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 (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 ###
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! ###
Abilities & Achievements (the post-practice Monday post) October 19, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, 9-Day Challenge, Abhyasa, Art, Books, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Meditation, Mysticism, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: 8 Limbs of Yoga Philosophy, 988, Ayudha Puja, Buddha, Buddhism, Herman Hesse, Lal Dĕd, Lalla, Lalleshwari, Navaratri, Philosophy, Ranjit Hoskote, Samyama, Sharada Navaratri, Siddhartha, Siddhartha Gautama, Siddhidhatri, siddhis, Swami Vivekananda, yoga philosophy, Yoga Sutra 1.3, Yoga Sutra 1.30-1.32, Yoga Sutra 1.30-32, Yoga Sutra 1.32-1.39, Yoga Sutra 3.1-3.6, Yoga Sutra 3.45, Yoga Sutra 3.46, Yoga Sutra 4.1
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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 cultivating their stories about friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This post-practice compilation post for Monday, October 19th, includes new and re-purposed content, as well as an excerpt. The 2026 prompt question was, “What is something you are able to do well and what is an ability you are still working on doing?” 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.
“At one time, when the two young men had lived among the Samanas for about three years and had shared their exercises, some news, a rumour, a myth reached them after being retold many times: A man had appeared, Gotama by name, the exalted one, the Buddha, he had overcome the suffering of the world in himself and had halted the cycle of rebirths. He was said to wander through the land, teaching, surrounded by disciples, without possession, without home, without a wife, in the yellow cloak of an ascetic, but with a cheerful brow, a man of bliss, and Brahmans and princes would bow down before him and would become his students.
This myth, this rumour, this legend resounded, its fragrance rose up, here and there; in the towns….”
“The myth of Buddha sounded sweet. The scent of magic flowed from these reports. After all, the world was sick, life was hard to bear—and behold, here a source seemed to spring forth, here a messenger seemed to call out, comforting, mild, full of noble promises. Everywhere where the rumour of Buddha was heard, everywhere in the lands of India, the young men listened up, felt a longing, felt hope….”
— quoted from “First Part: With The Samanas” in Siddhartha: An Indian Tale by Herman Hesse
There are many people, particularly historical and/or religious figures, who become so well known by their titles that some people do not realize the “name” they know is actually a title. This recently came up in discussions about Mohandas K. Gandhi, when someone didn’t know that mahatma means “great soul”. At least a decade ago, a group of scholars decided to create a new translation of the New Testament, in part, because they realized there were Christians who didn’t realize the word christ is an honorific or title meaning “messiah” or “[the] anointed”. Then there is the Dalai Lama, whose title combines the Mongolian word for “ocean” or “big” with the Tibetan word for “guru” (i.e., “teacher”). I’ll even admit that I sometimes forget that Rinpoche (or Rimpoche) is a Tibetan word meaning “precious one”, as opposed to being a family surname that people just assume when they join a religious family.
Another person who is famously remembered more by his title than his name is the Buddha (the “Awakened One”). The thing about these titles/honorifics is that they often reflect the story of how someone was able to do the things that made them memorable. In the Buddha’s case, his actual name has a meaning that is also part of the story. I have heard, Gautama Buddha started off as a prince named Siddhartha Gautama.1 Siddhartha being a combination of the Sanskrit words siddha (“achieved”) and artha (“means or meaning”). In other words, he was named the “one who achieved his goals” or the “one who achieved the meaning”.
“But in the evening, when the heat cooled down and everyone in the camp started to bustle about and gathered around, they heard the Buddha teaching. They heard his voice, and it was also perfected, was of perfect calmness, was full of peace. Gotama taught the teachings of suffering, of the origin of suffering, of the way to relieve suffering. Calmly and clearly his quiet speech flowed on. Suffering was life, full of suffering was the world, but salvation from suffering had been found: salvation was obtained by him who would walk the path of the Buddha. With a soft, yet firm voice the exalted one spoke, taught the four main doctrines, taught the eightfold path, patiently he went the usual path of the teachings, of the examples, of the repetitions, brightly and quietly his voice hovered over the listeners, like a light, like a starry sky.”
