To Be Good or To Be Perfect (the “missing” Sunday post) September 28, 2025
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, 7-Day Challenge, 9-Day Challenge, Art, Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Fitness, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, New Year, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Rosh Hashanah, Suffering, Wisdom, Women, Yoga, Yom Kippur.Tags: 988, Aish, Ananta Ripa Ajmera, Beresh't, Bhagavad Gita, bible, faith, Genesis, High Holidays, Imposter Syndrome, International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), Kalaratri, Kali, Leonard Cohen, mitzvot, Navaratri, Rabbi Binyomin Weisz, Rosh Hashanah, Sharada Navaratri, Shofar, Ten Days of Atonement, Ten Days of Awe, Tikkun Olam, tov, World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), Yoga Sutra 1.37, Yom Kippur
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“Chag sameach!” (“Happy Festival!”) to everyone observing 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 during International Week of Deaf People.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This “missing” compilation post for Sunday, September 28th, features new and previously posted content. You can request an audio recording of this practice or a previous practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
“Deaf communities are innovative communities! Our diverse intersectional global communities, found in every country on Earth, consisting of deaf people from different backgrounds and life experiences, are innovators! We have multiple opportunities to impact technological change. The future of our technology starts with our knowledge, drawn from our diverse communities, working together to shape the future we want. Together, we will innovate, inspire and create a world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere!”
— quoted from the “International Week of Deaf People 2025 — Daily Themes: A Week of Celebration, Awareness, and Action” (Sunday) section of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) website
Today (Sunday) was the seventh day of the International Week of Deaf People. As I mentioned earlier in the week, there is an overreaching theme for the year (2025: “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”) and a daily focus. The Sunday focus was “Set the basis for the future: together we can innovate, inspire, and impact!”
These themes inspire people and are a way to get a group of people from different backgrounds, cultures, and languages working in a coordinated way to bring about change all over the world — change that serves everyone (even those of us who are not in the Deaf community).
At the beginning of our physical practice of yoga, we set a “group intention” — to get on the same page, so we can work together — and then we each have an opportunity to set our own “personal intention”. I refer to the latter as, “your goal, your desire, your reason for being on the mat.” Sometimes, I encourage people to go a little deeper and identify how their goal or desire serves them: “… how it brings you peace, balance, maybe even joy.” This is all followed by a dedication and, sometimes, the awareness that what serves us individually can serve us collectively.
The additional suggestions are reminders that sometimes things can work out in a different way then we envisioned. For example, if your goal or desire is to own a classic Shelby Cobra, it could serve you because you need a way to commute to work and/or because you love vintage Mustangs. If you need reliable transportation, but you get too fixated on the make and model, you might miss an opportunity to obtain a car that serves you (and those around you). If you love classic cars and already have reliable transportation, maybe you check out other makes and models (or years) to satisfy your desire.
On the mat, every pose — as well as how each pose fits into the sequence — affects the mind-body in different ways. Additionally, every part of the mind-body could be affected in a similar way by a multitude of other poses. Standing balance is good for your vestibular system and can strengthen the standing leg, hips, and core, while also creating flexibility (and strength) in the lifted leg. If you have issues standing on one foot, using a prop (like a wall) can be more beneficial than falling out of the pose every couple of seconds. By the same token, if you really want to focus on the flexibility or “opening” (more than the balance), you might practice a supine version of the same pose or a different pose altogether.
All that being said, it’s easy to get caught up in the momentum of doing something — on or off the mat — and forget WHY we’re spending our time doing what we’re doing. That tendency to forget is why I remind people, at least once during the practice, to “remember your intention / remember your dedication.”
“And God said, ‘There will be light,’ and there was light.
And God saw the light that it was good, and God separated between the light and between the darkness.”
— quoted from Beresh’t / Genesis 1:3-4
Last Monday (September 22nd) at sunset marked the beginning of Rosh Hashanah (“the Head of the Year”), which is the beginning of the “Ten Days of Atonement” or “Ten Days of Awe” (which culminate with Yom Kippur, “The Day of Atonement”). There are several ways in which this period is different from a secular new year. First, there is the period of time, which is one of the holiest times of the year for some communities and may be celebrated by people who might not typically go to services. Second, observing these days are religious commandments and, therefore, observed by Jewish communities around the world and by communities where people observe the commanded holidays outlined in Deuteronomy. Finally, this is more than a celebration — it is an observation: a time for reflection, remembrance, and repentance.
It is also a time to consider how one could spend their time… doing something that is “good” .
“And God saw that it was good.”
— Words that appear 7 times in the Creation story found in Beresh’t / Genesis
Another way Rosh Hashanah is different from a secular new year (or the other new years found on the Hebrew calendar) is that people do not wish each other “Happy New Year”. Instead, people say1, “Shana Tovah” (“Good Year”) or “Shana Tovah U’Metukah!” (“Good and Sweet Year”). Tov is a Hebrew word that means “good”; and, as we find in the beginning of the Torah (also the Christian Old Testament), God defined things as “good” when they had meaning and served their purpose.
So, similar to the beginning of our physical practice of yoga, people who observe the “Ten Days of Atonement” and the “Ten Days of Awe” spend some time setting intentions and digging into how those goals and desires will serve them (and others) during the year ahead.
Some of the following was previously posted in a slightly different context.
“…every person is obligated to say, ‘For my sake alone the world was created.’ That doesn’t mean the world is mine to consume everything indiscriminately (although God does want us to enjoy the pleasures of this world).
What it does mean is that we must take responsibility for any problem in the world. If you recognize a problem – whether it be a piece of litter on the street or a major social issue that needs adjusting – you shouldn’t just say ‘someone else will deal with it.’ There is nobody else. In God’s eyes, the rule is: You saw it, you fix it.”
— Aish Rabbi on Tikkun Olam
Tikkun Olam is a phrase in Hebrew which literally means “repair the world” — although, many people think of it as “heal the world”. Classically, it refers to the rule of law: what is needed in order to restore social order. In the modern context, people think of it as how each person can do something, maybe even has an obligation to do something (when they can), and could even be compared to dharma (“law”) in Indian philosophies.
There are several things that happen when people (in general) start thinking about how they can make a difference. One of those things is that they look for inspiration in others. In fact, Yoga Sūtra 1.37 states that clarity of mind can come from “contemplating on the mind [or heart] of those who are free from desire” and, in the commentary, Swami Vivekananda said, “Take some holy person, some great person whom you revere, some saint whom you know to be perfectly nonattached, and think of his heart. That heart has become non-attached, and meditate on that heart; it will calm the mind. If you cannot do that, there is the next way…”.
Other commentary suggests focusing on your own heart and mind as if you were free from desire. This is a handy suggestion, because while looking to others for inspiration can be really motivating, it can also be problematic. For example, people have a tendency of putting their inspirations on pedestals. Such myth building belies the fact that people (take Gandhi, for instance) are (and were) human; that they make mistakes; and sometimes have really horrible opinions that co-exist with their more admirable ones.
On the flip side, comparisons to others can be problematic because they can lead to a really debilitating mindset: Imposter Syndrome, the belief that someone is somehow fraudulent. This type of self-doubt can manifest in a lot of different ways. It can show up as someone dreaming, planning, and/or re-working something so much that they never get to the point of doing the thing. It can also show up as someone never getting started because they are afraid of disappointing themselves (or others) and/or not doing something as well as others. Finally, it can just show up as a general feeling of malaise that saps your energy and makes it harder to focus… let alone do your best. It can be a vicious cycle that is perpetuated by a desire to be perfect and live up to expectations.
But, if we backup a little, we may remember that the important part is not that we do what someone else can do: The important thing is to do what we are able to do and to do the best that we can. This is explicitly spelled out in The Bhagavad Gita when Krishna spoke to Arjuna about “achieving perfection” and said, “‘Your very nature dictates that you perform the duties attuned to your disposition. Those duties are your dharma, your natural calling. It is far better to do your own dharma, even if you do it imperfectly, than to try to master the work of another. Those who perform the duties called for by their obligations, even if those duties seem of little merit, are able to do them with less effort — and this releases consciousness that can be directed Godward.’” (BG 18.47)
This same lesson on perfection and purpose can be found in the lesson of the shofar, as explained by Rabbi Binyomin Weisz.
