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First Friday Night Special #48: An Invitation to “Reflecting, Remembering, Repenting, & Planting” (the “missing” invitation w/excerpt & links) October 4, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in 9-Day Challenge, Art, Bhakti, Books, Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Karma, Life, Love, Meditation, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Rosh Hashanah, Suffering, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.
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“L’Shana Tovah U’Metukah!” to everyone celebrating Rosh Hashanah and the High Holidays. “Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Sharada Navaratri!” Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone cultivating friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom.

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

This is the “missing” invitation for the “First Friday Night Special” on October 4th. It includes a related excerpt and some previously posted content. You can request an audio recording of this Restorative Yoga practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

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

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

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

“Through the years I’ve written and taught extensively about ‘liminal time,’ that pregnant pause between what is no longer and what is not yet. Although liminal time is a known stage in all rites of passage, most people have never heard of it. Whether we’re talking about a pandemic, a war, a refugee crisis, or even a man or womanhood ritual, a graduation, or a new job far away from family and friends, the stages (though not the intensity) of a rite of passage are the same.”

— quoted from “Running the Gauntlet of the Unknown” by Joan Borysenko, PhD (posted at joanborysenko.com, April 1, 2020)

This is a liminal moment — a transitional or threshold moment, a doorway in between moments; like the pauses in between the inhale and the exhale. As I have mentioned before, we could say that about any moment in our lives; however, this is one of those Liminal moments that is being recognized as an auspicious time by several communities around the world. This is one of those moments full of ceremony, ritual, and tradition.

In addition to being a sacred time in several religious communities, this is also the anniversary of a liminal time. October 4, 1582, was the last day that Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, and places like the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth used the Julian calendar. In order to transition to the (new) Gregorian calendar, Papal-governed countries had to skip 10 days (October 5 — 14). It was almost as if they never existed and would never exist. Sure, they were just rebranded; but, this day, as well as those missing days (that pop up at different times in other countries), serve as a reminder that this present moment is the only one we are promised.

But, what if we were given the opportunity to “request” (or accept) and plan for more time?

“Who will be calm and who will be tormented?
Who will become poor and who will get rich?
Who will be made humble and who will be raised up?
But teshuvah and tefillah and tzedakah [repentance and prayer and righteous acts]
deflect the evil of the decree.”

— quoted from the poem “Unetaneh Tokef” (“Let Us Speak of the Awesomeness”)

For some, the opportunity to request (or accept) more time started at sunset on Wednesday, which marked the beginning of Rosh Hashanah in Jewish communities around the world (and in communities where people observe the commanded holidays outlined in Deuteronomy). Literally “the Head of the Year,” the beginning of this New Year is also the beginning of the High Holidays — known as the “Ten Days of Atonement” and the “Ten Days of Awe” — which culminate with Yom Kippur, “The Day of Atonement.” It is one of the holiest times of the year for some and is celebrated by people who might not typically go to services. Unlike a secular new year, it is more than a celebration — it is an observation: a time for reflection, remembrance, and repentance.

It is also a time when people “request” (or accept) and plan for more time.

Click on the excerpt title below for more (including a preview of the Saturday practice).

FTWMI: You’re Invited To A Possibility Party!

“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

Thursday was 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. Friday, 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 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). People consider her a symbol of bliss and calmness and 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.

“So I draw courage and stand face-to-face with my limitations, without shrinking or running. I allow for honest remorse. Here is my place of Now….

Of course, acceptance does not mean becoming complacent. I still need to honestly evaluate my life and reflect on how I want to act differently this coming year. It also doesn’t preclude trying my best.

But at this very moment my state of ‘now’ is my truth.”

— quoted from an article entitled “Perfectly Imperfect: The Secret of the Shofar” (09/12/2020) by Rabbi Binyomin Weisz

CLICK HERE FOR THE ROSH HASHANA POST FROM WEDNESDAY!

The October First Friday Night Special features Restorative Yoga (with some gentle movement). It is accessible and open to all.

(NOTE: There will be a little bit of quiet space in this practice.) 

