A “Little Sax” & Sousa [For Our Journey] (the“missing” post-election post for Wednesday) November 7, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Books, Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, Loss, Meditation, Mirabai Starr, Music, Mysticism, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Adolphe Sax, Anthony Uyl, Beau of the Fifth Column, Bhagavad Gita, Election Day, Everlyn, Exodus, Jack Hawley, Jim Miller, John Philip Sousa, Mary Carolyn Waldrep, Mirabai Starr, Paul E. Bierley, Robert Crawford, Rule 303, Saint Teresa of Ávila, Scott Avett, Shemot, The Avett Brothers, The Gospel According to Luke, Timothy Avett, Twilight Zone, yoga sutras
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone gathering friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.

Stay safe! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind. BREATHE!

This is the “missing” post for Wednesday, November 6^th. The related practice references a “formula” that is not outlined here, but that I will breakdown this weekend. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).

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

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

“There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what’s wrong and what’s right
And it comes in black and it comes in white
And I’m frightened by those that don’t see it”

— quoted from the song “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise” by The Avett Brothers (written by Robert Crawford / Scott Avett / Timothy Avett)

Fair warning, this is not my “regularly scheduled” Movember 6th theme. Well, not exactly. I mean, I am not sporting a mou’ that is a “little Sax” and a bit of Sousa. Nor am I slipping in history and statistics about Movember and men’s health. However, there is some focus on the heart and on mental health. There is also a playlist inspired by Adolphe Sax and John Philip Sousa — and there is a bit of information about them below.

Born today in 1814 (in present-day Belgium), Adolphe Sax was a musician who was particularly accident prone when he was a child. His many accidents included falling three stories and hitting his head on the stone below; drinking a bowl full of acidic water (that he thought was milk); swallowing a pin; and being burnt by a gunpowder explosion and after falling against a cast-iron frying pan. He also had several incidents when he was almost poisoned and suffocated from sleeping in a room with furniture that still had wet varnish. His neighbors called him “little Sax, the ghost” and no one expected him to live very long. Yet, he lived to the age of 79.

Adolphe Sax’s parents were instrument designers and he followed in their footsteps. First, he redesigned the bass clarinet when he was in his 20s. He went on to invent the saxophone (which he patented in 1846) — with designs ranging from sopranino to subcontrabass. He also invented the saxotromba, saxhorn, and saxtuba. Not all his designs were built and even some of the ones that were built were not successful (e.g., the clarinette-bourdon, an early version of the contrabass clarinet). His work paved the way for the creation of the flugelhorn and the modern euphonium (similar to a baritone horn). More importantly, his instruments became very popular with people composing music for concert bands, (military) marching bands, and orchestras.

One of those composers was John Philip Sousa, who was born today in 1854, in Washington, D. C. Known as the “March King” or the “American March King” (so he wouldn’t be confused with the British composer Kenneth J. Alford), John Philip Sousa was the composer of “The Stars and Stripes Forever” (the National March of the United States of America), “Semper Fidelis” (the official march of the United States Marine Corps), “The Liberty Bell”, “The Volunteers”, and “Daughters of Texas.” He also composed “The Beau Ideal” and “The Diplomat” — both which I am definitely channeling today.

“Rule 303: If you have the means at hand, you have the responsibility to act.”

“Do what you can, when you can, as much as you can, for as long as you can.”

— the t-shirt and (a paraphrased version of) common refrains on the YouTube channel “Beau of the Fifth Column”

The perfect example of something is the beau ideal. According to Paul E. Bierley, in The Works of John Philip Sousa, “The expression ‘beau ideal’ was used in the early 1890’s to describe anything that had caught the public fancy.” Nowadays, when I see the title, I think of Rule 303, which was introduced to me by a guy called “Beau” and which I think is an ideal way to get things done — especially during challenging times.

While “The Diplomat” was officially dedicated to the diplomatic skills and bearing of Secretary of State John Milton Hay, it was (unofficially) dedicated to “the unseen cook who prepared that tenderloin [in Mitchell, South Dakota].” So, I aim to be diplomatic and to provide a little food for thought.

To that end, let me first address the elephant in the room. I recognize that there are people who don’t really care about the U. S. election; people who believe their life will stay the same; and people who are…[relieved, excited, grateful?] — feeling some kind of positive way about the election results. To those people, I say (a) I am holding space for you in this practice and (b) I wish you the best and hope that the best comes with very little detriment to others.

To people who are not feeling so positive, I want to tell you about three “older” women.

“But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” (10:29, NIV)

“And he [the expert in the law] said, ‘The one having shown compassion toward him.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘You go and do likewise.’” (10:37, BLB)

— quoted from The Gospel According to St. Luke (New International Version and Berean Literal Bible, cited)

The first woman was my neighbor Evelyn. Before she passed last year, she always took the opportunity to speak. Sometimes it was a wave across our lawns. Other times it was a startling knock on her window when she saw me practicing yoga in my driveway. If we were in a position to talk, she would ask how I was doing; ask after my family; and then — every single time — she would say, “We have to look out for each other.”

There are a lot of times when I think of Evelyn, when I think about our random conversations, and when I think about those final words. They are words to live by. They are the epitome of what (I think) it means to be a good neighbor. To be clear, I am using the word “good” as it is used in the Hebrew Bible / Christian Old Testament and the word “neighbor” in the way it is used throughout the (written) Torah and the Christian New Testament. To paraphrase the meaning of the latter, a neighbor can be:

Someone similar to you;
Someone perceived as different from you who lives in close proximity; and/or
Someone with whom you cross paths when one or both of you are in need.

In Shemot / Exodus and, also, in The Gospel According to Luke (10:29 – 37), a good neighbor is not defined by their ethnicity, nationality, religion, and/or socioeconomic background. A good neighbor is defined by their actions. A good neighbor comes through in times of need and trauma, perhaps providing you with what you need to survive a long journey and what you need to make it to better days. (S/E 3:22)

This is how we look out for each other. This is just another version of Rule 303.

Some may feel like their neighbors are not (and have not been) looking out for them. I can’t blame you if you feel that way. But, if you do, please remember, that the world is more connected than it has ever been and that there are “good neighbors” all around you. Connect and stay connected. You may have resources and knowledge that someone else needs just as they may have resources and knowledge that you need.

“An old woman living in a nightmare, an old woman who has fought a thousand battles with death and always won. Now she’s faced with a grim decision—whether or not to open a door. And in some strange and frightening way she knows that this seemingly ordinary door leads to the Twilight Zone.”

“There was an old woman who lived in a room. And, like all of us, was frightened of the dark. But who discovered in a minute last fragment of her life that there was nothing in the dark that wasn’t there when the lights were on. Object lesson for the more frightened amongst us in, or out of, the Twilight Zone.”

— “Opening” and “Closing” narrations, quoted from “Episode 81 (3.16) — ‘Nothing in the Dark’” of The Twilight Zone (premiered January 5, 1962)

If you feel like we have entered the Twilight Zone, you are not alone — which brings me to the second woman inspiring my practice today: the woman in “Episode 81 (3.16) — ‘Nothing in the Dark’” of The Twilight Zone. We have all been that woman, frightened by a shadow or a sound or a feeling in the dark. Metaphorically speaking, many of us are currently that women. But, we must remember, that anyone who wishes us harm today, wished it yesterday; that hasn’t changed. Anyone who had our back yesterday, has it today. More importantly, the things that we wanted or needed fixed yesterday, still need to be fixed today. The work that needs to be done in the world was never going to be finished at the ballot box.

Sure, it might be harder to get certain things done. It might even [now] seem impossible. It may also seem like there are more obstacles in the way — although, it is possible that those obstacles were already there… in the dark. However, do not lose faith in yourself.

Remember, as we have been saying during the Saturday practices: You are prepared, and have what you need to succeed. The key, as always, is to focus your energy on what you can do and what you are doing. Then, let go of the rest.

