2016 Kiss My Asana #16: Peace Like A Gardener/Farmer February 17, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Bhakti, Books, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Food, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Jane Hirshfield, Julian of Norwich, Karma, Karma Yoga, Life, Loss, Love, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Movies, Music, Mysticism, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Suffering, Tantra, Tragedy, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Women, Writing, Yoga.Tags: community, finding hope, God as Mother, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions, peace, personal crisis, yoga therapy
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“When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to know,
It is well, it is well, with my soul.”
– “It Is Well With My Soul” by Horatio Spafford
“All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well.”
– Excerpt from A Revelation of Love – in Sixteen Shewings by Julian of Norwich
Towards the beginning of the Yoga Sutras, Patanjali emphasizes that cultivating friendliness/loving-kindness, compassion/mercy, gladness/goodwill/joy, and acceptance/equanimity creates a calm, peaceful, and undisturbed mind (1:33). A bit later, he states that a person can be so firmly grounded in non-injury (ahimsa) that other people lose their hostility just be being in the vicinity (2:35). Towards the middle, he indicates that samyama (the collective practice of focusing, concentrating, and meditating/becoming) on these qualities produces the great strength or power of these attitudes (3:23). Finally, towards the end of the sutras, he explains that in order to realize great power through the practice, a yogi has to be like a farmer or gardener (4:3, although he hints at this throughout).
Some people read about the siddhis (great powers) described in the Yoga Sutras and think them as “supernormal” or psychic powers – while others reference quantum physics or Jedi Knight tricks. And, some people just think the whole text is an extended metaphor. How ever one thinks about siddhis on paper, there’s no denying the power of being in the presence of someone grounded in love. Considering Julie (Yogi #16) is a gardener, it should come as no surprise that being around her is a little like being hugged by love.
The moment you walked inside my door
I knew that I need not look no more,
I’ve seen many other souls before – ah but,
Heaven must’ve programmed you”– “Heaven (Where True Love Goes)” by Yusuf Islam
“More and more I have come to admire resilience.
Not the simple resistance of a pillow, where foam returns over and
over to the same shape, but the sinuous
tenacity of a tree: finding the
light newly blocked on one side,
it turns in another.”
– Excerpt from “Optimism” by Jane Hirshfield
Julie is one of my favorite people and part of another one of my favorite yoga couples. I met her and her husband within my first year of teaching – and I am always thrilled to see them. Every once in a blue moon one will come without the other; but, more often than not, they come together. (And, spoiler alert! I started writing their posts in tandem because I think of them as my two anchors, or touchstones, in the corner of the room.) They come when it’s cold; they come when it’s hot; they come when they’re tired; they come when they’re busy; and sometimes they come when they’re not feeling 100%.
Julie mentions me helping her adapt her yoga practice during one of those times when she wasn’t at 100%. However, I wasn’t her only resource. She also practiced with the amazing Michelle P-W who, in addition to being a world-class yoga therapist, has practiced and taught with Matthew Sanford.
There are lots of people in the world who could benefit from a yoga practice if they had the resources to facilitate their practice. Sometimes the necessary resource is a knowledgeable teacher, sometimes it’s an accessible studio, and sometimes it’s just the awareness that there is more than one way to practice yoga. Either way, if you KISS MY ASANA, you help create more resources and opportunities for more people to discover and continue practicing yoga.
~ Forever, and ever, Amen. ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #15: The Statesman February 16, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Life, Love, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Suffering, Tragedy, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.Tags: community, donation-based events, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions
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“Whether young, old or too old, sick or lean, one who discards laziness gets success if he practices Yoga.”
– Hatha Yoga Pradipika I:66
According to Walter Lippman, “The opposition is indispensable. A good statesman, like any other sensible human being, always learns more from his opposition than from his fervent supporters.” Ergo, this month of profiles would not be complete without Yogi #15 (Paul). For those of you who are keeping track, Paul is the third yogi I met in a bar and the third person in the line-up who doesn’t actually practice with me – which also makes him the third person to agree to this endeavor without a whole lot of information up front. He is also the fourth, but not the last, person posted in tandem with a significant other.
Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.”
– Book of Ruth 1:16
There is something super sweet and special about people who practice yoga together. Really, there’s something super sweet and special about people who share a life together and also share any interests. Paul, however, will be the first to tell you that he and Yogi #14 (Ruth) don’t practice yoga together regularly.
Paul works out at a local gym. He has a routine he likes and, every now and again, he’ll check out a yoga class. Paul, like Yogi #14, is a straight-shooter. So, he doesn’t waste a lot of time apologizing for what he does or doesn’t do. He does what he does. And, while it is very obvious that Paul appreciates what yoga can do for the mind and body, he joins at least one other person here (out of 29) who may not actually like yoga.
Your speech doesn’t need music, it needs logic.”
– Excerpt from Simply Speaking: How to Communicate Your Ideas with Style, Substance, and Clarity by Peggy Noonan
In principle, my experience is not so different from yours, it is only more extreme. … My mind-body relationship changed in an instant — the time it took for my back to break. But the changing relationship between mind and body is a feature of everyone’s life. We are all leaving our bodies — this is the inevitable arc of living. Death cannot be avoided; neither can the inward silence that comes with the aging process.”
– Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence by Matthew Sanford
When we first met, Paul and I spent quite a bit of time talking about Matthew Sanford and the adaptive yoga program at Mind Body Solutions. Like so many people, Paul had heard about Bruce Kramer’s experiences practicing yoga after his ALS diagnosis. And, like so many people whose interest is sparked by the work Mind Body Solutions is doing with people who have experienced trauma, loss, and disability, Paul’s interest is personal: He knows someone who could benefit from the work you support when you KISS MY ASANA!
~ OM SHANTI, SHANTI, SHANTIH OM ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #13: This Contender Has Class! February 14, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Life, Mantra, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Movies, Music, Pain, Peace, Suffering, TV, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: community, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions, music, personal crisis
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“You know, we just don’t recognize the most insignificant moments of our lives while they’re happening. Back then I thought, ‘Well, there’ll be other days.’ I didn’t realize that that was the only day.”
– Burt Lancaster as Dr. Archibald “Moonlight” Graham (in Field of Dreams)
When I first started practicing yoga, I often heard my teachers say, “How you do yoga is how you do life.” Since then I have heard a teacher say, “How you do anything is how you do life” –and, while that second statement may also be true, the bottom line is that some things mimic the highs and lows of life better than others: boxing, poker, yoga ….
While not a sport, the physical practice of yoga can be like practicing a competitive sport in that its rules and guidelines create a safe space to play, experiment, test your limits, learn, and grow. If you show up to practice and learn the rules, you get to study yourself as you encounter challenges. Study yourself as you encounter challenges and you start overcoming the first set of challenges, and prepare yourself to meet new ones. Greet the new challenges and you begin to realize that the practice is just like life: you can do all of this while you enjoy the moment and have fun – or you can spend the whole practice stressing out. Either way, you have to get your mind straight. Either way, (to paraphrase Timothy Gallwey and Matthew McConaughey) the only person you have to best is yourself – and, in doing so you become your best self.
“Winners are simply willing to do what losers won’t.”
– a poster behind Hillary Swank as Maggie Fitzgerald (working the heavy bag in Million Dollar Baby)
Yogi #13 (Dennis L.) came to one of my classes because of his dear friend Meghan G (Yogi #12). He had heard about some of the benefits of yoga. He had heard why his friend loves yoga. And, ultimately, he decided it was only one hour. What could possibly happen in one hour?
“Even if you’re down there for one hour, you’re down there.”
