Writing Retreat is Ending

Just got back from Staples where I had my efforts printed so I can now (when I get enough nerve) look at what I've done and try to imagine it into a book!   But tonight, I'm taking off - and want to share the beautiful sunset here at South Beach on Hilton Head Island.  In addition, you see the view from my deck and from my computer chair.  The corner of windows is a big plus.  That's where I meditate, do asanas, and receive Reiki.  It has been an extremely productive week of very concentrated work.  I have left the villa only to walk the beach, go to Chico's once to use my Christmas gift card, and  Publix and Walgreen's for miscellaneous stuff.  And, of course, I did go to Jim and Anne's home for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals - absolutely scrumptious, of course!  Home tomorrow!

Setting Intentions

Two more days to prepare for my week of writing.  I am purposefully concentrating on getting my thoughts directed toward the process.  From here, it seems so simple.  Just go and do it.  And yet, I know in my heart how easy it has been for me to get sidetracked and lose my direction.  I know what I am supposed to be writing about - how I am happy - which seems like a very clear  subject about which to write.  BUT, I've been trying for more than two years and still haven't been able to produce a readable document.  Why is that?  I think it is related to my need to continue looking inward.  Asking "Who am I?" seems unanswerable.  Perhaps it's meant to be a lifelong pursuit. Perhaps I'll not know for sure until I'm near time to leave this life.  But I do know a lot about living.  I do know many techniques I use to be happy.  I do know that the Universe is designed for us to be happy.  I do know it is my intention is to be happy.  I do know how to make intentions comes to fruition.  So, that is what I will be writing about next week.   Stay tuned.

A Christmas Thought

One of my spiritual teachers, Joan Borysenko, writes in her Pocketful of Miracles for December 19:

Great Spirit, I awaken this morning with such love and gratitude for Your forgiveness.  I understand that sin--the sense of separation from You--is the very path back to Divine Union.  May the same forgiveness that is in You, awaken within me, that I may embody the heart of the Christmas Mystery. .... I am preparing to spend next week in relative solitude at the ocean to meditate, contemplate, and write.  I have enjoyed such a December week for several years now and find it one of my most well-spent times of the year.  My prayer for this morning is that you, too, find time in this very special time of the year for quiet hours to go inward and find your Self.

Creating a Happy Life

Here's info on a new program at the Yogatorium: 

Creating A Happy Life in 2013 and Beyond


Five 2-hour sessions – 3:00 to 5:00 Sundays
January 20, 27, February 3, 17, 24
Limited to 10 participants
$100 (includes telephone or e-mail coaching)
Text: Happiness Workbook I: Who am I? What do I want? And Making it Happen!
Contact Instructor:
Jaquie Haymond, PhD, RYT
yogatorium@ninetysix.net
864-223-7945

Moaning and Groaning

No time for extensive writing - but just so you know I haven't forgotten you - this morning my journalling revolved around - ATTACHMENT - Yep, I was caught in it again - but this time, I was freed with an illumination/extraction session last evening - thank goodness!  This time, I was caught in being attached to an outcome!  Why is this so hard?  Letting go is something I've been practicing for years now - and STILL - I get caught in it.  Just thought you might like to hear me moan and complain for a change.

Non-attachment - Things and Thoughts

Both in my yoga training and my shamanic journey, non-attachment is a principle of living a good life.  I have begun to dispose of many possessions and enjoy doing so. The fewer possessions I have, the less chaotic my life becomes.  But there is more to non-attachment.  Now I am striving to become non-attached to outcomes.  I do so pretty well in some cases, but in others, not so well.  When I strive to accomplish some goal and it doesn't happen quickly enough to suit me, I tend to lose my enthusiasm.  Learning to enjoy the doing and let the outcome be as it will, is not easy.  Another aspect of non-attachment, is allowing things to be as they are and not getting hung up on wishing things were different, becoming attached to something becoming different.  A friend's favorite mantra: "It is what it is."  So you see, it's not just a matter of being attached to things that causes unrest - being attached to  thoughts, can also cause pain and suffering.  How do we learn to be non-attached?  Practice, Practice, Practice - letting go.

Serving and Receiving

Last evening I had the opportunity to do a healing session with a veteran.  I can't believe the humbleness and joyousness of doing a service for a man who has done service for all of us.  That was my first chance to give back to one who has served us in that way.  I do hope it won't be my last.....today is starting out overcast but that has become a favorite beginning for me. Gives me quiet time that seems to hover  for a couple hours before the sun breaks through and alerts me to "get something done."  For now I can just be and allow my thoughts to go wherever they wish.  Now I'm watching crows in the labyrinth.  I'm not quite sure why, but every morning lately there are three or more crows walking the labyrinth - in their own way, of course, not the prescribed one route in to the center and then returning back out the same way.  They skip around to different spots as though trying to find the best one.  Probably they are finding seeds, but I like to think they may be looking for the best meditation spot.  My best spot is right where I am now.  In my seagrass chair looking out over the Pond.  Except for the crows, all is still.  Not even a slight movement either on the water or in the trees and grasses.  So, it is time for me to Be Still and receive.

There's always enough

Last evening my Spiritual Sisters and I talked about greed - as Judith Lasater writes about in Living Your Yoga.  The mantra I picked up on is "There's always enough."  I realize that there is often not enough for millions of people in our world but for me, there is.  ,,,,,,shift our focus from filling an emptiness to exeriencing contentment she says.  How do we do that?  living in the present moment is the key.  Just this week I caught myself being greedy when I received an order from Campmor of some warm yoga pants and jacket.  Immediately I said to myself - "These are really great - I think I'll order more."  I didn't, but I thought about it for three days before I accepted that the 8 pairs of yoga pants I already have are enough.  And, one pair of truly warm ones is enough - especially since I have three pairs of silky long underwear pants and shirts to wear under less warm clothes.  But it still tempts me to order more - it is such a bargain price!  This temptation to have MORE - is ingrained in our culture, as you well know.  It is a true struggle for me to overcome this silliness.  That's all it can be called - silliness.  Such acts may temporarily fill an emptiness, but certainly not permanently.  Emptiness is not filled by more, but by less.  Think about that.  I will all day today.  More creates chaos, less brings peace.

Mule Ride on Kit

OK.  Here is a new adventure photo - I'm riding Kit, a mule!!!! Never heard of riding mules - except bareback on the farm while plowing - but folks do - and they are beautiful animals!  Just down the road from me lives the Wetzels - Duane and Lee - friends from 40 years ago when I owned a Tennessee Walking Horse for a few years and Duane took care of her for me - teaching me everything I know about horses.  Now, Todd and Millie ride mules - and I got my chance last weekend.  So here I am!  What a kick!  Big surprise - I got on without any assistance - no block to stand on, no hands to lift me up - just my good old yoga body!  Life is GOOD!  Thanks Tood - and thanks Millie for your wonderfully comfortable saddle! 

