The Loneliness On The Spiritual Path, Finding Your Tribe, Happiness and
Real Love NOVEMBER 2012
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." ~
Dalai Lama
"I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no
more hurt, only more love." ~Mother Teresa
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in
harmony." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
"Immature love says: 'I love you because I need you.' Mature love says 'I
need you because I love you.'" ~Erich Fromm
"Love is a force more formidable than any other. It is invisible - it cannot
be seen or measured, yet it is powerful enough to transform you in a moment, and
offer you more joy than any material possession could." ~Barbara de Angelis
"Normal" lifestyle according to American pop culture is based on the material
level of life alone. It is devoid of genuine heartfelt variation, uniqueness,
self-expression and real spirituality. It supports people being trapped in their
own heads and traumatized and imprisoned with self-consciousness and the ego
running rampant, comparing self to others constantly trying to rank and compete
and fit in and appease. This is not heart-centered, authentic or as Jeff Brown
calls it, Soul-centered, living. It is fake and negates deep honesty and
authenticity, which then defies any real happiness, confidence, or fulfilment in
living.
Living life in harmony with your inner truth leads to much deeper and realer
fulfilment in life- it is discovering your life purpose and giving yourself to
it; it is living a lifestyle that brings out your best, makes you feel your best
and shine your brightest as much as possible. However, there is a price to pay
for authenticity: all the people, foods, places, actions, thoughts, and habits
that aren't harmonious with who you become at each stage of spiritual growth
must be shed. Letting go of friends, ways of life, old ideas, can be VERY
painful. And there is a time in between when you lost the old nouns and verbs
that don't fit right or fulfil you anymore and when the new people, places, and
things fill your life... and this time is usually a swirling cycle of bright and
amazing experiences, and dark cold, lonely times when you wish you could find
people and a society that you fit in with.
This time period is different for everyone, and this transitional space comes
not just once, but every so often on the spiritual journey, as vibrations
change, that which resonates harmoniously changes too. These times are very
trying. Why do we have to go through this, as beings aiming to live positive and
grateful lives? Devo Mahesvara.. the difficulty helps us to discard that which
is no longer serving our good. It is the time for trial-and-error, a lot of
learning, a lot of exploring what is meaningful and inspiring to you... and as
you hold in your heart the vibrations you now embody, the energy of who you are
and are becoming, as you live it and explore it.. you are attracting towards you
the people and places and experiences that will nourish you. You are attracting
your authentic life and your tribe.
Teacher Jeff Brown calls it a "soul pod" like a family of dolphins, connected
by past lives, similar vibrations, and/or similar levels of consciousness. These
are the people who "get" you, who view life in compatible ways, enjoy the sames
sorts of things, disassociate from most of the same parts of conventional
society as you. They become your brothers and sisters. They become soul-friends,
and soul-mates, partners in crime, best friends, inspirations, support, mirrors,
and they UPLIFT you, they do not DRAIN you.
I have had times of extreme
loneliness, when I was learning to live an authentic lifestyle based on my own
heart-compass, but I knew no one that I connected with. I was so sad, so
confused, I thought there had to be something wrong with me, I mean, I wasn't
like anyone else. I was happy with who I was except for the fact that I was
extremely alone. So I developed a handy little eating disorder to deal with my
sensitivity to energy and it was a horrible, painful cycle. Yoga slowly pulled
me out of it and towards other beings as I continued on a heart-centered path.
The loneliness pops up sometimes, especially I find that changing eating habits
tends to lead to a feeling of disconnetion from others.. so becoming raw vegan
from regular vegan made me feel much more alone and unalike anything "normal". I
didn't want to be "normal", but we all want to have loved ones that love us and
that we can love and feel part of... real family.
Another amazing side-effect of these periods of loneliness, I am discovering
as I am coming into a new time of connection, is to learn greater and greater
capacities for giving and receiving love. I am becoming extraordinarily open
with my appreciation and adoration and love for the people who contribute to my
world. This ability to appreciate SO thoroughly is directly connected to the
pain suffered in times of loneliness.. If I wasn't THAT painfully lonely I would
take this gratitude and love for granted or think nothing of it, or not even
notice it well. It is in times of suffering that the heart is broken, and
instead of letting it heal smaller and harder, like conventional wisdom would
have us do, the yogi lets it heal wider, wide enough to swallow the sorrow. It
breaks wide open and we let it heal large and open and more sensitive. And that
is how we feel greater and greater love, joy, gratitude, satisfaction and
fulfilment in life. All the things that were keeping our hearts small are broken
through and transcended. Our capacity grows. Not just for love, but for
intensity in general, for life in general, for joy, sorrow, peace, PRESENCE, our
capacity to be fully present grows.