— quoted from “First Part: Gotama” in Siddhartha: An Indian Tale by Herman Hesse
Buddhism and the Yoga Philosophy share a history, some philosophical principles, and certain aims/goals. They both have eight steps intended to attenuate (or end) suffering. According to the Yoga Sūtras, practicing the Yoga Philosophy can enable someone to “rest in their own true nature” (YS 1.3); overcome certain obstacles and the accompanying ailments (YS 1.30-1.32); and “attain steadiness (or clarity) of mind” (YS 1.32-1.39). The text (and commentary) also includes the expectation that this clarity of mind directly (and indirectly) leads to physical vitality, which will, in turn, enable practitioners to do the things they are meant to do in the world.
Some of the things we do are done by using the six siddhis, “powers or abilities” that are described in the Sāmkhya Karika as “powers unique to being human.” While we can debate whether or not other beings can do these things, it is undeniable that humans, when we are at our best, can do these things. But, then, in the third and fourth sections of the Yoga Sūtras, there are a plethora of “supernormal” siddhis that sound like Jedi Knight tricks or super hero powers. These come from applying samyama, a tool formed by combining the last three limbs of the Yoga Philosophy: dharana (“focus”), dhyana (“concentration”), and samadhi (“meditation”)2 (YS 3.1-3.6).
While applying samyama — let alone getting to a place in your life/practice where you can apply samyama — might seem like a lot of work, there are actually five different ways (outlined in Yoga Sūtra 4.1) to achieve the most fantastical siddhis: they can be attained at birth (because they carry over from a previous lifetime); through the use of herbs or mantras; through the practice of tapas (in this case, “practices that cultivate heat, discipline, and austerity”); or by through samadhi (“meditation”).
Of course, for some people, prayer is meditation (and can also be a form of mantra) and a puja (“offering”) can be a form of tapas. For some, the greatest abilities/powers are like the Virtues given by the Holy Spirit: they can be offered as a blessing from the Divine.
“This means that the Yogi has attained the eight powers. He can make himself as minute as a particle, or as huge as a mountain, as heavy as the earth, or as light as the air; he can reach anything he likes, he can rule everything he wants, he can conquer everything he wants, and so on. A lion will sit at his feet like a lamb, and all his desires will be fulfilled at will.”
— quoted from the commentary on Yoga Sūtra 3.46 (or 3.45, in some text) from Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda
The following description of the ninth day/night of Navaratri is a slightly revised/expanded excerpt.
Today (Monday) is the ninth day/night of Navaratri, the Hindu festival of “nine nights” celebrating divine feminine energy in various manifestations. Each of manifestation of Durga/Parvati is a symbolic milestone (and a reminder that women “contain multitudes”). The final day3 is devoted to Siddhidhatri, whose name literally means “land/earth of achievements”. Her name can also be translated as “Giver of Perfection”, as She is believed to be endowed with all the siddhis (“abilities” or “powers”) in the Universe and, also, to be able to bestow all of them. Typically, however, She only gives nine of the multitudes — some of which are referenced in the aforementioned Yoga Sūtras.
During the big celebrations of Navaratri (in the Spring and Fall) the final day is a double celebration — which may mean more feasting in some regions and more fasting in others. 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. This means that some will give thanks for musical instruments and 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.
“We’re beyond even Shiva and Shakti here.
This Beyond that’s beyond all we can name, that’s your lesson!”
— quoted from poem 115 in I, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Dĕd by Lal Dĕd (Translated from the Kashmiri with an Introduction and Notes by Ranjit Hoskote)
In art and literature, Siddhidhatri is sometimes depicted as being half of Shiva (with Him being half of Her), meaning that they are the embodiment the yin/yang symbol. When they are shown together in this way, they are each known as Ardhanarishvara, Ardhanaranari, or similar names that all highlight the fact that They are partially a woman.