For Those Who Missed It: Portions of the following excerpt were posted in 2020 and/or 2024.
“But the truth is: ‘All sounds are kosher’ – not only for the shofar, but for the heart as well.”
— quoted from an article entitled “Perfectly Imperfect: The Secret of the Shofar” (09/12/2020) by Rabbi Binyomin Weisz
A shofar is a ram’s horn that is blown (like a trumpet) during most Rosh Hashanah services and at the end of Yom Kippur. Historically, it has also been used at other times, including as a call-to-arms before a battle. During the High Holidays, there are four types of sounds (tekiah = a long, smooth blast; shevarim = three short bursts; terua = a series of short bursts; and tekiah gedolah = a long, drawn out, smooth blast), which are produced in very specific patterns in order to remind people to turn inward and reflect, remember, repent, and hope.
As with most spiritual rituals, the horn has to be produced in a certain way and blown by a specific person. However, the mitzvah (or “commandment”) related to the High Holidays is not related to the blowing — it’s a commandment related to hearing the sound. Obviously, since it is an organic instrument, each shofar sounds slightly different. What is super fascinating to me (and others), however, is that certain imperfections do not “ruin” the instrument.
As teachers and scholars like Rabbi Binyomin Weisz point out, a hole can change the sound of the shofar and it’s still kosher. Granted, there are some ways a shofar can be broken — and even fixed — that make it no longer kosher. In fact, the very act of “fixing” a broken shofar, so that it sounds like it originally sounded, can make it unusable for its intended purpose — and, therefore, not good — which just strengthens the lesson for me. Given that so many people struggle with “imposter syndrome” and high expectations, here are four steps you can do at any time:
- Let go of expectations and focus on what you can do / are doing;
- Remember Rule 303 (see the last embedded link above): Do what you can do, as much as you can, and for as long as you can;
- Appreciate what you’re doing, because it has value/meaning; AND
- Remember the value/meaning of you (being who you are and doing what you do).
“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
A version of the following (revised) note was posted earlier this year.
“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
Today (Sunday) was also the seventh day of Navaratri, the Hindu festival of “nine nights” celebrating divine feminine energy in various manifestations. This seventh day of Navaratri is dedicated to Kalaratri, the most ferocious form of Durga/Parvati. I will admit that I sometimes have a hard time with elements of the Divine that show up as ferocious. However, I appreciate that sometimes strong, fierce energy/medicine is needed to eliminate negative energy — and this is why Kalaratri is so strong: She eliminates negativity.
Some believe that Kalaratri destroys all demons, ghosts, evil spirits just be showing up. She is associated with nighttime (which is when plants grow) and the crown chakra (which is this present moment). Her name is sometimes used interchangeably with Kali, who is the dark-skinned Goddess associated with destruction, time, and change. Because people believes she can give her devotees siddhis (“abilities”) like knowledge, power, and wealth, she is also known as Shubankari (“Auspicious”). People also believe Kalaratri can make someone fearless.
Of course, being fearless comes in handy if you want to bring about some “good” changes in the world — especially when you are committed to non-violence.
“Despite Goddess Kalaratri’s frightening appearance, I find her to be the most loving form of Goddess Durga because she removes everything that is not us: the illusions, lies, and myths we have subscribed to (without even knowing we have done so!). Because only when we are free from illusions are we truly free. This goddess brings the Gospel of John to life: ‘And you shall know the Truth, and that Truth shall set you free.’
Vedanta spiritual philosophy describes Truth, to be true, must be so at all times: past, present, and future.”
— 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
Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “High Holidays: Good or Perfect”]
NOTE: One track is in a different place for continuity between platforms.
“Ring the bells that still can ring
Forget your perfect offering
There is a crack in everything
That’s how the light gets in.”
— quoted from the poem/song “Anthem” by Leonard Cohen
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
1NOTE: There are several Hebrew (and Yiddish) blessings that may be used at specific times and/or to specific people just before and throughout the High Holidays. The ones described above are generic and used throughout the ten days. The one below may be used by some from “noon on Rosh Hashanah, when our fates are already written, until Yom Kippur, when our fates for the coming year are to be sealed”.
### “Gemar chatimah tovah.” (“A good final sealing.”) ###
Let’s Focus on “Little Things” (the “missing” compilation post for Wednesday) September 24, 2025
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, 7-Day Challenge, 9-Day Challenge, Art, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Karma Yoga, Life, New Year, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Rosh Hashanah, Science, Suffering, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: 988, Alison Gopnik PhD, Ananta Ripa Ajmera, asana, Beau Lotto, Carissa Nadira Fadzil, Chandraghanta, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), Cyrus Tan Heoi Sam, Danna Isabela Trujillo León, Declaration on the Rights of Deaf Children, faith, hatha yoga, High Holidays, International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), Karol Valentina Trujillo León, Lara Adnan Alqaisi, Navaratri, Noaz Laquerriere-Leven, Ntando Hlophe, prāņāyāma, Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, Rosh Hashanah, Sbahle Chili, Sharada Navaratri, UNICEF, Yara Adnan Alqaisi, yoga
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“Chag sameach!” (“Happy Festival!”) to everyone observing 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 during International Week of Deaf People.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This is the “missing” compilation post for Wednesday, September 24th, features new and previously posted content. As noted, some links will take you to sites outside of WordPress.
You can request an audio recording of this practice or a previous practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
“Alison Gopnik, Ph.D.: Learning begins literally from the time babies are born and there’s even some evidence there’s learning inside of the womb. So when babies are born, for instance, they discriminate between the sounds of the language that they’ve heard and sounds of another language. So they’re already seeing, hearing, making sense of what’s going on around them.”
— quoted from the “Transcript of ‘When do babies begin to learn? — What you can do to support your child’s development.’” in the “Parenting” section of the UNICEF website
Think back to when you first started to learn. Or, since some research indicates that we start learning in the womb, take a moment to remember the first learning situation you remember. Maybe it was in a school setting or maybe you remember learning something at home or on a playground. Just take a moment to remember everything you remember about that moment.
My guess is that, even if you remember great details — or pick a memory you remember in great detail, there is a “little” detail you might not mention if you were asked to recount the moment. My guess is that you wouldn’t mention the language. Unless the memory you picked was related to learning a language other than your first known language, you probably take the language itself for granted. It was a “little”, easily over-looked detail.
If, however, you were forced or required to learn in a language other than your first language, that “little” thing can become a big deal. Being in an environment where you have a hard time understanding and/or struggle to understand the words — even before you get to the subject matter — can limit your ability to learn and limit your possibilities. As an adult, you may be able to find some work-arounds, especially if there are other people around to give you context clues.
But, what if those people are also using a different language? What if you are a child who doesn’t have the life experience to figure out context clues?
This would be frustrating (and infuriating) — especially if people treated you like you were dumb and/or not worth the energy it would take to teach you.
Now, I know, given what’s happening in the United States (and other places in the world), that someone may think I’m talking about an immigration (or even a colonization) issue here. Or, since I included an embedded link to a post about literacy, that I’m talking about that issue. But, no. This time, I’m talking about that fact that millions of people around the world communicate with one of at least 300 sign languages and, for many of them, a sign language is their first language.
“1. States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to education. With a view to realizing this right without discrimination and on the basis of equal opportunity, States Parties shall ensure an inclusive education system at all levels and lifelong learning….”
“3. States Parties shall enable persons with disabilities to learn life and social development skills to facilitate their full and equal participation in education and as members of the community. To this end, States Parties shall take appropriate measures, including:
a) Facilitating the learning of Braille, alternative script, augmentative and alternative modes, means and formats of communication and orientation and mobility skills, and facilitating peer support and mentoring;
b) Facilitating the learning of sign language and the promotion of the linguistic identity of the deaf community;
c) Ensuring that the education of persons, and in particular children, who are blind, deaf or deafblind, is delivered in the most appropriate languages and modes and means of communication for the individual, and in environments which maximize academic and social development.”
