Work has been slowly picking up, but my hours are still being shaved here and there. Because of more expenses, including an additional $200 a month for health insurance, every penny counts. I can't continue this way. I need to make more money. Whether I get a part time to supplement my income or get another, higher paying full time job remains to be seen.
I've been a more devoted yogi lately. I've been reading from the Tao Te Ching (a verse before meditation) and Ram Dass's Grist For The Mill, reciting my mantra inside and out, purifying my diet, and going deeper into my meditation and yoga practices. The differences I've felt have been subtle and sometimes powerful. My thoughts no longer run roughshod over me and there have been times, like today, when everything seems a bit brighter, more vivid.
Saw The Clones in Nashua this past weekend. Glad I went. The band sounded great, better than I've ever heard them, and I finally got to see a more seasoned and confident Michelle and Janelle perform; last time I saw them, they had just joined the band. I had a couple of beers and then Amy bought me a couple more. I hardly ever drink, but, you know, it's alright every once in a while, especially with that crew of friends, who exhibit the kind of joie de vivre that scratches me right where I itch. I crashed at Janelle and Bill's place. The Baby Boy Z came upstairs and spooned with me for a while. I love that guy! Janelle made me a fine breakfast the following day and we hung out and talked about a bunch of cool stuff like we often do. You should talk to her some time and find out for yourself.
It was Spira's birthday yesterday. I stopped by her place after work and gave her a gift ( a cool handmade, leather-bound journal) and cake (old school Pepperidge Farm red velvet, son!). Before I arrived, she had ordered some Afghani food from Helmand in Cambridge which she was nice enough to share, though I didn't have much of an appetite on account of the fact that I had just had a yummy falafel dinner with home made tzatziki sauce (my first attempt and near perfect). Princess Puppy Baby was in rare form, running around all crazy-like and playing with her toys. A joy to witness! She settled down eventually for a massage and kisses. I love that girl! And I love Spira, too; she's been an inspiration and a wonderful, abiding friend.
It gets late. I may watch an episode of Game of Thrones or it may be music. I may just listen to a Big Three podcast, one of my favorite things to do in the whole wide world. Or perhaps I'll delve into some Bigfootery.
Peace to all of you
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Yes, we're going to a party, party
Back from dinner at Spira's. She made lamb with potatoes and it was so good I had seconds and would have had thirds but for an inherent politeness that forbids such behavior. I had hoped to see Brianna, but she was out. She visiting for a week and then she flies back to Oregon. I'm quite fond of her; it's a lament of mine that I haven't seen her in six or seven years. There's a saying about time that applies here, but it seems to have flown from my mind.
So a delicious dinner and plenty of time with Princess Puppy Baby who, as usual, was fawned over by Spira and me. The other day Spira asked me if I could contact my local farmer about getting her some kale. She was out, which was too bad considering both her and Brianna are on vacation and not having having kale to celebrate with is a drag. I came through like a champ, son, and brought some with me tonight. But boy did it emit a strong, distinct odor! When I arrived, the concierge said, "Whooo! I like what I'm smelling! Were you just eating kale?" I told her, "Naw, but I am bringing some to a friend." Could everyone smell it? I did not know. Anyway, kale.
Easter at my mom's was nice. I picked up Nana on the way. She is still sharp, but she grows more frail each time I see her. Aging: it happens. We had a nice dinner with my sister and her family and afterward I managed to sequester myself upstairs and hook up a wireless router. It was my second attempt; it didn't go well the first time around (I do not want to talk about it). I was glad I was successful; any time I can help my mother, I'm pleased. She's done so much for me throughout my life.
Spira texted me last Saturday about going to the beach. She had invited Nina and asked if I could pick her up on the way. I can't recall if I've written about Nina before, but she's someone Spira had wanted to set me up with. They met at a yoga workshop about a year or so ago. A couple of days after Spira mentioned setting us up, we ran into her in the middle of the woods at the Fells. We had gotten lost and she arrived to guide us out. We've seen each other a few times since then.
I didn't think she was that interested in me so I didn't make much of an effort to pursue anything despite finding her attractive. When I picked her up on Saturday, I was happy to see her but I didn't have any expectations. Before we left, the three of us ate some kale, which is always the perfect thing to eat before going to the beach.
