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The best laid plans of mice and men

August 20, 2010 in Yoga, creativity, mantra, music, video, writing | 1 comment

Namaste. Thanks so much for all the well wishes and welcome backs!  

I've been on a relatively fast pace since returning from India, and really felt the need to sit in quiet reflection. I headed off to Ananda Ashram for a few days of Mauna, the practice of sacred silence.

Arriving at Ananda is like coming home. No matter where you've been, the ashram always takes you back, and it's like you never left. I always pause at the old iron gates to set an intention for my stay. When I looked inwards, what came back was 'quiet'

Classical indian singing lessons at ananda ashram

Sitting down for my first simple meal, I looked up and there was the radiant Shrimati Kankana Banerjee sitting across from me.

She smiled and said, more as a statement than a question: "You're coming to my class tomorrow?"  Before I could think about an answer, I felt my head nodding yes.

Turns out that Kankana is considered the best vocalist in india and she was at Ananda to teach a weeklong immersion in Classical Indian Singing.

          You can't always get what you want.

I was a bit resistant to this idea of not just singing, but singing all-day… I mean, I made my vow not to speak for 3 days, I was committed… or rather attached to my plan.

I surrendered to the new plan, the opposite of what I 'wanted.'  That next morning, I fixed myself a really huge mug of green tea and settled in for my first lesson.

           But if you try some time.

Kankana played an ancient harmonium, and led us in stringing many single syllables into beautiful – swimming melodies called Ragas.

           You just might find. 

Practicing the Raga scales is very meditative, There's a true sense of surrender to it  She leads, you follow, it's simple, beautiful, and beyond mind.  

My friend Kamaniya said "I didn't see you leave, but noticed you were gone for some time, and saw you come back into your body, different." 

            You get what you need…

At some point, hours into the practice, I merged with the seductive sounds, sliding into a peace I've never experienced before. Words don't describe this new threshold, so I'll not even try.

Three days of Mauna practice may have been good for me, but surrender to the new plan was even better.  

I grapple with decisions sometimes. When faced with several equally nice sounding options, my mind gets all attached, looking for the 'right' decision. Is one ever really more right than the other?    

I've got this great opportunity to study with my teachers this October. It will take some effort to travel to Ohio to be with them for a few days. Planes, travel details and expenses… but mostly, being away from the students I'm so blessed to have.  

As I churn this choice in my mind, and type this, it seems I still haven't fully grasped this lesson that surrender is best. That things tend to appear right when we need them, and often not in the tidy packages we are looking for.

To make room for them, we sometimes have to un-make our minds.  Have you found yourself changing plans midstream, how did it work out?

I'll leave you with this beautiful video of Kankana singing:

Next Saturday August 28th is our free Open Mic Music Night at Yoga and Nia for Life.  And note the Live Music Yoga class with special Guest Tom Lena – 9am Sunday September 5th.    Om Shanti,  I'll see you in class.

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Back to Nature

July 17, 2010 in Yoga, animals, creativity, jnana, writing | 8 comments

a wild rabbit

I was sad one day and went for a walk; I sat in a field.
A rabbit noticed my condition and came near.

It often does not take more than that to help
at times– to just be close to creatures who
are so full of knowing, so full of love that they
don't chat, they just gaze with their marvelous
understanding.      -St. John

___________________________________________

We can't get back to nature.  We are nature.  When we can remember that, we tend to make better choices for our environment.

   What we do to nature, we do to ourselves.

Have you ever wondered why so many of the Yoga postures are named for things found in the natural world?  We have cows and cats, Camels and Crescent Moons.  Notice there is no Angry Motorist, Stressed Out Mom, or Corporate Bigwig posture…

The Yogis spent much time observing the natural world, and how we could live more in tune with the way of nature. They saw where the human condition could get us off track.  There's all the usual suspects of greed, fear, pride, stress, and strife, but the main culprit is our lack of awareness.

This is where our practice can really shine.  In slowing down, we can observe ourself in real-time, seeing aspects of ourselves we'd like to strengthen, and parts we would rather see less of.  

Our practice can return us to that simpler time, where we could do one thing at a time, more in harmony with the natural world.

   Our stress levels plummet, and we begin to heal.

