First Friday Night Special #52: An Invitation to “The Sweet Ability of 3-Fold Healing” (the “missing” invitation w/excerpts & links) February 7, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Art, Books, Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Kumbh Mela, Life, Loss, Music, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Taoism, Tragedy, Wisdom, Women, Yin Yoga, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Ardhanaranari, Ardhanarishvara, Black History Month, Carnival, Datuk Teh Kim Teh, Grace Chen, Gupta Navaratri, healing, Healing Stories, Hokkien, Jade Emperor, Kumbh Mela, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Maha Kumbh Mela, Mahā Kumbha Mēlā, Matthew Sanford, Navaratri, Nina Simone, Oscar William Adams Jr., Season for Nonviolence, Shi Fa Zhuo, Siddhidhatri, siddhis, Swami Vivekananda, Year of the Snake, Yoga Sutra 2.1
add a comment

“Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Magha Gupta Navaratri!” “Happy (Lunar) New Year!”, “Happy Hokkien New Year!”, and/or “Happy Carnival!” to those who are celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, and especially those observing Maha Kumbh Mela.

Peace, ease, and contemplation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!

This is the “missing” invitation for the “First Friday Night Special” on February 7^th. It is a compilation of related excerpts and some previously posted content. You can request an audio recording of this Restorative Yoga practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

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

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

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

“‘Although we may not have an image of this deity in our temple, as long as devotees have the Jade Emperor in their hearts, their prayers will be heard,’ said [the Kwan Imm Temple’s] principal Shi Fa Zhuo.”

— quoted from The Star article entitled “Legend Behind Hokkien New Year emphasizes unity and solidarity” by Grace Chen (2/24/2018)

There are many people around the world who are currently engaged — or are about to be engaged — in rituals and traditions that are based on the belief that there is a connection between heaven and earth. For instance, Friday the 7^th was the final night/day of Navaratri; the eleventh day of the Lunar New Year / Spring Festival; and a time when people are still celebrating and observing Carnival and Maha Kumbh Mela. Also, it is still the “Season for Nonviolence” and Black History Month.

Each of these events is full of stories. While the purely culture observations primarily involve stories about people who are earthbound, the religious and philosophical stories are about the inhabitants of heaven and earth. Additionally, all of these stories involve quite a bit of trauma and, as a result, a bit of healing and restoration. Sometimes (not all the time, but sometimes), however, I think that some people (not all the people, but some people) forget about the earth and (the inhabitants of earth) part. Sometimes I think that people forget that we can have an active role in our own healing.

According to Yoga and Sāmkhya (two of the 6 Indian philosophies), there are six siddhis (“powers” or “abilities”) that are described as “powers unique to being human.” One of those abilities is “the power to eliminate “three-fold sorrow – physical, mental, and spiritual”. To varying degrees, we all have this power and the related powers that support it — as well as the ability (through the practice) to enhance our abilities. Since the “Season for Nonviolence” principle of the day is “Healing”, I was reflecting on how healing shows up in these “healing stories” (as Matthew Sanford would call them) and how the stories not only reinforce the fact that we can participate in the healing, they highlight some modes and methods.

“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, in Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda

During Navaratri, each of manifestation of Durga/Parvati manifestation is a symbolic milestone (and a reminder that women “contain multitudes”). The final day is devoted to Siddhidhatri, whose name literally means “land/earth of achievements”. Her name can also be translated as “Giver of Perfection”, as She is believed to be endowed with all the siddhis (“abilities” or “powers”) in the Universe and, also, to be able to bestow all of them. Typically, however, She only gives nine of the multitudes — some of which are referenced in the Yoga Sūtras.

In art and literature, she is sometimes depicted as being half of Shiva (with Him being half of Her), meaning that they are the embodiment the yin/yang symbol. When they are shown together in this way, they are each known as Ardhanarishvara, Ardhanaranari, or similar names that all highlight the fact that They are partially a woman.

During the big celebrations of Navaratri (in the Spring and Fall) the final day is a double celebration — which may mean more feasting in some regions and more fasting in others. Magha Navaratri is one of the celebrations referred to as Gupta Navaratri meaning it is “hidden/secret” — again, not because no one knows about it, but because it is not as obvious as the bigger celebrations. Even one of the biggest days during this particular Gupta Navaratri is hidden in the middle! Vasant Panchami or Sri Panchami, a festival marking the beginning of Spring, occurs on the fifth day of Magha Navaratri.

“‘From this story, we learn that unity, solidarity and the active participation of the community is necessary when it comes to facing challenges,’ said [Klang Hokkien Association president Datuk Teh Kim] Teh.”

— quoted from The Star article (about a version of the story where only some hide) entitled “Legend Behind Hokkien New Year emphasizes unity and solidarity” by Grace Chen (2/24/2018)

Thursday was the ninth day of the Lunar New Year and the birthday of the Jade Emperor, who is known as the “Ruler of Heaven and Earth”. While he is a prominent figure some religious traditions and is honored throughout in the Lunar New Year celebrations, most people — even people who celebrate the 15-day Spring Festival — have gone back to business as usual by the ninth day of the Lunar New Year. People may do something in private, especially if they are hosting their son-in-law(s); but, for most people, it is not a special day off. There are, however, some people whose celebrations of the Jade Emperor’s birthday are so significant that they rival the festivities at the beginning of the Lunar New Year and the end of the Spring Festival.

For those people, the tenth day (Friday) is a continuation of the celebration… and a day full of leftovers.

The following (revised) excerpt is from a 2021 post:
“Legend has it that the Hokkien people (also known as Hoklo, Banlam, and Minnan people) found themselves under attack. The Hokkien were not warriors, but they came in close proximity with warriors because they were known for building great ships. One version of their story states that the events occurred while they were being hunted and killed during the Song Dynasty (between 960 and 1279 CE). Another version indicates that they were caught between warring factions. Ultimately, to escape the carnage, they decided to hide in a sugar cane field — which, in some versions of the story, just miraculously appeared. The whole community hid until there were no more sounds of horses, warriors, or battle. Legend has it that they emerged on the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, which is the Jade Emperor’s Birthday.

Sometimes referred to as ‘Heavenly Grandfather’ and ‘Heavenly Duke’, the Jade Emperor is recognized as the ruler of heaven and earth in some Chinese religions and mythology. In Taoism, he is one of the Three Pure Ones or the Three Divine Teachers. Fujian province (in China), Penang (in Malayasia), and Taiwan are three areas where there is a large concentration of Hokkien people and, therefore, places where the ninth day of the Lunar New Year is a large celebration. In some places the celebrations begin at 11 PM on the eighth night and can be so large that they eclipse the celebrations of the first day of the Lunar New Year (in those areas). In fact, the ninth day is actually called ‘Hokkien New Year’.

Those who are religious will go to a temple and engage in a ritual involving prostration, kneeling, bowing, incense, and offerings. For many there is a great feast full of fruits, vegetables, noodles, and (of course) sugar cane. The sugar cane is an important element of the Jade Emperor’s birthday celebrations and rituals — not only because of the aforementioned story of survival, but also because the Hokkien word for ‘sugarcane’ (kam-chià, 甘蔗) is a homonym for (or sounds like) a Hokkien word for ‘thank you’ (kamsiā, 感谢), which literally means ‘feeling thankful’.

Every version of the Hokkien people’s survival story is a great reminder that we can give thanks no matter how hard, how challenging, how infuriating, and/or how tragic our situation. Take [2020, or last year], for instance: When we look back at all the hard stuff, all the grief, all the fear, all the anger, all the disappointment, and all of the trauma, we can get distracted and forget that there were moments of sweetness. There were moments of kindness, moments of love, moments of birth and rebirth, moments of compassion, moments of hope, and moments of joy. In other words, in spite of all the hard stuff, there were moments of sweetness. Take a moment to remember one of those moments; and feel thankful.”

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR THE ENTIRE POST.

Focus+Concentrate+Meditate = Sweet Heaven (the “missing” post)

“The black man does not wish to be the pet of the law. The more blacks become enmeshed in meaningful positions in our society, then the more that society will be come non-discriminatory. His goals and ideals will become identical with goals and ideals of the rest of society. To insist on special treatment, and demand and get integration in other aspects of society is to pursue inconsistent approaches. If a black man is allowed to go as far as his talents will carry him, he will not need special protection from the courts. If he is not, the courts will once again be asked for special protection.”

— quoted from the special concurrence opinion for Beck v. State, 396 So. 2d 645 (1980) by Alabama Supreme Court Justice Oscar W. Adams

During a vinyasa practice, I usually reference several people born on February 7^th — and parts of their stories are very much about healing (and explaining experiences in a way that can lead to healing). However, for the 2025 First Friday practice, I only referenced one person. Born in Birmingham, Alabama, today in 1925, Oscar Williams Adams, Jr. was a lawyer, a judge, and an Alabama Supreme Court Justice. What is as interesting as all of his achievements, is the fact that his story is the case of someone who observed a miscarriage of justice (i.e., trauma and loss) and worked his way into a position where he could right wrongs (i.e., facilitate healing)

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT BELOW FOR MORE.

Space and the Power of Hearing(s) (a special Black History note, w/a Tuesday link)

The February First Friday Night Special features a Yin Yoga practice. It is accessible and open to all.

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

Friday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Lunar New Year Day 10 KM/N 2025”]

Prop wise, this is a kitchen sink practice and there are times when I suggest using a wall, chair, sofa, or coffee table. You may want extra layers (as your body may cool down during this practice). Having a wall, chair, sofa, or coffee table will be handy for this practice. Example of “Studio” props: 1 – 2 blankets, 2 – 3 blocks, a bolster, a strap, and an eye pillow. Examples of “householder” props: 1 – 2 blankets or bath towels, 2 – 3 books (similar in size), 2 standard pillows (or 1 body pillow), a belt/tie/sash, and a face towel.

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

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).

### “I want a little sugar in my bowl
I want a little sweetness down in my soul
I could stand some lovin’, oh so bad
Feel so funny, I feel so sad” ~Nina Simone ###

A Quick Note & FTWMI: Do You Ever Notice/Observe…? (REVISED) February 5, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Baseball, Basketball, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Fitness, Football, Healing Stories, Health, Life, One Hoop, Philosophy, Science, Vipassana, Wisdom, Yoga.
Tags: asana, asymmetry, Gupta Navaratri, hatha yoga, Henry Lewis Hank Aaron, Hokkien, Hope Ricciotti MD, John Jeffries, joints, Kalaratri, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Maha Khumb Mela, Navaratri, pawanmuktasana, Season for Nonviolence, Simplicity, Soma Yoga, Somatic Yoga, Toni Golen MD, unilateral, Willis Johnson, Year of the Snake
add a comment

Peace, ease, and contemplation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!