– Kirk Acevedo as Tommy (in Invincible)
Like Dennis L., a lot of people come to practice with their friends. While it’s great to see that community building and strengthening on the mat, I always celebrate a little when someone who seems to come because of their community, starts coming even when their friends aren’t available. First time I saw Dennis L. practicing on his own, I knew he was hooked! I knew he was committed. And I was a little awed, because I realized he was a contender!
Let me tell you something you already know. The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place, and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done! Now, if you know what you’re worth, then go out and get what you’re worth. But you gotta be willing to take the hits, and not pointing fingers saying you ain’t where you wanna be because of him, or her, or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you. You’re better than that!
– Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa (in Rocky)
“If I was thinking straight I’d go back home, find a used trailer, buy a deep fryer and some Oreos. Problem is, this the only thing I ever felt good doing. If I’m too old for this then I got nothing. That enough truth to suit you?”
– Hilary Swank as Maggie Fitzgerald (in Million Dollar Baby)
There may be times when you’re injured, tired, filled with dis-ease, or feeling your age. There may be times you’re having a bad day (or what feels like a bad life). And, what you do in those moments is your practice.
Truth be told, there are times when we all feel like tapping out. And, when we have those times, there’s always going to be someone – sometimes, even someone in our corner – who’s going to support that decision to just throw in the towel. But, in such moments, it’s important to remember that life (like your yoga practice) isn’t actually a game. Giving up is not your only option.
On the mat, you can go into child’s pose; you can take a comfortable seated position and just breathe; you can take a modification; you can explore another style or tradition. Off the mat, you can go into child’s pose; you can take a comfortable seated position and just breathe; you can stop focusing on what your goal looks like on the outside and remember the intention that’s driving you; you can explore another way of doing things.
On or off the mat, remember: We’re not competitors; we’re on the same (joyful KISS MY ASANA) team!
~ 2:26 ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #11:Spiritual Activists, Feel the Vibration! February 12, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Bhakti, Books, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma, Karma Yoga, Life, Loss, Love, Mantra, Meditation, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Music, Mysticism, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Science, Texas, Twin Cities, Vipassana, Volunteer, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: community, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions, Mindfulness, peace
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Bringing this to the entire nation
Black, white, red, brown
Feel the vibration
Come on come on
Feel it feel it
Feel the vibration
– “Good Vibrations” by Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, featuring Loleatta Holloway
In Light on Yoga, B. K. S. Iyengar spends approximately two (2) pages explaining the importance of studying AUM. Two pages may not seem like a lot, until you realize that many people just think of Light on Yoga as a practice manual for the physical practice. In fact, people often buy the book to “master the poses.” However, Iyengar begins the book by introducing the philosophy of yoga and stating, unequivocally, “one can master nothing” without single-pointed concentration. “Without concentration on Divinity” he writes, “one cannot unlock the divinity within oneself or become a universal man.”
Tom H (Yogi #11) has spent his life unlocking the divinity within himself. This becomes obvious if you spend any amount of time (at all) talking to him. He and I have talked in the studios; on the rooftop; in restaurants and bars; and in cars. We seem to talk about everything. Yet, it doesn’t matter where the conversation starts (or ends) there is always an underlying connection to the subject of the Divine, how the Divine is connected to us, and how we are connected to each other.
Turns out, it’s all one and the same.
“Master Patanjali describes AUM – that which is indescribable – by using the Sanskrit word pranavah. Like most words, pranavah has numerous meanings.”
– Excerpt from Sweeping the Dust by Jivamukti Yoga teacher Ruth Lauer-Manenti (“Lady Ruth”)
I am the innate nature of everything. In pure water I am the sweet taste. In the sun and moon I am the radiance. In the very center of human beings I live as virility and courage. I am (pranavah) the sacred word Om, which designates the Divine, and I am the sound of it heard throughout the universe” – Excerpt from The Bhagavad Gita (7:8)
Tom H is a spiritual activist because his practice doesn’t stay on the mat. When he’s unlocking the divinity within himself, he’s also figuring out how to help the rest of us unlock the divinity within ourselves. His commitment to individual and social change, as well as his efforts towards uplifting people of all ages and backgrounds, is the direct result of his eclectic spiritual life. He blends his physical practices, in different modalities, with his philosophical practices and beliefs. He continually questions, only to examine the questions and the answers he finds. He consistently takes his practice off the mat (and the cushion) – then brings it back again! When he practices yoga, you can practically see his heart-energy vibrating, shimmering, and shining. He literally vibrates.
