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October 2004
Be Authentic. Be true to yourself. So many of our resources are wasted as
we try to conform to the image we suppose others have of us. 'Playing the Game'
exhausts us and can make us resentful. In being authentic, we can bring the best of
ourselves to whatever we are doing. Over the next few days, let the question rest on
your mind: "Am I being authentic?"
Being authentic doesn't give us the liberty of being unkind or rude. It can put us
at odds with those who expect us to act according to their agenda, and it can be a
challenging thing at first. Let your personal authenticity grow over time, and see
what a positive difference it makes!
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Wisdom, I believe, is something that is
within all of us. Wisdom speaks with that still small voice deep inside. Life with it's
busy-ness and many distractions often keeps us from hearing that voice. Take a
moment, slow your breath, and allow your face and your thoughts to soften. Set your
intention on increasing your sensitivity to that inner voice of wisdom.
For the very true
beginning of wisdom is the desire of discipline; and the care of discipline is love.
Wisdom of Solomon 6:17
Wisdom is the power that enables
us to use knowledge for the benefit of ourselves and others.
Thomas J. Watson
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Harmony is defined as the pleasing arrangement of parts, accord, and inner calm. We often associate it with music, but it is so much more. When we are in traffic, we can join in the disharmony by driving aggressively, or we can be courteous and increase the harmony on the road. Conversations can also benefit from our decision to communicate harmoniously. I invite you to observe your interactions, and see how an increased focus on bringing harmony to your world can make such a difference to you and those around you!
September 2004
Friendship is our current focus. Be a friend to yourself and help your body with exercise, and strengthen your mind/body connection with yoga practice. Focus on the qualities you appreciate in your friends, and set an intention to increase those qualities in yourself.
Here are a few friendship quotes:
A friend is a gift you give
yourself - Robert Louis Stevenson
The best mirror is an old friend
- George Herbert
Each friend represents a world in us, a
world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world
is born. - Anais Nin
Given the choice of friendship or
success, I'd probably choose success. - Sting 1980
Friendship's much more important to me
[now] than what I thought success was. - Sting 1990
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August 2004
Week of August 29, 2004 Forgiveness
Forgiveness can be a complicated matter. We may encounter feelings of wanting to hold on to our hurt when we've been wronged. Holding on to those feelings brings much more discomfort to our own lives than it does to the ones who hurt us. Grudges are like briars in the heart - they form calluses over time. Don't let them continue!
The practice of yoga helps us to increase our awareness. Take a moment and turn that focus toward your 'forgiving' muscles, and see if they need stretching.
For some of us, our greatest challenge is forgiving ourselves! We can be much more harsh with ourselves than with others. In letting go and forgiving others and ourselves, we release ourselves from many unnecessary burdens.
*9/2/04 Update: If there were no offence, there would be no need for forgiveness. In keeping with the yogic tradition of balance, offence without forgiveness is out of balance; incomplete. Any aspect of our lives that remains out of balance is eventually damaging. Walking with an attitude of forgiveness is an effective tool for keeping a healthy balance.
Forgiveness is a choice. Decide on it, do it, and the feelings will follow.
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Week of August 15, 2004 Change
Change brings
loss in its wake, even when it's a change we truly and deeply want to make. -Harriet
Lerner from "Fear and other uninvited guests"
"Change gets harder the older we get. Look how much change a child goes through
before it is five years old. As adults we lose that capacity for change and growth; we get
comfortable and feel the need for stability, and begin to fear change itself. We count on
a high degree of sameness, not only in ourselves but also in the people we care about.
Yoga facilitates [can help us with] the journey of change. It helps us physically,
mentally and emotionally. If you are experiencing change in your life, step onto your yoga
mat and let the practice help calm your fears."
-Andrea Fournet
"Without
deviation, progress is not possible."
- Frank Zappa
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Week of August 4, 2004 Enjoyment
When we were children, nobody had to tell us how to enjoy ourselves. It was a natural part of childhood; playing hard, living life with gusto. As adults, we often bury our enthusiasm and excitement in 'proper' behavior. I invite you to release that inner child and simply enjoy your life. Life provides us with constant choices. We are surrounded by both joy and sorrow. We can choose to focus on one or the other, and we can choose how much we allow ourselves to enjoy our lives.
Logan Pearsall Smith says "There are two things to aim at in life; first, to get what you want; and, after that, to enjoy it. Only the wisest of [humankind] achieve the second."
"There is
no time like the pleasant."