Yesterday was a delightful one.  The morning was very busy with two energy healing sessions and a yoga class - all before noon!  Then I spent the rest of the day just being.  I'm getting good at just being.  I keep repeating my mantra - "don't just do something, sit there."  Picking up my knitting again has helped tremendously.  It really is  a meditative practice since I am doing a scarf that takes no attention whatsoever - well, a little bit, since I knit three, purl three repetitively and sometimes have to check to be sure I'm still on that pattern.  But, it's really a pretty good way to "get something done" without stressing out.  I'm smiling.  It's truly very rare nowadays that I get stressed out.  I seem to be having more fun and be more relaxed each day.  For example - see the photo!  I'm dancing at our first drum circle.  - Next one coming up December 21.  Come join us - it's FREE.

Impermanence - "Living Your Yoga"

Impermanence.  Change.  The truth.  I thrive on change.  Somehow the word impermanence seems less attractive.  And yet.....it does inspire deep thought - it did last evening when Millie and I met for our Wednesday evening session.  Unfortunately Diana didn't make it but we carried on.  For two hours!  There is something about change that is both appealing and frightening.  Perhaps the fright adds to the attractiveness for me.  The notion that nothing is permanent is a core yoga concept.  Change is as factual as death and taxes.  Since that is so, (perhaps even more likely than taxes) why do we find it so difficult to accept?  Even I, who relish change, find it upsetting to contemplate change.  Going outside the box or outside my comfort zone awakens doubt and fear and makes me tend to cling to what is - attachment to what is - and we all know that non-attachment is a cardinal rule of yoga philosophy.  One that takes conscious attention.  It is easy to become attached to the way things are.  But, they don't stay the way they are.  Thanks be to God!  Change also creates excitement and makes my adrenaline flow!  It wakes me up to possibilities!

Loving Life

Already it's Wednesday after Thanksgiving and I'm still in recovery mode.  Spent much of yesterday reading a novel again - trying to reconnect to life here as usual.  My morning meditation and other rituals are beginning to feel natural  again after missing four days of Thanksgiving houseguests.  The two yoga classes at the church and Reiki with Todd for Duane last evening all contributed to restoring my Self.  Most of the Thanksgiving leftovers have either been eaten or stored in the freezer.  Surprisingly my crazy eating over the last week have caused no upset to my  digestive tract!  Maybe, just maybe, my food allergy drops and other supplements have finally turned the corner and my body is healed!  It has taken a year and a half of tightly controlled diet and supplements, but it has worked!  For this, I am so very grateful.  Thanks be to God!  This morning it's yoga at Ashley House, swim at the Y (Can I really make it twice in one week?) and yoga again tonight at the Yogatorium.  So, things are returning to normal.  Pod Sisters conference call tonight to discuss Chapter Six (about The Ugly Duckling myth)  of Women Who Run With Wolves following spiritual sisters meeting at 7:00 to discuss Living With Yoga chapter on impermanence.   So, a usual busy Wednesday.  I love my life!!!  May you love yours too.

Quiet Rainy Day

Well, I did it!  I actually got in the pool at the Y after yoga class yesterday!  What a kick.  Have no idea why I deny myself such pleasures - makes no sense at all - but I do.  Anyhow, I got the first one done, perhaps others will follow.  Also had a delightful sit in the hot tub - beautiful firm jet streams and temperature.  Then a shower and shampoo - all free with my job as a yoga teacher one hour per week.  What a bargain.  Not only have I made lots of new yoga friends, but I enjoy the facilities too.....It's raining this morning - hope it continues for a while, but not predicted to do so.  The water level of the Pond keeps going down.  I guess the water table is still so low it can't hold the water even if it does come up for a day or so.  So, this morning I'll simply enjoy another few hours of solitude with the beauty of a soft rain cleansing the air and the surroundings.  The colors of the trees and grasses and weeds and shrubs all seem brighter even in the dullness of the light while it's raining. ...... Moon was close to full last evening - didn't even need light to get from the Yogatorium to my cottage after class.  

Monday after Thanksgiving

What a memorable Thanksgiving.  So many fun things occurred.  One of the last ones - Kelsey and Sydney - two granddaughters - did a photo op with me!  So, here's the long-haired Grandma Jaquie.  (one with a flash and one without)  Now, it's time to get back to the ordinary world - two yoga classes today, tomorrow, and Wednesday.  So, I'll get a chance to visit with my many yoga friends.  It's cold these mornings so I'm thinking of escaping to a warmer place sometime before spring.  But mostly I'm thinking of enjoying a quiet December when everyone else seems to be very busy and I seem to find more quiet time.  Perhaps - just perhaps, I'll get back to my writing.  Yesterday as part of my recovery from Thanksgiving, I spent most of the day reading a novel Faye left when the Pod Sisters were here - The Wife's Tale - a very good read.  It's one of my passions to every now and then just spend a whole day reading a good story with no intention of learning.  And, yet, inevitably I learn - this time clues for finding one's authentic self.  Or, at least, one woman's story.  Perhaps this is what is inspiring me to get back to my own writing.    Two things are actually on my horizon - writing and swimming.  It's always fun to swim in the winter when it's too cold to walk outside.  I've been carrying around in my car my swim bag but haven't yet used it.  Maybe today?  We'll see. 

A few photos from Thanksgiving weekend.  The 5 grands on the back of Luke's truck at the skeet site - and me skeeting!  I actually hit the clays four out of five trials!  And, finally Kelsey, Susan and Luke doing smores at the fire pit Wednesday evening.

Thanksgiving - The Next Morning

Well, we made it happen once again.  For the past 6 years, we have managed to pull off a full-fledged Thanksgiving dinner here at the cottage with all of the family together - all 11 in 2006 and after Bob passed that December 17, all ten of us.  The five kids all sleep in the Yogatorium and that makes it possible.  Some of the cooking takes place during the days before but the making of the dressing (We made enough for 40 this year!  Everyone can take some home.  Kelsey is really tickled with all the leftovers she can take back to Clemson.) and the meats (fried turkey and roasted ham) yesterday.  This year we got smart and scheduled the meal for 6:00 and managed to have it all ready by then. Took us five years to learn that no matter how much had been done before, the day of was impossible to complete the food stuff by 2:00 or 3:00 or even 4:00!  Here's a partial list:  cranberry salad (which no one eats except me and Luke, but mother always made it), sweet potato souffle, macaroni and cheese, corn bread dressing and gravy, collards, roasted veggies (for me), Coca-cola chocolate cake, pecan pie, cherry-o-cheese pies (2), pumpkin pie, apple pie and ice cream, and I'm sure I've left something out   Oh - the fried turkey and roasted ham!  And  homemade chex mix for snacking and cornbread.  and????.....It was cold so we couldn't spill out to the porch and all crammed into the cottage for serving AND eating!  We watched football (some watched more than others and it was impossible to hear the commentary - too much chatting going on) and Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving. The kids played cards - War and Go Fish, etc.  There was champagne and beer and sparkling grape juice - and the discussion of whether or not Kelsey (the oldest ) was allowed - is 18 legal?  In a home?  That was her contention.  How exciting to have another family member attending Clemson!  Most of you know Bob and I taught there, I got two degrees there and both Tate and Luke graduated from Clemson.  Of course, Bob and I, and Luke's wife Susan went to Carolina, as well as Clemson, so tomorrow night's game will be on everyone's mind - lucky Tate's family will be there - the rest of us will watch it on TV and be happiest if Clemson wins - which of course they will???.......Today, being Black Friday, the women and kids will go shopping (except me) and some kids and the men will fish and shoot skeet.  Me?  I'll float around between what's going on and enjoy all of it!  Photos next time - can't find my camera this morning among all the belongings strewn all over the place!