And, that vibration has a ripple effect.
“Can you feel it baby? / I can too //1 2 3 now we come to the pay off” – Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, featuring Loleatta Holloway
If you practice yoga for any significant period of time, you will find the physical practice affects more than your body. It affects your life. And, the more you practice, the more you vibrate, shimmer, and shine. Mind Body Solutions adaptive yoga program is an opportunity for more people to feel the vibration. Your donation may just be a drop in the 2016 KISS MY ASANA bucket, but it will ripple!
Join me for meditation at the Walker this Saturday the 13th (5 PM & 7 PM)and you might find yourself sitting next to a yogi!
~ AUM…, Tat Twam Asi (That Thou Art) ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #10: What Happens When You’re Full of Grace? February 10, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Depression, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Food, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Life, Loss, Love, Minneapolis, Music, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Suffering, TV, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: community, donation-based events, Karma Yoga, KISS MY ASANA, Matthew Sanford, Mind Body Solutions, utut
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“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as you love yourself….”
– Leviticus 19:34
“And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or saw you naked and gave you clothes? Truly I tell you, just s you did to one of the least of those who are members of the human family, you did it to me.”
– Matthew 25:38
“…and do good to orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer that you meet, and those who have nothing.”
– Qur’an 4:36
At least 7 yogis walk into a bar…. I know, it sounds like the beginning of a really silly joke. But seriously, if it weren’t for Yogi #9, I wouldn’t know Yogi #10 (and a few other yogis down the line).
Friday, February 5th, Yogi #9 (Elizabeth) invited me and my housemate to a fundraiser for a tutoring program at a school in St Paul. It was cold on the first Friday of Kiss My Asana, I’d just finished teaching, and I had stuff to do. But, I could hear Elizabeth in my head saying, “Come on. It’s kids; it’s for a good cause. You don’t have to stay out all night. I mean, you could, but….” (Note: She didn’t actually say this, but I could hear what it would sound like if she did.)
I acquiesced, in my own mind, and we headed over to the Urban Growler. It was not my usual scene, but it was super cool – and packed! We made our way around the pub until we found Elizabeth with a table full of her family and friends. She proceeded to introduce us to (drum roll, please) Yogi #10 (Molly S).
“Yoga changed my life!” Molly S exclaimed when she heard I teach yoga. My housemate asked how, and Molly left no doubt that yes, indeed, a single introductory course in yoga not only changed her outlook on her mind-body, it changed the way she engaged her mind-body. As a prelude to asking her, a perfect stranger, if she’d answer my 7 questions, I mentioned what I’m doing for Kiss My Asana and how the yogathon benefits Mind Body Solutions –
Before I got anymore words out of my mouth, Molly S delivered the Universe’s punch line:
“Wait, Mind Body Solutions in Minnetonka? Matthew Sanford was my first teacher!”
Yep, turns out, it wasn’t just yoga that changed Molly’s life. It was Matthew Sanford.
When grace happens, generosity happens. Unsquashable, eye-popping bigheartedness happens. “
– Max Lucado
“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” – Rumi
As if it wasn’t beautiful enough that she let me video tape her, on the fly (questions unseen), Molly left the fundraiser and proceeded to Kiss My Asana. (Thanks Molly!)
(NOTE: There’s still time for you to be like Molly!)
Don't forget, you can turn on and tune in with me this Saturday (5 PM & 7 PM) at the Walker! And February 27th is a Pucker Up and Kiss My Asana Saturday!