So even if you feel like you know no one anything like you, just keep
folowing the things that make you happy, that uplift, inspire, enliven, the
things that stoke your passion, your creativity, your fulfilment.. and you will
find your tribe, your chosen family, and you will know you are loved and
magnificent. You may have felt that way before, but the validation and the
mirror of your beauty in the hearts of others you love and respect is a
nourishment that we all need. And it shall come! Blessings!!!
<3 laura="laura" p="p">
Showing posts with label teaching of the month. Show all posts
Showing posts with label teaching of the month. Show all posts
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Happiness~ doesn't happen on accident, but it is free and abundant!!
Happiness~ doesn't happen on accident, but it is free and abundant!!
"Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions." ~
Dalai Lama
"Happiness depends upon ourselves." ~ Aristotle
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
"Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so." ~ Robert Green Ingersoll
"Happiness is a continuation of happenings which are not resisted." ~ Deepak Chopra
All that lives wants to be happy and free from all suffering. Most of us spend our time pursuing happiness in the form of material gain, or future experience, or in other people, or as if happiness is a solid state you get to and never change again.... and happiness is not lasting in these ways..
This month I invite you to explore happiness in all forms, and what gives you the most lasting and full bliss in your experience. Happiness is the birthright of all beings, but we have free will, so we can choose to be negative and unappreciative and fight our reality and thus experience misery. Or we can cultivate happiness. Like a garden, happiness takes conscious planting.. of positive thinking patterns, of self-control to avoid actions that block us from feeling well and loving, of taking every opportunity to be kind and compassionate to others, of disposing of the prison of self-consciousness that restricts us from fully embracing life in all our thoughts, words and actions in each present moment... because do you realize, true happiness is available in each moment, but it is only HERE, in the present moment, that happiness lives. Practicing being present is the biggest and most powerful way to cultivate true, expansive happiness.
Someone else's happiness or goodness shouldn't make you feel threatened, jealous, or miserable... happiness isn't limited, it is an infinite and renewable resource within us all. See other's goodness and beauty as an inspiration to be your happiest, more creative, most alive self!
If you feel depressed or unhappy, take the opportunity that next arises to do something generous, kind, above-and-beyond for another, be they family, friend, neighbor, or stranger. Or small simple acts of kindness will brighten your day and that of the recipient.. hold a door, make eye contact and smile, tell someone when you think something good about them, help someone pick up what they have dropped or carry something heavy. Happiness is best shared, when we give we get. Giving of ourselves is a sure way to increase our happiness.
Don't feel foolish for looking for the bright side, for focusing on gratitude and not what you don't have, for appreciating the little sacred and incredibly blissful moments and experiences in life.... feel like a fool for not doing these things. This is your life happening one moment at a time.. do you choose to revel in the playful sacredness in your own way, or watch others have fun from the sidelines while you judge and complain in the darkness of your own mind?
Practice being present.. feeling your breath, body, and the world around you tickle your senses. Take in the "good" and the "bad" and the "neutral" with the same open attention and positive intention. See the good in yourself, in life, in others. Be compassionate. Cut loose in natural and creative ways, express your inner light. Move your body, rest your body, take good care of your body. And use it to pay forward the goodness and joy you experience or wish to experience. I hope this sparks your inner knowing and helps you to be happier and more free.
<3 all="all" and="and" as="as" beings="beings" bhavantu="bhavantu" contribute="contribute" directly="directly" everywhere="everywhere" freedom="freedom" from="from" happiness="happiness" have="have" i="i" indirectly="indirectly" lokah="lokah" may="may" my="my" of="of" others="others" p="p" samasta="samasta" seek="seek" suffering="suffering" sukhino="sukhino" the="the" to="to" touch="touch" wholeness="wholeness">
<3 laura="laura" p="p">
"Happiness depends upon ourselves." ~ Aristotle
"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." ~ Mahatma Gandhi
"Happiness is the only good. The time to be happy is now. The place to be happy is here. The way to be happy is to make others so." ~ Robert Green Ingersoll
"Happiness is a continuation of happenings which are not resisted." ~ Deepak Chopra
All that lives wants to be happy and free from all suffering. Most of us spend our time pursuing happiness in the form of material gain, or future experience, or in other people, or as if happiness is a solid state you get to and never change again.... and happiness is not lasting in these ways..
This month I invite you to explore happiness in all forms, and what gives you the most lasting and full bliss in your experience. Happiness is the birthright of all beings, but we have free will, so we can choose to be negative and unappreciative and fight our reality and thus experience misery. Or we can cultivate happiness. Like a garden, happiness takes conscious planting.. of positive thinking patterns, of self-control to avoid actions that block us from feeling well and loving, of taking every opportunity to be kind and compassionate to others, of disposing of the prison of self-consciousness that restricts us from fully embracing life in all our thoughts, words and actions in each present moment... because do you realize, true happiness is available in each moment, but it is only HERE, in the present moment, that happiness lives. Practicing being present is the biggest and most powerful way to cultivate true, expansive happiness.