Prop wise, this can be a kitchen sink practice. You can practice without props or use “studio” props and/or “householder” props. Example of Commercial props: 1 – 2 blankets, 2 – 3 blocks, a bolster, a strap, and an eye pillow. Example of Householder props: 1 – 2 blankets or bath towels, 2 – 3 books (similar in size), 2 standard pillows (or 1 body pillow), a belt/tie/sash, and a face towel. A water bottle can be used if a ball is not handy.

You may want extra layers (as your body may cool down during this practice). Having a wall, chair, sofa, or coffee table may be handy for this practice.

Friday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify.

NOTE: The playlist tracks are slightly different in length and duration.

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

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

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

### MAY YOUR NAME BE WRITTEN & SEALED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE ###

This is the Eid (mostly blessings & music) April 10, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Bhakti, Changing Perspectives, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Lent / Great Lent, Life, Music, New Year, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Ramadan, Religion, Wisdom, Yoga.
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Many blessings to all! “Eid Mubarak, Blessed Festival!” to anyone celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadān. “Happy Ugadi, Samvatsarādi, or Yugadi, Happy New Year!” to those who are celebrating! “Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Chaitra Navaratri!” Many blessings to those observing Great Lent!

“It’s a blessing to have seen another Ramadān but it’s also a blessing to see the first day of Shawwal and every tomorrow that I will see. Don’t focus on what you don’t have. Definitely don’t focus on what others see that you have. But just take a moment and think about all that you do have and let gratitude carry you through the days.”

— quoted from a 2013 “Ramadān Reflection” (Day 30) for Huffington Post by Imam Khalid Latif

Please join me today (Wednesday, April 10th) 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 “Ramadan & Eid 2024”]

Some quick notes about the music: First, my playlists for the final days of Ramadān are not halal (“permissible”) in all Islamic traditions, because of the orchestrations. They do, however, feature musicians who are Muslim (with a few exceptions).

Reba McEntire is one of the notable exceptions — notable, because in previous years she was the only female soloist and the only non-Muslim singer on the playlists. While this year’s playlists include several Muslim women as musicians and composers, “Pray for Peace” is still highlighted because it was re-released during the month of Ramadān in 2014 — but not just randomly in the month, the song was released in the last ten days of the month (during the holiest part of the month)!

Some songs on the playlist are Nasheeds (meaning they are religiously moral songs) that, in some traditions, are meant to be sung without instrumentation or only with percussion. I have, however, included orchestrated versions of these songs, because this seems to have worked best in an in-studio setting. I mean no disrespect by this choice. As far as I know, percussion or voice only recordings of the Nasheeds are available (if you want to build your own playlist). Alternatively, you can practice without the music — which is always a suitable option.

Finally, the YouTube version currently includes some additional before/after music.

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.)

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ARE YOU GOING TO KISS MY ASANA?
(April 13th – 19th)
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An Anything [But] Ordinary 2024 (the “missing” Sunday post) *UPDATED* February 11, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Lent / Great Lent, Life, Meditation, Music, New Year, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Wisdom, Yoga.
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“Happy (Lunar) New Year!” and/or “Happy Carnival!” to those who are already celebrating! Many blessings to anyone preparing for Lent. “Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Gupta (Magha) Navaratri!” Peace and ease throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!

This is the “missing” post for Sunday, February 11th. It includes some previously posted information (updated for 2024) and embedded links to related posts. You can request a recording of the related practice(s) via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email me at 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. Donations are tax deductible.

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

“When you are grounded you are completely present, your mind is still, and you are totally focused. It is from this place of being grounded that you can operate most effectively….”

— quoted from the “Reflection” section of the “Day 12 ~ February 11 ~ Groundedness” page for the “Season for Nonviolence,” provided by the Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace

For some people, there was nothing special about today.

I mean, every day is special and every day that you can be grounded in the present is special. But, for some this day is just like any other date on the calendar.

Oh, sure, maybe you know that Thomas Alva Edison was born February 11, 1847, and that this was a special day for Nelson Mandela, who was freed from prison today in 1990, after 27 years in prison.* Maybe you remember last year’s Black History post about the history (before and after) Ruth Carol Taylor’s much heralded and publicized flight today in 1958. Or, maybe you were one of those people excited about the Super Bowl… or the halftime show… or something related.

