Missing the Mastery
December 5, 2011
As I inquire into my own moments of mastery, I begin to see where my ego has wanted to “accomplish” something. My family mantra is “a good day is a productive day” and I have been true to that my whole conditioned life…until now.
Yesterday, I completed writing 99% of my business plan/ outline for my new website. The whole process felt like a little bit of fun and a LOT of labor. I had to look at why I was not feeling any magic in the hours of sitting at my desk in this creation. I also recognized all those thoughts of “not good enough” creeping in and after 6 hours, decided to crawl into bed with the question of , what was I missing?
Under my covers, I made a big decision. I decided to shift my awareness, from productivity and misery to one of mastery and mystery. What mysterious ways was my inner muse going to create in the morning? In the next moment?…and the next and the next…So, I was up at 1:30 AM full of energy to write the next portion of my plan. After a short asana practice, I wrote for three hours, went back to sleep, up again at 7:30 am and completed my document within another three hours. Now, that felt good! I even ” high fived” my yellow wall in recognition of my first conscious experience in mastery.
As I look back, it is a bit of a WOW! No ego conversation, just being in the moment of what my body was calling me to do. This process was close to impossible and all the fun was missing when my ego got into the conversation and yet by bringing my awareness to a shift in focus and attention, I changed the direction of my attitude and completed something I have been chewing on for almost a year. Sometimes a simple shift can be…simply mysterious. Thanks Jennifer and your inspirational blogs on yoga in the world at www.oneyogalove.com
One Yoga 200hr. Teacher Training
October 18, 2011
Everybody has to deal…
July 14, 2011
…with a new day. This came out of my moms mouth today after briefly discussing, my fathers health condition. More specifically, the condition of his colon and chronic constipation (I know, pops, TMI, my apologies). And, mom, you are spot on in your 84 year old wisdom about the connection with mind, body and spirit.
We all have to “deal” with our own existence or survival on a daily basis. Some of us do it unconsciously, by default with worry. Others create a more conscious, awareness practice. One popular option is a Coffee and Donut or the up-trend to a Latte and Scone. Another option is some other morning ritual that quiets the mind and brings about a state of contemplation. As my friend, Jennifer says, ” none of us gets out of this life time alive”. That being TRUE, what wakes you up in the morning as you deal with each new day?
This is not just a mental or emotional inquiry but also a question for the energetic part of our being. This energetic area specifically associated with survival issues is often called the first cakra in ancient texts and is located around the physical body at the base of the spine. I have consistently pondered this question for as long as I can remember with a mind that “thinks too much” and even more so in the last 5 years as that same mind has turned itself inside out. I have created practices to support my body with asana and quiet my mind through breath and now I am inspired to fortify and give reason for my own existence through an energetic practice. I am inspired to include the first Cakra as well as the power of chant and intention through the apana prana energy,of the five winds of prana.
My intention is not to go into the practices here but to direct your mind to the inquiry and then if you decide you want to further explore the notion of your existance, through intention and chant, please feel free to download the video on the winds of change and the accompanying pdf booklet. The purpose of this blog is to leave you with the inquiry and simply see where it resonates in your own physical being. I invite you to Journal about it, talk about it and maybe even watch a powerful portion of a video I just viewed about healing cancer with althernative and conventional therapies, called Cancer Quest. This particular snippet brought tears of inspiration to my eyes because I am all too familiar with losing someone I loved to cancer. I am very clear it was by his choice and that leaves me to ponder my own choice. What wakes me up in the morning?
What is your choice? I like to tug the mind a bit and ask it a little differently under the notion that Yoga CAN cure that which keeps us separate from our optimal health and wellness connection. What would Yoga do now? Invite the inquiry after your own practice and live in that question.
I look forward to your comments about your reasons to wake up in the morning allowing you to “deal” with each new day. Thanks to my mom and dad for inspiring me to share the journey of the question and for all those who have come before me to share their wisdom.
mahalo,
Linda
YogaCanCure.com
integrating yoga into a lifetime of wellness
A Higher Hum: Breath and Mantra Meditation
September 2, 2010
The following meditation is based upon the mantra “so hum,” (“I am that”) used within the traditions of Tantra and Vedanta.
By Shiva Rea
Mantra, the chanting of sacred words or sounds, is a central part of yogic meditation. Mantra comes from the combination of two syllables: “man,” meaning “to reflect” or “be aware,” and “tra,” meaning “tool for” or “agent of.” A mantra is a tool for reflection and the cultivation of awareness, and is used for both concentration and contemplation on the Source.
Within yoga, mantras are based upon sounds that reflect the energy of our divine nature. Om is considered to be the universal, consummate mantra. The following meditation is based upon the mantra “so hum,” (“I am that”) used within the traditions of Tantra and Vedanta. Since “so hum” also indicates the sound of the breath, it is a mantra that repeats itself effortlessly.
Find a comfortable posture for meditation (seated on a cushion or blanket, in a chair or against a wall). Place your palms facing up in jnana mudra (forefinger and thumb touching) with your palms facing up to open your awareness or facing down to calm the mind. Scan your body and relax any tension. Let your spine rise from the ground of the pelvis. Draw your chin slightly down and let the back of your neck lengthen.