~ OM NARAYANA SHANTI OM ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #9: One of the 20% February 10, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Life, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Music, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: community, Indra's Web, Karma Yoga, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions, music
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“Economists often talk about the 80/20 Principle, which is the idea that in any situation roughly 80 percent of the “work” will be done by 20 percent of the participants. In most societies, 20 percent of criminals commit 80 percent of crimes. Twenty percent of motorists cause 80 percent of all accidents. Twenty percent of beer drinkers drink 80 percent of all beer. When it comes to epidemics, though, this disproportionality becomes even more extreme: a tiny percentage of people do the majority of the work.”
– Malcolm Gladwell explaining the Law of the Few in The Tipping Point
In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell observes that, “The success of any kind of social epidemic is heavily dependent on the involvement of people with a particular and rare set of social gifts.” The he describes the people who move things to the next level: Connectors, Mavens, and, Salesmen. We all know someone who fits into each category. To me, however; Yogi #9 (Elizabeth); is like Paul Revere – she defies the categories. She’s a connector, a maven, and a saleswoman all rolled into one.
She’ll make the simplest introductions – and leave no doubt as to why someone (or something) holds a special place in her heart. She will stand up for what’s right, even when taller people shut down and quiver. She will travel far and wide, just to touch a place people think is divine – and then she’ll share the moment with people who may not have ever thought of going beyond their living room walls. And watching Elizabeth work it on the mat is like watching the Universe at work (or maybe it’s at play).
“I am Pure Consciousness….Nothing whatsoever exists separate from My Divinity. There is no power in the cosmos that does not emanate from Me and belong to me. The entire universe is suspended from Me as if I were the string in a necklace of jewels. The gems may differ vastly, but the force holding them all together, the central thread, is Me, Divinity.” – Excerpt from The Bhagavad Gita
“…there is said to be a network of pearls so arranged that if you look at one you see all the others reflected in it. In the same way, each object in the world is not merely itself but involves every other object, and in fact, IS every other object.”
– Hindu Sutra provided in Anodea Judith’s Wheels of Life
From a Buddhist perspective, Alan Watts refers to the network (that is the universe) as a “spider’s web in the early morning covered with dew drops. And, every dew drop contains the reflection of all the other dew drops. And in each reflected dew drop, the reflection of all the other dew drops.” Being around Elizabeth, on and off the mat, is like watching dew drops (or pearls) reflecting each other.
We shot Elizabeth’s video after class, and you can tell she worked it. But, it doesn’t matter if she’s balancing on one leg; opening her heart in a backbend; twisting, untwisting, and re-twisting; or flowing through a “waxing and waning” squat, Elizabeth practices with gratitude and makes all the hard work look effortless and fun! She’s one of the people who makes me want to practice, teach, and share yoga with more people.(Thanks Elizabeth!)
Even though she doesn’t practice adaptive yoga, Elizabeth reminds me that a regular yoga practice is a gift – for everyone. By KISS(ing) MY ASANA, you help Mind Body Solutions give this gift to people who may not realize they can benefit from a little sitting (asana) and breathing (pranayama).
Don't forget, you can turn on and tune in with me this Saturday (5 PM & 7 PM) at the Walker! And February 27th is a Pucker Up and Kiss My Asana Saturday!
