writings
writings includes all text-based entries
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Welcome from Mary-Jo
Monday, November 13, 2006
The Gift of Awakening
Time is apparently moving forward as we approach the darkness before we bring in yet another New Year. One could consider we’re taking a journey together here on this planet earth, and well, how are we doing? With another season upon us and an auspicious one at that – winter with all of its cultural and seasonally timed rituals - the true meaning of this season is often overshadowed by the distractions of the small mind manifesting more and more material gods to worship or want. The small mind - it certainly can get in the way – that’s its nature though, so you’ve got to expect that.
Have you ever noticed yours? Being still - you have to be still to notice, and then you begin to notice more and more. It’s quite entertaining to observe “the small mind”. I catch mine when I’m experiencing tension, worry, self-consciousness, judgment, doubt, dullness, carelessness, laziness and dissipation due to excessive craving….......those nine distractions, Patanjali (Yoga Sutras) knew all about them. Perhaps not much has changed then in a couple thousand years, or has it?
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Space Creates Freedom
The season of Fall is a time when everything seems to change. The solar light, lower on the horizon, softly imbues the kaleidoscope of colored leaves as they dance their last dance before turning to compost. The day-to-day human activity mirrors the newly opening sky of bigger expanse, with new projects, dreams and ideas brewing. The fall winds blowing leaves to and fro show us what space is: movement, change and freedom.
How many of you have used the phrase “give me some space” when feeling overwhelmed or ungrounded. What is it we are describing when using the word “space”? It’s a word we use often and in many different applications. I think back to something I often used to say to my students in the heat of a practice; “find the space in the pose – space creates freedom, freedom is Truth, Truth is Divinity”. Words originally inspired by a great Indian teacher, B.S.K. Iyengar.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Styles of Yoga
HATHA YOGA
This is a term, which actually means the practice of the physical postures, also called asanas - which could essentially mean all styles of physical yoga. Generally though, a class called “hatha” will be an eclectic blend of a few different styles often with a more gentle approach.
IYENGAR YOGA
If you are looking for detail, therapeutic yoga or a very thoughtful and precise class this is the style for you. B.K.S. Iyengar the founder of this style has been prolific and unwavering in his contribution to the world of yoga, and stands as one of the world’s most influential yogis.
All teachers of this style go through a rigorous certification process and are often very dedicated and devoted to this style. A class typically utilizes props in the form of blocks, straps, bolsters and blankets to assist students toward exploring the poses more fully with regard to their limitations or injuries. Classes are slow moving and poses are often held for much longer than in other styles of yoga.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
A Midsummer’s Night Dream
Hello. I have mused over this newsletter for sometime, feeling like I only wanted to write when I had come up with something worthwhile to say. I may be setting myself up in that last statement, however I now feel sincerely compelled to share my musings with you. Bear with me then, your printed version of this newsletter in hand, relaxing on your deck, fragrant smells, iced drink close by and the beautiful spacious quality of a mid-summers night.
The past few months have been significant for me personally in ways that may have relevance for us all. By giving you a glimpse, I imagine that some of those signifyers may become part of our shared learning/experience.
One of the questions I am most commonly asked by both students and friends is; how has this situation (quadraplegia) changed you and how do you deal with it? People are fascinated and fearful of this predicament and at the same time hopeful that somehow I/they - can/could transform it. Bless our tender and innocent Souls.
