Noticing the Air
As I was walking into work this morning, I appreciated how fresh was the air after last night’s rain and wind. It wasn’t just the cleansing of the pollen, but the shift from Code Orange to Code Green air quality. … (READ MORE)
Sukha (the why of sequencing and the foster cats)
Last week, I used as a theme sukha — ease, comfort, happiness. I was inspired by Lorin Roche’s discussion of translating in his “version” of the Vijnana Bhairava, which he entitles “The Radiance Sutras.” In it he notes that “[e]ven… (READ MORE)
The Green Film of Pollen (and how yoga can help)
With the spell of hot, sunny weather, the tree pollen has arrived. Everything is covered in a haze of green. It is beautiful in its own way. Even if one is not particularly allergic, though, the sheer density of the… (READ MORE)
Foster Cats
On Saturday night, two foster cats were delivered to my house. I have been living without any pets for almost a year. I have only spent six years of my life — three of my college years, two of my… (READ MORE)
John Friend on “The Art of Feedback”
I recently had a project that I did in connection with an organization of which I am a member. The ultimate goal of the project was for me to transmit to another group a report of decisions made by the… (READ MORE)
A Slow Metro Ride, A Missed Yoga Class, and Meditations on the Costs of War
Yesterday I wrote to my DC elected officials and to the budget office to let them know how important it is to me that local municipalities fully fund public transportation, as the budget year comes to a close. Metro officials… (READ MORE)
April News (web version of e-newsletter)
Dear Friends, The end of March is all sunshine and flowers after a turbulent month. I’m hoping for some April showers along with the sunshine, so that my garden greens will flourish. The pulsation between rainy and sunny, cool and… (READ MORE)
Making a Pledge (and sangha)
I get lots of emails asking me to engage in e-activism — write letters to Congress, write letters to corporate executives, write letters to the President, sign petitions — and, of course, requests for donations. The requests I get are… (READ MORE)
Thinking Things Through v. Overthinking
It is good to act consciously, to move and react from a place of sensitivity, discrimination, and understanding. It is good to know both the big picture and the details. When does paying attention and thinking things through, though, become… (READ MORE)
Gratitude and Self-Acceptance
On Friday night, Betsy Downing was at Willow Street’s Silver Spring studios leading a weekend workshop. The focus of the weekend was learning how yoga practice can assist us in “interesting times.” In this regard, Betsy invited us to recommit… (READ MORE)