It was a fun day. We walked along the beach in Revere and stopped for a plate of fried seafood at Kelly's. At various points, there were indications that perhaps Nina was interested in me. I took note, but spared myself the mental gymnastics that usually follow in situations such as this. Still, I find myself thinking about her more often and maybe it's bordering on too much. I don't think so, but who knows. My aim is to not interfere with the processes of life, if you catch my drift. The Universe knows what it's doing. And so do I, because I'm the game designer and the player, son! So if something happens, it will happen. If nothing does, something else will.
Now be off with you so I can meditate and watch Mad Men.
So a delicious dinner and plenty of time with Princess Puppy Baby who, as usual, was fawned over by Spira and me. The other day Spira asked me if I could contact my local farmer about getting her some kale. She was out, which was too bad considering both her and Brianna are on vacation and not having having kale to celebrate with is a drag. I came through like a champ, son, and brought some with me tonight. But boy did it emit a strong, distinct odor! When I arrived, the concierge said, "Whooo! I like what I'm smelling! Were you just eating kale?" I told her, "Naw, but I am bringing some to a friend." Could everyone smell it? I did not know. Anyway, kale.
Easter at my mom's was nice. I picked up Nana on the way. She is still sharp, but she grows more frail each time I see her. Aging: it happens. We had a nice dinner with my sister and her family and afterward I managed to sequester myself upstairs and hook up a wireless router. It was my second attempt; it didn't go well the first time around (I do not want to talk about it). I was glad I was successful; any time I can help my mother, I'm pleased. She's done so much for me throughout my life.
Spira texted me last Saturday about going to the beach. She had invited Nina and asked if I could pick her up on the way. I can't recall if I've written about Nina before, but she's someone Spira had wanted to set me up with. They met at a yoga workshop about a year or so ago. A couple of days after Spira mentioned setting us up, we ran into her in the middle of the woods at the Fells. We had gotten lost and she arrived to guide us out. We've seen each other a few times since then.
I didn't think she was that interested in me so I didn't make much of an effort to pursue anything despite finding her attractive. When I picked her up on Saturday, I was happy to see her but I didn't have any expectations. Before we left, the three of us ate some kale, which is always the perfect thing to eat before going to the beach.
It was a fun day. We walked along the beach in Revere and stopped for a plate of fried seafood at Kelly's. At various points, there were indications that perhaps Nina was interested in me. I took note, but spared myself the mental gymnastics that usually follow in situations such as this. Still, I find myself thinking about her more often and maybe it's bordering on too much. I don't think so, but who knows. My aim is to not interfere with the processes of life, if you catch my drift. The Universe knows what it's doing. And so do I, because I'm the game designer and the player, son! So if something happens, it will happen. If nothing does, something else will.
Now be off with you so I can meditate and watch Mad Men.
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Dreadful sorry Clementine
Fear Mind can paralyze, we know it is so. We are governed by our thoughts almost all of the time, but we find it manageable because not all of them are unpleasant. Fear Mind, though, is a motherfucker. It is thick and seductive. We sludge around in its murky eddy of anger, despair, anxiety, and confusion as it heaves and expands. If we're reasonably well-adjusted, we get through it. But we are at it's mercy until we take steps towards sovereignty.
When I was a in my twenties and going through a shitty time, my friend Tony imparted some advice to me over the phone.
"Here's what you do: You clean your room top to bottom with care and attention. Just clean the fuck out of it. You've got to do something active, man."
I didn't take his advice, but I should have. Would have changed my state for the better. Fear Mind loathes Right Action, which is about engaging life, dancing with it. Want to change your state? Clean your room, go to the beach, make yourself a healthy meal, draw a picture. Get active! Or you can cope by eating two pizzas and a bowl of ice cream while watching Jersey Shore reruns or you can drench your troubles with booze. Good luck with that.
Anyway
I came home from work, ate a fine salad with beets and such, and then took a walk to Shaws. A beautiful day for it. The whole way I chanted Om Mani Padme Hum and tuned in to a higher frequency.
