2 Quick Notes RE: The Grace of Breathing Into How You’re Feeling & EXCERPT: “Breathe Into How You’re Feeling” October 28, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, Music, One Hoop, Pain, Philosophy, Suffering, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.Tags: 988, Abbie Richards, Ben Harper, Brad Paisley, discernment, Elvis Presley, klishtaklishta, meditation, pranayama, Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky, Robert Greenberg, sensation, siddhis, svadyaya, svādhyāya, Uha, Vladimir “Bob” Davydov, Wally George, yoga
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone cultivating friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.
Peace in / Peace out. Grace in / Grace out.
“While on my travels I had another idea for a symphony – a program work this time, but its program will remain a conundrum to everyone. Let them guess at it. This program is imbued with subjectivity.”
— quoted from an 1893 letter from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to his nephew Vladimir “Bob” Davydov as posted in “Music History Monday: His Own Requiem?” by Robert Greenberg
The very first of six siddhis (“powers” or “abilities”) described as “powers unique to being human”, in the Sāmkhya Karika, is uha the power of discovery (i.e., “intuitive knowledge”). While I strongly believe in intuitive knowledge — and in intuition, I also believe in discernment and doing a little svādhyāya (“self-study”). What I mean by that, in this case, is noticing how you feel when you receive certain information and asking, “Do I believe this is true, because it validates what I already believe?” and/or “Do I not believe this because it invalidates what I already believe?”
Obviously, there are things that can be proven. There are things we know are true or false because there is empirical evidence. Then, there are things about which we have a “feeling” — and that’s when we start asking questions.
Asking yourself these questions, can help us uproot at least three (3) of the “afflicted or dysfunctional (“klişțā”) thought patterns that lead to suffering: avidyā (“ignorance”), rāga (“attachment [rooted in pleasure]”), and dveşa (“aversion [or attachment rooted in pain”). (YS 2.3-2.9)
These questions are also key elements to media literacy — especially when there are so many examples of misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories floating around.
For Those Who Missed It: The following was originally posted in 2023 (and revised in 2024). Class details and links have been updated.
“If this symphony is misunderstood, and torn to shreds, I shall think it quite normal, and not at all surprising. It will not be the first time. But I myself absolutely believe it to be the best and especially the most sincere of all my works. I love it as I have never loved any single one of my other musical creations.”
— quoted from an 1893 letter from Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky to his nephew Vladimir “Bob” Davydov as posted in “Music History Monday: His Own Requiem?” by Robert Greenberg
How are you feeling today?
Perhaps you are feeling a lot. Perhaps you are feeling one emotion strongly — or a combination of strong emotions. Perhaps you are feeling so much that you are overwhelmed and feeling numb… as if you are feeling nothing.
No matter what you are feeling, take a moment to breathe into what you are feeling.
There is grace in that breath and the ability to breathe into what you are feeling.
Note, that I have not indicated or suggested that what you are feeling is positive, negative, or neutral; good, bad, or neutral. However, there’s a pretty good chance that you assigned a value to the idea of strong feelings, emotions. That’s what we do as humans. That’s one (really three… or six) of the reasons why sensations can be experienced in 108 different ways according to some Eastern philosophies.
PRACTICE NOTE: The 2024 practice focused more on breath and sensations/feelings/vibrations. Previous practices on this date have highlighted musicians born on this date (in 1969 and 1962) who really moved people and/or musical events that emotionally “shook” people. For example, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 in B minor, Op. 74, known as “The Passionate Symphony,” premiered today in 1893 (according to the Gregorian calendar) and Elvis Presley performed the first of two shows at the Pan Pacific Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, today in 1957.
Click on the excerpt title below to learn about some of the conspiracy theories related to Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and his music.
“‘What’s your emotional power over women?’ demanded one obviously influenced female reporter.
‘Gosh…’ replied Elvis, whispering something inaudible into a mike provided for the occasion.”