~ windin’ up twenty-one thousand, one hundred forty pounds of string ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #8: A Peaceful Warrior February 8, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in 108 Sun Salutations, Bhakti, Books, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Japa, Japa-Ajapa, Karma, Karma Yoga, Kirtan, Life, Mala, Mantra, Meditation, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Music, Mysticism, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Surya Namaskar, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: community, Karma Yoga, KISS MY ASANA, Mind Body Solutions, music
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“in the Bhagavad Gita you teach us Bhakti
your divine past times are so sublime / they open the heart and reassure the mind
providing us shelter when the monsoon lingers”
– “Krishna Love” by MC Yogi
a peaceful soldier who used his mind / to fight for the rights of human kind
but not just people, animals too / and his basic teaching “God is Truth”
he joined Muslims, Sikhs, & Hindus / Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Jews
all the many paths that lead into / the light that shines bright inside of me and you
(chorus)
Be the change that you wanna see / in the world, just like Gandhi
– “Be the Change” by MC Yogi
We live in a world where people think power has to be loud, obnoxious, and brash. That change has to come like a tornado or a monsoon, dramatically altering everything in its path. But, change is always happening – even when we don’t notice it happening. And, some of the most powerful people I know are doing powerful things in the world – quietly. Listen, really listen; look, really look – and you will find little seeds of change deliberately (and quietly) taking root, blossoming, and making the world a better place.
Like a seed taking root, Yogi #8, the aptly named Krishna, quietly strolled into class one day a couple of years ago and quietly blossomed. Truth be known, he had blossomed long ago – but he won’t tell you that unless you press him. In fact, most of what I know about the truly amazing things Krishna has done in industry, in our community, and in the world, I learned by paying attention: listening to other people toot Krishna’s horn; noticing when he had meetings with people planning community outreach; or realizing an amazing show of support during a personal crisis was all organized by Krishna. In appreciating some of the feedback he has given me over the years, I recognize that Krishna has more dharma wisdom and knowledge in his pinkie toes than I have in my mind and that he could easily teach my classes, but for some reason he’s listening, practicing, learning, and being present with me.
Some days you will see him front and center; some days he is anchoring a back corner or making up one part of a 108 surya namaskar circle. Sometimes he is contemplating the teachings with a group; sometimes silently letting his thoughts settle between laps in the pool; sometimes putting the dharma into action by wiping down another person’s mat; and sometimes he is laughing hysterically in amazement (at how I explain ancient wisdom for the modern mind to grasp). But he is definitely present. And, in being present, he is definitely contributing.
Engage in action, do your work, but with full control of your mind and senses. And be aware that the work you do should contribute in some way, directly or indirectly, to the higher good of humanity.”
– Krishna’s advice to Arjuna in The Bhagavad Gita 2:7
It’s no accident that Mathea’s and Kirshna’s posts feel like a call to service. This week, as MC Yogi says, is “Dedicated to all Spiritual Activists, Truth Seekers, and Peaceful Warriors Worldwide.” The people I’m highlighting are in our midst. Pay attention, listen, bring a friend or family member to class, and please consider making a donation to KISS MY ASANA! Every bit of action (karma) makes a difference.
~ OM ~
2016 KISS MY ASANA #7:Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now! February 7, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Bhakti, Books, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Helen Keller, Hope, Karma Yoga, Langston Hughes, Life, Loss, Mantra, Maya Angelou, Meditation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Movies, Music, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Science, Suffering, Texas, Tragedy, TV, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Women, Writing, Yoga.Tags: awareness, community, Karma Yoga, KISS MY ASANA, laughter, Mind Body Solutions, Mindfulness, music
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“Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom (Sophia) is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.
– Proverbs 8:10 – 11
“One does not accomplish great ends in some by-and-by future, O Warrior. Only in the present can you hammer out real achievement….To work without desire may seem impossible, but the way to do it is to substitute thoughts of Divinity for thoughts of desire. Do your work in this world with your heart fixed on the Divine instead of on outcomes. Do not worry about results. Be even tempered in success or failure. This mental evenness is what is meant by “yoga” (union with God). Indeed, equanimity is “yoga”!
– Bhagavad Gita 2:47-48, abridged
Where to begin was the challenge in writing today’s post. Do I focus on Yogi #7’s inner light? Her outer beauty? Her kindness? Her intelligence? The strength of her character; and, the fact that she and I in a room together is like an exclamation point on “I Dream a World” by Langston Hughes and the similarly named speech by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.?!?!?!?