-Oliver Herford
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July 2004
Week of July 25, 2004 Kindness
Showing Kindness can make a wonderful difference in someone's day. Just think how much it means to you when someone speaks a kind word or makes a kind gesture. Sow the seeds of kindness and watch your crop grow. Instead of rambling on about it, I'm going to use several quotes:
Kindness is never wasted. If it has no effect on the recipient, at least it benefits the bestower. -Anonymous
You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late. - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Kindness is gladdening the hearts of those who are traveling the dark journey with us. -Henri-Frédéric Amiel
Kind words do not cost much. They never blister the tongue of lips. Mental trouble was never known to arise from such quarters. Though they do not cost much, they accomplish much. They make other people good natured. They also produce their own image on [the human] soul, and a beautiful image it is. -Blaise Pascal
"If you
can't be kind, at least be vague."
Miss Manners
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Week of July 18th, 2004 Receptivity
To be receptive, we need to be open and responsive to ideas, impressions, and suggestions. There are many good things that come our way each day. When we choose NOT to be receptive, such as when we refuse to accept a compliment, we deny ourselves the benefit of encouragement, and we express our disregard for the giver of the compliment.
Henry Miller says it so well: "Life moves on, whether we act as cowards or heroes. Life has no other discipline to impose, if we would but realize it, than to accept life unquestioningly. Everything we shut our eyes to, everything we run away from, everything we deny, denigrate or despise, serves to defeat us in the end. What seems nasty, painful, evil, can become a source of beauty, joy and strength, if faced with an open mind. Every moment is a golden one for those who have the vision to recognize it as such."
"Let us open up
our natures, throw open wide the doors of our hearts
and let in the sunshine of good will and kindness."
-O. S. Marden
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Week of July 13, 2004 Observe
Using observation can open our understanding to the 'bigger picture' of just what is going on. Here are a few things Webster says about observation: a. watching carefully, especially with attention to details or behavior for the purpose of arriving at a judgment, or b. to come to realize or know especially through consideration of noted facts.
When we use our powers of observation, we can increase our understanding of events and diffuse the emotional impact they have on us, especially where negative events are concerned. When we observe positive events, we can choose to immerse ourselves in them with increased awareness and appreciation. 'Knee-jerk reactions' keep many of us in the cycle of stress and pressure, adding fuel to the fire. Next time you're tempted to react to a strong situation, take a moment and be the observer. It can make an amazing difference.
To be conscious that
we are perceiving or thinking is to be conscious of our own existence.
-Aristotle
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Week of July 1, 2004 Patience
I know it was a word in April, but Patience is something we can't have enough of. My friends who check this site regularly have been quite patient with me as it has been some time since the last update.
Patience... now let's see... a few days ago my life was filled with opportunity for frustration. Being in a hurry (which in itself is an opportunity for disaster), traffic posed an intense problem for me for several hours. However, I chose to 'become the observer' and see how the situation could be a catalyst for discomfort.
Seeing and understanding the cause of the challenge somehow diffused it. My day progressed just fine, even with the delays of slow drivers. (Perhaps they were being cautious, making sure they came to a complete stop before turning from the main road, even with no other traffic present.. Okay, maybe I'm venting here...)
To reiterate from the previous entry:
We can choose our path, and the attitude we carry with us along that path. We cannot choose or predict every challenge we will encounter.
When a challenge delays our plans, we should make appropriate decisions and move forward with patience, not allowing unexpected events and delays to steal our joy.
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Week of May 26th, 2004 Tenacity
Tenacity, as described by Webster, is persistence in maintaining or adhering to something valued or habitual. It holds fast and keeps a firm hold. It is the 'stick to it' that helps us succeed in the face of great obstacles.
Tenacity should be balanced with wisdom and respect. It is written in the book of blessings that "My capacity to stick to a commitment is a safe and trustworthy component of my character. My tenacity is the building block for my successful career, relationship, family life, and friendships... My will and my grounded passion form the basis for my tenacious movement through life."
"Tenacity is when
you follow your heart - when the whole world is
screaming to get back into your head."
Sonia Choquette
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Week of May 9th, 2004 Adventurous
Being Adventurous means one is disposed to seek adventure and cope with the new and unknown. Much of our fear is based in the unknown. If we can transform that fear into a sense of wonder at the discoveries along our path, it can change our world in the most amazing ways. Even a trip to the grocery store can be an exciting journey. Be present for the living of your life, and don't be afraid of a little adventure!
"Just Do
It"
Nike slogan
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Week of May 5th, 2004 Thankfulness
Thankfulness, as described by Webster, is the state of being conscious of benefits received. Stop for a moment and consider a few of the things that are benefits in your life. Breath should be at the top of the list, for it is the first thing that we couldn't live without. Many other benefits and blessings often go unnoticed as we rush through our days.
Let your heart ponder the many things you have to be thankful for. Don't keep it to yourself, though. Share your thankfulness with others, and watch it expand.
