First Friday Night Special #52: An Invitation to “The Sweet Ability of 3-Fold Healing” (the “missing” invitation w/excerpts & links) February 7, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Kumbh Mela, Life, Loss, Music, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Taoism, Tragedy, Wisdom, Women, Yin Yoga, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Ardhanaranari, Ardhanarishvara, Black History Month, Carnival, Datuk Teh Kim Teh, Grace Chen, Gupta Navaratri, healing, Healing Stories, Hokkien, Jade Emperor, Kumbh Mela, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Maha Kumbh Mela, Mahā Kumbha Mēlā, Matthew Sanford, Navaratri, Nina Simone, Oscar William Adams Jr., Season for Nonviolence, Shi Fa Zhuo, Siddhidhatri, siddhis, Swami Vivekananda, Year of the Snake, Yoga Sutra 2.1
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“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.

Peace, ease, and contemplation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!

This is the “missing” invitation for the “First Friday Night Special” on February 7^th. It is a compilation of related excerpts and some previously posted content. You can request an audio recording of this Restorative Yoga 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.

“‘Although we may not have an image of this deity in our temple, as long as devotees have the Jade Emperor in their hearts, their prayers will be heard,’ said [the Kwan Imm Temple’s] principal Shi Fa Zhuo.”

— quoted from The Star article entitled “Legend Behind Hokkien New Year emphasizes unity and solidarity” by Grace Chen (2/24/2018)

There are many people around the world who are currently engaged — or are about to be engaged — in rituals and traditions that are based on the belief that there is a connection between heaven and earth. For instance, Friday the 7^th was the final night/day of Navaratri; the eleventh day of the Lunar New Year / Spring Festival; and a time when people are still celebrating and observing Carnival and Maha Kumbh Mela. Also, it is still the “Season for Nonviolence” and Black History Month.

Each of these events is full of stories. While the purely culture observations primarily involve stories about people who are earthbound, the religious and philosophical stories are about the inhabitants of heaven and earth. Additionally, all of these stories involve quite a bit of trauma and, as a result, a bit of healing and restoration. Sometimes (not all the time, but sometimes), however, I think that some people (not all the people, but some people) forget about the earth and (the inhabitants of earth) part. Sometimes I think that people forget that we can have an active role in our own healing.

According to Yoga and Sāmkhya (two of the 6 Indian philosophies), there are six siddhis (“powers” or “abilities”) that are described as “powers unique to being human.” One of those abilities is “the power to eliminate “three-fold sorrow – physical, mental, and spiritual”. To varying degrees, we all have this power and the related powers that support it — as well as the ability (through the practice) to enhance our abilities. Since the “Season for Nonviolence” principle of the day is “Healing”, I was reflecting on how healing shows up in these “healing stories” (as Matthew Sanford would call them) and how the stories not only reinforce the fact that we can participate in the healing, they highlight some modes and methods.

“Those Samâdhis with which we ended our last chapter are very difficult to attain; so we must take them up slowly. The first step, the preliminary step, is called Kriya-yoga. Literally this means work, working towards Yoga.”

— quoted from the commentary on Yoga Sūtra 2.1, in Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda

During Navaratri, each of manifestation of Durga/Parvati manifestation is a symbolic milestone (and a reminder that women “contain multitudes”). The final day is devoted to Siddhidhatri, whose name literally means “land/earth of achievements”. Her name can also be translated as “Giver of Perfection”, as She is believed to be endowed with all the siddhis (“abilities” or “powers”) in the Universe and, also, to be able to bestow all of them. Typically, however, She only gives nine of the multitudes — some of which are referenced in the Yoga Sūtras.

In art and literature, she is sometimes depicted as being half of Shiva (with Him being half of Her), meaning that they are the embodiment the yin/yang symbol. When they are shown together in this way, they are each known as Ardhanarishvara, Ardhanaranari, or similar names that all highlight the fact that They are partially a woman.

During the big celebrations of Navaratri (in the Spring and Fall) the final day is a double celebration — which may mean more feasting in some regions and more fasting in others. 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. Even one of the biggest days during this particular Gupta Navaratri is hidden in the middle! Vasant Panchami or Sri Panchami, a festival marking the beginning of Spring, occurs on the fifth day of Magha Navaratri.

“‘From this story, we learn that unity, solidarity and the active participation of the community is necessary when it comes to facing challenges,’ said [Klang Hokkien Association president Datuk Teh Kim] Teh.”

— quoted from The Star article (about a version of the story where only some hide) entitled “Legend Behind Hokkien New Year emphasizes unity and solidarity” by Grace Chen (2/24/2018)

Thursday was the ninth day of the Lunar New Year and the birthday of the Jade Emperor, who is known as the “Ruler of Heaven and Earth”. While he is a prominent figure some religious traditions and is honored throughout in the Lunar New Year celebrations, most people — even people who celebrate the 15-day Spring Festival — have gone back to business as usual by the ninth day of the Lunar New Year. People may do something in private, especially if they are hosting their son-in-law(s); but, for most people, it is not a special day off. There are, however, some people whose celebrations of the Jade Emperor’s birthday are so significant that they rival the festivities at the beginning of the Lunar New Year and the end of the Spring Festival.

For those people, the tenth day (Friday) is a continuation of the celebration… and a day full of leftovers.

The following (revised) excerpt is from a 2021 post:
“Legend has it that the Hokkien people (also known as Hoklo, Banlam, and Minnan people) found themselves under attack. The Hokkien were not warriors, but they came in close proximity with warriors because they were known for building great ships. One version of their story states that the events occurred while they were being hunted and killed during the Song Dynasty (between 960 and 1279 CE). Another version indicates that they were caught between warring factions. Ultimately, to escape the carnage, they decided to hide in a sugar cane field — which, in some versions of the story, just miraculously appeared. The whole community hid until there were no more sounds of horses, warriors, or battle. Legend has it that they emerged on the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, which is the Jade Emperor’s Birthday.

Sometimes referred to as ‘Heavenly Grandfather’ and ‘Heavenly Duke’, the Jade Emperor is recognized as the ruler of heaven and earth in some Chinese religions and mythology. In Taoism, he is one of the Three Pure Ones or the Three Divine Teachers. Fujian province (in China), Penang (in Malayasia), and Taiwan are three areas where there is a large concentration of Hokkien people and, therefore, places where the ninth day of the Lunar New Year is a large celebration. In some places the celebrations begin at 11 PM on the eighth night and can be so large that they eclipse the celebrations of the first day of the Lunar New Year (in those areas). In fact, the ninth day is actually called ‘Hokkien New Year’.

Those who are religious will go to a temple and engage in a ritual involving prostration, kneeling, bowing, incense, and offerings. For many there is a great feast full of fruits, vegetables, noodles, and (of course) sugar cane. The sugar cane is an important element of the Jade Emperor’s birthday celebrations and rituals — not only because of the aforementioned story of survival, but also because the Hokkien word for ‘sugarcane’ (kam-chià, 甘蔗) is a homonym for (or sounds like) a Hokkien word for ‘thank you’ (kamsiā, 感谢), which literally means ‘feeling thankful’.

Every version of the Hokkien people’s survival story is a great reminder that we can give thanks no matter how hard, how challenging, how infuriating, and/or how tragic our situation. Take [2020, or last year], for instance: When we look back at all the hard stuff, all the grief, all the fear, all the anger, all the disappointment, and all of the trauma, we can get distracted and forget that there were moments of sweetness. There were moments of kindness, moments of love, moments of birth and rebirth, moments of compassion, moments of hope, and moments of joy. In other words, in spite of all the hard stuff, there were moments of sweetness. Take a moment to remember one of those moments; and feel thankful.”

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR THE ENTIRE POST.

Focus+Concentrate+Meditate = Sweet Heaven (the “missing” post)

“The black man does not wish to be the pet of the law. The more blacks become enmeshed in meaningful positions in our society, then the more that society will be come non-discriminatory. His goals and ideals will become identical with goals and ideals of the rest of society. To insist on special treatment, and demand and get integration in other aspects of society is to pursue inconsistent approaches. If a black man is allowed to go as far as his talents will carry him, he will not need special protection from the courts. If he is not, the courts will once again be asked for special protection.”