Do whatever your heart and mind-body-spirit need to move forward. Take a moment to rest, grieve, howl at the moon, and/or sing. Dance. Eat well and stay hydrated. Send (or give) someone a hug and some love in the way they will appreciate it. Rest some more. And then, be like a bee or a donkey and get busy.

Finally, if you believe in God — whatever that mean to you at this moment — do not lose faith in that Higher Power. In the wee hours of the morning, I found myself listening to the words of Saint Teresa of Ávila (my final woman of the day). She was writing about the prayer of quiet, which is one of the nine grades of prayer described in her works. She was writing from a contemplative Christian mystic perspective and, yet, her words mirror those found in the Bhagavad Gita. Similar words and intention are also found in the Yoga Sūtras. I could go on; but, my point is this: Even though some of these texts come from vastly different traditions, the instructions are ultimately the same.

“It is ridiculous to think that we can enter Paradise without first entering ourselves! We must get to know ourselves, reflect on our limitations, acknowledge our gratitude for God, and solicit his mercy.”

— quoted from “Second Mansions .1.” of The Interior Castle, or The Mansions by Saint Teresa of Ávila (New Translation and Introduction by Mirabai Starr)

“All our trouble comes to us from not having our eyes fixed upon Thee. If we only looked at the way along which we are walking, we should soon arrive; but we stumble and fall a thousand times and stray from the way because, as I say, we do not set our eyes on the true Way.”

— quoted from “Chapter 16” of The Way of Perfection by Saint Teresa of Ávila (Dover Thrift Editions, General Editor: Mary Carolyn Waldrep; Editor of This Volume: Jim Miller)

“‘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 mean by yoga…. Indeed, equanimity is yoga!’”

— Krishna speaking to Arjuna (2.48) in The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners by Jack Hawley

Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Movember 6th 2024”]

NOTE: I added a theme (with 3 tracks) after the 4:30 practice. The practice timing is the same.

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).

“You should each do your duty; and, if this is not appreciated by your superior, you may be sure that it will be appreciated and rewarded by the Lord. We did not come here to seek rewards in this life, but only in the life to come. Let our thoughts always be fixed upon what endures, and not trouble ourselves with earthly things which do not endure even for a lifetime…. Never give way to these thoughts, which sometimes begin in a small way but may cost you a great deal of unrest. Check them by remembering that your kingdom is not of this world, and that everything comes quickly to an end, and that there is nothing in this life that goes on unchangingly.”

— quoted from “Chapter 29” of The Way of Perfection by Saint Teresa of Ávila (edited by Anthony Uyl)

“‘The ideal, Arjuna, is to be intensely active and at the same time have no selfish motives, no thoughts of personal gain or loss. duty uncontaminated by desire leads to inner peacefulness and increased effectiveness. This is the secret art of living a life of real achievement!’”

— Krishna speaking to Arjuna (2.47 excerpt) in The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners by Jack Hawley

### Breathe: Peace In / Breathe: Peace Out ###

Vie, Yama, & Almas Pradipika (the “missing” Saturday post w/ excerpts) November 2, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Bhakti, Books, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Confessions, Faith, Food, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, Loss, Love, Mantra, Meditation, Men, Music, Mysticism, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.
Tags: 2 Maccabees, 988, All Souls' Day, Allhallowtide, Dia de los Muertos, Dia de Muertos, Diwali, Kali Puja, Katha Upanishad, Kevin Brockmeier, Life, light, Mindfulness, siblings, Swami Nikhilananda, Thích Nhất Hạnh, Thich Nhat Hanh, Yama / Death, Yoga Sutra 1.36
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Many blessings to everyone observing All Souls y Día de (los) Muertos! Happy Diwali and Kali Puja! Blessings, light, love, and peace to everyone, everywhere!

This is the “missing” post for Saturday, November 2^nd. It post contains some new content plus excerpts. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).

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

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

“I cannot leave out the problem of life and death. Many young people and others have come out to serve others and to labor for peace, through their love for all who are suffering. They are always mindful of the fact that the most important question is the question of life and death, but often not realizing that life and death are but two faces of one reality. Once we realize that we will have the courage to encounter both of them….

Now I see that if one doesn’t know how to die, one can hardly know how to live—because death is a part of life.”

— quoted from the “Riding on the Waves of Birth and Death” section of “FIVE — One Is All, All Is One: The Five Aggregates” in The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thích Nhất Hạnh

You may or may not have noticed, but there is something… different about the post titles for yesterday and today. They don’t seem to make sense. If you have a passing knowledge (or are fluent) in a language other than English, you might recognize a word or two and guess that the others are words you didn’t learn or don’t remember. However, the truth is that the titles are in more than one language. Each language is a nod to an observation or celebration that occurred today. While the rituals and traditions can seem very different, they all come back to the same things: They all shine a “Light on Life, Death, & [All] Souls”.

Today, November 2nd, is All Souls’ Day, also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed — the last day of Allhallowtide in the Western Christian tradition and the final Día de (los) Muertos in Mexico and the Mexican diaspora. This year, these observations and celebrations coincide with the fifth and final day of Diwali.

“‘The knowing Self is not born; It does not die. It has not sprung from anything; nothing has sprung from It. Birthless, eternal, everlasting and ancient, It is not killed when the body is killed.’

‘Atman, smaller than the small, greater than the great, is hidden in the hearts of all living creatures. A man who is free from desires beholds the majesty of the Self through tranquility of the senses and the mind and becomes free from grief.’”

— quoted from Katha Upanishad (Part I – Chapter II, Verses 18 & 20) translated by Swami Nikhilananda

There is an obvious tie-in between the celebrations and observations referenced today, because one of the siblings in today’s Diwali story is, quite literally, “Death.” However, as I mentioned during the practice, I got a little stuck, because this fifth day of Diwali is a day when I usually reference my relationship with my (thankfully, very much alive) brothers.

The following excerpt is from a 2020 post:

“The final day of Diwali, the 5-day festival of light celebrated throughout India, Southeast Asia, and the diaspora, is a day devoted to siblings — specifically the bond between sisters and brothers. Sisters, who celebrate today in this way, may give a puja (“offering” and prayers) on behalf of their brothers — that their brothers may enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life — and then will host a dinner in honor of their brothers. But, it’s not just a matter of creating a feast with their brothers’ favorite food. No, in some traditions, a sister will hand feed their brothers.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

“If he had not believed that the dead would be raised, it would have been foolish and useless to pray for them. In his firm and devout conviction that all of God’s faithful people would receive a wonderful reward, Judas made provision for a sin offering to set free from their sin those who had died. It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins.”

— quoted from 2 Maccabees (12:44 – 46)

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE.

Cèlèbrer Une Vie & FTWMI: Recuerda Todas Almas

“No two reports were ever the same. And yet always there was the drumlike thumping noise.

Some people insisted that it never went away, that if you concentrated and did not turn your ear from the sound, you could hear it faintly behind everything in the city….”

— quoted from The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier

Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “11022024 All Souls / Día de los / Diwali 5”]

NOTE: The YouTube playlist includes a track with a length and duration not currently available on Spotify. I will update Spotify when/if the original track is available. The substitution will not affect the timing of the 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).

### “BA-DUM. BA-DUM. BA-DUM.” ###

First Friday Night Special #49: An Invitation to “Recuerda la Luz & Pradipika” (the “missing” invitation w/excerpts & links) November 1, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Bhakti, Changing Perspectives, Faith, First Nations, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Karma, Life, Loss, Love, Mantra, Meditation, Music, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: 988, All Hallows' Day, All Saints Day, Allhallowtide, Atharva Veda, Day of the Holy Innocents, Death, Dia de los Muertos, Dia de Muertos, Dina Kaur, Diwali, Dr. R. L. Kashyap, Feast of the Holy Innocents, Gaiea Sanskrit, Gayatri Mantra, Gāyatrī Mantra, Hanal Pixan, Kali Puja, Kevin Brockmeier, light, mantra, Mathew Sandoval, Mexico, Nicole Greason, pranayama, prāņāyāma, puja, Restorative Yoga, Reverend Richard A. Donohoe, Rig Veda, Stephanie Carmon, Yama / Death, Yoga Sutra 1.36
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Happy Diwali and Kali Puja! Blessings, light, love, and peace to everyone, everywhere! Many blessings to everyone observing All Saints y Día de (los) Muertos!