— quoted from “Article 24 – Education” of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
As I previously mentioned, this week is International Week of Deaf People (IWDP) and the 2025 theme is “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”. The Wednesday focus was “Multilingual education for deaf learners”, which “advocates for the implementation of Article 24 of the CRPD, which requires that deaf learners receive education in environments that are both linguistically and culturally appropriate: quality inclusive multilingual settings alongside other deaf peers.”
As I highlighted in a 2024 post (and as explained in the video below), the Declaration on the Rights of Deaf Children consists of ten articles. Those ten articles are not only valid with regard to Deaf Children, they are also valid (and important) with regard to children from all over the world — and especially those who are dealing with trauma, loss, and disabilities, while also navigating a new language (or two).
“4. In order to help ensure the realization of this right, States Parties shall take appropriate measures to employ teachers, including teachers with disabilities, who are qualified in sign language and/or Braille, and to train professionals and staff who work at all levels of education. Such training shall incorporate disability awareness and the use of appropriate augmentative and alternative modes, means and formats of communication, educational techniques and materials to support persons with disabilities.
5. States Parties shall ensure that persons with disabilities are able to access general tertiary education, vocational training, adult education and lifelong learning without discrimination and on an equal basis with others. To this end, States Parties shall ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided to persons with disabilities.”
— quoted from “Article 24 – Education” of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
“Little” things are like little kids: They can become really big problems when we’re not paying attention or they can become really big deals, who make big, positive impacts on the world, when we pay the correct amount of attention. “Little” are transformative! Since this is true on and off the mat, I dedicate at least one practice during the High Holidays to the “little” things that can come together to make a big deal. These are things we do all the time. They come together to make our practice and to take us deeper into our practice and deeper into our lives. They can also take us come together to help us reach our goals.
The following revised excerpt is from a 2023 post (with a slightly different context). Due to the sequences, the order of the “little things” is different each year. The order in the this linked post is the 2021 order. The order below is from this year. Some embedded links connect outside of this blog.
“And then we spoke about Rosh Hashana… finally.
People always talk about making big changes – New Year resolutions.
‘I want to lose 50 pounds.’
‘I want to finish the entire Talmud.’
‘I’m going to spend 90 minutes of quality time with my daughter every night.’
It doesn’t work. It never does. And if it does, it peters out. You have no choice. You must start small.”
— quoted from “Preparing for Rosh Hashana: The secret to an inspiring new year” by Rabbi Yaakov Salomon
If you are anything like me, there’s a good chance that when you decide you want to do something (or stop doing something), you want one of those handy-dandy “time slips” — not because you don’t want to do the work, but because once you make up your mind you’re ready for the change. However, we can’t snap our fingers and “skip to the good part”. We do not have a magical, fantastical (theoretically possibly) way of skipping ahead. Even if we did, it wouldn’t be advisable, because we wouldn’t (necessarily) be ready on every level. Just because some part of our mind is ready, doesn’t mean our whole being is ready. We get ready during the time that we’re taking the steps to make something happen (or to make something stop happening).
Those steps — even when they are little baby steps — make a big difference.
“The key to getting the most out of any experience is preparation before the event. You cannot expect to leap from the shower to the shul and instantly feel holy. It just doesn’t work that way.”
— quoted from “Preparing for Rosh Hashana: The secret to an inspiring new year” by Rabbi Yaakov Salomon
Just as you can’t jump up off the coach and run a marathon, without some training, Rabbi Yaakov Salomon once pointed out that the desire for a deep spiritual connection requires some preparation. The means he mentioned included introspection, meditation, and prayer — all methods also mentioned in other traditions, including in Indian philosophies like yoga. A lot of people, however, aren’t familiar with all 8-limbs of the Yoga Philosophy; they just know about the two limbs that form the postural practice: āsana and prāņāyāma. But, just practicing those two little things can take you deeper into the overall practice and help cultivate big connections.
In many ways, hatha yoga (the physical practice of yoga, regardless of the style or tradition) is all about little things and about bringing awareness to the little things. The way we sit or stand determines how we breathe; the way we breathe in different positions determines how we feel. When we bring our awareness to how we feel we can go deeper into the pose as well as into ourselves. It all starts with little things. Little things, like how we place our hands or engage our core, can make the difference between going deeper into a pose and deeper into ourselves versus getting injured.
Although, sometimes we learn a lot about ourselves from getting injured; but that’s another story for another day.
Using the practice to notice little things can give us insight into why we think the way we think and do (and say) the things we do (and say) — on and off the mat. It can also help us bring awareness to how little things get us ready for the big things. For instance, next time you’re on the mat, give yourself the opportunity to notice these “little things” — one at a time and then all together:
-
- Āsana (“seat” or pose): Notice what’s touching the mat, touching the floor, touching a prop — even a chair — and how does everything else stack up from there.
- Prāņāyāma: Notice your breath. Can you breathe deeply in and breathe deeply? (If not, adjust your āsana.)
- Notice what you notice; bring your awareness to your awareness. (Where is your focus?)
- Notice the the sensation/information that informs your practice. (Is your mind-body ready for what you’re doing or do you need to do less? Could you, safely and mindfully, do more?)
- Notice the “L” of your hands, especially when you have weight in your hands and arms. (In grade school you might have learned that one “L” on your forehead means loser, but if you put two “L”s together you have a shot at a goal; if you tip the ends out, you have a “W” — which means winner.)
- Find the balance within the imbalance, because the practice is all about balance: balancing effort and relaxation; balancing strength and flexibility; and there is also balancing on one limb (and balancing both sides).
- Dance Break! (Every once in a while, everybody needs to loosen up and wiggle.)
- Remember your intention and your dedication. We set these early in the practice and then remember them as we go so that we stay focused on our goals. On or off the mat, you can think of this as your “WHY”.
- Practice vinyāsa krama (“place things in a special way, for a step-by-step progression”). As Dr. Beau Lotto said, “…your brain can only ever make small steps in its ideas.” So, what is the next logical step from where you are to where you want to be?
- Express gratitude for what you’ve done and what you’re about to do.
Lifting the corners of your mouth up towards your ears, is usually one of the little things we do.
This practice featured the personal story of Rabbi Yaakov Salomon (from the Aish website). It’s a story about little things and is a great reminder that while we may not always notice the little things until they become the big things, the little things matter. In fact, every little thing we feel, think, say, and do is the possibility of a big thing we’re in the habit of feeling, thinking, saying, or doing.
“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
EXCERPT: The following slightly revised excerpt was originally posted in a slightly different context.
In addition to being the second day of the High Holidays and the third day of the International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), Wednesday was also 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.
“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
Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “High Holidays: Little Things”]
(My apologies for not posting the music before the 4:30 practice.)
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
### MAY YOUR NAME BE WRITTEN & SEALED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE ###
Let’s Focus on “Little Things” (mostly the music) September 24, 2025
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in 7-Day Challenge, 9-Day Challenge, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, New Year, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Rosh Hashanah, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: 988, High Holidays, International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), Navaratri, Rabbi Yaakov Salomon, Rosh Hashanah, Sharada Navaratri
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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 during International Week of Deaf People.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
“The key to getting the most out of any experience is preparation before the event. You cannot expect to leap from the shower to the shul and instantly feel holy. It just doesn’t work that way.”
— quoted from “Preparing for Rosh Hashana: The secret to an inspiring new year” by Rabbi Yaakov Salomon
Please join me today (Wednesday, September 24th) 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 “High Holidays: Little Things”]
(My apologies for not posting the music before the 4:30 practice.)
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need peer-to-peer (non-professional) support.
If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgement-free place to talk, you can also click here to contact the TrevorLifeline (which is staffed 24/7 with trained counselors).
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.
