This is a sweet story that illustrates attachments, reactions to circumstances and just allowing to be, without creating stories around how things should be different. It also is a reminder that we don't always know what is 'good' or 'bad', when situations arise in our lives. Often this way of remaining neutral is easier said than done, which is why we have these wonderful stories, to help us remember!
Once in a far away place, there was on old farmer. He had a small farm, one horse and a son. One day the farmer awoke in the morning to find his only horse had run away. When the neighbor caught wind of the news, he came over to see the farmer with sincere apologies about the bad luck that had befallen his friend.
"Oh my friend, I am so sorry to hear the news! Your only work horse has escaped. What will you do about your fields? This is such terrible luck!"
The farmer, very patiently listened to his neighbor and replied, "Maybe. Maybe not."
The next day, the farmer awoke to another event. His horse had returned with a mate. Now he had two horses. When his friendly neighbor heard, he rushed right over with congratulations.
"Oh my dear friend! Good luck has shown upon you! You now have two horses! This is wonderful!"
The farmer simply replied, "Maybe. Maybe not."
Since the new addition, this new horse was wild, it needed to be tamed. The farmers son set out the next day to begin to break this new horse. It didn't take long in this process before the son was thrown from the horse, badly breaking his leg.
The neighbor rushed over with his condolences about the bad luck of the injury to the farmers son.
"Oh, I am so sorry to hear about your sons misfortune trying to tame this wild beast! And now your son will be indisposed for quite some time. Who will help you on your farm? This is a horrible happening!"
The farmer, once again upon hearing the distress of his neighbor, calmly replied,
"May be. Maybe not."
The next day, while the farmers son was just beginning his recovery process, the army arrived at the farm to recruit young men, of eligible age for service in the army.
The neighbor, had of course spied the soldiers along the road and rushed over as they departed. He found out that the son would not be joining the service, due to his leg being on the mend.
"Oh friends and neighbors! This is great news. Your son will not be put in danger, risking his life in battle! What good luck has come upon your household!"
The farmer standing ever in state of equilibrium replied once again, "Maybe. Maybe not."
Love & Peace~
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
lessons from a jumping mouse
There is a little story about a jumping mouse, that some of you may or may not have heard. It goes something like this ... There once was this unusual little mouse that had the ability to jump high into the air, above the fields and trees. The rest of his community and companions, however, did not believe they had this ability and thought their friend was a little freaky. They felt that by his jumping he was putting himself at risk to the larger predators including the birds that circled, hunting for prey. You see, the rest of the community spent the majority of their time traveling from place to place in their underground tunnels. This they believed kept them safe and out of harms way.
Their risk taker buddy, on the other hand, would rise up above the earth, would see the expanse of the blue sky and the earth below, taking in all the beauty there was to behold. He didn't seem to have much fear of the predators and was always encouraging the others to test out their jumping skills, so that they too, may share in the vision of our jumper! The rest of the mice refused. When our little jumper would come back from his adventures and share of the sights he had seen, the others thought he was simply crazy! They didn't really believe in the existence of all the clouds, the wide array of colors from the flowers and trees. They only knew the dark, constriction of their tunnels and the long stems of grass that helped to keep them secluded from other creatures. Their view was quite limited. They couldn't even imagine the scenes, since they didn't have anything to compare it to.
The jumping mouse, once he began to see and learn from this spacious vision, could no longer be hemmed into the dark tunnels of fear, disbelief, and survival for his life mentality. Though he often felt alone and separate, he could not find it in himself to return to the old ways of his community. His journey had begun, and he followed the horizon, jumping his way into a new paradigm!
I love this story. It often becomes a guide for my perception, calling me to check into where my vision is. Am I running around in the dark tunnels of my mind's stories, fears, insecurities? Or am I jumping up to get the big expansive view, free from identification with my little self.
Along this journey, the majority of us most likely fluctuate between these two perspectives. But there are many in our world, who may not even be aware that they live whole lives in these tunnels of darkness and tunnel vision. I have found there are levels of programming that we are all indoctrinated in. These may be societal, religious, familial, or nationalistic. All of these, if they are from indoctrination, rather than ones own personal inquiry and experience, stem from the lower centers of our consciousness. All of these keep us in a tunnel, unaware of the vastness of choices, expressions and visions which expand our mind and hearts.
What exactly are these tunnels constructed of? In general, it seems much of this 'material' can be classified as our attachments and internal stories. Attachments to our likes and dislikes; to our opinions; to our judgments; to our fears and projections of others; our addictions and secrets; to our dogma; to our buying into mass fears of the 'other' and the beliefs the 'other' holds. We also build these tunnels or box ourselves in through false stories we believe about ourselves. These are often stories about our lack of's: worth, loveability, capability, importance . . . and not to forget, our perception overall that we, as human beings, are just our ego-identified selves. We believe we are only these bodies, the stresses, the emotions and all of our crazy thoughts, the personality.
If we stop to think about each of these categories, I have no doubt each of us has felt stuck and trapped in this kind of awareness, at some time or another. Doesn't it feel like we are boxed in? or only seeing tunnel vision and scurrying around trying to get free from the cause of these experiences or ourselves? Don't we feel as sense of constriction and tightness in our bodies? Isn't there some sort of survival mechanism that is kicked up within us? I don't know about you, but I get an overwhelmed sense of being limited in my options, powerlessness and all I can see and feel is the pain of my problem. My heart is not open and I feel like I am walking around in some sort of blindness, even though my eyes are wide open.
Our task is, or I will go even further to say our responsibility to our Self is to jump! As ever evolving spiritual beings, it is our responsibility to rise above the limited, programmed, boxed in, tunnel visioned perceptions. We must call on that jumping mouse, to be brave and raise our consciousness and awareness to a higher level.
One of the first steps in doing this, is to realize when we are living in a box, when we are traversing the same tunnels of darkness. We have recognize our actions which to lead to repeating patterns that continue to create constriction in our being and of our vision. Recognize when we are not merely having a preference, which soon passes, but when we are stuck in a preference, expecting and demanding that preference be met. Or, when we are in a judgmental state, creating discord in ourselves or maybe others, based on some idea we refuse to let go of and insisting others hold the same belief. Unless we realize our boxes, we can't break the walls of it down.
