Even More Light [especially for siblings], Redux November 10, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Baha'i, Books, Faith, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, Mantra, Meditation, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: 988, Babi, Baha'i, Baha’u’llah, bahai-faith, Baháʼí, Bábism, Birth of Baháʼu'lláh, Birth of the Báb, Catch-22, Committee at the Bahá’í World Centre, Diwali, Double Bind, Festival of the Twin Birthdays, Gāyatrī Mantra, Habib Taherzadeh, healing, Joseph Heller, Kali Puja, Katha Upanishad, Life, light, Love, Lutheran Church, Lutherism, Martin Luther, mental health, Mindfulness, Poetry, Qayyúmu’l-Asmá’, Shoghi Effendi, siblings, Swami Nikhilananda, The Bateson Project, the Báb, wellness, Yoga Sutra 1.36, Yoga Sutras 2.46-2.53
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Happy Diwali and Kali Puja! Happy Festival of the Twin Birthdays! Blessings, light, love, and peace to everyone, everywhere!
May you be healthy, wealthy, and wise!
This is a remixed compilation post. Please note that linked excerpts direct you to posts that will include content related to a specific year and, therefore, may include references to different holidays/events. Class details, date-related information, formatting, and some embedded links have been updated/added.
“Yama said: ‘The goal which all the Vedas declare, which all austerities aim at and which men desire when they lead the life of continence, I will tell you briefly: it is Om.’”
— quoted from Katha Upanishad (Part I – Chapter II, Verse 15) translated by Swami Nikhilananda
Since Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, is a lunar calendar-based holiday, it falls at different times on the Gregorian calendar. In 2026, the fifth day of Diwali — which continues the focus on relationships, this time between siblings — overlaps the Festival of the Twin Birthdays (on the Baháʼí Faith calendar); the anniversary of the birth of Martin Luther (b. 1483); and the anniversary of the 1961 publication of Joseph Heller’s Catch-22.
Click on the excerpt title below for more about how the fifth day of Diwali shines light on siblings.
“Brighten our hearts, O my Lord, with the splendor of Thy knowledge, and illumine our sight with the light of such eyes as are fixed upon the horizon of Thy grace and the Dayspring of Thy glory.”
— quoted from “– XXXI –” in Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh (Translated by Shoghi Effendi from the original Persian and Arabic)
As I mentioned earlier in the year, the Baháʼí Faith is a monotheistic faith that believes in the oneness of God and religion, as well as the oneness and nobility of humanity. The community believes that, historically, there has been a “progressive revelation of religious truth” which has been shared with the world through the voices of the prophets or Divine Messengers, known as “Manifestations of God” (which include “Braham, Krishna, Zoroaster, Moses, Buddha, Jesus Christ, Muhammad, and, in more recent times, the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh”). People within the faith are taught to honor the value of different religious and philosophical traditions as well as the value of education, especially in science (which is viewed by some faiths as being contrary to religion).
The Bahá’í calendar begins around the Vernal (Spring) Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere and has 19 months with 19 days — each named for one of the 19 names/manifestations/attributes of God. For example, “Power” is the English translation for ‘Qudrat, the current month of this solar calendar.1 The fact that light can represent knowledge is one of the reasons I find this year’s overlap with Diwali particularly auspicious.
This last two days of Diwali (2025) overlap two of the nine Bahá’í Holy Days: the birthdays of the twin founders of the faith. Known as the Festival of the Twin Birthdays (or the Twin Holy Birthdays), the birthdays of the the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh started at sunset on Monday night and continue through sunset on Wednesday night. The birthdays are celebrated as one continuous 48-hour “day” — even though the two prophets were born two years apart.
“O peoples of the earth! Verily the resplendent Light of God hath appeared in your midst, invested with this unerring Book, that ye may be guided aright to the ways of peace and, by the leave of God, step out of the darkness into the light and onto this far-extended Path of Truth.”
— quoted from the Qayyúmu’l-Asmá’ (cf. Qur’án 5:15–18), as printed in Selections From the Writings of the Báb by the Báb (Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice and translated by Habib Taherzadeh with the assistance of a Committee at the Bahá’í World Centre)
Born in Shiraz, Iran, on October 20, 1819,2 the Báb founded the Babi faith (or Bábism), which evolved into the Bahá’í Faith. While there are still people who follow the original messianic tradition, most people within the Babi community converted to the Bahá’í Faith. The Báb is sometimes compared to John the Baptist, in that he is seen as the herald or messenger born to announce the importance of Bahá’u’lláh.