### 
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A Quick Note & Excerpts for These Auspicious Times September 23, 2025
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, 7-Day Challenge, 9-Day Challenge, Art, Bhakti, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Music, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Rosh Hashanah, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.Tags: 988, Ananta Ripa Ajmera, Bramacharini, Bramcharya, Dorothy Miles, High Holidays, International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL), International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), Lori Palatnik, Navaratri, Norman Fischer, Rabbi Alan Lew, Rosh Hashanah, Sharada Navaratri, sign languages, Ten Days of Atonement, Ten Days of Awe, World Federation of the Deaf, Yogini
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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 during International Week of Deaf People and on International Day of Sign Languages.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
“How do you get ready for something big, for something momentous, for something auspicious?”
— The prompt question from Monday’s Common Ground Meditation Center practice (on 9/22/2025)
In response to last night’s prompt question, one of my yoga buddies talked about getting ready for a wedding and, over the weekend, another yoga buddy talked about going to a wedding anniversary party. These were big, momentous, auspicious occasions. They required people to get ready and, also, to RSVP!
But, how do you RSVP for another year of life?
RSVP
— Acronym for Répondez s’il vous plaît [French for “Respond if you please”]
CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW TO FIND OUT HOW YOUR RSVP FOR ANOTHER YEAR OF LIFE!
“FOR TEN DAYS, THE GARES ARE OPEN AND THE WORLD is fluid. We are finally awake, if only in fits and starts, if only to toss and turn. For ten days, transformation is within our grasp. For ten days, we can imagine ourselves not as fixed and immutable beings, but rather as a limitless field upon which qualities and impulses rise up and fall away again like waves on the sea. Some of these impulses rise up with particular intensity. We may even experience them as afflictions, but they can be the keys to our transformation. Their intensity points to the disequilibrium and dysfunction in us that is in need of transformation.”
— quoted from “Chapter 7, What The Soul Does While The Gates Are Still Open: The Ten Days of Teshuvah” in This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared: The Days of Awe as a Journey of Transformation by Rabbi Alan Lew (with a forward by Norman Fischer)
After last night’s practice, I virtually attended a Temple Ner Tamid service that featured Cantor Meredith Greenberg leading the synagogue in a song with the refrain, “Ten Days / You Have Ten Days”. The song refers to the High Holidays (or High Holy Days) known as the “Ten Days of Atonement” and the “Ten Days of Awe” — which begin with Rosh Hashana ( “the Head of the Year”) and culminate with Yom Kippur, “The Day of Atonement”. Of course, some people spend more than ten days preparing their hearts and minds for a new year. Some people actually begin their reflection process 7 weeks (49 days) before the new year, on Tisha B’Av, a day of mourning which commemorates the destruction of the first Temple in Jerusalem.
Over the weekend, I had a very rich conversation with a dear friend (who was also a dear friend of my mom) and she told me about This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared: The Days of Awe as a Journey of Transformation by Rabbi Alan Lew. I haven’t read it yet, but I am always struck by how people spend their time and how much time they need to get their hearts and minds in the right place for a special occasion (which, in this case, is the rest of their lives).
For some it is 10 days, for some it is 40, for some it is 49, for some it is 9.
The following (slightly revised) excerpt was originally posted in October 2024.
“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.
“You hold the word in hand
and offer the palm of friendship;
of frontiers where men of speech lend lip-
service to brotherhood, you pass, unhampered
by sounds that drown the meaning, or by fear
of the foreign-word-locked fetter;
oh, better
the word in hand than a thousand
spilled from the mouth upon the hearless ear.”
— quoted from the poem “To A Deaf Child” by Dorothy Miles
Variations of the following have been previously posted.
In addition to the religious/cultural holidays referenced above, September 23rd, is the International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL). This year, it is the second day of International Week of Deaf People (IWDP). While IWDP is celebrated during the last full week of September (and therefore the dates shift a little), IDSL is held annually on the anniversary of the day, in 1951, when the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was established in Rome, Italy, during the first World Deaf Conference. That first conference was organized by Ente Nazionale Sordomuti (ENS), the Italian Deaf Association, and attended by representatives from 25 countries. Now, WFD is an international non-profit and non-governmental organization of deaf associations from 133 countries. It promotes the human rights of deaf people worldwide and works with the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and UN agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO).
Each day of IWDP has a different focus. As I mentioned in the the post excerpted below, The 2025 theme for the entire week is “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights”, which is also the Tuesday focus.
“All people have an inherent right to human rights from birth. For deaf people, sign language rights are fundamental for the full enjoyment of their human rights. As we look at the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, we recognise progress made and the challenges that remain in ensuring equality for all. We recognise that our achievements are leading us towards our goal: a world where deaf people everywhere can sign anywhere.”
— quoted from the “International Week of Deaf People 2025 — Daily Themes: A Week of Celebration, Awareness, and Action” (Monday) section of the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) website
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF DEAF PEOPLE & MEET SOME OF THE PEOPLE I HIGHLIGHTED LAST YEAR!
NOTE: In 2025, this will be the first post and yesterday’s post will be the second post.
Please join me today (Tuesday, September 23rd) at 12:00 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 by emailing myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Tuesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Rosh Hashanah 2021”]
(My apologizes for not posting before the noon practice.)
Click here (or below) for the Dorothy Miles poem “To A Deaf Child.”
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 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).
Errata: The Tuesday focus for the International Week of Deaf People was originally misidentified as the Monday focus.
### MAY YOUR NAME BE WRITTEN & SEALED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE ###
What We Do to Get Ready (the post-practice compilation post for Monday) September 22, 2025
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in 9-Day Challenge, Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Rosh Hashanah, Science, Vairagya, Wisdom, Yoga.Tags: 988, Dorothy Miles, Equinox, High Holidays, International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), Joan Borysenko, kriya yoga, kriyā yoga, Navaratri, Rosh Hashanah, Shailaputri, Sharada Navaratri, sign languages, svādhyāya, Swami J, Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati, Swami Vivekananda, tapas, Ten Days of Atonement, Ten Days of Awe, Unetaneh Tokef, Yoga Sutra 2.1, Yoga Sutras 3.9-3.16, īśvarapraņidhāna
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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 during the Equinox and International Week of Deaf People.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This post-practice post for Monday, September 22nd, is a compilation post, which includes some new and previously posted content, plus a series of excerpts. Please note that linked excerpts direct you to posts that will include content related to a specific year. The 2025 prompt question was, “How do you get ready for something big, for something momentous, for something auspicious?” You can request an audio recording of this practice or a previous practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
In the spirit of generosity (“dana”), the Zoom classes, recordings, and blog posts are freely given and freely received. If you are able to support these teachings, please do so as your heart moves you. (NOTE: You can donate even if you are “attending” a practice that is not designated as a “Common Ground Meditation Center” practice, or you can purchase class(es).
Donations are tax deductible; class purchases are not necessarily deductible.
Check out the “Class Schedules” calendar for upcoming classes.
“Those Samâdhis with which we ended our last chapter are very difficult to attain; so we must take them up slowly. The first step, the preliminary step, is called Kriya-yoga. Literally this means work, working towards Yoga.”
— quoted from the commentary on Yoga Sūtra 2.1, from Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda
When you first consider the Monday prompt question, you may think that the answer depends on what you’re getting ready to do. However, I would argue that such an answer is related to the finer details of your life. If you take in the big picture, you will notice that we usually get ready for something big by taking a moment to look back and make sure we have all our ducks in a row. In other words, we reflect and we make a plan — even if that plan is just related to what we are going to wear or how we want our house to look when company comes over. In the process, we also make sure our head and heart are in the right place; that we have an attitude that is going to serve us.
In some ways, the general process we use to get ready is one way to look at the process Patanjali described as kriyā yoga (“yoga in action”): a combination of tapah (“heat, discipline, austerity” and the practices that cultivate them — physically, mentally, emotionally, even spiritually and religiously), svādhyāya (“self-study”), and īśvarapraņidhāna (“trustful surrender to [God]”). (YS 1.2) I reference this rubric throughout the year, because it is not only a process we can use individually, it is also a process that communities use when they are getting ready for a big, momentous, auspicious time… like a new season and/or a new year.