— quoted from the 1957 article “Elvis Wiggles, Fans Scream at Pan-Pacific” by Wally George
Please join me today (Wednesday, October 28th) at 4:30 PM or 7:15 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into in the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10282020 Feeling Pathétique?”]
NOTE: The playlist primarily focuses on Tchaikovsky; however, I did add some before/after music related to Elvis and some musicians born on this date.
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.
### AIN’T NOTHING… ###
A Quick [REVISED] Note & EXCERPT: “Fourth Step: Once More, With Feeling” (the post-practice Monday post) October 27, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Buddhism, 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: Brújula Intersexual (Intersex Compass), Dylan Thomas, intersex, Laura Inter, literature, Nyanasatta Thera, poem, Poetry, pranayama, Ronald Reagan, Satipattthana Sutta, Sylvia Plath, Theodore Roosevelt, Writing
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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.
The following is a slightly revised version of a previously posted note and excerpt.
“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. The hope is that each of us will step into the arena and co-create a world where all our hearts can shine and [sing].
“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)
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELORE FOR MORE.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
— quoted “The Man in the Arena” portion of the “Citizenship in a Republic” speech (delivered April 23, 1910, Sorbonne, Paris) by former President Theodore Roosevelt (b. 1858)
Please join me today (Tuesday, October 27th) at 12:00 Noon 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 “10272021 Another Appointment EVE”]
NOTE: Over the last few years, we have used several different playlists on this date. If you are using a recording, double check the playlist date.
“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
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.
“And further, monks, as if a monk sees a body dead…, he then applies this perception to his own body thus: ‘Verily, also my own body is of the same nature; such it will become and will not escape it.’
Thus he lives contemplating the body in the body internally, or he lives contemplating the body in the body externally, or he lives contemplating the body in the body internally and externally. He lives contemplating origination-factors in the body, or he lives contemplating dissolution factors in the body, or he lives contemplating origination-and-dissolution-factors in the body. Or his mindfulness is established with the thought: ‘The body exists,’ to the extent necessary just for knowledge and mindfulness, and he lives detached, and clings to nothing in the world. Thus also, monks, a monk lives contemplating the body in the body.”
— quoted from Satipatthana Sutta (The Foundations of Mindfulness) translated by Nyanasatta Thera
### CONTINUE TO BREATHE ###
FTWMI (repost): A Quick Note & Excerpt About Breathing and…. October 26, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Art, Books, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Donate, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Life, Meditation, One Hoop, Pain, Philosophy, Science, Suffering, Tragedy, Vipassana, Volunteer, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: 988, Amnesty International, Betsy Driver, breath, breathing, Emi Koyama, gender, haṭha yoga, hatha yoga, Health, intersex, Intersex Awareness Day, Intersex Day of Remembrance, Intersex Solidarity Day, Laura Inter, Max Beck, meditation, Mindfulness, Morgan Carpenter PhD, Morgan Holmes PhD, Nyanasatta Thera, pranayama, sex, United Nations, yoga
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone cultivating friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom on Intersex Awareness Day.
May everyone be healthy and strong; may everyone be peaceful and happy; and may everyone recognize their whole self.
For Those Who Missed It: the following post-practice post for Monday, October 26th, was previously posted. The 2026 prompt question was, “When do you feel most comfortable in your body?” (e.g., at a certain time of day/night or in your life or after or before certain activities/events) 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.
“[A monk] then applies this perception to his own body thus: ‘Verily, also my own body is of the same nature; such it will become and will not escape it.’
Thus he lives contemplating the body in the body internally, or he lives contemplating the body in the body externally, or he lives contemplating the body in the body internally and externally. He lives contemplating origination-factors in the body, or he lives contemplating dissolution factors in the body, or he lives contemplating origination-and-dissolution-factors in the body. Or his mindfulness is established with the thought: ‘The body exists,’ to the extent necessary just for knowledge and mindfulness, and he lives detached, and clings to nothing in the world. Thus also, monks, a monk lives contemplating the body in the body.”