But, all of that is history and — unless you mark some personal special occasion on February 11th — there is nothing extra special about today.

It’s just an ordinary… regular Sunday… on the Gregorian calendar.

“财神到 财神到
Caishen dao caishen dao [The god of wealth has come! The god of wealth has come!]

好心得好报
Hao xinde hao bao [Good news]

财神话 财神话
Caishenhua caishenhua [Myth of money, myth of money]

揾钱依正路
wen qian yi zhenglu [if you follow the right path]”

— quoted from the song “Cai Shen Dao” [“The God of Wealth Has Come!” by Sam Hui, lyrics in Hanzi [Chinese characters], pīnyīn [“spelled sounds”], and English

Of course, not everyone uses the Gregorian calendar. So, for some people today (Sunday) was the second day of the Lunar New Year designated as the Year of the (wood) Dragon. In parts of China and the diaspora, it was also the second day of the Spring Festival, a fifteen day celebration that culminates with the Lantern Festival. Each region that celebrates the Lunar New Year, places special significance on each day and highlights that significance with different stories, traditions, and food.

Food is a big part of the Spring Festival traditions. Certain foods are associated with certain deities and stories. Additionally, as Dr. Miranda Brown (who teaches at the University of Michigan, in the Department of Asian Languages and Cultures) explained to Helen Zaltzman on episode 189 of The Allusionist, certain foods are consumed (or not consumed) during the Spring Festival because their names (in Chinese) are homophones that sound exactly like — or, very similar to — words that mean “gold,” “abundance, or surplus,” “becoming successful,” “many riches,” and “good fortune for all.” There are even noodles specifically called, “long life noodles.” Obviously people want to eat those things. Similarly, things that sound (and look) like the characters of bad fortune are to be avoided.

Some people honor the god of land on the second day, while others celebrate the birthday of all dogs. Traditionally, the second day is a day when daughters who had married and moved away from home would return to visit their birth families — which meant their families would welcome the son-in-laws. In some places, this second day of the new year is actually dedicated to the son-in-laws.

For some (particularly Cantonese people), the second day is known as “beginning of the year” and it marks the beginning of a new business year. As such, there are blessings and prayers for a prosperous new year. From 221 B. C. until 1912 A. D., it was common for beggars and the unemployed in China to spend today carrying around a picture of the God of Wealth and shouting, “Cai Shen Dao” ! [“The God of Wealth has come!” in Mandarin] In exchange for their pronouncement, they would receive “lucky money” from families and businesses.

In some parts of China, people celebrate the birthday of Che Kung on his “actual” birthday (the second), while others celebrate on the third day of the year. A military general of the Southern Song Dynasty, Che Kung is believed to have been capable of suppressing rebellions and plagues. Some even consider him “God of Protection.” Hong Kong and Guangdung Province are two of the places where people traditionally have a procession and visit a temple dedicated to Che Kung. Despite the pandemic, thousands of people visited the temple in Sha Tin in 2021; however, masks, temperature checks, and a health registration were required. In 2022, vaccinations were encouraged and people were required to use the “Leave Home Safe” app, which is a free digital contract tracing app launched by the Hong Kong government. In 2023, some media outlets reported a few less people than normal, while others reported more people than the previous year. Both scenarios could be true, but in either case, most people are hoping, praying, and wishing for a better business year.

People who travel to the temple on the second and third days of the new year give thanks, light red candles and incense sticks, and present offerings. Some will spin a golden pinwheel outside of the temple to maintain good luck from the previous year or to change their fortune in the New Year. Some will even buy a personal pinwheel. There is also a big ceremony around drawing fortune sticks, which people believe offers guidance for the coming year and can be interpreted by a fortune teller. Of course, this year (like the last three years), a lot of people are seeking guidance about how to proceed in a way that eliminates suffering (given the long term ramifications of the pandemic).

While billions of people around the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, many in India and the diaspora are celebrating (Gupta) Navaratri. As I mentioned on Saturday, the 9-night celebrations of Durga, the divine mother, in various manifestations, technically occurs four times a year. However, since this time of year is one of the least celebrated Navaratri holidays, it is considered “secret” or “hidden” (i.e., not obvious). The second day/night is dedicated to Durga as Brahmacharini (“Unmarried One“), a form of Parvati who is devoted to the path of Yoga. In art, she has all the symbols of an ascetic: bare feet, a mala (rosary) and a kamandalu (water pot). People consider her a symbol of bliss and calmness and pray to her for moksha (“liberation” from suffering), peace, and prosperity.