For Those Who Missed It: The majority of this post was originally posted in 2024. Some additional year-specific information and links have been updated or added.

“Research still hasn’t confirmed a cause-and-effect link between weather and joint pain, though many people insist they can predict the weather based on such aches. It’s believed that changes in barometric pressure — which happen as weather systems change — trigger these sensations in the joints. Less air pressure surrounding the body can allow muscles, tendons, and other tissues around joints to expand. This can place pressure on joints, possibly leading to pain.”

— quoted from “What triggers weather-related joint pain?” — a 2022 “Ask the doctors” post by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women’s Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor, and Hope Ricciotti, MD, Editor at Large, Harvard Women’s Health Watch (posted November 1, 2022*)

Do you ever notice/observe that you, your mind, and/or your body feel a certain way just before it rains… or snows? Or maybe you notice that you feel a little off when you don’t get enough sun. Or, maybe, you notice how you feel when you get too much sun. “Correlation does not imply causation.” So, washing your vehicle or feeling a certain pain/discomfort in your joints does not automatically mean it’s going to rain — unless there’s a 90% chance of rain in the forecast. Similarly, we are not guaranteed an early Spring just because one (or more) of the groundhogs didn’t see it’s shadow. Unless, of course, the predictions of said groundhogs are based on science.

Still, we shouldn’t discount the way we feel and it is interesting to note how we feel in relation to the weather and how the weather affects the way we feel. It is also interesting to notice when we pay attention to the weather and the effect the weather has on the way we move about our days.

For instance, during the years when I had the opportunity to teach “Rooftop Yoga”, I checked the weather forecast on a daily basis. Sometimes I even checked multiple times a day and got very familiar with the radar. Similarly, I checked the weather fairly often when the possibility of a snow storm meant I might need more winter gear before the end of my day. Other times… I checked the weather by walking outside. My guess is that if you want and/or need to be outside for your job and/or for an outdoor sport — like skiing or baseball — you probably also pay attention to the weather.

The question is: Are you simultaneously paying attention to your body (as you pay attention to the weather) and what do you do based on what you observe?

“Another possibility is that you do things on cold, damp days that can worsen joint pain or stiffness, such as sit on the couch for hours watching movies. Also, since you’re expecting discomfort when the weather shifts, you may notice joint aches more than you would otherwise. To ward off weather-related joint pain, keep moving with regular exercise and stretching.”

— quoted from “What triggers weather-related joint pain?” — a 2022 “Ask the doctors” post by Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women’s Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor, and Hope Ricciotti, MD, Editor at Large, Harvard Women’s Health Watch (posted November 1, 2022*)

If you do unilateral movement — like walking, running, or skiing — you may not automatically notice your body’s asymmetry. The asymmetry of our bodies becomes more pronounced and noticeable when we do unilateral movement in sports like baseball, either type of football (in certain positions), basketball, golf, tennis, pickleball, and even gymnastics and dance. When someone is serious about playing or doing such things — especially on a pro level — they will typically use unilateral/asymmetrical exercises in their training. However, we humans have a tendency to resist where we are already strong and bend where we are already flexible — and it is easy to play into these tendencies. This can be problematic because, if we only cultivate strength where we are already strong and cultivate flexibility where we are already flexible, the body that is trained for a certain type of activity can quickly break down. In fact, several studies have connected low back (and shoulder) pain in baseball players to the asymmetrical movements required for certain positions.

While all of that may seem fairly obvious, how we use yoga to find balance within the imbalance is not always as obvious. For example, a good twisting sequence with some asymmetrical/unilateral movement can come in handy when you plan to be (outside) doing certain sports. Focusing on asymmetrical yoga poses can be a way to realign the body and mixing in a little “wind releasing” and some Somatic Yoga can not only release tension around the spine, it can also help “repattern the brain” — which how we cultivate new muscle memory. I have also noted how good a good twisting sequence feels when (it turns out that) precipitation is in the forecast.

But, just because we do all of that on February 5^th doesn’t mean it’s going to rain; does it?

Nope, it just means we’re observing National Weatherperson’s Day (and the anniversary of the birth of John Jeffries), celebrating Hank Aaron (b. 1934), and noting the invention of (what would become) the modern day mixing bowl.

Note: Previous posts may reflect the fact that February 5^th often falls during Lunar New Year / Spring Festival celebrations. In 2025, today is the eighth day of the Lunar New Year — which, for some, is Hokkien New Year’s Eve. It is also the seventh day of Navaratri (which is dedicated to Kalaratri, the most ferocious form of Durga/Parvati), as well as a time when people are celebrating Carnival and Maha Kumbh Mela.

Finally, the “Season for Nonviolence” principle of the day is “Simplicity”.

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLES BELOW FOR MORE.

NATIONAL WEATHERPERSON’S DAY, YOGA, BUDDHISM & CATHOLIC DISCERNMENT

Observing the Conditions… of the Heart (the Friday post)

NATIONAL WEATHERPERSON’S DAY & BUDDHISM (DURING THE SPRING FESTIVAL)

Observing the Conditions… of the Light (the “missing” Sunday post)

THE SPECIAL 2023 BLACK HISTORY POST ABOUT HANK AARON & PATENT No. 292,821

Having the Mettle/Metal to Mix it Up (a special Black History 2-for-1 note)

Please join me today (Wednesday, February 5^th) 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 “Lunar New Year Day 8 KM/N mix on 02052025”]

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.)

*Disclaimer from Harvard Health Publishing: “No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.”

### SIMPLICITY ###

BELIEVING, SITTING, CELEBRATING HUMANS (the “missing” Tuesday post) February 4, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Art, Bhakti, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Kumbh Mela, Life, Music, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Believing, Black History Month, Carnival, Civil Rights, Gupta Navaratri, Haiwang Yuan, human rights, humanity, Katyayani, Kumbha Mēlā, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Maha Kumbh Mela, Margaret Bonds, Michael Ann Williams, Navaratri, Nüwa, Rosa Parks, Rosa Parks Day, Samyama, Season for Nonviolence, Spring Festival, Sunn m'Cheaux, Swami Vivekananda, Thornton Wilder, Year of the Snake, Yoga Sutra 3.35, Yoga Sutra 3.53, Zulu
add a comment

“Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Magha Gupta Navaratri!” “Happy (Lunar) New Year!” and/or “Happy Carnival!” to those who are celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, and especially those observing Maha Kumbh Mela and/or Rosa Parks Day*.

Peace, ease, and contemplation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!

This is the “missing” post for Tuesday, February 4^th. It is a compilation post featuring some new material, previously posted content, and excerpts. 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.

“STAGE MANAGER….. – Now there are some things we all know but we don’t take’m out and look at’m very often. We all know that something is eternal. And it ain’t houses and it ain’t names, and it ain’t earth, and it ain’t even the stars . . . everybody knows in their bones that something is eternal, and that something has to do with human beings. All the greatest people ever lived have been telling us that for five thousand years and yet you’d be surprised how people are always letting go of that fact. There’s something way down deep that’s eternal about every human being.”

— quoted from Act III of Our Town by Thornton Wilder

“We find, in studying history, one fact held in common by all the great teachers of religion the world ever had. They all claim to have got their truths from beyond, only many of them did not know where they got them from.”

— quoted from “Chapter VII: Dhyana and Samadhi” in The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Volume 1, Raja-Yoga by Swami Vivekananda

In Our Town, which had it’s Broadway premiere at Henry Miller’s Theatre today in 1938, Thornton Wilder wrote a monologue (actually, a whole play) about something that — if not “unique to being human” — is at least an essential part of being human. In Raja Yoga, Swami Vivekananda wrote about people who had knowledge of something similar… maybe even the same thing. But, the Stage Manager doesn’t lay out what the thing is and Swami Vivekananda was focused on how we get knowledge and understanding of this universal truth.

So, on a certain level, we must turn inward and ask ourselves what it means to be human.

Or, better yet, you can ask yourself what you BELIEVE it means to be human. “Believing” is the “Season for Nonviolence” principle of the day and it highlights the fact that what we believe, in our heart of hearts, shapes our thoughts, words, and deeds — and, by extension, the world. Patanjali made this point in Yoga Sūtra 3.35 (which is 3.33 or 3.34 in some translations), when he indicated that “By practicing samyama (focus-concentration-meditation] on the heart, knowledge of the mind is attained.”

We see proof of this application when we look at the stories behind the beliefs related to rituals and traditions related to Carnival and Maha Kumbh Mela celebrations; this seventh day of the Lunar New Year/Spring Festival — which some consider to be the birthday of all humans — as well as the stories and beliefs related to Navaratri, the Hindu festival of “nine nights” celebrating divine feminine energy in various manifestations. This sixth day of Navaratri is dedicated to Katyayani, one of the fiercest (and most violent) ways that Durga shows up in the celebration. She rides a lion; is associated with red (as a color symbolizing courage); kills the biggest demon(s); and has multiple hands (4, 10, or 18, depending on the depiction). One of those hands is in the “stop the ignorance” mudra.

And, speaking of warrior goddesses who stop ignorance: We can apply Yoga Sūtra 3.35 to the beliefs of someone like Rosa Parks, who was born in Tuskegee, Alabama, today in 1913.

“I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.”

— Rosa Parks (b. 1913)

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE ABOUT ROSA PARKS.

FTWMI: “Rooted Deep in a Moment (a special [revised] Black History note)” *UPDATED*

“Nüwa could not stand seeing the decimation of the humans and other creatures she had created. She was determined to rescue them. Facing such a large-scale calamity, Nüwa did not panic. Instead, she prioritized what she was going to do. She decided that the damage to the sky was the cause of everything, so she took to the task of mending it. She collected a great number of mulitcolored stones from a riverbed, built a furnace in the Zhonghuang Mountain, and, after forty-nine days, melted the stones and created a huge piece of colorful slate. Embedding the slate in the hole, Nüwa managed to fix the leaking sky. Her action produced an unexpected side effect: the shining colors of the slate added to the sky a moon, a rainbow, and numerous stars.”

— quoted from “The Origin of Human Beings“ in The Magic Lotus Lantern and Other Tales from the Han Chinese by Haiwang Yuan (with Forward by Michael Ann Williams)

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE ABOUT NÜWA THE 7th DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR (plus a preview of a weekend post).

Celebrating(,) Being Humans (a 2-for-1 “missing” post)

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”

— Rosa Parks

Tuesday’s (primary) playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “02082022 Celebrating Being Humans”]

Tuesday’s (alternate) playlist is also available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “02042024 Sitting, Breathing… on a Bus”]

NOTE: The before/after music (for the alternate playlist) is slightly different on each platform, as the YouTube playlist includes videos of some featured songs. Both playlists also include Margaret Bonds’s Montgomery Variations and a podcast episode about the women who started the Montgomery Bus Boycotts; however, the Spotify playlist does not include the short from one of my favorite [haa-vahd] professors.