My first-born's birthday

This the birthday of my son Tate, my first-born child.  (The photo is three years old-can't find a newer one.)He arrived following two early spontaneous miscarriages.  He was definitely planned and desired - no accident.  Bob and I were married for ten years before - purposefully avoiding pregnancy while he attended graduate school and began developing his career as a mathematician.  The successful pregnancy came while I was attending school full time at the University of New Mexico as a physical education student - my third year of university schooling after ten years of working as a secretary.  (I had completed two years at U. of South Carolina before we married.)  We had owned one home in Riverside, California, for a year  and then moved to Albuquerque where Tate was born.  I don't remember a whole lot about the birth, except that it was quick and easy but I do remember nine months of perfect health - I quit smoking and drinking alcohol, ate good food, exercised, etc.  I felt wonderful the whole nine months.  Bob once said, "If it didn't result in kids, I'd keep you pregnant all the time."   (This after the second child, our planned limit,  was born.)  I'll never forget the first ten days after Tate's birth.  Bob would not allow anyone inside the house for ten days - afraid of germs.  He changed diapers, did the middle-of-the-night feedings, and spent every hour not at work caring for the baby.  My life was as easy as could possibly be.  Except for the fear of doing somethinIg wrong!  I spent all my free time reading "Dr. Spock" and trying to follow every rule, telling myself all would be well, but didn't really believe that until he could talk!  About then, I finally began to relax and enjoy being a mother.   So, today I celebrate the beginning of a love-affair of 48 years that will never end.  Happy Birthday Son!

My Soul Sings

The weather page on my laptop shows 39 in Joshua Tree and 16 in Taos!  Whee - I'm glad I'm here now.....  I do not like cold weather.  It's a lovely overcast morning with light rain falling on the Pond.  The wind chimes are stirring, but the wind is light, no ripples on the surface of the Pond.  This is my free morning.  No yoga till this afternoon so I am enjoying plenty of time to acknowledge the six directions, meditate (on my back on the floor with my knees bent and a strap around my thighs - which I am beginning to feel is the best way ever - especially for those who find it impossible to sit with a straight back.......The persimmon trees are full of orange fruit.  The pistachio nut trees Dad bought from California many years ago are flame red now.  Colors are beginning to fade, but still I see reds, yellows, rust, brown and, of course, green of the pines.  The white of the labyrinth stones becomes brighter it seems with each rain.  It is quiet as only it can be here.  Of course, stillness and quiet exist at other places I've been, but this is my personal "special place" sitting in my grass chair looking over the Pond with only the refrigerator motor singing to me.  No other sounds.   And when the motor stops-----lovely silence.  My life seems to expand and soar in these gaps.  Nothing hurts.  Everything is good.  My soul begins to sing.

Pod Sisters are Here

The last few days disappeared!  Pod sisters, Sara and Nancy arrived Thursday, Faye yesterday.  Each one has now had an illumination/extraction with Todd or me and also a beautiful fire (Thanks to Todd) in the pit outside the Yogatorium last night where Millie joined us and we did a bit of drumming and fire watching - even an attempt at chanting - BUT, I need to work on my leadership there a bit.  By December 21 when we hold our drumming circle here I'll be ready.  And, we made squash soup (Sara's contribution - she's always bringing along delightful recipes and food - and does the preparation!!!) which is super good.  This morning, the knitting is back in swing.  Faye is working on a beautiful brown and gold colors and Sara a complicated pattern that took the two of them quite a while to interpret. ...... Beamer, Nancy's lab, is also keeping us company.  What a joy to share space with my Claritas friends - we've been meeting four weekends a year - since the fall of 2005.  I'm truly a blessed woman.

Light Body School at Joshua Tree Retreat Center, CA

I'm back.  Not all the way mentally, but physically I'm here.   I'm sitting in my meditation chair looking at the rain and the surface of the Pond and the Labyrinth - coming back slowly to this world.  I'm stuck this morning on two lines from my daily prayer of opening sacred space:  to Father Sun:  Thank you for bringing us together and allowing us to Sing the Song of Life.  That's what I've been doing all last week at Joshua Tree Retreat Center east of Los Angeles in the High Desert.  Sixty of us from as far away as New Zealand and Sweden, Canada, Texas, New York, Gainesville, GA and Ninety Six SC.  And, of course, California and Colorado residents and others.  For seven days my friend Todd and I sang the song of life along with so many beautiful men and women.    We began our stay at 5:30 a.m. with a walk up the nearby mountain (well, actually just a hill) to watch the sunrise while the moon was still bright.  (At 8,000 feet it felt like a mountain.)........Our leaders were superb, their messages divinely inspired, and our lives enriched beyond words.  We were cleansed of no longer useful stuff and refilled with light at this West module of the Healing the Light Body School.  A spectacular full and nearly full moon graced us all week long.  At our final  Fire Ceremony on Friday evening, we watched a huge yellow moon rise while standing in a circle surrounding the fire.  Now, we are eagerly awaiting our drumming circle here at the Yogatorium on December 21.  Plan to join us.  You won't be sorry! But even before that, an all-day Yoga Retreat, Novembe 17.   (Find more details soon at www.yogatorium.com.)

Patience

Last night's spiritual sisters meeting was delightful and challenging.  Is it truly possible to LEARN to be patient?  We worked on it and I think made some progress.  Clearly, these lessons from Living Your Yoga are pushing our limits in some chapters.  What a joy to share this journey!  I hope that some of you are gaining a bit of insight just from reading my reactions to our work.  For me, patience while waiting in lines has gotten easy - but my patience with myself is not easy.  Why is it we are so very hard on ourselves?  Is somebody up there pushing our buttons?  Who's pushing your buttons?  You?