— quoted from Satipatthana Sutta (The Foundations of Mindfulness) translated by Nyanasatta Thera
Prāņāyāma — the awareness of breath (and the extension of breath) — is a big part of the physical practice of yoga (haṭha yoga, regardless of the style or tradition). As we bring awareness to our breath, on and off the mat, we may start to notice the things that take our breath away. We can experience things that take our breath away because they are surprising and beautiful. We can experience things that take our breath away because they are surprising and terrifying. Then there are things that take our breath away because they are just surprising, unexpected….
We may rush to qualify them with some adjective or another and, in doing so, rush to some conclusion about what we need to do… when, really, we just need to breathe (that’s today’s first step); recognize what is (that’s today’s second step); and repeat the first two steps (that’s the third step).
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR THE RELATED POST (& VIDEO).
For Those Who Missed It: Third Step: Repeat the First & Second Steps
“Myth 2: Being intersex is very rare
According to experts, around 1.7% of the population is born with intersex traits – comparable to the number of people born with red hair.”
— quoted from the Amnesty International article “Its Intersex Awareness Day – here are 5 myths we need to shatter”
October 26th is Intersex Awareness Day, which highlights and raises awareness about human rights issues faced by intersex people. It also raises awareness around the fact that there are people — all around the world — who are born with one or more sex characteristics that “do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.” According to the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, these characteristics include chromosome patterns, gonads, and/or genitalia.
While there may be just as many people in the world with red hair as there are people in the world with intersex traits, the latter are not as easy to spot. Estimates on how many people are born with intersex traits may vary (depending on the traits and/or conditions) from 3% to 0.0009%. Aside from the fact that I’m referencing statistics related to over 40 intersex conditions, the wide variation in estimates is related to the fact that some people are not initially identified (medically) as intersex. Additionally, some people may never be identified as intersex. Lack of diagnosis can be the result of something relatively small — like the fact that a baby’s chromosome patterns (and/or gonads) are not typically tested. However, lack of diagnosis can also be the result of something fairly major — like the fact that sex (and gender) are typically assigned at birth based on the external appearance of a baby’s genitals.
And, here’s the kicker: If a baby’s genitalia appears ambiguous (to a medical practitioner) and/or atypical, a common practice has been to surgically alter the genitalia. Sometimes, even a baby’s internal sex organs (gonads) will be altered. Again, these surgeries and medical treatments happen to babies, as well as to children and young adults, who are too young to consent and/or may not be informed about their options. Sometimes, even their parents are not informed!
Medical attitudes and practices related to people with intersex characteristics are changing, in part because of people like Morgan Holmes and Max Beck, who both participated in the first public demonstration of intersex people (and their allies) in North America, today in 1996. Dr. Holmes (a Canadian sociologist) and Mr. Beck (who died in of cancer in 2008) attended the American Academy of Pediatrics annual conference in Boston, Massachusetts, with the intention of delivering a presentation on the long-term outcomes of “fixing” intersex infants through cosmetic surgery. However, they were met with what they described as “hostility” and escorted out of the venue. They later returned, outside of the venue, to demonstrate and advocate for better medical awareness. In 2003/2004, Betsy Driver (who was mayor of Flemington, New Jersey, January 2, 2019 – January 3, 2023) and artist and activist Emi Koyama organized the first official Intersex Awareness Day on the anniversary of that first public protest. Since then, people like Morgan Carpenter and Laura Inter have advocated for self-determination, while also providing peer support and education for and about people who have intersex traits.
For the next two weeks — up until November 8th, which is Intersex Day of Remembrance (also known as Intersex Solidarity Day) — grassroots organizations around the world will host events related to intersex visibility. Some of these events will be celebrations and opportunities for networking. Some of these events will be moments of reflection and remembrance. Some of these events will be all about political action and advocacy. All of these events will be about putting an “end [to] shame, secrecy and unwanted genital cosmetic surgeries on intersex children.”