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).

*NOTE: Rosa Parks Day is currently celebrated today in Missouri and Massachusetts; on the first Monday after her birthday in Michigan and California; and on the anniversary of the day she was arrested (December 1, 1955) in Ohio, Texas, Alabama, Tennessee, Oregon and several cities and counties.

### As they say in Zulu, “Sawubona!” [“I see you!”] and “Yebo, sawubona!” [“I see you seeing me.”] ###

Take Care (the post-practice Monday post) February 3, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Baseball, Books, Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Football, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Health, Hope, Karma, Kumbh Mela, Life, Men, Music, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Tragedy, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Amrit Snan, Arvind Sharma, Buddy Holly, Caring, Carnival, Charles Follis, Clear-Water Grand Master, David Kinsley, Ghost of Poverty, Gupta Navaratri, Hillary Rodrigues, Hothouse Flowers, J. P. "The Big Bopper" Richardson, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Maha Kumbh Mela, Michael Franti, Milt Roberts, Navaratri, Ritchie Valens, Roger Peterson, Saraswati Puja, Seane Corn, Season for Nonviolence, Shahi Snan, Skandamata, Spearhead, Spring, Spring Festival, Stewart Levine, Vasant Panchami, water, Year of the Snake
add a comment

Peace, ease, and contemplation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!

This post-practice compilation for Monday, February 3^rd features new and previously posted content, as well as excerpts. The 2025 prompt question was, “What is a way you care for yourself, care for those around you, and care for the world?” 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.

“My six non-negotiables for wellness would be yoga, meditation, prayer, diet, sleep, and therapy — or some form of spiritual mentorship, even if that includes reading books. If I don’t do these six non-negotiables I know that, just because of the familiarity of tension, that in conflict or in crisis I will without a doubt become reactive. I will say or do something that will actually create more conflict for myself and for the other person; making a situation escalate in a way that’s unnecessary, because I’m not actually dealing with some of my own suppressed emotions. And, so, I have to commit to what works for me.”

“So those are my six non-negotiables for myself. The seventh one, that I’m awful at, but I highly recommend — it’s something I’m trying to bring more of in my life, because I really do understand the importance of it in terms of wellness — and that would be play.”

— Seane Corn, quoted from the video “7 Non-Negotiables for Wellbeing | Seane Corn”

Almost a decade ago, Lead with Love asked Seane Corn to share her non-negotiables for wellbeing (see video below). We all have non-negotiables, meaning things we do in order to show up in the world at our best and as the best versions of ourselves. My top three are music, yoga, and stories — not necessarily in that order — and, in addition to including those non-negotiables into every day, I share them as one of the ways I take care of others (and, on a certain level, the way I take care of the world).

Maybe yours are the same or similar to hers, or to mine, or maybe they are really different. What is important — especially in challenging times — is that we know what we need to do to take care our ourselves, as if we are our own fiercest protector and nurturer.

“In his research on Durgā worship in Varansi, Hillary Rodrigues asked both males and females how they understood these goddesses and what lent the group internal coherence. Males, for the most part, stressed the fact that all were manifestations of Durgā or the Mahādevī, that they represented her different manifestations in the world. When pressed, some males interpreted the nine goddesses as different stages in the evolution of prakṛti (the physical creation) or as different elements in it….

Interpretations of the nine Durgās by women differed dramatically from this rather philosophical view of the goddesses. According to certain females, the nine Durgās represent the stages in a woman’s life; as one woman put it: ‘These nine Durgās are our life, women’s life.’”

— quoted from the “Religious Materials Are Heavily Gendered” section of “1. Women’s Studies in the History of Religions” by David Kinsley, as published in Methodology in Religious Studies: The Interface with Women’s Studies, edited by Arvind Sharma

This fifth day of Navaratri, the Hindu festival of “nine nights” celebrating divine feminine energy in various manifestations, is devoted to Skandamata, who is a fierce mother as protector — a woman who simultaneously holds her baby, rides a lion, and keeps her eyes (especially her third eye) open for any and all danger. If we follow the story and see each manifestation as a different stage in a woman’s life and development, then each version of Durga/Parvati prepares her for the next stage of her life. Skandamata, then, is someone who can take care of herself and also take care of others.

Coincidentally, the “Season for Nonviolence” principle for today is “Caring” — and Skandamata is a reminder that in order to take care of others, we must take care of ourselves.

A MUSIC STORY

“Everyone deserves music, sweet music”

— quoted from the song “Everyone Deserves Music” by Michael Franti & Spearhead

Since the Monday practice is, technically, one of the practices without a playlist, I typically avoid themes related to music or just mention them in passing. For instance, this date on the Gregorian calendar, is known as “The Day the Music Died” and I normally tell the story of the disastrous “Winter Dance Party” tour and how a plane carrying Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and J. P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, as well as the pilot, Roger Peterson, crashed just outside of Clear Lake, Iowa, today in 1959.

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR THE STORY (& MUSIC).

Today, 1959 (the Wednesday post about the music that died)

CLEANSING /DETOXIFYING STORIES

“Cos it is good for me
It can be good for you”

— quoted from the song “Good For You” by Hothouse Flowers (written by Hothouse Flowers and Stewart Levine)

Water and staying hydrated are, obviously, non-negotiables for everyone. Water is recognized as an element of purification and an integral part of many rituals and traditions around the world. In fact, today is the third Amrit Snan (“necter baths”) or Shahi Snan (“royal baths”) during this year’s Maha Kumbh Mela celebrations. This fourth (of six) most auspicious dates this year to bathe in the sacred river occurs on Vasant Panchami (also known as Saraswati Puja), which is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Saraswati and marks the beginning (or the preparations for the beginning) or Spring.

Water and spring cleaning are also highlighted on this sixth day of the Lunar New Year / Spring Festival in some stories related to the Clear-Water Grand Master and the Ghost of Poverty.

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR SOME LUNAR YEAR DAY 6 STORIES.

When You Need A Good Hard Rain (the “missing” Sunday post)

A STORY ABOUT TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF, OTHERS, & THE WORLD

“‘Follis was a natural hitter and he had an ease about him and a confident smile that always seemed to worry opposing pitchers,’ one report said. ‘As a football player and as a baseball player he gained the respect of his associates and opponents as well by his clean tactics and his gameness,’ said another.”

— quoted from “Charles Follis” by Milt Roberts (originally in Black Sports, Nov. 1975), reproduced in THE COFFIN CORNER: Vol. 2, No. 1 (1980)

I mentioned before that stories (and sharing stories) are one of the ways I take care of myself (and others) and can also be a way to take care of the world. I think this is true about all manner of stories (fictional as well as non-fictional), because all stories can teach us about ourselves and can teach us about our lives — especially if we practice a little svādhyāya (“self-study”). It can be particularly help to learn how other people dealt with challenging situations and how those people changed/made history.

A perfect example of such a story is the story (really, stories) of Charles W. Follis, who was born today in 1879. Known as “the Black Cyclone”, Mr. Follis not only made history, the way he dealt with racism inspired others to change the world around them.

The Black Cyclone (a special Black History note)

There is no playlist for the Common Ground Meditation Center practices.

Check out Seane’s explanation of her non-negotiables.

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).

### TAKE CARE ###

So, Yes, It’s Groundhog Day & Also… (the “missing” Sunday post w/excerpts) February 2, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in "Impossible" People, Art, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Karma, Kumbh Mela, Life, Movies, Music, Mysticism, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Ananta Ripa Ajmera, Appreciation, Bill Murray, Candelmas, Carnival, God of Wealth, Gupta Navaratri, Harold Ramis, Kushmanda, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Maha Kumbh Mela, Margaret Fuhrer, Navaratri, Raven Wilkinson, Richard Henzel, Virgin Mary, Year of the Snake
add a comment

Peace, ease, contemplation, and appreciation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!

This “missing” post for Sunday, February 2^nd is a compilation post. It includes some revised (previously posted) material and excerpts. My apologies for not posting before the Sunday practice. You can request an audio recording of this practice or a previous practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

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

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

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

“Well, it’s Groundhog Day… again.”

— Bill Murray as “Phil Connors” in the movie Groundhog Day

February 2^nd is always Groundhog Day. For people using the Gregorian Calendar, it is also, always, Candlemas, the second day of Black History Month (for some people in the United States), and part of the “Season for Nonviolence”. However, since people use different calendars for religious and cultural holidays and observations, this day sometimes overlaps a whole lot of other ancient rituals and traditions — and even a couple of modern ones. For instance, in 2025, today is also part of Carnival, the Lunar New Year / Spring Festival, Maha Kumbh Mela, and Magha (Gupta) Navaratri.

Today, the “Season for Nonviolence” principle is “Appreciation”. While the Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace’s site focuses on giving thanks, with regard to this principle, we can also take this opportunity to appreciate the richness of each other’s cultures and how some of our beliefs overlap — especially as it relates to change (and even to our resistance to change).

FTWMI: AN INVITATION TO SHINE

“It’s always Feb 2^nd — there’s nothing I can do about it.”

— Bill Murray as “Phil Connors” in the movie Groundhog Day

Have you ever had one of those moments, like Phil Connors had in the movie Groundhog Day, where you woke up and every day seemed (or actually was) the same? Or, maybe, like Raven Wilkinson (who was born today in 1935), you see things in the world that you want to be different… even though it seems like those things have been the same for so long that they are unchangeable.

I think it is very easy to look at the world and see things we would like changed. I also think we have all had days where nothing we do seems to make a difference. Yet, the reality is that everything we do changes something.

Being alive is like a dance between our body, our mind, our spirit, and the world. Everything is shifting, changing. Everything is balance and counterbalance, inhale and exhale, enter and leaving, rising and falling. Sometimes we lead. Sometimes we follow. Sometimes we are watching from the side, resting, or waiting for our turn to lead or follow. Start to notice that dance and your start to notice change and how you engage it. You also start to notice when you are stuck… and the choices you make when you are stuck.

Do you get frustrated and stay stuck?

Do you “accept the things [you] cannot change”… and stay stuck?

Or, do you “change the things [you] can”… with appreciation/gratitude?

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE SOME HISTORY ABOUT GROUNDHOG DAY.

FTWMI: “Okay, campers, rise and shine!” (the “missing” post for February 2nd)

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT BELOW FOR A PROFILE ABOUT RAVEN WILKINSON.

Bird on Fire (a special Black History note)

Whether we realize it or not, everything we do changes something about us. It changes our perspective. Maybe the change is a reinforcement of what we already believe. Sometimes, however, we see ourselves and the world in a new way, a special way. That new insight can lead us to interact with people in a different way — and that can change their perspectives. The first part happened to Phil Connors in the movie. Both parts happened to Raven Wilkinson and, therefore, to ballet dancers and ballet fans.