— quoted from the special concurrence opinion for Beck v. State, 396 So. 2d 645 (1980) by Alabama Supreme Court Justice Oscar W. Adams

During a vinyasa practice, I usually reference several people born on February 7^th — and parts of their stories are very much about healing (and explaining experiences in a way that can lead to healing). However, for the 2025 First Friday practice, I only referenced one person. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, today in 1925, Oscar Williams Adams, Jr. was a lawyer, a judge, and an Alabama Supreme Court Justice. What is as interesting as all of his achievements, is the fact that his story is the case of someone who observed a miscarriage of justice (i.e., trauma and loss) and worked his way into a position where he could right wrongs (i.e., facilitate healing)

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT BELOW FOR MORE.

Space and the Power of Hearing(s) (a special Black History note, w/a Tuesday link)

The February First Friday Night Special features a Yin Yoga practice. It is accessible and open to all.

(NOTE: There will be a little bit of quiet space in this practice.)

Friday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Lunar New Year Day 10 KM/N 2025”]

Prop wise, this is a kitchen sink practice and there are times when I suggest using a wall, chair, sofa, or coffee table. You may want extra layers (as your body may cool down during this practice). Having a wall, chair, sofa, or coffee table will be handy for this practice. Example of “Studio” props: 1 – 2 blankets, 2 – 3 blocks, a bolster, a strap, and an eye pillow. Examples of “householder” props: 1 – 2 blankets or bath towels, 2 – 3 books (similar in size), 2 standard pillows (or 1 body pillow), a belt/tie/sash, and a face towel.

You may want extra layers (as your body may cool down during this practice). Having a wall, chair, sofa, or coffee table may be handy for this practice.

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).

### “I want a little sugar in my bowl
I want a little sweetness down in my soul
I could stand some lovin’, oh so bad
Feel so funny, I feel so sad” ~Nina Simone ###

BELIEVING, SITTING, CELEBRATING HUMANS (the “missing” Tuesday post) February 4, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Art, Bhakti, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Kumbh Mela, Life, Music, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Believing, Black History Month, Carnival, Civil Rights, Gupta Navaratri, Haiwang Yuan, human rights, humanity, Katyayani, Kumbha Mēlā, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Maha Kumbh Mela, Margaret Bonds, Michael Ann Williams, Navaratri, Nüwa, Rosa Parks, Rosa Parks Day, Samyama, Season for Nonviolence, Spring Festival, Sunn m'Cheaux, Swami Vivekananda, Thornton Wilder, Year of the Snake, Yoga Sutra 3.35, Yoga Sutra 3.53, Zulu
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“Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Magha Gupta Navaratri!” “Happy (Lunar) New Year!” and/or “Happy Carnival!” to those who are celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, and especially those observing Maha Kumbh Mela and/or Rosa Parks Day*.

Peace, ease, and contemplation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!

This is the “missing” post for Tuesday, February 4^th. It is a compilation post featuring some new material, previously posted content, and 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.

“STAGE MANAGER….. – Now there are some things we all know but we don’t take’m out and look at’m very often. We all know that something is eternal. And it ain’t houses and it ain’t names, and it ain’t earth, and it ain’t even the stars . . . everybody knows in their bones that something is eternal, and that something has to do with human beings. All the greatest people ever lived have been telling us that for five thousand years and yet you’d be surprised how people are always letting go of that fact. There’s something way down deep that’s eternal about every human being.”

— quoted from Act III of Our Town by Thornton Wilder

“We find, in studying history, one fact held in common by all the great teachers of religion the world ever had. They all claim to have got their truths from beyond, only many of them did not know where they got them from.”

— quoted from “Chapter VII: Dhyana and Samadhi” in The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Volume 1, Raja-Yoga by Swami Vivekananda

In Our Town, which had it’s Broadway premiere at Henry Miller’s Theatre today in 1938, Thornton Wilder wrote a monologue (actually, a whole play) about something that — if not “unique to being human” — is at least an essential part of being human. In Raja Yoga, Swami Vivekananda wrote about people who had knowledge of something similar… maybe even the same thing. But, the Stage Manager doesn’t lay out what the thing is and Swami Vivekananda was focused on how we get knowledge and understanding of this universal truth.

So, on a certain level, we must turn inward and ask ourselves what it means to be human.

Or, better yet, you can ask yourself what you BELIEVE it means to be human. “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.”

We see proof of this application when we look at the stories behind the beliefs related to rituals and traditions related to Carnival and Maha Kumbh Mela celebrations; this seventh day of the Lunar New Year/Spring Festival — which some consider to be the birthday of all humans — as well as the stories and beliefs related to Navaratri, the Hindu festival of “nine nights” celebrating divine feminine energy in various manifestations. This sixth day of Navaratri is dedicated to Katyayani, one of the fiercest (and most violent) ways that Durga shows up in the celebration. She rides a lion; is associated with red (as a color symbolizing courage); kills the biggest demon(s); and has multiple hands (4, 10, or 18, depending on the depiction). One of those hands is in the “stop the ignorance” mudra.

And, speaking of warrior goddesses who stop ignorance: We can apply Yoga Sūtra 3.35 to the beliefs of someone like Rosa Parks, who was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, today in 1913.

“I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.”

— Rosa Parks (b. 1913)

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE ABOUT ROSA PARKS.

FTWMI: “Rooted Deep in a Moment (a special [revised] Black History note)” *UPDATED*

“Nüwa could not stand seeing the decimation of the humans and other creatures she had created. She was determined to rescue them. Facing such a large-scale calamity, Nüwa did not panic. Instead, she prioritized what she was going to do. She decided that the damage to the sky was the cause of everything, so she took to the task of mending it. She collected a great number of mulitcolored stones from a riverbed, built a furnace in the Zhonghuang Mountain, and, after forty-nine days, melted the stones and created a huge piece of colorful slate. Embedding the slate in the hole, Nüwa managed to fix the leaking sky. Her action produced an unexpected side effect: the shining colors of the slate added to the sky a moon, a rainbow, and numerous stars.”

— quoted from “The Origin of Human Beings“ in The Magic Lotus Lantern and Other Tales from the Han Chinese by Haiwang Yuan (with Forward by Michael Ann Williams)

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE ABOUT NÜWA THE 7th DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR (plus a preview of a weekend post).

Celebrating(,) Being Humans (a 2-for-1 “missing” post)

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”

— Rosa Parks

Tuesday’s (primary) playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “02082022 Celebrating Being Humans”]

Tuesday’s (alternate) playlist is also available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “02042024 Sitting, Breathing… on a Bus”]

NOTE: The before/after music (for the alternate playlist) is slightly different on each platform, as the YouTube playlist includes videos of some featured songs. Both playlists also include Margaret Bonds’s Montgomery Variations and a podcast episode about the women who started the Montgomery Bus Boycotts; however, the Spotify playlist does not include the short from one of my favorite [haa-vahd] professors.

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).

*NOTE: Rosa Parks Day is currently celebrated today in Missouri and Massachusetts; on the first Monday after her birthday in Michigan and California; and on the anniversary of the day she was arrested (December 1, 1955) in Ohio, Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, Oregon and several cities and counties.

### As they say in Zulu, “Sawubona!” [“I see you!”] and “Yebo, sawubona!” [“I see you seeing me.”] ###

BELIEVING, SITTING, CELEBRATING HUMANS (mostly the music & blessings) UPDATED w/link February 4, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Art, Healing Stories, Kumbh Mela, Life, Music, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Peace, Religion, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Haiwang Yuan, human rights, humanity, Kumbha Mēlā, Lunar New Year, Maha Kumbh Mela, Margaret Bonds, Michael Ann Williams, Nüwa, Rosa Parks, Rosa Parks Day, Spring Festival, Sunn m'Cheaux, Year of the Snake, Yoga Sutra 3.35, Yoga Sutra 3.53
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“Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Magha Gupta Navaratri!” “Happy (Lunar) New Year!” and/or “Happy Carnival!” to those who are celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, and especially those observing Maha Kumbh Mela and/or Rosa Parks Day.*

Peace, ease, and contemplation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!

“Nüwa could not stand seeing the decimation of the humans and other creatures she had created. She was determined to rescue them. Facing such a large-scale calamity, Nüwa did not panic. Instead, she prioritized what she was going to do. She decided that the damage to the sky was the cause of everything, so she took to the task of mending it. She collected a great number of mulitcolored stones from a riverbed, built a furnace in the Zhonghuang Mountain, and, after forty-nine days, melted the stones and created a huge piece of colorful slate. Embedding the slate in the hole, Nüwa managed to fix the leaking sky. Her action produced an unexpected side effect: the shining colors of the slate added to the sky a moon, a rainbow, and numerous stars.”