Breathing

Can't believe it's already Wednesday!  How do I get so busy?  Well, one thing I've done is I've begun knitting again - if you don't have something like that to do, find it - nothing calms me more quickly than knitting a few rows.  Today is another busy one - first by the DMV to get Kelsey's car registration - then over to Ashley House for a yoga session with the residents, then a couple of stops to complete getting stuff together for trip next week - Just bought some Airborne yesterday - had never heard of it but comes recommended by brother Jim and so I'll try it - last thing I want is to be under the weather while at Light Body School in Joshua Tree California!  Well, maybe that would be a good place to be to get healed!  Anyway, nothing of real importance to pass on this morning - too scatterbrained.  Did help to get in my morning meditation on my back on the floor - beginning to really get with that style.  Comes from Rosen's breathing book.  Then, of course, my Light Body School morning breathing routine that truly prepares me for the whole day by acknowledging all four directions and  Mother Earth and Father Sky, etc.  Come to the November 17 Yoga Retreat and I'll introduce you to both practices.

Haymonds Thanksgiving 2010

Missed taking a photo last year - but we won't this year!  It's Sunday morning - ending my stay in Atlanta today after I drop off Walker at another soccer game.  Yesterday was a fun one - drove an hour and a half to Clarkesville for soccer - then off he went to tennis in the afternoon - and away to spend the night again with a friend.  Kelsey, of course, is away at Clemson.  Sydney, too, a busy one - I really see very little of the kids but enjoy being here in their lovely home with Rex - who stays outside most of the time.  Truly a very easy child/dog-tending experience!  Soon they won't need me at all and there's something sad about that but also wonderful watching them develop into beautiful people.  Before I go home, I'll stop by Luke's home and see his family for a bit - again how blessed I am to have both sons and families living on the north side of Atlanta and only ten minutes from each other.  I've grown old enough to know for sure that family and friends are what life is all about - how blessed I am to have both! 

Illumination - Walks - Change

Looking North early morning from labyrinth center

Busy, busy days!  One day I did four illumination treatments (energy healing) - FOUR different people.  I pray some good came for them.  Of course, I'm still in the practice stage - and probably always will be - but it's an exciting time - learning so much about this process.  I am so very grateful to those who are subjecting themselves to my work.  This is opening many doors to me that I have never before been privileged to share.  One more special blessing that has come my way.  The more I practice, the more I study, and the more I learn - my most fun thing in life - learning.  And, walking - another great pleasure in my life.  Lately I've spent a lot of time walking the labyrinth - partly to try to subdue the fire ants who are extremely persistent - but also to simply enjoy the quiet and the rhythm of walking in a sacred space.  I've also resumed my road walking - another great joy in my life.  It always surprises me that I find myself smiling before I even get out of my driveway on my walks.  Of course, coming back up the hill to the drive my smile is somewhat forced - but still, it's there.  The fall is my favorite time to walk - the scenery changes every day.  Leaves that were green suddenly show a few red or yellow ones.  And, each day, more of the green changes to red or yellow or brown.   Change - another of my favorite things in life!

Dreams Don't Come

Friday is my day off - no appointments, no need to go to town, no visitors, just being - didn't get out of bed till 9:30.  Great time meditating to a new CD with a Native American twist - fell back asleep afterwards - but still no dreams!  Can't seem to make them come back no matter what I try.  Had only one remembered dream in weeks now.  Any suggestions!  I walked the labyrinth late in the afternoon, visited with soul mates, soaked in tub, spent time reading, writing, and meditating on spiritual matters, still no dreams. Oh well, maybe that means all is well????  Certainly seems to be.  Can't think of anything that is truly bothering me these days.  Thanks be to God!  Still, I'd like a pleasant dream!  By the way, the other ingredient in the waffles is 5-minute oatmeal, not garbanzos but they could be used instead of lentils.

Nutritious Waffles

I must show you the waffle Susan cooked for me Sunday morning!  On a George Foreman grill!  Tasted great - lentils, water, pecans, oil, and I've forgotten what else - garbanzos?  Anyhow, tasted great - later she switched to the waffle iron.  What a great time we had together over the weekend.  She's a super hostess! 

Show us the mountains

This morning during my morning ritual this request caught my attention:  Show us the mountains we only dare to dream of.   I've been praying that every morning for many weeks now but never truly contemplated it.  What are the mountains you only dare to dream of?  Some of mine were shown to me on my recent trip to Taos.  And still now, almost daily a few more dreamed of concepts come into being.  Or at least come back into my consciousness.  Isn't this how dreams come true?  Coming into consciousness repeatedly?  The trick is to choose our dreams carefully.  Someone wiser than I has said that what you think is what you become.  I begin there - choosing what I think.  At least some of the time.  Like now, this morning in the quiet of the morning gazing out over the Pond and watching the ripples the breeze makes.  All is still except those small ripples.  No, actually the wind chimes are swaying gently too, and my swing chair.  But no trees seem to be moving.  It is in the stillness that my dreams become. The mountains I dare to dream of show up.

Doing nothing.

The last two days have been busy preparing for guests.  Thank goodness someone visits relatively often - that's when I clean house.  And, then I can enjoy it for quite a while without any cleaning at all.  And that leaves time for meditation, contemplation, prayer, and just being....no doing.  One of my favorite mantras:  Don't just do something, sit there. Amazing how long it has taken me to find the joy of sitting.  There was a time, most of my life, when I was constantly on the move.  Now I give myself the gift of stopping and truly being - in the moment - at least once each day.  Usually much more often.  I once wrote an essay on finding God in the pauses.  Now I'm doing it.  ....This afternoon is a long pause when I am free - after a morning of getting the septic tank pumped out - locating the drainage problem - jury-rigging a temporary fix - and now settling down with a couple hours of doing nothing.  Have you read The Art of Doing Nothing?  It is an art worth cultivating.....In this state of doing nothing I've finally made the mental commitment to hold another yoga retreat - Nov. 17.  So, get ready - that day will be here sooner than we think!  Then you can practice doing nothing.

Reminiscing

Jaquie playing model in Taos backyard

So, here's another photo from Taos.  Can't quite give it up yet - what a terrific vacation it was - a totally different environment for two weeks!  Dry, high altitude (about 8,000 feet) clear blue skies, white clouds, and lots of wide open spaces.  Must go back again soon.....well, maybe not soon, but back sometime.   Now I'm back into yoga classes - a new prospective student for the Yogatorium who lives just down the road from me!  Never met her, but looking forward to doing so tonight.  Met with my church groups yesterday and assisted living group in Greenwood this morning.  Surprised me how much I had missed them...all of whom are very grateful for the opportunity to stretch a bit with me once a week.  Now it's time to plan another yoga retreat - shooting for November.  Perhaps the 17th?  And, practicing Illumination process...part of Healing the Light Body School learning. ...... Yesterday was fun seeing old high school classmates - old in both senses!  We hadn't gathered for several years but did yesterday for a few minutes at Felder Dorn's book signing at McCaslan's - where we reminisced about buying our school textbooks - long before the schools supplied them.  That store has been in business a very long time! Fun remembering fun times together.

