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Patience Is Golden

March 4, 2010 in Yoga, writing | Add Your Comment

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…

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 »

Covered

February 2, 2010 in Yoga, abundance, jnanna, writing | 2 comments

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

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.

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

Zero Degrees of Separation

March 30, 2009 in Yoga, writing | 2 comments

P.S. join us for open mic-satsang this saturday at yoga and nia for life, west concord 6pm. sing, dance, read your poem, play your instrument, just listen… no cost. bring your peace.

The wave thinks that it is different from all the other waves. It says, "I have a name, a shape, I have movement in a particular direction’. The ocean, knowing that all the water is itself, just enjoys the dance.

The waves can think, ‘I am independent; I have many friends in front of me and behind me; we are all moving along together.’

The waves might even decide to have a satsang. They may get together and say. ‘Let us go off together and find the ocean. Let us meditate together and try to find out where the ocean is. I have heard it is very wonderful there.’

So, they travel along, looking for the ocean, and hoping that they will one day find it.

The ocean doesn’t know anything about this. It just knows that the still, silent depths and the froth on the surface are all itself.

~ Papaji, The Fire of Freedom (thanks Deborah)

Yoga and Creativity

February 8, 2009 in Yoga, writing | 2 comments

Great to see you all in class this past weekend! I wanted to share a bit of a conversation I had after class with a long-time yogi and artist regarding intention.

When practicing with an intention for strength, things seemed to click for her. When setting creativity as her intention, things were not so clear. I asked that perhaps it may be broad for an intention?

Becoming Clearer

After talking for a few minutes, we began to see there was a bit of fear involved. Hmm, perhaps courage could be the focus… Still a bit broad. Then it started to become clear… procrastination and resistance to creativity: the equivalent of Writers Block.

Overcoming and outsmarting procrastination and resistance is the key to manifesting an idea into reality. Everything in our world once started as pure thought, then the thinker had to deal with their block to bring it forth into reality.

Yoga can surely help with this, but we also need to employ our thinking-mind to help set up a framework or schedule that we can focus our creative efforts within.

If we see our art as something we’ll get to once everything else is done, then our art will become like an unused new-years gym membership. a well-intentioned specter of how we’d like to see ourselves. creatively buff.

How Can Yoga Help?

For our fellow artist and Yogi, perhaps starting with an intention of focus and clear sense of priorities might be a good start, then refining things as they become clearer. I’ve found that resistance likes to manifest in layers, and takes more forms that we can begin to imagine. Take time after Asana, Pranayama, and Meditation to bring clarity to your creative mission.

‘First things First’ could be the Mantra. Along with asking Ganesha for help of course. Ganesha is Shiva’s son, the Hindu God who removes obstacles. "Om Gam, Ganapataye Namahah" invokes him as an ally in our creative efforts. (Very funny, my spell checker wants to change Namahah, to Namath. Joe would be proud!)

Dissolving Resistance

Julia Cameron’s work: The Artist’s Way series of books has become the standard roto-rooter for Writers Block.

Morning-pages writing exercises, and the concept of "the artist date" have helped me, But I’ve also enjoyed working with The War of Art, which I would describe as a more firm approach.

If you’re finding yourself stuck, wanting to create and yet, the days tick-by with no progress, try the exercises in these books, or the others in the creativity section of my favorite books link. Don’t wait another day, another hour. Overcome the inertia. What would/could you create if there was nothing holding you back?

What works for you? Share by using the comments link up above.

Is it Spring?

Hope you’re enjoying our treat of warm thaw! The Buddha statue in my front yard peeked out from under the snow this am. Wonder if he shaw his shadow.

Om Shanti, I’ll see you in class this week.

P.S. Just finalized the menu with Amy, we’ve got a great meal, and a nice gathering in store for the Yoga and Cooking class on the 28′th of this month. Check the events page for the scoop on how many spaces are left..