Once we begin to 'see' clearly and have examined our self, we are learning to jump to a higher view point. When we begin to 'let go' of what we are clinging to, in whatever form that takes for each of us, we are jumping even higher! And once we truly let go, we have reached the vantage point of our jumping friend! Our internal sky becomes blue, colors are brighter, we breathe easier, and our bodies and minds begin to expand! This is the taste of freedom. Freedom from the entanglements of the mind and it's limited ideas!
Like the jumping mouse, we see there isn't as much to be fearful of as we may have thought. The more time we spend catching our moments of tunnel vision, the easier it becomes to rise out of it.
These repeated experiences of seeing clearly and letting go, allows us then to identify more with our expansive, spacious nature of witness consciousness. We become more aware of the reality that we ARE NOT any of these stories, dogmas, fears, emotions or our body!
Although it is often difficult and sometimes carries it's own sorrow, we can not refuse to learn to jump based on our companions and community. These points of growth, in connection to those close to us, are slippery places where we need to stay even more diligent in our awareness to not get stuck in the tunnel. In the larger part of this picture still, it is our birthright and ultimate purpose of these Souls, in these bodies, to grow, evolve and return to Truth. We will all find it when we reach it, this Truth. Many paths and many languages, all bring us to this Truth. This realization can not be had when we are scurrying around unconsciously in our tunnels or sitting safely in our boxes. As we each evolve, the timings may be different from those close to us, yet, we must move forth as our higher Self calls. It is another lesson in learning, we are not these personalities we identify with, nor our feelings. So while we need to address these along the way, we need to do so with a sense of higher awareness and consciousness.
So, here's to our little mouse teacher! May we all be jumping, jumping, jumping along our evolutionary spiritual journey!
XO~
Their risk taker buddy, on the other hand, would rise up above the earth, would see the expanse of the blue sky and the earth below, taking in all the beauty there was to behold. He didn't seem to have much fear of the predators and was always encouraging the others to test out their jumping skills, so that they too, may share in the vision of our jumper! The rest of the mice refused. When our little jumper would come back from his adventures and share of the sights he had seen, the others thought he was simply crazy! They didn't really believe in the existence of all the clouds, the wide array of colors from the flowers and trees. They only knew the dark, constriction of their tunnels and the long stems of grass that helped to keep them secluded from other creatures. Their view was quite limited. They couldn't even imagine the scenes, since they didn't have anything to compare it to.
The jumping mouse, once he began to see and learn from this spacious vision, could no longer be hemmed into the dark tunnels of fear, disbelief, and survival for his life mentality. Though he often felt alone and separate, he could not find it in himself to return to the old ways of his community. His journey had begun, and he followed the horizon, jumping his way into a new paradigm!
I love this story. It often becomes a guide for my perception, calling me to check into where my vision is. Am I running around in the dark tunnels of my mind's stories, fears, insecurities? Or am I jumping up to get the big expansive view, free from identification with my little self.
Along this journey, the majority of us most likely fluctuate between these two perspectives. But there are many in our world, who may not even be aware that they live whole lives in these tunnels of darkness and tunnel vision. I have found there are levels of programming that we are all indoctrinated in. These may be societal, religious, familial, or nationalistic. All of these, if they are from indoctrination, rather than ones own personal inquiry and experience, stem from the lower centers of our consciousness. All of these keep us in a tunnel, unaware of the vastness of choices, expressions and visions which expand our mind and hearts.
What exactly are these tunnels constructed of? In general, it seems much of this 'material' can be classified as our attachments and internal stories. Attachments to our likes and dislikes; to our opinions; to our judgments; to our fears and projections of others; our addictions and secrets; to our dogma; to our buying into mass fears of the 'other' and the beliefs the 'other' holds. We also build these tunnels or box ourselves in through false stories we believe about ourselves. These are often stories about our lack of's: worth, loveability, capability, importance . . . and not to forget, our perception overall that we, as human beings, are just our ego-identified selves. We believe we are only these bodies, the stresses, the emotions and all of our crazy thoughts, the personality.
If we stop to think about each of these categories, I have no doubt each of us has felt stuck and trapped in this kind of awareness, at some time or another. Doesn't it feel like we are boxed in? or only seeing tunnel vision and scurrying around trying to get free from the cause of these experiences or ourselves? Don't we feel as sense of constriction and tightness in our bodies? Isn't there some sort of survival mechanism that is kicked up within us? I don't know about you, but I get an overwhelmed sense of being limited in my options, powerlessness and all I can see and feel is the pain of my problem. My heart is not open and I feel like I am walking around in some sort of blindness, even though my eyes are wide open.
Our task is, or I will go even further to say our responsibility to our Self is to jump! As ever evolving spiritual beings, it is our responsibility to rise above the limited, programmed, boxed in, tunnel visioned perceptions. We must call on that jumping mouse, to be brave and raise our consciousness and awareness to a higher level.
One of the first steps in doing this, is to realize when we are living in a box, when we are traversing the same tunnels of darkness. We have recognize our actions which to lead to repeating patterns that continue to create constriction in our being and of our vision. Recognize when we are not merely having a preference, which soon passes, but when we are stuck in a preference, expecting and demanding that preference be met. Or, when we are in a judgmental state, creating discord in ourselves or maybe others, based on some idea we refuse to let go of and insisting others hold the same belief. Unless we realize our boxes, we can't break the walls of it down.
Once we begin to 'see' clearly and have examined our self, we are learning to jump to a higher view point. When we begin to 'let go' of what we are clinging to, in whatever form that takes for each of us, we are jumping even higher! And once we truly let go, we have reached the vantage point of our jumping friend! Our internal sky becomes blue, colors are brighter, we breathe easier, and our bodies and minds begin to expand! This is the taste of freedom. Freedom from the entanglements of the mind and it's limited ideas!
Like the jumping mouse, we see there isn't as much to be fearful of as we may have thought. The more time we spend catching our moments of tunnel vision, the easier it becomes to rise out of it.
These repeated experiences of seeing clearly and letting go, allows us then to identify more with our expansive, spacious nature of witness consciousness. We become more aware of the reality that we ARE NOT any of these stories, dogmas, fears, emotions or our body!
