In 2007, I wrote a blog detailing my dream of a spiritual center...a place folks could go to relax, that had a variety of activities and rooms to chill. I was sending it to a friend today and in re-reading it, I saw that I had pretty much already created it... only it was my house. So, I am going to re-do my dream and allow myself to dream bigger!
Walking up to this beautiful retreat center is deceiving... it looks small, cozy, even homey but as you open the door you realize the spaciousness. It is bright, with lots of natural light and very colorful, filled with beautiful art pieces made by the creative souls who have passed through the same door you just did. You are greeted warmly by hosts, given a cuppa tea and offered a delicious treat while you sink comfortably into a chair by the fire. There is a "menu" of activities at your side and you are encouraged to take your time deciding what to do first.
Mmmm, a massage? Yoga? Reiki Healing? The list goes on... at 10:00 there's a lively discussion of Religious Styles... at noon a SoulCollage Card Building Lunch Bunch... at 3:00 a 2 hour Restorative Yoga session... at 5:00 an outdoor seminar on gardening... and that's just today. Looking ahead, you realize that everyday is different... drumming circles, Reiki training classes, craft circles, even events for kids involving creativity and theater!
Finding it hard to decide, you are encouraged to wander around a bit, take in the energy and flavor of the place, each room with a different spirit... which will be the one that you connect to?
The yoga studio is large, surrounded with windows that overlook trees and water.. you notice lots of pillows and zafus, places to sit comfortably and meditate, blankets and eye pillows to help you relax. There's another large room with a big table in the center, covered with art supplies... mandalas, magazines, paints and beads. Walking down a hall filled with doors to smaller rooms... a massage therapist, a Reiki Master, an acupuncturist, even a room for Tarot Readings.
Coming to a larger section, you see a little store where you can purchase herbal items, aromatherapy, crystals and local artists jewelry, paintings and handicrafts. You turn to the right and there's a large room with a stage.... lit with windows that you notice have dark shades... Oh! this must be the theater! You see a workshop going on with lots of buzzing activity, dancing, singing... A sign outside the door lists times of not only theater productions but Spiritual Cinema movies too! You jot down the times of your favorites.
You find a winding staircase and find a 2nd floor filled with guest rooms. You can book an overnight stay or even a whole weekend-- what a great retreat this would make. You look out one of the windows and see a clearing with a fire pit, an outdoor cafe and a labyrinth with benches....gardens everywhere... what a beautiful spot. There's a yoga class doing Sun Salutations outside on the deck and you decide that's it! That's where you want to be!
As you lie in relaxation pose with the breeze gently blowing through your hair, you realize this was just what you needed to restore your vitality, your sanity and your sense of well being.... Breathe deep.
Namaste'
PS. Anyone know of a space like this for me? :)
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Monday, May 03, 2010
Old Boyfriends
Recently on facebook, I have received a number of friend requests from old boyfriends... and I mean OLD boyfriends... my 5th grade sweetie, 7th grade and so on. It's kinda bizarre, I'm not gonna lie. I am ecstatic to see them, to see how their life turned out, if they are married, have kids and whether they still have hair or not. But it's very strange to think that they are doing the same thing. BTW, I do have my hair still, thanks for asking. I no longer weigh 95 pounds though...in case you are wondering. I see that you do not either :)
When I was a kid, I was a huge flirt. HUGE. No boy could escape, LOL, whether I liked them or not. It was important that they like me... overly important. I was such a silly girl. It's so weird to see their names popping up on my feed and think of who we were... and who I am now. It literally feels like another lifetime. The things that are important to me now have nothing to do with what was important to me then. Thank God. It's interesting to think that my friends who know me now would not recognize the friend that they knew and vice versa. And not just physically... on every level, mentally, spiritually, it's sorta mind blowing.