This is the “missing” invitation for the “First Friday Night Special” on November 1^st. 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.

“oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ
tat savitur vareṇyaṃ
bhargo devasya dhīmahi
dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt”

[Conscious, subconscious, unconscious mind, and every plane of existence, we meditate on the (adorable) Light, that it may inspire us, enlighten us, and remove our obstacles.]

— “Gāyatrī Mantra” from the Rig Veda (from Mandala 3.62.10)

During the darkest times of the year, as people all over the world celebrate light overcoming darkness, I often talk about how different cultures and different faith-based traditions include stories in their celebrations where light overcoming darkness can symbolize all kinds of things: good overcoming evil; life overcoming death, wisdom overcoming fear; love overcoming hate; hope overcoming despair, and knowledge overcoming ignorance. During Diwali, the five-day Indian festival of light that started on Tuesday, I often tell a story that highlights all of those metaphors — a story in which Death is vanquished and life prevails. It is a story I often tell on this fourth day of Diwali, which some people dedicate to husbands and wives.

For Those Who Missed It: The content between the green (or beige) quotes is the abridged version of a 2023 post entitled “Light On Love (*revised*)”.

Some dates and links have been updated.

“Embrace me completely

just as a creeper completely embraces a tree

May you be the one loving me only, not another

may you not go away from me”

— Atharva Veda 6.8 (translated by Dr. R. L. Kashyap)

In India and Southeast Asia, Diwali (the 5-day festival of lights) is celebrated by a very diverse group of people. The diversity is not only religious and spiritual — as it is a tradition for Hindus, Jains, Sikhs, and Newar Buddhists. There are many other sociocultural differences. So, as you can imagine, there are lots of different ways that people tell the story of light overcoming darkness, good overcoming evil; life overcoming death, wisdom overcoming fear; love overcoming hate; hope overcoming despair, and knowledge overcoming ignorance.

For instance, in some rural parts of north, west, and central India, the fourth day of Diwali is a day when people observe Govardhan puja, an offering to honor the legend of Krishna saving the cowherds and farmers from the rain and floods by lifting Mount Govardhan. People build miniature-sized mountains out of cow dung and also “build” mountains of food and mountains of sweets. There is also thanksgiving, especially around the purchase of staples, like salt, which are considered essentials to life.

“with my mind I attract you

just as a bird on the ground beats its wings to go up

May you be the one loving me only, not another

may you not go away from me”

— Atharva Veda 6.8 (translated by Dr. R. L. Kashyap)

The main day of Diwali, yesterday, is often associated with the part of the epic poem the Rāmāyaņa when Rāma, his bride Sītā, and his brother Lakshmana returned home after 14 years in exile. According to the legend, their homecoming was met with brightly lit candles, lamps, and fireworks. The homecoming and the light festivities marked the end of the darkness that represented the jealousy which led to the trio’s exile and Sītā’s kidnapping during the exile, as well as the doubt and fear felt by some of the characters that appear throughout the poem. The lights symbolize the couples love, devotion, and faith in each other; Lakshmana and Hanuman’s devotion to Rāma; and their victory over those who tried to defeat them.

Ergo, for a good majority, this fourth day shines a light on love, relationships, and devotion — especially between husbands and wives. In some areas, husbands give their wives gifts and other areas parents treat their newlywed children to a feast (which also involves gifts).

In addition to telling those aforementioned parts of the Rāmāyaņa, people will also celebrate the story of the defeat of the evil King Bali. Sometimes the story is related to a husband and wife (Shiva and Pārvatī) playing a game of dice on a board with twelve squares and thirty pieces. Every element of the story is symbolic — including the fact that it is a “strip” version of the game, during which the husband ceremoniously looses all his clothes.

One of my favorite husband-wife Diwali stories is actually associated with the first day; but I also tell it on this day. It is the story of a clever wife who used light (and all the properties of light) to “defeat” Death (Yama, in the form of a snake) when he arrived on the fourth night of her marriage in order to take away her new husband, the prince. The legend always reminds me of Scheherazade, in that the wife in the Diwali story also spends the night telling stories and singing songs in order to extend life.

“I go around your mind just as the sun[light] goes around heaven and earth

May you be the one loving me only, not another

may you not go away from me”

— Atharva Veda 6.8 (translated by Dr. R. L. Kashyap)

For Those Who Missed It: Portions of the following were originally posted in 2023.

“All Saints is a celebration of the communion of saints, those people we believe are in heaven, through good works and God’s grace…. On All Saints’ Day there’s a call to live as saints, to remind us how we’re supposed to live.”

— Very Reverend Richard A. Donohoe, vicar of Catholic Charities for Diocese of Birmingham

This year, the fourth day of Diwali falls on November 1^st, which is the end of Samhain and the second day of Allhallowtide. It is known as All Hallows Day, meaning it is holy, or All Saints Day in Western Christianity and it is the beginning of Día de (los) Muertos for Mexicans and the Mexican diaspora. Similar rituals, like Hanal Pixan in Yucatán, can be found in Central and South America.

Traditionally today is a memorial day for saints and innocents, i.e. young children, and is a national holiday in some Christian countries. In the Methodist tradition, it is a solemn occasion of remembrance and thanksgiving observed by Christians who have a “fundamental belief that there is a prayerful spiritual bond between those in heaven (Christian triumphant) and the living (the Christian militant).” People will pray for blessings and protection; tend graves; leave flowers — like chrysanthemums in Belgium and France — and; in some country there is an exchange of traditional (and symbolic) treats. In Mexico and for the Mexican diaspora, however, Día de (los) Muertos is traditionally all of the above and a giant celebration full of brightly colored parades, music and dancing, candy skulls, marigolds, and ofrendas (“offerings”) or home or graveside alters curated around the life of a loved one.

“‘It’s an occasion for us to intentionally activate our grief and transform it into something beautiful, vibrant and joyous through dance, music, feasting, telling stories, masquerading and celebration. By transforming grief in these ways, Day of the Dead becomes a deep form of healing. Día de los Muertos is also a lively and joyous occasion because it’s a reminder that we are alive,’ [Mathew Sandoval, associate teaching professor at Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University] said.”

— quoted from the ASU News article entitled, “ASU teaching professor brings Día de los Muertos to life through research, ritual” by Nicole Greason (dated October 31, 2023)

Click on the excerpt title below for more.

FTWMI: Recuerda a las inocentes (*UPDATED*)

“Sandoval is open to others celebrating Día de los Muertos respectfully because he knows how meaningful the observance is.

‘This holiday is medicine. It really is a way to heal,’ he said. ‘If you ever had to deal with the loss of a loved one, you know that that is a significant loss and there aren’t neat and easy ways to heal from that loss. Because often it leaves a wound in the heart and in the soul that is quite jagged and takes a lot of time to heal from.

‘Day of the Dead is medicine in the sense that if you really honor it, if you make time to honor the person who’s passed, it is a way of healing.’”

— quoted from the Arizona Republic article entitled, “Dia de los Muertos: Why ‘“this holiday is medicine”’ and how you can celebrate respectfully” by Dina Kaur (posted on azcentral.com on October 31, 2023)

In all of the aforementioned traditions, we are taught that everyone has light inside of them — which means that remembering someone’s light keeps it shining bright. During this First Friday Night Special, we “remember the light & illumination.”