Although it is often difficult and sometimes carries it's own sorrow, we can not refuse to learn to jump based on our companions and community. These points of growth, in connection to those close to us, are slippery places where we need to stay even more diligent in our awareness to not get stuck in the tunnel. In the larger part of this picture still, it is our birthright and ultimate purpose of these Souls, in these bodies, to grow, evolve and return to Truth. We will all find it when we reach it, this Truth. Many paths and many languages, all bring us to this Truth. This realization can not be had when we are scurrying around unconsciously in our tunnels or sitting safely in our boxes. As we each evolve, the timings may be different from those close to us, yet, we must move forth as our higher Self calls. It is another lesson in learning, we are not these personalities we identify with, nor our feelings. So while we need to address these along the way, we need to do so with a sense of higher awareness and consciousness.
So, here's to our little mouse teacher! May we all be jumping, jumping, jumping along our evolutionary spiritual journey!
XO~
Sunday, September 26, 2010
the joy of discipline
The topic of spiritual practice has been alive and well in conversation and in personal reflections. The word discipline, often associated with spiritual practice, can have a tricky affect on some of us. Often times there is reactivity to it, fear of judgment, feeling controlled, not being at choice, or fear of failure. Especially for those just stepping onto a spiritual path(at least consciously!) there are ideas and questions about how a spiritual practice should look, what it really means, and for some a questioning of it's importance. And for many, understandably, there just doesn't seem to be enough time!
I remember about 15 years ago, when I began trying to meditate, I had no idea what to do, how to do it, or why I was doing it. I simply started feeling and inner urge to check it out. I would sit in this lovely room my partner and I had created in the upstairs of our home. It was specifically held as sacred space, yet neither of us entered that room much. We were both equally at a very beginning stage of exploring our selves in this way. Usually I'd last about 15 minutes, feeling fidgety, and trying to make my mind stop thinking. Every now and then, I'd have this sense of some reprieve, and find myself a little more relaxed than when I had started. I made it into our sacred space maybe a handful of times over a 3 year period. Never consistently and most likely, never two days in a row.
It seems these dilemmas are common for many. I wasn't alone. I have also found that entering into a disciplined practice, even if that entrance is simply through entertaining it's idea, has a myriad of intentions behind it, as diverse as the individuals.
There are those who just want to find some peace and quiet, yet once they become still and silent, inside it is anything but peaceful or quiet. Some are genuinely interested in deepening themselves spiritually, which means something very personal to each individual. Others intend for a prayerful, contemplative time, but are not aware how to transition from the prayer to simply being receptive.
These potential roadblocks then create more tension, to the actual setting of a routine, to enter into this experience, whatever the personal experience may be, on a regular basis. And mind you, this doesn't necessarily need to be meditation. There can even be a struggle creating that same routine with a home yoga practice,a chi gong or tai chi practice. Hence, it is often easier to find a class that is enjoyed, which helps motivate. However, I am talking about those practices that we are called to, which invite us into a deeper, more silent, energy withdrawn inwardly place. I am specifying meditation though, primarily, because it does seem to be the most difficult and yet its benefits are unending!
I have found disciple to be magic when it comes to this arena. This is not to say I have great discipline, that it comes at all naturally, or that it stays consistent.
I struggled on my own for a couple of years, with a deep desire for this disciplined practice to develop. I had this idea that it should just come effortlessly. I felt that I shouldn't be so easily swayed by the day to day distractions or wants that would come my way. I was still at the command of all my impulses, my fun and instant fixes. It wasn't always conscious, but it was much easier to go do whatever, or to "be in the moment" and enjoy what that moment had to bring, than to try to get quiet!
Finally, there came the refuge for me, which was an introduction to the idea of meditation techniques. I was fortunate to be aligned with a teacher who helped me to understand more clearly what I was attempting to do. The alignment with that technique allowed me to drop into a space that wasn't affected by all the ramblings of this mind. I was taught to connect to the breath and always return my awareness to the breath, when I noticed that my focus had disappeared and my attention was all mixed in with the ramblings!
Most of us who have been traveling this path for a while, realize there are different techniques which help us to 'slip' into those empty spaces within. Yet, there are those who struggle and give up, even though there is a great desire to find this inner stillness.
After awhile, I merged my yoga practice into my meditation practice, followed by a sitting meditation. This practice was learned from Yogi Desai. I experienced how to use postures to enter a meditative state, which enabled a new ease in a sitting meditation. I felt even more blessed, and as I embarked on this new practice, I set up my regimen for myself. I established the ideal scenario for my new beginning. Up at 5:00 a.m. practice for an hour and a half, then in the evening for another hour and a half, starting at 7:00 p.m. Of course there were other ideals I attempted to uphold as well, but were met with the lack of a strengthened foundation which grows with time. And thank goodness PRACTICE!
Needless to say, it did not hold and I felt guilt. At times I let go of my practice all together. Discipline was so challenging, even though there was a craving for it. But, I want to watch a movie at night? But, I want to go out to coffee first thing in the morning? But I am too tired? But I have to work so early or I get home too late!
These are all events of living a life in this world. And while there are many schools of thought on how to achieve discipline, I have found myself organically creating a routine that feels right to me, with the information of what I have learned about myself along the way. After moving through the phase of coming down on myself when I would slip out of the discipline, I seemed to be able to create more of a floating disciplined routine. I became attuned to my personal rhythm.
I noticed that there were certain times of the day I felt more called or drawn to practice. I made that part of my routine. Knowing that time was optimal, even if I didn't feel particularly motivated on an 'off' day, I engaged the will and stuck with it. Usually it is just making that decision. But if I didn't leave a lot of wiggle room, the decision is already made. Habit forms the bridge getting me onto the mat or cushion! As this strengthened, I found other times begin to show themselves, so I followed. I allow a different flow for the couple of days I work outside the house, than the days I work from the house. I have three aspects of the practice I work with. Most of my days, I have the time I can enjoy all of them together and other times, I feel out what I am most needing. Although I have become fairly structured, I feel a great freedom in the form of the discipline. It is true to my needs and my life, in whatever shifts or flux it goes through.
