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“I just like art.”

ByElizabeth

I love the Vogels’ story. It is wonderful to witness such an exquisite balance of passion and moderate living. Sometimes there is not much of a why for a thing. “I just like art,” Mr. Vogel said in 1992. “I don’t know why I like art. I don’t know why I like nature. I don’t know why I like animals. I don’t even know why I like myself.”

You may need to cut and paste this link into your browser to see the story:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obituaries/herbert-vogel-unlikely-ar
t-collector-and-benefactor-of-national-gallery-dies-at-89/2012/07/22/gJQ
ANqOf2W_story_2.html

Think of things/activities you like or which inspire you to passion. Can you really identify why you have come to have and develop certain likes or passions among multiple things all worthy of passion (as distinguished from providing after-the-fact explanations of why such things are worthy of your passionate attention and devotion of time and energy–for example, yoga)?

Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

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    Ten Years Ago Today

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    Ten years ago today I was in Peru”s sacred valley. I was walking the spiral meditation garden at the retreat center where I was staying when the owner called out to me, “America has been attacked! The others said you would want to know, that we should not wait until you were done with your meditation.” Completely shocked by this summons, I left the spiral by walking across it and followed her into her private home to see the news on CNN via satellite. I felt incredibly, intensely far from home, especially since by mere happenstance none of my fellow travelers were Americans.

    Today, I am again thousands of miles from home, having flown on United from Dulles airport to San Francisco, though obviously, California is not nearly as far away from many perspectives. As with my journey to Peru, my trip to California this week is partly to serve my continuing inner journey, partly outward exploration and appreciation, and partly birthday celebration (not on the 11th).

    One of the things that was so remarkable about the immediate aftermath of 9/11 witnessed from abroad was how friendly and sympathetic people were who otherwise were not disposed to think kindly of Americans. What an opportunity we had as a country to embrace global unity. What a chance we missed by instead going guns blazing into these obscene wars. We now have to live wih what we have done and start fresh. What can we do to seek peace now? I am working hard from a personal perspective, and I am much more at peace with myself than I was 10 years ago. I have a friend who would tell me that I am only responsible for myself and not for the whole of society, but I wish I could come up with a great and global workable plan of action that would move us towards peace and away from war, but I have not found one yet. In the meantime I will try my best on a personal level because that I can do.

    Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

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    September News (web copy of newsletter)

    ByElizabeth

    News from Rose Garden Yoga With Anusara (R) Yoga Instructor Elizabeth Goodman

    Dear Friends,

    A cool breeze is blowing through my window as I write, giving a foretaste of glorious fall weather to come.

    Although already fully immersed in the throes of work after last week’s study trip to Oregon with John Friend, I am brimming from the teachings and comraderie.  Such a trip reminds me of how crucial it is to study and connect to help bring the benefits of yoga off the mat and into my daily life.

    This week is free class week at Willow Street Yoga.  It is a great way to try out new classes or teachers or to bring  friend who is been shy about starting or returning to yoga.  I’ll be teaching both my 8:30am Level II and my noon Gentle and Therapeutics classes this Saturday, September 12th.  Bring a friend and come check it out.

    Looking for an extra class or one great to bring a drop in friend?  Come join us for the Tuesday night class at William Penn House.  All levels of practitioners welcome.  Special prices for public interest workers, students, and seniors.

    Wednesday night advanced/intermediate group practice proceeds are still 100% for charity.  This month’s cause is “Yoga Salutes Non-violence” a yoga sun-salute practice that raises money for local domestic violence shelters.  For more information, check out my friend Cheryl’s website at: http://www.heartofgraceyoga.com/YSNV.php

    Upcoming Workshops:  Next Saturday, September 19th is the next Serenity Saturday at Capitol Hill Yoga.  Get ready for the shift into Fall with a sweet afternoon of deep relaxation and nurture.  Can’t make it this month?  Put October 17th and November 21st into your calendar for a great way to ease through Fall.  To register, please go to:  www.capitolhillyoga.com

    Looking Ahead:  Already trying to make your Thanksgiving plans?  If you will be in town, plan to share your gratitude at the 7th Annual Thanksgiving Day fundraiser for Oxfam, which I will be leading at the Willow Street Yoga Center’s Takoma Park studio.

    For more information on classes and workshops or to enjoy the blog, visit:  www.rosegardenyoga.com or join me on facebook.

    Peace and light,

    Elizabeth

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