Someone else's happiness or goodness shouldn't make you feel threatened, jealous, or miserable... happiness isn't limited, it is an infinite and renewable resource within us all. See other's goodness and beauty as an inspiration to be your happiest, more creative, most alive self!
If you feel depressed or unhappy, take the opportunity that next arises to do something generous, kind, above-and-beyond for another, be they family, friend, neighbor, or stranger. Or small simple acts of kindness will brighten your day and that of the recipient.. hold a door, make eye contact and smile, tell someone when you think something good about them, help someone pick up what they have dropped or carry something heavy. Happiness is best shared, when we give we get. Giving of ourselves is a sure way to increase our happiness.
Don't feel foolish for looking for the bright side, for focusing on gratitude and not what you don't have, for appreciating the little sacred and incredibly blissful moments and experiences in life.... feel like a fool for not doing these things. This is your life happening one moment at a time.. do you choose to revel in the playful sacredness in your own way, or watch others have fun from the sidelines while you judge and complain in the darkness of your own mind?
Practice being present.. feeling your breath, body, and the world around you tickle your senses. Take in the "good" and the "bad" and the "neutral" with the same open attention and positive intention. See the good in yourself, in life, in others. Be compassionate. Cut loose in natural and creative ways, express your inner light. Move your body, rest your body, take good care of your body. And use it to pay forward the goodness and joy you experience or wish to experience. I hope this sparks your inner knowing and helps you to be happier and more free.
<3 all="all" and="and" as="as" beings="beings" bhavantu="bhavantu" contribute="contribute" directly="directly" everywhere="everywhere" freedom="freedom" from="from" happiness="happiness" have="have" i="i" indirectly="indirectly" lokah="lokah" may="may" my="my" of="of" others="others" p="p" samasta="samasta" seek="seek" suffering="suffering" sukhino="sukhino" the="the" to="to" touch="touch" wholeness="wholeness">
<3 laura="laura" p="p">
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
June 2012: Everything is Energy...
June 2012: Energy is everything, everything is energy...
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us... There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you..." ~ Marianne Williamson
Matter is light in a very dense form. Everything we experience physically is matter.. energy.. and energy is constantly vibrating. Depending on its frequency, the rate at which it vibrates, it takes a different form and is experienced differently in all ways. We can feel each other's energy... you don't think so? Can you not feel other people's moods? Body language and other non-verbal communication is said to be 85% of human communication. That includes feeling each other's and our own frequencies.
Our frequency is influenced by the frequencies of others around us. The ancient yogis knew this, so that is why they said it is important to spend time with those whose vibrations are as high as or even higher then our own. Spending time in company with these positive souls creates a positive feedback loop that allows both parties to reflect good energy off of each other and raise each others vibrations. Both feel uplifted by the experience, inspired, and are shot full-force along the path of evolving and expanding consciousness, the path of enlightenment if you will.
This month, start to open yourself to seeing the entire world as energy, constantly changing in form. Feel everything as vibration-sound, color, emotion, food, smiles, other people and beings, objects.... everything is energy. The ultimate point or purpose of yoga practice is to become enlightened- completely realized as a unique individual with a purposeful existence in this time and place and simultaneously awakened in the realization that all that is truly is one infinite energy, of which each individual is only a facet. We are the faces of the universe, of reality, of Life Itself (which many people refer to as God). All the physical-mental-emotional benefits of yoga come along on the path to Self-realization. Listening to the intuitive urges in response to vibrational frequency (or you can call it energy) is that way to navigate the path, I also very often call this following your heart.
Learn to listen to the feelings you get from certain people, places, experiences. Feel your own vibrational frequency fluctuate. When you feel sad, depressed, lost, it is a lower vibration. If you feel free, blissful, ecstatic, in love, inspired, that is a higher vibration. We all experience both kinds on our path. Look at the experience of all frequencies as a purposeful path unfolding through you. Aim to raise your ambient level of energy to higher and higher frequencies, but embrace all your experiences. See them as catalyst for expanding your wisdom, unconditional love, intuition, and special gifts in this life. Follow your energetic hunches and intuition without question. It need not make sense rationally, it probably won't. But if you give yourself to it completely, you will be very close to the ultimate freedom.
It is also important to note that your thoughts are energy as well... and that like energy attracts like energy, so be the kind of person you want to meet, live like the people you wish to be surrounded by, stick to your truth, and in a little time, you will be surrounded by a world that reflects the truth of your own heart, and whatever thoughts you spend your time thinking. Being positive is key. We all have negative, doubtful or insecure moments, but don't get stuck or dwell. Reach out, get out, get in nature or do things that uplift you, like enjoying music, shows, good company, lots of laughter and love in all ways.