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April 2004
Week of April 28, 2004 Patience
Patience is a wonderful choice which enhances our ability to live in the present moment. Blink your eyes and a day passes, two blinks and a week passes. A few more blinks and a year has passed. When we are impatient with ourselves and others, we rob ourselves of the joy of NOW.
We can choose our path, and the attitude we carry with us along that path. We cannot choose or predict every challenge we will encounter. When a challenge delays our plans, we should make appropriate decisions and move forward with patience, not allowing unexpected events and delays to steal our joy.
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Week of April 21st, 2004 Go With The Flow
A few days before writing this, I was driving on a stretch of highway toward Fayetteville in northwest Arkansas, and witnessed one of the magic events of spring. On both sides of the highway, and in the center divide, red clover was in full bloom. Ribbons of crimson velvet lined my way. They were gently undulating in response to the spring winds. They moved gracefully together in their dance which was sometimes lazy, sometimes brisk.
Sometimes the winds of challenge blow in our lives, and we can't see the bigger picture of how it is all working together. I invite you to look beyond your present challenge and see what part it may play in the bigger chorus of your life. Go With The Flow. Always be true to yourself, and make decisions based on the wisdom of your heart, even if is is not the easiest way, and know when you are simply fighting the wind.
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Week of April 7th, 2004 Be Present
Being Present is a state that many of us miss on a daily basis. When our minds are consumed with thinking about the next event on our schedule, we often miss what is right before us. This was clearly spoken to me when I witnessed the following event:
A few days ago I was driving by the park, and saw a small dog 'walking' its owners. The dog was pulling quite hard on the leash walking straight down the walking path. It wasn't chasing birds or squirrels, but simply pulling forward. The owners were walking at a casual pace, but the dog was pulling constantly forward. I could imagine the dog's thoughts over the past few events; at home it was saying "lets go to the park- let's go to the park- c'mon, c'mon- let's go to the park..." And then at the park it was "let's hurry around the walk- let's hurry around the walk- gotta get back to the car- c'mon, c'mon!"
I'm sure we can all see ourselves like this from time to time. Take time today to 'be in the moment', not hurrying to the next event on our schedules, but being present for the living of our lives.
"Patience
is the companion of wisdom."
St. Augustine
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Week of March 29th, 2004 Respect
Respect has many facets. It is much more than simply acting courteously to others. Self-respect adds balance to the picture. Self-respect honors the needs of the body by engaging in physical exercise, while continuing to respect individual limitations and abilities. Self-respect also includes moderation in food and rest, and exercise of the mind. Respect is wisdom in action.
Sock-it-to-me
sock-it-to-me sock-it-to-me sock-it-to-me.
Aretha Franklin
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Week of March 21, 2004 Creativity
Creativity is often perceived as something belonging to a select group of talented people. Creativity lies within each one of us. Creativity is expressed in everyday experiences, such as when we determine the best route through town to make all the stops and avoid the busiest intersections. All of our actions allow for some form of creativity. Bring your creativity awareness up a notch today!
"Why are
you so enchanted by this world when a mine of gold lies within you?"
Rumi
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Week of March 14th, 2004 Resilience
Resilience, as defined by Webster, is the power or ability to return to original form, position, etc. after being bent, compressed, or stretched. It is also the ability to recover from or adjust easily to misfortune or change.
The practice of yoga brings balance to our senses and our understanding, our strength and flexibility. When these resources are in balance, we have a good supply from which to draw in times of challenge.
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Week of March 7th, 2004 Tapas
Tapas literally means heat or burning fire. It is purifying and cleansing. Tapas is one of the Niyamas, the personal restraints and conduct codes. When we practice the poses in sequence, coordinating the breath, we create a cleansing heat from within, which purifies the mind and body together. Tapas is the discipline of self, resulting in clear thinking, right speech and appropriate action.
"Do for the
body what you know to be good for it."
Ernest Wood, Great Systems of Yoga, p.23
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Week of March 1st, 2004 Santosha
Santosha (sun•TOE•shuh) is a Sanskrit word that means 'Contentment'. It is from the Niyamas (personal restraints and codes of conduct) which comprise the second limb of the eight limbed yogic path.
Santosha is the state of being content regardless of the circumstances or situations each day brings. It means that we won't resent yesterday because of our lessons today, and that when tomorrow comes, we won't resent or regret today's experience. It does not mean that we do not set goals or have aspirations. It does not mean that we won't ever have the opportunity for disappointment or challenge. It does mean we are content with ourselves where we are on the path toward our goals, and that each day is complete within itself.
"There is
contentment and tranquility when the flame of the spirit does not waver in the wind of
desire."
B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Yoga, p.38
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