Space to Just Be

Here I sit looking out over the Pond at the labyrinth and big rolls of hay.  A neighbor leases the pasture land which is now converted to hay fields since he keeps his cows on his own land across the road.  I don't recall seeing the hay rolls before. (Are these called bales, too - like the rectangular ones are?  Don't see them very often any more.)  How neat everything looks over there now.  Greens and browns.  No autumn color in the trees yet but it can't be long.  Yesterday was a gray one misting rain most of the day and turning to deep fog by the time students were leaving the Yogatorium.  First session upon returning from vacation in Taos.  Still recovering from the long drive, but I loved it.  There is something about driving across country crossing rivers, mountain ranges, and flat lands that is comforting.  New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennesee, North Carolina, and South Carolina.  How fortunate we are to have a peaceful place to be with much space to just be.  I wonder how many square feet of space each one of us actually has in this country?  My own 53 acres seems more than my share.  So, I attempt to share it with others often.

Home from Taos

It's over.  A great vacation that has renewed my spirit, expanded my horizons, and inspired me to MORE.  Here's me posing against the backyard fence in Taos.  The other photos are one of the valleys we passed through on the way down to I-40 from Taos.  The golden aspens are so beautiful against the Ponderosa pines at higher elevations and Pinon at lower occasionally.  What a difference to see only gold - no reds - which we did begin to see in the Appalachians as we came into Asheville yesterday. 

Sweat Lodge and Fire Pit - Arroyo Hondo near Taos

Planning to leave early in the morning - so I'll do a write now.  Mainly, just wanted to send you the photo of the sweat lodge and fire pit where the rocks were cooked last Saturday evening.  This experience was truly a memorable one - effects felt particularly clearly three days later.  I woke knowing I had an experience that I needed to continue growing spiritually that I probably could not have created in other way.  The controlled breathing I did, the community within, the leader, and the prayers, songs, and chants; those outside the lodge handling the rocks, and whatever else needed doing.  I guess I'll leave it at that.  The photo will appear above.

Sally's Readings and Sick Cat

Today started off a bit unusually.  Several calls to the owners and a visit to the vet first thing with Shugie, the male cat with AIDs and recently dosed for pneumonia - He had begun wheezing again so off we went first thing to the vet.  Turned out to be a fun visit - the guy was full of jokes!  Anyhow, back home now with drops to give Shugie again tonight, but already he is up and about much more freely - no doubt the shot and drops the vet gave him.  So, we're off to Orlando's for a New Mexican lunch after yoga at noon.  Then, a bit of shopping, back home to clean house, do laundry, and basically get packed to leave.  I will go back out to Jim's this evening for an energy treatment this time.  Last evening was just conversation - a great one.  I'm learning a lot from him and enjoying every minute of it.  Before that, Sally came by and led us up to her home high in the mountains - a beautiful adobe home with lots of glass expanse to enjoy the view.  She is clairvoyant and gave me a super reading - full of meaning.  Then, a Tarot reading for Susan.  I think mine was far more exciting!  Three men are to show up in my life:  a frog, a serpent, and a turtle!  Not quite sure what all the characteristics of each are but I presume I'll learn as I go along.  Wonder which will show up first?  Is one already in my social circle?  Who?  Could all of these aspects be in one man?  Who?  Sorry I didn't get a photo of the readings.  But, I'll remember them!!!  Thanks, Sally!

Sage Smudge Sticks etc.

Susan making Sage Smudge Sticks

Wednesday - the time is running out - only two days left.  Seems so many things left to see and do, but it will be good to get back home, too.  Yesterday we spent time in the Rio Grande river gorge a few miles out of town.  Susan hiked down into the canyon to hot springs pools that feed into the river.  I stayed up top gathering stones.  The trail looked too dangerous for me and my weak ankles.  Both of us had a great time - the site is soooo serene - inspiring - perfect for going inward - which is what I've been doing a lot of here.   It's so easy!  The wide open bright blue skies with absolutely sparkling white clouds, watching the rain storms come toward us from across the landscape, the dusty side roads, the sagebrush everywhere with its lovely yellow blossoms, the friendly folks always eager to give directions, usually beginning with "just turn left (or right, or go straight through) the " old blinking light", a stop light that no longer blinks, and you're on your way to wherever....While out at the canyon Susan collected some sagebrush and  made smudge sticks last evening.  So far, my sneezes, runny nose, and dripping eyes are not bad - been using my neti pot at least once each morning - so we may collect some more.  Smudging seems to be a frequent practice, and it is fun, so we'll do more of it at the Yogatorium and labyrinth in future gatherings.  Don't ask me when - right now I'm flying on a cloud of pure joy out here.  Will come back down to earth next week.

Sweat Lodge and Lama Foundation Retreat Center

Jaquie at Lama Foundation labyrinth

Lama Open Ceremonial Structure

Sorry I've been neglecting you. Much is going on. The sweat lodge experience Saturday evening was quite different from the one I did in Montana a few years ago.  I was pleasantly surprised that I was able to stay all four rounds - about four hours elapsed from the time we entered until we left (although we did have a short exit break for some of us following the second round.)- with no physical problems other than being drenched in sweat the whole time!  There were about 18 of us together listening to each other's prayers and chanting together and listening to individuals singing, etc.  You really have to be there to understand and appreciate the experience.  I am so grateful for having been a part of the entire ceremony.  Following - we ate potluck supper at about 11:00 pm, visited and had a closing ceremony in Jim's home......Sunday we spent at the Lama Foundation spiritual retreat center on the western slopes of the Sangre de Cristo mountains  at 8,600 feet.  It was 1967 when the first steps took place to open the retreat site and it has been continuously in operation since 1968 - one of very few lasting hippie hangouts from the 60's.  Sunday was the closing day for this year and was filled with a tour, a puppet show, delightful vegetarian lunch,  and dances of universal peace.....Monday, yesterday, I spent in recovery at home except for a short shopping trip to Mexican stuff stores.....Last evening, a friend from the sweat lodge experience came for supper and sleep in a house (she had been camping out for a couple weeks).  She's off to another camp site for a few days before returning to Florida where she lives.  Today?  Not quite sure what yet.  Will report tomorrow.

Miscellany

Saturday morning Farmer's Market visit first - brought home lovely plums, pears, kale, lettuce, grass- fed ground beef, all organically grown, of course.  We have really been eating delicious food the whole time we've been here - very little New Mexican but what we have eaten has been super delicious.  Today is hydrating day getting set for sweat lodge this evening.  I'm a bit apprehensive, but can't resist the happening.  I've promised myself to be careful and leave the lodge if necessary.  Understand there may be as many as 20 people participating. .....We visited a beautiful, luxurious spa near our house yesterday and took photos (on Susan's camera, so I can't send them) in the beautiful surroundings.  Lots of waterfalls and pools, statuary, hidden small patios, etc.  Even apple trees bearing so much fruit the ground was covered beneath one.......and they are all over town, loaded with fruit.....magpies are also everywhere - don't recall ever seeing one before - beautiful birds!  One tree nearby is a nesting area for vultures - so we are careful walking along the sidewalk there.  Ravens, of course, are here too.  Enough.  More tomorrow.