The new moon on Sunday was actually the precursor all of the above since Monday was the Autumnal Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (or Spring/Vernal Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere); the beginning of Sharada Navaratri in some Hindu communities; and the beginning of the International Week of the Deaf People. Additionally, Monday at sunset marked the beginning of Rosh Hashanah in Jewish communities around the world (and in communities where people observe the commanded holidays outlined in Deuteronomy).
THE EQUINOX EXCERPTS — “On Having A Good Time” (revised):
“The transition from one year to the next year happens in an infinitely short moment that is actually non-existent in time. So too, there are transitions in the moments of life and the moments of meditation. Mindfulness of transitions in daily life and during meditation time is extremely useful on the spiritual journey to enlightenment.”
— quoted from the commentary on “Yoga Sutras 3.9-3.16: Witnessing Subtle Transitions With Samyama” by Swami Jnaneshvara Bharati (“Swami J”)
In theory, the angle of the Earth combines with its rotation around the sun to produce four noteworthy (and marked) dates: Autumnal Equinox, Winter Solstice, Vernal (or Spring) Equinox, and Summer Solstice.
I say, “in theory”, because we like to think that everyone around the world has equal amounts of day and night on the equinox and that these appreciable moments in time are actually that — appreciable and notable. The truth, however, is that there is no sudden/automatic change in how much light and how much darkness we get. It’s not a dimmer switch and we can honestly notice changes much earlier than indicated by the celestial calendar. Furthermore, no one is really getting 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of night on the actual equinox. We perceive daylight long after the sun has moved below the horizon and, therefore, daytime is longer at latitudes above the equator than below.
Here in Houston, we got 12 hours and 10 minutes (as did people in Cairo, Egypt; with people in Shanghai, China maybe getting 1 more minute than that). On the flip side, someone in Anchorage, Alaska got 12 hours and 17 minutes and people in Helsinki, Finland got 12 hours and 19 minutes). Meanwhile, people in Cape Town, South Africa; Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; and Auckland (Tāmaki Makaurau) on Te Ika-a-Māui/North Island of Aotearoa/New Zealand all got 12 hours and 9 minutes.
Even at the equator, a true 12-hour split doesn’t happen on the equinox (“equal night”): It happens on the equilux (“equal light”), which falls on Thursday, September 25th. for most mid-latitude people in the Northern Hemisphere. (Although the exact date does vary by location.)
Click on the excerpt title below for more about how you could spend your time.
THE NAVARATRI EXCERPT — “Making Connections, Part 2 [in the New Year] Part 2” (revised):
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”.
The fall (Sharada) Navaratri celebration, which started today (Monday), 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, while 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, 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. These fall celebrations also include a tenth day, Dussehra or Vijayadashami, which commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over a 10-headed demon.
THE INTERNATIONAL WEEK OF THE DEAF EXCERPTS — “Paying Attention is the First Step” & “Holchaj yIjatlh. (‘Speak in their language.’)” (revised):
“…people meet and part.
The word becomes the action in this language of the heart.”
— quoted from the English translation of the poem “Language for the Eye” by Dorothy Miles
Today, September 22nd, the beginning of International Week of Deaf People (IWDP). While IWDP is celebrated during the last full week of September (and therefore the dates shift a little), International Day of Sign Languages (IDSL) is held annually on September 23rd, the anniversary of the day, in 1951, when the World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was established in Rome, Italy, during the first World Deaf Conference. That first conference was organized by Ente Nazionale Sordomuti (ENS), the Italian Deaf Association, and attended by representatives from 25 countries. Now, WFD is an international non-profit and non-governmental organization of deaf associations from 133 countries. It promotes the human rights of deaf people worldwide and works with the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and UN agencies like the World Health Organization (WHO).
Each day of IWDP has a different focus. The 2025 theme for the entire week is “No Human Rights Without Sign Language Rights” and the focus on Monday was “Deaf communities leading”. Both themes highlight the importance of including people in conversations about things (like social policy) that will affect them and emphasizes the fact that, “Deaf-led alliances, in collaboration with governments and other organisations, play a vital role in advancing sign language rights. Following the motto ‘nothing about us without us’, true progress comes from partnerships where deaf people lead and others support them as committed allies.”
Since we are heading into a New Year, you might spend your time by learning a new language.
There are, in fact, about 300 sign languages used around the world. This includes some (but not all) language families, like the French Sign Language Family, and the languages therein — like French Sign Language, Italian Sign Language, Quebec Sign Language, American Sign Language, Irish Sign Language, Russian Sign Language, Dutch Sign Language (NGT), Spanish Sign Language, Mexican Sign Language, Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS), Catalan Sign Language, Ukrainian Sign Language, Austrian Sign Language (along with its twin Hungarian Sign Language and its offspring Czech Sign Language) and others. That estimate also includes some (but not all) dialects and some village languages, as well as some Deaf-community and school languages. I am not sure if that estimate includes any speech-taboo languages1; but, suffice to say, there are a lot of sign languages. And, knowing one does not mean that you can use the other; any more than knowing one romance language means you can completely understand another.
THE NEW YEAR EXCERPT — “An Invitation to ‘Reflecting, Remembering, Repenting, & Planting’” (revised):
“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.
It is an 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”)
Literally “the Head of the Year”, Rosh Hashanah is known as the Jewish New Year and 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 a new year of life and purpose.
Click on the excerpt title below for more about how people prepare for a meaningful and sweet new year (or, click here to scroll through a variety of posts about Rosh Hashanah).
There is no playlist for the Common Ground Meditation Center practices.
Music Note: You can click on the excerpt title above for the playlists featuring the poem I mentioned during the Monday practice.
If you are thinking about suicide, worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, you can dial 988 (in the US) or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call this TALK line if you are struggling with addiction or involved in an abusive relationship. The Lifeline network is free, confidential, and available to all 24/7. YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ANYTHING.
White Flag is an app, which I have not yet researched, but which may be helpful if you need (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).
1 According to Wikipedia, speech-taboo languages “are developed by the hearing community and only used secondarily by the deaf.”
### MAY YOUR NAME BE WRITTEN & SEALED IN THE BOOK OF LIFE ###
A Quick Note with Videos & Excerpt about Coming Together (the “missing” Sunday post) September 29, 2024
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.Tags: 988, Alan Bergman, Beth Leipholtz and Cooper (from Beth + Coop), CODA, contract negitiations, David DeSteno, Derek Cassese, Emily Cassese, Feast of Saint Michael and All the Angels, Feast of Saints Michael Gabriel Raphael and Uriel / Auriel, Feast of the Archangels, International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), Marilyn Bergman, Michael Legrand, Michaelmas, Miguel de Cervantes, Rudolf Steiner, Scarlet May, SODA, The Signing D, TJ and Kylee (from Let’s go - Byeee), World Federation of the Deaf, Yoga Sutras 1.1-1.2
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone celebrating Michaelmas / the Feast and the Archangels and/or coming together in friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom during International Week of the Deaf.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This is the “missing” post for Sunday, September 29th. Some embedded links direct to sites outside of this blog. 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.
“Even very subtle actions—like moving together in time—can exert a significant effect on the mind. We see synchrony in almost every religion the world over: Buddhists and Hindus often chant together in prayer; Christians and Muslims regularly kneel and stand in unison during worship; Jews often sway, or shuckle, when reciting prayers together. These actions belie a deep purpose: creating connection.”
— quoted from the (09/14/2021) Wired article entitled, “Psychologists Are Learning What Religion Has Known for Years: Social scientists are researching what humans can do to improve their quality of life. Their findings echo what religious practices perfected centuries ago.” by David DeSteno
Have you ever noticed that, in certain yoga and meditation traditions, a common technique to start getting grounded and centered in the moment is to notice sound? It is a way to take in the landscape and begin “single-pointed focus.” It is also a way to get everyone on the proverbial same page, similar to the way I use a theme. Or, I should say, it can get almost everyone on the same page.