That’s the way life goes. We just have to rise and shine.

“Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don’t forget your booties cause it’s cooooold out there today.”

— Richard Henzel as “DJ #1” in the movie Groundhog Day

NEW YEAR #5 / NEW DAY #4 (EXCERPTS)

For many people celebrating the Lunar New Year / Spring Festival, the fifth day is the day to go back to work after a four-day holiday. Businesses opening back up are met with great fanfare: parades, music, and fireworks. There’s also the promise of “lucky money,” in red envelopes; which business owners will give to their customers — who will then promptly spend some of the money in the business. Some people will also celebrate the birthday of all cows. This fifth day is particularly auspicious in parts of China where it is recognized as the birthday of the God of Wealth.

This year, the fifth day of the Lunar New Year coincides with the fourth day of Magha (Gupta) Navaratri. While Navaratri, the “nine nights” and days of celebration in the Hindu tradition, is different from some of the other celebrations mentioned — because it is a celebration that focuses on Durga, the divine mother, in various manifestations, Hinduism is not the only religion where the feminine aspects of the Divine are celebrated. It’s not even the only religion where an observation related to a woman, as the Divine, is associated with a period of nine days/nights. To my knowledge, however, Navaratri (“nine nights”) is unique in that it celebrates many different aspects of a single woman. Each night/day is associated with a different manifestation of Durga/Parvati, the mother goddess, and is part of nine-part story cycle/journey that ends with a demon-king being destroyed.

The fourth day is dedicated to the Goddess Kushmanda who, it is said, “created the world with her divine smile” — a smile that also powers the sun. She is recognized as Shakti (the creative force) and associated with good health (specifically with improving health), wealth, and strength. She is like the aspects of the Virgin Mary that are remembered on Candlemas.

“[Kushmanda] also lives in our hearts. The fact that she is smiling reminds us that we too are our most creative when we are smiling and feeling positive, courageous (a quality of heart), and strong. The fact that this goddess, like Chandraghanta, rides a lion shows that the power of love is just as potent as the fire of transformation. It reminds us that the ability to love comes from inner strength. When we feel clouded by fear, anger, and grief, it can be difficult to imagine one day having the strength to love again. But Kushmanda is here to remind us that, no matter how brokenhearted we may feel at time, the power of love lives within us, and we can tap into it and become our creative best at any time.”

— quoted from the “Knowing Kushmanda” section of “Chapter 4 — The Art of Loving Your True Self” in The Way of the Goddess: Daily Rituals to Awaken Your Inner Warrior and Discover Your True Self by Ananta Ripa Ajmera

Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “02022025 So, Yes, It’s Groundhog Day”]

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).

“During that same meeting, I also told Mr. Denham that I didn’t want to put the company in danger, but I also never wanted to deny what I was. If someone questioned me directly, I couldn’t say, ‘No, I’m not black.’ Some of the other dancers suggested that I say I was Spanish. But that’s like telling the world there’s something wrong with what you are.”

— Raven Wilkinson quoted from the Pointe Magazine interview ” Raven Wilkinson’s Extraordinary Life: An Exclusive Interview” by Margaret Fuhrer (dated June 1, 2014)

### THANK YOU! I APPRECIATE YOU!! ###

EXCERPTS (& Stories) That I Hope Make You Smile [the “missing” Saturday post] February 1, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Books, Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Kumbh Mela, Langston Hughes, Life, Meditation, Music, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Suffering, Wisdom, Women, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Arun Gandhi, Black History Month, Carnival, Chandraghanta, E. Ethelbert Miller, Gupta Navaratri, Jack Kornfield, Kitchen God, Kumbh Mela, Kumbha Mēlā, Langston Hughes, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace, Martin Luther King Jr, Mayumi Oda, Mohandas Gandhi, Navaratri, Season for Nonviolence, smiling, Thich Nhat Hanh, Year of the Snake
add a comment

“Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Magha Gupta Navaratri!” “Happy (Lunar) New Year!” and/or “Happy Carnival!” to those who are already celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, and especially those observing Maha Kumbh Mela and/or preparing for .

Peace, ease, smiling, and contemplation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!

This “missing” post for Saturday, February 1^st is a compilation post. It includes some new material, some revised material, and excerpts. 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.

“Meditation is to be aware of what is going on-in our bodies, in our feelings, in our minds, and in the world. Each day 40,000 children die of hunger. The superpowers now have more than 50,000 nuclear warheads, enough to destroy our planet many times. Yet the sunrise is beautiful, and the rose that bloomed this morning along the wall is a miracle. Life is both dreadful and wonderful. To practice meditation is to be in touch with both aspects. Please do not think we must be solemn in order to meditate. In fact, to meditate well, we have to smile a lot.”

— quoted from “1: Suffering Is Not Enough” in Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh (Illustrated by Mayumi Oda, Introduction by Jack Kornfield)

THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE

Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mohandas Gandhi, established the “Season for Nonviolence” (January 30^th through April 4^th) in 1998. Throughout the season, the Mahatma Gandhi Canadian Foundation for World Peace offers daily practices based on principles of nonviolence advocated by Mahatma Gandhi (who was assassinated on January 30, 1948) and Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (who was assassinated on April 4, 1968). The thing to remember is that these principles are not unique to one culture, one philosophy, or one religion. Courage, smiling, appreciation, caring, believing, simplicity, education — the principles of the first week — all predate Gandhi and MLK; they also predate Jesus and the Buddha. One could argue that they are universal.

One could argue that they move through our stories like rivers.

SPEAKING OF RIVERS… (in the new year)

“I’ve known rivers:

I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.”

— from the poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes

Every day, we are simultaneously living (i.e., “writing”) the story of our lives and telling that story, as our stories overlap with the stories around us. This happens, more often than not, without us thinking about how we do it. However, when we intentionally decide to tell our story (and, in doing so, tell part of someone else’s story), we need to decide on a medium — and there are so many ways we can tell a story. We can use prose or poetry, song or movement, a static visual or animation, or some combination of all of the above — and we can share whatever we create live (e.g., on stage, online, or in a pub), in a document, and/or in a recording.

Langston Hughes, who was born today (February 1^st) in 1901¹, wrote a lot of things in a lot of different mediums. Born James Mercer Langston Hughes, the prominent member of the Harlem Renaissance and the first Black American to earn a living solely from writing and public lectures, wrote poetry (including jazz poetry, which he started writing in high school), novels, plays, essays, and letters…so many letters. He wrote so many letters, in fact, that at one point he was writing 30 – 40 letters a day and, by the end of his life, he could have filled 20 volumes of books with his letters. While he wrote in a lot of different mediums and wrote about a lot of different experiences, many people primarily think of him as a poet… a poet who wrote about the Black experience. He also inspired a lot of poets, including the poet, teacher, editor, and literary activist E. Ethelbert Miller.²

“There is much for a writer like myself to learn from Langston. His productivity — and the fact that he wrote for a living — is an inspiration. In many photographs, Hughes is laughing or smiling like the Buddha. I have often wondered what he was thinking.”

— quoted from the essay “The Buddha Smile of Langston Hughes” by E. Ethelbert Miller

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT TITLE BELOW FOR MORE!

FTWMI: Speaking of Rivers… (in the new year)

STORIES RELATED TO HEAVEN & EARTH

In addition to thinking about stories related to the “Season for Nonviolence”, Langston Hughes, and the beginning of Black History Month, I am also thinking about stories related to other observations and celebrations happening around the world. We are still in the middle of Carnival and people are still observing Maha Kumbh Mela. Plus, today (Saturday) was also the third day of Magha (Gupta) Navaratri and the fourth day of the Lunar New Year / Spring Festival celebrations.

Navaratri, the Hindu festival of “nine nights” celebrating divine feminine energy in various manifestations, occurs four times a year. Magha Navaratri is one of the celebrations referred to as Gupta Navaratri meaning it is “hidden/secret” — again, not because no one knows about it, but because it is not as obvious as the bigger celebrations in the Spring and Fall.

Each day and night is dedicated to a different manifestation of Durga, the divine mother. 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 referred 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.

CLICK ON THE EXCERPT BELOW FOR HOW PEOPLE WASH THINGS AWAY.

Auspicious, Holy, & New (the “missing” Wednesday post)

“Fifteen days later, the Buddha gave a Dharma talk on lay life. He told the laity how they could realize true happiness in their daily lives…. ‘First of all, do not let a desire for wealth cause you to become so consumed by your work that you prevent happiness for yourself and your family in the present moment. Happiness is foremost. A look filled with understanding, an accepting smile, a loving word, a meal shared in warmth and awareness are the things which create happiness in the present moment. By nourishing awareness in the present moment, you can avoid cause suffering to yourself and those around you. The way you look at others, your smile, and your small acts of caring can create happiness.’”

— quoted from Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha by Thich Nhat Hanh

A KITCHEN STORY (OR 2) ON DAY 4 (excerpt)

For a lot of people who are celebrating the Lunar New Year (see excerpt above), the fourth day is the day when things start going back to normal (whatever that is these days). People go back to work and back to school. People who were able to travel to see family start heading back home (or are already home). Even though those celebrating the Spring Festival for 15 days, will reign in the festivities a bit. However, each day still has significance and special rituals. For instance, the fourth day of the Lunar New Year is not only the birthday of all sheep (in some Chinese traditions), it is also the day when the Kitchen God returns to the hearth.

According to one set of stories, the Kitchen God was at one time a man who, after gaining a certain amount of power and wealth, abandoned his first wife and married a younger woman. Years after the original couple divorced, the man fell on hard times. He lost his wealth, his power, his second wife, and his eyesight. He became a beggar on the streets. One day, the stories tell us, the man’s first wife saw her former husband begging in the streets. She was a woman of great kindness and compassion and so she invited him to her simple home and offered him a shower, some food, and a moment of warmth by the fire.

Remember, the old man could no longer see and didn’t know that this generous woman was the same woman he had treated so poorly. Full, clean, and sitting by the fire, however, he started to talk about his first wife. He lamented about his first marriage and the life they could have had if he hadn’t dumped her. In the process of soothing her now sobbing former husband, the woman revealed her identity and said that she forgave him. Miraculously, the man was suddenly able to see; but he was so distraught that he threw himself into the kitchen stove.

Legend has it, the woman could only save his leg — which became the fireplace poker — and the man became the “Kitchen God”, who leaves the kitchen alter just before the New Year and returns to heaven in order to give the Jade Emperor an accounting of each household’s activities during the previous year. In the final days of the old year, people will clean up their homes — so the alter(s) will be ready for the return of the gods and ancestors — and, sometimes, smear honey on the lips of the Kitchen God so that his report is extra sweet. Then the Kitchen God and other household gods return on the fourth day of the New Year.