“The flag is comprised of a golden yellow field, with a purple circle emblem. The colours and circle don’t just avoid referencing gender stereotypes, like the colours pink and blue, they seek to completely avoid use of symbols that have anything to do with gender at all. Instead the circle is unbroken and unornamented, symbolising wholeness and completeness, and our potentialities. We are still fighting for bodily autonomy and genital integrity, and this symbolises the right to be who and how we want to be.”
— quoted from the creator statement entitled “The intersex flag” by Morgan Carpenter, PhD.
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).
### O ###
[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.
### “How Do You Know You’re Breathing?” ###
EXCERPT: “Gazing into Our Self (again)” October 24, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, Meditation, One Hoop, Religion, Science, Tragedy, Yoga.Tags: 988, Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, Harry Houdini, meditation, Samyama, svadyaya, svādhyāya
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Many blessings to everyone. Peace within you; peace all around you; peace to and from everything and everyone you encounter.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
“People who look for the first time through a microscope say now I see this and then I see that and even a skilled observer can be fooled. On these observations I’ve spent more time than many will believe, but I’ve done them with joy, and I’ve taken no notice those who have said why take so much trouble and what good is it?”
— Antonie van Leeuwenhoek (b. 1632)
Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, known as the “Father of Microbiology, was born today in 1632.
The internationally acclaimed Harry Houdini performed his last show today in 1926.
Click on the excerpt title below to learn what they have in common with Friedrich Nietzsche, James Randi, Yoga Sūtra 1.39, and the practice of svādhyāyā (“self-study”).
Please join me today (Saturday, October 24th) 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 “10202020 Pratyahara”]
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.
### LOOKING AT YOU(RSELF)! ###
With Every Bone In Your Body (the “missing” Tuesday compilation post) October 20, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, 9-Day Challenge, Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, Mysticism, One Hoop, Peace, Religion, Science, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: 988, Bones, Bruce H. Kramer, Bubul Sharma, Cathy Wurzer, Clive Lawton, Diwali, Dussehra, Mahābhārata, Mishlei, mitzvot, Navaratri, Peggy Morgan, Proverbs, Psalms, Rāmāyaņa, Sharada Navaratri, Tehillim, The Ramayana, Vijayadashami, World Osteoporosis Day
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone celebrating Dussehra / Vijayadashami and/or sharing their stories about friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom on World Osteoporosis Day.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This “missing” compilation post for Tuesday, October 20th, includes new content and 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.
“Fiery-eyed Durga astride a golden lion; Saraswati resplendent in white along with her swan; a glowing Lakshmi seated on a lotus in bloom; and Kali with her frightening garland of skulls. The legends that surround them are told over and over again and soon the children know them by heart. For them, as it is for me, these beautiful lotus-eyed goddesses are not just religious icons but part of one’s family. They laugh and cry, quarrel with each other over petty things, they have fragile natures despite their powerful forms. They are often jealous, angry, greedy and plot deviously against their enemies but still they need to be loved by their devotees, Then they appear, splendid, glorious and benevolent, to dazzle us with their all-pervading light.”
— quoted from the “Introduction” to The Book of Devi by Bubul Sharma
While Navaratri, the “nine nights” (and days) dedicated to nine manifestations of the Divine as a woman, officially ended on Monday night, the fall celebrations continue as some people celebrated Dussehra on Tuesday. Also known as Vijayadashami (“victory [on the[ tenth lunar day”), the name Dussehra is derived from the Sanskrit words dasha (“ten”) and hara, which can be a name for Shiva or can be translated into English in several relevant ways, including “taking away, removing”, “seizing, grasping”, or “dividing”. Hara can also be “a necklace” (often made of bones) or can signify a “war or battle”. All of these translations are relevant as the festival commemorates Lord Rāma’s victory over the 10-headed demon king Ravana.
