedicated to Kalaratri, the most ferocious form of Durga/Parvati), as well as a time when people are celebrating Carnival and Maha Kumbh Mela.
Finally, the “Season for Nonviolence” principle of the day is “Simplicity”.
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLES BELOW FOR MORE.
NATIONAL WEATHERPERSON’S DAY, YOGA, BUDDHISM & CATHOLIC DISCERNMENT
Observing the Conditions… of the Heart (the Friday post)
NATIONAL WEATHERPERSON’S DAY & BUDDHISM (DURING THE SPRING FESTIVAL)
Observing the Conditions… of the Light (the “missing” Sunday post)
THE SPECIAL 2023 BLACK HISTORY POST ABOUT HANK AARON & PATENT No. 292,821
Having the Mettle/Metal to Mix it Up (a special Black History 2-for-1 note)
Please join me today (Wednesday, February 5th) 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 (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Lunar New Year Day 8 KM/N mix on 02052025”]
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.)
*Disclaimer from Harvard Health Publishing: “No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.”
### SIMPLICITY ###
A Joyful Practice 