In my own life, I have given myself COMPLETELY to following this truth, and while I am still sometimes slow to respond, even in that, my life is constanly uplifting, inspiring, blessing me with amazing experiences, opportunities, infinite love, and adventures... this is the kind of life everyone can have, if they just understand how it all works. May all beings everywhere find their ultimate happiness and freedom, and may the way I live my own life contribute to the happiness and freedom for all.
<3~ laura
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us... There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you..." ~ Marianne Williamson
Matter is light in a very dense form. Everything we experience physically is matter.. energy.. and energy is constantly vibrating. Depending on its frequency, the rate at which it vibrates, it takes a different form and is experienced differently in all ways. We can feel each other's energy... you don't think so? Can you not feel other people's moods? Body language and other non-verbal communication is said to be 85% of human communication. That includes feeling each other's and our own frequencies.
Our frequency is influenced by the frequencies of others around us. The ancient yogis knew this, so that is why they said it is important to spend time with those whose vibrations are as high as or even higher then our own. Spending time in company with these positive souls creates a positive feedback loop that allows both parties to reflect good energy off of each other and raise each others vibrations. Both feel uplifted by the experience, inspired, and are shot full-force along the path of evolving and expanding consciousness, the path of enlightenment if you will.
This month, start to open yourself to seeing the entire world as energy, constantly changing in form. Feel everything as vibration-sound, color, emotion, food, smiles, other people and beings, objects.... everything is energy. The ultimate point or purpose of yoga practice is to become enlightened- completely realized as a unique individual with a purposeful existence in this time and place and simultaneously awakened in the realization that all that is truly is one infinite energy, of which each individual is only a facet. We are the faces of the universe, of reality, of Life Itself (which many people refer to as God). All the physical-mental-emotional benefits of yoga come along on the path to Self-realization. Listening to the intuitive urges in response to vibrational frequency (or you can call it energy) is that way to navigate the path, I also very often call this following your heart.
Learn to listen to the feelings you get from certain people, places, experiences. Feel your own vibrational frequency fluctuate. When you feel sad, depressed, lost, it is a lower vibration. If you feel free, blissful, ecstatic, in love, inspired, that is a higher vibration. We all experience both kinds on our path. Look at the experience of all frequencies as a purposeful path unfolding through you. Aim to raise your ambient level of energy to higher and higher frequencies, but embrace all your experiences. See them as catalyst for expanding your wisdom, unconditional love, intuition, and special gifts in this life. Follow your energetic hunches and intuition without question. It need not make sense rationally, it probably won't. But if you give yourself to it completely, you will be very close to the ultimate freedom.
It is also important to note that your thoughts are energy as well... and that like energy attracts like energy, so be the kind of person you want to meet, live like the people you wish to be surrounded by, stick to your truth, and in a little time, you will be surrounded by a world that reflects the truth of your own heart, and whatever thoughts you spend your time thinking. Being positive is key. We all have negative, doubtful or insecure moments, but don't get stuck or dwell. Reach out, get out, get in nature or do things that uplift you, like enjoying music, shows, good company, lots of laughter and love in all ways.
In my own life, I have given myself COMPLETELY to following this truth, and while I am still sometimes slow to respond, even in that, my life is constanly uplifting, inspiring, blessing me with amazing experiences, opportunities, infinite love, and adventures... this is the kind of life everyone can have, if they just understand how it all works. May all beings everywhere find their ultimate happiness and freedom, and may the way I live my own life contribute to the happiness and freedom for all.
<3~ laura
Monday, April 30, 2012
May 2012: Don't Hide Your Light Under a Bushel
May 2012: Don't Hide Your Light Under a Bushel...
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us... There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you..." ~ Marianne Williamson
Enlightenment is about becoming more conscious, about being our unique Selves completely, not about hiding, or conforming, even to a yoga community's standard or expectation. We are alive to be individuals, to lose all the layers of non-self: all of the conditioned-beliefs that we unconsciously absorbed and never questioned, all of the fears and mirages of inadequacy we acquired along the way. As we peel back these layers we find the light of our heart revealed, our individual charm, skills, passions and personality, and as we live fully and vibrantly, we give ourSelves like a gift to this world.
How do we peel back the layers? Mindfulness.. being present. How do we acquire that skill? Practice.. in daily life, especially perhaps, through our yoga and meditation practices.
Reality is laden with oxymorons, and the big one here is that mindfulness develops our objective observation skills.. the more objectively we observe ourselves and our world, the more we know ourSelves subjectively. The more we know ourSelves subjectively, the more we can understand others and universal principles.
I use capitalization carefully... the capital S on Self means our deepest or highest Self.. the Self connected to the whole, the Self without all of the non-self baggage and obstacles attached longer. The self is the whole package before we begin develop mindfulness and along the way, where the ego (non-self) still gets the better of us. But although we are all basically in this boat, as soon as we begin practicing mindfulness, the Self outshines the self increasingly so. We spend more and more time feeling whole and confident as opposed to chaotic and blocked.