I always imagine that some years the Kitchen God’s report is really, really, wild. Can you imagine? Seriously, imagine what he would say about the way we have treated each other over the last few years. Sure, some of us might not be portrayed too badly; but others of us….

More to the point, remember that the Kitchen God’s report is simply one way that our (lived) stories get told. Just imagine a report from the beginning of 1901 or 1902 (which would have been the end of the year of the rat and the year of the ox, respectively). Imagine, even, the report from the end of 1940 (the year of the dragon). What hard truths would have been in those reports?

What hard truths will be in this year’s report?

“So boy, don’t you turn back.

Don’t you set down on the steps

’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.

Don’t you fall now—

For I’se still goin’, honey,

I’se still climbin’,

And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.”

— quoted from the poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes

Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Langston & Day 1 2022”]

NOTE: The playlists have been revised since 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

“Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.”

— quoted from the poem “Dreams” by Langston Hughes

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).

NOTES:
¹According to most printed biographies (that I checked), Langston Hughes was born in 1902. However, many digital sources indicate that he was born in 1901 — and this earlier date is based on research and fact checking reported for the New York Times by Jennifer Schuessler (in 2018). Curiously, the 1940 census listed his birth as “abt 1905”; however, this information would have been given to a census taker by one of the poet’s roommates. (Additionally, we know from one his poems that Langston Hughes didn’t think very highly of the “census man” and the accuracy of census information.)

² E. Ethelbert Miller’s essay “The Buddha Smile of Langston Hughes” was first published in Black Issues Book Review in 2001 (and is quoted here from On Being.

ERRATA: The original post was titled as Sunday, but this is a Saturday post.

### :smile: ###

… (& Stories) That I Hope Make You Smile [mostly the music & blessings] UPDATED w/link February 1, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Buddhism, Changing Perspectives, Healing Stories, Hope, Langston Hughes, Life, Music, One Hoop, Peace, Philosophy, Poetry, Religion, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, Black History Month, Carnival, E. Ethelbert Miller, Gupta Navaratri, Kumbh Mela, Kumbha Mēlā, Langston Hughes, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Season for Nonviolence, Thích Nhất Hạnh, Thich Nhat Hanh, Year of the Snake
2 comments

“Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Magha Gupta Navaratri!” “Happy (Lunar) New Year!” and/or “Happy Carnival!” to those who are already celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, and especially those observing Maha Kumbh Mela and/or preparing for .

Peace, ease, smiling, and contemplation throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!!!

“There is much for a writer like myself to learn from Langston. His productivity — and the fact that he wrote for a living — is an inspiration. In many photographs, Hughes is laughing or smiling like the Buddha. I have often wondered what he was thinking.”

— quoted from the essay “The Buddha Smile of Langston Hughes” by E. Ethelbert Miller

CLICK HERE FOR THE RELATED POST.

Please join me today (Saturday, February 1^st) at 12:00 PM for a yoga practice on Zoom. You can use the link from the “Class Schedules” calendar if you run into any problems checking into the class. You can request an audio recording of this practice via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

Saturday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Langston & Day 1 2022”]

NOTE: The playlists have been revised since 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

“Fifteen days later, the Buddha gave a Dharma talk on lay life. He told the laity how they could realize true happiness in their daily lives…. ‘First of all, do not let a desire for wealth cause you to become so consumed by your work that you prevent happiness for yourself and your family in the present moment. Happiness is foremost. A look filled with understanding, an accepting smile, a loving word, a meal shared in warmth and awareness are the things which create happiness in the present moment. By nourishing awareness in the present moment, you can avoid cause suffering to yourself and those around you. The way you look at others, your smile, and your small acts of caring can create happiness.’”

— quoted from Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha by Thich Nhat Hanh

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).

### ###

Auspicious, Holy, & New (the “missing” Wednesday post) January 29, 2025

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Abhyasa, Books, Changing Perspectives, Dharma, Faith, Healing Stories, Hope, Kumbh Mela, Life, Mantra, Music, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Vairagya, Wisdom, Writing, Yoga.
Tags: 988, amrita, Carnival, Gupta Navaratri, Jon Timothy Veazey, Kim Jeblick, Kumbh Mela, Kumbha Mēlā, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Maha Kumbh Mela, Mahā Kumbha Mēlā, Raghubir Singh, Sam Hui, Spring Festival, Walela, Yasmin Williams, Year of the Snake, Yoga Sutra 1.1, Yoga Sutra 2.1
add a comment

“Happy (Lunar) New Year!” and/or “Happy Carnival!” to those who are already celebrating! Many blessings to everyone, and especially those observing Maha Kumbh Mela and/or preparing for Magha Gupta Navaratri.

May we all be safe and protected / May we all be peaceful and happy / May we all be healthy and strong!

This “missing” post for Wednesday, January 29^th. It is a compilation post featuring some new and a little bit of 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.

ATHA — now, at this auspicious moment; implying the transition to this practice and pursuit, after prior preparation; implying a blessing at this moment of transition

YOGA — of yoga, union; literally, to yoke, from the root yuj, which means to join or to integrate; same as the absorption in samadhi

About fifteen years ago, Kim Jeblick made a couple of comments during a Dharma Yoga workshop that really stuck with me. One of the things she said was that the first words in a Sanskrit text are the most important; everything else comes from those first words.

It makes sense, then, that the very first words in the very first Yoga Sūtra are atha and yoga. It makes sense that, right off the bat, we are grounded in the present moment — with awareness of what has come before — and focused on coming together. It also makes sense that the beginning is auspicious, meaning, “conducive to success; favorable.” Ideally, every beginning is auspicious; but, what makes a moment “characterized by success”?

What are the signs that everything is aligned?

Many people look at a change in season and/or the position or phase of the moon (and/or the planets) as a sign of good fortune. Full moons and new moons are seen as particularly powerful. In fact, the new moon on Wednesday (January 29^th) is seen as particularly auspicious by multiple cultures around the world. It marks the middle of two holy times and the beginning of two other sacred times — one of which is a new year.

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

好心得好报
Hao xinde hao bao [Good news]

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

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

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

Today is the beginning of the Lunar New Year. The Chinese lunisolar calendar designates this year is the year of the (wood) Snake — which means it is a time to shed things that no longer serve us, the way a snake sheds it’s skin. While many East and Southeast Asian cultures celebrate at the same time — and while there are some similarities to celebrations held at other times of the year — each culture has different rituals and traditions that connect people with their extended families, ancestors, and heritage.

In parts of China and the diaspora, the beginning of the New Year is also the beginning of the Spring Festival, a fifteen day celebration that culminates with the Lantern Festival. Even though each day of the Lunar New Year has a special significance, each region has different stories and traditions related to that significance. For example, according to one Chinese creation story, different animals are celebrated depending on when they were created; thus, today is the birthday of all chickens. Others are celebrating the birthday of the water god and, therefore, will not wash their hair or their clothes on the first two days of the new year. Some Buddhist people celebrate the birth of Maitreya Buddha on the first day of the lunar new year and spend New Year’s Day, as well as several days leading up to the first day, chanting, praying, and/or meditating (depending on their beliefs). People will also light candles and make offerings at the temple before their feasting begins.

Even though there are some differences between regions and cultures in celebrations of the Lunar New Year, there are some common elements. The Lunar New Year celebrations generally include extended family coming together; the welcoming of ancestors and (in some households) the welcoming of household deities (like the water god); red clothes, red decorations, and red envelopes; fireworks, parades, and loud noises, a bit of feasting, and (of course), the wish, prayer, blessing, or shout for prosperity: “Cai Shen Dao! [The God of Wealth has come! in Mandarin]”

In 2025, the Spring Festival celebrations begin in the middle of Carnival season, which started on January 6^th, and is the lead up to Mardi Gras (on March 4^th), which is the raucous celebration before Lent for Western Christians.

Wednesday is also the eve of Navaratri (which means “nine nights” in Sanskrit) and is a celebration of divine feminine energy — specifically of Durga, the divine mother, in various manifestations. Navaratri occurs four times on the Hindu calendar. The one that begins on Thursday, Magha Navaratri, is one of the celebrations referred to as Gupta Navaratri meaning it is “hidden/secret” — not because no one knows about it, but because it is not as obvious as the bigger celebrations.

It is also not nearly as big as another great Hindu festival taking place at this same time.

MAHĀ — Great, mighty, powerful, lofty, noble.

KUMBH — Pitcher, jar, pot

MĒLĀ — Assembly, unite, join, meet, move together, junction

Today (Wednesday) is also one of the holiest and most auspicious days during the holiest of times in some Hindu traditions. As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, Maha Kumbh Mela (Mahā Kumbha Mēlā, in Sanskrit) is one of the largest pilgrimages in the world, attracting hundreds of millions of people to one of four (4) locations for ceremonial or ritual bathing in sacred rivers. The multi-week gatherings coincide with the partial or full revolution of Jupiter and are considered particularly significant every 6, 12, and 144 years — with many believing that 2025 is a 144-year event. Additionally, there are six days that are considered particularly auspicious. (In 2025, those dates are January 13^th, 14^th, and 29^th, plus February 3^rd, 12^th, and 26^th). With this year (and Wednesday’s date) being considered so extraordinarily auspicious, hundreds of millions of people have been attending the Prayag Maha Kumbh Mela. Unfortunately, on Wednesday morning, the conflux of people resulted in the death of at least 30 people and the injury of at least 60 more people.

The pilgrimages take place in Prayagraj (at the Ganges-Yamuna-Sarasvati rivers confluence), Haridwar (at the Ganges River), Nashik-Trimbak (at the Godavari River), and Ujjain (at the Shipra River). There are smaller melas or fairs/festivals (on a 6-year cycle) at some of these locations and there are similar, smaller, gatherings in other regions. For instance, in Tamil Nadu there is a Magha Mela held in Kumbakonam (at the Mahamaham tank, near Kaveri River) every 12 years and, in 2022, there was also one in Bansberia (at Hooghly River) for the first time in 700 years.

“Finally, those who had waited began to move, making a formidable river of faith. Into Ganga’s liquid arms wave after wave of pilgrims ran, splashed and fell. To keep their spirits up they filled the air with the cries of ‘Ganga Mai ki Jai! (Victory to Mother Ganga!)’ There was thunder and lightning. It looked as though the Ganga was being joined by a fourth stream: the devout.”

— quoted from “3 Kumbha Mela: The Great Gathering” in The Ganges by Raghubir Singh

The primary maha, or “great”, kumbh melas only happen every 12 years at each location. Although there is a special rotation schedule — based on the alignment of Jupiter, the Sun, and the Moon, there has been an ongoing dispute between two of the locations, resulting in a Kumbh Mela taking place in two different locations in the same year or one year apart. Ironically, the story behind the gatherings also involves a dispute.