Recognized as the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’u’lláh was actually born two years earlier than his religious predecessor, in Tehran, Iran, on November 12, 1817.3 He outlined the laws, practices, and holy days of the Bahá’í Faith in the Kitáb-i-Aqdas (the “Most Holy Book”) and later explained that the Twin Holy Birthdays were seen as one (by God) and that “… two great festivals have been joined into one, auguring a brilliant future.” These are work-free feast days full of joy and considered a celebration of the twin founders as well as of the unity of community.
“You are not only responsible for what you say, but also for what you do not say.”
— Martin Luther (b. 1483)
Click on the excerpt title below for a mini-post that might help you get out of a double bind.
FTWMI: A Quick Note & EXCERPT: “Caught In The Middle” (a post-practice Monday post)
Click on the excerpt title below for more about the theologian and religious reformer Martin Luther (born today in 1483) and, also, about the inspiration behind Joseph Heller ’s Catch-22 (published today in 1961).
“However, the fact is that during the night season everyone perceiveth the light which he himself, according to his own capacity, giveth out, oblivious that at the break of day this light shall fade away and be reduced to utter nothingness before the dazzling splendor of the sun.
The light of the people of the world is their knowledge and utterance….”
— quoted from the Persian Bayán (VIII, 1.), as printed in Selections From the Writings of the Báb by the Báb (Compiled by the Research Department of the Universal House of Justice and translated by Habib Taherzadeh with the assistance of a Committee at the Bahá’í World Centre)
Please join me today (Tuesday, November 10th) at 12:00 Noon or 7:15 PM for a virtual yoga practice on Zoom. 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 “Diwali (Day 5) for 10222025”]
“‘The enemy,’ retorted Yossarian with weighted precision, ‘is anybody who’s going to get you killed, no matter which side he’s on, and that includes Colonel Cathcart. And don’t you forget that, because the longer you remember it, the longer you might live.’”
— quoted from Catch-22 (Chapter 12) by Joseph Heller (pub. 1961)
If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or need a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
NOTES:
1Since it is a moveable feast, the Festival of the Twin Birthdays can fall a month or two earlier, during Mashíyyat (“Will”) or ‘Ilm (“Knowledge”). Bahá’u’lláh originally indicated that if the festival coincided with a fast, the feast would take precedent.
2The birthdays of the Báb and Bahá’u’lláh occurred on the first and second days of Muharram, the first month on the Islamic calendar during their birth years.
3Prior to 2015, Baháʼí living in the Middle East celebrated the Twin Holy Birthdays according to the Islamic calendar (as noted above), while members of the community in other parts of the world used the Gregorian calendar dates.
Yoga Sūtra 1.36: viśokā vā jyotişmatī
— “Or [fixing the mind] on the inner state free of sorrow and infused with light, anchors the mind in stability and tranquility.”
### “Everything that is done in the world is done by hope.” (ML) ###
Two Quick Notes & EXCERPTS RE: Light, Love, Fate, & Destiny (a post-practice Monday post) November 9, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Karma, Life, Love, Meditation, Mysticism, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Suffering, Tragedy, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: 988, Atharva Veda, destiny, Diwali, Dr. R. L. Kashyap, fate, Govardhan, Kali Puja, light, Love, relationship, Seamus Heaney, Shicksalstag, Stephen Knapp, The Ramayana
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Happy Diwali, Kali Puja, and Govardhan! Blessings, light, love, and peace to everyone, everywhere!
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate!
For Those Who Missed It: This post-practice post for Monday, November 9th, was previously posted. The 2026 prompt question was, “If you made a Top 10 ‘Most Important Things Needed for a Successful Relationship’, what would be at the top and what would be at the bottom of the list?” [NOTE: You don’t need to make the whole list — unless that’s how your brain works and/or you might find it helpful — just consider the most obvious and the least obvious things you value in a romantic relationship, a platonic relationship, or a familial relationship (i.e., with a sibling).]
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.
“History says, Don’t hope
On this side of the grave,
But then, once in a lifetime
The longed-for tidal wave
Of justice can rise up
And hope and history rhyme.”
— The Greek Chorus in The Cure at Troy: A Version of Sophocles’ Philoctetes by Seamus Heaney
Historically (at least as early as 1848), November 9th has had a dark history in Germany. Some people consider it fate; some consider it destiny. Either way, it is known as Schicksalstag (“Destiny Day” or “Fateful Day”).