“The woman who sold bracelets by the river thought that it was the heartbeat at the center of the world, that bright, boiling place she had fallen through on her way to the city. ‘As for this reporter,’ the article concluded, ‘I hold with the majority. I have always suspected that the thumping sound we hear is the pulse of those who are still alive. The living carry us inside them like pearls. We survive only so long as they remember us.’”

— quoted from The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier

The November First Friday Night Special features a Restorative Yoga practice (with prāņāyāma). 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 “11012024 All Saints / Día de los / Diwali First Friday”]

NOTE: The playlist tracks used during the practice are slightly different. I will update Spotify when/if the original track is available.

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).

### KEEP SHINING / “BA-DUM. BA-DUM. BA-DUM.” ###

EXCERPT: “Out of Our Worlds, redux” October 30, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Life, Loss, Movies, Music, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Suffering, Tragedy, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Anne Froelick, avidya, Bernard Hermann, Grovers Mill, H. G. Wells, Howard Koch, Jack Paar, John Houseman, Mischief Night, Orson Welles, Paul Stewart, satya, svadyaya, svādhyāya, Yoga Sutra 2.20
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Happy Diwali and Kali Puja! Blessings, light, love, and peace to everyone, everywhere! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone looking out for others in the name of friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.

May all of us together be safe and protected / May we be peaceful and happy.

“‘With infinite complacence, people went to and fro over the earth about their little affairs, serene in the assurance of their dominion over this small spinning fragment of solar driftwood which by chance or design man has inherited out of the dark mystery of Time and Space. Yet across an immense ethereal gulf, minds that are to our minds as ours are to the beasts in the jungle, intellects vast, cool and unsympathetic, regarded this earth with envious eyes and slowly and surely drew their plans against us. In the 39th year of the 20th century came the great disillusionment. It was near the end of October. Business was better. The war scare was over. More men were back at work. Sales were picking up. On this particular evening, October 30th, the Crossley service estimated that 32 million people were listening in on radios…’”

— quoted from Orson Welles’s introduction at the beginning of the radio adaptation of The War of the Worlds

FTWMI: Out of Our Worlds, redux (the “missing” Monday post)

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE ABOVE FOR MORE.

“‘The world is not coming to an end. Trust me. When have I ever lied to you?’”

— Jack Paar, announcing for WGAR, October 30, 1938

Please join me today (Wednesday, October 30^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 “10302021 Out of Our Worlds”]

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.

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

### BOO! ###

EXCERPT: “The Angels (& Devils) Within Us” October 29, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Hope, Karma, Karma Yoga, Life, Loss, Music, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Suffering, Tragedy, Volunteer, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Ahiṃsā, Ahimsa, ahimsā, Angels' Night, Cabbage Night, Detroit, Devil's Night, Emma Davidson-Dillon, Hell Night, James Eliot, Michigan, Mischief Night, Moving Night, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, St. John's College Oxford, svadyaya, svādhyāya, Thomas Alexander Walker, Tom Walker, Yoga Sutra 1.37, Yoga Sutra 2.33, Yoga Sutra 2.44, Yoga Sutras 1.33-1.34, Yoga Sutras 2.33-2.35
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Happy Diwali and Kali Puja! Blessings, light, love, and peace to everyone, everywhere! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone looking out for others in the name of friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.

May all of us together be safe and protected / May we be peaceful and happy.

“Violence is clearly destructive. It springs from fear, one of the fundamental afflictions. According to this sutra, the practice of non-violence requires us to arrest our violent tendencies by cultivating thoughts opposite to violence.”

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

FTWMI: The Angels (& Devils) Within Us

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE ABOVE FOR MORE.

“No, don’t give up
I won’t give up
‘Cause there must be angels”

— quoted from the song “Angels” by Tom Walker (written by Emma Davidson-Dillon / James Eliot / Thomas Alexander Walker)

Please join me today (Tuesday, October 29^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 playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10292022 Angels, Devils, Mischief, Cabbage”]

NOTE: This playlist has been updated in a way that may slightly change the timing when paired with previous practices (prior to 2023).

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.

### ###

A Quick Note & EXCERPT: “Fourth Step: Once More, With Feeling” October 27, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Depression, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, Loss, Love, Men, Music, One Hoop, Pain, Philosophy, Poetry, Suffering, Tragedy, TV, Wisdom, Women, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: : Dylan Thomas, Brújula Intersexual (Intersex Compass), intersex, Laura Inter, pranayama, Ronald Reagan, Sylvia Plath
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone cultivating friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.

May everyone be healthy and strong; may everyone be peaceful and happy; and may everyone recognize their whole self.

“Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light”

— quoted from the poem “Do not go gentle into that good night” by Dylan Thomas (b. 1914)

There are a lot of noteworthy things related to this date in history — including the fact that Laura Inter founded Brújula Intersexual (Intersex Compass), “a Mexican organization that works with intersex people, activists, and communities in Mexico, Latin America, and Spain”, today in 2013. All of the things, even the ones not mentioned in the practice and/or the excerpt below, are related to how we live our lives (i.e., how we spend our time) and how we interact with each other during the limited time that we have together.

The hope is that we can respect each other, be kind, and hold space for what each of us experiences on any given day.

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELORE FOR MORE.

Fourth Step: Once More, With Feeling

“I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart: I am, I am, I am.”

or

“I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart: I am, I am, I am.”

— quoted from two different editions of The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath (b. 1932)

Please join me for a 65-minute virtual yoga practice on Zoom today (Sunday, October 27^th) at 2:30 PM. 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.

Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10272021 Another Appointment”]

NOTE: Over the last few years, we have used four (4) different playlists on this date.

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.

“You and I are told increasingly we have to choose between a left or right. Well I’d like to suggest there is no such thing as a left or right. There’s only an up or down: [up] man’s old – old-aged dream, the ultimate in individual freedom consistent with law and order, or down to the ant heap of totalitarianism. And regardless of their sincerity, their humanitarian motives, those who would trade our freedom for security have embarked on this downward course.”

— quoted from the 1964 “A Time for Choosing” speech by Ronald Reagan

### CONTINUE TO BREATHE ###

A Quick Note About Little Things (and some Big Stuff) [the post-practice Monday post] October 7, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in 9-Day Challenge, Art, Bhakti, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Loss, Mantra, Meditation, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Rosh Hashanah, Suffering, Tragedy, Wisdom, Yoga, Yom Kippur.
Tags: 988, Gregorian calendar, High Holidays, Julian calendar, Los Lobos, loving-kindness, lovingkindness, mantra, Monette Chilson, October 7, peace, Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, Richard W. Siebels, Skandamata, Skandamātā, Ten Days of Atonement, Ten Days of Awe
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“Chag sameach!” (“Happy Festival!”) to everyone observing the High Holidays. “Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Sharada Navaratri!” Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone coming together with friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.

Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.

This is post-practice post related to the practice on Monday, October 7^th. The 2024 prompt question was, “What is on your mind? This post contains passing references to terrorism. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).

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

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

“Believe in what you’re doing”

— quoted from the song “A Matter of Time” by Los Lobos

Sometimes, when I talk about calendar reform and jokingly say, “Nothing happened today in 1582,” I imply — and sometimes explicitly state (jokingly) that no one was born, no one invented anything, and no did anything for the first time. Normally, I don’t say, although it is implied, that nothing tragic happened on this day in 1582. But, something horrific and tragic did happen a year ago today — and, in some ways, it continues to happen.

Unfortunately, there does not seem to be an end in sight. Nor, does it look like the hostages — or the people who have been displaced — are closer to being home. But, we can pray, we can hope, we can wish — and some people can even do the work — for peace; for homecomings; for relief; for healing. We can pray, hope, wish — and even do the work — to end terrorism.