I conducted a Buddhist experiment at the store. Before I left for the walk, the thought came to me that I would see Nina, who I'll get to in a bit, at the store. Wouldn't that be meaningful?, I thought. And right on the heels of that thought came one that concerned the certainty that I wouldn't see her at all. Just ego shit, and I saw through it. I set an intention to not expect anything during my jaunt and not to get caught up in sticky distractions, like the ones that go like this:
Manshe'ssohotohlooktheyhavefalafelthatguyjustgavemeaweirdlookforsomereasonmanshe'sgotanunbelievableassIwishIhadsneakerslikethat
I didn't see Nina at the store, but I ran into, almost literally, her roommate. She's was swinging around into the aisle I was in as I coming out of it. We almost collided but my viper-quick, pure-hearted reflexes saved the day. I took note of the synchronicity and didn't dwell on its potential meaning. I felt light as a feather; no attachments, no distractions. I took note of what my senses broadcast and moved on.
I wasn't in the grip of fear mind today, but there were moments of real world "How am I going to get through this?" worry that put stains on the otherwise clear vessel of my day. So I took a walk with confident posture.
I did something active, man. Changed my state for the better. And I also bought some falafel mix, Greek yogurt, a cucumber, and some garlic. Making my own tzatziki, son!
--
Look, this is going to have be part two-ed, I'm afraid. I'll come back, maybe even tomorrow, and fill you in about the beach and Nina and Easter and kriya yoga and my strengthening desires and Mad Men and much, much more.
Namaste
When I was a in my twenties and going through a shitty time, my friend Tony imparted some advice to me over the phone.
"Here's what you do: You clean your room top to bottom with care and attention. Just clean the fuck out of it. You've got to do something active, man."
I didn't take his advice, but I should have. Would have changed my state for the better. Fear Mind loathes Right Action, which is about engaging life, dancing with it. Want to change your state? Clean your room, go to the beach, make yourself a healthy meal, draw a picture. Get active! Or you can cope by eating two pizzas and a bowl of ice cream while watching Jersey Shore reruns or you can drench your troubles with booze. Good luck with that.
Anyway
I came home from work, ate a fine salad with beets and such, and then took a walk to Shaws. A beautiful day for it. The whole way I chanted Om Mani Padme Hum and tuned in to a higher frequency.
I conducted a Buddhist experiment at the store. Before I left for the walk, the thought came to me that I would see Nina, who I'll get to in a bit, at the store. Wouldn't that be meaningful?, I thought. And right on the heels of that thought came one that concerned the certainty that I wouldn't see her at all. Just ego shit, and I saw through it. I set an intention to not expect anything during my jaunt and not to get caught up in sticky distractions, like the ones that go like this:
Manshe'ssohotohlooktheyhavefalafelthatguyjustgavemeaweirdlookforsomereasonmanshe'sgotanunbelievableassIwishIhadsneakerslikethat
I didn't see Nina at the store, but I ran into, almost literally, her roommate. She's was swinging around into the aisle I was in as I coming out of it. We almost collided but my viper-quick, pure-hearted reflexes saved the day. I took note of the synchronicity and didn't dwell on its potential meaning. I felt light as a feather; no attachments, no distractions. I took note of what my senses broadcast and moved on.
I wasn't in the grip of fear mind today, but there were moments of real world "How am I going to get through this?" worry that put stains on the otherwise clear vessel of my day. So I took a walk with confident posture.
I did something active, man. Changed my state for the better. And I also bought some falafel mix, Greek yogurt, a cucumber, and some garlic. Making my own tzatziki, son!
--
Look, this is going to have be part two-ed, I'm afraid. I'll come back, maybe even tomorrow, and fill you in about the beach and Nina and Easter and kriya yoga and my strengthening desires and Mad Men and much, much more.
Namaste
Friday, April 18, 2014
You pulled the trigger on my love gun
I left a bottle of sparkling water in the freezer overnight. I took it out about an hour ago and it's still mostly frozen. I'm so thirsty right now and I know if I unloosen that cap, there will be a violent spray of wet havoc. I can't have that, so I'm I'm going to be a patient yogi and wait a bit longer. I intend to practice some yoga; not much, just enough to ease some of the stress of the day. Maybe when I'm through, the water situation will have improved.