What was difficult in the early years, has grown into it's own Joy. The benefits of having established my practice as a priority in my life are many. The most important is the emergence the growing conscious connection to the Self, God, Presence within! Another benefit is the how the habit, the discipline, calls me back for more and more. It has become virtually effortless and when I have to miss, I can't wait to drop in once again! The form of the discipline has given me the greatest freedom. I had to just keep sticking with it, returning, being honest with my personal flow. This also means being honest not to let myself rationalize a way out, if on occasion I 'just don't feel like it'. There is a fine balance sometimes. The balance of ones organic flow; honoring the highest desire to connect and commune; awareness of building and inner strength and fire through discipline; and at times allowing oneself to simply be.
I am so grateful that the past conflict over time and energy to make it to my practice just once a day, has blossomed over the last few years, into a deep desire to find that quietude three times a day, as time allows. I realize I am also blessed to have the space in my life in which to do so.
The evolution becomes to take this practice off the mat, out into the world, holding ones consciousness, spaciousness, clarity, equanimity, and peacefulness present through out our relationships and daily lives. I find I can only hone that practice because of the discipline I have honed, returning over and over to the Source within!
In Deep Peace~
I remember about 15 years ago, when I began trying to meditate, I had no idea what to do, how to do it, or why I was doing it. I simply started feeling and inner urge to check it out. I would sit in this lovely room my partner and I had created in the upstairs of our home. It was specifically held as sacred space, yet neither of us entered that room much. We were both equally at a very beginning stage of exploring our selves in this way. Usually I'd last about 15 minutes, feeling fidgety, and trying to make my mind stop thinking. Every now and then, I'd have this sense of some reprieve, and find myself a little more relaxed than when I had started. I made it into our sacred space maybe a handful of times over a 3 year period. Never consistently and most likely, never two days in a row.
It seems these dilemmas are common for many. I wasn't alone. I have also found that entering into a disciplined practice, even if that entrance is simply through entertaining it's idea, has a myriad of intentions behind it, as diverse as the individuals.
There are those who just want to find some peace and quiet, yet once they become still and silent, inside it is anything but peaceful or quiet. Some are genuinely interested in deepening themselves spiritually, which means something very personal to each individual. Others intend for a prayerful, contemplative time, but are not aware how to transition from the prayer to simply being receptive.
These potential roadblocks then create more tension, to the actual setting of a routine, to enter into this experience, whatever the personal experience may be, on a regular basis. And mind you, this doesn't necessarily need to be meditation. There can even be a struggle creating that same routine with a home yoga practice,a chi gong or tai chi practice. Hence, it is often easier to find a class that is enjoyed, which helps motivate. However, I am talking about those practices that we are called to, which invite us into a deeper, more silent, energy withdrawn inwardly place. I am specifying meditation though, primarily, because it does seem to be the most difficult and yet its benefits are unending!
I have found disciple to be magic when it comes to this arena. This is not to say I have great discipline, that it comes at all naturally, or that it stays consistent.
I struggled on my own for a couple of years, with a deep desire for this disciplined practice to develop. I had this idea that it should just come effortlessly. I felt that I shouldn't be so easily swayed by the day to day distractions or wants that would come my way. I was still at the command of all my impulses, my fun and instant fixes. It wasn't always conscious, but it was much easier to go do whatever, or to "be in the moment" and enjoy what that moment had to bring, than to try to get quiet!
Finally, there came the refuge for me, which was an introduction to the idea of meditation techniques. I was fortunate to be aligned with a teacher who helped me to understand more clearly what I was attempting to do. The alignment with that technique allowed me to drop into a space that wasn't affected by all the ramblings of this mind. I was taught to connect to the breath and always return my awareness to the breath, when I noticed that my focus had disappeared and my attention was all mixed in with the ramblings!
Most of us who have been traveling this path for a while, realize there are different techniques which help us to 'slip' into those empty spaces within. Yet, there are those who struggle and give up, even though there is a great desire to find this inner stillness.
After awhile, I merged my yoga practice into my meditation practice, followed by a sitting meditation. This practice was learned from Yogi Desai. I experienced how to use postures to enter a meditative state, which enabled a new ease in a sitting meditation. I felt even more blessed, and as I embarked on this new practice, I set up my regimen for myself. I established the ideal scenario for my new beginning. Up at 5:00 a.m. practice for an hour and a half, then in the evening for another hour and a half, starting at 7:00 p.m. Of course there were other ideals I attempted to uphold as well, but were met with the lack of a strengthened foundation which grows with time. And thank goodness PRACTICE!
Needless to say, it did not hold and I felt guilt. At times I let go of my practice all together. Discipline was so challenging, even though there was a craving for it. But, I want to watch a movie at night? But, I want to go out to coffee first thing in the morning? But I am too tired? But I have to work so early or I get home too late!
These are all events of living a life in this world. And while there are many schools of thought on how to achieve discipline, I have found myself organically creating a routine that feels right to me, with the information of what I have learned about myself along the way. After moving through the phase of coming down on myself when I would slip out of the discipline, I seemed to be able to create more of a floating disciplined routine. I became attuned to my personal rhythm.
I noticed that there were certain times of the day I felt more called or drawn to practice. I made that part of my routine. Knowing that time was optimal, even if I didn't feel particularly motivated on an 'off' day, I engaged the will and stuck with it. Usually it is just making that decision. But if I didn't leave a lot of wiggle room, the decision is already made. Habit forms the bridge getting me onto the mat or cushion! As this strengthened, I found other times begin to show themselves, so I followed. I allow a different flow for the couple of days I work outside the house, than the days I work from the house. I have three aspects of the practice I work with. Most of my days, I have the time I can enjoy all of them together and other times, I feel out what I am most needing. Although I have become fairly structured, I feel a great freedom in the form of the discipline. It is true to my needs and my life, in whatever shifts or flux it goes through.
What was difficult in the early years, has grown into it's own Joy. The benefits of having established my practice as a priority in my life are many. The most important is the emergence the growing conscious connection to the Self, God, Presence within! Another benefit is the how the habit, the discipline, calls me back for more and more. It has become virtually effortless and when I have to miss, I can't wait to drop in once again! The form of the discipline has given me the greatest freedom. I had to just keep sticking with it, returning, being honest with my personal flow. This also means being honest not to let myself rationalize a way out, if on occasion I 'just don't feel like it'. There is a fine balance sometimes. The balance of ones organic flow; honoring the highest desire to connect and commune; awareness of building and inner strength and fire through discipline; and at times allowing oneself to simply be.