I have, previously, wondered, ‘Why sound? Why not taste or smell or what we feel on (or under) our skin? Why not what we see (even with our eyes closed)?’ While I do incorporate the other senses into my cues, I’ll admit to not putting too much thought into the initial question — probably because I am a hearing teacher who has never needed to incorporate a sign language into the practice. However, our mind-body is bombarded with information in the form of sensation. All of this sensation produces the cittavṛtti (“fluctuations of the mind”), the “windmills of your mind,” that Patanjali referenced in Yoga Sūtra 1.2 — and we can tilt at any of those metaphorical windmills in order to start cultivating yoga, “union,” which is also coming together.
This time of year, lots of people around the world are starting to come together for a variety of religious traditions. Today, September 29th is Michaelmas (in the Western Christian traditions) and the feast day of people named for the archangel — people like Miguel de Cervantes (b.1547). Also known as the Feast of the Archangels (and sometimes by their names), celebrations of Michaelmas are steeped in rituals and traditions that are very child-friendly and, therefore, can be a way to invest in the future of the community.
Coming Together Again (the “missing” Wednesday post)
This year, Michaelmas coincides with the final day of International Week of the Deaf (IWD), which is a day when the World Federation of the Deaf encourages people to invest in the future of deaf communities and “support deaf children and their families connections with deaf communities to ensure early exposure to national sign languages and access to language rich environments. Sign up for Sign Language Rights by sharing a video on social media of your vision for the future of our deaf communities.”
In honor of IWD, I have been sharing videos created by people within the Deaf community. But, I may have underestimated how much of their content I regularly consume: because I haven’t even shared a couple of my favorites. Linked below are more from my favorites (as well as videos from a couple I only discovered this week). I hope you will check out more of their content!
Click here if the video above of Scarlet May is not visible on your device.
Click here if the video above of TJ and Kylee (from Let’s go – Byeee) is not visible on your device.
Click here if the video above of Derek Cassese (from The Signing D) is not visible on your device.
Click here if the video directly above of Scarlet May is not visible on your device. This video contains a little, tiny curse word.
“Quiet I bear within me,
I bear within myself
Forces to make me strong.
Now will I be imbued with their glowing warmth.
Now will I fill myself
With my own will’s resolve.
And I will feel the quiet
Pouring through all my being
When by my steadfast striving
I become strong
To find within myself the source of strength
The strength of inner quiet.”
—“Inner Quiet” by Rudolf Steiner
Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “09292021 Michaelmas y Miguel”]
NOTE: One before/after the practice track on YouTube is currently unavailable due to union contract disputes. This will not affect the timing during the practice. Check out the excerpt above (or a request a recording of today’s practice) to find out why the timing might not be an accident.
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 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).
“For neither good nor evil can last for ever; and so it follows that as evil has lasted a long time, good must now be close at hand.”
— quoted from “Chapter Nineteen – An account of the second discourse that passed between Sancho and his master: the succeeding adventure of the corpse, and other remarkable events” in Part 1 of El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha (The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha) by Miguel de Cervantes
### HOW DO YOU COME TOGETHER? ###
Just the Sunday Music & Blessings **UPDATED w/links** September 29, 2024
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Music, Religion, Yoga.Tags: 988, Feast of the Archangels, International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), Michaelmas, Miguel de Cervantes
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone celebrating Michaelmas / the Feast and the Archangels and/or coming together in friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom during International Week of the Deaf.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RELATED POST.
Please join me for a 65-minute virtual yoga practice on Zoom today (Sunday, September 29th) at 2:30 PM. Use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or by emailing myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.
Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “09292021 Michaelmas y Miguel”]
NOTE: One before/after the practice track on YouTube is currently unavailable due to union contract disputes. This will not affect the timing during the practice.
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 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).
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.
### ###
Re: Culture (the “missing” Saturday post, **with extra banned books**) September 28, 2024
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Life, Minneapolis, Minnesota, Movies, Music, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Science, Twin Cities, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.Tags: 988, American Library Association, Ana Sofia Gala, Banned Books Week, Candlewick Press, culture, Deaf Culture, Elizabeth “Liz” Harris, International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), John Jacob Raub, Jon Urquart, Martin Handford, Maurice Sendak, Office of Intellectual Freedom, samskaras, samskāras, United States Mint, Ursula Nordstrom, Webster's 1828, World Federation of the Deaf (WFD), YMCA, Zachary / Our Signed World
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone cultivating friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom during International Week of the Deaf and during Banned Books Week.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This is the “missing” post for Saturday, September 28th. Some embedded links direct to sites outside of this blog. This post references 3 banned books and contains related quotes. 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.
“The God asked Adam: ‘Who told you that you were naked?’ (Gn 3:11). That is, ‘Who told you that you were bad? Who told you that you were not what you should be …Humanity, who told you that you were separated from me, that you were guilty?’ In asking Adam, ‘Who told you that you were naked,’ God was asking a fundamental question, one that we will discuss…. We will discuss judging, guilt and fear of punishment and how this leads to self-punishment which is the essence of sins.”
— quoted from the Introduction of Who Told You That You Were Naked?: Freedom from Judgment, Guilt and Fear of Punishment by John Jacob Raub
Here is one of the underlying (and motivating) questions related to the 2024 Saturday practices: Why do we think, say, and do the things we do (or don’t do)?
The answer to this question is really layers upon layers of experiences, which I sometimes reference as samskāra (“mental impression”). However, what may not always be clear in my overly-simplified-for-the-practice breakdown is that our actions can be informed by our experiences as well as the experiences of others — and sometimes those “others” are people we have never met and can never met. Sometimes those “others” are actually our ancestors and the ancestors of those around us; because they (and we) all contribute to our cultures.
Wikipedia defines culture, in the social sense, as “a concept that encompasses the social behavior, institutions, and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups.” Culture includes language, ideas, beliefs, customs, codes of conduct, institutions, tools, techniques, works of art, rituals, traditions, ceremonies, food, and other elements. Culture also includes expectations, norms, mores, and values. Since each of us is part of multiple groups, each of us has multiple cultures.
We have our family cultures plus the cultures of every other group to which we belong: including (but not limited to) the cultures related our abilities (mental and physical), age, education, ethnicity, gender, generation, nationality, race, religion, occupation, sex, sexuality, and vocations. Keep in mind that there can be — and usually are — regional/location differences within each culture. For instance, certain expectations around online yoga practices are slightly different than if you practiced yoga with me in-person at a studio, the YMCA, or the meditation center — all of which have different cultures. Similarly, if you observe a certain faith and go to a meeting hall, temple, synagogue, church, or mosque related to your faith anywhere in the world you will find some aspects of the culture that are familiar; however, you will also find some differences.
Sometimes, the differences can seem really minute. Sometimes they can be a big deal. And, sometimes, they can be really funny (while also, maybe, being a big deal). For instance, you might say, “Break a leg” to someone going on stage for a theatre performance… unless they were a ballet dancer (in which case you would wish them, “Merde” (which French for “shit”).
“First things first: there is a big difference between the medical and cultural definition of deafness. From the medical point of view, it is a disability caused by hearing loss, which can happen at any moment in life. Now, from the cultural perspective, it is a different way to experience life not based on sounds. Usually, these two concepts are differentiated between people who are deaf (medically) and Deaf (culturally).
Today, 13% of the United States’ population are deaf or hearing impaired. However, not all of them identify with the deaf culture.”
— quoted from the Hand Talk article entitled, “Deaf culture: what is it, history, aspects, examples & facts” by Ana Sofia Gala
“Saturday 28 September 2024: Deaf Culture Celebrations
Celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the deaf communities through our sign languages and cultures. Deaf Culture involves the behaviours, traditions, beliefs, values, history, humour, art that exists within Deaf communities. We are proud of our linguistic and cultural identities. Sign up for Sign Language rights by hosting an event today that demonstrates the rich cultures of our deaf communities.”