We were all such great friends. The whole gang is resurrecting, slowly but surely. And I realize how little we actually knew each other. I realize how little I actually knew myself. But these friends, boys and girls, were my lifeline long before Regis Philbin made that popular. I feel great affection for them. I smile seeing their names, remembering...Fox Hill Elementary...Tasker Jr. High...Bowie... seriously, is this what they mean by past lives? Seems like soooo long ago. 40 years ago in fact.
It's funny seeing their profiles though. As much as I treasured them, saw them as family, I am stunned by seeing some of their particulars, who they've become (I'm sure they feel exactly the same about me). Their political affiliations... where they work.. the groups they join... YIKES... really? Never saw that as a kid. In fact, I am surprised that I even dated a couple of them... could we really be THAT different in ideology? Did we even have an ideology? LOL, I'm sure that word never even crossed our minds as we spent hours on the telephone, sneaking cigarettes in the breezeway, giggling and chasing each other... why is that so important now? I guess it's just all states of consciousness... we stopped worrying about who we were and started worrying about the world we live in.
Facebook is a strange world. Sometimes it hurts my wee little brain trying to take it all in... so many lifetimes coming together all at once. I guess it's a beautiful lesson in integration.
But it's Monday. I can't think this hard. Have a great week everyone!
When I was a kid, I was a huge flirt. HUGE. No boy could escape, LOL, whether I liked them or not. It was important that they like me... overly important. I was such a silly girl. It's so weird to see their names popping up on my feed and think of who we were... and who I am now. It literally feels like another lifetime. The things that are important to me now have nothing to do with what was important to me then. Thank God. It's interesting to think that my friends who know me now would not recognize the friend that they knew and vice versa. And not just physically... on every level, mentally, spiritually, it's sorta mind blowing.
We were all such great friends. The whole gang is resurrecting, slowly but surely. And I realize how little we actually knew each other. I realize how little I actually knew myself. But these friends, boys and girls, were my lifeline long before Regis Philbin made that popular. I feel great affection for them. I smile seeing their names, remembering...Fox Hill Elementary...Tasker Jr. High...Bowie... seriously, is this what they mean by past lives? Seems like soooo long ago. 40 years ago in fact.
It's funny seeing their profiles though. As much as I treasured them, saw them as family, I am stunned by seeing some of their particulars, who they've become (I'm sure they feel exactly the same about me). Their political affiliations... where they work.. the groups they join... YIKES... really? Never saw that as a kid. In fact, I am surprised that I even dated a couple of them... could we really be THAT different in ideology? Did we even have an ideology? LOL, I'm sure that word never even crossed our minds as we spent hours on the telephone, sneaking cigarettes in the breezeway, giggling and chasing each other... why is that so important now? I guess it's just all states of consciousness... we stopped worrying about who we were and started worrying about the world we live in.
Facebook is a strange world. Sometimes it hurts my wee little brain trying to take it all in... so many lifetimes coming together all at once. I guess it's a beautiful lesson in integration.
But it's Monday. I can't think this hard. Have a great week everyone!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Reiki Healing
This weekend we had our Reiki Healer's Share. This is one of my favorite activities, gathering with other healers, caring for one another, relaxing and bonding. Mid point through every share we have a meditation circle where we get comfy around a crystal grid that I use to send Reiki on a regular basis to my clients. We write our concerns, our goals, our needs, on index cards and put them under the grid. This month on facebook, I invited my "friends" to tell me if they wanted Reiki sent to them during this circle and was astonished at the amount of folks with concerns. 
I wrote each name on a separate index card, with my prayer for them. Some for healing, some for peace, some for clarity, etc. Whatever seemed appropriate. We gathered in our circle after we had done 2 complete healing session for those present. By this time, the Reiki energy in the room is almost a separate entity of its own, it's so strong and we are all filled with it, having gived and received so much. This month seemed exceptionally strong to me, my healer husband felt the same. I passed around the cards to all, so they could see who we were sending to, in addition to their own concerns. We all got quiet and comfy. Breathing in and breathing out...