Of course, there are billions of people who look to another manifestation of the divine for peace.

A variation of the following was previously posted in 2021 (with additional context added in 2023).

“Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, “We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled.”

— The Gospel According to St. Luke (18:31, NIV)

For some Western Christians, the fact that today is a “Regular” or “Ordinary” day means it is outside specifically designated periods of liturgy. For some, today is specifically referenced as Quinquagesima, as it is 50 days before Easter (including the Sundays, which are excluded when counting the 40 Days of Lent). For others, within Western Christian traditions, today is Shrove Sunday (which, in some traditions is also Transfiguration Sunday). Still others, specifically some Catholics who use the Latin Psalters, observe today as Estomihi, which comes from the opening lines of many services on this day: “Inclina ad me aurem tuam, accelera ut eruas me. Esto mihi in Deum protectorem: et in domum refugii, ut salvum me facias.” (“Incline your ear to me. Hasten to rescue me. Be for me a protector God and a house of refuge, so as to accomplish my salvation.”)

Keep in mind that these are all “moveable feasts,” meaning their dates on the secular calendar change depending on the date of Easter each year. Also keep in mind that the Western and Eastern Churches have different calendars — and not all Orthodox communities share the same liturgical schedule. So, these last days of Shrovetide (which includes Shrove Monday and Shrove Tuesday) will be observed by some Eastern Christian traditions in March.**

Just as people start preparations for the Lenten season at different times, people have different ways of getting ready. Carnival and Mardi Gras celebrations are opportunities for people to indulge in the things they plan to give up, as the Lenten season is a period of fasting and repentance in preparation for Easter. Whether fasting or feasting, there is a symbolic association with food. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, especially in Slavic countries, the last week before Lent is known as Maslenitsa (Belarusian: Масленіца, Russian: Мaсленица, Rusyn: Пущаня, Ukrainian: Маслянаas) or Butter Lady, Butter Week, Crepe week, or Cheesefare Week, making the last Sunday before Lent (which this year will be March 17th, according to some Eastern schedules) Cheesefare Sunday.

Rather than focusing on indulging, however, some Christians designate the three weeks before Lent as Shrovetide. Shrove comes from the word “shrive,” meaning “to absolve” and, for Christians who are focused on “shriving,” Shrovetide is a period of self-examination, repentance, and amendments of sins. In the Orthodox traditions, Shrove Sunday is also known as “Forgiveness Sunday,” which includes “Forgiveness Vespers.” By emphasizing forgiveness of sins and transgressions, as well as fasting, as a foundation for beginning the Great Lent, people believe that they will be better able to focus on the spiritual aspects of life with a pure heart.

“As he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. Two men, Moses and Elijah, appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus. They spoke about his departure, which he was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem.”

— The Gospel According to St. Luke (9:29 – 31, NIV)

Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Quinquagesima 2022”]

NOTE: This playlist has been revised for 2024, but the practice timings have not changed.

“During apartheid, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela once summoned Yvonne Chaka Chaka to her Soweto home to deliver a note and a message from her husband in prison on Robben Island.

‘It was just a note to say “your music keeps us, your fathers, alive in jail”,’ the Princess of Africa told me earlier this year. I asked her if Madiba ever told her what song of hers he enjoyed most.

‘Umqombothi,’ she replied. It remains her most popular track.”

— quoted from the 12 Dec 2013 City Press article, “Who was Mandela’s favourite singer?” by Charl Blignaut

CORRECTIONS: * Umqombothi is not “butter beer,” as I referred to it during the practice. It is, however, “special beer.” Click here for an additional post about Madiba, music, and the significance of this beer.

**I think I have finally found a good calendar converter! However, during the practice, I defaulted to the idea that there is a one week difference between the Gregorian and Julian calendars — which is not currently accurate and does not take into consideration that different Orthodox communities use different calendars. I apologize for the confusion.

### ARE YOU (GETTING) READY? ###