You are doing no-one a favor by supressing your creative force and individuality. Just note that this doesn't mean that we should have or do whatever we want at the expense of others.. that means harming animals, the earth or other humans with our choices. However, dressing how we wish, living passionately, following our hopes and dreams, enjoying the company of like-minded people, achieving spiritual and material success through being ourSelves completely may piss off people who are jealous or insecure, but it will not harm them. People will get jealous or feel threatened by your brightness at times, all successful people experience this. But those who may feel that way and are ready to take responsibility for their own happiness will be INSPIRED and live more passionately because you helped them see their own potential.
Happiness is a responsibility! You have to cultivate it! Living your life isn't passive, it is active!! LIVE VIVIDLY! If you die with regrets or only ever having lived halfway you can blame no one but yourself!! You aren't dead until you are dead, so don't sit around feeling sorry for yourself.. embrace your reality fully here and now in each moment and rise to all of the magnificent opportunities you will begin to notice! Namaste!!
<3~ laura
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us... There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you..." ~ Marianne Williamson
Enlightenment is about becoming more conscious, about being our unique Selves completely, not about hiding, or conforming, even to a yoga community's standard or expectation. We are alive to be individuals, to lose all the layers of non-self: all of the conditioned-beliefs that we unconsciously absorbed and never questioned, all of the fears and mirages of inadequacy we acquired along the way. As we peel back these layers we find the light of our heart revealed, our individual charm, skills, passions and personality, and as we live fully and vibrantly, we give ourSelves like a gift to this world.
How do we peel back the layers? Mindfulness.. being present. How do we acquire that skill? Practice.. in daily life, especially perhaps, through our yoga and meditation practices.
Reality is laden with oxymorons, and the big one here is that mindfulness develops our objective observation skills.. the more objectively we observe ourselves and our world, the more we know ourSelves subjectively. The more we know ourSelves subjectively, the more we can understand others and universal principles.
I use capitalization carefully... the capital S on Self means our deepest or highest Self.. the Self connected to the whole, the Self without all of the non-self baggage and obstacles attached longer. The self is the whole package before we begin develop mindfulness and along the way, where the ego (non-self) still gets the better of us. But although we are all basically in this boat, as soon as we begin practicing mindfulness, the Self outshines the self increasingly so. We spend more and more time feeling whole and confident as opposed to chaotic and blocked.
You are doing no-one a favor by supressing your creative force and individuality. Just note that this doesn't mean that we should have or do whatever we want at the expense of others.. that means harming animals, the earth or other humans with our choices. However, dressing how we wish, living passionately, following our hopes and dreams, enjoying the company of like-minded people, achieving spiritual and material success through being ourSelves completely may piss off people who are jealous or insecure, but it will not harm them. People will get jealous or feel threatened by your brightness at times, all successful people experience this. But those who may feel that way and are ready to take responsibility for their own happiness will be INSPIRED and live more passionately because you helped them see their own potential.
Happiness is a responsibility! You have to cultivate it! Living your life isn't passive, it is active!! LIVE VIVIDLY! If you die with regrets or only ever having lived halfway you can blame no one but yourself!! You aren't dead until you are dead, so don't sit around feeling sorry for yourself.. embrace your reality fully here and now in each moment and rise to all of the magnificent opportunities you will begin to notice! Namaste!!
<3~ laura
Thursday, April 5, 2012
April 2012: Healing and Letting-Go~ Flowing onward...
April 2012: Healing and Letting-Go~ Flowing onward...
Part of this path, this human experience, is hurting. We all usually far prefer happiness over pain. However, we can't have one without the other. So what do we do!? How do we deal?
Well, we can't go around it.. it will find us. We can't stick it down somewhere deep inside of us in some sort of a cement-blockaded fallout shelter... because it will rot and corrupt our future happiness and physical health (I have a theory that suppressed emotions are related to cancer). We simply have to open the door and let it in... we have to let it flow over us and around us and through us..
...like cold, cold river water in the mountains, stick your feet right in, feel the shock, feel the invigoration, allow it completely... shock, sting, wanting to run away, numbness, intensity, and somehow, somewhere, the heaviness, the jumble, is relieved, released, and we are somehow sharper, freer, more alive and blissful then ever. And we will see how and why we had to experience what we have, to be who we really are.
Mourning the end of a relationship, be it to death, break-up, or moving far apart, fading away... it is a form of death. It feels like dying, sometimes and at some point we feel as if we don't care if we live or die. Take heart, because this is just part of it. A part of us does die, like dried leaves on a house plant, we shed our old views of how it was supposed to be, who we were, what our relationship was, who the other person was, and we start fresh. A new reality is born. A fresh opportunity to live, to be, to move forward into the unknown without fear- with excitement and joy.
