Signs Around Town
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Types of Theists
Do you have to be some type of theist to have a “spiritual practice” or to self-identify or belong to a particular religious group?
Here are some types of theists: atheist, nontheist, monotheist, polytheist, pantheist, post-theist, modern theist (I just made that one up), theist ? (agnostic), none of the above.
What type are you? Does it matter to you what you are? Do you think it matters to others what type of theist you think you are? Which comes first: the spiritual or religious practice/group or the type of theistic belief/identification?
Do you think that a world where where this sort of identification and question did not exist would be freer from strife?
Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.
Another Use for a Murti
Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.
Web Version of November Newsletter
Dear ,
I think this is one of the most spectacular years for fall foliage that I can remember. The world seems to be pulsating with an ecstasy of color. I am beside myself with joy just walking around (especially when I have my camera with me). I hope you are getting the opportunity to be outside; the work commute is definitely a great time to be able to look around (especially if some of it is walking).
Expand the inherent joy in witnessing and experiencing the transformation between summer and fall, partaking in the abundant harvest, and accepting the sweetness of a more introspective climate by practicing forward bends with twists, restoratives, and inversions.
To deepen the revelry and to find respite when needed, come join me and pretty wonderful group of people on Tuesdays at William Penn House or Saturdays at Willow Street Yoga (level 2 at 8:30 and Gentle/Therapeutics at 12 noon) on a drop-in basis.
This month’s Serenity Saturday at Capitol Hill Yoga, which is on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, will be a special treat. Whether you are preparing to travel or to host guests or to have a quiet weekend to yourself, a long, sweet, easeful restorative practice is just right. Feel free to bring early, out of town guests and family. To register, please go to the workshops page at www.capitolhillyoga.com.
If you’ll be in town for Thanksgiving, I hope to see you, along with friends, family, and guests of all age and yoga ability, at my 7th Annual Thanksgiving Day Fundraiser to benefit Oxfam. It’s from 10-11:30 on Thanksgiving Day in the beautiful and spacious Willow Street, Takoma Park Studio. As has been my practice, I will be matching all donations over the suggested donation of $20.
For more information about the classes and workshops and to catch up on the blog, please visit the website at www.rosegardenyoga.com.
Peace and light,
Elizabeth
Found Exhortation
Peace and light, E — Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.
Samtosha (and the “Founding Fathers”)
I am subbing Fusion Flow tonight up at Willow Street. Natalie, for whom – am subbing, has been teaching the yamas and niyamas this session. She asked me to cover “samtosha” tonight.
In contemplating this principle of practice again (it is high on my contemplation list), I thought of the what was drafted by the “Founding Fathers.” We are not guaranteed the right to happiness, but the right and freedom to pursue it.
That leaves open the question of what is happiness and whether and how to pursue it. It contains, I think, a hidden agreement that to keep the right open to all that happiness cannot be realized by the acquisition of external power and things that will prevent others from having the same freedom.
When I get caught up in our current societal vision of what we are supposed to have or be, a reminder that “samtosha” — contentment — doesn’t just happen, but is a practice, always regrounds me. I choose to come back to a space of gratitude, and my my whole self eases. I return to a place that serves me and enhances my own freedom to find happiness, while bringing me to a place that is aligned with that freedom growing for what and whom I touch.
A New Blog
My friend Reya, who is an extraordinary healer and massage therapist, one of my teachers, and, like me, is one who enjoys walking around the neighborhood observing, thinking, and taking photos, has just started a new blog with her thoughts on healing. It is sure to be mind-expanding.