Abominable Snowmansion

Abominable Snowmansion in September

 Friday - a free day with nothing scheduled.  Kind of a time to sit back and plan the next week of our trip.  Great evening last - Tito la Rosa, Peruvian shaman did a two-hour concert playing several different Peruvian instruments while walking around the yoga studio among those of us seated on pillows on the floor.  It was inspiring, delightful evening - even sitting two hours!  That was last night.  During the day we spent time at the Taos Spa for a Feldenkrais session (on our backs the entire hour) which was a great session - will incorporate some into my teaching, for sure.  Susan stayed at the  spa for three or four hours doing all kinds of stuff while I did a bit of shopping - skimpy clothes for the sweat lodge tomorrow.  Then, a hot tub soak, and home for lunch and naps.  We have managed to do at least one exciting thing each day so far - who knows what might happen yet today!  The photo is of a building I found funny - If you click on it, you can enlarge and read - but for those who won't do that, it says "The Abominable Snowmansion."  It is in a tiny town nearby - Arroyo Seco - halfway between the ski slopes and Taos.

Red Willow Tribe - Taos Pueblo

It's Thursday already - weve been doing a lot of stuff so seems we've been here longer than we have.  Yesterday was full with a trip to the Taos Pueblo - Red Willow Tribe - with much fun going in and out of the small adobe homes with shops in them.  Not a whole bunch of buying, but lots of looking.  Truly fun to realize they have a stream running through the pueblo that comes from up in the mountains and serves as their drinking water.  Yes, it is tested frequently to be sure it is pure.  About a hundred people live inside the walls of the pueblo but what we saw mostly were tourists.   Here's a photo of the church on the pueblo where we intend attending mass Sunday morning at 7:00.  Off to yoga!

Shamanic Journey



Center of Labyrinth at Mable Dodge Luhan House

 Monday was a busy one - A delightful yoga class with Genevieve at Shree Yoga right off the Plaza a couple blocks.  I learned a new pose - "inch worm" - which I will teach when I return - not easy, but fun.  The hour was well spent - felt better all day.  The highlight of the evening was a shamanic journey with 6 of us at Jim's home a few miles from Arroyo Seco.  First off I took the wrong map Sally had drawn for us - to her house rather than to Jim's - but a short phone call fixed that and we arrived in plenty of time.  He opened sacred space, smudged us all, did a long guided visualization and then drummed for 20 minutes.  Afterwards we shared and it was amazing to me how much we shared that was the same..  This was my first experience lying on the floor (sort of like savasana) and going where the drum beats took me.  To a jungle and a meeting with jaguar, hummingbird, serpent, and turtle......Some of you will not have the slightest idea what I'm talking about - if so, just chalk it up to one of Jaquie's crazy interests and let it go..........Anyhow it was fun and I hope to enjoy more similar stuff while here.  .....This morning we're doing a bit of laundry, and just lazying around. 

Touristing - Mabel Dodge Luhan House in Taos

Another great day yesterday.  Did yoga in the backyard among the quaking aspens - leaves not golden yet - but still gorgeous site.  Spent a delightful walk and time at Mabel Dodge Luhan house and grounds.  She was a wealthy socialite who came here in 1918 from Buffalo, NY and married a full-blooded Taos Pueblo man by the name of Tony Luhan, her 4th husband.  (He and his buddies built the major portion of the house and other buildings.)  The part of the house under the portal (low part) is 200 years old.  The rest was added in the 20s. If you look closely, you can see roosters perched on top of the weather vane and roof of the low section.  That's me in the center.  In addition, there are several more buildings and a rock labyrinth - a BIG one.

It's me in the middle of the labyrinth.  Susan is in the center photo.  (The photos and the text keep moving around as I write this.)........  It's hard to describe how much we are both enjoying this place.  It's like being in a foreign country!  I spent much of yesterday reading shaman stuff in preparation for tonight's journey with Jim Langerich.  Beginning to get a little better feel for what shamanism is all about. .......Susan is stuck in 50 Shades of Gray on my Kindle.......  The five cats are doing well - in spite of the fact that I had been closing the utility room door where their litter box is (unknown to me) - No wonder they keep staying outside so much!  At least the litter is still clean - the garbage truck came before we thought to empty it. (I did get the can to the street.)   Maybe next week we'll have something to add from the cat box!  ....I give up - this write is driving me nuts with its mobility!  Too lazy to learn how to manipulate the pics and words.

Sunday morning.  A great day again yesterday. Major event - out to a bar for a couple hours - first for both of us in quite a while.  The Taos Inn has live music (VERY good) 6 nights a week! So, we may have found a home!  Nothing to write home about - except the drinks - Cowboy Buddha margaritas!  Don't ask me what was different - I had a non-alcoholic $8 orange juice with lime.  Still playing this game for a while.  Before the trip is over, I may have to at least try one of those Cowboy Buddhas.  Saw a couple potential dance partners but nothing exceptional enough to make a play.....as you can see - we're really on vacation!  ..... Most fun was trip to the Farmer's Market and a visit with Bonnie, the palm reader.  Seems to us she was right on!  We each took notes while the other was being read and even after reviewing those, we agreed we heard some plausible ideas.  Not sure about the past-life vocations as healers?  Lots of synchronicity going on - not only that - both of us healers - but this morning we both weighed 127.5 lbs!  What is going on here?  At the market, all organic stuff, we bought beets, broccoli, chard, Italian Torpedo onion, pears, goat cheese, blueberry scone, etc.  At Cid's the night before Susan bought purple potatoes - purple all the way through - not just the skin!  ........We're cat sitting - so thought I'd send a photo of two of the five - sitting in my chair in the back yard - the orange chair.

Taos Orientation with Mya

Wally and Mya just left for two weeks of camping north on the lakes near the Canadian border.  Yesterday was a super one - I had a "Taos moment" they call it when at a consignment shop named "Pieces" I found pottery dishes from my wedding breakfast pattern - all of which had been broken for several years now and I had been hoping to buy some of - 6 plates, 6 saucers, 4 cups of the Stangl fruit pattern which I got nearly 60 years ago - all for $16!  I am overjoyed!  Of course, lots more wonderful bargains are still waiting there.  Then Mya continued escorting us around to other places we need to know about - to a delightful lunch at the Dragonfly - to rock shops - to two different shopping malls of all kinds of delightful local art work - and to a spa with everything from weight rooms, tread mills and reclined bikes, zumba to old folks yoga, swimming pool, two hot tubs, etc. ...So now we know how to use this town.  We've found the "whole foods" store called Cid's, labyrinths await us, and even WalMart where I bought a camera so soon I can include some photos on my posts - forgot mine - so we've been oriented well.  This morning we're off to the Farmer's Market and a palm reader, not what one would normally find at a Farmer's Market - but remember, this is Taos!