Just stand in tree pose.  Go ahead, back away from the monitor. Stand up tall and true on one leg.  Embody the essence of a particular tree that you know.  

Aspire to her strength and suppleness, her grounding and reaching. Unconditionally sheltering and feeding all who come.  Stand in gratitude for your chosen tree.  

    All this time she's been breathing in your exhales,  and providing your inhales.  

Ask what you can learn from her.  If she could speak in our language, I'd imagine she'd say:  "Use less paper and wood.  When you do need to buy paper, seek out recycled… and in solidarity with me, stand in tree pose in the checkout line."

Yes, there is a Rabbit pose:  

Rabbit Yoga pose

 

And the rabbit stealing a cookie pose:

rabbit steals a cookie

Somedays, a carrot just doesn't cut it.  

Om Shanti,  I'll see you in class.

-john

p.s.  Two spots just opened up in our Oct. 2nd. Fall retreat, (The Oct 15th retreat is full up)  Let me know right away if you'd like to join us.

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The Cookie Thief

June 27, 2010 in abundance, jnana, writing | 8 comments

A woman was waiting at an airport one night,
With several long hours before her flight.
She hunted for a book in the airport shops.
Bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop.

She was engrossed in her book but happened to see,
That the man sitting beside her, as bold as could be.
Grabbed a cookie or two from the bag in between,
Which she tried to ignore to avoid a scene.

So she munched the cookies and watched the clock,
As the gutsy cookie thief diminished her stock.
She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by,
Thinking, "If I wasn't so nice, I would blacken his eye."

With each cookie she took, he took one too,
When only one was left, she wondered what he would do.
With a smile on his face, and a nervous laugh,
He took the last cookie and broke it in half.

He offered her half, as he ate the other,
She snatched it from him and thought… oooh, brother.
This guy has some nerve and he's also rude,
Why he didn't even show any gratitude!

She had never known when she had been so galled,
And sighed with relief when her flight was called.
She gathered her belongings and headed to the gate,
Refusing to look back at the thieving ingrate.

She boarded the plane, and sank in her seat,
Then she sought her book, which was almost complete.
As she reached in her baggage, she gasped with surprise,
There was her bag of cookies, in front of her eyes.

If mine are here, she moaned in despair,
The others were his, and he tried to share.
Too late to apologize, she realized with grief,

That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief.

Please.. share this with someone.   If you like this, you may like:   Yoga Poems: Lines to Unfold By, and Go In and In: Poems From the Heart of Yoga

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Who are you

May 13, 2010 in Yoga, jnana, writing | 2 comments

"I know there's a place you've walked where love falls from the trees"  -the who

Who are you?

Parent, Student, Teacher, Runner, Boss, Worker, Friend, Yogi, Golfer, Lawyer, Human, American… We wear so many hats (masks?) that we can lose sight of who we really are.  We are not just these aspects we project into our world.

We are how we do, what we do… We are how we play these roles.

Our practice shines the light of awareness on all parts of ourselves. If we have the courage to look clearly at how we are doing what we do, we can see our weaknesses, fears and doubts, along with our greatest strengths.  

Only when we embrace the whole of ourselves, with equanimity, can change begin to happen.  

I came to Yoga to integrate the scattered parts of myself, Engineer, Yogi, Vegan, Teacher, Student, Human Man, Brother, Son… It just took too much energy to switch between roles.  

With practice, I get a clearer view, and gain perspective.  I wear less hats now, I keep simplifying, unbecoming,   looking forward to just being…  Unconsciously conscious.

How to mend the gap between how we are, and how we'd like to be:

The teachings are clear and simple, we become what we think and what we do. Set a clear intention of how you'd like to be, and practice living that way.  Start on your mat, and don't look away when you dislike what is revealed.

When you feel yourself squirm with resistance… that's where the juice is. The bigger the resistance, the bigger the potential breakthrough.  

Listen carefully, to your body, to your mind, to your breath, and to your emotions.  When they conflict, you can't hear your Ananda, your bliss trying to shine out.  When you get these aspects of yourself all inline, integrated with your intention… there's a profound clarity there. 

Yoga tells us: If you don't like what you're thinking or doing, to practice the opposite.  Stay the course. Breathe calm and acceptance into the discomfort.  On the other side is that clear glimpse of your true nature.

