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FTWMI (revised): A Quick Note & EXCERPTS:  “The best thing since…” PLUS “‘Quick Notes & EXCERPT: What’s Behind Your Curtain?’” July 7, 2026

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Food, Hope, Life, Love, Music, One Hoop, Religion, Wisdom, Yoga.
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone celebrating Ivana-Kupala, saints, and/or cultivating a heart full of peace, freedom, and wisdom (inside and outside).

For Those Who Missed It: The following was originally posted today in 2024 (with a weather report) & in 2025 (with the question “If you were going to give or receive a gift, would you prefer bread, chocolate, and/or music?” ) REVISIONS: Class details, an extra quote, the extra excerpt, and some links have been updated/added.

“Wie ich Dich liebe, Du meine Sonne,
ich kann mit Worten Dir’s nicht sagen.
Nur meine Sehnsucht kann ich Dir klagen
und meine Liebe, meine Wonne!”

In which way I love you, my sunbeam,
I cannot tell you with words.
Only my longing, my love and my bliss
can I with anguish declare.”

— German and English lyrics of a love poem (to Alma Mahler-Werfel) associated with the final movement of “Symphony No. 5” composed (and written) by Gustav Mahler (b. 07/07/1860)

Born today in 1860, the composer Gustav Mahler expressed his love for his wife Alma with poems and music, like the Adagietto (“little Adagio”) movement in “Symphony No. 5.” In a similar situation, others might give the gift of chocolate… or bread, both of which we are celebrating today.

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE (including a fun video).

FTWMI: The best thing since…

“And I would give anything I own
Would give up my life, my heart, my home
I would give everything I own
Just to have you back again”

— quoted from the song “Everything I Own” by Bread (written by David Gates)

Please join me today (Tuesday, July 7th) at 12:00 Noon or 7:15 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email me at myra             (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “07072024 Bread & Chocolate (with Mahler)”]

Music Note: This playlist is a remix (of a remix) with more “Chocolat” and more Mahler.

Click on the excerpt title below for a post related to Ivana-Kupala, which some people started celebrating last night.

Quick Notes & EXCERPT: “What’s Behind Your Curtain?” (a post-practice Monday note)

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

White Flag is an app, which I have not 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.

You’re Invited to Bend… & To Take The Deepest Breath You’ve Taken — On Retreat!

September 25 — 27, 2026

### Enjoy Sustainable & Ethical C7H8N4O2 ###