My husband said that at one point, he looked at my friend Ann & I and the way the light was surrounding us, showing the serenity on our faces, made us look like angels. I can't speak for her, but I know I was directly connected to a much bigger light than myself... it was amazing. I felt like we were all encased in a large bubble, the folks with concerns on our cards and those of us present. Several mentioned very powerful experiences, seeing Light and one even spoke of feeling like she met God. It was incredible! Afterwards, we did one last session of Reiki ... some actually giving, some just continuing to soak up this remarkable energy.
I had some wonderful comments from my facebook friends who had asked for healing, one woman who has been suffering for months from a relapse from a lung transplant and has been oxygen dependent, was actually off oxygen the next day! For the first time in 3 months! Amazing... Don't believe me? Ask my cat... She is 17 years old. Every chance she gets after I do private Reiki sessions, she jumps up on the table and lays her head on my crystal grid. We have to keep her locked out during sessions because she knows a good thing when she feels it.. and wants some herself!Although nothing compares to a private healing session for peace and wellbeing... these meditative sessions are plenty powerful too. Having a group of Healers send you energy is bound to help you... and the Healer! Every Reiki Healer in training should make sure they get a chance to join in sometime. Nothing will build your confidence more than a direct jolt of energy :)
Namaste'
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Surprising Loveliness
Yesterday the most beautiful thing happened. I was walking into World Gym to teach my class when a student comes up to me and hands me a beautiful gift bag. "This is for you," she says. I was stunned. I didn't know her name, she's been coming to my class for awhile but she's been sort of a loner, doesn't smile or make eye contact much. In fact, I've often thought maybe she doesn't like the class all that much since she doesn't really give any indication of how she feels. Her energy is.... well, let's just say it's not easily readable.
I bring my hand over my heart, look her in the eye and exclaim, "why, thank you! how sweet!" and move to hug her. She hugs me back and begins to cry. I hold her and hug her back, not really knowing what to say but knowing whatever was going on with her was profound and I just needed to hold the space (and her!) for it.
She looks at me once last time and then turns to walk out the door. At first, I'm alarmed... oh no, was I supposed to open it there? Is this her last class? Maybe she's moving... or worse... But she comes back, lays her mat down and prepares for class. Puzzled, I try to catch her eyes, wanting to make sure she's okay but she's back in yoga mode. I decide to teach... knowing that the yoga itself will help and teach a heart opening class complete with lotus meditation. After class, again I try to catch her eye and just as she turns to leave, she looks my way. Again, I put my hand over my heart... Thank you. Sincerely. She smiles.
The class is very chatty, everyone wanting to bond... typical (and wonderful) after a heart opening class but I was wishing I could hurry out and meet her in the parking lot and find out what was up. However, I know sometimes space is needed... so I let her be. I pick up the gift bag and bring it home with me... so curious.
In the bag are beautiful note pads, stationary covered with roses, how lovely. I search for a card, hoping for an explanation. No card. But the little tag on the bag says:
And she signed it with her name. I am touched. And excited to know her name. And feeling very blessed to be a teacher. It's tough to teach in a gym... the classes are large, you are always running late because the class before you goes long and afterwards people are pushing you out for their workout, the space is tricky to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in and you don't really have time to get to know your students individually unless they choose to let you. Sometimes, it's anonymity they are looking for, a place to go where no one knows them or wants anything from them. I love to get to know them slowly... body first, words later. It makes for an interesting perspective.
Funny how the Universe works. I've been feeling kinda down lately... my classes at CCPC are flucuating again so I get to relearn the lesson that sometimes the world doesn't revolve around me, sometimes it has to do with other's priorities... but it's hard for me to NOT take it personally when folks stop coming to yoga. Or Reiki. But just when I decide that I should just get a day job and let go of my dream, the Universe places a reminder of what I truly am here for.... not gift bags, but to help people heal.
Thank you, blessed yoga student, you made my day :)
I bring my hand over my heart, look her in the eye and exclaim, "why, thank you! how sweet!" and move to hug her. She hugs me back and begins to cry. I hold her and hug her back, not really knowing what to say but knowing whatever was going on with her was profound and I just needed to hold the space (and her!) for it.