I am so grateful that the past conflict over time and energy to make it to my practice just once a day, has blossomed over the last few years, into a deep desire to find that quietude three times a day, as time allows. I realize I am also blessed to have the space in my life in which to do so.
The evolution becomes to take this practice off the mat, out into the world, holding ones consciousness, spaciousness, clarity, equanimity, and peacefulness present through out our relationships and daily lives. I find I can only hone that practice because of the discipline I have honed, returning over and over to the Source within!
In Deep Peace~
Sunday, September 5, 2010
the power of intention
As a new rhythm has settled in recently, it has brought with it new freedom and clarity. Although much has remained the same externally, the internal shifts have simply affirmed how much our reality is created from our own inner perceptions, beliefs and stories.
When I sent out invites for the Amrit Method Yoga Nidra dates for September, I was aware of the power of one of the most recent seeds of intention I'd been working with. Experiencing some resistance and irritability to specific aspects of life, I created the intention:
"I am content and appreciative for all aspects of my life. Every moment is an opportunity to enter into LOVE"
With the planting of this seed, my perception of those small agitations began to transform effortlessly. When I caught myself feeling the familiar reaction ready to surface, I brought forth the intention or it brought itself forth, and I was able to get very clear and present in each moment. A new awareness expanded with each moment of Presence. Freedom from the habitual charge has been the reward!
I bring this up to illustrate, not only the power of this practice, but also the quickening in which resolve can take place, on all levels. Creating these intentions does not entail glossing over very real issues that exist within. It does require some effort in self-study, in order to understand why we are reactionary to certain situations. It also requires the willingness to let go of old patterns, which may sometimes feel uncomfortable. But the pearl to be had, is that once we gain new clarity, the old energetic patterns can be cleared quickly when we follow it up with a personal intention.
It has been touched on in the past, both on this blog and in classes, what makes this process so expedient, is that while in the state of 'yogic sleep' or yoga nidra, there is no resistance to what it is you truly desire. There is no need to walk through your life trying to convince yourself of your positive thought, because you are actually healing the origins of defeating ideas and behaviors at the root!
The body and mind become so relaxed and quiet, that it opens and releases effortlessly. The emotions are subdued and calmed which allows the old reactive habits to be interrupted. We become as a graceful hose or flute, simply allowing what isn't serving us, to be ushered out and dissipated! We are completely in alignment with all aspects of our being. One voice is not saying "NO", while another is saying "Well . . . maybe?", and yet another, "Oh~ come on already!" This inner state of conflict, which is alive and well in your waking state, is unified in yoga nidra. Your whole being is in alignment with your personal intention, in it's purist, examined form.
This is a time tested, ancient spiritual practice that holds true to the yogic principles and it's science of energy. The yogi's knew this state. They probably didn't say "Oh~ when I go to the alpha-theta brainwave states, miracles happen!"
Instead they experienced the flow of prana, or life force energy grow in this state.
I can imagine that as they grew in the Witness Consciousness awareness, the potential for their own Self-Realization grew. And we can assume they engaged the yogic principle of Swadhyaya, meaning Self Study, in all that they did, in order to unveil and uncoil the illusions and false beliefs which held even them captive, at some point or another.
It has been experienced over and over again by myself and other students, that it is the change that occurs within that creates the difference in the quality of life we live. This doesn't mean that some external situations don't need to change. But the beauty of this practice, is that it aids in determining the changes required externally from a place of clarity, rather than fear or reactivity!
It is so cool to be able to share this practice with others and watch lives shift, both in class settings and private sessions! I offer much gratitude to Yogi Desai, for bringing this approach to us. It is so applicable and yet it retains the true spiritual depth of understanding, that brings us ever closer in our connection with our True Self, with each consecutive practice! Keep on practicing~
In Deep Peace~
When I sent out invites for the Amrit Method Yoga Nidra dates for September, I was aware of the power of one of the most recent seeds of intention I'd been working with. Experiencing some resistance and irritability to specific aspects of life, I created the intention:
"I am content and appreciative for all aspects of my life. Every moment is an opportunity to enter into LOVE"
With the planting of this seed, my perception of those small agitations began to transform effortlessly. When I caught myself feeling the familiar reaction ready to surface, I brought forth the intention or it brought itself forth, and I was able to get very clear and present in each moment. A new awareness expanded with each moment of Presence. Freedom from the habitual charge has been the reward!
I bring this up to illustrate, not only the power of this practice, but also the quickening in which resolve can take place, on all levels. Creating these intentions does not entail glossing over very real issues that exist within. It does require some effort in self-study, in order to understand why we are reactionary to certain situations. It also requires the willingness to let go of old patterns, which may sometimes feel uncomfortable. But the pearl to be had, is that once we gain new clarity, the old energetic patterns can be cleared quickly when we follow it up with a personal intention.
It has been touched on in the past, both on this blog and in classes, what makes this process so expedient, is that while in the state of 'yogic sleep' or yoga nidra, there is no resistance to what it is you truly desire. There is no need to walk through your life trying to convince yourself of your positive thought, because you are actually healing the origins of defeating ideas and behaviors at the root!
The body and mind become so relaxed and quiet, that it opens and releases effortlessly. The emotions are subdued and calmed which allows the old reactive habits to be interrupted. We become as a graceful hose or flute, simply allowing what isn't serving us, to be ushered out and dissipated! We are completely in alignment with all aspects of our being. One voice is not saying "NO", while another is saying "Well . . . maybe?", and yet another, "Oh~ come on already!" This inner state of conflict, which is alive and well in your waking state, is unified in yoga nidra. Your whole being is in alignment with your personal intention, in it's purist, examined form.
This is a time tested, ancient spiritual practice that holds true to the yogic principles and it's science of energy. The yogi's knew this state. They probably didn't say "Oh~ when I go to the alpha-theta brainwave states, miracles happen!"
Instead they experienced the flow of prana, or life force energy grow in this state.
I can imagine that as they grew in the Witness Consciousness awareness, the potential for their own Self-Realization grew. And we can assume they engaged the yogic principle of Swadhyaya, meaning Self Study, in all that they did, in order to unveil and uncoil the illusions and false beliefs which held even them captive, at some point or another.