According to the Rāmāyaņa (an epic poem which is part of Mahābhārata), Rāma, his wife Sītā, and his brother Lakshmana are exiled by the brothers’ father. The poem chronicles their heroes’ journey — including the part where Sītā is kidnapped by Ravana. She is eventually rescued (with the help of Hanuman, the monkey king) and, after a great battle, the threesome make their way home. Their homecoming is commemorated during Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, which begins 20 days after Dussehra.
Like so many other major holidays I reference this time of year, Navaratri, Dussehra/Vijayadashami, and Diwali may be celebrated by some who grew up in a particular culture, but are not particularly religious. For the devout, however, the meaning of these celebrations (and the related stories) is something they experience — and express — with every bone in their body.
“With every bone in my body I will praise him: ‘LORD, who can compare with you? Who else rescues the helpless from the strong? Who else protects the helpless and poor from those who rob them?’”
— Tehillim – Psalms 35:10 (NLT)
World Osteoporosis Day is celebrated annually on October 20th. The 2026 theme is “Build, Protect and Strengthen Your Bones for Life”.
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE.
“Those who practice yoga say it is life changing. Those of us who are as flexible as a piece of lumber are not so sure. I admire yoga’s rich history, more than five thousand years old, but I run into a few mental roadblocks in understanding concepts like grounding and spinal energy. In fact, I was sitting in my slumped-over and crooked version of the lotus position during a special yoga class taught by Bruce’s mentor Matthew Sanford, when Matthew said to a student, ‘Breathe into your spine for God’s sake!’ I had no idea what that meant. The student understood though, and he made proper adjustments. What was remarkable was that both teacher and student were in wheelchairs.”
— quoted from “24. Dis Ease Yoga” in We Know How This Ends: Living while Dying by Bruce H. Kramer with Cathy Wurzer
Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10202021 To The Bone”]
“It is interesting to note that out of the 613 mitzvot in the Torah, 365 are negative (that is, they are ‘Thou shalt nots’) and 248 are positive (that is, ‘Thou shalts’). The rabbis suggest this indicates that one should perform the mitzvot every day of the year (365 days equal the 365 mitzvot) and with every bone and organ of your body (there are taken to be 248 of these). Like most law codes, secular and religious, there are more negatives than positives. What is perhaps surprising is that there are so many positives. If one looks at British law, for example, one will find very few positives precepts. Law, by and large, usually exists to prohibit wrongdoing, and the proof that the Torah is more than simply law is the large number of ethical positive directives included in it.”
— quoted from “D.6.b. Questions of Right and Wrong: Sin and Sins” in “Section D: Judaism” (by Clive Lawton) of Ethical Issues in Six Religious Traditions, edited by Peggy Morgan and Clive Lawton
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).
### Build, Protect, & Strengthen! ###
A Sunday Journey (the “missing” Sunday compilation) October 11, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, 9-Day Challenge, Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, Mantra, Music, Mysticism, One Hoop, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: 988, Black Girl Day Off, Durga, International Day of the Girl Child, Jean O’Leary, Joseph Campbell, Lal Dĕd, Lalla, Lalleshwari, National Coming Out Day, Navaratri, Parvati, Pastor Appreciation Day, Ranjit Hoskote, Robert Eichberg, Shailaputri, Sharada Navaratri, The Associated Press, The New York Times, United Nations
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“Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Sharada Navaratri!” Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone nourishing their heart, body, and mind on Black Girl Day Off, Pastor Appreciation Day, National Coming Out Day, & International Day of the Girl Child.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate!
This “missing” compilation post for Sunday, October 11th, includes new content and an (expanded) excerpt. 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.
“Forget the outside, get to the inside of things.”
— quoted from poem 95 in I, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Dĕd by Lal Dĕd (Translated from the Kashmiri with an Introduction and Notes by Ranjit Hoskote)
This may seem like a regular, ordinary beginning. And it is. However, if you stick with me, we’re going to go on a journey.
You might be think that every time we get on the mat (or the cushion), we’re going on a journey, and that is true. Every time we get on the cushion (or the mat), we’re going on a journey; that is true. It is also true that every journey starts just like this: in this ordinary, regular world.