She looks at me once last time and then turns to walk out the door. At first, I'm alarmed... oh no, was I supposed to open it there? Is this her last class? Maybe she's moving... or worse... But she comes back, lays her mat down and prepares for class. Puzzled, I try to catch her eyes, wanting to make sure she's okay but she's back in yoga mode. I decide to teach... knowing that the yoga itself will help and teach a heart opening class complete with lotus meditation. After class, again I try to catch her eye and just as she turns to leave, she looks my way. Again, I put my hand over my heart... Thank you. Sincerely. She smiles.
The class is very chatty, everyone wanting to bond... typical (and wonderful) after a heart opening class but I was wishing I could hurry out and meet her in the parking lot and find out what was up. However, I know sometimes space is needed... so I let her be. I pick up the gift bag and bring it home with me... so curious.
In the bag are beautiful note pads, stationary covered with roses, how lovely. I search for a card, hoping for an explanation. No card. But the little tag on the bag says:
"Thank you so much. Your class, your personality...are very healing for me."
And she signed it with her name. I am touched. And excited to know her name. And feeling very blessed to be a teacher. It's tough to teach in a gym... the classes are large, you are always running late because the class before you goes long and afterwards people are pushing you out for their workout, the space is tricky to maintain a peaceful atmosphere in and you don't really have time to get to know your students individually unless they choose to let you. Sometimes, it's anonymity they are looking for, a place to go where no one knows them or wants anything from them. I love to get to know them slowly... body first, words later. It makes for an interesting perspective.
Funny how the Universe works. I've been feeling kinda down lately... my classes at CCPC are flucuating again so I get to relearn the lesson that sometimes the world doesn't revolve around me, sometimes it has to do with other's priorities... but it's hard for me to NOT take it personally when folks stop coming to yoga. Or Reiki. But just when I decide that I should just get a day job and let go of my dream, the Universe places a reminder of what I truly am here for.... not gift bags, but to help people heal.
Thank you, blessed yoga student, you made my day :)
Monday, April 12, 2010
Patterning of Consciousness
I've been on a kick lately to help my yoga students really make a commitment to yoga and to understand why they should. There is so much more to yoga than I teach. Most teachers do not really delve into the sacred texts, the Sanskrit writings, the "meat and bones" of what yoga is and why it works.... they don't want to scare or confuse their students. And believe me, yoga can be very confusing unless you study and practice for a long time! That's why a commitment is so important.
As I was preparing for my Restorative Yoga Day this weekend, I pulled out my 2 favorite Yoga "Bibles"...Patan'jali's Yoga Sutras and Stephen Mitchell's adaptation of The Bhagavad Gita, all highlighted and post-noted beyond original recognition. Reading through these books is like coming home for me, I just get lost in remembering the truth, the wisdom that led me to yoga and kept me there in the first place. I'm skimming through, looking for just the right quote or passage to start our day with and it dawns on me that I haven't ever really shared this with my students! Shame on me! How can I call myself a Yoga Teacher and never share the Yoga Bibles?
So I begin with the first Sutra:
His response: HUH??! What the heck is patterning of consciousness?
Me: Oh... yeah... that's why I don't teach this. Not that I think my husband or my students wouldn't get it, but I know it's something you have to kinda read over and over... and let it simmer on your brain til it boils.
I turn to my old friend, Bhagavad Gita-- much easier to understand. THE BLESSED LORD SAID... Oh dear, this could be a minefield also. I make it a practice to not "go there" religious-wise. I don't want to offend the Christians by suggesting that Krishna is Lord or offend the Jews by suggesting that Christ is the Lord... ugh, people get so easily offended by labels and then they miss the message...just the word Lord upsets some people, I don't want the beauty of the Gita being bogged down by dissecting each word.
What to do? I DON'T want to sell yoga short. I DO want people to understand why they are doing yoga, what it's really all about. How to share this in a non threatening way??? And then I realize...who the heck am I to decide that my students won't get it or that they may be offended in some way? What gives me the right to withhold information from them for fear of losing them? How ridiculous am I? These are grown ups here.