Lasting change comes from filling yourself to the brim with the antidote to how you don't want to be anymore.

Be steadfast and keep going.  Your efforts will shine-out into your other roles, your practice will radiate out to others… They're counting on you, and we're all in this together.

Om Shanti,  I'll see you in class.

-j

p.s.  A special treat!  I've arranged for Irene, a music therapist, to come play Live music for our Yoga class.  See the events page to meet Irene and get the details.

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9 Questions With Jill

March 21, 2010 in Yoga, abundance, interviews, writing | 4 comments

Jill Manifests, creates her own reality, and says that we can too:

Manifest your reality

When did you first realize your ability to Manifest, has it always been there?

I've always had faith.  I knew on some level that "you get what you expect" and you have to keep a positive attitude and all, but now I see life from a spiritual, not a material perspective.

Has it developed over time?  Have you worked on strengthening it?

Yes, it has developed over time — the more I realize my "Oneness with God" the more of a "cosmic sweep" my thought has.  I guess you could say I think on purpose.  If you want to call meditating "strengthening" then, yes, I strengthen it all the time!

We’ll need some context, Can you expand on what ‘God’ means to you?

It's really a personal thing isn't it — it's whatever it means to you. Universal Mind, Infinite Intelligence, Cosmic Consciousness, Source, Being, Truth, Creator, etc. . . are some expressions that may have a deeper resonance with us.

As far as what it means to me? It's always evolving. When I meditate on divinity within, my understanding of the Infinite expands. It's hard to put into words. The soul has it's own language — silence. Let's just say you know it when you feel it!

Where has manifesting brought you the biggest benefits?

Just knowing that God provides for me, in every way, on a daily basis, has brought me great freedom and peace. All we have is this moment in time, this day, and I don't really need anything more than this day requires.

So, I don't have the burden maintaining a lot of stuff or worrying about it. If I need something, I ask in faith, knowing that God will provide it.

Do you try understand or explain your gift?

It's not so much that I try to understand it as much as "I now understand.” When I meditate on the Infinite, it's as if I'm blessed in some way with understanding and wisdom. I accept it and express gratitude. Appreciation is a big part of manifesting.

The first step in making a demonstration is to understand that "God will provide." Second, is to "affirm" there is no lack or limitation in spirit. Establish in your mind the difference between the appearance of lack or limitation from what it is your asking for . Third, visualize yourself as already having it and give thanks for it!

Can we can all do this, and does Yoga help?

That's a good question — I think so. Everybody already has it within themselves, they simply need to awaken to it. I started practicing Yoga a little over a year ago. The silence of shavasana was not lost on me. The calming postures of forward folds brought me clarity. I awakened spiritually. I saw the duality in everything and realized I was "One with the Whole."

I’ve heard you have a thing for the American flag, can you explain?

When I see the American flag, I see the face of God. It speaks to me. I feel the Spirit of it. Spirit is everywhere and in everything. This nation was founded on God and the American flag represents that. All I have to do is think of the American flag and one appears in my sight!

How about a specific story, what have you manifested lately?

About a month ago, on a Sunday night my husband and I were facing seemingly empty pockets. Although he was expecting to be paid in a few days, the immediate prospects weren't looking so good. The situation felt a little desperate. Knowing that there is a supply for every demand, I asked God to supply for this need.

I no sooner finished asking when I looked up and my eyes landed right on an envelope, with my name on it, that was hanging on the kitchen door. It was a paycheck for some temporary office work I had done just days before. It had been hand-delivered to my house earlier that day. Needless to say it was plenty enough! 

Should we ask for what we want or just what we think we need?

We should ask for both what we want and what we need. Our desires are the God in us looking to be expressed! And we should ask largely — don't skimp. God provides — period. Spirit doesn't recognize quantity.

This is an abundant Universe and it responds to your thought. So the more abundant and prosperous you feel and think the more it will respond in kind.  It may appear that we get what we need as opposed to what we want because most likely our belief and intention is stronger for what we think we need.

Please expand on "Ask."

To ask means to claim your good, to feel, to believe and have faith. It's a little misleading in so far as asking implies there could be a yes or no answer when in reality the Universe is always manifesting what your feeling and believing in this moment. Try it! Ask for what you really want or need . . .