While, some people — particularly in the 1920s and 1930s — used the history of the date to perpetuate more darkness, there has also been some light on this date (especially in more modern history).
Since this year’s practice overlapped the fourth and fifth days of Diwali, we focused on the light.
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE ABOUT SCHICKSALSTAG.
“So as we look at ourselves, we may also say that our present life is the result of past karma, and our present actions will create our future circumstances…. Our karma is a matter of creating balance within us and in our actions.”
— quoted from “Chapter 4: Explanations of the Essential Vedic Principles: Principle 9 — The Soul Undergoes Reincarnation” in The Power of Dharma: An Introduction to Hinduism and Vedic Culture by Stephen Knapp
On the fourth and fifth days of Diwali, the light is on relationships — specifically, husbands and wives on the fourth day; siblings (especially brothers and sisters) on the fifth day. One of my favorite Diwali stories, related to a husband and a wife, is also a story about the difference between destiny and fate — and a very clever woman who makes sure the light overcomes the darkness.
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLES BELOW FOR MORE ABOUT THE FINAL DAYS OF DIWALI.
“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”
— quoted from Atharva Veda 6.8 (translated by Dr. R. L. Kashyap)
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 an app, which I have not researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or need a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
### LIGHT ON LOVE! ###
EXCERPTS: “Have Light, Let It Shine” & “Light On Love (*revised*)” **UPDATED** November 8, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Love, Mantra, Meditation, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: 988, Diwali, Dorothy Day, Dr. R. L. Kashyap, Gayatri Mantra, Govardhan, Gāyatrī Mantra, Kali Puja, light, Love, Rig Veda, The Ramayana
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Happy Diwali, Kali Puja, and Govardhan! Blessings, light, love, and peace to everyone, everywhere!
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate!
“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)
Today’s practice overlaps the third and fourth days of Diwali!
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLES BELOW FOR MORE.
“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)
Please join me today (Sunday, November 8th) at 2:30 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.
Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Diwali (Day 3-4) 2022”]
“We repeat, there is nothing that we can do but love, and dear God – please enlarge our hearts to love each other, to love our neighbor, to love our enemy as well as our friend.”
— quoted from “Love Is The Measure” printed in The Catholic Worker (June 1946, 2) by Dorothy Day (b. 1897)
If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or need a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
### SHINE & LOVE! ###
EXCERPTS RE: Peace & Light (the “missing” Saturday post) November 7, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, Music, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: 988, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Gayatri Mantra, Gāyatrī Mantra, Immanuel Kant, Kali Puja, light, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, peace, Peace of the Pyrenees, Yoga Sutra 2.33
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Happy Choti Diwali, Diwali, and Kali Puja! Blessings, light, love, and peace to everyone, everywhere!
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate!
This “missing” post for Saturday, November 7th, is simply a compilation of excerpts.
You can request an audio recording of a related 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.
“However, if the process of non-violence is to be effective in counteracting violence, we must first describe and outline it clearly and methodically. Because violent thoughts always precede a violent act, an act of non-violence will be effective only if it is preceded by non-violent thoughts. Violence is an active phenomenon, whereas non-violence is mistakenly thought to be passive – simply the absence of violence. But passive non-violence has no power to extinguish the fire if violence. Non-violence must be as active as violence itself.”
— commentary on Yoga Sūtra 2.33, from The Practice of the Yoga Sutra: Sadhana Pada by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD
The second day of Diwali, the 5-day festival of light, does not fall on the same Gregorian calendar date every year. This year, it coincided with the anniversary of the 1659 signing of the “Peace of the Pyrenees”.
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLES BELOW FOR MORE.
“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)
Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Diwali (Day 2-3) 2022”]
If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or need a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
### Breathe Peace In… Breathe Peace Out… & Shine! ###
Just the Saturday music & blessings November 7, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: 988, Choti Diwali, Diwali, Kali Puja
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Happy Choti Diwali, Diwali, and Kali Puja! Blessings, light, love, and peace to everyone, everywhere!
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate!
Please join me today (Saturday, November 7th) at 12:00 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Diwali (Day 2-3) 2022”]
If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or need a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
### 🎶 ###
FTWMI: I ALWAYS Moustache You An Important Question (a repurposed note w/excerpt) November 3, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in 31-Day Challenge, Changing Perspectives, Depression, Donate, Faith, Fitness, Food, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Life, Men, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Science, Volunteer, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: 988, breast cancer, Brendan Maher, gender, Men's Health, mental health, Movember, Movember Foundation, No(shave)mber, prostate health, Rita Joseph, testicular health, yoga, Zohran Mamdani
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone grateful for friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.