Taos - with Wally and Mya

We're here!  Arrived yesterday about 3:00 after long ride over the mountains from I-40 up through Las Vegas (NM) where we had a delightful lunch at Estella's cafe (Susan had eaten here before) which has been in business since 1950, which doesn't seem so long ago to me.  New Mexico food is a very distant relative of Mexican and much more to my liking.  True, the beans and rice accompany, but my tacos were home-made shells, very light, and the stuffing was tomatoes, arugula and cilantro, etc. organically grown locally.  Believe me, nothing like Las Cacadas in Ninety Six.  Then last evening we ate out here in Taos where I had a chili relleno en novado which was stuffed with ground beef, pear, apple, raisins, topped with becan and brandy cream sauce!  Nectar from the Gods!  Surely beats the stuffed bell pepper I had years ago at a Mexican restaurant in Greenville.....Las Vegas plaza was fun - bought a lovely tinware piece from the artist and had a long history of Las Vegas lesson from him.  Visited with a man carving an "immigrant farm laborer" from a standing tree that was dying.  In the plaza that's what they are doing as the trees begin to die they hire an artist to carve statues from them. The Plaza Hotel was delightful.  We only looked, but would love to sleep there some time.  Many movies filmed there.  ........Then a long drive in the rain!  We actually were driving in the clouds at a couple of points and rain like they haven't seen before - at least Wally and Mya hadn't - and it is still cloudy this morning.  The house is lovely - lots of wood everywhere - back yard with beautiful quaking aspens - and we have four cats with us.  Wally and Mya will leave Saturday but for now we're getting a running expo on the area so we'll feel right at home by then.  What a gift!  This house sitting might become a habit!

Stopped by a cop

In an Amarillo  Travelodge motel tonight - had to move from first room because the room above sprung a leak and was dripping into our bathroom - then can't get water out of the faucet here without strong-arming the thing - but otherwise an OK place.  Long ten hours of driving today - but we had yesterday off visiting with Susan's family in Longview which was a delight.  Ate lunch at the Cotton Patch with her father who is now 99 and had a great southern meal cooked to perfection!  Supper was good ole Texas barbecue!  ....... The greatest event of today's travel - I got stopped in Merino (or something like that) by a very handsome cop who smilingly told me I was going 70 in a 45 mph zone.  Couldn't find my driver's license.  Did manage to come up with the car registration.  About then, he started smiling like crazy and asking me to be more cautious and backing away.  I'm convinced it was my aura - he just couldn't break through it!  (Some of you will know what I'm talking about - others don't care.)  Susan is convinced he thought I was a nun (I was wearing my Celtic cross.)  but I think it was simply my aura.  I'm telling you, this emergy healing is strong stuff!  Finally found the driver's license in a bank money envelope after he drove away.  Those nuts make you give them your license to cash a check now and return it in the tube sealed with the money.  Of course, I forgot to get it out - but fortunately it was in the console.  Oh well, so much for today.  Nighty-night.

New experiences

First night, Saturday, we spent with Reid and Michael and son Liam.  Fascinating evening with dinner at an Indian food restaurant where Indians eat!  Little India. - What a joy to be in Atlanta where such can happen - even in the South.  And what a joy to get to know Reid and Michael better.  Tempted to sign up for Michael's comprehensive course on energy healing coming up in January.  Is it even halfway reasonable for me to travel to Atlanta once every single week for who knows how long?  May be more than even I can commit to.  ........Yesterday we left Atlanta with unbelievable stupidity on my part - we missed exits (one of A or B) three or four times.  I don't remember seeing such when you first have to take an exit where both A and B go and LATER split off to the one desired.  Anyhow, took three of them to teach me.  We went in circles around Perimeter Road (285).  After that, smooth sailing.  Particularly after we got to I-20.  Ended up driving 12 hours to Longview, TX to spend night with Susan's sisters.....Unfortunately, I forgot my camaera, so unless I can learn how to connect my phone to my computer and send photos that way, you'll be out of luck.  I will try hard to learn how to do that - I know photos make the posts much more enjoyable.  But first, I have to learn how to take photos with the camera.  Actually I've already taken one - now if I can just remember what I did and learn what to do with them.........Oh well, that's what vacations are for......new experiences.

On our Way!

Today's the day!  Susan and I will leave at 3:30 and stay over with Reid Susan's stepdaughter, in Decatur,  GA, then off again early in the morning headed for Taos.  I am so excited - I travel enough to know how beautiful the experience can be and New Mexico is my favorite place - so far - well, maybe Kinsale Ireland was even better - but you never know!  One of the joys of traveling is the unknown - Nothing expands one's horizons like travel.  Yep, my horizons keep on getting expanded.  More as we go.

Relationships



Jaquie Rattling



Millie,Todd, Debby

 Last evening while Diana, Millie and I gathered to share thoughts from Living Your Yoga my writing came up and I realized writing is something that brings me great pleasure - a pleasure I have neglected lately.  So, get ready for a spurt of writing to show up.  It's not that I have been denying myself pleasures - goodness gracious! I have been having more fun lately than I have in a long time!  See the photo from the Blue Moon evening - That's real joy shining forth!  But much more is going well for me, too.  One is the joy of friends now living in the Cabin!  See Todd playing the flute - meanwhile his "drum" is waiting - it's the upside down bucket like several attendees used - Millie playing a djembe, and Debby enjoying the whole event.  Todd and Millie have moved into the Cabin.  Debby hasn't moved into the cabin, but she has moved into an important spot in my life as a good friend and willing frequent substitute teacher for my chair yoga class!  It is becoming clear to me that true happiness is based on relationships.  The longer I live here in my beautiful surroundings on the property where I grew up, the more important the people in my life become.  Yes, it's true.  I hide from people often and just be.  But much of that alone time is spent relishing my friends and family letting it all sink in deeply - relishing the joy of those who somehow or another keep showing up.  What a blessing to have new friends to share my space...to be in my space with me.

Drumming Circle Success

What a great time we had Friday evening!  There were 18 of us walking the labyrinth, drumming, dancing around the fire, meditating, etc.  The moon wasn't really blue - but it did finally shine over the pines about 10:00 pm - And, even still visible the next morning as I drove away to Atlanta for the day.  We're planning another drumming circle for the Winter Solstice - Hold that in mind - ........Thanks to each one of you who were here Friday evening.  I am so glad you brought friends - pass the word around so that we can have an equally well attended - mabe even more? for the next one in December.  Photos are Denise (facilitator), Debbie dancing in the foreground, and me drumming her drum while Denise cleansed the circle with sage.  Many more photos - thanks to Pat!