When we look at the hero(ine)’s journey — as told through each day’s story, we are reminded that Durga/Parvati is a warrior or, if you will, a hero friend.
We are also reminded that each and every one of us has the ability to do something that makes a difference in the world. In our Navaratri-inspired journey, Siddhidhatri is a reminder to focus on what we are able to do and, also, to celebrate our achievements.
“To the yogi the whole wide world ripples into Nothingness:
it splashes like water on the water of Infinity.
When that Void melts, Perfection remains.
Hey priest-man, that’s the only lesson you need!”
— Poem 114 in I, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Dĕd by Lal Dĕd (Translated from the Kashmiri with an Introduction and Notes by Ranjit Hoskote)
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).
NOTES:
1In Herman Hesse’s novel Siddhartha, the Buddha is referred to as “Gotama”, (the Pali version of Guatama) and the titular character is a young man who becomes a follower of the Buddha.
2I use a translation of the final three limbs of the Yoga Philosophy that illustrates a progression of awareness. When dharana and dhyana are translated as “concentration” and “meditation”, samadhi is understood as complete absorption and/or “[perfect] meditation” (but is not necessarily translated).
3As I mentioned last week, the fall (Sharada) celebration of Navaratri includes a tenth day, Dussehra or Vijayadashami, which commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over a 10-headed demon.
### “Whatever I’ve started, I’ll finish.” ~ #88, Lal Dĕd (translated by Ranjit Hoskote) ###
Celebrate Your Wins, Give Yourself a (Little) Break… & Sing About Your Stuff (the “missing” Sunday compilation) October 18, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, 9-Day Challenge, Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Music, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Tragedy, Wisdom, Women, Writing, Yoga.Tags: 988, apotheosis, chakras, Hero's Journey, Joseph Campbell, Lal Dĕd, Lalla, Lalleshwari, Mahagauri, monomyth, Navaratri, Ntozake Shange, Ranjit Hoskote, Restorative, Sharada Navaratri, story, storytellers, Texas Instruments, water
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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 sharing their stories about friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This “missing” compilation post for Sunday, October 18th, (and the eighth day of Navaratri) 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.
“…we must learn our common symbols,
preen them
and share them with the world.”
— quoted from the preface to for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf by Ntozake Shange
Once upon a time, people only knew the stories of the people and the places in their lands. The stories might have had similar outlines, but the details were different. The symbols and signs were different. As people travelled, as populations expanded, stories were shared. But, there were still a limited amount of stories being told in any given area — and, in some areas, only certain storytellers (telling stories about certain people) were celebrated.
Technology changed all that.
Today, many people have the ability to read, hear, and/or watch stories from all over the world. More importantly, more people than ever before are able to share their stories. While you might have immediately thought about the internet or a computer or even a television, the technology I was referencing was the radio. But, not just any radio: a “pocket-sized” transistor radio.
The first commercial transistor radio, introduced today in 1954, created the opportunity for more stories to be told to more people. Ntozake Shange, the award-winning playwright and novelist who was born today in 1948, told some stories that had never been shared on a global stage… stories about women.
“somebody/anybody
sing a black girl’s song
bring her out
to know herself
to know you
but sing her rhythms
carin/struggle/hard times”
— The Lady in Brown with all the other Ladies from for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf by Ntozake Shange
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR THEIR STORIES!
“I found god in myself
and i loved her
i loved her fiercely”
— All the Ladies from for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf by Ntozake Shange
Joseph Campbell described seventeen stages in the monomyth or Hero’s Journey. In some ways, the tenth stage (Apotheosis) marks the beginning of the end. The heroine is still in a different world and there can still be a lot of adventure left. In fact, some have said that the hardest and most challenging part of the journey is still ahead. However, some of the major battles have been fought, trials and tribulations have been overcome, and there is some resolution… as well as some resolve on the part of the hero.
The word “apotheosis” comes from Late Latin, meaning “deification”. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as “the perfect form or example of something: quintessence” and “the highest or best part of something: peak”. There is a religious component to the apotheosis — one that plays out quite a bit in religious art. However, different religions have different theology around whether or not someone can actually become deified or whether they can simply become more god-like. Either way, the process often involves a metaphorical, spiritual, and/or physical death… and rebirth.
