Awakening

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” Dr. Howard Thu

Everything in the universe conspires to help us awaken. I know John has said this, Paul Muller-Ortega has certainly said this (he, in fact, says, "the shakti will burn that which is no longer of service to you").

It is vitally important for me to remember this when difficult times arise. Lately I have been dealing with some internal stuff that has really challenged me. It is easy to just be down. Not that feeling crappy is bad . . . what I mean is that when I do feel down I tend to turn to stories like, "I am always going to be down" and, "there was never a time when I was happy," and, "I am different than other people" on and on. yes, this is anava mala healthy and well in my life.

Anyway, I have been studying the 5 acts of Shiva for a series of classes that I am going to teach on the 5 acts of Shiva :-) and I am remembering why myth and symbols are so vitally important. Like Douglas Brooks says, "these stories remind us, help us know, the deep complexities that live within us".

I sooooo easily forget that for something new to be born, for creation to continue occurring, the entire life cycle must circle its way through Life. The stuff that I am dealing with is uncomfortable, yes, but it is the dying, the threshing of that which is no longer necessary in my life. That which gets in the way of the new.

Wow, Anyway, this gives me so much hope. Reminds me of what joy and provision there is in the great cycle. On Namah Shiva!

I will publish my 5 Acts of Shiva dates soon!!!! Hope my students can get out of bed for it . . . you know who you are . . .

John Friend on how to get lucky

Barritt, Mary Virginia and I went to Columbia, SC to see John Friend. Wow! He never fails to inspire and refresh me. On Saturday John talked about how to get lucky. Hee Hee. Really, he did. Here's how:

First, John reminded us that when we are in alinment with the great Maha (great)Sakti (the active manifest power that creates the world) or Nature or God (really, whatever it is that is the One to you)then great things happen. That which appears to be random, in fact, is not.

Okay, getting lucky:

1. Be completely open to what is. Perceive the situation as a beginner.

Remember that Supreme Intelligence is intrinsically good. It pulses in everything in the Universe.

John said that because of Source's intrinsic goodness, if we are suffering we have to look at how we are aligning with Nature. It (the One) is not random, It is orderly and intrinsically good.

I have to add a personal side note here. When I first came to Anusara I got really triggered because I interpretted this philosphy to be saying that life is only good like there is not any pain, suffering, etc. What I have come to understand is this: EVERYTHING and EVERYONE is ultimately born of the One. The One is all goodness, all bliss, all light. At our core we are all good. We can,however, choose to align with darkness. Some of us more than others. We all do this. We belittle ourselves, we are cruel to someone, we ingest substances that harm us, we shut down our feelings. Then there are the big ones like murderers, etc. Darkness is part of life. Bliss at the core of all things does not mean there is not Life on Life's terms. There is no magic Anusara pill that makes everything, "okay". We can begin to understand that there is a Great Power that is ALWAYS present under EVERY circumstance and we can choose to align (and re-align, etc) with IT. We can remember that this Power is in us, is flowing through us as us. This helps me to remember that I can be with all my feelings. That none are to be poo-pooed or pushed down. If I try to push the feelings I don't want to feel down the Great order just helps them come into my life again and again :-) so I can grow and continue to awaken.

Okay, back to getting Lucky!

2. Application of knowledge

John said, "luck= L:living U: under C: correct K:knowledge"

3. You actually have to do it and work your hardest

We do have to show up. It's like if you want to get better at a pose:

1st, be open like a little kid. Have you noticed (do you remember in your own body?) how kids are so excited to see what they can do? They rarely (unless they have been taught that they are not enough) doubt their body's ability to play. Why can't we move back into this brilliance as we approach life?
Om Namah Shivayah: I open to my goodness

2nd, we apply the principles of Alignment. First, go back to step one. I am open ALL the possibilities (A.k.a. I am open to my head touching my foot in eka pada rajakapotasana)

3rd, I have to practice the pose in order for it to happen! I show up on my mat and work hard. I pratice, I get help, I listen. It will not fall from the sky . . . there is work, feeling and practice.

Finally, John reminded us that we cannot control the Mystery. We can be in line with It. As soon as I think I know I narrow the possibilities.

May you enjoy this shimmering day.

The heart is the hub

Hello! It has been so long since I have posted and lately I have found myself timid about posting because I have waited so long. Ahh, but here I am. Life has offered me some painful experiences lately and processing those has taken a great deal of time and energy.

My pattern during times of challenging emotion is to look anywhere and everywhere but within. I have spent a great deal of time, money and effort in my life to try to escape myself and my feelings. Through personal work, the Grace of the Universe placing a spiritual path before me that speaks to my heart, the support of like-minded friends, family, my dear husband Steve and the practice of yoga I return again and again (sometimes begrudgingly) to the altar of my heart.

It seems to be the way of us mortals/Americans. The tantalizing call of what lies "out there". Surely rest comes in some outside, made up, futuristic ideal. My dear friends and I were talking this weekend about how often we live in pursuit of the next idea/thing that will make us safe and happy when the truth is that our lives are full, abundant and beautiful right now.

So, all of this to say that the path in my own life always leads to the doorstep of my own heart. THIS is the unchanging residence of the One that is always with me (and you). There is NO WHERE out there that will lend me the everlasting companionship of my own heart. When Swami Muktananda said, The heart if the hub of all of consciousness" he was not playing around. The guy was on to something. He told us, "to go there", "to ROAM there".

Sometimes I try to buck up and try my old ideals out. Dang, all they cause is pain. The answer is here.

My friend Suzanne reminds me there is no "right" time to meditate. Be with yourself for 5 minutes. Just do it. Life continues and the One is with you right now. Much love.

We will be practicing LOVE filled backbends in class tonight at 6 p.m.(5 points Yoga). Hope to see you there.

The lesson which life repeats and constantly enforces is "look under foot." You are always nearer the divine and the true sources of your power than you think. The lure of the distant and the difficult is deceptive. The great opportunity is where you are. Do not despise your own place and hour. Every place is under the stars, every place is the center of the world.
- John Burroughs