Let go completely of the past views. Let the pain ravage through you, cry, feel, move that energy, and let yourself heal.
When it happens that you are experiencing a transformation, a loss, a break-up, and you must heal, let yourself feel it without fear. You are not alone, you are not the only person who has felt this, and you will move forward into a brighter future, as long as you can give yourSelf completely to the present.
<3~ laura
Part of this path, this human experience, is hurting. We all usually far prefer happiness over pain. However, we can't have one without the other. So what do we do!? How do we deal?
Well, we can't go around it.. it will find us. We can't stick it down somewhere deep inside of us in some sort of a cement-blockaded fallout shelter... because it will rot and corrupt our future happiness and physical health (I have a theory that suppressed emotions are related to cancer). We simply have to open the door and let it in... we have to let it flow over us and around us and through us..
...like cold, cold river water in the mountains, stick your feet right in, feel the shock, feel the invigoration, allow it completely... shock, sting, wanting to run away, numbness, intensity, and somehow, somewhere, the heaviness, the jumble, is relieved, released, and we are somehow sharper, freer, more alive and blissful then ever. And we will see how and why we had to experience what we have, to be who we really are.
Mourning the end of a relationship, be it to death, break-up, or moving far apart, fading away... it is a form of death. It feels like dying, sometimes and at some point we feel as if we don't care if we live or die. Take heart, because this is just part of it. A part of us does die, like dried leaves on a house plant, we shed our old views of how it was supposed to be, who we were, what our relationship was, who the other person was, and we start fresh. A new reality is born. A fresh opportunity to live, to be, to move forward into the unknown without fear- with excitement and joy.
Let go completely of the past views. Let the pain ravage through you, cry, feel, move that energy, and let yourself heal.
When it happens that you are experiencing a transformation, a loss, a break-up, and you must heal, let yourself feel it without fear. You are not alone, you are not the only person who has felt this, and you will move forward into a brighter future, as long as you can give yourSelf completely to the present.
<3~ laura
Sunday, December 25, 2011
January 2012 teaching: The Bravery to Bloom
"And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~Anais
Nin
Yoga practices help us to clear away the debris that gets in the way of expressing our innermost and highest nature. It helps us to clear away all that is false to be
our true selves. Many of us, I daresay in the Western world especially, all of us, at one time or another struggle with our confidence or our self-image. For some of
us, that negative view is debilitating and robs us of all real joy in life. For some, our harsh self-view is the ultimate obstacle to freedom in life. There comes a
point when, as Rumi calls it, we reach, "self-hating fatigue", the point at which we cannot stand to be so filled with hate, anger, guilt, and sadness. This is the
point from which we give up clinging to our fear, and we are ready to blossom. We can give up the habits of negative self-talk, self-depreciating, passive-agressive
self destruction and finally begin to have compassion for our self as a living being.
Anyone can sit in self-pity and misery if it is their habit, but it takes true bravery to begin to care for ourselves. And once we do, we see that to care for oneself
is not selfish, but is the only way to care for others. When the cup of our heart is empty, we have nothing to give to others, we are not kind or compassionate. But
when the cup of our heart is full, that which overflows can be given to all around us, we are automatically kinder, more joyful, more helpful and patient. Being deeply
honest makes the world a better place by our mere presence. Following our heart conscience is the way to blossom and brighten the world. Our happiness lights the way
for those around us.
Building trust in your own heart-conscience by experience, you learn that you can withstand anything that life brings and that there is beauty to be found everywhere.
NO ROOM FOR
FORM by RUMI
On the night when you cross the street
From your shop and your house
To the cemetery
You'll hear
me hailing you from inside
The open grave, and you'll realize
How we've always been together.
I am the
clear consciousness-core
Of your being, the same in
Ecstasy as in self-hating fatigue.
That night,
when you escape your fear of snakebite
And all irritations with the ants, you'll hear
My familiar voice, see the candle being lit,
Smell the incense, the surprise meal fixed
By the lover inside all your other lovers. This heart
tumult is my signal
to you igniting in the tomb.
So don't fuss with the shroud
And the graveyard dust.
Those get ripped open and washed away
In the music of our final meeting.
And don't
look for me in human shape,
I am inside your looking. No room
For form with love this strong.
Beat the drum
and let the poets speak.
This is the day of purification for those who
Are already mature and initiated into what love is.
No need to
wait until we die!
There's more to want here than money
And being famous and bites of roasted meat.
Now, what
shall we call this new sort of gazing house
That has opened in our town where people sit
Quietly and pour out their glancing
Like light, like answering?