It has been experienced over and over again by myself and other students, that it is the change that occurs within that creates the difference in the quality of life we live. This doesn't mean that some external situations don't need to change. But the beauty of this practice, is that it aids in determining the changes required externally from a place of clarity, rather than fear or reactivity!
It is so cool to be able to share this practice with others and watch lives shift, both in class settings and private sessions! I offer much gratitude to Yogi Desai, for bringing this approach to us. It is so applicable and yet it retains the true spiritual depth of understanding, that brings us ever closer in our connection with our True Self, with each consecutive practice! Keep on practicing~
In Deep Peace~
Monday, August 23, 2010
a new day dawns!
A new day dawns! Or we could say a new phase emerges. As I am back from my trip to see my teacher, Gurudev, Yogi Amrit Desai, I return with a renewed spirit! The previous months have been trying, yet, I applied what I have been taught and what experience has proven, and the rewards are present. Spending time with ones teacher always brings blessings, but the way we work with what Life offers, also brings opportunities for grace and blessings.
Just as I remained present with the healing processes, I brought the same presence to my walk this morning. Beauty was everywhere! The colors, the sky, the greener Catalina's, the songs of the birds. I had the pleasure of meeting two, sweet neighborhood pups ~ although one was certainly not quite as much a pup as the other!
I felt the wider capacity to embrace all of what was, with a more expansive heart and solid place of center!
And what does this mean to you and why do I choose to share these personal inner journeys? Well, I write first for myself. It is a continuation of my own self-awareness process and cultivation of deeper clarity. Second it is a way of sharing what I have been given. And third, as this work is my path of right livelihood, it is important to me that those who come to me as clients or students, realize that I teach and share what I have been shown on many levels of experience.
I can only share with others what I know. If you follow any of these entries, it may be clear that I don't share intellectual book learning information. This doesn't mean that I don't study ~ I do. In fact, it is one of my very favorite past times! However, both the intellectual and experiential realms co-exist. I can not help another on deep levels of transformation, unless I too, have traveled a similar road. There are too many subtleties that can be overlooked, if one only reads and dismisses the deep wisdom from within. The path I walk is what has been called 'depth practice'. Some of you, who know this way will understand what is meant. Others, there are little words to explain it until you are walking it. That being said, we can say it is a path of continuous transformation. Many cycles of being the catipillar and the butterfly in our human/spiritual evolution! We can not have the transformation with out some degree of cocoon!
Everything that I offer through Inner Journeys, comes from my teachers, my studies and my personal experience. I feel it is helpful and inspirational when I am aware of the experiences of others. It gives me a sense of trust, hope and encouragement to surrender to the spiritual unfolding of my own being. When I am struggling in a particular place and see that another has too, and has come through it, I know I can do the same. When I witness the transformation of another, I have faith in my own!
This new day dawning, for myself, is one more reminder that when we are moving through the underworld or being cocooned, for a period of time, even when it seems to be a LONG period of time, we do resurface! And that re-emergence is rich and vital in it's new perceptions, wisdom and Joy-filled alignment. All too often, without knowing that there will be a new day, many people don't give themselves to the purification, the death of what is necessary, in order to shine a brighter light. Some remain in the shade of the old, satisfied with what is familiar, even if uncomfortable. The unknown of the shedding of the old skin can be frightening, can feel like depression, and can reveal hidden grief and pain. But on a spiritual path, that is enlivened by the Souls guidance to evolve, we have to be willing to traverse these unknowns! Over time, experience bears out the Truth from the untruth of our perceptions. Experience cultivates trust in the processes.
This is why I write what I write. To encourage us all to keep on truckin' through Life's lessons and promptings. To expose the intimate, innate wisdom and expressions of the Divine's teaching, healing and transformational powers. I also send out assurance that we never have to travel completely alone. There are always those who have traveled ahead of us, from whatever point we are at, and I am oh! so grateful for all who have shown me the way!
Here's to embracing our journey as it shows up and to the Grace of the Divine!
In Light & Peace~
Just as I remained present with the healing processes, I brought the same presence to my walk this morning. Beauty was everywhere! The colors, the sky, the greener Catalina's, the songs of the birds. I had the pleasure of meeting two, sweet neighborhood pups ~ although one was certainly not quite as much a pup as the other!
I felt the wider capacity to embrace all of what was, with a more expansive heart and solid place of center!
And what does this mean to you and why do I choose to share these personal inner journeys? Well, I write first for myself. It is a continuation of my own self-awareness process and cultivation of deeper clarity. Second it is a way of sharing what I have been given. And third, as this work is my path of right livelihood, it is important to me that those who come to me as clients or students, realize that I teach and share what I have been shown on many levels of experience.
I can only share with others what I know. If you follow any of these entries, it may be clear that I don't share intellectual book learning information. This doesn't mean that I don't study ~ I do. In fact, it is one of my very favorite past times! However, both the intellectual and experiential realms co-exist. I can not help another on deep levels of transformation, unless I too, have traveled a similar road. There are too many subtleties that can be overlooked, if one only reads and dismisses the deep wisdom from within. The path I walk is what has been called 'depth practice'. Some of you, who know this way will understand what is meant. Others, there are little words to explain it until you are walking it. That being said, we can say it is a path of continuous transformation. Many cycles of being the catipillar and the butterfly in our human/spiritual evolution! We can not have the transformation with out some degree of cocoon!
Everything that I offer through Inner Journeys, comes from my teachers, my studies and my personal experience. I feel it is helpful and inspirational when I am aware of the experiences of others. It gives me a sense of trust, hope and encouragement to surrender to the spiritual unfolding of my own being. When I am struggling in a particular place and see that another has too, and has come through it, I know I can do the same. When I witness the transformation of another, I have faith in my own!
This new day dawning, for myself, is one more reminder that when we are moving through the underworld or being cocooned, for a period of time, even when it seems to be a LONG period of time, we do resurface! And that re-emergence is rich and vital in it's new perceptions, wisdom and Joy-filled alignment. All too often, without knowing that there will be a new day, many people don't give themselves to the purification, the death of what is necessary, in order to shine a brighter light. Some remain in the shade of the old, satisfied with what is familiar, even if uncomfortable. The unknown of the shedding of the old skin can be frightening, can feel like depression, and can reveal hidden grief and pain. But on a spiritual path, that is enlivened by the Souls guidance to evolve, we have to be willing to traverse these unknowns! Over time, experience bears out the Truth from the untruth of our perceptions. Experience cultivates trust in the processes.