— quoted from the “Daily Themes” page of the World Federation of the Deaf website
Today (Saturday, September 28th), the sixth day of International Week of the Deaf (IWD), is dedicated to celebrating Deaf Culture, which includes sign languages and, also, expectations around the usage of sign languages. Just like with any other community, some aspects of the culture within the Deaf community overlap with aspects of the culture of the region. Then, there are some aspects that are unique to people who are in the Deaf community and, also, things that are unique to the different communities that use the different sign languages. In addition to the sign languages, Deaf culture includes the recognition that sign language is a valid, important, and powerful form of communication; storytelling; facial expressions and expressive motion (used in tandem with the words); and identity (which includes sign names). That identity piece is really important when we remember that there is a medical definition that is different from the cultural definition; that sign languages have a history in education; and that Children of Deaf Adults (CODA) are part of culture.
For many, part of the culture is also about being able to exist alongside of the “hearing world,” without having to assimilating into it. There is also etiquette around eye contact (and, in some places, around eavesdropping). While a person outside of the Deaf community may think people who are deaf are missing something, people within the culture are very much aware of their “gains” (i.e., positive experiences that are unique to being Deaf).
Click here if the video of Liz Harris is not visible on your device.
Finally, just like with any other community, there are jokes.
Click here if the video of Jon Urquhart is not visible on your device.
While I thought the modern, social use, of the word “culture” was a modern invention, the (Western) idea actual dates back to the 17th century (CE) and has roots in the 1st century Roman empire (BCE). According to Noah Webster’s 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language, “We ought to blame the culture not the soil.” Granted, that sentence was used in the dictionary to better explain the word “culture” as it relates to agriculture; however, I think it can also be applied to here: to social culture. If we pay attention the methods of cultivating a society, we start to to notice what grows and what doesn’t grow. We start to see why some people view some things as acceptable and other things as not acceptable — which brings me to the fact that today was also the seventh day of Banned Books Week (September 22–28, 2024).
Hopefully, it goes without saying that I don’t believe in book bans. Do I have my preferences? Of course! Just like everyone else, I definitely wish I didn’t have to deal with things that negatively impact me — and, by that, I mean things that encourage people to be hateful and/or violent. However, I also believe everyone has a right to tell their story and that every adult has a right to read or not read that story. Furthermore, I believe in authors, publishers, libraries, and teachers recommending appropriate materials for appropriate age levels — which they do, because that’s their jobs. I believe parents and guardians have a responsibility to review materials to see if it is appropriate for their child, keeping in mind that restricting information can sometimes do more harm than good (especially in this internet age). I think they also have the responsibility — along with authors, publishers, libraries, and teachers — to provide some context around the subject matter. Of course, I grew up in a household (and in communities) where we shared books and talked about those books.
Finally, I think it is irresponsible to not do all of the above — just as I believe it is irresponsible to force your desires on another.
This week, I intentionally highlighted banned books that I have read (because books are often challenged by people who have not read the books they are challenging). For better or for worse, I also selected books that I could understand (on a certain level) why someone challenged. In other words, I picked books that a good faith argument could convince me should be reviewed by an adult before it is read by a child or young adult (see above). That being said, the books I selected ended up having some commonalities. For instance, the banned books I quoted on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are often challenged for the same reasons. In all three cases, the books referenced and/or depicted things that are culturally abhorrent around the world — like the assault of a child. But, there were also objections around the depictions and/or criticisms of different cultures. Finally, there was material related to something almost everyone fears: death/loss.
The banned books I selected for Saturday (really, related to Friday and Saturday) are different from the other books. First, I’m not sure that a good faith argument that will convince me they should be banned (in most of the United States). Second, they are different because they are children’s books. Finally, they aren’t challenged because of their words; they are challenged because of their pictures. Both books have pictures of someone without their clothes.
Which takes us back to the original questions, specifically: Who told you nudity was bad? Who told you there was something wrong with your body?
“I’m not the milk and the milk’s not me. I’m Mickey!”
— Mickey, quoted from In The Night Kitchen by Maurice Sendak
Every culture around the world has different expectations around nudity. In some places, there is nothing wrong with a baby, toddler, or young child (of any gender) running around without their clothes. In some places, sex and gender become a factor in determining how much nudity (if any) is acceptable and how much is taboo. Finally, there are communities where being clothed (partially or entirely) is not part of the culture. All of this is why, when I celebrate the work of Maurice Sendak, in June, I scoff a little at the fact that people object to toddler Mickey not having on any clothes when he falls In the Night Kitchen.
After all, kids that age “fall out” of their clothes all the time.
Additionally, as Ursula Nordstrom, publisher and editor-in-chief of Harper Junior Books pointed out, little kids are not bothered by the fact that Mickey doesn’t have any clothes. Why aren’t they bothered? Because no one has taught them there is anything wrong with a toddler not having on their clothes in the middle of the night. Correction: No one has taught them that there is anything sinful about a toddler not having on their clothes.
Now, we can get into the question of if (or when) children should be taught that they need to wear clothes — at home and/or in public — and we can even get into a conversation of the reasons they need their clothes. But, keep in mind, it all comes back to culture and culture is different in different countries. In some countries, nude sunbathing — or, just sunbathing topless — is not that big of a deal. Pretty much everyone does it. In other places, people drew underwear on all the illustrations of Mickey… and banned another book until the publisher reprinted the book to hide 1/16 (0.0625) of an inch of nudity.
Thickness of U. S. penny: 1.52 mm (0.060 in)
Thickness of U. S. quarter: 1.75 mm (0.069 in)
— dimensions quoted from the United States Mint
Martin Handford, born September 27, 1956, is the British author and illustrator of a series of illustrated puzzle books. Originally published in the UK as Where’s Wally? (on September 21, 1987), the series features a guy in red and white stripes who is in the middle of a crowd that covers two pages. The goal is to find him (and his friends) in each illustration. As the book progresses, the guy gets harder and harder to find in part because he gets smaller and in part because there are more people (and things) in the drawings. On average, he is 0.153 square inches (0.99 square centimeters) big in the first book; which means he is slightly bigger than that in the second scene, the controversial scene: “One the Beach.”
When the book was published in the US, as Where’s Waldo?, someone noticed that the illustration shows a mischievous child putting ice cream on the back of a woman who had untied her bikini top while she was sunbathing. Of course, the cold makes the women jump up, exposing herself to the people across from her. As for the person looking at the book… well, if you look real close, you can see the side of one of her breasts. According to the American Library Association (ALA), Where’s Waldo? was the 87th most challenged book in the 1990’s. It fell off of the list after that, presumably because the publisher moved that teeny tiny green bikini — a strip slightly larger than the side of penny, but a tad bit smaller than the side of a quarter.
“‘I can’t tell you how pleased I am that Waldo has taken on a life of his own,’ [Martin Handford] says. ‘I’d like to inspire children to open their minds to explore subjects more, to be aware of what’s going on around them. I’d like them to see wonder in places that may not have occurred to them.’”
— quoted from the Candlewick Press page for Where’s Waldo? The Fantastic Journey (by author/illustrator: Martin Handford)
BONUS BANNED BOOK:
According to the ALA, the Holy Bible — consisting of the Hebrew Bible/Christian Old Testament and the Christian New Testament — was the 52nd most challenged title from 2010-2019. The most common reasons for the challenges were “religious viewpoint, violence.” I find it interesting to note that, again, the Bible contains some of the same (aforementioned) themes for which other books are banned — like assault.
I also find it interesting, as I mentioned throughout the week, that people are more interested in figuring out ways to stop the story than they are in stopping the harmful actions.
Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “06102020 Here Be The Wild Things”]
MUSIC NOTE: YouTube is the original playlist and includes a video you can find at the end of the related post.
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).
As a “thank you,” for sticking with this post, here’s a bonus ASL video! Don’t click if you are offended by strong language.
Click here if the video of Zach (of Our Signed World) is not visible on your device. Again, don’t click if you are offended by strong language.
### NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER OF YOUR WORDS, YOUR STORY, or YOUR VOTE! ###
Be Mindful When You Reach the Step Where You Use Your Words (the “missing” Wednesday post w/excerpts) September 25, 2024
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Hope, Life, Movies, One Hoop, Pain, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.Tags: 988, Alexander Hamilton, Amendments, Banned Books Week, Bill of Rights, Constitution, Dr. Joseph Murray, Guidelines for Achieving Sign Language Rights, International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), James Madison, shabda, siddhis, William Faulkner, William Shakespeare
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone communicating friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom during International Week of the Deaf and during Banned Books Week.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
This is the “missing” post for Wednesday, September 25th. Some embedded links direct to sites outside of this blog. This post references and contains a quote from a banned book. 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.