According to the legends, there was a disagreement between a short-tempered sage (Durvasa) and Indra (noted in this context as King of Heaven). The sage cursed all the devas (“bright or divine beings”), who lost their vitality, health, immortality, and prosperity. This curse meant that the devas found themselves on the losing end of battles against the power-hungry asuras. The only solution, the devas, were told, was a diplomatic agreement where the devas and asuras worked together to churn the primordial “Ocean of Milk” in order to obtain the nectar of immortality.

Long story short, the opposing sides agreed to work together. They threw herbs into the Ocean of Milk and moved Mount Mandara to the middle of the primordial ocean (as a churning rod); Vasuki (the half-snake, half human king) agreed to be the churning rod; and each side grabbed hold of their end of the snake. They quickly realized they needed more stability — because they mountain was sinking — and so Vishnu (an avatar of God) became Kurma, the tortoise whose shell gave them the necessary stability. It was still a long and laborious process; but, eventually, things started bubbling up. There was a poison, which Shive drank to save everyone, thereby developing a blue throat. Then more stuff bubbled up. While the descriptions of what came up varies depending on the source, they include:

Chandra, the moon,
parijata (night-blooming jasmine, which is sometimes called the “tree of sorrow”)
the four-tusked elephant Airavata, Indra’s mount,
Kamadhenu, the cow of plenty,
Madira, the goddess of wine, who became Varuni, the wife of Varuna,
Kalpavriksha, the wish-fulfilling tree,
the apsaras (celestial dancers),
the celestial horse Uccaihshravas,
Lakshmi, goddess of wealth, who became Vishnu’s wife,
Panchajanya, Vishnu’s conch,
Vishnu’s mace and magic bow, and
various gems.

Finally, the last two treasures to bubble up were Dhanvantari, the physician of the gods, holding the pot of amrita (nectar of “immortality”).

Of course, once they had the elixir of immortality, the two sides started another dispute. Again, I’m leaving out (and condensing) some bits and fast forwarding to the moment when the sacred rivers were created: either when the asuras stole the jug of nectar — or when Vishnu (in disguise) stole it back — and the kumbh cracked, dripping bits of amrita onto the Earth. Another popular version of the story indicates that the sacred rivers where formed when the jug split into four pieces. Yet another indicates that the kumbh was set down, four times, while the traveler rested during the long journey home. Keep in mind that the festivals themselves pre-date the (written) versions of these stories.

People believe that bathing in sacred rivers, especially at the appointed times, will cleanse them of their sins and past mistakes and prepare them for better days ahead. Others believe it will heal what ails them. Finally, some believe that by bathing in the sacred waters they can achieve moksha (ultimate “immortality”). These beliefs are very similar to water-based beliefs held in other religious traditions.

“The first to bathe are the sadhus. Thousands march in procession to the confluence…. Many were naked, their hair matted and their bodies smeared with ashes from burnt cowdung. These nagas (literally, ‘nakeds’) were an eerie sight in the January mist.”

“At each Kumbha, those aspiring to be nagas are initiated. The applicant can be from any caste or creed, but he should have lived nine years in the first degree of initiation as a brachmachari [sic] (one who has renounced earthly pleasures) and he should have fasted for twenty-four hours and then bathed in the Ganga during the Kumbha. Rituals are then performed in tents.”

— quoted from “3 Kumbha Mela: The Great Gathering” in The Ganges by Raghubir Singh

Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Lunar New Year Day 1 & Kumbh Mela 16 2025”]

NOTE: The YouTube playlist includes the video below that I serendipitously came across a couple of days ago. The Spotify playlist has an extra chant since the video is not available on that platform.

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).

### “Go and pray upon a mountain / Go and pray beside the ocean / And you’ll wash your spirit clean” ~ Walela (Jon Timothy Veazey) ###

Between Heaven & Earth (the “missing” post for Sunday the 18th) February 24, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Art, Bhakti, Books, Changing Perspectives, Faith, Food, Gratitude, Healing Stories, Hope, Lent / Great Lent, Life, Music, Mysticism, New Year, One Hoop, Pain, Peace, Philosophy, Religion, Suffering, Taoism, Vairagya, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.
Tags: Ardhanaranari, Ardhanarishvara, Banlam, Durga, Elvin Xing Yifu, Funkensonntag, Great Lent, Gupta Navaratri, Hokkien, Hoklo, Jade Emperor, kriya yoga, kriyā yoga, Lent / Great Lent, Magha Navaratri, Minnan, Navaratri, Nina Simone, Parvati, Season for Nonviolence, Season of Non-violence, Shiva, Siddhidhatri, Soon Su-Chuin, Spring Festival, Sri Panchami, Swami Vivekananda, Tong Chee Kiong, Vasant Panchami, Year of the Dragon, Yoga Sutra 2.1
add a comment

“Happy New Year!” “Happy Spring Festival!” Many blessings to everyone observing (or getting ready to observe) Lent. Peace, ease, and acceptance to all throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!

This is the “missing” post for Sunday, February 18^th. It includes some previously posted information (updated for 2024) and links to related posts. You can request a recording of the related practice(s) via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email me at myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

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

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

“Think of a space in your heart, and in the midst of that space think that a flame is burning. Think of that flame as your own soul and inside the flame is another effulgent light, and that is the Soul of your soul, God. Meditate upon that in the heart. Chastity, non-injury, forgiving even the greatest enemy, truth, faith in the Lord, these are all different Vrittis. Be not afraid if you are not perfect in all of these; work, they will come. He who has given up all attachment, all fear, and all anger, he whose whole soul has gone unto the Lord, he who has taken refuge in the Lord, whose heart has become purified, with whatsoever desire he comes to the Lord, He will grant that to him. Therefore worship Him through knowledge, love, or renunciation.”

— quoted from “Chapter VIII: Raja-Yoga in Brief” in The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Volume 1, Raja-Yoga by Swami Vivekananda

For some people (even some people observing Lent, the Spring Festival, and/or Navaratri), Sunday, February 18^thwas, once again, just another Sunday. For some people, however, there were celebrations and observations that have particular significance for people in certain regions. They are rituals and traditions that mark a change in season and, in the last two cases, the beginning of peace.

In Belgium, northern France, and parts of Germany and Switzerland, the first Sunday of Lent is referred to as Funkensonntag. Sometimes translated as “Spark Sunday” or as “Bonfire Sunday,” it is a day when people build Lenten (bon)fires in order to burn their Christmas trees and other debris left over from winter. Effigies of the Winter Witch and Old Man Winter are also tossed into the bonfires, making this tradition a way to welcome — even hasten — the arrival of Spring.

Since the Orthodox and Western Christian traditions use a different calendars, there have been times when the First Sunday of Lent in the Western Christian traditions is Shrove Sunday, the last Sunday before Great Lent. It is also known as “Cheesefare Sunday” and “Forgiveness Sunday,” which puts extra emphasis on fasting, prayers, and letting go of past transgressions, sins, animosity, and rivalries. Even this year, when the Christian calendars do not overlap in the aforementioned way, people in all the traditions are engaged in the elements of kriyā yoga (“yoga in action”): that combination of tapah (“heat, austerity, or discipline”), svādhyāya (“self-study”), and īśvarapraņidhāna (“trustful surrender to [God]”).

“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, in Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda

In 2024, Funkensonntag overlapped with the ninth day/night of Navaratri. The Hindu celebration of the nine feminine manifestations of the Divine is also a story about Durga/Parvati in different stages of life. Each manifestation is a symbolic milestone (and a reminder that women “contain multitudes”). The final day is devoted to Siddhidhatri, whose name literally means “land/earth of achievements.” She is “Giver of Perfection,” believed to be endowed with all the siddhis (“abilities”) in the Universe and, also, to be able to bestow all of them. However, She typically only gives nine of the multitudes. In art and literature, she is sometimes depicted as being half of Shiva (with Him being half of Her), meaning that they are the embodiment the yin/yang symbol. When they are shown together in this way, they are each known as Ardhanarishvara, Ardhanaranari, or similar names that all highlight the fact that They are partially a woman.

“On the eve of the ninth day, a pair of sugarcane plants are usually placed one on each side of the offering table or the front door of the house. This pair of the sugarcane symbolises unity, cooperation and strength. The cane itself is a symbol of harmony and a token which can bring good ‘sweet’ results.”

— quoted from “SECTION ONE: CHINESE – Chapter 2. Chinese Community and Culture in Singapore (Variation of Practices during Chinese New Year: Hoikkien) by Soon Su-Chuin, Elvin Xing Yifu and Tong Chee Kiong, as published in The Singapore Ethnic Mosiac: Many Cultures ,One People edited by Mathew Matthews

The ninth day of the Lunar New Year is the birthday of the Jade Emperor, who is known as the “Ruler of Heaven and Earth.” While he is a prominent figure some religious traditions and is honored throughout in the Lunar New Year celebrations, most people — even people who celebrate the 15-day Spring Festival — have gone back to business as usual by the ninth day of the Lunar New Year. People may do something in private, especially if they are hosting their son-in-law(s); but, for most people, it is not a special day off. There are, however, some people whose celebrations of the Jade Emperor’s birthday are so significant that they rival the festivities at the beginning of the Lunar New Year and the end of the Spring Festival.

The following (revised) excerpt is from a 2021 post:
“Legend has it that the Hokkien people (also known as Hoklo, Banlam, and Minnan people) found themselves under attack. The Hokkien were not warriors, but they came in close proximity with warriors because they were known for building great ships. One version of their story states that the events occurred while they were being hunted and killed during the Song Dynasty (between 960 and 1279 CE). Another version indicates that they were caught between warring factions. Ultimately, to escape the carnage, they decided to hide in a sugar cane field — which, in some versions of the story, just miraculously appeared. The whole community hid until there were no more sounds of horses, warriors, or battle. Legend has it that they emerged on the ninth day of the Lunar New Year, which is the Jade Emperor’s Birthday.

Sometimes referred to as ‘Heavenly Grandfather’ and ‘Heavenly Duke,’ the Jade Emperor is recognized as the ruler of heaven and earth in some Chinese religions and mythology. In Taoism, he is one of the Three Pure Ones or the Three Divine Teachers. Fujian province (in China), Penang (in Malayasia), and Taiwan are three areas where there is a large concentration of Hokkien people and, therefore, places where the ninth day of the Lunar New Year is a large celebration. In some places the celebrations begin at 11 PM on the eighth night and can be so large that they eclipse the celebrations of the first day of the Lunar New Year (in those areas). In fact, the ninth day is actually called ‘Hokkien New Year.’