This is why I write what I write. To encourage us all to keep on truckin' through Life's lessons and promptings. To expose the intimate, innate wisdom and expressions of the Divine's teaching, healing and transformational powers. I also send out assurance that we never have to travel completely alone. There are always those who have traveled ahead of us, from whatever point we are at, and I am oh! so grateful for all who have shown me the way!
Here's to embracing our journey as it shows up and to the Grace of the Divine!
In Light & Peace~
Sunday, August 8, 2010
sacred days of fire
These days introduce a fire both in our Tucson summer and the purification of the internal realm. While this inner fire has seemed to be burning for months now, the fire has elevated my awareness into the presence of a Sacred Joy, regardless of the circumstances.
There is an enlivened teaching running through my being. It seems the dualities should not be living simultaneously, but reality is proving much different. A few months ago, I had some abnormal cells show up on an ovary. I wasn't surprised as I knew there was deep work needed in this energy center. Over the months, what has been revealed in this Sacred healing process has been profound! This work is innate to me, so I have intuitively listened to the inner guidance to inform me. As the months have passed, I have been shown and released much of what has been harbored away. I have ridden the flow of emotions and the karmic roots into past life glimpses, with non-attachment. However, wonder and amazement never cease as the Sacred is revealed in brighter and brighter splendor, as each dark cavern has been traversed!
This intensity has brought me into relationship with so many of my habitual reactions in my daily life. It has been as though sharpening the blade of my awareness, as each agitation or preference rises. The first experience slips by, in normal mode, to quickly be identified and examined. The second and maybe third visit, brings a blinding clarity as the behavior or reaction is sliced away. Consciousness is brought to meet the habitual interaction and the reaction is neutralized. The focus is honed and the fire of awareness is hot! It's as if these tendencies explode within, in one last round of sparks.
This practice brought into my days, my work situation, my relationships and this journey of healing the last several of months, has left me in a depth of an inner stillness, a deep quietude. I enter into contact with the Sacred, as each 'mundane' aspect is lifted, by bringing this honed consciousness to it. It is a Sacred moment, when the darkness meets the light. These qualities commune, the shadow dissipates, its work as a sacred teacher is complete. Freedom and Joy remains. This is not a loud, expressive, woo-hoo! joy. It is a Joy, that simply expands in this being and allows me to cultivate more space and Love for others.
And as more is burned away, even in the moments when the healing brings about elements of density, I am clear of the Joy that is always present. I began to be shown when I was identifying with the ribbons of sadness, shame, pain or fear. A voice whispered inwardly, "I am Joy and at Peace." I was mistaking the ribbons for the truth. Now, I allow the ribbons to fly away, and remember, "I am Joy and at Peace."
Gratitude always abounds in this journey for each valley and peak, for I know I am led, held, protected and purified when I go to these depths, which allows me to rise to the next peak. I have been traveling this path for awhile, and know 'I' am not doing this 'work'. I simply surrender to what is presented. I am brought deeper into my communions through the spiritual practices I have been led to. I meet Her in the quietude and She travels with me in the world, leading me into what is needed and when.
I don't turn away from the Sacred fire. Which is not to say it is never tempting or at it's worst,I may avoid it temporarily. Yet I am always brought back to wake up. It merges the life as a whole into the fabric of the Divine. The fire will help set me free, will bring me into greater Joy, Peace and ever deepening communion with the One. I am only just a babe in these woods. I follow the pathless path, yet I trust it is Divinely outstretched.
Although hardship is a part of this journey, it is also a part of life. It is a way in which we are taught, it is our duty to learn. But, more so, this is a path of intense Love, Grace and Peace.
In Joy and Peace~
There is an enlivened teaching running through my being. It seems the dualities should not be living simultaneously, but reality is proving much different. A few months ago, I had some abnormal cells show up on an ovary. I wasn't surprised as I knew there was deep work needed in this energy center. Over the months, what has been revealed in this Sacred healing process has been profound! This work is innate to me, so I have intuitively listened to the inner guidance to inform me. As the months have passed, I have been shown and released much of what has been harbored away. I have ridden the flow of emotions and the karmic roots into past life glimpses, with non-attachment. However, wonder and amazement never cease as the Sacred is revealed in brighter and brighter splendor, as each dark cavern has been traversed!
This intensity has brought me into relationship with so many of my habitual reactions in my daily life. It has been as though sharpening the blade of my awareness, as each agitation or preference rises. The first experience slips by, in normal mode, to quickly be identified and examined. The second and maybe third visit, brings a blinding clarity as the behavior or reaction is sliced away. Consciousness is brought to meet the habitual interaction and the reaction is neutralized. The focus is honed and the fire of awareness is hot! It's as if these tendencies explode within, in one last round of sparks.
This practice brought into my days, my work situation, my relationships and this journey of healing the last several of months, has left me in a depth of an inner stillness, a deep quietude. I enter into contact with the Sacred, as each 'mundane' aspect is lifted, by bringing this honed consciousness to it. It is a Sacred moment, when the darkness meets the light. These qualities commune, the shadow dissipates, its work as a sacred teacher is complete. Freedom and Joy remains. This is not a loud, expressive, woo-hoo! joy. It is a Joy, that simply expands in this being and allows me to cultivate more space and Love for others.
And as more is burned away, even in the moments when the healing brings about elements of density, I am clear of the Joy that is always present. I began to be shown when I was identifying with the ribbons of sadness, shame, pain or fear. A voice whispered inwardly, "I am Joy and at Peace." I was mistaking the ribbons for the truth. Now, I allow the ribbons to fly away, and remember, "I am Joy and at Peace."
Gratitude always abounds in this journey for each valley and peak, for I know I am led, held, protected and purified when I go to these depths, which allows me to rise to the next peak. I have been traveling this path for awhile, and know 'I' am not doing this 'work'. I simply surrender to what is presented. I am brought deeper into my communions through the spiritual practices I have been led to. I meet Her in the quietude and She travels with me in the world, leading me into what is needed and when.