— quoted from “The Origin of Human Beings“ in The Magic Lotus Lantern and Other Tales from the Han Chinese by Haiwang Yuan (with Forward by Michael Ann Williams)

CLICK HERE FOR THE RELATED POST.

Please join me today (Tuesday, February 4^th) 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 (primary) playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “02082022 Celebrating Being Humans”]

Tuesday’s (alternate) playlist is also available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “02042024 Sitting, Breathing… on a Bus”]

NOTE: The before/after music (for the alternate playlist) is slightly different on each platform, as the YouTube playlist includes videos of some featured songs. Both playlists also include Margaret Bonds’s Montgomery Variations and a podcast episode about the women who started the Montgomery Bus Boycotts; however, the Spotify playlist does not include the short from one of my favorite [haa-vahd] professors.

“I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.”

— Rosa Parks (b. 1913)

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.)

### ###

Take Care (the post-practice Monday post) February 3, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Baseball, Books, Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Football, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma, Kumbh Mela, Life, Men, Music, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Tragedy, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Amrit Snan, Arvind Sharma, Buddy Holly, Caring, Carnival, Charles Follis, Clear-Water Grand Master, David Kinsley, Ghost of Poverty, Gupta Navaratri, Hillary Rodrigues, Hothouse Flowers, J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Maha Kumbh Mela, Michael Franti, Milt Roberts, Navaratri, Ritchie Valens, Roger Peterson, Saraswati Puja, Seane Corn, Season for Nonviolence, Shahi Snan, Skandamata, Spearhead, Spring, Spring Festival, Stewart Levine, Vasant Panchami, water, Year of the Snake
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Peace, ease, and contemplation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!

This post-practice compilation for Monday, February 3^rd features new and previously posted content, as well as excerpts. The 2025 prompt question was, “What is a way you care for yourself, care for those around you, and care for the world?” 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.

“My six non-negotiables for wellness would be yoga, meditation, prayer, diet, sleep, and therapy — or some form of spiritual mentorship, even if that includes reading books. If I don’t do these six non-negotiables I know that, just because of the familiarity of tension, that in conflict or in crisis I will without a doubt become reactive. I will say or do something that will actually create more conflict for myself and for the other person; making a situation escalate in a way that’s unnecessary, because I’m not actually dealing with some of my own suppressed emotions. And, so, I have to commit to what works for me.”

“So those are my six non-negotiables for myself. The seventh one, that I’m awful at, but I highly recommend — it’s something I’m trying to bring more of in my life, because I really do understand the importance of it in terms of wellness — and that would be play.”

— Seane Corn, quoted from the video “7 Non-Negotiables for Wellbeing | Seane Corn”

Almost a decade ago, Lead with Love asked Seane Corn to share her non-negotiables for wellbeing (see video below). We all have non-negotiables, meaning things we do in order to show up in the world at our best and as the best versions of ourselves. My top three are music, yoga, and stories — not necessarily in that order — and, in addition to including those non-negotiables into every day, I share them as one of the ways I take care of others (and, on a certain level, the way I take care of the world).

Maybe yours are the same or similar to hers, or to mine, or maybe they are really different. What is important — especially in challenging times — is that we know what we need to do to take care our ourselves, as if we are our own fiercest protector and nurturer.

“In his research on Durgā worship in Varansi, Hillary Rodrigues asked both males and females how they understood these goddesses and what lent the group internal coherence. Males, for the most part, stressed the fact that all were manifestations of Durgā or the Mahādevī, that they represented her different manifestations in the world. When pressed, some males interpreted the nine goddesses as different stages in the evolution of prakṛti (the physical creation) or as different elements in it….

Interpretations of the nine Durgās by women differed dramatically from this rather philosophical view of the goddesses. According to certain females, the nine Durgās represent the stages in a woman’s life; as one woman put it: ‘These nine Durgās are our life, women’s life.’”

— quoted from the “Religious Materials Are Heavily Gendered” section of “1. Women’s Studies in the History of Religions” by David Kinsley, as published in Methodology in Religious Studies: The Interface with Women’s Studies, edited by Arvind Sharma

This fifth day of Navaratri, the Hindu festival of “nine nights” celebrating divine feminine energy in various manifestations, is devoted to Skandamata, who is a fierce mother as protector — a woman who simultaneously holds her baby, rides a lion, and keeps her eyes (especially her third eye) open for any and all danger. If we follow the story and see each manifestation as a different stage in a woman’s life and development, then each version of Durga/Parvati prepares her for the next stage of her life. Skandamata, then, is someone who can take care of herself and also take care of others.

Coincidentally, the “Season for Nonviolence” principle for today is “Caring” — and Skandamata is a reminder that in order to take care of others, we must take care of ourselves.

A MUSIC STORY

“Everyone deserves music, sweet music”

— quoted from the song “Everyone Deserves Music” by Michael Franti & Spearhead

Since the Monday practice is, technically, one of the practices without a playlist, I typically avoid themes related to music or just mention them in passing. For instance, this date on the Gregorian calendar, is known as “The Day the Music Died” and I normally tell the story of the disastrous “Winter Dance Party” tour and how a plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, as well as the pilot, Roger Peterson, crashed just outside of Clear Lake, Iowa, today in 1959.

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR THE STORY (& MUSIC).

Today, 1959 (the Wednesday post about the music that died)

CLEANSING /DETOXIFYING STORIES

“Cos it is good for me
It can be good for you”

— quoted from the song “Good For You” by Hothouse Flowers (written by Hothouse Flowers and Stewart Levine)

Water and staying hydrated are, obviously, non-negotiables for everyone. Water is recognized as an element of purification and an integral part of many rituals and traditions around the world. In fact, today is the third Amrit Snan (“necter baths”) or Shahi Snan (“royal baths”) during this year’s Maha Kumbh Mela celebrations. This fourth (of six) most auspicious dates this year to bathe in the sacred river occurs on Vasant Panchami (also known as Saraswati Puja), which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Saraswati and marks the beginning (or the preparations for the beginning) or Spring.

Water and spring cleaning are also highlighted on this sixth day of the Lunar New Year / Spring Festival in some stories related to the Clear-Water Grand Master and the Ghost of Poverty.

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR SOME LUNAR YEAR DAY 6 STORIES.

When You Need A Good Hard Rain (the “missing” Sunday post)

A STORY ABOUT TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF, OTHERS, & THE WORLD

“‘Follis was a natural hitter and he had an ease about him and a confident smile that always seemed to worry opposing pitchers,’ one report said. ‘As a football player and as a baseball player he gained the respect of his associates and opponents as well by his clean tactics and his gameness,’ said another.”

— quoted from “Charles Follis” by Milt Roberts (originally in Black Sports, Nov. 1975), reproduced in THE COFFIN CORNER: Vol. 2, No. 1 (1980)

I mentioned before that stories (and sharing stories) are one of the ways I take care of myself (and others) and can also be a way to take care of the world. I think this is true about all manner of stories (fictional as well as non-fictional), because all stories can teach us about ourselves and can teach us about our lives — especially if we practice a little svādhyāya (“self-study”). It can be particularly help to learn how other people dealt with challenging situations and how those people changed/made history.

A perfect example of such a story is the story (really, stories) of Charles W. Follis, who was born today in 1879. Known as “the Black Cyclone”, Mr. Follis not only made history, the way he dealt with racism inspired others to change the world around them.

The Black Cyclone (a special Black History note)

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

Check out Seane’s explanation of her non-negotiables.

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).

### TAKE CARE ###

EXCERPTS (& Stories) That I Hope Make You Smile [the “missing” Saturday post] February 1, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Kumbh Mela, Langston Hughes, Life, Meditation, Music, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Women, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Arun Gandhi, Black History Month, Carnival, Chandraghanta, E. Ethelbert Miller, Gupta Navaratri, Jack Kornfield, Kitchen God, Kumbh Mela, Kumbha Mēlā, Langston Hughes, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace, Martin Luther King Jr, Mayumi Oda, Mohandas Gandhi, Navaratri, Season for Nonviolence, smiling, Thich Nhat Hanh, Year of the Snake
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“Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Magha Gupta Navaratri!” “Happy (Lunar) New Year!” and/or “Happy Carnival!” to those who are already celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, and especially those observing Maha Kumbh Mela and/or preparing for .