May you be peaceful and happy / May you be healthy and strong!
For Those Who Missed It: The following note was revised (and posted) in 2024. Class details, formatting, and some links (in particular the New York links) have been added/updated. NOTE: Some links will direct you outside of WordPress.
“Moving for mental health is a tradition that goes back to the dawn of Movember.”
— quoted from “The Order of Mo’s Guide to Move” on the Movember (US) website
Most of you mou’ what’s up. Most of you mou’ that it’s Movember and that means I’m once again joining other Mo Bros, Mo Sisters, and Mo Siblings in the effort to change the face of men’s health. This is one of those practices when I talk about men’s physical and mental health — and we get our mooooove on.
Then, we get a little mou’ rest, cause…
“‘We respond differently to life’s unexpected challenges. Sometimes, though, that can leave us feeling worried or overwhelmed. It’s our hope that we can connect men with the right support, and equip their peers with the confidence and skills to reach out and help when it’s most needed.’”
— Brendan Maher, Global Director of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, Movember
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE.
Please join me for a 65-minute virtual yoga practice on Zoom today (Tuesday, Movember 3rd) at 12:00 Noon or 7:15 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. 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 “Movember 3rd 2020”]
Check out Movember in New York!
If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or need a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
### MO FOLK COME TOGETHER! ###
FTWMI: A Quick Note & EXCERPT: “Cèlèbrer Une Vie & FTWMI: Recuerda Todas Almas” (the post-practice Monday post) November 2, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Books, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Loss, Love, Mysticism, One Hoop, Religion, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: 2 Maccabees, 988, All Souls' Day, Allhallowtide, Art, Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, Common Ground Meditation Center, culture, Death, Dia de los Muertos, Dia de Muertos, e e cummings, grief, history, Kevin Brockmeier, Poetry, Writing
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone observing All Saints y Día de (los) Muertos!
For Those Who Missed It: This post-practice post for Monday, November 2nd, was previously posted. The 2026 prompt question was, “Who is someone that had died that you think about daily or that you are thinking about today?” 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.
“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
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.
It can simultaneously be a day of remembrance, a day of celebration, and a day when people pray for the souls of the dearly departed.
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR A LITTLE MEMORY & A LITTLE HISTORY.
“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.”
— 2 Maccabees (12:44 – 46)
There is no playlist for the Common Ground Meditation Center practices.
NOTE: Common Ground Meditation Center has an annual Day of Remembrance program. While the 2026 event took place on Sunday, Novemeber 1st, you can contact the center to find out about future programs.
“i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)“
— quoted from “[i carry your heart with me(I carry it in)]” by e e cummings
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
### “BA-DUM. BA-DUM. BA-DUM.” ###
EXCERPT (repost): “Recuerda a las inocentes (UPDATED)” November 1, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Faith, Healing Stories, Life, Loss, Music, Mysticism, One Hoop, Religion, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: 988, All Hallows' Day, All Saints Day, Allhallowtide, Day of the Holy Innocents, Dia de los Muertos, Dia de Muertos, Dina Kaur, Hanal Pixan, Kevin Brockmeier, Mathew Sandoval, Mexico, Nicole Greason, Yucatan
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone observing All Saints y Día de (los) Muertos!
“‘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.
“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)
Please join me today (Sunday, November 2nd) at 2:30 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.
Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “11012026 All Saints / Día de los”]
If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or need a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
### “BA-DUM. BA-DUM. BA-DUM.” ###
EXCERPT: “Houdini’s Last Month (and Allhallowtide)” October 31, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Art, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Mysticism, One Hoop, Peace, Religion, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: 988, All Hallows' Eve, Allhallowtide, fear, Halloween, Harry Houdini, Samhain, seance
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Peace, blessings, and treats for all, especially those observing or celebrating Samhain, Halloween, and/or Allhallowtide.
May we all be safe and protected / May we all be peaceful and happy / May we all be healthy and strong / May we all have ease and wellbeing.
“My chief task has been to conquer fear. The public sees only the thrill of the accomplished trick; they have no conception of the tortuous preliminary self-training that was necessary to conquer fear.”
— Harry Houdini
Click on the excerpt title above for more about Halloween, Allhallowtide, Samhain, and Harry Houdini.