So, I plunge in, reading from the Yoga Sutra to them bright and early Saturday morning. Their response?
HUH?!!
LOL. But then we had one of the most lively, enlightening discussions I had in a long time. We took it line by line, understanding the patterns of consciousness and relating them to our lives. I read to them during relaxation pose from The Bhagavad Gita, I actually saw one of my "Christian" friends wiping tears from her eyes at the beautiful text. Quite a few of them had deep breakthrough experiences of enlightenment, one was even inspired to write her own poem, right on the spot, about the trees that we looked up to during our first yoga session outdoors.
And once again, I learned to untie my own pattern of consciousness by realizing I don't control the world. Again. :)
Namaste'
As I was preparing for my Restorative Yoga Day this weekend, I pulled out my 2 favorite Yoga "Bibles"...Patan'jali's Yoga Sutras and Stephen Mitchell's adaptation of The Bhagavad Gita, all highlighted and post-noted beyond original recognition. Reading through these books is like coming home for me, I just get lost in remembering the truth, the wisdom that led me to yoga and kept me there in the first place. I'm skimming through, looking for just the right quote or passage to start our day with and it dawns on me that I haven't ever really shared this with my students! Shame on me! How can I call myself a Yoga Teacher and never share the Yoga Bibles?
So I begin with the first Sutra:
1. Now, the teachings of yoga.
2. Yoga is to still the patterning of consciousness.
3. Then pure awareness can abide in its very nature.
4. Otherwise awareness takes itself to be the patterns of consciousness.Oh so true... so true!! Perfect, I think to myself... It states exactly WHY we are doing yoga. I turn to my husband, the winner of the top ten yogis award this year.... "See, honey! Listen to this, this is why we do yoga!"
His response: HUH??! What the heck is patterning of consciousness?
Me: Oh... yeah... that's why I don't teach this. Not that I think my husband or my students wouldn't get it, but I know it's something you have to kinda read over and over... and let it simmer on your brain til it boils.
I turn to my old friend, Bhagavad Gita-- much easier to understand. THE BLESSED LORD SAID... Oh dear, this could be a minefield also. I make it a practice to not "go there" religious-wise. I don't want to offend the Christians by suggesting that Krishna is Lord or offend the Jews by suggesting that Christ is the Lord... ugh, people get so easily offended by labels and then they miss the message...just the word Lord upsets some people, I don't want the beauty of the Gita being bogged down by dissecting each word.
What to do? I DON'T want to sell yoga short. I DO want people to understand why they are doing yoga, what it's really all about. How to share this in a non threatening way??? And then I realize...who the heck am I to decide that my students won't get it or that they may be offended in some way? What gives me the right to withhold information from them for fear of losing them? How ridiculous am I? These are grown ups here.
So, I plunge in, reading from the Yoga Sutra to them bright and early Saturday morning. Their response?
HUH?!!
LOL. But then we had one of the most lively, enlightening discussions I had in a long time. We took it line by line, understanding the patterns of consciousness and relating them to our lives. I read to them during relaxation pose from The Bhagavad Gita, I actually saw one of my "Christian" friends wiping tears from her eyes at the beautiful text. Quite a few of them had deep breakthrough experiences of enlightenment, one was even inspired to write her own poem, right on the spot, about the trees that we looked up to during our first yoga session outdoors.
And once again, I learned to untie my own pattern of consciousness by realizing I don't control the world. Again. :)
The Warrior of the Light knows that no one is stupid and that life teaches everyone-however long that may take
He always does his best and expects the best of others. Through his generosity, he tries to show each person how much they are capable of achieving.
Some of his companions say: "Some people are so ungrateful."
The Warrior is not discouraged by this. And he continues to encourage others because this is also a way of encouraging himself.Warrior of the Light by Paulo Coelho... my other "Bible".
Namaste'
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