Plateaus

One thing you can say about plateaus- if you're on one, you can take time and enjoy the view.

Say what?

Say what you mean? Mean what you say? For reals?

Easier said than done. That's kind of wack since in this case saying is doing.

Why don't we say what we mean? Probably because we often times don't even have a clue as to what we want to say. We just know we want to say or express something and instead of waiting, we blurt out whatever to whomever, whenever, in whatever format happens to be available: text, blog, facebook, email, voicemail, middle finger hand gesture.

I dont believe on sitting on unspoken words or stuffing feelings and all that. But I do believe in responding instead of reacting. So perhaps allow a "cooling off" period before we start slinging the blame, pointing the finger (middle or otherwise).

On the other hand, when it comes to saying Yes to things that speak to our heart, or complimenting someone, or appreciating something, we can get a bit stingy. That's when we "exercise discernment" and say things like "let me get back to you on that." Believe me, I get it.

One thing that I've been practicing for quite some time now, is saying yes to those things I know I really want to do. For example, if I know I want to go to a workshop, I sign up and pay my money. Even if it's months in advance. Yes, things may come up, but since I've been doing this practice, they really don't because I've made the space in my life for it to happen, and the Universe schedules the rest accordingly. It feels good to say yes to that type of thing.

And I pay attention when I feel like I want to be stingy with my praise or positive comments. Why would I hold back? Am I afraid that the person will be better than me or have more power over me? Ridiculous! When has complimenting someone ever hurt me? And how did that nasty rumor get out in the first place?

So say what you mean. Mean what you say. Tell the truth, but remember, in order to tell the truth, you need to find the truth, which may not be the "truth" in the moment of reaction, fear, or pain when our "survival" is at stake. It may take some time to find the words to express what we really want to say, but I know from experience, it is well worth it.

Baseball

If you or someone on your team catches your own fly ball- are you out?

And what is so great about being in?

Kidz

Kids. 

Billy the kid.

Kid gloves.

Are u kidding?

And then--- 

Children. 

Nothing like subbing a kids yoga class to keep it real. My high points-

There is such a thing as a jumping tree

Blankets are amazing props. Tell a kid it's dirt. Pretend you are rain and sun. Watch it grow. And sometimes you get dolphins.

And then the power of chanting. Putting them back under their blankets. Chanting. Then leading a savasana.

I am strong.

I am truthful.

I am kind.

I can do anything.

Rinse and repeat.

Step by

Step. Are my decisions based on present moment or past attachments? When to let go? When to move on? When to step? Every moment is a step. Are we stepping to the beat of our own drummer, our own heart, or the beat of someone else's? Which is louder? Clearer? 

Guru Purnima

Today is the day we honor our teachers. Yes, we are all teachers, and we have all been taught. So yes, we honor everyone. Including ourselves.

So why is this day different from any other day?

Because we want it to be. Because sometimes a little ceremony moves us out of our everyday thought pattern, and perhaps gives us a moment to pause, reflect, change the momentum of our life.

So, my teachers. Of course my family. And teacherly teachers of different but same: Dennis, Bonnie, Panditji, Swamiji, Rod, Bert, Hannah, Susan.

And my friends and sangha who helped me stay true to the light inside when all seemed dark and done.

And to those who can still push my buttons. You help me see what is crawling underneath all those rocks of goodness, illusion, attachment.

and to those I don't even remember. who planted a seed that either grew or burned. You are all part of my garden. And without All, this flame of consciousness would not be aware of itself.

Deep bows and gratitude.

Much ado

About nothing.

Willy  the Shake sure got that right. All that energy spent trying to look busy. That is just us trying to hide our light.

When you move at the speed of light, things get done faster. Les stop punishing ourselves for that.