In the stories related to Navaratri, there is a moment of rebirth and renewal that is related to the eighth manifestation of Durga/Pavarti and the inspiration for the eighth step in our journey: Take a moment to renew yourself and celebrate your wins!
“New mind, new moon.
I’ve seen the great ocean made new.”
“Ever since I’ve scoured my body and mind,
I, Lalla, have been as new as new can be!”
— Poem 117, 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)
The following description related to the eighth day of Navaratri is a revised and (slightly) expanded excerpt.
Today was the eighth night/day of Navaratri, the Hindu celebration of God as a woman. The penultimate manifestation of Durga/Parvati is known as Mahagauri, the one of “great purity”. She is the mother Goddess who slays the demon-king. Remember, each of the nine manifestations of Durga represent Her at a different point in her life/journey. By the time we get to the eighth manifestation, Parvati is already married — but the demons can only be killed by a virgin. Obviously, she can not go back; she has to go forward in order to prepare herself for battle.
In some versions of her story, she practices tapas, prays, and makes offerings. At one point, she bathes in the Ganges River, one of the sacred rivers in India, and emerges with the rosy glow of youth. She is depicted in art with three eyes and four arms; riding a white bull; and carrying a trident and a damaru (a small hand drum) in her upper hands, while her lower hands form the “stop the ignorance”, mudra (which is also a seal of “fearlessness”) and the mudra associated with offering/ receiving a blessing. Both the trident and the drum are associated with power and Shiva, and the hand that is offering/receiving a blessing is also holding japamala (or meditation) beads. She is sometimes associated with the color pink, as a symbol of hope and optimism.
In parts of India, people begin their eighth day by making pūjā or offerings of flowers to celebrate her wisdom, beauty, and ability to bring peace. Then they get ready for the final celebrations. As I have mentioned before, this fourth celebration of Navaratri is the largest and leads directly into a related celebration on the tenth day.
For some people, this festival is also preparation for Diwali — which is another celebration with epic stories about a great adventure full of trials and tribulations, victories and defeats, healing and homecoming.
“I was missing something
something so important
something promised
a laying on of hands
fingers near my forehead
strong
cool
moving
making me whole
sense pure
all the gods coming into me
laying me open to myself
I was missing something
something promised
something free
a laying on of hands”
— quoted from for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf by Ntozake Shange
Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10182026 STILL Singing Bout OUR Stuff”]
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).
###
Water is Nourishing, Healing, & Purifying!
Water is Life!
###
Just Enough Time To Create… & Shine! (the “missing” compilation post) October 14, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, 9-Day Challenge, Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Love, Music, Mysticism, One Hoop, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: 988, Ananta Ripa Ajmera, Beresh't, creationism, e e cummings, Ecclesiastes, Genesis, Gregorian calendar, Kohelet, Kushmanda, Lal Dĕd, Lalla, Lalleshwari, Marian Feast Days, Navaratri, Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Ranjit Hoskote, Sharada Navaratri, The Protection of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, Vatican II, Yoga Sutra 1.25
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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 celebrating the Protection of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary and/or creating friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This “missing” compilation post for Wednesday, October 14th, 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.
“You rule the earth, breathe life
into the five elements.
All creation throbs with the Unstruck Sound.
Immeasurable, who can take Your measure?”
— Poem 113, 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)
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”, or words to that affect, are familiar to pretty much everyone who grew up in a community rooted in one or more of the Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, or Islām). Those words are a common English translation for Beresh’t-Genesis 1:1, the beginning of the Torah (or Hebrew Bible) and the beginning of the Christian Old Testament. While the words are different in the Qur’ān, this is still the beginning of the creation story, according to the Abrahamic religions.
Every culture on the planet has a creation story. These stories almost always involve a force above and beyond that creates… everything, including time. Go a little deeper into those stories and their supporting theology and you will find the belief that everything that is created contains some trace of it’s Creator, some element or attribute of the Divine — including the ability to create.
