Icarus? (and a sense of wonder)
I still have the sense of the miraculous that I could have woken up in my own bed at a reasonable hour and then had lunch in Denver with my friend Robert on the same day. I am not sure… (READ MORE)
Off to the Anusara Teachers’ Gathering
I am looking forward to seeing my friends and colleagues, studying, and practicing. I hope to have wonderful things to share on my return.
Scary Asana Poses (and how they can serve us)
It is a good thing, I think, to do what one can to prepare for eventualities, to take reasonable precautions. It is not optimal, though, to allow fear and anxiety prevent us from living fully each day. I choose to… (READ MORE)
Why Practice; Why Teach
Last night in class, I asked why people continued to come to class. “To see how I can expand,” “for the community,” “for the delight,” “for relaxation,” were some of the answers. Orie asked me what led me to teach. … (READ MORE)
“Jiva is Shiva”
The inside book flap on Jaideva Singh’s translation and commentary on the Pratyabijna Hrdayam, say “Jiva is Shiva.” Singh notes that “pratyabijna” means recognition. The tantric philosophy underlying this work holds that by have acted from absolute freedom (svatantriya) to… (READ MORE)
Savasana
When I first started teaching, one of the things I found most inspiring was seeing my students in savasana. It is such a rare and precious things to see a group of people deeply relaxed, especially for someone who came… (READ MORE)
Okra Germinated; First Roses Opened
First flower on a cherry tomato appeared overnight. Peppers are budding. They all like the heat. Dill is going yellow around the edges already. It does not like the heat. One of the things I love most about gardening is… (READ MORE)
Ready or Not Here It Comes (Summer Heat)
This morning when I stepped out into the back garden, I heard the sound of clippers on the other side of the fence. It was my back garden neighbor of over 15 years. “Is that you?” I asked. “Yes,” was… (READ MORE)
Sadness (Sukha hara, dukha hara)
Last night I was feeling deeply sad not having Becky with me any more. The first week, I was telling myself how lucky I was to have had her for so long, that she lived a long, happy, well-loved life,… (READ MORE)
An Extra Benefit of Backbends
When I am just starting to get sick or fully symptomatic, I feel best doing a very gentle mix of restorative poses and hip openers. When I am starting to feel better, I find that a vigorous practice can help… (READ MORE)