Maybe it’s a time for you that is really wonderful or maybe it’s not so great. Maybe this is an extraordinarily challenging time for you or maybe things are going relatively well. Either way, this is what passes for normal. (Every time we inhale, every time we exhale.) And this is where we start, where every journey starts.
This particular journey starts with an ordinary person. In this case, the ordinary person is an ordinary girl. Maybe you recognize her as a girl child, as October 11th is International Day of the Girl Child. Maybe, since it is also National Coming Out Day, you initially see her as something other than a girl… or, you don’t recognize how being extra ordinary is actually special. How ever you see her, she is just a regular, ordinary person — even if she is the daughter of a king (and even if she has already lived an extraordinary life).
This regular, ordinary girl is our hero (our heroine, if you will). She is where we start, because every single one of us has a little bit her inside of us. Every single one of us is on a journey of transformation.
Or we can be… if you stick with me… and go a little deeper.
“I, Lalla, took that teaching to heart.”
— quoted from poem 95 in I, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Dĕd by Lal Dĕd (Translated from the Kashmiri with an Introduction and Notes by Ranjit Hoskote)
In addition to being International Day of the Girl Child and National Coming Out Day, today was also the beginning of Navaratri.
This initial description of Navaratri is a slightly revised/expanded excerpt.
Navaratri (which means “nine nights”, in Sanskrit) occurs four times on the Hindu calendar and is a celebration of divine feminine energy — specifically of Durga, the divine mother, in various manifestations. Some people (read, mostly men) think of these manifestations as different women. Others (read, mostly women) recognize these manifestations as the same woman at different points in her life. The latter understanding is underscored by the fact that each day is dedicated to a different manifestation of Durga/Parvati and each manifestation marks a different point in Her journey.
Navaratri always begins by celebrating Durga as Shailaputri (“Daughter of Mountain”). Shailaputri is the daughter of Himavat, the Mountain King or Guardian God of Himalayan Mountains, and is recognized as a divine manifestation of Mahadevi and a reincarnation of Sati (the wife of Shiva), who then reincarnates as Parvati. In art, she holds a trishula or trident in her right hand and a lotus in her left hand, all while riding Shiva’s bull Nandi, whose name means “happy, joy, and satisfaction”. She is sometimes associated with the color orange and sometimes with the color yellow.
The fall (Sharada) Navaratri celebration, which started today (Sunday), is the biggest and most celebrated of the four celebrations. Rituals and traditions vary from one region to the other and, during this festival, celebrations in some regions may include other manifestations of the Divine. For example, some celebrations on the ninth day of Navaratri will also be Ayudha Puja (“worship of tools”) — when people celebrate peace and knowledge and give thanks for the tools of their occupation. So, some will give thanks for musical instruments, while others will give thanks for their farming machinery. At the same time, some will make their puja (“offering”) to Saraswati — who is associated with knowledge, the arts, and culture, etc. — and others will direct their attention to Lakshmi — who is associated with prosperity, wealth, and fertility, etc. These fall celebrations also include a tenth day, Dussehra or Vijayadashami, which commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over a 10-headed demon.
Click here (and scroll down) to discover posts that reference the other Divine manifestations celebrated during Navaratri.
Spoiler alert, the stories related to Navaratri are the stories about a girl or young woman who grows up to be a wife and a fierce mother goddess. Her physical, mental, emotional, energetic, and spiritual growth and maturity are part of her journey. She gains knowledge and skills along the way. She is celebrated for who she is at every point in her journey. Even if you see the nine manifestations as different women, significant transformation occurs over the nine days/nights.
On the flip side, many girls around the world are not afforded the time and space to grow up and reach their full potential. They lose their agency and bodily autonomy before they even have a chance to recognize that there are such things. To raise awareness about issues facing girls internationally — especially with regard to education, nutrition, forced child marriage, legal rights, and medical rights — the United Nations designated October 11th as International Day of the Girl Child back in December 2011. Also known as the Day of Girls and the International Day of the Girl, it was first observed today in 2012.