I just did the right thing and purchased Brian Eno's Apollo: Atmospheres And Soundtracks. It's a hazy, dreamy and utterly gorgeous piece of music. Reminds me a bit of Popul Vuh's Herzog soundtracks. I'm being careful with spending these days of light wallet, but the eleven smackers this cost me was worth every cent. Last night I purchased a few books by Swami Vivekananda, and a couple by Paramahansa Yogananda for under four bucks. I love you, Kindle! One of the Yogananda books is an instruction manual on how to perform kriya yoga (in a nutshell a meditation practice that is meant to accelerate one's spiritual evolution). Ever since reading his Autobiography of A Yogi years ago, I've been interested in learning the techniques. I came to discover it wasn't readily available, and if the accounts of kriya yoga's effects are to be believed, I can understand why. I gave it a shot last night and definitely did not have a knack for it. That will come later. I'll tell you, though, some pretty far out stuff went down.
So what I'm trying to tell you is that I just enhanced my life for under twenty dollars. Not bad, even for a poor lost soul like myself.
I've been watching all kinds of videos of the band Kiss on YouTube. Interviews with Paul Stanley, performances of Love Gun, audio selections from Gene Simmons autobiography, you name it. I don't know why I'm doing this. I'm not even much of a fan, though they were my first concert and their early stuff is pretty solid.
Hmmm....
The weekend is here and I am thirsty. Hurry up and melt, you damned dirty ape!
Peace, children
I just did the right thing and purchased Brian Eno's Apollo: Atmospheres And Soundtracks. It's a hazy, dreamy and utterly gorgeous piece of music. Reminds me a bit of Popul Vuh's Herzog soundtracks. I'm being careful with spending these days of light wallet, but the eleven smackers this cost me was worth every cent. Last night I purchased a few books by Swami Vivekananda, and a couple by Paramahansa Yogananda for under four bucks. I love you, Kindle! One of the Yogananda books is an instruction manual on how to perform kriya yoga (in a nutshell a meditation practice that is meant to accelerate one's spiritual evolution). Ever since reading his Autobiography of A Yogi years ago, I've been interested in learning the techniques. I came to discover it wasn't readily available, and if the accounts of kriya yoga's effects are to be believed, I can understand why. I gave it a shot last night and definitely did not have a knack for it. That will come later. I'll tell you, though, some pretty far out stuff went down.
So what I'm trying to tell you is that I just enhanced my life for under twenty dollars. Not bad, even for a poor lost soul like myself.
I've been watching all kinds of videos of the band Kiss on YouTube. Interviews with Paul Stanley, performances of Love Gun, audio selections from Gene Simmons autobiography, you name it. I don't know why I'm doing this. I'm not even much of a fan, though they were my first concert and their early stuff is pretty solid.
Hmmm....
The weekend is here and I am thirsty. Hurry up and melt, you damned dirty ape!
Peace, children
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
I don't know what I have done, I'm turning myself into a demon
It's fucking freezing out! I woke up this morning to the sound of someone scraping ice off of their windshield. I was convinced what I heard was an artifact from a dissolving dream. It didn't take me long to discover it was all too real. Hey, if it was the middle of February, I'd be raving about how warm it was, so I'm not too sore at Mother Nature because everything is relative and I'm a resilient son of a bitch, to boot. Or at least that's the company line.
It's hard to believe, sitting here sort of bundled up, that mere days ago I was at the beach with Spira and Princess Puppy Baby, strolling idly along the shore in shorts and a tee shirt. It was a fine day; afterward, we picked up Spira's friend, Andrea, who she had met in Hawaii last year, from the yoga studio in Belmont she had been taking a workshop at. She came all the way from Saipan for that.
It was a pleasure spending time with her. I saw them again earlier this evening. We had pizza and Andrea told us more about herself. She was a cop for ten years, ran a marathon in the Arctic Circle, is an avid scuba diver, and a physical therapist. Impressive resume. Overall, she was a very warm, kind woman and I was glad to meet her.