“Restless hearts seek comfort in a wide variety of ways. They may seek it through eating, drugs or alcohol, shopping, unhealthy relationships, money, or power. But in the end, none of these things bring that peace—there is still a restlessness. Hearts that are not at peace are not sensitive to the sacredness of all life, to the horrible destruction of our beautiful Earth. They are not truly compassionate to the great needs of so many fellow human beings, not appalled by the cavernous gap between the haves and the have-nots.”

— quoted from the September 1, 2002, Friends Journal article “Mystical or Not at All” by Richard W. Siebels

My suggestions may seem like little things and may leave you feeling restless. But, sometimes, all we can do are the little things — and we should not take those things for granted. That is true when we are observing something from a distance and, also, when we are in the middle of it.

While I have not experienced the level of terror that people over there (and in other places around the world) are currently experiencing, I have been physically and verbally pushed around because of the color of my skin and the perception that I did not belong somewhere. In those moments, and in subsequent moments of fear, I focused on little things: What can I do, right here, right now, that makes a difference, that creates some modicum of peace? What can I do in this moment that makes a difference in future moments, that brings peace in some future moment?

Sometimes, the little thing that makes a difference is breathing “peace in” and breathing “peace out” — or breathing “love” in and “kindness” out. Sometimes, the little thing that makes a big difference is remembering your humanity and the humanity of the person who is perceived as different from you… even when someone similar to that person has attacked you.

I have had the luxury of doing these things, (in part) because I already had these little things in my practice. In fact, one of the times I focus on “little things” during the practice, is during the High Holidays.*

“The Jewish term for prayer, tefillah, does not denote the beseeching we often associate with prayer, rather it was a way of life, a means of communing—not communicating—with God. The spiritual aim of tefillah is to discern what is within oneself, to help us see who we are in God’s eyes.”

— quoted from the “Centering Prayer: Christian Meditation” section of “Chapter 3: Recovering Yoga” in Sophia Rising: Awakening Your Sacred Wisdom Through Yoga by Monette Chilson

I don’t mention every horrific and tragic thing that happens here or abroad; but, there are times when not mentioning something makes it the elephant in the room. For instance, this 1-year anniversary of the war/conflict over there, coincides with the the fifth day and night of Navaratri and the fifth day of the High Holidays. This particular day and night of Navaratri is dedicated to Skandamātā, a fierce mother as protector — who simultaneously holds her baby and a lotus flower, rides a lion, and keeps her eyes (especially her third eye) open for any and all danger. Also known as “The Goddess of Fire,” Skandamātā is believed to bless people with salvation, power, prosperity, and wisdom. Those people are actually doubly blessed, because in worshipping her, they also worship her son.

Parents (not just mothers), guardians, and other adults in the room — like teachers — have to simultaneously nurture and protect. There are times we also have to do that for ourselves. Finally, there are times when we need people in authority (i.e., elected officials) to simultaneously nurture and protect. These are big things, sometimes overwhelming things. Just as Skandamātā holds the beautiful lotus flower that grows out of the muck, we hold the world (and our own fates). Unlike Skandamātā; however, we do not have four arms, three eyes, and a lion. Sometimes we focus so much on doing one thing that we forget about doing the other; we lose perspective and fail to do the most important things.

“The key to getting the most out of any experience is preparation before the event. You cannot expect to leap from the shower to the shul and instantly feel holy. It just doesn’t work that way.”

— quoted from “Preparing for Rosh Hashana: The secret to an inspiring new year” by Rabbi Yaakov Salomon

*2024 Practice Notes — The “Little Things”:

Make sure your legs are in a position that’s comfortable for low back and arms in a position that’s comfortable for neck and shoulders.

Make sure you have a stable or steady; easy, comfortable, or joyful seat (or pose). (YS 2.46 – 2.48)

Breathe deeply in and breathe deeply out.

Remember your intention/purpose (or the intention/purpose of what you’re doing).

Keep your spine long with a little baby back bend.

Practice ahimsā (“non-violence” / “non-harming”). (YS 2.35)

For a vinyāsa practice, match the movement to the breath. For all practices, notice the natural internal movement that happens as you breathe.

Notice how stability in your lower body allows you to extend your upper body, which stretches out your lower body.

Notice the “L” of your hands, especially when you have weight in your hands and arms. (In grade school you might have learned that one “L” on your forehead means loser, but if you put two “L”s together you have a shot at a goal; if you tip the ends out, you have a “W” – which means winner.)

Lifting the corners of your mouth up towards your ears, is usually one of the little things.

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

If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.

White Flag is 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).

### MAY YOUR NAME BE WRITTEN & SEALED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE (and May You Be Doubly Blessed) ###

9/11, We Will Remember (mostly the music) September 11, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Healing Stories, Loss, Music, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Suffering, Tragedy, Yoga.
Tags: 9/11, Laurence Binyon, Yoga Sutra 1.11, Yoga Sutra 1.6-1.11, Yoga Sutra 4.9
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May you be safe and protected. May you be healthy and strong. May you be peaceful and happy.

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”

— from “Ode of Remembrance” taken from “For the Fallen” by Laurence Binyon

Please join me today (Wednesday, September 11^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 “09/11”]

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.

### PEACE In, PEACE Out ###

First Friday Night Special #47: An Invitation to “A Little Maintenance & A Little Playful Inquiry” (the “missing” invitation w/excerpt & links) September 6, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Books, Buddhism, California, Changing Perspectives, Depression, Faith, Fitness, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Japa, Japa-Ajapa, Life, Loss, Love, Meditation, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Music, Mysticism, One Hoop, Pain, Philosophy, Suffering, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tragedy, Twin Cities, Vairagya, Vipassana, Wisdom, Writing, Yin Yoga, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Atma, Chris Foster, mental health, Peggy, Phaedrus, Philosophy, Plato, psyche, Robert Pirsig, Self, Sigmund Freud, Socrates, Soul, yoga, Zen Buddhism
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone working to maintain friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom — especially when it gets hot (inside and outside).

Stay safe! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.

This is the “missing” invitation for the “First Friday Night Special” on September 6^th. It includes a related excerpt. You can request an audio recording of this Somatic Yoga Experience (SYE) 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.

“How you do yoga is how you do life.”

— my first yoga teachers

Earlier this week, I referenced a classical, philosophical analogy which identifies the senses as wild mustangs (or elephants); the mind/brain as reins; the body as a chariot; the mind/intellect as the charioteer; and the Atman-Self as the passenger along for the ride. You may consider your mind-body in a very pragmatic and utilitarian way — as the vehicle that gets you from point A to point B; from the place where you are born to your final destination. On the other hand, you could be someone who is more about the journey than the destination; someone who likes joy rides and scenic routes. Either way, having a mind-body is just like having anything else: maintenance is required. Sometimes you will seek out a professional; however, there are times when it behooves you to do something yourself — or, at the very least, to know what needs to be done.

While I used the analogy as it appears in the Indian philosophies, my yoga buddy Peggy mentioned that a similar (albeit, slightly different) analogy appears in Plato’s Phaedrus, in which Socrates and Phaedrus discuss the parts of the soul/psyche* (i.e., the charioteer as the intellect; one winged horse as the rational or moral mind; and one winged horse as the passionate, sense-driven mind). Her comments were particularly serendipitous since “Phaedrus” is the name that Robert Pirsig used to refer to his younger self in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, today (September 6th) in 1928, Robert Pirsig noticed that one’s philosophy about motorcycle maintenance can extend into other types of maintenance. In fact, in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values, he wrote as much (if not more) about the physical and mental health of the riders on the road trip as he did about the health of the motorcycles they rode and the society in which they rode.

He also illustrated how a slightly irritating, little thing (like a drip of water) can become the source of great frustration when not addressed; how that frustration can manifest as anger towards others; and that — even when you need a professional to take care of the big things — there is wisdom in taking care of the little things along the way.