The 2026 theme for International Day of the Girl Child is “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights!”. If you live in the United States, you may think of child marriage as a problem in other countries. However. marriage involving a child (defined as someone under the age of 18) is legal in 32 states (and at least one territory). Many of these marriages involve minors who are under the age of consent (16 to 18, depending on the state or territory) and most (~86%) involve a minor girl and an adult man. In some states, these children are not able to file for divorce — even when they experience spousal abuse — specifically because they are minors!
According to the United Nations:
- Each year, more than 12 million girls – roughly one every three seconds – are married before reaching adulthood….133 million girls are not attending school [this year].
- Adolescent girls aged 15-19 are more likely to not be in education, employment or training than their male peers.
- Nearly 1 in 4 ever-married or partnered adolescent girls aged 15-19 have experienced intimate partner violence in their lifetimes.
- More than one third of adolescent girls and boys aged 15-19 consider a husband to be justified in hitting his wife under certain circumstances.
- The percentage of underweight adolescent girls aged 10-19 has only declined slightly in the last three decades, from 10 per cent to 8 per cent.
“It is true that Lal Dĕd was constructed differently by each community, but she was simultaneously Lalleśvarī or Lalla Yogini to the Hindus and Lal-‘ārifa to the Muslims; today, unfortunately, these descriptions are increasing being promoted at the expense of one another. In honour of the plural sensibilities that Kashmir has long nurtured, I will refer to this mystic-poet by her most celebrated and nonsectarian appellation, ‘“Lal Dĕd”’. In the colloquial, this means ‘“Grandmother Lal”’; more literally, it means ‘“Lal the Womb”’, a designation that connects her to the mother goddessess….”
— quoted from “1. Lal Dĕd: Life, Poetry and Historical Context” by Ranjit Hoskotein, as printed in I, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Dĕd by Lal Dĕd (Translated from the Kashmiri with an Introduction and Notes by Ranjit Hoskote)
I was not thinking of Lal Dĕd when I started today’s practice and post. But, she fits. She fits every aspect of these overlapping stories.
Also known Lalleshwari (“Mother Lal” or “Mother Lalla”) and several other related variations, Lalla was a Kashmiri poet, mystic, spiritual teacher (or pastor, if you will), and saint. She married at the age of 12 (as was the custom in her region during the 14th century) and escaped an abusive marriage in order to pursue her spiritual calling. Her name was changed to Padmāvati when she married, but she wrote that she always thought of herself as Lalla. While she is revered in Muslim and Hindu communities, some people (in each community) do not acknowledge that she was both. The do not recognize all that she was.
When Lalla wrote about following the instructions of her guru (in poem 95), she concluded with a metaphor that indicated she was free, joyful, and living/celebrating life without the expectations of the outside world (i.e., those who would see her in one dimension):
“From that day, I’ve danced naked.”
— quoted from poem 95 in I, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Dĕd by Lal Dĕd (Translated from the Kashmiri with an Introduction and Notes by Ranjit Hoskote)
As I mentioned before, some people who celebrate Navaratri view the different manifestations of Durga/Pavarti in isolation — just as some people view Lalla as a person with single, flattened identity. However, recognizing the Divine manifestations as the same woman at different points along her journey, highlights the symbolism of Her adventure and creates an opportunity for us to embody our own journey: meeting our own challenges head-on, vanquishing our own demons, letting go of what no longer serves us, and returning to (our) whatever passes for normal with a “boon” — something that benefits us and those around us. Of course, the ultimate boon is the ability to overcome our fears, live freely, and achieve our goals.
Overcoming fears and living freely requires ending ignorance. Sometimes that ignorance is inside us; it is also all around us. National Coming Out Day (NCOD) was established in 1988, as a day of awareness. It is also a day of support for people who are “coming out of the closet”. Co-founders Robert Eichberg and Jean O’Leary selected October 11th as this day of awareness and celebration, because it is the anniversary of the Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987.