Hmm, maybe I should just focus on the practice. But, even then, I could write a book about what a privilege it is to be a small part of Yogi #7’s practice.
Mathea (Yogi #7) has the strength, the grace, the focus, the discipline, the wisdom, and the devotion to practice anywhere. What she doesn’t have is the luxury to spend all her time on the mat – she’s a householder (meaning she has the luxury of a lovely family, an extended circle of friends, a variety of interests, and a demanding job). Still, she could choose to practice anywhere. And, being a true yogi, she would appreciate and learn from the experience. So, whenever Mathea walks through the door, grins, giggles, asks a question, offers guidance, learns something new, or breathes in my vicinity I feel truly blessed.
“Living well is an art that can be developed: a love of life and ability to take great pleasure from small offerings and assurance that the world owes you nothing and that every gift is exactly that, a gift.”
– Excerpt from Wouldn’t Take Nothing From My Journey Now by Maya Angelou
Even more than appreciating the gift that is her presence in the present, I appreciate Mathea’s constant (albeit tacit) reminder that our yoga practice, like life, is a messy, messy process – and an unexpected heroine journey which requires us to fearlessly play with wise caution.
Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. God Himself is not secure, having given man dominion over His works! Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. The fearful are caught as often as the bold. Faith alone defends. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable.”
– Excerpt from Let Us Have Faith by Helen Keller
“There’s nothing in the world that’ll ever take the place of God’s love. / Silver & gold couldn’t buy a mighty touch from above. / When my soul needs healin’ I begin to feelin’ His power, / I can say thank the Lord, I wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now.
– “I Wouldn’t Take Nothing” (traditional gospel)
“Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”
– Philippians 3:17
Each of us has the right and the responsibility to assess the roads which lie ahead, and those over which we have traveled, and if the future road looms ominous or unpromising, and the roads back uninviting, then we need to gather our resolve and, carrying only the necessary baggage, step off that road into another direction. If the new choice is also unpalatable, without embarrassment, we must be ready to change that as well.”
“What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain.”
– Excerpts from Wouldn’t Take Nothing From My Journey Now by Maya Angelou
There are people who appreciate the benefits of their yoga practice just as much as (if not more than) Mathea and I appreciate ours. However, not everyone has the privilege we do. Not everyone has the luxury of walking into a studio or a gym anywhere on the planet and practicing with whomever is leading. Not everyone feels welcomed. Not everyone knows they can practice yoga – even in a wheelchair, or a brace, or after experiencing trauma and loss. Matthew Sanford and Mind Body Solutions are changing how people think about yoga; they are transforming how people integrate their mind-body on and off the mat. You can KISS MY ASANA if you want to be part of this change!
~ Jai Guru Dev Jai Jai ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #6: Serenity Now! February 6, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Kirtan, Life, Love, Mantra, Meditation, Men, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Music, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Suffering, TV, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: community, KISS MY ASANA, laughter, Mind Body Solutions, music
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F: “Serenity now! Serenity now!”
G: “What is that?”
F: “The doctor gave me a relaxation cassette. When my blood pressure gets too high, the man on the tape tells me to say ‘serenity now!'”
G: “Are you supposed to yell it?”
F: “The man on the tape wasn’t specific.”
– Frank and George Costanza, Seinfeld episode 159
If you’re a Seinfeld fan, then the title of this post might send you into fits of giggles and seriously hysterical flashbacks. You might even stop reading (or pause the video) so you can find all or part of episode 159 (aka, Episode 3 of Season 9) and laugh all over again. Or, maybe you have no idea what I’m talking about and you use the link above to get looped in. Either way, if you laugh hard enough you experience the same kind of lighter than air, super relaxed sense of euphoria that Frank Costanza and the other characters desperately seek in the episode – or that real people actually find when they come to one of Andrew L’s regular yoga classes.
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure, Yogi #6 isn’t the teacher at the front of the room – he is one of my very first yoga studio regulars. And, all these years later, he’s still keeping the joy in the practice.