Peace, ease, smiling, and contemplation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!

This “missing” post for Saturday, February 1^st is a compilation post. It includes some new material, some revised material, and 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.

“Meditation is to be aware of what is going on-in our bodies, in our feelings, in our minds, and in the world. Each day 40,000 children die of hunger. The superpowers now have more than 50,000 nuclear warheads, enough to destroy our planet many times. Yet the sunrise is beautiful, and the rose that bloomed this morning along the wall is a miracle. Life is both dreadful and wonderful. To practice meditation is to be in touch with both aspects. Please do not think we must be solemn in order to meditate. In fact, to meditate well, we have to smile a lot.”

— quoted from “1: Suffering Is Not Enough” in Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh (Illustrated by Mayumi Oda, Introduction by Jack Kornfield)

THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE

Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mohandas Gandhi, established the “Season for Nonviolence” (January 30^th through April 4^th) in 1998. Throughout the season, the Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace offers daily practices based on principles of nonviolence advocated by Mahatma Gandhi (who was assassinated on January 30, 1948) and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (who was assassinated on April 4, 1968). The thing to remember is that these principles are not unique to one culture, one philosophy, or one religion. Courage, smiling, appreciation, caring, believing, simplicity, education — the principles of the first week — all predate Gandhi and MLK; they also predate Jesus and the Buddha. One could argue that they are universal.

One could argue that they move through our stories like rivers.

SPEAKING OF RIVERS… (in the new year)

“I’ve known rivers:

I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.”

— from the poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes

Every day, we are simultaneously living (i.e., “writing”) the story of our lives and telling that story, as our stories overlap with the stories around us. This happens, more often than not, without us thinking about how we do it. However, when we intentionally decide to tell our story (and, in doing so, tell part of someone else’s story), we need to decide on a medium — and there are so many ways we can tell a story. We can use prose or poetry, song or movement, a static visual or animation, or some combination of all of the above — and we can share whatever we create live (e.g., on stage, online, or in a pub), in a document, and/or in a recording.

Langston Hughes, who was born today (February 1^st) in 1901¹, wrote a lot of things in a lot of different mediums. Born James Mercer Langston Hughes, the prominent member of the Harlem Renaissance and the first Black American to earn a living solely from writing and public lectures, wrote poetry (including jazz poetry, which he started writing in high school), novels, plays, essays, and letters…so many letters. He wrote so many letters, in fact, that at one point he was writing 30 – 40 letters a day and, by the end of his life, he could have filled 20 volumes of books with his letters. While he wrote in a lot of different mediums and wrote about a lot of different experiences, many people primarily think of him as a poet… a poet who wrote about the Black experience. He also inspired a lot of poets, including the poet, teacher, editor, and literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller.²

“There is much for a writer like myself to learn from Langston. His productivity — and the fact that he wrote for a living — is an inspiration. In many photographs, Hughes is laughing or smiling like the Buddha. I have often wondered what he was thinking.”

— quoted from the essay “The Buddha Smile of Langston Hughes” by E. Ethelbert Miller

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE!

FTWMI: Speaking of Rivers… (in the new year)

STORIES RELATED TO HEAVEN & EARTH

In addition to thinking about stories related to the “Season for Nonviolence”, Langston Hughes, and the beginning of Black History Month, I am also thinking about stories related to other observations and celebrations happening around the world. We are still in the middle of Carnival and people are still observing Maha Kumbh Mela. Plus, today (Saturday) was also the third day of Magha (Gupta) Navaratri and the fourth day of the Lunar New Year / Spring Festival celebrations.

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.

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT BELOW FOR HOW PEOPLE WASH THINGS AWAY.

Auspicious, Holy, & New (the “missing” Wednesday post)

“Fifteen days later, the Buddha gave a Dharma talk on lay life. He told the laity how they could realize true happiness in their daily lives…. ‘First of all, do not let a desire for wealth cause you to become so consumed by your work that you prevent happiness for yourself and your family in the present moment. Happiness is foremost. A look filled with understanding, an accepting smile, a loving word, a meal shared in warmth and awareness are the things which create happiness in the present moment. By nourishing awareness in the present moment, you can avoid cause suffering to yourself and those around you. The way you look at others, your smile, and your small acts of caring can create happiness.’”

— quoted from Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha by Thich Nhat Hanh

A KITCHEN STORY (OR 2) ON DAY 4 (excerpt)

For a lot of people who are celebrating the Lunar New Year (see excerpt above), the fourth day is the day when things start going back to normal (whatever that is these days). People go back to work and back to school. People who were able to travel to see family start heading back home (or are already home). Even though those celebrating the Spring Festival for 15 days, will reign in the festivities a bit. However, each day still has significance and special rituals. For instance, the fourth day of the Lunar New Year is not only the birthday of all sheep (in some Chinese traditions), it is also the day when the Kitchen God returns to the hearth.

According to one set of stories, the Kitchen God was at one time a man who, after gaining a certain amount of power and wealth, abandoned his first wife and married a younger woman. Years after the original couple divorced, the man fell on hard times. He lost his wealth, his power, his second wife, and his eyesight. He became a beggar on the streets. One day, the stories tell us, the man’s first wife saw her former husband begging in the streets. She was a woman of great kindness and compassion and so she invited him to her simple home and offered him a shower, some food, and a moment of warmth by the fire.

Remember, the old man could no longer see and didn’t know that this generous woman was the same woman he had treated so poorly. Full, clean, and sitting by the fire, however, he started to talk about his first wife. He lamented about his first marriage and the life they could have had if he hadn’t dumped her. In the process of soothing her now sobbing former husband, the woman revealed her identity and said that she forgave him. Miraculously, the man was suddenly able to see; but he was so distraught that he threw himself into the kitchen stove.

Legend has it, the woman could only save his leg — which became the fireplace poker — and the man became the “Kitchen God”, who leaves the kitchen alter just before the New Year and returns to heaven in order to give the Jade Emperor an accounting of each household’s activities during the previous year. In the final days of the old year, people will clean up their homes — so the alter(s) will be ready for the return of the gods and ancestors — and, sometimes, smear honey on the lips of the Kitchen God so that his report is extra sweet. Then the Kitchen God and other household gods return on the fourth day of the New Year.

I always imagine that some years the Kitchen God’s report is really, really, wild. Can you imagine? Seriously, imagine what he would say about the way we have treated each other over the last few years. Sure, some of us might not be portrayed too badly; but others of us….

More to the point, remember that the Kitchen God’s report is simply one way that our (lived) stories get told. Just imagine a report from the beginning of 1901 or 1902 (which would have been the end of the year of the rat and the year of the ox, respectively). Imagine, even, the report from the end of 1940 (the year of the dragon). What hard truths would have been in those reports?

What hard truths will be in this year’s report?

“So boy, don’t you turn back.

Don’t you set down on the steps

’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.

Don’t you fall now—

For I’se still goin’, honey,

I’se still climbin’,

And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.”

— quoted from the poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes

Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Langston & Day 1 2022”]

NOTE: The playlists have been revised since 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

“Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.”

— quoted from the poem “Dreams” by Langston Hughes

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).

NOTES:
¹According to most printed biographies (that I checked), Langston Hughes was born in 1902. However, many digital sources indicate that he was born in 1901 — and this earlier date is based on research and fact checking reported for the New York Times by Jennifer Schuessler (in 2018). Curiously, the 1940 census listed his birth as “abt 1905”; however, this information would have been given to a census taker by one of the poet’s roommates. (Additionally, we know from one his poems that Langston Hughes didn’t think very highly of the “census man” and the accuracy of census information.)

² E. Ethelbert Miller’s essay “The Buddha Smile of Langston Hughes” was first published in Black Issues Book Review in 2001 (and is quoted here from On Being.

ERRATA: The original post was titled as Sunday, but this is a Saturday post.