I don't turn away from the Sacred fire. Which is not to say it is never tempting or at it's worst,I may avoid it temporarily. Yet I am always brought back to wake up. It merges the life as a whole into the fabric of the Divine. The fire will help set me free, will bring me into greater Joy, Peace and ever deepening communion with the One. I am only just a babe in these woods. I follow the pathless path, yet I trust it is Divinely outstretched.
Although hardship is a part of this journey, it is also a part of life. It is a way in which we are taught, it is our duty to learn. But, more so, this is a path of intense Love, Grace and Peace.
In Joy and Peace~
Saturday, July 17, 2010
transformation in process ~always!
"When everything else disappears,
all that is left this time of year,
minutes seem to slip away, taking with it yesterday.
And when transformation spreads it's wings,
with it inspiration brings,
the spark of life echoes true, for I am truly born anew" Sasha Butterfly Rose, from her album 'Creation Song'
The transformation process may be as a whisper or a rumble. It may also include both and a wide spectrum in between. Today finds it whispering, on the tail end of one cycle. Without a doubt a new wave is not far away! There is never really an end or beginning. It seems that the moment I decided to say "YES!", years ago to this awakening Self, it has been a continuous, non-stop ride! I gave my permission, attuned to the Soul's song, and surrendered to the waves of conscious learning that our teacher, Life, introduces!
I am surfacing from a time of cleansing on very subtle and deep levels, in tandem with a root into more solid grounding, and celebrating a new ray of my Light! All energies have been focused, awareness has been on high alert, and old chapters have been closed. I have felt discombobulated within, which usually goes with the territory. Vulnerabilities have been running high, simultaneously, with a new strength. It is fascinating to realize how many contrary aspects we have in our being, even as they all conspire to bring us to wholeness! I never cease to be amazed at the hand of the Divine, always supporting us along our way, whether we see it or not!
So today, I find myself empty. I found I was moved to clean house, one thing just led to the next. No thought. No plan. Just an inner listening and following, bringing the sacred to the mundane. Before I knew the house was clean, the laundry almost done, noticing it is time to make one more stretch of myself today, and then who knows. I am witnessing once again, how much can 'get done', be 'productive', simply by being in the flow. No mind. No preferences. No inner committee with opinions. Just flowing, allowing my insides to move into their new places, just as it is mirrored in the immediate surroundings. A new home on both planes. This same dynamic has served me many times, alerting me to the 'setting' of this inner shift, at least temporarily.
In this emptiness, letting go comes easily. I also feel more connected to all the blessings of this life and great love for all on this journey with me! It is always so inspiring as we all participate and witness this process, over and over. I have so much gratitude too, for those closest to me, like my lovely husband. We are so blessed to ride these waves hand in hand, holding space when needed and returning the honor for each other! Sometimes it's messy, other times graceful, but always respected.
The 'Creation Song', with it's excerpt above is a beautiful, magical song by this artist. It speaks to the capacity in us all, the innate gift and purpose, for all to transform through out our lives. Just as nature is continuously born anew, so are we. We go through our own deaths of old ways, old selves, to always be rebirthed with a new pureness and truth! We are apart of these cycles of the nature, when we surrender those things that keep us in stagnation, asleep, in fear, and constricted.
This is how we open to Spirit, our Light, Soul and one another with love, peace, and compassion!
Therefore I trust this finds all who read this, in the midst of your own re-birthing process. And if you think you are not, look and listen very closely . . .!!
big love & deep peace~
all that is left this time of year,
minutes seem to slip away, taking with it yesterday.
And when transformation spreads it's wings,
with it inspiration brings,
the spark of life echoes true, for I am truly born anew" Sasha Butterfly Rose, from her album 'Creation Song'
The transformation process may be as a whisper or a rumble. It may also include both and a wide spectrum in between. Today finds it whispering, on the tail end of one cycle. Without a doubt a new wave is not far away! There is never really an end or beginning. It seems that the moment I decided to say "YES!", years ago to this awakening Self, it has been a continuous, non-stop ride! I gave my permission, attuned to the Soul's song, and surrendered to the waves of conscious learning that our teacher, Life, introduces!
I am surfacing from a time of cleansing on very subtle and deep levels, in tandem with a root into more solid grounding, and celebrating a new ray of my Light! All energies have been focused, awareness has been on high alert, and old chapters have been closed. I have felt discombobulated within, which usually goes with the territory. Vulnerabilities have been running high, simultaneously, with a new strength. It is fascinating to realize how many contrary aspects we have in our being, even as they all conspire to bring us to wholeness! I never cease to be amazed at the hand of the Divine, always supporting us along our way, whether we see it or not!
So today, I find myself empty. I found I was moved to clean house, one thing just led to the next. No thought. No plan. Just an inner listening and following, bringing the sacred to the mundane. Before I knew the house was clean, the laundry almost done, noticing it is time to make one more stretch of myself today, and then who knows. I am witnessing once again, how much can 'get done', be 'productive', simply by being in the flow. No mind. No preferences. No inner committee with opinions. Just flowing, allowing my insides to move into their new places, just as it is mirrored in the immediate surroundings. A new home on both planes. This same dynamic has served me many times, alerting me to the 'setting' of this inner shift, at least temporarily.
In this emptiness, letting go comes easily. I also feel more connected to all the blessings of this life and great love for all on this journey with me! It is always so inspiring as we all participate and witness this process, over and over. I have so much gratitude too, for those closest to me, like my lovely husband. We are so blessed to ride these waves hand in hand, holding space when needed and returning the honor for each other! Sometimes it's messy, other times graceful, but always respected.
The 'Creation Song', with it's excerpt above is a beautiful, magical song by this artist. It speaks to the capacity in us all, the innate gift and purpose, for all to transform through out our lives. Just as nature is continuously born anew, so are we. We go through our own deaths of old ways, old selves, to always be rebirthed with a new pureness and truth! We are apart of these cycles of the nature, when we surrender those things that keep us in stagnation, asleep, in fear, and constricted.
This is how we open to Spirit, our Light, Soul and one another with love, peace, and compassion!
Therefore I trust this finds all who read this, in the midst of your own re-birthing process. And if you think you are not, look and listen very closely . . .!!
big love & deep peace~
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)