“[Kushmanda] also lives in our hearts. The fact that she is smiling reminds us that we too are our most creative when we are smiling and feeling positive, courageous (a quality of heart), and strong.”
— quoted from the “Knowing Kushmanda” section of “Chapter 4 — The Art of Loving Your True Self” in The Way of the Goddess: Daily Rituals to Awaken Your Inner Warrior and Discover Your True Self by Ananta Ripa Ajmera
EXCERPT (REMIX): The following description for the fourth day of Navaratri is a revised and expanded excerpt. Some links have been updated/added.
Today was the fourth day of Sharada Navaratri. Some might think of Navaratri, the “nine nights” and days of celebration in the Hindu tradition, as being very different from their own religious celebrations — because it is a celebration that focuses on Durga, the divine mother, in various manifestations. However, Hinduism is not the only religion where the feminine aspects of the Divine are celebrated. It’s not even the only religion that celebrated the Divine feminine today, since some Christians in Orthodox traditions were celebrating the Protection of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.
Furthermore, Navaratri is not the only religion in which an observation related to a woman, as the Divine, is associated with a period of nine days/nights. To my knowledge, however, Navaratri is unique in that it celebrates many different aspects of a single woman during the same timeframe. Each night/day is associated with a different manifestation of Durga/Parvati, the mother goddess, and is part of nine-part story cycle/journey that ends with a demon-king being destroyed.
This fourth day is dedicated to the Goddess Kushmanda who, it is said, “created the world with her divine smile” — a smile that also powers the sun. She is recognized as Shakti (the creative force) and associated with good health (specifically with improving health), wealth, and strength. She is like the aspects of the Virgin Mary that are remembered on Candlemas.
“The fact that this goddess, like Chandraghanta, rides a lion shows that the power of love is just as potent as the fire of transformation. It reminds us that the ability to love comes from inner strength. When we feel clouded by fear, anger, and grief, it can be difficult to imagine one day having the strength to love again. But Kushmanda is here to remind us that, no matter how brokenhearted we may feel at time, the power of love lives within us, and we can tap into it and become our creative best at any time.”
— quoted from the “Knowing Kushmanda” section of “Chapter 4 — The Art of Loving Your True Self” in The Way of the Goddess: Daily Rituals to Awaken Your Inner Warrior and Discover Your True Self by Ananta Ripa Ajmera
According to Kohelet — Ecclesiastes (3:1), “Everything has an appointed season, and there is a time for every matter under the heaven.” Since today (October 14th) was the last “deleted” day when papal-governed countries switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar back in 1582, why not think of today as a season to create change?
We can not only ask ourselves “How can I spend my time?”; we can also ask “What can I create during this time?”.
Asking and answering these questions leads us to the fourth step in our Navaratri journey: Create a plan that allows you to shine!
On a certain level, the aforementioned questions were being actively asked and answered when the Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican, more commonly known as the Second Vatican Council or Vatican II, started it’s second working day, today in 1962.
These were also the questions, on a certain level, that e e cummings (born today in 1894) asked himself as he figured out the way he wanted to show up in the world.
Click on the excerpt title below for a post about e e cummings.
“i thank You God for most this amazing
day:for the leaping greenly spirits of trees
and a blue true dream of sky; and for everything
which is natural which is infinite which is yes”
— quoted from “i thank You God for most this amazing” by e e cummings (b. 1894)
Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10142025 ‘i carry your heart’ [the celebrations remix]”]
“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 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).
“At this point, and only at this point, surrender becomes a matter of personal experience—a state of gratitude powerful enough to fill your mind and consume all the afflictions that once used to agitate it.”