Those who are religious will go to a temple and engage in a ritual involving prostration, kneeling, bowing, incense, and offerings. For many there is a great feast full of fruits, vegetables, noodles, and (of course) sugar cane. The sugar cane is an important element of the Jade Emperor’s birthday celebrations and rituals — not only because of the aforementioned story of survival, but also because the Hokkien word for ‘sugarcane’ (kam-chià, 甘蔗) is a homonym for (or sounds like) a Hokkien word for ‘thank you’ (kamsiā, 感谢), which literally means ‘feeling thankful.’

Every version of the Hokkien people’s survival story is a great reminder that we can give thanks no matter how hard, how challenging, how infuriating, and/or how tragic our situation. Take [2020, or last year], for instance: When we look back at all the hard stuff, all the grief, all the fear, all the anger, all the disappointment, and all of the trauma, we can get distracted and forget that there were moments of sweetness. There were moments of kindness, moments of love, moments of birth and rebirth, moments of compassion, moments of hope, and moments of joy. In other words, in spite of all the hard stuff, there were moments of sweetness. Take a moment to remember one of those moments; and feel thankful.”

CLICK HERE for the entire post (including a tie-in to the Yoga Philosophy).

“‘Although we may not have an image of this deity in our temple, as long as devotees have the Jade Emperor in their hearts, their prayers will be heard,’ said [the Kwan Imm Temple’s] principal Shi Fa Zhuo.”

— quoted from The Star article entitled “Legend Behind Hokkien New Year emphasizes unity and solidarity” by Grace Chen (2/24/2018)

Sunday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “Lunar New Year Day 9 & Funkensonntag 2024”]

CLICK HERE for a 2021 post about the “leftovers” from the Hokkien New Year celebrations.

### “I want a little sugar in my bowl
I want a little sweetness down in my soul
I could stand some lovin’, oh so bad
Feel so funny, I feel so sad” ~Nina Simone ###

Reverent, Earnest, Love (the “missing” Wednesday post) February 14, 2024

Posted by ajoyfulpractice in Abhyasa, Art, Bhakti, Changing Perspectives, Donate, Faith, Healing Stories, Lent / Great Lent, Life, Love, Meditation, Music, New Year, One Hoop, Philosophy, Religion, Vairagya, Wisdom, Women, Yoga.
Tags: Ash Wednesday, attachment, avidya, avidyā, Father James Martin, Feast Day of Saint Valentine, Frederick Douglass, Genesis, God of Wealth, Gupta Navaratri, klishtaklishta, klişţāklişţāh, kriya yoga, kriyā yoga, Lent / Great Lent, Lunar New Year, Magha Navaratri, Melissa Block, Merriam-Webster, Navaratri, niyamas, Oscar Wilde, reverence, Saint Valentine, Season for Nonviolence, Season of Non-violence, Skandamata, Spring Festival, Swami Vivekananda, The Gospel According to Mark, Valentine's Day, yamas, Year of the Dragon, Yoga Sutras 2.7-2.8
add a comment

“Happy Spring Festival!” Many blessings to everyone observing (or getting ready to observe) Lent. “Nine days and nine nights of blessings and happiness if you are celebrating Gupta (Magha) Navaratri!” Peace and ease to all throughout this “Season for Nonviolence” and all other seasons!

This is the “missing” post for Wednesday, February 14^th. It includes some previously posted information (updated for 2024) and embedded links to related posts. Click here for the 2023 post primarily about Valentine’s Day, Frederick Douglass, and The Importance of Being Earnest. You can request a recording of the related practice(s) via a comment below or (for a slightly faster reply) you can email me at myra (at) ajoyfulpractice.com.

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

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

“Here are some of the forms in which love manifests itself. First there is reverence. Why do people show reverence to temples and holy places? Because He is worshipped there, and His presence is associated with all such places. Why do people in every country pay reverence to teachers of religion? It is natural for the human heart to do so, because all such teachers preach the Lord. At bottom, reverence is a growth out of love; we can none of us revere him whom we do not love.”

— quoted from “CHAPTER IV. THE FORMS OF LOVE — MANIFESTATION” in The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda — Volume 3: Para-Bhakti or Supreme Devotion by Swami Vivekananda

The word “reverence” may seem like an odd choice for the “Season for Nonviolence” principle of the day for February 14th. It comes to English by way of Middle English and Old French, from the Latin word meaning “to stand in awe of.” It a word used to describe a feeling or emotion of deep respect and can also be the actions that come from said emotions. Since it is often associated with religion and religious practices, we can easily see Bhakti Yoga (“union” through “devotion”) as reverence in action. What we may not immediately recognize is that an awareness and respect of something (and/or someone) other than ourselves is deeply embedded in the Yoga Philosophy. It is the underlying foundation of all of the yamas (external “restraints” or universal commandments) and most — if not all — of the niyamas (internal “observations”). In fact, the yamas and niyamas are sometimes referred to as “respect for others” and “respect for yourself.”

Just consider, for a moment, how different the world would be if we actually did have more respect for others and ourselves. Just consider, for a moment, what would happen — or not happen — if, instead of putting conditions (and labels) on our love, we put more respect on the way we manifested the energy of love.

“Such is the power of love. When a man has forgotten himself altogether, and does not feel that anything belongs to him, then he acquires the state of Tadiyata; everything is sacred to him, because it belongs to the Beloved. Even in regard to earthly love, the lover thinks that everything belonging to his beloved is sacred and so dear to him. He loves even a piece of cloth belonging to the darling of his heart In the same way, when a person loves the Lord, the whole universe becomes dear to him, because it is all His.”

— quoted from “CHAPTER IV. THE FORMS OF LOVE — MANIFESTATION” in The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda — Volume 3: Para-Bhakti or Supreme Devotion by Swami Vivekananda

While people may not automatically think of reverence when they are celebrating Saint Valentine’s Day as a commercial holiday, it is important to remember that the day wasn’t initially associated with romantic love. It is actually a Christian feast day. It also was not the only (religious) holiday being observed on the 14th this year. It was also Ash Wednesday — which is the beginning of Lent in the Western Christian traditions; the fifth day of the Lunar New Year; and the fifth day and night of Navaratri, the Hindu celebration of the Divine as a woman.

These cultural and/or religious observations are “moveable feasts” (or fasts, in some cases), which do not always occur on the same day on the Gregorian calendar. (See link above for more on secular events.) Additionally, these rituals and traditions may appear very different on the outside and be rooted in different theology; however, at the heart of them all is the desire for deeper connections and that powerful love best described as “reverence.”

“The moment I have realised God sitting in the temple of every human body, the moment I stand in reverence before every human being and see God in him — that moment I am free from bondage, everything that binds vanishes, and I am free.”

— quoted from the lecture “Practical Vedanta (Part II),” delivered in London (Nov. 12, 1896), as published in The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda — Volume 2: Practical Vedanta and other lectures by Swami Vivekananda

Hinduism is not the only religion where the feminine aspects of the Divine are celebrated. It’s not even the only religion where an observation related to a woman, as the Divine, is associated with a period of nine days/nights. To my knowledge, however, Navaratri (“nine nights”) is unique in that it celebrates many different aspects of a single woman. Each night/day is associated with a different manifestation of Durga/Parvati, the mother goddess, and is part of nine-part story cycle/journey that ends with a demon-king being destroyed. The fifth day is devoted to Skandamata, who is a fierce mother as protector — who simultaneously holds her baby, rides a lion, and keeps her eyes (especially her third eye) open for any and all danger.

In 2024, the fifth day of Navaratri also happens to be the fifth day of the Lunar New Year.

A variation of the following was previously posted.

For many people celebrating the Lunar New Year, the fifth day is the day to go back to work after a four-day holiday. Businesses opening back up are met with great fanfare: parades, music, and fireworks. There’s also the promise of “lucky money,” in red envelopes; which business owners will give to their customers — who will then promptly spend some of the money in the business. Some people will also celebrate the birthday of all cows. This fifth day is particularly auspicious in parts of China where it is recognized as the birthday of the God of Wealth.

Of course, all this focus on wealth, indulgences, and vices, makes me think about the things we like and the things we don’t like — and how those preferences contribute to our overall experiences of life.

Yoga Sūtra 2.7: sukhānuśayī rāgah

— “Affliction that has pleasure as its resting ground is attachment.”

Yoga Sūtra 2.8: duhkhānuśayī dveşah

— “Affliction that has pain as its resting ground is aversion.”

Very early on in our human lives, people start to establish preferences. There are things (and people) we like and things (and people) we don’t like — and we will spend an extraordinary amount of time creating situations and environments full of the things (and people) we like and free of the things (and people) we don’t like. When things are not to our liking we experience suffering that we often attribute to things not being the way we want them. However, according to Eastern philosophies, believing things (or people) can make us happy or miserable is ignorant. Specifically, in the Yoga Philosophy, this is avidyā (“ignorance”) related to the true nature of things, which is a dysfunctional or afflicted thought pattern. Avidyā is seen as the bedrock of four other types of dysfunctional/afflicted thought patterns — two or which are rāga (“attachment” or what we like) and devşa (“aversion” or what we don’t like) and it is these afflictions (kleśāh) which lead to our suffering.

To experience freedom from craving and liberation from avidyā, and the subsequent suffering, Patanjali’s recommendations include abhyāsa (a devoted and uninterrupted “practice” done with trustful surrender devotion) and vairāgya (“non-attachment”). What is always interesting to me is that when you combine abhyāsa and vairāgya with the niyamas (internal “observations”) you end up with a practice that can look very much like Lent.

“Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.”

— Ceremonial words used on Ash Wednesday (drawn from Genesis 3:19)

“Repent and believe in the Gospel.”

— Ceremonial words used on Ash Wednesday (drawn from The Gospel According to Mark 1:15), Roman Catholic tradition after 1969

According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word “Lent comes from the Middle English word lente, meaning ‘springtime,’ which is itself descended from the Old English lencten.” (Italics are mine.) It is also the past tense and past participle of “lend,” but we will get into that symbolism in a week or so. In most Christian traditions, Lent is a 40-day period (46 when Sundays* are counted) when people actively focus on their spiritual life and connection to God by fasting, praying, and either giving up something — something to which they have a strong attachment (or aversion) — and/or doing something positive. When people give something up they will often donate the money they would have spent on whatever they gave up.

The 40-day ritual is a mirror of the days Jesus spent in the desert and is an opportunity for Christian contemplation, discernment, and self-reflection. Like the observation of Passover, the holy month of Ramadān, and the Baháʼí Nineteen-Day Fast, observing Lent falls under the rubric of what Patanjali described as kriyā yoga (“yoga in action”): a combination of tapah (“heat, austerity, or discipline”), svādhyāya (“self-study”), and īśvarapraņidhāna (“trustful surrender to [God]”).

