The Grief of Trees

Here it is

The grief of trees

Torn by the limb

Into a scattering

Of leaves,

Of roots that could not stand

A chance against the shaking.

The almighty 

Wind does that sometimes,

a random act 

Of kindness

That we will someday 

understand 

If we could outlast

Our self made storms.

Reflections after typhoon Glenda, July 2014

Class photo with Tim Feldmann (May 2014)

In memoriam (May 18)

As we chanted the opening mantra, I thought of everyone on the planet who did the same on the day of your passing. 

We, the ones you did not meet, are grateful, Guruji. ❤️

Practice notes

It's been quite a while since I've written here. Since the start of the year, in my new (old) job, I was in between settling in and re-learning. This sums up the state of my almost everyday home practice and my life - I heeded both diligence and aversion and so I feel I am not quite where I am supposed to be. I could argue both ways. 

It is a good thing the teachers have come to knock some sense into my head/heart.

Tim Feldmann is in town and I have been coming to class, reveling in the inconsistency of my Nadi Shodhana. One day I am happily claiming my heels once again and the next day I am losing my grip even in what I feel has already come. That has been my story for about a year now. There is a difference though. I feel I am getting stronger and less fearful. I just keep practicing. 

Two more days with Tim and June brings Arne back to our shala. In this practice, it is work upon work. It must be so imperative that we love what we do. And the one thing going for me is that I do.

New Year, New Moon

We have waned into emptiness so we can start again. May your year be blessed! Happy 2014!

 

Today, I am greeted with one word. Fulfillment. I wish this for you, too.

From my Yoga Tarot. 

From my Blessing Cards in a bowl.

As I have been contemplating on my Dharma and the new chapter starting this year, the message gives me courage.

Two finds and a bonus

I have always believed in the impeccable timing of Divinity. It is this that allows us to see and then open doors, crack codes in the exact time needed. This is comforting for slow learners like myself. Logic for me is quick to grasp, information easy to obtain. It is the slow cooking of real knowledge that takes years to simmer. It is only then that I learn the answers have been there all along but from where I stood, I could not see. Not yet.  

I have always been drawn to life as mystical, magical, nothing short of miraculous. It is with this that comparative religion, philosophies, ancient histories, mythologies sing to me. 

With me now are two finds. Old and new. A compilation of old in the new. A new discovery in something old.

Yoga The Art of Transformation. 

It is a collection of art and essays published by the Smithsonian Institution in line with the exhibit showcasing 2,000 years of yoga as art. 

Here's the link to the exhibit: http://asia.si.edu/exhibitions/current/yoga.asp#

and an article: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/Yoga-The-Art-of-Transformation-Exhibit-Preview-210876621.html?device=iphone

Here's the link to the book on amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1588344592

The other find is from my collection, given by my beloved Aunt Zita who shares my love of the esoteric. 

The Secret Doctrine by H. P. Blavatsky.

Two volumes of mapping spiritual roots including Hinduism, Kabbalah, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity among others. I must be ready to receive more knowledge to have gotten signals to explore the readings more deeply.

* * *

Today's biggest find is this - a message of hope in full. Although, unwell at the moment, I am grateful.

Sharing mindfulness

Before the storm reached us, I had the blessing of sharing mindfulness to public school educators at the CENTEX teacher training in Batangas.

During these intense, mad weeks, I felt I needed this most.

Intention. Attention. Attitude.