NOTE: Some links (below and in the excerpted post) will direct you to sites outside of WordPress.
There are several Houdini séances scheduled on October 31st, at various times.
Search for one near you (or online) if you are interested.
Please join me today (Saturday, October 31st) at 12:00 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10312026 All Hallows’ Eve (the remix)”]
If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or need a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
### Mostly Treats! ###
[FTWMI] Quick Notes & Excerpts RE: Breathing, on Saint Crispin’s Day (the “missing” Sunday post) October 25, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Buddhism, Dharma, Faith, Fitness, Healing Stories, Health, Life, Meditation, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Science, William Shakespeare, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.Tags: 988, Anne Tyler, Battle of Agincourt, Battle of Balaclava, breathing, Henry V, literature, Nyanasatta Thera, pranayama, prāṇāyāma, Saint Crispin, Saint Crispin’s Day, Saint Crispinian, Satipattthana Sutta, shakespeare, William Shakespeare, yoga, Yoga Sutras 1.30-1.34, Yoga Sutras 2.46-2.53
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Many blessings and knowledge to everyone. Peace within you; peace all around you; peace to and from everything and everyone you encounter on Saint Crispin’s Day!
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
For Those Who Missed It: This compilation of excerpts is the “missing” post for Sunday, October 25th. Previous practices on this date may incorporate more of the prāṇāyāma practices referenced in the last excerpt. My apologies for the playlist confusion. The music was correct, but I sent the wrong Spotify link before we started the practice. You can request an audio recording of this practice or a previous practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
“This story shall the good man teach his son;
And Crispine Crispian shall ne’er go by,
From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remembred;”
— quoted from Act IV, Scene iii, of Henry V by William Shakespeare
Today, October 25th, is Saint Crispin’s Day, also known as the Feast Day of Saint Crispin — although, technically, it is the feast day of Saint Crispin and his twin brother1 Saint Crispinian. It is also the birthday of the the novelist, short story writer, and literary critic Anne Tyler (b. 1941).
Click on the excerpt title below for more about why we remember Saint Crispin Day.
“We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne’er so vile,
This day shall gentle his condition;”
— quoted from Act IV, Scene iii, of Henry V by William Shakespeare
The post excerpted above highlights the fact that we are all connected through breath and the act of breathing. One of the things highlighted in Anne Tyler’s Breathing Lessons is the fact that many people are not taught the importance of breathing… or even how to breathe.
Click on the excerpt title below for more about Anne Tyler, Breathing Lessons, and the practice of prāṇāyāma (the awareness and extension of breath).
“‘Breathing lessons – really,’ [Fiona] said, dropping to the floor with a thud. ‘Don’t they reckon I must know how to breathe by now?’”
— quoted from Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler
“‘Oh honey, you’re just lucky they offer such things,’ Maggie told her…. ‘I mean you’re given all these lessons for the unimportant things–piano-playing, typing. You’re given years and years of lessons in how to balance equations, which Lord knows you will never have to do in normal life. But how about parenthood? Or marriage, either, come to think of it. Before you can drive a car you need a state-approved course of instruction, but driving a car is nothing, nothing, compared to living day in and day out with a husband and raising up a new human being.’”
— quoted from Breathing Lessons by Anne Tyler
Click on the excerpt title below for more about the the practice of prāṇāyāma (and commentary on the video below).
For Those Who Missed It: Third Step: Repeat the First & Second Steps
The practice begins ~5 minutes in….
“Mindfulness of breathing takes the highest place among the various subjects of Buddhist meditation. It has been recommended and praised by the Enlightened One thus: ‘This concentration through mindfulness of breathing, when developed and practiced much, is both peaceful and sublime, it is an unadulterated blissful abiding, and it banishes at once and stills evil unprofitable thoughts as soon as they arise.’ Though of such a high order, the initial stages of this meditation are well within the reach of a beginner though he be only a lay student of the Buddha-Dhamma.”
— quoted from the commentary on the Satipatthana Sutta (The Foundations of Mindfulness) by Nyanasatta Thera
Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10252026 Pranayama IV”]
FY/CORRECTION: If you received the music email and/or were on Zoom, you had the correct music but the wrong Spotify playlist. That playlist has been updated. My apologies for any confusion.
If you are struggling, thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or need a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
1NOTE: Some scholars describe Saint Crispin and Saint Crispinian as twins; some simply as brothers; and some indicate that they were brothers in Spirit.