— quoted from the Yoga International commentary on Yoga Sūtra 1.25 by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD
### AUM ###
Committing to Change, Knowing, & Unknowing (the “missing” Tuesday post) October 13, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, 9-Day Challenge, Abhyasa, Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Mysticism, One Hoop, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Suffering, Vairagya, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: 988, Abhyasa, Ananta Ripa Ajmera, Chandraghanta, Commitment, Gregorian calendar, Lal Dĕd, Lalla, Lalleshwari, Navaratri, Sharada Navaratri, Vairagya, Vatican II, Yoga Sutra 1.12 - 1.14
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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 learning to know friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This “missing” compilation post for Tuesday, October 13th, 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.
“From what direction did I come, and by what road?
In what direction am I going, how shall I find the road?
I hope they’ll send me a map before it’s too late
or it’s all over for me, my breath all gone to waste.”
— Poem 9, 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)
We started a journey on Sunday. Or, maybe you just started. Either way, every journey starts with an awareness of where you are (and who you are) and where you want to go. Even if you are lost, on a certain level, there is an awareness of being lost and wanting to be… elsewhere. So, we started the journey this particular journey by identifying where we are and who we are. The second step was to take a deep breath in and a deeper breath out — to practice a little yoga, if you will. Now, the third step: commit.
Commitment is a big part of any practice. The Yoga Philosophy specifically encourages us to commit to the practice. Abhyasa is the “[continuous and deliberate] practice, [engaged with sincere devotion]”. Paired with vairagya (“non-attachment”), abhyasa is a mindful, intentional, and deliberate way of creating habits that serve you — on and off the mat. (YS. 1.12-1.14) It is also the gateway to change, transformation (if you will).
In many cultures, marriage or taking religious vows are seen as life-long commitments. These commitments are marked by ritual, tradition, celebration, and public declarations — all of which creates an opportunity for people to be held accountable and, also, serves as a reminder of the commitment. Weddings or confirmations, however, are simply markers or symbols. The ceremonies are not the commitment itself. The commitment is what you do on a day to day basis: show up and keep your promise.
“Up, woman! Go make your offering.
Take wine, meat and a cake fit for the gods.
If you know the password to the Supreme Place,
you can reach wisdom by breaking the rules.”
— Poem 19, 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)
While Lalla, the 14th century Kashmiri poet, mystic, spiritual teacher, and saint was forced into an abusive marriage at age 12 and stayed in that marriage for 14 years, she was always more committed to her spiritual and religious practice that she was to her marriage. The commitment that she made — of her own volition — was the commitment she kept, the commitment that sustained her through hardship, and the commitment that ultimately led to her transforming her own life.
Even though the journey that plays out through the story of Navaratri is a little different from Lalla’s story, it is still a story that involves commitment as a pathway to transformation and transcendence.
“I gave myself to Him, body and soul,
became a bell that the clear note of Him rang through.
Thoughts fixed on Him, I flew through the sky
and unlocked the mysteries of heaven and hell.”
— Poem 112, 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)
EXCERPT: The following description for the third day of Navaratri is a slightly revised excerpt. Some links have been updated/added.
Today (Tuesday) was the third day and night of Sharada Navaratri, the “nine nights” celebrating Divine feminine energy in various manifestations. Some people see the manifestations as nine different women; however, they are also seen by some as the same woman at different points in her story. For instance, her third form is Chandraghanta, whose name, “one who has a half-moon shaped like a bell”, comes from the image of the newly-wed Parvati. She is depicted as a combination of beauty, grace, and courage, with her third eye open — the result of all the (yoga) preparation performed by Her previous manifestation. That open third eye means that she is always ready to fight evil and demons. In fact, she is sometimes known as the “Goddess Who Fights Demons”.
Here, “demons” can be a metaphor for anything that ails you physically, mentally, emotionally — even energetically, spiritually, and religiously. They can be challenges and hurdles that need to be over come. They can even be mistakes… sins… or vows (as I refer to them during the High Holidays) that can be absolved or forgiven. In fact, the faithful of all the different religions believe that there are ways (and even special times) when mistakes, sins, and broken vows are turned away… or washed away.
“Transformation is not something that accidentally happens to us. Like every part of the Navaratri cycle, it is something we initiate and experience again and again during our lives. For myself, day 3 of this cyclical practice (or week 3 or month 3, depending on how you structure your own Navaratri practice) is an opportunity to do something outside my comfort zone.”