I was thinking about your experience in India and your burning desire for a Q-tip! When one appeared on the street, dirty and trampled on, you joked about how you should have been more specific. Actually, the dirty Q-tip was part of the manifestation of the real thing.  

When you're lost at sea, you know dry land is ahead when sticks and twigs are floating in the water. It's a sign of what's ahead — the real thing! and you did get a box of shiny, new, multi-colored Q-tips shortly thereafter. So the lesson is — don't give up, banish any doubt and believe "with God, all things are possible!"

There you have it.  Say hi to Jill at our Tuesday night class.  I've got some great interviews with our fellow Yogis lined up.  If you've got an aspect of Yoga to share, or know someone who would like to answer 9 questions about their practice, let me know!     Om Shanti,  I'll see you in class.  -j

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Patience Is Golden

March 4, 2010 in Yoga, writing | 2 comments

We tend to see our Yoga practice as the part that we do well, our favorite postures, that one that feels just right, the one that looks cool.

Our higher practice is actually the postures that challenge us the most, our least favorite, We've all got one that feels like Charlie Brown's Christmas tree:

tree pose, vrikshasana - don't try this at home...

Now this, is a tree that we can work with…

These are the places where we can learn ourselves, if we dare to look.  Who do we become when our feathers are ruffled? 

I was filling my Kleen Canteen at the Yoga studio today and found myself getting irritated, willing the water to move quicker. There it is, in that moment, noticing how I was being, The water bubble became my teacher.  Guru Sakshat,  What's happening right now – in this moment, becomes our teacher.  

I was able to come around pretty quickly, and used the time to practice my Mantra, and gratitude for my access to unlimited clean water. These bits of mindfulness bring richness to our lives, and all we have to do is pay attention.

Of course, Many times our challenges have much bigger impact, and are much more challenging to see in this way.  Practicing with the little ones, will help us deal with the big ones.

I've also found that the depth of the teaching is proportional to the depth of my inconvenience.  I'm sure that I'm not alone in my experience of major letdowns turning out to be a huge favors with passing time.

Much of our suffering is avoidable.  

There's a Yoga Sutra for this. Here's some homework: Lookup Patanjali's Yoga Sutra II.16. Google: Heyam Dukham Anagatam

Buddhist teacher  Tich Nhat Hanh, never hurries, for anything. This irks his entourage at times, cause they miss many planes, He says "Why hurry, We'll have more time for meditation."  I'm not saying we should all aspire to this level of patience, but a little goes a long way to reduce the stress in our lives.

Practice patience, make way for ducklings

What's your least favorite Yoga posture, What's your pet peeve?, Who irritates you the most?  These are gold nuggets of opportunity. They are your teacher, they are your Guru Sakshat.  If you slow down, and allow them to be.

All Day Yoga 

Next time you're frustrated, or your Sun Salutation feels like a rusty-hinge, let your discomfort become the meditation chime. Ask, "what can I learn?" This is the Yoga you can do all day.  This is the Yoga that will bring depth to your experience of this life.

I got another chance to practice at the supermarket. Molasses moves faster than this cashier! This time, I was ready for her.  Cool as the cucumbers I was buying, I thanked her, and meant it.  Slow down…

Om Shanti, I'll see you in class… and let me know what you find out about that Sutra II.16

-j

P.S. Yes, Joy can be a great teacher as well, next post… 

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Caring for a Girl

February 14, 2010 in ahimsa, animals, writing | 5 comments

When our heart truly opens, we don't choose the direction it takes us. In honor of Valentines Day and our heart-opening Yoga class earlier, I wanted to share this story of a special couple, a guest-post by Carrie:

Carrie and Boo

Caring for a Little Girl

I never wanted to have children, at least that’s what I’ve always told myself. I often think, “There are too many people on the planet already, I don’t want to give up my freedoms, I don’t want to change my lifestyle, and what is the world going to be like when they’re my age”.

Yet, now I find one of my greatests joys is caring for a little girl. My love and admiration of her grows daily. She frolics around outside for most of the day, eats lots of veggies and grains, and sleeps inside for company and warmer comfort at night. She lets me know her likes and dislikes, loves to be held, wakes me up in the morning with her clucks, and entertains me with her curious ways.