“It occurred to me that maybe I was the odd one on the subject, but that was disposed of too. Most touring cyclists know how to keep their machines tuned. Car owners usually won’t touch the engine, but every town of any size at all has a garage with expensive lifts, special tools and diagnostic equipment that the average owner can’t afford. And a car engine is more complex and inaccessible than a cycle engine so there’s more sense to this. But for John’s cycle, a BMW R60, I’ll bet there’s not a mechanic between here and Salt Lake City. If his points or plugs burn out, he’s done for. I know he doesn’t have a set of spare points with him. He doesn’t know what points are. If it quits on him in western South Dakota or Montana I don’t know what he’s going to do.”

“I might have thought this was just a peculiar attitude of theirs about motorcycles but discovered later that it extended to other things — .”

— quoted from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert Pirsig

The following excerpt is from the 2022 version of a 2020 post:

“It’s like a road trip. The vehicle is moving but we are still inside the vehicle; the scenery is still, but appears to be moving. Everything merges and converges while we are still. Do you see where we’re going?

It’s OK if you don’t. This is kind of like that old joke where someone says, ‘I’m not lost. I know exactly where we are. We’re in the car.’ Now, consider what happens if we could get out of the box or cage we’re in and become part of the scenery. Not walking necessarily, but riding. So that the scenery is simultaneously still and moving… but so are we. And, just like with a moving meditation, there is some part of us that always stays still.”

Click here to read the 2022 post about Robert Pirsig (b. 09/06/1928).

“The real cycle you’re working on is a cycle called yourself. The machine that appears to be ‘out there’ and the person that appears to be ‘in here’ are not two separate things. They grow toward Quality or fall away from Quality together.”

— quoted from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert Pirsig

The September First Friday Night Special features a Somatic Yoga Experience (SYE) with some Yin Yoga. It is accessible and open to all.

NOTE: There is a little more movement during this practice than in a typical First Friday Night Special.

Prop wise, you may need props at the beginning and end of the practice. A chair is recommended for this practice if you have low back issues. You can practice without props or use “studio” props and/or “householder” props. Example of Commercial props: 1 – 2 blankets, 2 – 3 blocks, a bolster, a strap, and an eye pillow. Example 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. A water bottle can be used if a ball is not handy.

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.

Friday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “09062024 The Art of Moving Maintenance”]

NOTE: On the YouTube playlist, the outro for the practice is “Pirsig’s Pursuit” by Chris Foster, which I did not find on Spotify.

If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.

White Flag is a new app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.

If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).

“The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there.”

— quoted from Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values by Robert Pirsig

*NOTE: When Dr. Sigmund Freud used Plato’s analogy to refer to the parts of the psyche, he identified the charioteer as the ego; the superego as the critical and moralizing horse; and the id as the horse motivated by the desires of the senses.

### BREATHE: You need air in your tires and wind in your sails. ###

What the Gurus Teach Us & FTWMI: Heart Filled… [revised] (a post-practice Monday post) August 26, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Bhakti, Books, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Loss, Love, Meditation, Music, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Tragedy, Women, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, Buddha, Chris Pine, Christopher Isherwood, compassion, Diamond Sutra, Diamond Sutta, Dorothy S. Hunt, Edmund White, Edward W. Desmond, Gospel According to St. John, Gwen Costello, Hillel the Elder, Jesus, Love, loving-kindness, lovingkindness, Missionaries of Charity, Mother Teresa, Nobel Peace Prize, Qur'an, Swami Prabhavananda, Swami Tattwamayananda, The Gospel According to John, Thornton Wilder, Tom Eubanks, Torah, Vedanta, Yoga Sutra 1.33
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone observing the Dormition (Theotokos) Fast; and/or working to cultivate friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom — especially when it gets hot (inside and outside).

Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.

This is a post-practice post related to the practice on Monday, August 26^th. It also includes references to the 2023 practice on this date. The 2024 prompt question was, “What is (and/or what is the source of) your favorite love lesson?” You can request an audio recording of either 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

Given the fact that I love Thornton Wilder’s work and that the Stage Manager in Our Town has a special place in my heart — and given the fact that that little bit from Act III plays as a regular loop in my brain — I should not have been caught off guard by a question someone asked Swami Tattwamayananda, the Minister of the Vedanta Society of Northern California, San Francisco, at the end of one of his 2019 lectures on the Bhagavad Gita. But, there I was doing my hair on a Friday, listening to the podcast, and being completely flabbergasted that someone didn’t get the lesson taught by all the “Big G” gurus associated with all the major religions and philosophies.

I’m not going to lie; for a moment, I got “hooked.” My judgement kicked in and I just waited for the answer… the answer I knew was coming. I just didn’t know how it was going to come. I knew it was coming, because (again), it’s the most consistent lesson in the world. It is the lesson that is at the heart (pun intended) of all the major philosophies and religions. In no particular order…

It’s the one underlying most of my practices (and highlighted in all of the practices over the last couple of days).

It’s the one Hillel the Elder taught while standing on one foot.

It’s the one the Buddha taught with a Diamond.

It’s the one the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) taught with a brother.

It’s the one Jesus taught until his final words and the one Patanjali taught, with a twist. (See below.)

It’s the one taught by so many teachers we could spend our whole lives just naming the teachers (and never even getting to the lesson). But, let’s get (back) to the lesson, the heart filled lesson.

For Those Who Missed It: The following is a revised and expanded version of a 2020 post. The revisions include more information on Christopher Isherwood, citations for quotes, and a coda related to the 2019 Vedanta lesson referenced above.

“… if we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.”

— quoted from the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University’s Architects of Peace essay, “Reflections on Working Towards Peace” by Mother Teresa

“When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.”

— quoted from (“the last words of Jesus”) in The Gospel According to St. John (19:26 – 27, KJV)

I have officiated three weddings as a yogi and I did this after pretty in-depth conversations with the couples about their relationships, their backgrounds, their expectations, and their love languages. Each wedding was uniquely beautiful — as the relationships are uniquely beautiful. However, I ended each ceremony with the words (above) of Mother Teresa. When someone says, “Start as you mean to go on,” I again think of Mother Teresa’s words; because to me they are as vital in a marriage as they are in any other relationship — including (maybe especially) our relationships with our master teachers and our precious jewels, people with whom we have no peace.

Born Anjeze Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, today in 1910, Mother Teresa spoke words that remind me of one of the Stations of the Cross that falls in the rubric of “the last words of Jesus.” According to The New Testament, specifically The Gospel According to John, when Jesus looks down from the cross to see his mother and one of his disciples, he tells them that they are family. Now, I know that some folks don’t treat every member of their family with love and respect. I know that we all have a moment when we forget what many great minds and sacred texts keep telling us. Yet, the lesson on love and kindness persists. Even before Johannes Gutenberg created the first printed Bible on August 24, 1456, the lesson was there in the Hebrew Bible and in the Christian New Testament. The lesson also appears in the Diamond Sūtra and in the Mettā Sūtra. While I often say that the lesson on offering love, kindness, equanimity, and joy also appears in the Yoga Sūtra — and it does, Patanjali made a distinction that is overlooked in some translations.

“Undisturbed calmness of mind is attained by cultivating feelings of friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the unhappy, delight in the virtuous, and indifference toward the wicked [ or non-virtuous].”

— quoted from How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali (1.33), translated and with commentary by Swami Prabhavananda and Christopher Isherwood

Born today in 1904, Christopher Isherwood was a British-American novelist, playwright, screenwriter, autobiographer, and diarist. He was the author of the semi-autobiographical novel Goodbye to Berlin (1939) — which John van Druten adapted into the 1951 Broadway play I Am a Camera, which was the inspiration for the Broadway musical (1966) and movie Cabaret. He was also the author of A Single Man (1964), a semi-autobiographical gay romance about learning to live despite grief, which was adapted into a film by Tom Ford in 2009, and his 1976 memoir, Christopher and His Kind, (which was also turned into a television movie by the BBC in 2011). When reviewing the author’s diaries in a 2012 LAMBDA Literary article, Tom Eubanks noted Mr. Isherwood’s “melancholia [with] humorous doses of hypochondria and body dysmorphia” and stated that “As Edmund White notes in the preface, there’s a surprising amount of anti-Semitism and misogyny in these pages. Overall, it could be argued that Isherwood was an equal opportunity hater.” At the same time, Christopher Isherwood and his closest friends, like W. H. Auden and Truman Capote, were critical of Nazism and Adolf Hitler.