— quoted from the “Cultivating Transformation” section of “Chapter 3 — Igniting the Fire of Transformation” in The Way of the Goddess: Daily Rituals to Awaken Your Inner Warrior and Discover Your True Self by Ananta Ripa Ajmera
In addition to being one the days “deleted” when papal-governed countries switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar in 1582, October 13, 1962, was the first working day of The Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican. More commonly known as the Second Vatican Council or Vatican II, the meetings that spanned a little over three years were a journey and a commitment to change.
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE FOR MORE.
“I find a lot of similarity between Goddess Kalaratri, who symbolizes the spiritual power of transcendence, and Goddess Chandraghanta, who represents the power of transformation (in chapter 3). While transformation happens from taking strong, consistent action to overcome our fears, transcendence results from applying spiritual knowledge to see traumas we have experienced through the eyes of wisdom. This ensures we never see ourselves as helpless victims at the mercy of a cruel world but rather as powerful manifesters of our own destinies.”
— quoted from the “Cultivating Transcendence” section of “Chapter 7 — Transcending Trauma with Wisdom” in The Way of the Goddess: Daily Rituals to Awaken Your Inner Warrior and Discover Your True Self by Ananta Ripa Ajmera
Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “10132020 Knowing & Unknowing, prequel”]
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).
### Promise Yourself ###
The Next Step is Part of Getting Ready (the post-practice Monday compilation) October 12, 2026
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, 9-Day Challenge, Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, First Nations, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Mysticism, One Hoop, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Tragedy, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: 988, Ananta Ripa Ajmera, Bramacharini, Bramcharya, Canadian Thanksgiving, Christopher Columbus, First Nations, Gregorian calendar, Indigenous Peoples, Journey, Lal Dĕd, Lalla, Native, Navaratri, Ranjit Hoskote, Second Monday in October, Sharada Navaratri, tapas, Will Joyner
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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 grateful for friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom on Canadian Thanksgiving and the second Monday in October.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This post-practice compilation post for Monday, October 12th, includes new content and a series of excerpts. The 2026 prompt question was, “What is something you always do when you are getting ready to start something big and what is something you could do more often when you are getting ready to start something big?” You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
“I trapped my breath in the bellows of my throat:”
— quoted from poem 42 in I, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Dĕd by Lal Dĕd (Translated from the Kashmiri with an Introduction and Notes by Ranjit Hoskote)
This year, for nine days, we are taking a journey. Anyone can take this journey and we could start this journey at any time. I am suggesting it now for a few reasons. First, we are still in the middle of those “lagniappe” or extra days that were skipped, in 1582, as papal-governed countries switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Another reason I am making this suggestion now is because today (Monday) was the second day of Navaratri (“nine nights”).
This is a yoga journey, in that it is intended to bring us closer to “a previously unattainable goal”. Even if your goal and desire is related to something you are continuing to day, it requires taking things step-by-step.
The first step is knowing where (and who) you are and where you are going. The second step is doing the things you do when you are getting ready to do something big. One of the things I do is take a deep breath in and a deeper breath out. Sometimes I do that in a stationary position; sometimes I move between positions. Either way, I start with a little bit of yoga.
Just like the first step, this second step is inspired by a manifestation of divine feminine energy who is celebrated during the nine days and nine nights of Navaratri.
The following description related to the second day of Navaratri is excerpted from previous posts.
“While this may sound like an extreme–and even scary–story, I don’t see it as the tale of a goddess who gave up everything to marry a god. Instead, I understand it as the story of a Truth seeker who gave up all distractions to merge with the ultimate Truth.”