While some people will say they come back to class because of me or how the yoga practice makes them feel, everyone who misses a class with Andrew L. will consistently comment on how much they miss him! Because, ultimately, part of the genius of comedies like Seinfeld, as highlighted by “The Serenity Now” episode, is a sense of community: for about 23 minutes viewers become part of a fun-loving, close-knit group of people, where everyone belongs. Classes with Andrew L. are like back-to-back episodes of Cheers – only without the beer!
Naaraayana Naaraayana Naaraayana / Om Namo Bhaagavaate Vaasudevaaya //
For your love… / I’d give the moon if it were mine to give / I’d give the stars and the sun for I live / To fill you with delight / I’d bring you diamonds bright / Don’t you think it would excite– Krishna Das singing “Naaraayana/For Your Love”
Andrew L. may not remember this, but our first encounter happened several months before our first yoga class together. He was, as it turns out, doing one of the things Andrew L. does best: Endeavor to make the things he enjoys more enjoyable for everyone. What I didn’t know at the time is that Andrew L. is also a loyal community-builder whose wit is not only obvious in his occasional one-liners, but also in the public art he creates to bring communities together. He’s a bit of a perfectionist (which means we sometimes butt heads); however, I think his family and friends will agree that our lives (and practice) are better for knowing him.
If you smile when you think of Andrew L., please consider making a donation to my 2016 KISS MY ASANA team!
~ Om Naaraayana Shanti Om! On Every Plane of Exstence, Peace To All Living Things ~
2016 Kiss My Asana #5: …Makes Me Feel Good! February 5, 2016
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Dharma, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Kundalini, Life, Love, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Movies, Music, Mysticism, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Science, Tantra, Twin Cities, Volunteer, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: community, goddess, KISS MY ASANA, laughter, Mind Body Solutions, music, visual art
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“For she is a reflection of eternal light,
a spotless mirror of the working of God,
and an image of his goodness.
Although she is but one, she can do all things,
and while remaining in herself, she renews all things;
in every generation she passes into holy souls
and makes them friends of God, and prophets;
for God loves nothing so much as the person who lives with wisdom [Sophia].
She is more beautiful than the sun,
and excels every constellation of the stars.” – Wisdom of Solomon 7:26 – 7:29*
“Although the word Melech (King) appears many times throughout Jewish liturgy, a largely unknown-fact is that Malchut-mastery is an almost entirely feminine concept.” – Excerpt from The Kabbalah Sutras by Marcus J. Freed
Saturday, February 25, 2012, I was about to begin the 6th class of a 7th week series when in walked Kris – preceded by her infectious smile and boundless spirit. It would be May before I saw her again (for two classes in a row, one of which featured her favorite musical moment), but I hadn’t forgotten what a joy it was to share the space with a yoga master! Four years later, I still can’t wait for those times when Kris comes through town and gives me a call. In fact, sometimes I look forward to them so much I will them. Watching her practice yoga is like watching wisdom at play!
The true yogi ‘has inner joy’, according to the yogic sages. In addition ‘he has inner gladness and he has found inner light…’”
– Marcus J. Freed quoting the Bhagavad Gita
Besides appreciating her untethered soul and openness to all things yoga, I adore Kris’s love of music. We are both pretty eclectic in our musical tastes, but I think the thing that seals the bond, every time, is our love of life – or, maybe it’s our love of country music. Surprisingly, her musical moment doesn’t sound very country.
Kris is one of two artists featured in “Eve and the Snake: Women’s Work”(showing at Diamond’s Coffee Shop through February and March 2016). If you’re in the NE neighborhood, you can swing by, check out the art, have a hot beverage, and consider making a donation to my 2016 KISS MY ASANA team.
*NOTE: Monette Chilson uses this scripture as an introduction to her book Sophia Rising: Awakening your sacred wisdom through yoga; however, I have used a different translation.
A Joyful Practice 