Other seemingly contradictory aspects of Christopher Isherwood’s life were his long-term relationships with young men and his long-term relationship with the Vedanta Society of Southern California. The former was about romantic (and sexual) love; the latter required so much austerity, discipline, and devotion to spirit (rather than to the flesh) that the author did not a novel during the six years when he was becoming a monk. Yet, there is no denying that, after Gerald Heard and Aldous Huxley introduced him to Vedanta, he was deeply committed to the philosophy. He and Swami Prabhavananda, the society’s founder, even spent 35 years researching, translating, and collaborating on several books and papers.

Christopher Isherwood and Swami Prabhavananda’s collaborations included Bhagavad Gita — The Song of God (1944), which features an introduction by Aldous Huxley, and a translation with commentary of the Yoga Sūtras, called How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali (1953). As noted above, they were very explicit and specific about sūtra 1.33; noting in the commentary, “As for the wicked, we must remember Christ’s words: ‘Be not overcome of evil.’ If someone harms us or hates us, our instinct is to answer him with hatred and injury. We may succeed in injuring him, but we shall be injuring ourselves much more, and our hatred will throw our own mind into confusion.”

This, too, seems to be a lesson Mother Teresa carried close to her heart. She was considered a saint by some, a pariah by others; but, there is no denying that she served, taught, and ministered to the poor, the sick, and the hungry in a way that fed bodies as well as minds. She heard her (religious) calling at the age of 12 and left home at 18-years old. She was an ethnic Albanian who claimed Indian citizenship; Catholic faith; said, “As to my calling, I belong to the world. As to my heart, I belong entirely to the Heart of Jesus;” and considered August 27^th, the date of her baptism, as her true birthday. She took her religious vows in Dalkey, Ireland in 1931. Her chosen name was after Thérèsa de Lisieux, the patron saint of missionaries; however, she chose a different spelling as the Loreta Abbey already had a nun named Theresa.

“You in the West have millions of people who suffer such terrible loneliness and emptiness. They feel unloved and unwanted.”

— quoted from “Pentecost: Spiritual Poverty — Twenty-First Sunday After Pentecost — Spiritual poverty of Western World” in Love, A Fruit Always in Season: Daily Meditations From the Words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta by Mother Teresa, selected and edited by Dorothy S. Hunt

“The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.”

— Mother Teresa, quoted from the December 4, 1989, TIME interview, “Interview with MOTHER Teresa: A Pencil In the Hand Of God” by Edward W. Desmond

While teaching in Calcutta, India, Teresa heard God telling her to leave the safety and comfort of the convent so that she could live with and minister to the poor. With permission from the Vatican, she started what would become the Missionaries of Charity. 13 nuns joined Teresa by taking vows of chastity, poverty, obedience, and devotion to God through “wholehearted free service to the poorest of poor.” When Pope Paul VI gave her a limousine, she raffled it and gave the proceeds to charity. When she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, she asked that the money that would normally go towards a gala dinner be donated to charity. When the Nobel committee asked her what people should do to promote peace, she said, “Go home and love your family.” During her Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, she also said, “Love begins at home.”

When Mother Teresa died in 1977, Missionaries of Charity had expanded beyond India. It had become a worldwide institution with more than 4,000 workers in 133 countries. The organizations ongoing efforts include orphanages, homes for people suffering from tuberculosis, leprosy, and HIV/AIDs. Mother Teresa opened soup kitchens, mobile health clinics, schools, and shelters in places like Harlem and Greenwich Village, while also brokering a temporary cease-fire in the Middle East in order to rescue children trapped in a hospital on the front lines.

All of the above is why some consider her a saint. However, the celebrity status her work earned her, as well as her pro-life position, was criticized by people who felt she was hurting the poor as much as she was helping them. For every documentary, book, and article praising her, there is a documentary, book, and article demonizing her. While she was known to have “dark nights of the soul,” or crises of faith, she continued to wash her $1 sari every day and go out in service to the world.

“Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within the reach of every hand. Anyone can gather it and no limit is set. Everyone can reach this love through meditation, spirit of prayer, and sacrifice, by an intense inner life.”

— quoted from the front page of Love, A Fruit Always in Season: Daily Meditations From the Words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta by Mother Teresa, selected and edited by Dorothy S. Hunt

“It is not how much we are doing but how much love we put into doing it. It makes no difference what we are doing. What you are doing, I cannot do, and what I am doing you cannot do. But all of us are doing what God has given us to do. Only sometimes we forget and spend more time looking at somebody else and wishing we were doing something else (HP, 138).”

— quoted from “Pentecost: Martha and Mary — Monday — Wishing we were doing something else” in Love, A Fruit Always in Season: Daily Meditations From the Words of Mother Teresa of Calcutta by Mother Teresa, selected and edited by Dorothy S. Hunt

𝄌

“Intense love does not measure, it just gives.”

— Mother Teresa, quoted from “22. A Simple Response” in Spiritual Gems from Mother Teresa by Gwen Costello

So there it is: the lesson that, according to the Stage Manager in Our Town, “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.” And, there is no denying that we can’t seem to hang on to it. Because, if we got it — really, really got it — we would not be so disconnected, disenfranchised, and without peace.

While I (mostly) hold on to the lesson, I sometimes forget that not everyone gets it. So, as I mentioned before, I was flabbergasted to hear the 2019 exchange between an unnamed person and Swami Tattwamayananda — an exchange that could have just as easily been between Christopher Isherwood and Swami Prabhavananda in the 1930s or any other teacher at any other time in history. I paused, hands still in my hair, and this is what I heard:

“Unnamed Person: You mentioned compassion for others as leading to a state of equilibrium or — I was wondering what that has to do with – anything, really. Why is that important?

Swami Tattwamayananda: Compassion for —

Unnamed Person: Compassion for others, and purity of thought. Why is that important to —?

Swami Tattwamayananda: Yeah. Vedanta tells you that this spiritual reality is present in everyone and everything. So compassion is not really an act of charity. It is rooted in the idea of the spiritual unity and oneness of humanity. So, when we show compassion to somebody, we are spiritually helping our self. When we do not do that, when we are [doing] harm to someone, we are spiritually doing harm to our self. So, the idea of the spiritual oneness of humanity, [of] one spiritual family, that is the practical aspect of Vedanta metaphysics.

The metaphysics tells you the same reality is present in everyone. It’s practical application makes you a better human being. And that, compassion, humanistic impulse is not an act of charity. It’s rooted in the understanding and realization of the fact that when we do good to others, we are doing good to our self. And the opposite way! When we do harm to others, we are doing harm to our self.

The spiritual unity and oneness of existence is the foundation of this compassion.”

— quoted from an exchange between a person in attendance and Swami Tattwamayananda (at the end of the guru’s lecture, “4 – The Real and the Unreal: Beyond Pain and Pleasure,” recorded February 22, 2019 as part of the “Bhagavad Gita | The Essence of Vedanta” lecture series)

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

The heart-filled playlist used in previous years is available is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “08262020 Heart Filled for Teresa & 2 Christophers”]

(The second “Christopher” is Chris Pine, born today in 1980, so I have also previously offered last week’s (Courage filled) playlist, which is also available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “08192020 To Boldly Go with Courage”])

It’s hard to be loving or kind — to yourself or another — when you’re uncomfortable. Extreme heat can not only make people lethargic and unmotivated, it can also lead to extreme agitation and anxiety-based fear. We may find it hard to think, hard to feel (or process our feelings), and/or hard to control our impulses. If you are struggling in the US, help is available just by dialing 988.