Bring your attention to the tidal rhythm of your breath, feeling the rise and fall of your inhalation and exhalation. As your focus settles on your breath, begin to employ the simple mantra “so hum.” As you inhale, say “so” silently to yourself, and as you exhale say “hum.” Keep your focus on the sensation of your breath while silently repeating the sacred syllables, “so hum.” As you drink your inhalation, gently drawing your breath along the base of your throat, listen for the sound of “so.” As you exhale, listen for the sound of “hum” as your breath is amplified in the throat.
Let your mind become absorbed in the sound of so hum-in your internal chanting and your actual breath. As if you were watching the waves of the ocean, let your mind be naturally drawn into presence and stillness—no place to go, nothing to do, so hum, so hum. If a thought (vritti) arises, come back to the mantra so hum.
In the beginning, it may be helpful to set an external timer for 10, 20, or 30 minutes so you are not distracted. When you are finished, bring your hands together in anjali mudra (prayer position) and close with a moment of gratitude, reflection, or prayer to soak up the energy of your meditation into your being and life.
excerpted from yogajournal.com
What is a peaceful woman? Time is man made- Day 15
July 16, 2010
Starbucks Headquarters, Seattle. A siren watching over time
This is true, If I look in the history books, Time is as ancient as the Vedas and it is not stated that it was a man who invented the calendar but It was a German man called Peter Henlein who invented the clock in 1510. In 1577, Jost Burgi invented the minute hand and now I wonder….who is Father Time? It was one big boys club.
What if a woman had created the first time piece or…Time for peace?
There you have it. What would it mean to be at peace with time? With the hour hand creeping along? The second hand sweeping past? This is rich with meaning and you don’t have to go but a millisecond to find more.
In that periphery way I have of observing things I ponder, “what does it mean to make peace with time?” Here are my top ten responses:
1. Aging would be a non issue.
2. Schedules would be fluid.
3. No one would be late for dinner.
4. Everything would get done “just in time” and that timing would be “perfect”.
5. Procrastination would be like pupus. (Little things done before the main course)
6. There would be no “getting there first” but being “right on time”.
7. “Time will tell”…would have nothing to say.
8. Timing really would be the ONLY thing.
9. You would not need to “watch the clock” because seconds would never matter.
10. You would never be on time so you might as well just give it up.
Now, I will never miss another blogging deadline again!
Mahalo, Linda
This is your place. Is this your peace?
What is a peaceful woman? When we come to it-Day 14
July 14, 2010
We, this people, on a small and lonely planet
Traveling through casual space
Past aloof stars, across the way of indifferent suns
To a destination where all signs tell us
It is possible and imperative that we learn
A brave and startling truth…
And when we come to it
To the day of peacemaking
When we release our fingers
From fists…and allow the pure air to cool our palms
When we come to it
We, this people, on this wayward, floating body
Created on this earth, of this earth
Have the power to fashion for this earth
A climate where every man and every woman
Can live freely without sanctimonious piety
Without crippling fear
When we come to it
We must confess that we are the possible
We are the miraculous, the true wonder of this world
That is when, and only when
We come to it.
Excerpted from
A Brave and Startling Truth
By Maya Angelou
Mahalo, Linda
This is your place. Is this your peace?
What is a peaceful woman? Wallowing in allowing-Day 13
July 13, 2010
God, I am relentless in my search for my truth, Obsessive in my addiction to over turn each rock, one by one. Aching at the joints from carrying the load of expectation that one day…soon, It will all be perfect and I will know myself.
In this act of seeking, nothing feels like “a good time,” let alone a peaceful evening! Crazymaking would be a more appropriate word. Where is the peace? Where is the expansiveness in the night sky?
” Just invite it in” was my friends suggestion last night up at the observatory. ” open your arms and allow it”
And I did. In fact, all that night and into today.
I figure I had done my work, I had said my prayers and it was time for me to let go of the hunt and allow the feast.
In the past, when I am able to observe this phenomonen, I have called it surrender. A letting go and an experience of momentary peace. That would all be fine except in the next moment….I would find myself grabbing on to the next thing.
In wallowing in the allowing, an ongoing flow is beginning to happen. It is a continuous moment by moment and like a spiritual pig, I am going to enjoy each moment by moment connected by an occasional snort.
Mahalo, Linda
This is your place. Is this your peace?
What is a peaceful woman? Observing-Day12
July 12, 2010
OMG the night sky is an unbelievable tasty treat. Tonight I had the pleasure of being up at the Hawaii University Observatory in the top of Haleakala for sunset and star rise. It was a surreal experience for me watching the milkyway become visible. I had not seen stars like this in such a long time. I was so glad they were still here! I was delighted by being in the presence of two eager astronomers jumping up and down at splitting a star on their telescope. It was just to much to hold back a giggle. Oh, did I mention, these were 60 year old grown men. Nothing like a little observation to bring out the peaceful kid in all of us.
Mahalo, Linda
This is your place. Is this your peace?