— quoted from the “Knowing BRAHMACHARINI” section of “Chapter 2: Channeling Your Energy — Channeling Your Energy (when you’re feeling excited) with Goddess Brahmacharini, the one who follows brahmacharya (the path of self-control)” in The Way of the Goddess: Daily Rituals To Awaken Your Inner Warrior And Discover Your True Self by Ananta Ripa Ajmera
Yesterday was also the beginning of Sharada Navaratri, the most celebrated of the four Navaratri festivals. Navaratri literally means “nine nights” and is a Hindu celebration of God / the Divine as a woman. Each day is dedicated to a different manifestation of Durga/Parvati and each manifestation marks a different point in Her journey. Today, the second day, is dedicated to the Goddess Brahmacharini (“Unmarried One”), who is also Yogini. Both of her names highlight her path.
A yogini is a woman who practices yoga. Brahmacharini shares a root with the fourth yama (external “restraint” or universal commandment), brahmacharya, which can be translated as following in the steps of God or “chasing God” — or even that the devotee is riding in God’s “chariot”. All of these translations are associated with the life of someone who is deeply invested in their religious and spiritual life. In art, Brahmacharini has all the symbols of an ascetic: bare feet, a mala (rosary) and a kamandalu (water pot). Since people consider her a symbol of bliss and calmness, some pray to her for moksha (“liberation” from suffering), peace, and prosperity.
People also believe Brahmacharini can endow them with strong concentration and self-control. In fact, her story is full of the great challenges associated with the austerity she practices in order to achieve her goal of marriage. To me, she, herself, is liminal in that she is the embodiment of the auspicious moment between the goddess being identified as a daughter and the goddess being identified as a wife.
“The story of Brahmacharini and Shiva is not meant to be the story of a romantic relationship; Shiva is merely symbolic of the true Self. He is pure consciousness, the eternal soul, which we strive to merge with vis–à–vis the power of spiritual practice.”
— quoted from the “Knowing BRAHMACHARINI” section of “Chapter 2: Channeling Your Energy — Channeling Your Energy (when you’re feeling excited) with Goddess Brahmacharini, the one who follows brahmacharya (the path of self-control)” in The Way of the Goddess: Daily Rituals To Awaken Your Inner Warrior And Discover Your True Self by Ananta Ripa Ajmera
Each and every person on the planet (or a space station) “contain[s] multitudes” and experiences different seasons of life. At different stages in our lives, we are recognized in different ways. At different times in our lives we fulfill different roles. Each season and each role comes with different responsibilities and expectations, as well as with different skills, abilities, experiences, and powers.
Take a moment to recognize the path you are on; the journey that is your life; the season you are in; the roles you play; and the way you serve the world.
Take a moment to acknowledge that you can simultaneously experience excitement, anticipation, doubt, fear, hesitation, and joy every time you experience change.
Take a moment to do what you need to do to grieve and appreciate what is no longer and, also, to appreciate what is not yet — knowing that what is not yet is a possibility that could be or might never be.
Take a moment to remember that you and the things you do have meaning and are valuable.
Now, take a breath, exhale, and begin.
“I trapped my breath in the bellows of my throat:
a lamp blazed up inside, showed me who I really was.
I crossed the darkness holding fast to that lamp,
scattering its light-seeds around me as I went.”
— poem 42, quoted from I, Lalla: The Poems of Lal Dĕd by Lal Dĕd (Translated from the Kashmiri with an Introduction and Notes by Ranjit Hoskote)
Several holidays are observed in the United States and in Canada on the second Monday in October. Events that took place on October 12, 1492, are directly connected to one of those holidays (technically, some of those holidays) in the United States.
Click on the excerpt title below for some history you know and some history you may need to “unknow”.
“… all of us who feel we “know” a certain field—any field, whether scientific or not—should, it seems to me, regularly ponder what we don’t know, admit what we don’t know, and not turn away from what we don’t know…. Perhaps the chance for more civil discussion of these topics lies in our willingness to mark out our own areas of knowing and “unknowing,” to pay attention to one another’s areas of knowing and unknowing, and to proceed humbly together.”
— quoted from an Autumn 2006 Harvard Divinity Bulletin article entitled “Knowing and Unknowing” by Will Joyner
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).
### Breathe In / Breathe Out ###
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).