### :smile: ###

Auspicious, Holy, & New (the “missing” Wednesday post) January 29, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Abhyasa, Books, Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Kumbh Mela, Life, Mantra, Music, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Vairagya, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, amrita, Carnival, Gupta Navaratri, Jon Timothy Veazey, Kim Jeblick, Kumbh Mela, Kumbha Mēlā, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Maha Kumbh Mela, Mahā Kumbha Mēlā, Raghubir Singh, Sam Hui, Spring Festival, Walela, Yasmin Williams, Year of the Snake, Yoga Sutra 1.1, Yoga Sutra 2.1
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“Happy (Lunar) New Year!” and/or “Happy Carnival!” to those who are already celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, and especially those observing Maha Kumbh Mela and/or preparing for Magha Gupta Navaratri.

May we all be safe and protected / May we all be peaceful and happy / May we all be healthy and strong!

This “missing” post for Wednesday, January 29^th. It is a compilation post featuring some new and a little bit of previously posted content. 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.

ATHA — now, at this auspicious moment; implying the transition to this practice and pursuit, after prior preparation; implying a blessing at this moment of transition

YOGA — of yoga, union; literally, to yoke, from the root yuj, which means to join or to integrate; same as the absorption in samadhi

About fifteen years ago, Kim Jeblick made a couple of comments during a Dharma Yoga workshop that really stuck with me. One of the things she said was that the first words in a Sanskrit text are the most important; everything else comes from those first words.

It makes sense, then, that the very first words in the very first Yoga Sūtra are atha and yoga. It makes sense that, right off the bat, we are grounded in the present moment — with awareness of what has come before — and focused on coming together. It also makes sense that the beginning is auspicious, meaning, “conducive to success; favorable.” Ideally, every beginning is auspicious; but, what makes a moment “characterized by success”?

What are the signs that everything is aligned?

Many people look at a change in season and/or the position or phase of the moon (and/or the planets) as a sign of good fortune. Full moons and new moons are seen as particularly powerful. In fact, the new moon on Wednesday (January 29^th) is seen as particularly auspicious by multiple cultures around the world. It marks the middle of two holy times and the beginning of two other sacred times — one of which is a new year.

“财神到财神到
Caishen dao caishen dao [The god of wealth has come! The god of wealth has come!]

好心得好报
Hao xinde hao bao [Good news]

财神话财神话
Caishenhua caishenhua [Myth of money, myth of money]

揾钱依正路
wen qian yi zhenglu [if you follow the right path]”

— quoted from the song “Cai Shen Dao” [“The God of Wealth Has Come!” by Sam Hui, lyrics in Hanzi [Chinese characters], pīnyīn [“spelled sounds”], and English

Today is the beginning of the Lunar New Year. The Chinese lunisolar calendar designates this year is the year of the (wood) Snake — which means it is a time to shed things that no longer serve us, the way a snake sheds it’s skin. While many East and Southeast Asian cultures celebrate at the same time — and while there are some similarities to celebrations held at other times of the year — each culture has different rituals and traditions that connect people with their extended families, ancestors, and heritage.

In parts of China and the diaspora, the beginning of the New Year is also the beginning of the Spring Festival, a fifteen day celebration that culminates with the Lantern Festival. Even though each day of the Lunar New Year has a special significance, each region has different stories and traditions related to that significance. For example, according to one Chinese creation story, different animals are celebrated depending on when they were created; thus, today is the birthday of all chickens. Others are celebrating the birthday of the water god and, therefore, will not wash their hair or their clothes on the first two days of the new year. Some Buddhist people celebrate the birth of Maitreya Buddha on the first day of the lunar new year and spend New Year’s Day, as well as several days leading up to the first day, chanting, praying, and/or meditating (depending on their beliefs). People will also light candles and make offerings at the temple before their feasting begins.

Even though there are some differences between regions and cultures in celebrations of the Lunar New Year, there are some common elements. The Lunar New Year celebrations generally include extended family coming together; the welcoming of ancestors and (in some households) the welcoming of household deities (like the water god); red clothes, red decorations, and red envelopes; fireworks, parades, and loud noises, a bit of feasting, and (of course), the wish, prayer, blessing, or shout for prosperity: “Cai Shen Dao! [The God of Wealth has come! in Mandarin]”

In 2025, the Spring Festival celebrations begin in the middle of Carnival season, which started on January 6^th, and is the lead up to Mardi Gras (on March 4^th), which is the raucous celebration before Lent for Western Christians.

Wednesday is also the eve of Navaratri (which means “nine nights” in Sanskrit) and is a celebration of divine feminine energy — specifically of Durga, the divine mother, in various manifestations. Navaratri occurs four times on the Hindu calendar. The one that begins on Thursday, Magha Navaratri, is one of the celebrations referred to as Gupta Navaratri meaning it is “hidden/secret” — not because no one knows about it, but because it is not as obvious as the bigger celebrations.

It is also not nearly as big as another great Hindu festival taking place at this same time.

MAHĀ — Great, mighty, powerful, lofty, noble.

KUMBH — Pitcher, jar, pot

MĒLĀ — Assembly, unite, join, meet, move together, junction

Today (Wednesday) is also one of the holiest and most auspicious days during the holiest of times in some Hindu traditions. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Maha Kumbh Mela (Mahā Kumbha Mēlā, in Sanskrit) is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, attracting hundreds of millions of people to one of four (4) locations for ceremonial or ritual bathing in sacred rivers. The multi-week gatherings coincide with the partial or full revolution of Jupiter and are considered particularly significant every 6, 12, and 144 years — with many believing that 2025 is a 144-year event. Additionally, there are six days that are considered particularly auspicious. (In 2025, those dates are January 13^th, 14^th, and 29^th, plus February 3^rd, 12^th, and 26^th). With this year (and Wednesday’s date) being considered so extraordinarily auspicious, hundreds of millions of people have been attending the Prayag Maha Kumbh Mela. Unfortunately, on Wednesday morning, the conflux of people resulted in the death of at least 30 people and the injury of at least 60 more people.

The pilgrimages take place in Prayagraj (at the Ganges-Yamuna-Sarasvati rivers confluence), Haridwar (at the Ganges River), Nashik-Trimbak (at the Godavari River), and Ujjain (at the Shipra River). There are smaller melas or fairs/festivals (on a 6-year cycle) at some of these locations and there are similar, smaller, gatherings in other regions. For instance, in Tamil Nadu there is a Magha Mela held in Kumbakonam (at the Mahamaham tank, near Kaveri River) every 12 years and, in 2022, there was also one in Bansberia (at Hooghly River) for the first time in 700 years.

“Finally, those who had waited began to move, making a formidable river of faith. Into Ganga’s liquid arms wave after wave of pilgrims ran, splashed and fell. To keep their spirits up they filled the air with the cries of ‘Ganga Mai ki Jai! (Victory to Mother Ganga!)’ There was thunder and lightning. It looked as though the Ganga was being joined by a fourth stream: the devout.”

— quoted from “3 Kumbha Mela: The Great Gathering” in The Ganges by Raghubir Singh

The primary maha, or “great”, kumbh melas only happen every 12 years at each location. Although there is a special rotation schedule — based on the alignment of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon, there has been an ongoing dispute between two of the locations, resulting in a Kumbh Mela taking place in two different locations in the same year or one year apart. Ironically, the story behind the gatherings also involves a dispute.

According to the legends, there was a disagreement between a short-tempered sage (Durvasa) and Indra (noted in this context as King of Heaven). The sage cursed all the devas (“bright or divine beings”), who lost their vitality, health, immortality, and prosperity. This curse meant that the devas found themselves on the losing end of battles against the power-hungry asuras. The only solution, the devas, were told, was a diplomatic agreement where the devas and asuras worked together to churn the primordial “Ocean of Milk” in order to obtain the nectar of immortality.

Long story short, the opposing sides agreed to work together. They threw herbs into the Ocean of Milk and moved Mount Mandara to the middle of the primordial ocean (as a churning rod); Vasuki (the half-snake, half human king) agreed to be the churning rod; and each side grabbed hold of their end of the snake. They quickly realized they needed more stability — because they mountain was sinking — and so Vishnu (an avatar of God) became Kurma, the tortoise whose shell gave them the necessary stability. It was still a long and laborious process; but, eventually, things started bubbling up. There was a poison, which Shive drank to save everyone, thereby developing a blue throat. Then more stuff bubbled up. While the descriptions of what came up varies depending on the source, they include:

Chandra, the moon,
parijata (night-blooming jasmine, which is sometimes called the “tree of sorrow”)
the four-tusked elephant Airavata, Indra’s mount,
Kamadhenu, the cow of plenty,
Madira, the goddess of wine, who became Varuni, the wife of Varuna,
Kalpavriksha, the wish-fulfilling tree,
the apsaras (celestial dancers),
the celestial horse Uccaihshravas,
Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, who became Vishnu’s wife,
Panchajanya, Vishnu’s conch,
Vishnu’s mace and magic bow, and
various gems.