'No room for
form' by Jelaluddin Rumi page 138 'The 'Essential Rumi' translations by Coleman
Barks. Harper Collins 1995
Nin
Yoga practices help us to clear away the debris that gets in the way of expressing our innermost and highest nature. It helps us to clear away all that is false to be
our true selves. Many of us, I daresay in the Western world especially, all of us, at one time or another struggle with our confidence or our self-image. For some of
us, that negative view is debilitating and robs us of all real joy in life. For some, our harsh self-view is the ultimate obstacle to freedom in life. There comes a
point when, as Rumi calls it, we reach, "self-hating fatigue", the point at which we cannot stand to be so filled with hate, anger, guilt, and sadness. This is the
point from which we give up clinging to our fear, and we are ready to blossom. We can give up the habits of negative self-talk, self-depreciating, passive-agressive
self destruction and finally begin to have compassion for our self as a living being.
Anyone can sit in self-pity and misery if it is their habit, but it takes true bravery to begin to care for ourselves. And once we do, we see that to care for oneself
is not selfish, but is the only way to care for others. When the cup of our heart is empty, we have nothing to give to others, we are not kind or compassionate. But
when the cup of our heart is full, that which overflows can be given to all around us, we are automatically kinder, more joyful, more helpful and patient. Being deeply
honest makes the world a better place by our mere presence. Following our heart conscience is the way to blossom and brighten the world. Our happiness lights the way
for those around us.
Building trust in your own heart-conscience by experience, you learn that you can withstand anything that life brings and that there is beauty to be found everywhere.
On the night when you cross the street
From your shop and your house
To the cemetery
The open grave, and you'll realize
How we've always been together.
Of your being, the same in
Ecstasy as in self-hating fatigue.
And all irritations with the ants, you'll hear
My familiar voice, see the candle being lit,
Smell the incense, the surprise meal fixed
By the lover inside all your other lovers.
to you igniting in the tomb.
So don't fuss with the shroud
And the graveyard dust.
Those get ripped open and washed away
In the music of our final meeting.
I am inside your looking. No room
For form with love this strong.
This is the day of purification for those who
Are already mature and initiated into what love is.
There's more to want here than money
And being famous and bites of roasted meat.
That has opened in our town where people sit
Quietly and pour out their glancing
Like light, like answering?
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
December Teaching: Starting Fresh
When we meditate, we are clearing the slate of our mind, habits, and views. We can come out of each session fresh and new, and
consciously choose how to act, think, be. We do not have to act in accordance with the habitual personality that we have created or fallen into. To do so (blindly
follow the habits/personality) is to let conditioned beliefs, inherited ideas, stale views and patterns that cause discontent to rule us. Whatever habits or patterns
are conscious and leave us feeling spiritually peaceful, content, loving, and generous are likely the ones we should keep. Resentment, jealousy, inadequacy, drama,
anger, and judgement are some of the patterns we should let fall away, no matter how well we can make excuses to justify them.
Every moment is a moment that we can
start fresh in. It just takes self-control to resist the hard pull of our habits. Coming out of our old comfort zone can be frightening, but nothing can be more truly
liberating. In fact, if we do not venture into new territory, starting anew every moment, we can never be liberated or live life fully. We are responsible for our own
life's bhava, or tone. Set the tone, and all will follow. --from enlightenamsterdam.com
consciously choose how to act, think, be. We do not have to act in accordance with the habitual personality that we have created or fallen into. To do so (blindly
follow the habits/personality) is to let conditioned beliefs, inherited ideas, stale views and patterns that cause discontent to rule us. Whatever habits or patterns
are conscious and leave us feeling spiritually peaceful, content, loving, and generous are likely the ones we should keep. Resentment, jealousy, inadequacy, drama,
anger, and judgement are some of the patterns we should let fall away, no matter how well we can make excuses to justify them.
Every moment is a moment that we can
start fresh in. It just takes self-control to resist the hard pull of our habits. Coming out of our old comfort zone can be frightening, but nothing can be more truly
liberating. In fact, if we do not venture into new territory, starting anew every moment, we can never be liberated or live life fully. We are responsible for our own
life's bhava, or tone. Set the tone, and all will follow. --from enlightenamsterdam.com
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
November Teaching: Gratitude and Perception
"Yoga provides the means to reintegrate all aspects of one's being. If one's heart is filled with sincere,
pure, and selfless intention, then one will experience a deep internal healing and a deep inner peace in one's own body,
mind, and soul".