Home from Omega

Sorry - no energy left for writing thoughtfully tonight - but I promise a post tomorrow.

Omega Learning

Todd, a yoga student and my Reiki teacher, and I left early yesterday morning and ended up in Frackville, PA on the road to Rhinebeck, NY (I had to google fracking - see I'm always learning new things!)  finally I am going to get to a workshop at Omega Institute.   Unfortunately Millie had to stay home to work - wish she could be with us......I have envied friend Kathy for years now watching her go to various educational programs at Omega and now I will have my chance too. ...... Yes, learning is truly important to me - probably the most necessary activity I do to remain healthy mentally, physically, and spiritually.  The first two seem to be pretty well satisfied for the time being, but the thirst for more spiritual truth goes on and on and even though I feel and see at a new level occasionally, that seems to simply spur me on to more investigation and even more questions!  So, this week I will do more investigation of energy healing to invigorate my yoga practice, expand my Reiki training, and my life in total.  What a kick to be traveling!  Another of my absolute NEEDS to be happy.

Frog

Just had to share this with you - first time in several years I've been able to get a pic of tree frog.  Their chorus is sooo delightful in the evenings - like a whole orchestra performing just for me as I sit in my swing chair on the porch and darkness comes.  When I caught this little girl/fellow? on the wall of the carport shed - the God connection between me and all the rest of the critters came to me and I enjoyed the moment.  The present moment - they are hard to come by - seem too busy to enjoy them fully very often.  So, my little frog and I did - for a few moments. 

Hallelujah Moments

Yesterday a halllelujah moment occurred in my family's life.  My son Luke and his two sons Jack and Sam were baptized in their home church in John's Creek? (Atlanta) and I was there.  (Susan took the photo.)  Such a beautiful memory to actually be there with them and share communion - their first.  Afterwards we had a ddelightful brunch at Egg Harbor.  On the ride back home, I had three hours to relish this momentous event.  All I know to say is "Hallelujah."

Unconditional Love

This morning I woke thinking of this term unconditional love and reviewing how I use it and what it truly means to me.  I have begun using the term frequently when practicing Reiki.  The words are - "I offer Reiki (energy healing) to ________ with unconditional love for her/his highest purpose and greatest good."  I didn't invent that - just use it and in so doing it has come to me a clearer understanding of what unconditional love is.  Not only that, I've become more adept at actually practicing it - giving unconditional love.  I'm writing about this for my own growth, but also to share with you the notion of  considering unconditional love and what it might mean to you.   Honestly, I am not very good at it - by my definition - but my definition and my thought processes are coming together more frequently and thus in practice.....I'd love for you to share thoughts on this with me.....Can you tell yesterday was a quiet day for me?

Plum Branch Friend

What a beautiful Friday!  It rained last night and this morning I was walking the labyrinth in a very light misting rain that provided an unusually spiritual setting.  It's hard to avoid God in such surroundings - so I don't - I just join in the beauty.........  Yesterday afternoon I spent a delightful hour with Denise Chrislip in Plum Branch - her skills are unbelievable!  She has built her own home and yoga studio and other buildings doing 95% of the work herself!  She makes beautiful drums from gourds (and other materials) gourds bigger than any I've ever seen.  Her leather work is lovely - and jewelry.  She is also a fellow yoga teacher - her specialty is Kriya yoga so I'll get a chance to learn more about that with which I've had little experience.  I'm sure I've missed something.  Any way, two souls met in Plum Banch yesterday.  What an experience.  Sorry I didn't take any photos.  Next time I will.

Rocks and Drums

Here's a new photo of the labyrinth taken  from the end of the west direction facing east.  Notice the new third circle of rocks!  It has been suggested we have a drumming circle here August 31 - Blue Moon night.  Anyone interested?  I just recently received my new little drum - in the photo resting beside my Celtic bodhran  (boh-rahn) purchased in Ireland years ago.  If you're interested in coming, let me know.  We could all walk the labyrinth that evening also, of course.

Rocks in the Labyrinth

Every now and then we make friends with people who make a significant impact on our lives.  Millie and Todd are two of my newest friends to do this.  They are loyal yoga students to begin with - but much more than that.  For example, yesterday they hauled rocks (AGAIN) and added them to the labyrinth.  (This is a before picture) It is growing by leaps and bounds now instead of one rock at a time.  If you'd like, bring your rock (any size at all will find a home) and add it.  If you'll give it to me first, I'll put the source and date on it with permanent ink.  If you've never walked the labyrinth, you don't know what a spiritual experience it can be--come try it anytime - you don't even have to say hello to me - just walk.

Drum Circle at Flat Rock

Sunday morning - finally I'll get back to church this morning - been away a few weeks while on vacation etc.  But, must report on yesterday's adventure first.  Millie and Todd took me with them to Flat Rock to a Drum circle - probably 50 people there - beautiful setting beside a lovely lake with many lotus blossoms - sorry they were closing when I was there so no photo - but one of the drum circle with those who couldn't resist the rhythm without moving their bodies also - and the red streamers made it even more fun to watch.  All of us had a chance to play a drum and/or other sound makers.  I had ordered a drum for myself just the day before - so now I know a bit about what to do with it when it arrives.  We had a vegetarian supper, talked with many people of many different stripes, and had a fun drive conversing about all kinds of stuff from the Chick Filet incident to personal stories we had not shared  before.  All in all, a lovely experience I'll be looking to repeat soon.  Maybe even at the Yogatorium!  Who has a drum?  Are you interested? Let me know and we'll give it a try - after all we did attend a drum circle facilitator's class yesterday so we know a bit about it.

Compassion - the Enemy is Us

Last evening my spiritual sisters and I considered compassion and discovered difficulty understanding how we might learn to have compassion for ourselves - suggested as a prerequisite for having compassion for others. Part of the problem is accepting that we suffer.  It's difficult to avoid comparing our own situation to the global situations and coming up with any clear evidence of suffering.  A key word came to me this morning - judging.  When we find ourselves judging ourselves harshly - no matter what for - express compassion for OURSELVES.  Remember the comic strip Pogo?  That's where we got We have met the enemy and he is us.  When I judge myself harshly and notice it - I will immediately express kindness to myself for the error.  My plan is to try to notice daily harsh judgments - wherever I may express them.  Wish me luck.

Relinquishing what I am

  I must be willing to give up what I am in order to become what I will be......Einstein.   That's the hard part - giving up what I am.  When that is conquered, the rest follows naturally, or so it seems to me.  Somehow, the guidance steps in when we empty.  I find guidance in the pauses.

Self-grasping and Self-cherishing

This morning's reading has blown my mind.  I must share it with you.  One sentence says it all:  You can have no greater ally in your war against your greatest enemy, your own self-grasping and self-cherishing, than the practice of compassion.  ......from The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying, p. 189.  I know a few friends are studying this book with me and might enjoy contemplating this sentence with me.