In many Western Christian traditions, the Lenten season officially begins with Ash Wednesday, which is a day of fasting and prayer — and it is also the day when people truly begin to get ready for Easter. Many take a moment out of their day to attend Mass or services and to receive ashes, which are traditionally made from the previous year’s Palm Sunday fronds. In a ritual that has ties to Judaism and Biblical times, the ashes are a sign of penance and preparation. They are sometimes sprinkled on the crown of the head; however, the more common practice in modern times is for a priest or pastor to use the ashes to make the sign of the cross on a person’s forehead. People are not required to wear the mark of the cross throughout the remainder of their day; however, many choose to maintain that link and reminder.

The practice is considered sacramental in the Roman Catholic tradition, but the ashes and receiving the ashes are not sacraments; which means they serve as a symbol and preparation aide for holy sacraments, as well as a reminder of the grace of the sacraments. The fact that receiving ashes is not a sacrament also means that, in the Roman Catholic tradition, anyone (including non-Catholics and those who have been excommunicated by the Church) may receive ashes.

Of course, if you are unfamiliar with these religious traditions and rituals, you may find it odd that people are walking around with a mark on their face. Or, perhaps you recognize the mark as a symbol of their faith, but you’ve been unclear about the symbolic significance (as mentioned above) or even why the Lenten season — like the other religious observations mentioned above — can be so powerful that the rituals and traditions have endured the test of time.

To understand the latter, we need to consider the desire for spiritual nourishment and then go a little deeper into that very common aspect of being human that I mentioned before: having preferences, and the absolute freedom that comes from trustful surrender.

“When I was in college, my Jewish roommates used to tell me what to give up for Lent….

Since then, for over 20 years my friend Rob has phoned me every Ash Wednesday to assign me a Lenten sacrifice. The sacrifices have grown easier over the years since Rob is running out of things for me to give up. For a few years he favored spices. One Lent I was suppose to avoid anything with oregano. It sounded easy until it dawned on me that pizza was out of the question for six weeks. Having another person choose your sacrifice adds an extra dimension to Lent. Since my penance is not within my control, it feels a little more spiritual. As with far more serious struggles in life, like an illness or the loss of a job, things outside our control are the most difficult to deal with. They are, in traditional Christian theology, crosses that eventually need to be accepted, much as Jesus finally accepted his cross.

When I was dealing with a long illness, I once complained to an older priest that I didn’t want that particular cross. He said, well it wouldn’t be much of a cross if you wanted it, would it?”

— Father James Martin quoted from the interview “Priest Lets Friend Choose His Sacrifice for Lent” with Melissa Block on NPR’s All Things Considered (2/28/2006)

Wednesday’s playlist is available on YouTube and Spotify. [Look for “One More for Ash Wednesday & Day 5 2024”]

*NOTE: Sundays during Lent are considered anniversaries of Easter and the Resurrection; therefore, they are not counted as days of penance.

### LOVE IS THE FOUNDATION ###

« older posts

A Joyful Practice

First Friday Night Special #52: An Invitation to “The Sweet Ability of 3-Fold Healing” (the “missing” invitation w/excerpts & links) February 7, 2025

“‘Although we may not have an image of this deity in our temple, as long as devotees have the Jade Emperor in their hearts, their prayers will be heard,’ said [the Kwan Imm Temple’s] principal Shi Fa Zhuo.”

— quoted from The Star article entitled “Legend Behind Hokkien New Year emphasizes unity and solidarity” by Grace Chen (2/24/2018)

“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, in Raja Yoga by Swami Vivekananda

“‘From this story, we learn that unity, solidarity and the active participation of the community is necessary when it comes to facing challenges,’ said [Klang Hokkien Association president Datuk Teh Kim] Teh.”

— quoted from The Star article (about a version of the story where only some hide) entitled “Legend Behind Hokkien New Year emphasizes unity and solidarity” by Grace Chen (2/24/2018)

— quoted from the special concurrence opinion for Beck v. State, 396 So. 2d 645 (1980) by Alabama Supreme Court Justice Oscar W. Adams

### “I want a little sugar in my bowlI want a little sweetness down in my soulI could stand some lovin’, oh so badFeel so funny, I feel so sad” ~Nina Simone ###

A Quick Note & FTWMI: Do You Ever Notice/Observe…? (**REVISED**) February 5, 2025

NATIONAL WEATHERPERSON’S DAY, YOGA, BUDDHISM & CATHOLIC DISCERNMENT

NATIONAL WEATHERPERSON’S DAY & BUDDHISM (DURING THE SPRING FESTIVAL)

THE SPECIAL 2023 BLACK HISTORY POST ABOUT HANK AARON & PATENT No. 292,821

### SIMPLICITY ###

BELIEVING, SITTING, CELEBRATING HUMANS (the “missing” Tuesday post) February 4, 2025

— quoted from Act III of Our Town by Thornton Wilder

“We find, in studying history, one fact held in common by all the great teachers of religion the world ever had. They all claim to have got their truths from beyond, only many of them did not know where they got them from.”

— quoted from “Chapter VII: Dhyana and Samadhi” in The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda, Volume 1, Raja-Yoga by Swami Vivekananda

“I believe we are here on the planet Earth to live, grow up and do what we can to make this world a better place for all people to enjoy freedom.”

— Rosa Parks (b. 1913)

— quoted from “The Origin of Human Beings“ in The Magic Lotus Lantern and Other Tales from the Han Chinese by Haiwang Yuan (with Forward by Michael Ann Williams)

“You must never be fearful about what you are doing when it is right.”

— Rosa Parks

### As they say in Zulu, “Sawubona!” [“I see you!”] and “Yebo, sawubona!” [“I see you seeing me.”] ###

Take Care (the post-practice Monday post) February 3, 2025

“So those are my six non-negotiables for myself. The seventh one, that I’m awful at, but I highly recommend — it’s something I’m trying to bring more of in my life, because I really do understand the importance of it in terms of wellness — and that would be play.”

— Seane Corn, quoted from the video “7 Non-Negotiables for Wellbeing | Seane Corn”

Interpretations of the nine Durgās by women differed dramatically from this rather philosophical view of the goddesses. According to certain females, the nine Durgās represent the stages in a woman’s life; as one woman put it: ‘These nine Durgās are our life, women’s life.’”

— quoted from the “Religious Materials Are Heavily Gendered” section of “1. Women’s Studies in the History of Religions” by David Kinsley, as published in Methodology in Religious Studies: The Interface with Women’s Studies, edited by Arvind Sharma

A MUSIC STORY

“Everyone deserves music, sweet music”

— quoted from the song “Everyone Deserves Music” by Michael Franti & Spearhead

CLEANSING /DETOXIFYING STORIES

“Cos it is good for me It can be good for you”

— quoted from the song “Good For You” by Hothouse Flowers (written by Hothouse Flowers and Stewart Levine)

A STORY ABOUT TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF, OTHERS, & THE WORLD

— quoted from “Charles Follis” by Milt Roberts (originally in Black Sports, Nov. 1975), reproduced in THE COFFIN CORNER: Vol. 2, No. 1 (1980)

### TAKE CARE ###

So, Yes, It’s Groundhog Day & Also… (the “missing” Sunday post w/excerpts) February 2, 2025

“Well, it’s Groundhog Day… again.”

— Bill Murray as “Phil Connors” in the movie Groundhog Day

FTWMI: AN INVITATION TO SHINE

“It’s always Feb 2nd — there’s nothing I can do about it.”

— Bill Murray as “Phil Connors” in the movie Groundhog Day

“Okay, campers, rise and shine, and don’t forget your booties cause it’s cooooold out there today.”

— Richard Henzel as “DJ #1” in the movie Groundhog Day

NEW YEAR #5 / NEW DAY #4 (EXCERPTS)

— quoted from the “Knowing Kushmanda” section of “Chapter 4 — The Art of Loving Your True Self” in The Way of the Goddess: Daily Rituals to Awaken Your Inner Warrior and Discover Your True Self by Ananta Ripa Ajmera

— Raven Wilkinson quoted from the Pointe Magazine interview ” Raven Wilkinson’s Extraordinary Life: An Exclusive Interview” by Margaret Fuhrer (dated June 1, 2014)

### THANK YOU! I APPRECIATE YOU!! ###

EXCERPTS (& Stories) That I Hope Make You Smile [the “missing” Saturday post] February 1, 2025

— quoted from “1: Suffering Is Not Enough” in Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh (Illustrated by Mayumi Oda, Introduction by Jack Kornfield)

THE SEASON FOR NONVIOLENCE

SPEAKING OF RIVERS… (in the new year)

“I’ve known rivers:

I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins.

My soul has grown deep like the rivers.”

— from the poem “The Negro Speaks of Rivers” by Langston Hughes

“There is much for a writer like myself to learn from Langston. His productivity — and the fact that he wrote for a living — is an inspiration. In many photographs, Hughes is laughing or smiling like the Buddha. I have often wondered what he was thinking.”

— quoted from the essay “The Buddha Smile of Langston Hughes” by E. Ethelbert Miller

STORIES RELATED TO HEAVEN & EARTH

— quoted from Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha by Thich Nhat Hanh

A KITCHEN STORY (OR 2) ON DAY 4 (excerpt)

“So boy, don’t you turn back.

Don’t you set down on the steps

’Cause you finds it’s kinder hard.

Don’t you fall now—

For I’se still goin’, honey,

I’se still climbin’,

And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.”

— quoted from the poem “Mother to Son” by Langston Hughes

“Hold fast to dreams For if dreams die Life is a broken-winged bird That cannot fly.”

— quoted from the poem “Dreams” by Langston Hughes

### :smile: ###

… (& Stories) That I Hope Make You Smile [mostly the music & blessings] **UPDATED w/link** February 1, 2025

“There is much for a writer like myself to learn from Langston. His productivity — and the fact that he wrote for a living — is an inspiration. In many photographs, Hughes is laughing or smiling like the Buddha. I have often wondered what he was thinking.”

— quoted from the essay “The Buddha Smile of Langston Hughes” by E. Ethelbert Miller

CLICK HERE FOR THE RELATED POST.

— quoted from Old Path White Clouds: Walking in the Footsteps of the Buddha by Thich Nhat Hanh

### “I want a little sugar in my bowl
I want a little sweetness down in my soul
I could stand some lovin’, oh so bad
Feel so funny, I feel so sad” ~Nina Simone ###

A Quick Note & FTWMI: Do You Ever Notice/Observe…? (REVISED) February 5, 2025

“Cos it is good for me
It can be good for you”

“It’s always Feb 2^nd — there’s nothing I can do about it.”

“Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.”

… (& Stories) That I Hope Make You Smile [mostly the music & blessings] UPDATED w/link February 1, 2025

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

好心得好报
Hao xinde hao bao [Good news]

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

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

### “I want a little sugar in my bowl
I want a little sweetness down in my soul
I could stand some lovin’, oh so bad
Feel so funny, I feel so sad” ~Nina Simone ###