‘2Blindy’ is her name. She once lived in a small backyard flock. I first noticed her when she squawked and flapped away from another girl who had just pecked her in the eye. I saw this happen time after time as I worked in the vegetable garden near by. Part of my job there at the farm was to feed and get the chickens water each morning and collect eggs. I accepted this task reluctantly at first because I did not like the idea of “stealing” their eggs from under the nesting hens.

Gradually I got used to it and started accepting that if this ‘had’ to get done by someone, why not let it be me. After all, I sing to them calmly and quietly as I “steal”!

The more I witnessed 2Blindy getting pecked each day, the more I realized how much I wanted her to feel at least a few minutes of peace while she tried to get some food and water. So I started to pick her up and put her on my lap two times a day, while blocking her head so she wouldn’t get pecked. I can only imagine how horrible it was to not have peace and kindness while just trying to live.

She got used to me and would come running around the corner when she heard my voice, sometimes even tripping over a rock in the dirt pen. Needless to say, I also fell…. (and what I mean by that was, in love with her). 

One 19 degree morning when I got to work I found her outside on a ladder, puffed up in a ball, shivering. She had a bloody wing and looked hopeless and lonely. I told the farmer of this chickens condition, and it was recommended that I, “put her inside the house in a box with the other dying bird”. As I did this my heart sank. Sometime later I found it stuck in my throat, not knowing what to do or to say.

Read the rest of this entry »

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Covered

February 2, 2010 in Yoga, abundance, calling, jnana, writing | 2 comments

Amachi Om Tapestry

The Om tapestry that covers my television

Last Fall, on one of those amazing warmish days, I had all my windows open, and had a great practice going.  When it was time to wind down I settled in for a nice shavasana.  As I lay there checking in, realized it was a bit chilly.  
 
My body voted for rest – my mind clinged to comfort. "Move, and get a blanket was the predominant thought."  My body won.  Just as I surrendered to the chill – to contentment,  a strong wind blew the Om tapestry off my TV.  It landed perfectly, covering my feet.
 
 I'm grateful, but not surprised anymore when I get just what I need, right when I need it.
 

While traveling India I found myself in a few precarious situations. Things turned out okay… not always the best outcome, but okay. 

This one time, I was on the back of a motorcycle, hurtling through impossible-traffic in Gaya.  The term 'holding on for dear life' must be indian in origin, and the only thing scarier was the thought of the return trip.  My hands went numb.  Taking a few deep breaths of the thick air, my grip loosened.
 
"Worry is a prayer for what we don't want."  -Sharon Gannon
 
A smile came over me, inside and out.  I seemed to realize It'll be okay… or not… but the fierce grip wouldn't help either way.  It's a level of trust, that I could handle whatever is coming my way.  My illusion of control dissolved.
  
"You can't always get what you want – you get what you need."   -Mick Jagger
 
An aspiring meditator who I work with individually, was walking in the woods when she came across a railroad crew working with power tools on the track. They were loud and she resented their presence.  They were 'ruining' her peaceful walk.  Her practice kicked in, trying to find peace, she created thoughts of how the crew was protecting life, making the trains safe etc…  
 
Alas, she walked a bit further than usual and actually got lost.  When she got still and tried to get her bearings… off in the distance she heard the workers, and their sounds guided her home to safety.  
 
When what is 'bad' becomes 'good'  what really changes?

Don't hold on so tight, and we'll get what we need… We're covered. 
 
I've got a great interview in the works from a Yoga student who is a master at manifesting.  She's going to share some of her stories with us.  If you've got a story about being covered, please, Click on the comments link, and share it with us.
 
Om Shanti, I'll see you in class.
 
John

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Yoga In The News

January 24, 2010 in Yoga, writing | 3 comments

I've missed you all, and sure missed teaching our classes.

I've been asked so many questions about India, most of which have no easy answer.
I wouldn't say that India transformed me, but she did expand me.

John in RIshikesh, looking for drinking water, my bill was too large to get change.

In the picture above I'm wandering Rishikesh with the equivalent of a $20 bill. I couldn't find a shop that can make change for a bottle of water, it's all I've got and I'm thirsty. I remember laughing about being rich, and poor at the same time.  