Finally, the last two treasures to bubble up were Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, holding the pot of amrita (nectar of “immortality”).

Of course, once they had the elixir of immortality, the two sides started another dispute. Again, I’m leaving out (and condensing) some bits and fast forwarding to the moment when the sacred rivers were created: either when the asuras stole the jug of nectar — or when Vishnu (in disguise) stole it back — and the kumbh cracked, dripping bits of amrita onto the Earth. Another popular version of the story indicates that the sacred rivers where formed when the jug split into four pieces. Yet another indicates that the kumbh was set down, four times, while the traveler rested during the long journey home. Keep in mind that the festivals themselves pre-date the (written) versions of these stories.

People believe that bathing in sacred rivers, especially at the appointed times, will cleanse them of their sins and past mistakes and prepare them for better days ahead. Others believe it will heal what ails them. Finally, some believe that by bathing in the sacred waters they can achieve moksha (ultimate “immortality”). These beliefs are very similar to water-based beliefs held in other religious traditions.

“The first to bathe are the sadhus. Thousands march in procession to the confluence…. Many were naked, their hair matted and their bodies smeared with ashes from burnt cowdung. These nagas (literally, ‘nakeds’) were an eerie sight in the January mist.”

“At each Kumbha, those aspiring to be nagas are initiated. The applicant can be from any caste or creed, but he should have lived nine years in the first degree of initiation as a brachmachari [sic] (one who has renounced earthly pleasures) and he should have fasted for twenty-four hours and then bathed in the Ganga during the Kumbha. Rituals are then performed in tents.”

— quoted from “3 Kumbha Mela: The Great Gathering” in The Ganges by Raghubir Singh

Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Lunar New Year Day 1 & Kumbh Mela 16 2025”]

NOTE: The YouTube playlist includes the video below that I serendipitously came across a couple of days ago. The Spotify playlist has an extra chant since the video is not available on that platform.

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).

### “Go and pray upon a mountain / Go and pray beside the ocean / And you’ll wash your spirit clean” ~ Walela (Jon Timothy Veazey) ###

Auspicious, Holy, & New (mostly the music & blessings) UPDATED w/link January 29, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Kumbh Mela, Music, New Year, One Hoop, Religion.
Tags: 988
add a comment

“Happy (Lunar) New Year!” and/or “Happy Carnival!” to those who are already celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, and especially those observing Maha Kumbh Mela and/or preparing for Magha Gupta Navaratri.

May we all be safe and protected / May we all be peaceful and happy / May we all be healthy and strong!

CLICK HERE FOR THE RELATED POST.

Please join me today (Wednesday, January 29^th) 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 1 & Kumbh Mela 16 2025”]

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).

### ###

January 2025 Thank Yous (Re-Addressing the State of the “Union” — Part II) with excerpts January 10, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Changing Perspectives, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Minneapolis, Minnesota, New Year, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Texas, Twin Cities, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: 612 Jungle, 988, Center for the Performing Arts, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, giving thanks, gratitude, Lundstrum Performing Arts Center, Meraki Community & Events, New Year, Open House, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Richard Nixon, Roosevelt High School, Simone de Beauvoir, State of the Union, yoga
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Happy New Year! May your mind-body-spirit be well, be great, and be in harmony with your thoughts, words, and deeds.

The following is Part II of the January 8^th post, with some previously posted content. Click on the excerpt title below for Part I. There is also an excerpt related to January 9^th. There are no Zoom practices until Sunday, January 13^th. You can request an audio recording of previous practices via a comment below or by emailing myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

FTWMI: Re-Addressing the State of the “Union” (abridged)

“It is our task to perfect, to improve, to alter when necessary, but in all cases to go forward. To consolidate what we are doing, to make our economic and social structure capable of dealing with modern life is the joint task of the legislative, the judicial, and the executive branches of the national Government.”

— quoted from “Annual Message to Congress (1934)” by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (delivered Wednesday, January 3, 1934, making it the second U. S. “State of the Union” delivered in January)

As established by Article II, Section 3 of the U. S. Constitution, the State of the Union address is a re-cap of and reflection on the recent past and a look forward with hope, expectation, and a plan. Since it generally happens as early as January 3^rd and as late as February 12^th, it is pretty much the same thing individuals do at the beginning of the year — and, also, what we have the opportunity to do every time we step on the mat: look at what’s worked and what hasn’t worked in the past and propose on a way to move forward.

This year, my personal State of the Union again finds me back in Minnesota simultaneously looking forward and back, reflecting on what worked (or didn’t work) over the last 15+ years, the last almost 5 years, and the last week. Like the presidents of yesteryear, I am not going to spend a bunch of time recounting the negative stuff, I am just going to use it to provide a little context for the good stuff.

“A tranquil and one-pointed mind is purposefully creative. With such a mind you get more done in less time, and what is more, because it is done with clarity and purpose, the work you undertake is not a burden and does not become a source of misery.

A confused mind is not fit to follow any path. It is not even in a position to tell the body and senses what is good for them and what is not. That is why we go on complying with the urges of the body and senses, even when these urges serve no useful purpose. Such a mind has no way of deciding what it should unite with or what it should separate from; this confusion is what causes a person to live a purposeless, meaningless life.”

— quoted from “Yoga: Union with What?” (a Q&A response) by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD

When my 2024 “hostess with the most-est” first suggested the idea of me returning to Minnesota for a couple of weeks, she had said that she had (and I quote), “no expectations”. That could be a way to describe the practice of non-attachment in the modern world: speak a plan into exist, do some work to make it happen, and be open to the way it unfolds.

I, however, had a bit of an agenda and some expectations — if only because I normally offer some special practices on New Year’s Day and on the First Friday Night of each month. I also had some hopes and desires about reconnecting — uniting, if you will — with some people I had seen in awhile. Then, too, I had the awareness that it had been a long time since most of us had practiced together (let alone together-together) and that some things about each and everyone of us are different. My desires, hopes, agendas, expectations, and even fears could all be considered forms of attachment and afflicted/dysfunctional thinking. In other words, they could all lead to suffering… and, on a certain level they did.

They also led me to come back to Minnesota two years in a row!

Both years, I had moments of frustration and disappointment. I know others also had similar moments (for different reasons). However, when everything was said and done, I was (and am) overwhelmed by gratitude. After almost four (now five) years of practicing together-while-apart, I am so very grateful that so many people were able to join in “Yoga Week” (as some of you started calling the first week of January) two years in a row. This year, I appreciated the presence of everyone who physically practiced in our five-plus (4+) studios — as well as to those who Zoomed in (including those who Zoomed in last year from as far away as Portland and the Middle East) and those who did their best and could only make it in spirit.

I am forever grateful to my 2025 host family for welcoming me as if I was just another member of the family. I am forever grateful to my 2024 hostess for planting the seed, nourishing that seed and, doing so much to make that first visit happen (including sharing her family and her practice). Similarly, I am grateful for the people who suggested possible spaces and the lovely four lovelies who connected me and helped me get situated in our “pop up” studios. An extra special burst of gratitude to one of those lovelies (KC) for going above and beyond in facilitating the 2025 rentals. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!

Thank you to the staff members at Meraki Community & Events, Lundstrum Performing Arts Center, and Center for the Performing Arts and Lu; Kenna, Gabrielle, Angel, Natasha, Gaby, Amber, and the other teachers at 612 Jungle; and the teachers and staff at Roosevelt High School. Thank you for those who offered technical support (even before I arrived) and thank you to everyone who offered me a ride (even if I didn’t take it), fed me, offered to feed me, and/or made a donation (so I can feed myself when I get back to Texas)! Thank you, in advance, for those who will make it to the Open House on Friday and thank you to JK who opened her heart, home, and hearth to us exactly four years (to the date) from the last time we gathered together before the pandemic — and is doing it again in 2025.

NOTE: I will send out an Open House reminder to those on the mailing lists.