“Article the third… Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
— quoted from the transcription of the Joint Resolution of Congress Proposing 12 Amendments to the U.S. Constitution, on September 25, 1789
Today (Wednesday, September 25th) is the fourth day of Banned Books Week (September 22–28, 2024) and the third day of International Week of the Deaf (IWD). It is also the anniversary of the birth of an author whose work has been challenged: William Faulkner, born today in 1897. Finally, it is the anniversary of the day, in 1789, when the United States Bill of Rights was submitted and approved by Congress.
All of this brings us to our next steps (as well as to the second power described as “unique to being human”): Words, which are the gateway into the other powers.
Whether we speak them, sign them, or write them, words have power. They allow us to communicate our experiences and express our innermost thoughts, desires, hopes, and fears. They also allow us to advocate for change, which is why third day of IWD is dedicated to Sign Languages advocacy and encouraging “everyone to actively advocate for the rights of deaf individuals and the official recognition of national sign languages. [You can sign] up for sign language rights by promoting your national sign languages in public arenas.” This kind of advocacy is something we can do in countries like the United States, where both freedom of speech and the right to a redress of grievances are enshrined right at the beginning of the U. S. Constitution.
Based on documents like the Magna Carta (which King John of England agreed to in 1215); the English Bill of Rights (from 1689); the Virginia Declaration of Rights (drafted and ratified in 1776); and the Northwest Ordinance (enacted by the U. S. Continental Congress in 1787), the U. S. Bill of Rights consists of the first 10 Amendments to the United States Constitution and codifies the rights and personal freedoms of citizens, limitations to the federal government, and clarifies that powers not specifically granted to the federal government (by the Constitution and its amendments) belong to the state governments or the citizens. It was proposed because of serious concerns and reservations expressed by anti-federalists. The idea was opposed by federalists like Alexander Hamilton, then a delegate from New York, who wrote in the penultimate Federalist essay (“Federalist No. 84”) that, “bills of rights are in their origin, stipulations between kings and their subjects…. [and, therefore,] have no application to constitutions professedly founded upon the power of the people, and executed by their immediate representatives and servants.” James Madison, then a delegate from Virginia and another federalist and collaborator on the Federalist Papers (along with John Jay of New York), initially opposed the idea; however, he would ultimately end up spearheading the entire venture.
What is now known as the Bill of Rights is actually a little shorter than what was originally proposed. The House of Representatives actually approved 17 articles on August 24, 1789. After some editing (which combined some articles and eliminated one altogether), the Senate approved 12 articles (on September 9th). Those 12 were then approved by Congress (today in 1789) and submitted to the states for ratification. Articles 3 — 12 became the first ten articles of the United States Constitution and were ratified by the states on December 15, 1791. The original second article, addressing the timeline for changing the compensation for Senators and Representatives, became the 27th Amendment (which was ratified in 1992, 202 years, 7 months, and 10 days after it was originally approved). As of today, the original first article, addressing the number of representatives in Congress (based on population1), is the oldest of six amendments still pending ratification.2
NOTES:
1When the U. S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights were ratified enslaved people, Indigenous and Native Americans, and women were not considered citizens and were either not counted at all or were not counted as the whole people they were.
2There is no time limit on ratifications; however, there are more states now than there were in 1789 and, therefore, ratification would require legal confirmation from more states.
As I mentioned before, the power of words is a gateway to the other siddhis described as “unique to being human” — including the power to “study, analyze, and comprehend” a situation and the power to eliminate “three-fold sorrow” with regard to that situation. We use our words to make change. We use our words to petition the government for a redress of our grievances and, also, to simply address things that have been overlooked. We can also use words to share our experiences and points of view. Of course, our words mean very little if they are not backed up by actions. Without the actions behind them, words become empty at best and straight-up lies at their worst. William Shakespeare cautioned us about this in the “Scottish play” and his words inspired his namesake, William Faulkner.
“Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage,
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.”
— Macbeth in Act V, Scene V of Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Born in New Albany, Mississippi, today in 1897, and raised in Oxford, Mississippi, William Faulkner is remembered for his stream-of-consciousness and for novels and short stories primarily set in Yoknapatawpha County, a fictionalized version of the the Mississippi county where he grew up. After a brief stint in the the Royal Canadian Air Force (and also the British Royal Force) and after dropping out of the University of Mississippi, the only Mississippi-born Nobel laureate (so far) started writing and publishing novels like Soldiers’ Pay (1925), Sartoris (1927), The Sound and the Fury (1929), As I Lay Dying (1930), Light in August (1932), and Absalom, Absalom! (1936). He also worked as a screenwriter. In addition to winning the 1949 Nobel Prize for Literature, Mr. Faulkner won the National Book Award twice (for The Collected Stories of William Faulkner in 1951, and for A Fable in 1955) and also won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction twice (for A Fable in 1955, and for The Reivers in 1963). Despite all of his accolades (or maybe because of them), William Faulkner is yet another great writer who wrote a book that is often banned. In fact, one of his books has been challenged since it was first published in 1930.
As I Lay Dying is the story of Addie Bundren (who is dying at the beginning of the novel), her husband, their children, and their community. It is a story about death (and also life, since they go hand-in-hand) as well as how people grapple with their fear of death (and life). Told from the perspective of 15 different characters (including Addie and Anse Bundren and their five children) the book navigates the literal, emotional, and physical journey to fulfill a loved one’s dying wish. The book also discusses some things that are depicted in the other two banned books I’ve quoted this week — and these elements of the story are some of the same reasons the title gets challenged. But, there is another reason some people don’t like As I Lay Dying: it talks about abortion, a woman’s right to choose, and other people’s opinions about a woman’s right to choose.
Oh, then there’s that pesky part where a wife and mother of five sounds less than thrilled about her life.
“That was when I learned that words are no good; that words don’t ever fit even what they are trying to say at. When [Cash] was born I knew that motherhood was invented by someone who had to have a word for it because the ones that had the children didn’t care whether there was a word for it or not. I knew that fear was invented by someone that had never had the fear; pride, who never had the pride. I knew that it had been, not that they had dirty noses, but that we had had to use one another by words like spiders dangling by their mouths from a beam, swinging and twisting and never touching, and that only through the blows of die switch could my blood and their blood flow as one stream. I knew that it had. been, not that my aloneness had to be violated over and over each day, but that it had never been violated until Cash came. Not even by Anse in the nights.
He had a word, too. Love, he called it. But I had been used to words for a long time. I knew that that word was like the others: just a shape to fill a lack; that when the right time Came, you wouldn’t need a word for that anymore than for pride or fear. Cash did not need to say it to me nor I to him, and I would say Let Anse use it, if he wants to. So that it was Anse or love; love or Anse: it didn’t matter.”
— Addie in As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner
Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “07012020 Caesar Rodney’s Ride”]
Click on the excerpt titles below for the earlier posts related to Banned Books Week and International Week of the Deaf (IWD).
Paying Attention is the First Step (a post-practice Monday post with an excerpt)
The Second Step is Cultivating Your Power of Understanding (the “missing” Tuesday post)
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).
### STUDY, ANALYZE, & COMPREHEND WHAT (& WHO) IS ON YOUR BALLOT ###
Be Mindful When You Reach the Step Where You Use Your Words (just the music & blessings) **UPDATED w/link** September 25, 2024
Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Music.Tags: 988, Advocacy, Banned Books Week, International Week of Deaf People (IWDP), yoga
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Many blessings to everyone and especially to anyone communicating friendship, peace, freedom, understanding, and wisdom during International Week of the Deaf and during Banned Books Week.
Stay safe! Live well! Hydrate and nourish your heart, body, and mind.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RELATED POST.
Please join me today (Wednesday, September 25th) 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 “07012020 Caesar Rodney’s Ride”]
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).
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 Joyful Practice 