Watching Mad Men last night, it occurred to me that I don't watch movies very much these days. Part of the reason is because Roger Ebert passed away. I used to read his reviews religiously and ended up seeing a lot of movies because of him. Another reason has to do with shows like Mad Men. I think we're in the golden age of television right now. In large part because of HBO, there are numerous shows I'd classify as masterpieces. Here ares some:
The Sopranos
Deadwood
Breaking Bad
Mad Men
The Wire
Game of Thrones
True Detective
The Office
30 Rock
The Simpsons
The fact that I know there are shows I'm leaving off the list, is kind of amazing. There's a lot of quality out there. TV feels like it's going through what the music biz was going through back in the late sixties and seventies. More creative freedom was given to the artists and as a result, music became more expansive and the world was introduced to some amazing stuff.
Before I continue, I should note that when I refer to TV, I'm speaking primarily about cable television. I'm told there are some fine shows being produced on network TV; I'm sure there are, but cable TV is still superior in my opinion. Network TV is more restrained and restricted. Can't swear or show titties, have to break for commercials and cater to everyone.
Oh, I don't know where I'm headed with this topic. Or maybe I do, but I feel like I've said enough about it. I'd like to go meditate or practice some nude yoga by candle light in my bedroom. I'd like to fit some Mad Men in, too, but Fleet Foxes are kissing my ears and it might be a good thing to sit with them a while longer.
But in silence, child, so it is here I must leave you.
Namaste
It's hard to believe, sitting here sort of bundled up, that mere days ago I was at the beach with Spira and Princess Puppy Baby, strolling idly along the shore in shorts and a tee shirt. It was a fine day; afterward, we picked up Spira's friend, Andrea, who she had met in Hawaii last year, from the yoga studio in Belmont she had been taking a workshop at. She came all the way from Saipan for that.
It was a pleasure spending time with her. I saw them again earlier this evening. We had pizza and Andrea told us more about herself. She was a cop for ten years, ran a marathon in the Arctic Circle, is an avid scuba diver, and a physical therapist. Impressive resume. Overall, she was a very warm, kind woman and I was glad to meet her.
Watching Mad Men last night, it occurred to me that I don't watch movies very much these days. Part of the reason is because Roger Ebert passed away. I used to read his reviews religiously and ended up seeing a lot of movies because of him. Another reason has to do with shows like Mad Men. I think we're in the golden age of television right now. In large part because of HBO, there are numerous shows I'd classify as masterpieces. Here ares some:
The Sopranos
Deadwood
Breaking Bad
Mad Men
The Wire
Game of Thrones
True Detective
The Office
30 Rock
The Simpsons
The fact that I know there are shows I'm leaving off the list, is kind of amazing. There's a lot of quality out there. TV feels like it's going through what the music biz was going through back in the late sixties and seventies. More creative freedom was given to the artists and as a result, music became more expansive and the world was introduced to some amazing stuff.
Before I continue, I should note that when I refer to TV, I'm speaking primarily about cable television. I'm told there are some fine shows being produced on network TV; I'm sure there are, but cable TV is still superior in my opinion. Network TV is more restrained and restricted. Can't swear or show titties, have to break for commercials and cater to everyone.
Oh, I don't know where I'm headed with this topic. Or maybe I do, but I feel like I've said enough about it. I'd like to go meditate or practice some nude yoga by candle light in my bedroom. I'd like to fit some Mad Men in, too, but Fleet Foxes are kissing my ears and it might be a good thing to sit with them a while longer.
But in silence, child, so it is here I must leave you.
Namaste
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
And he smiled to gaze upon her, did that sly old Reynardine
I'm listening to Bert Jansch's Rosemary Lane. It takes me back to when I bought my Taurus and was working at Healthy Back in Natick. Adam introduced me to Bert Jansch with this album; it's softer and prettier than his others and it is my favorite.
Had one aim with my earlier yoga session: to not be regimented and hurried, but to have fun, loose as a goose, and slow and vivid. I knew if I didn't go that route, my session would be frustrating and short. I listened to Sheila Chandra and accomplished my aim. For the last couple of weeks, my practice has consisted mostly of trying new things; it was nice just going for a joy ride.
Sigh
I've been on a bit of a Mad Men bender the last couple of days. Well, not really, I've only watched a few episodes, but who gives a shit. The point I'm trying to make is that I'm about to bail and go watch some Mad Men.