Looking forward, I hope this week has reignited you and your practice. I hope it has given you some insight into what comes next for you. I hope it has allowed you to let go of some things that no longer serve you, so that you can move it the new year with a little more unencumbered purpose and determination. I hope that purpose and determination inspires you to plan… something. I hope you are safe and protected, peaceful and happy, healthy and strong, and that you have ease and well being from this day forward.

As for me: I am open to coming back… for a visit. Maybe it will be another New Year Yoga Week; maybe it will be a series of workshops and/or a retreat. Maybe it will be in another place all together, but we will be back — together — again.

“In contrast, a peaceful, one-pointed mind has a natural ability to see itself, its role, and its place in relation to both body and soul. This ability allows the mind to command the body to discharge its duty to hear and heed the voice of the soul. The practices that help us acquire a one-pointed mind are called yoga. Reaching that state is the goal of yoga.”

— quoted from “Yoga: Union with What?” (a Q&A response) by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD

Click on the excerpt title below for the a post related to January 9^th.

EXCERPTS: “Who Is Minding the Store?” & FTWMI: Nom de Destiné, Part “Deux” (the surprise part)

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).

Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.

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

### UNION ###

FTWMI: Re-Addressing the State of the “Union” (abridged) January 8, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Changing Perspectives, Food, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Music, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Suffering, Tragedy, Twin Cities, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: Constitution, David Bowie, Dr. Stephen Hawking, Elvis, Elvis Presley, Joe South, President Calvin Coolidge, State of the Union, yoga
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Happy New Year! May your mind-body-spirit be well, be great, and be in harmony with your thoughts, words, and deeds.

For Those Who Missed It: The following is PART I of 2024 post. Class details, links, and some formatting have been updated.

“He shall from time to time give to the Congress Information of the State of the Union, and recommend to their Consideration such Measures as he shall judge necessary and expedient…”

— quoted from “Article. II. Section. 3.” of the The Constitution of the United States

Any time we get on the mat (or the cushion) we scan our mind-body-spirit and get a sense of how things are (or are not) working and working together. In other words, we address the state of our “union.” I put that last part in quotes, because the Sanskrit word yoga translates into English as “union” — and, so, we get on the mat and spend a little time delivering our own personal State of the Union address (to ourselves).

George Washington delivered the first State of the Union address to the joint sessions of Congress in New York City, the proposed capital of the fledgling United States of America, on January 8, 1790. His interpretation of “from time to time” was annually and other presidents followed suit. Up until Franklin Delano Roosevelt used the phrase “State of the Union”, in his 1934 address, it was called “the President’s Annual Message to Congress”. People often think presidents are required to deliver an oral speech, however, the State of the Union does not have to be spoken. In fact, Thomas Jefferson discontinued speeches in 1801. The tradition of a U. S. president speaking in front of Congress was not re-established until Woodrow Wilson’s speech in 1913.

Some presidents, like Jimmy Carter, delivered spoken and written addresses during their time in office. For instance, former President Carter’s last State of the Union address (in 1981) was the last written address, so far. Presidents have delivered written address for various reasons. Sometimes illness or political conflicts resulted in a written speech. At other times, there was a desire to provide clarification and nuance that they may have felt would be missed if a speech was delivered. In fact, the lengthiness of the address resulted in some being written — and some being written and partially delivered or summarized. President Richard Nixon (who celebrated his birthday on January 9^th) gave Congress six (6) written State of the Union address in 1973, with each message being preceded by a radio address.

Former President Nixon was not, however, the first president to utilize media and technology in order to share the State of the Union with the entire Union. Nor was he the only president to submit a written address to Congress and broadcast a summary for the populace. Warren G. Harding was the first U. S. president to speak on the radio, in 1922, but he unexpectedly died in office, in 1923. Later that year, Calvin Coolidge became the first president to deliver a State of the Union on the radio and his first words were addressed the untimely death of his predecessor.

“Since the close of the last Congress the Nation has lost President Harding. The world knew his kindness and his humanity, his greatness and his character. He has left his mark upon history. He has made justice more certain and peace more secure. The surpassing tribute paid to his memory as he was borne across the continent to rest at last at home revealed the place lie held in the hearts of the American people. But this is not the occasion for extended reference to the man or his work. In this presence, among these who knew and loved him, that is unnecessary. But we who were associated with him could not resume together the functions of our office without pausing for a moment, and in his memory reconsecrating ourselves to the service of our country. He is gone. We remain. It is our duty, under the inspiration of his example, to take up the burdens which he was permitted to lay down, and to develop and support the wise principles of government which he represented.”

— quoted from the “First Annual Message,” delivered December 06, 1923 by President Calvin Coolidge

Just as radio changed the reach and impact of the State of the Union address, so too have television, the internet, and social media. Former President Harry S. Truman delivered the first televised State of the Union, in 1947, and former President Lyndon B. Johnson set the precedent of delivering a televised speech during primetime (while using a teleprompter). In 1997, the first State of the Union on the internet was delivered by former President Bill Clinton — who also has the unfortunate distinction of being the first to deliver a State of the Union during an impeachment trial.

Of course, former President Clinton was not the first or the last president to deliver a State of the Union address during a time great tragedy and/or national embarrassment. Former President Ronald Reagan postponed his 1986 address because of the Challenger disaster and, in 2019, the then-sitting president was “disinvited” by the then Speaker of the House. Such events change our perspective of current events and, therefore, place the (actual) state of the Union in a certain context. In other words, what we are going through individually and collectively allows — and/or causes — us to see things in a certain way.

“My expectations were reduced to zero at twenty-one. Everything since then has been a bonus.

Although I cannot move and I have to speak through a computer, in my mind I am free.”

— Dr. Stephen Hawking (CH CBE FRS FRSA)

When we practice on January 8^th, I sometimes reference Stephen William Hawking, the theoretical physicist, cosmologist, author, and director of research, who was born January 8, 1942, in Oxford, England. When he was diagnosed with a motor neuron disease in his early 20’s, he was forced to take a daily accounting of his mind, body, and spirit — as well as how they were (or were not) working… let alone working together. For similar reasons, the playlist includes music by Elvis Aaron Presley, who was born January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, and by David Bowie, who was born January 8, 1947, in London, England. I include the “King of Rock and Roll” and “Ziggy Stardust”, because they produced great music AND, also, because their music gives us a musical (and visual) picture of the state of society (in America and in the world) at various points in history. Additionally, moving to their music — mindfully and “in a special way” — can awaken our awareness of how our different parts are (or are not) working… let alone working together.

“If I could be you, if you could be me
For just one hour
If we could find a way
To get inside each other’s mind, uh huh

If you could see you through my eyes
Instead of your ego
I believe you’d be, I believe you’d be
Surprised to see
That you’ve been blind, uh huh”

— quoted from the song “Walk A Mile In My Shoes” by Elvis Presley (written by Joe South)

Please join me today (Wednesday, January 8^th) at 4:30 PM or 7:15 PM for (virtual or in-person) yoga practice. You must be registered and confirmed to attend in person. Classes are in different locations! 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 01082022 State of the “Union”]

“I’ve got scars that can’t be seen
I’ve got drama, can’t be stolen
Everybody knows me now”

— quoted from the song “Lazarus” by David Bowie

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).

Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.

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

### YOGA ###

EXCERPT (2025): “Do You See What I See? & Your Presence Is Requested” January 6, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Bhakti, Books, Changing Perspectives, Christmas, Dharma, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Love, Music, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, avidya, Epiphany, Epiphanytide, Johann Sebastian Bach, magi, Rev. Ed Trevors, Reverend Ed Trevors, Three Kings Day, Twelvetide, Whitney Houston, Yoga Sutra 2.20, Yoga Sutras 2.12-2.14, Yoga Sutras 2.16-2.18, Yoga Sutras 2.3-2.9
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“Happy New Year!” to everyone. “Merry Little Christmas, Epiphany, Theophany, Three Kings Day, & Twelfth Day of Christmas (for some)!”

May you be safe and protected / May you be peaceful and happy / May you be healthy and strong!

“What I really want to get to today is why the Magi came. What was it that brought them to Bethlehem? What was it that brought them to find Jesus and his family?”

— quoted from “The Epiphany Light: Another Reflection” by Reverend Ed Trevors (dated Jan 6, 2022)

Click on the excerpt title below for more about the holidays being observed, a little insight into why people may see the same things in different ways, & the video quoted above.