The man in the brown coat behind me had just literally saved my life.  I wish I had given him my thousand rupees. There should be some sort of exchange for something like that right?

My mind's thresholds of what is possible have been completely blown away, and the limits 
have not settled yet, will they ever?

But, I still have my center, and it's a nice place to begin again.

I have an incredible logjam of experience to share with you all as I decompress.



Here's a start though, A bit mindless from malaria pills, and without sleep for two days, a reporter called from the Metrowest Daily News. There's a story about our classes and my travels in India slated for todays paper.  They even took a few pictures of 
the Tuesday night class!  I just found the link to the story
.  

I've been taking a poll on how high Yoga students are scoring on this Happiness Quiz  Let me know how you do!

we'll post the results.

See you in class, oh, and the Events page is updated, check out the Valentines Day class, and the return of Restorative Yoga.  


-john

P.S.  I finally got water, Swami Sathasivom smiled at my predicament and gave me 20 rupees to quench my thirst.  The big bill went to a driver in Assam, probably a months pay for him.

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a few good books

November 20, 2009 in Yoga, books, video, writing, yoga films | 2 comments

Namaste.  Before I head off for travels in Asia I wanted to share what I've been reading over last month or so.

First off, our local teacher Jacqueline Ryan Brodnitzki has just published Awaken Your Inner Radiance.

Subtitled Four Steps to a Joy filled life, Jacqueline lays out a very-approachable map to happiness and vibrant health.  The book is a quick read, though you'll find yourself marking pages to return to,  I did some of the written exercises and found them thought provoking.   there are insightful quotes, plenty of recommendations for good books to follow along with, and it's apparent that she's writing from her own experience, Jacqueline lives, and teaches this.  Thanks J.  I enjoyed reading your book.

Doorways To The Soul.

Our own Elisa Davy Pearmain gave me a copy of her book almost a year ago. Why has it taken this long to review?  Well, Elisa's beautiful book has 52 chapters, and she encourages you to read it slowly, taking time to absorb the stories.  In our speeding culture, this is refreshing advice.  Elisa draws from a vast array of traditions to convey wisdom of the ages, peace, and connection with nature, divinity, and each other.  I took my time with this one, a story for each week.  you will want to as well.  Thanks E,  It's been nice seeing you in class.

Yoga in America.

Edited by Deborah Bernstein and Bob Weisenberg.    Deb and Bob sent out the question "What is yoga?"  to a community of teachers, 300 responses were edited down to 46 that are published in this substantial volume.  the spectrum of yoga represented is wide, and I appreciate the different writing styles.  this is another book that can be read over time, taking time to soak up what's been said.  Deborah lives in Boston, and does much work to comfort the families of fallen firefighters and disabled veterans.  Check out her Yoga blog, and beautiful retreat center, Florian Yoga – St. John, US Virgin Islands.

Thanking the Monkey

I'm still working on Karen Dawn's fresh look at Animal Rights.  I met Karen back in 2000 at the national Animal Rights Conference, but had recognized her from conferences in the past.  She's been actively publishing the E-newsletter 'DawnWatch' for many years, alerting us to how animals are represented or more often misrepresented in the media.  

This is a comprehensive, yet inviting book, intermixed with glossy photos, cartoons and a mix of philosophies.   Chosen by the Washington Post as one of the Best Books of the year, Thanking the Monkey is full of insight from the well known, and the rank and file.  Karen, thanks for all you do for the Voiceless animals.  I appreciate your efforts, and will revisit your book when I return from Asia.  Thanks for the tee shirt too !

Lastly, a film.   I just received the film Dalai Lama Renaissance, I was able to watch one volume chronicling the conference between His Holiness and 40 of the worlds current intellectuals.  Quantum physicists, talk show hosts, film makers and social scientists gather to discus the worlds problems and what can be done about them.   The scenery is amazing, but what struck me most about this documentary is the incredible patience the Dalai Lama has when dealing with this collection of mostly-Western minds.  

Renaissance has won 14 awards and is an official selection in at least 40 international film festivals.  I'll let you know about the other volume when I return.  Khashyar, thanks so much for sending me a review copy, I'll be showing it to my friend Ani-hla, a student of His Holiness this afternoon.

Be well.  Om Shanti.

john



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