I'll try to report back tomorrow and fill you in about all sorts of stuff that I find necessary to share. Like:
deeper meditation
the beach with Spira and Princess Puppy Baby
music
the unraveling of Billy's secret plot against me
the golden age of television and how it has affected my movie watching
and much, much more.
Anyway
It's a rainy night, post deeply satisfying yoga session. Mad Men beckons, I'll meditate and sleep.
G'night, fellow travelers
Had one aim with my earlier yoga session: to not be regimented and hurried, but to have fun, loose as a goose, and slow and vivid. I knew if I didn't go that route, my session would be frustrating and short. I listened to Sheila Chandra and accomplished my aim. For the last couple of weeks, my practice has consisted mostly of trying new things; it was nice just going for a joy ride.
Sigh
I've been on a bit of a Mad Men bender the last couple of days. Well, not really, I've only watched a few episodes, but who gives a shit. The point I'm trying to make is that I'm about to bail and go watch some Mad Men.
I'll try to report back tomorrow and fill you in about all sorts of stuff that I find necessary to share. Like:
deeper meditation
the beach with Spira and Princess Puppy Baby
music
the unraveling of Billy's secret plot against me
the golden age of television and how it has affected my movie watching
and much, much more.
Anyway
It's a rainy night, post deeply satisfying yoga session. Mad Men beckons, I'll meditate and sleep.
G'night, fellow travelers
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
I don't want to hold you and feel so helpless
This new way of being didn't fit with my model of who I was. It was as if I were living with somebody I didn't know very well. My models of myself hadn't changed fast enough to keep up with who I was becoming.
The above passage is from Ram Dass's Journey of Awakening: A Meditator's Guidebook and it articulates better than I've been able to what I've been experiencing. It's an interesting thing awakening to the fact that you're going through the motions with certain aspects of your life. For instance, I've discovered that I don't derive as much pleasure from watching movies or TV shows that are violent or ego driven (which seems to account for most of them). Or maybe it's just that my tastes are more refined these days. I don't know. Look, I'm pretty geared up to watch the new season of Game of Thrones, so who knows what the fuck is up with me.
Anyway
I visited with my mom after work yesterday. Mimi, like she always does, freaked out when I arrived at the house. Every time it's like I'm like the Beatles arriving from Liverpool.I've given up trying to greet my mother first. Mimi will not have it, so I get down on the floor with her and rub her belly. I love that little girl! So does my mom; Mimi has been good for her.
I've been watching Pound House on YouTube. The only way I can describe the show is by saying it's like watching a sitcom created by David Lynch and Charles Schultz. The character Brent is the best thing about it; he may be my favorite character of all time. He's so weird and supernatural. Anyway, each episode is only five minutes or so and they've made me laugh and laugh and laugh. I showed Spira the first couple of episodes and she was not nearly as enthusiastic. Understandable: this is a strange show and consequently an acquired taste.
Alright, kiddies, enough of my proselytizing, I'm going to Happy Trails this muhfucker.
Don't worry, I'll be back for more sexy adventures.
The above passage is from Ram Dass's Journey of Awakening: A Meditator's Guidebook and it articulates better than I've been able to what I've been experiencing. It's an interesting thing awakening to the fact that you're going through the motions with certain aspects of your life. For instance, I've discovered that I don't derive as much pleasure from watching movies or TV shows that are violent or ego driven (which seems to account for most of them). Or maybe it's just that my tastes are more refined these days. I don't know. Look, I'm pretty geared up to watch the new season of Game of Thrones, so who knows what the fuck is up with me.
Anyway
I visited with my mom after work yesterday. Mimi, like she always does, freaked out when I arrived at the house. Every time it's like I'm like the Beatles arriving from Liverpool.I've given up trying to greet my mother first. Mimi will not have it, so I get down on the floor with her and rub her belly. I love that little girl! So does my mom; Mimi has been good for her.
I've been watching Pound House on YouTube. The only way I can describe the show is by saying it's like watching a sitcom created by David Lynch and Charles Schultz. The character Brent is the best thing about it; he may be my favorite character of all time. He's so weird and supernatural. Anyway, each episode is only five minutes or so and they've made me laugh and laugh and laugh. I showed Spira the first couple of episodes and she was not nearly as enthusiastic. Understandable: this is a strange show and consequently an acquired taste.