If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.

White Flag is 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).

“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.”

— a compilation quoted attributed to Mother Teresa

### LOVE MORE (hate less) ###

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A Joyful Practice

A “Little Sax” & Sousa [For Our Journey] (the“missing” post-election post for Wednesday) November 7, 2024

“There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light In the fine print they tell me what’s wrong and what’s right And it comes in black and it comes in white And I’m frightened by those that don’t see it”

— quoted from the song “Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise” by The Avett Brothers (written by Robert Crawford / Scott Avett / Timothy Avett)

“Rule 303: If you have the means at hand, you have the responsibility to act.”

“Do what you can, when you can, as much as you can, for as long as you can.”

— the t-shirt and (a paraphrased version of) common refrains on the YouTube channel “Beau of the Fifth Column”

“But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, ‘And who is my neighbor?’” (10:29, NIV)

“And he [the expert in the law] said, ‘The one having shown compassion toward him.’ Then Jesus said to him, ‘You go and do likewise.’” (10:37, BLB)

— quoted from The Gospel According to St. Luke (New International Version and Berean Literal Bible, cited)

Someone similar to you;

Someone perceived as different from you who lives in close proximity; and/or

Someone with whom you cross paths when one or both of you are in need.

“An old woman living in a nightmare, an old woman who has fought a thousand battles with death and always won. Now she’s faced with a grim decision—whether or not to open a door. And in some strange and frightening way she knows that this seemingly ordinary door leads to the Twilight Zone.”

— “Opening” and “Closing” narrations, quoted from “Episode 81 (3.16) — ‘Nothing in the Dark’” of The Twilight Zone (premiered January 5, 1962)

“It is ridiculous to think that we can enter Paradise without first entering ourselves! We must get to know ourselves, reflect on our limitations, acknowledge our gratitude for God, and solicit his mercy.”

— quoted from “Second Mansions .1.” of The Interior Castle, or The Mansions by Saint Teresa of Ávila (New Translation and Introduction by Mirabai Starr)

“All our trouble comes to us from not having our eyes fixed upon Thee. If we only looked at the way along which we are walking, we should soon arrive; but we stumble and fall a thousand times and stray from the way because, as I say, we do not set our eyes on the true Way.”

— quoted from “Chapter 16” of The Way of Perfection by Saint Teresa of Ávila (Dover Thrift Editions, General Editor: Mary Carolyn Waldrep; Editor of This Volume: Jim Miller)

— Krishna speaking to Arjuna (2.48) in The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners by Jack Hawley

— quoted from “Chapter 29” of The Way of Perfection by Saint Teresa of Ávila (edited by Anthony Uyl)

“‘The ideal, Arjuna, is to be intensely active and at the same time have no selfish motives, no thoughts of personal gain or loss. duty uncontaminated by desire leads to inner peacefulness and increased effectiveness. This is the secret art of living a life of real achievement!’”

— Krishna speaking to Arjuna (2.47 excerpt) in The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners by Jack Hawley

### Breathe: Peace In / Breathe: Peace Out ###

Vie, Yama, & Almas Pradipika (the “missing” Saturday post w/ excerpts) November 2, 2024

Now I see that if one doesn’t know how to die, one can hardly know how to live—because death is a part of life.”

— quoted from the “Riding on the Waves of Birth and Death” section of “FIVE — One Is All, All Is One: The Five Aggregates” in The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thích Nhất Hạnh

“‘The knowing Self is not born; It does not die. It has not sprung from anything; nothing has sprung from It. Birthless, eternal, everlasting and ancient, It is not killed when the body is killed.’

‘Atman, smaller than the small, greater than the great, is hidden in the hearts of all living creatures. A man who is free from desires beholds the majesty of the Self through tranquility of the senses and the mind and becomes free from grief.’”

— quoted from Katha Upanishad (Part I – Chapter II, Verses 18 & 20) translated by Swami Nikhilananda

CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

— quoted from 2 Maccabees (12:44 – 46)

“No two reports were ever the same. And yet always there was the drumlike thumping noise.

Some people insisted that it never went away, that if you concentrated and did not turn your ear from the sound, you could hear it faintly behind everything in the city….”

— quoted from The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier

### “BA-DUM. BA-DUM. BA-DUM.” ###

First Friday Night Special #49: An Invitation to “Recuerda la Luz & Pradipika” (the “missing” invitation w/excerpts & links) November 1, 2024

“oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ tat savitur vareṇyaṃ bhargo devasya dhīmahi dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt”

[Conscious, subconscious, unconscious mind, and every plane of existence, we meditate on the (adorable) Light, that it may inspire us, enlighten us, and remove our obstacles.]

— “Gāyatrī Mantra” from the Rig Veda (from Mandala 3.62.10)

“Embrace me completely

just as a creeper completely embraces a tree

May you be the one loving me only, not another

may you not go away from me”

— Atharva Veda 6.8 (translated by Dr. R. L. Kashyap)

“with my mind I attract you

just as a bird on the ground beats its wings to go up

May you be the one loving me only, not another

may you not go away from me”

— Atharva Veda 6.8 (translated by Dr. R. L. Kashyap)

“I go around your mind just as the sun[light] goes around heaven and earth

May you be the one loving me only, not another

may you not go away from me”

— Atharva Veda 6.8 (translated by Dr. R. L. Kashyap)

“All Saints is a celebration of the communion of saints, those people we believe are in heaven, through good works and God’s grace…. On All Saints’ Day there’s a call to live as saints, to remind us how we’re supposed to live.”

— Very Reverend Richard A. Donohoe, vicar of Catholic Charities for Diocese of Birmingham

— quoted from the ASU News article entitled, “ASU teaching professor brings Día de los Muertos to life through research, ritual” by Nicole Greason (dated October 31, 2023)

“Sandoval is open to others celebrating Día de los Muertos respectfully because he knows how meaningful the observance is.

‘Day of the Dead is medicine in the sense that if you really honor it, if you make time to honor the person who’s passed, it is a way of healing.’”

— quoted from the Arizona Republic article entitled, “Dia de los Muertos: Why ‘“this holiday is medicine”’ and how you can celebrate respectfully” by Dina Kaur (posted on azcentral.com on October 31, 2023)

— quoted from The Brief History of the Dead by Kevin Brockmeier

### KEEP SHINING / “BA-DUM. BA-DUM. BA-DUM.” ###

EXCERPT: “Out of Our Worlds, redux” October 30, 2024

— quoted from Orson Welles’s introduction at the beginning of the radio adaptation of The War of the Worlds

“‘The world is not coming to an end. Trust me. When have I ever lied to you?’”

— Jack Paar, announcing for WGAR, October 30, 1938

### BOO! ###

EXCERPT: “The Angels (& Devils) Within Us” October 29, 2024

“Violence is clearly destructive. It springs from fear, one of the fundamental afflictions. According to this sutra, the practice of non-violence requires us to arrest our violent tendencies by cultivating thoughts opposite to violence.”

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

“No, don’t give up I won’t give up ‘Cause there must be angels”

— quoted from the song “Angels” by Tom Walker (written by Emma Davidson-Dillon / James Eliot / Thomas Alexander Walker)

### ###

A Quick Note & EXCERPT: “Fourth Step: Once More, With Feeling” October 27, 2024

“Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light”

— quoted from the poem “Do not go gentle into that good night” by Dylan Thomas (b. 1914)

“I took a deep breath and listened to the old bray of my heart: I am, I am, I am.”

or

“There’s a darkness upon me that’s flooded in light
In the fine print they tell me what’s wrong and what’s right
And it comes in black and it comes in white
And I’m frightened by those that don’t see it”

“oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ
tat savitur vareṇyaṃ
bhargo devasya dhīmahi
dhiyo yo naḥ pracodayāt”

“No, don’t give up
I won’t give up
‘Cause there must be angels”

“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.”