FTWMI: Do You See What I See? & Your Presence Is Requested

Yoga Sutra 2.20: draşțā dŗśimātrah śuddho’pi pratyayānupaśyah

— “The sheer power of seeing is the seer. It is pure, and yet it sees only what the mind [brain] shows it.”

Please join me today (Monday, January 6^th) at 5:00 PM** for a 75-minute (virtual or in-person) yoga practice. You must be registered and confirmed to attend in person. 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.

Monday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “01062021 Epiphany & Theophany”]

**NOTE: This is a special time for this week only!

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).

Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.

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

### Do You Believe What You Are Shown? ###

« older posts newer posts »

A Joyful Practice

First Friday Night Special #52: An Invitation to “The Sweet Ability of 3-Fold Healing” (the “missing” invitation w/excerpts & links) February 7, 2025

“‘Although we may not have an image of this deity in our temple, as long as devotees have the Jade Emperor in their hearts, their prayers will be heard,’ said [the Kwan Imm Temple’s] principal Shi Fa Zhuo.”

— quoted from The Star article entitled “Legend Behind Hokkien New Year emphasizes unity and solidarity” by Grace Chen (2/24/2018)

“Those Samâdhis with which we ended our last chapter are very difficult to attain; so we must take them up slowly. The first step, the preliminary step, is called Kriya-yoga. Literally this means work, working towards Yoga.”

— quoted from the commentary on Yoga Sūtra 2.1, in Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda

“‘From this story, we learn that unity, solidarity and the active participation of the community is necessary when it comes to facing challenges,’ said [Klang Hokkien Association president Datuk Teh Kim] Teh.”

— quoted from The Star article (about a version of the story where only some hide) entitled “Legend Behind Hokkien New Year emphasizes unity and solidarity” by Grace Chen (2/24/2018)

— quoted from the special concurrence opinion for Beck v. State, 396 So. 2d 645 (1980) by Alabama Supreme Court Justice Oscar W. Adams

### “I want a little sugar in my bowlI want a little sweetness down in my soulI could stand some lovin’, oh so badFeel so funny, I feel so sad” ~Nina Simone ###

BELIEVING, SITTING, CELEBRATING HUMANS (the “missing” Tuesday post) February 4, 2025

— quoted from Act III of Our Town by Thornton Wilder

“We find, in studying history, one fact held in common by all the great teachers of religion the world ever had. They all claim to have got their truths from beyond, only many of them did not know where they got them from.”

— quoted from “Chapter VII: Dhyana and Samadhi” in The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Volume 1, Raja-Yoga by Swami Vivekananda

“I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.”

— Rosa Parks (b. 1913)

— quoted from “The Origin of Human Beings“ in The Magic Lotus Lantern and Other Tales from the Han Chinese by Haiwang Yuan (with Forward by Michael Ann Williams)

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”

— Rosa Parks

### As they say in Zulu, “Sawubona!” [“I see you!”] and “Yebo, sawubona!” [“I see you seeing me.”] ###

BELIEVING, SITTING, CELEBRATING HUMANS (mostly the music & blessings) **UPDATED w/link** February 4, 2025

— quoted from “The Origin of Human Beings“ in The Magic Lotus Lantern and Other Tales from the Han Chinese by Haiwang Yuan (with Forward by Michael Ann Williams)

CLICK HERE FOR THE RELATED POST.

“I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.”

— Rosa Parks (b. 1913)

### ###

Take Care (the post-practice Monday post) February 3, 2025

“So those are my six non-negotiables for myself. The seventh one, that I’m awful at, but I highly recommend — it’s something I’m trying to bring more of in my life, because I really do understand the importance of it in terms of wellness — and that would be play.”

— Seane Corn, quoted from the video “7 Non-Negotiables for Wellbeing | Seane Corn”

Interpretations of the nine Durgās by women differed dramatically from this rather philosophical view of the goddesses. According to certain females, the nine Durgās represent the stages in a woman’s life; as one woman put it: ‘These nine Durgās are our life, women’s life.’”

— quoted from the “Religious Materials Are Heavily Gendered” section of “1. Women’s Studies in the History of Religions” by David Kinsley, as published in Methodology in Religious Studies: The Interface with Women’s Studies, edited by Arvind Sharma

A MUSIC STORY

“Everyone deserves music, sweet music”

— quoted from the song “Everyone Deserves Music” by Michael Franti & Spearhead

CLEANSING /DETOXIFYING STORIES

“Cos it is good for me It can be good for you”

— quoted from the song “Good For You” by Hothouse Flowers (written by Hothouse Flowers and Stewart Levine)

A STORY ABOUT TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF, OTHERS, & THE WORLD

— quoted from “Charles Follis” by Milt Roberts (originally in Black Sports, Nov. 1975), reproduced in THE COFFIN CORNER: Vol. 2, No. 1 (1980)

### TAKE CARE ###

EXCERPTS (& Stories) That I Hope Make You Smile [the “missing” Saturday post] February 1, 2025

— quoted from “1: Suffering Is Not Enough” in Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh (Illustrated by Mayumi Oda, Introduction by Jack Kornfield)

THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE

SPEAKING OF RIVERS… (in the new year)

“I’ve known rivers:

I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.”

— from the poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes

“There is much for a writer like myself to learn from Langston. His productivity — and the fact that he wrote for a living — is an inspiration. In many photographs, Hughes is laughing or smiling like the Buddha. I have often wondered what he was thinking.”

— quoted from the essay “The Buddha Smile of Langston Hughes” by E. Ethelbert Miller

STORIES RELATED TO HEAVEN & EARTH

— quoted from Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha by Thich Nhat Hanh

A KITCHEN STORY (OR 2) ON DAY 4 (excerpt)

“So boy, don’t you turn back.

Don’t you set down on the steps

’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.

Don’t you fall now—

For I’se still goin’, honey,

I’se still climbin’,

And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.”

— quoted from the poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes

“Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.”

— quoted from the poem “Dreams” by Langston Hughes

### :smile: ###

Auspicious, Holy, & New (the “missing” Wednesday post) January 29, 2025

ATHA — now, at this auspicious moment; implying the transition to this practice and pursuit, after prior preparation; implying a blessing at this moment of transition

YOGA — of yoga, union; literally, to yoke, from the root yuj, which means to join or to integrate; same as the absorption in samadhi

“财神到 财神到 Caishen dao caishen dao [The god of wealth has come! The god of wealth has come!]

好心得好报 Hao xinde hao bao [Good news]

财神话 财神话 Caishenhua caishenhua [Myth of money, myth of money]

揾钱依正路 wen qian yi zhenglu [if you follow the right path]”

— quoted from the song “Cai Shen Dao” [“The God of Wealth Has Come!” by Sam Hui, lyrics in Hanzi [Chinese characters], pīnyīn [“spelled sounds”], and English

MAHĀ — Great, mighty, powerful, lofty, noble.

KUMBH — Pitcher, jar, pot

MĒLĀ — Assembly, unite, join, meet, move together, junction

— quoted from “3 Kumbha Mela: The Great Gathering” in The Ganges by Raghubir Singh

Chandra, the moon,

parijata (night-blooming jasmine, which is sometimes called the “tree of sorrow”)

the four-tusked elephant Airavata, Indra’s mount,

Kamadhenu, the cow of plenty,

### “I want a little sugar in my bowl
I want a little sweetness down in my soul
I could stand some lovin’, oh so bad
Feel so funny, I feel so sad” ~Nina Simone ###

BELIEVING, SITTING, CELEBRATING HUMANS (mostly the music & blessings) UPDATED w/link February 4, 2025

“Cos it is good for me
It can be good for you”

“Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.”

“财神到财神到
Caishen dao caishen dao [The god of wealth has come! The god of wealth has come!]

好心得好报
Hao xinde hao bao [Good news]

财神话财神话
Caishenhua caishenhua [Myth of money, myth of money]

揾钱依正路
wen qian yi zhenglu [if you follow the right path]”

Auspicious, Holy, & New (mostly the music & blessings) UPDATED w/link January 29, 2025

“If I could be you, if you could be me
For just one hour
If we could find a way
To get inside each other’s mind, uh huh

If you could see you through my eyes
Instead of your ego
I believe you’d be, I believe you’d be
Surprised to see
That you’ve been blind, uh huh”

“I’ve got scars that can’t be seen
I’ve got drama, can’t be stolen
Everybody knows me now”