Alright, kiddies, enough of my proselytizing, I'm going to Happy Trails this muhfucker.
Don't worry, I'll be back for more sexy adventures.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Living on a jet, making love with someone else's dream
Hello, loves. Or lovers, if that's what you prefer to be called. A short post, but I'll be sharing something from Portia Nelson, so it won't be that short after all.
Yesterday was a trying day for me. Deep and real concerns came at me from different angles. And some weird and unlikely annoyances cropped up, too, which led to me wonder if the Universe was taking advantage of April Fool's Day. I didn't find any of it very funny and at times it felt like piling on., but hey, if you want muscles, you've got to lift some weights. As challenging as things can be in life, I'm aware that they are all of them opportunities for growth.
Throughout it all, though, I remained steady and present minus a few brief moments of worry and panic. Mostly I felt an unshakable serenity. It was powerful. I don't think I've ever experienced such a palpable reaping of the benefits of yoga and meditation. It also didn't hurt that I've been formulating goals heavy with momentum and consequently a feeling optimistic and, dare I say it, enthusiastic.
A handy mantra:
I am powerful. I am on purpose.
--
After work today, I practiced to a vinyasa sequence by Janet Stone, one of my new favorite yoga instructors, that I found on YouTube. I watched the video a couple of times and then gave it a shot. Much of it kicked my ass (there was one part I couldn't even bluff my way through). One thing I love about yoga is that you're always learning. There's a saying that the only students in yoga are beginners and the advanced; the intermediates think they know everything. I'd say I'm an intermediate, but I certainly don't think I know everything. However, it's good to eat a little humble pie every once in a while like I did today.
So that's enough for me. As much as I can, I'm going to infuse this blog with as much love and compassion as I can muster. Maybe even inspire one or two of you. To that end, here's Portia.
I walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I fall in.
I am lost ... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes me forever to find a way out.
II
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place
but, it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
III
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in ... it's a habit.
my eyes are open
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
V
I walk down another street.
Yesterday was a trying day for me. Deep and real concerns came at me from different angles. And some weird and unlikely annoyances cropped up, too, which led to me wonder if the Universe was taking advantage of April Fool's Day. I didn't find any of it very funny and at times it felt like piling on., but hey, if you want muscles, you've got to lift some weights. As challenging as things can be in life, I'm aware that they are all of them opportunities for growth.
Throughout it all, though, I remained steady and present minus a few brief moments of worry and panic. Mostly I felt an unshakable serenity. It was powerful. I don't think I've ever experienced such a palpable reaping of the benefits of yoga and meditation. It also didn't hurt that I've been formulating goals heavy with momentum and consequently a feeling optimistic and, dare I say it, enthusiastic.
A handy mantra:
I am powerful. I am on purpose.
--
After work today, I practiced to a vinyasa sequence by Janet Stone, one of my new favorite yoga instructors, that I found on YouTube. I watched the video a couple of times and then gave it a shot. Much of it kicked my ass (there was one part I couldn't even bluff my way through). One thing I love about yoga is that you're always learning. There's a saying that the only students in yoga are beginners and the advanced; the intermediates think they know everything. I'd say I'm an intermediate, but I certainly don't think I know everything. However, it's good to eat a little humble pie every once in a while like I did today.
So that's enough for me. As much as I can, I'm going to infuse this blog with as much love and compassion as I can muster. Maybe even inspire one or two of you. To that end, here's Portia.
Autobiography in Five Short Chapters
By Portia Nelson
II walk down the street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk
I fall in.
I am lost ... I am helpless.
It isn't my fault.
It takes me forever to find a way out.
II
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I pretend I don't see it.
I fall in again.
I can't believe I am in the same place
but, it isn't my fault.
It still takes a long time to get out.
III
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I see it is there.
I still fall in ... it's a habit.
my eyes are open
I know where I am.
It is my fault.
I get out immediately.
IV
I walk down the same street.
There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.
I walk around it.
V
I walk down another street.
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