What is a peaceful woman? Day 7- Experiment in inspiration
July 8, 2010
I discovered that I live an inspired life. I thought I was figuring out what a peaceful life was and what showed up was an inspiration for Truth. ( notice the capital “T”) I have consistently created situations in which to become aware. I am a little bit of a freak in this respect and because I have the guts, courage, naivety, whatever you call it, I go places where most people would not even think of. That seems to be my nature. Some situations are more, shall we say, creative than others. But really, all are inspiring to me.
picture from Seattle sculpture park
When I am in pain, I look in that blackness to find out what exactly my body, mind or spirit needs in order to feel heard and/or whole. Some people look at this and think I am just creating more pain for myself. Nope, it is an experiment in inspiration. I used to run away from these dark spots on my sun with anti-depressants and emotional defenses. I do not ignore myself any longer. I find the inspiration in the investigation. It excites me to know that I can actually make a change once I am aware. I have choice. It frustrates me when I cannot make a consistent change but like all practices…that’s why they call it practice! I also get a little crazy when I find myself over identifying with the process but then I get inspired all over again with that insight and just let it go!
picture from Seattle sculpture park
If I am in joy, I am inspired to share it with others and watch people be in the energy. None of it is really me. But I find peace in knowing that no matter what, pain, joy, whatever emotion you want to play with, I will do my best to look at it and learn and then be inspired by that learning. The by-product is that there is a slight chance that I can then inspire others. Mahalo, Linda This is your place. Is this your peace?
What is a peaceful woman? Day 1-Haleakala Applause
July 1, 2010
I am peaceful this morning but am I a peaceful woman? That is the question I hope to explore for 29 days. And true to my cultural conditioning, I am already one day behind. Fortunately, I have allowed time to be in my creative flow and to catch up. You see, yesterday instead of sitting at my desk, I decided to go up to the 10,000 foot marker of the mighty volcano, Haleakala here on Maui. It felt like the right time to honor my husbands passing, three years ago. I was feeling a bit more stable in my life and my intention this year was to continue to let go of the grief and find the celebration in Keiths’ disease and death. There were so many gifts and it was time to shift my attention from the past to celebrate the present and respond to my future.
I had been doing rituals all week and this was the big one I had been waiting for. What I had not counted on was an additional emotional opportunity to let go of a new relationship with a man whom I had since fallen in love with. His e-mail arrived on the exact day of my husbands death. (Timing is everything and so is social media!). So this was yet another opportunity to be aware, awake and gentle with all the anger, loss, grief, fear, survival…you name it, that slippery slope of emotions that was once again erupting.
It took me an hour to drive the hill and I played all my husbands original music along the way. The tears, sobs, (OK, let’s be real…HOWLS) were so very cleansing and my usual disemboweling ache gave way to comfort. A more comfortable way of feeling pain could be called peace, I suppose. On the top of the volcano, I found my spot off the beaten path ( don’t tell the authorities) and set up for the next 4 hours ’till sunset. I listened to some meditation audio and music to allow my freaked out chatter a little chill time before I went into meditation. My mind likes to preview before the show.
As I settled in, I began to visualize all my past memories with Keith. One by one, I allowed them into my consciousness, invited a breath and allowed the experience into my body. I then directed my thoughts and to that exact body location. I took another breath and mentally surrendered. I didn’t really know what that meant but It started in my mind and then somehow, rolled on down and I just let go. I just sighed, cried, smiled, responded. I imagined the picture dissolving into a warm bath of relaxation and the pain in my body subsided even more. Where the dark knot of grief had it’s grip, there slowly appeared some light and peace. I was beginning to feel more whole. There was a different feeling of integration and the energies of the mountain were generously assisting.
I dug my bare feet deeper into the rocks of the mountain and assembled a small altar from some things left over from our past life together. I then sprinkled Keiths’ ashes around the crystal that I had placed in the middle. I love altars and this was a beauty by my standards.
I settled back in. Some of the emerging images were easier to view than others and then out of nowhere, I got a bonus feature of my newest relationship dissolving into forgiveness and sweetness. How did THAT happen? I asked the Haleakala guides. They just smiled and their words said ” be careful what you ask for, dear one”. I was really enjoying my quiet with the wind and my body continued to relax.
The upper balcony of the volcanic amphitheater was beginning to stir with voices. I allowed my mind to include this drone to further help me deepen into even darker places. I lost track of time. I was no longer slipping, I had found a solid place for my heart to reside. And then I heard clapping. I was startled. Had I fallen asleep? I opened my eyes and the sun was just skidding behind the clouds. The crowd behind me was applauding and I found myself crying with an indescribable feeling of peace and joy. My tears were an expression of contentment mixed with the irreverence and humor of the Superbowl cheer. this is one of God’s most wondrous events afterall! I did it, we did it, they did it. It happened and I had a crowd of cheerleaders to reflect that back to me. I quickly gathered my things and climbed back up to the parking lot. I drove very slowly down the hill, basking in the last remaining drops of sunlight and was in wonderment at the ability to actually turn my pain into a joyous celebration with a little help from the cheering section and Haleakala energies.
Mahalo, Linda
This is your place. Is this your peace?