-Sharon Gannon, Cofounder of Jivamukti Yoga
November 2011: Gratitude and Perception
The Buddha said, "What we think we become." What we are looking for and
expecting colors what we find, as does our attitude. Therefore, life truly is what we make of it. It doesn't mean everything
is easy or clear just because we have a good attitude, however, we do have the option not to struggle or suffer. Pain and
discomfort are inevitable at times, but if we keep ourselves open and remember that everything is an opportunity for mental-
emotional-spiritual growth, then we will be connected to the peace deep within. Even when we are sick, we will have gratitude
for whatever is good in our life. Our very life depends on the sacrifice of the lives of others- both in the sense of hard
work, and at times, literally the giving up of life so that we may continue on. Plants are just as alive as animals, and they
sacrifice for us constantly. Our breath and their breath is a constant exchange: we breathe in the oxygen that they breathe
out, and they breathe in the carbon dioxide that we release. If we open our minds and hearts to revel in every small and
large wonder, we can regain a connection to the sacredness of every moment. In finding that connection, we live a compassionate life, filled expansive freedom, unlimited love and deep joy. If you look for the good, the connection, and the opportunity to love and be loved, you will find the kind of life that you long for. Change your perception, change your intention, change your actions to embody a vibration of conscious compassion, and this is what you will find within all life.
Throughout the month of November I will try and post many thoughts on living a life of gratitude, non-harm and compassion, and about the consequences of our expectations and actions. I will share ideas for a healthy, compassionate, sustainable, and delightful Thanksgiving feast (which can be applied to your holiday celebrations if you don't celebrate Thanksgiving).
While plants and animals sacrifice their lives to support our lives everyday, we can choose to eat only plants, which spares hundreds of animals per person each year, spares our health from the main killer diseases, spares the earth unsustainable and unneccesary abuse, and provides a bounty of delicious, affordable, enjoyable choices. Choose life, choose sustainability, choose compassion, choose plant-foods!
Friday, September 30, 2011
October 2011 teaching of the month~ Integrity with the Truth
October 2nd is World Farm Animals Day. Every year, in the US alone BILLIONS of animals in factory farms live short,
miserable lives, suffering horribly, and are killed for food that is not even healthy for humans to consume.
Many people say things like, "if I knew the animal, I
couldn't eat it", or "I am an animal lover, but I eat meat" or "if I think about what it's like I don't want to eat it, so I won't think about it."
Plugging our ears
or turning a blind eye to the horrors that humans, animals and the earth suffer does not vindicate us from our responsibility to live ethically and in a way that is
harmonious with our deepest, highest conscience. It is very difficult to make changes in life, especially changes that take us further from cultural norms. However, if
we wish to be free from suffering, we need to live our lives in a way that strengthens our hearts and enriches not just ourselves, but all whose lives we impact everyday and with every choice.
Reflect on how many lives yours touches, from those on the road with you, neighbors, loved ones, tiny creatures on the ground where you walk, creatures that are affected by the creation of products you buy, people working to make those products, the animals who gives their lives to give you meat, milk, eggs, the earth who gives everything and takes so much abuse... reflect, from the center of your being outward, on all those lives you touch.
How do you want to impact the world?
Do you want to enslave people and animals by buying cheap sweatshop made goods, cheap chocolate bars at the expense of child labor, products (including eggs and dairy) that come from animals whose lives end in traumatic and excruciating slaughter? Is that your vote for how the world should be?
Get informed about veganism, about fair-trade products and foods. Do your best everyday and in all ways to live in integrity with the truth, living in a way that enriches you and all of those you touch. Inner peace cannot come while we are harming others. Contemplate integrity, truth, deep and total honesty on all levels. This is the beginning of the path to freedom.
miserable lives, suffering horribly, and are killed for food that is not even healthy for humans to consume.
Many people say things like, "if I knew the animal, I
couldn't eat it", or "I am an animal lover, but I eat meat" or "if I think about what it's like I don't want to eat it, so I won't think about it."
Plugging our ears
or turning a blind eye to the horrors that humans, animals and the earth suffer does not vindicate us from our responsibility to live ethically and in a way that is
harmonious with our deepest, highest conscience. It is very difficult to make changes in life, especially changes that take us further from cultural norms. However, if
we wish to be free from suffering, we need to live our lives in a way that strengthens our hearts and enriches not just ourselves, but all whose lives we impact everyday and with every choice.
Reflect on how many lives yours touches, from those on the road with you, neighbors, loved ones, tiny creatures on the ground where you walk, creatures that are affected by the creation of products you buy, people working to make those products, the animals who gives their lives to give you meat, milk, eggs, the earth who gives everything and takes so much abuse... reflect, from the center of your being outward, on all those lives you touch.
How do you want to impact the world?
Do you want to enslave people and animals by buying cheap sweatshop made goods, cheap chocolate bars at the expense of child labor, products (including eggs and dairy) that come from animals whose lives end in traumatic and excruciating slaughter? Is that your vote for how the world should be?
Get informed about veganism, about fair-trade products and foods. Do your best everyday and in all ways to live in integrity with the truth, living in a way that enriches you and all of those you touch. Inner peace cannot come while we are harming others. Contemplate integrity, truth, deep and total honesty on all levels. This is the beginning of the path to freedom.
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