Approximately 750,000 people took part in the 1987 march, which garnered the first national coverage of ACT UP and AIDS activists. The day after the march, thousands participated in civil disobedience actions at the United States Supreme Court Building. While drag queens, drag kings, and transgender people participated in the Gay Rights movement from the very beginning, Jean O’Leary eventually expressed remorse for the fact that the march and other events she organized were not as inclusive as they could have been and that she made disparaging remarks about people who became known for, quite literally, kicking the closet door open.
“In an interview in 1993, Dr. Eichberg said: ‘Most people think they don’t know anyone gay or lesbian, and in fact, everybody does. It is imperative that we come out and let people know who we are and disabuse them of their fears and stereotypes.’”
— quoted from The New York Times obituary “Robert Eichberg, 50, Gay Rights Leader” by The Associated Press (dated August 15, 1995)
As I mentioned in passing (during the practice), today was also Black Girl Day Off (which is directly related to the fact that yesterday was World Mental Health Day) and, also, Pastor Appreciation Day.
If you are up for the journey/adventure, pick a goal, a desire, a destination (if you will). Of course, you have to acknowledge where you are in your journey.
So, that’s the first step: identify where you are and where you want to go. The second step (Monday’s step) will be doing what we need to do to get ready.
“We must be willing to get rid of the life we’ve planned, so as to have the life waiting for us. The old skin has to be shed before the new one can come.”
— quoted from A Joseph Campbell Companion: Reflections on the Art of Living by Joseph Campbell
Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify [Look for “05252022 Pratyahara II”]
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).
### He Ma Durga (honoring the Divine Mother) ###
Music & blessings for “A Sunday Journey” (revised) **UPDATED w/EXCERPT** October 11, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Life, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: 988, Black Girl Day Off, International Day of the Girl Child, National Coming Out Day, Navaratri, Pastor Appreciation Day, Shailaputri, Sharada Navaratri
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“Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Sharada Navaratri!” Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone nourishing their heart, body, and mind on Black Girl Day Off, Pastor Appreciation Day, National Coming Out Day, & International Day of the Girl Child.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate!
Click on the excerpt title below for more.
Please join me today (Sunday, October 11th) 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 by emailing myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify [Look for “05252022 Pratyahara II”]
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.
REVISED: Font color changed for the theme and additional observation/celebrations add. (10/11/2026)
### 🎶 ###
Just the “missing” Saturday music & blessings October 10, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Healing Stories, Health, Life, Music, One Hoop, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: 988, Banned Books, Banned Books Week, mental health, World Mental Health Day, World Space Week
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More peace and more ease for everyone on World Mental Health Day! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone nourishing their heart, body, and mind during World Space Week and Banned Books Week!
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate!
This is the “missing” music for Saturday, October 10th. My apologies for the delay in posting for anyone who wasn’t on Zoom (or the email). The actual post is coming. 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.
Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10102026 World Mental Health Day (remix 3)”]
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).
### 🎶 ###
Just Enough Time for a Little More Gratitude (just the blessings, music, & Kiss My Asana link) September 30, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in 7-Day Challenge, Changing Perspectives, Donate, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma Yoga, Life, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Sukkot, Volunteer, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: 988, Ecclesiastes, Happiness, Happiness 101, joy, KISS MY ASANA, Kohelet, Sukkot, Yoga Sutra 2.1
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“Chag sameach!” (“Happy Festival!”) to those celebrating Sukkot! Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone coming together in friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
Please join me today (Wednesday, September 30th) 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 “Sukkot 5-6 in 2026”]
NOTE: The Spotify playlist includes a silent track for continuity (and is “missing” a before/after track, that does not affect the class timing).
CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT WHY I WANT YOU TO KISS SANDRA’S ASANA!
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.
Updated 9/30/2026 with playlist note.
