Three Books to Guide Your Intuition
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Do you consider yourself an intuitive person? These three books offer insight and tools for increasing your powers of instinct.
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My New Favorite Yoga and Poetry Book
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If you want money in more than anything,
you'll be bought and sold.
If you have a greed for food,
you'll be a loaf of bread.
This is a subtle truth:
whatever you love, you are.
-Rumi
This poem is excerpted from my new favorite book, Mala from the Heart: 108 Sacred Poems. It is a beautiful collection of poems by great sages, saints and mystics. Most are less than a page in length, so you can easily drop in and experience the words and the peaceful space they create.
Much in the same way that a yoga practice works, the breaths in between are what leave you feeling renewed and at peace.
Highly recommend this book! Great for before or after a yoga practice, or in the evening with a glass of wine. Namaste.
PS You can purchase the book from New World Library Publishing...they have some other amazing yoga titles too! I also recommend Pick Your Practice by Meagan McCrary, especially for yoga beginners!
Yoga Books: Going Om (Real Life Stories On and Off the Yoga Mat)
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I just finished reading GoingOm: Real Life Stories On and Off the Yoga Mat, edited by Melissa Carroll. This
is my favorite yoga book of 2014!
It’s such a beautiful collection of personal narratives from
talented authors. Each story is a glimpse into what it really means to be a
yogi, how the experience spills over into real life. The way asana illuminates
the truths of life. The laughable moments of what sometimes goes on in a yoga
class… and the deeper reflections that show us how they lead to healing.
Photo via Pinterest.
The writing in these essays is effortless – sometimes witty
and clever, sometimes heartbreaking. What I love about the book is the raw
honesty that comes through, and the way that the book is as much about what it
means to be human as it is about what it means to do yoga. I’d highly recommend
it, whether you’re a seasoned yogi or someone who wants to learn more about
yoga.
Here are a few excerpts I really loved. The first is about
how yoga helps us see our bodies with compassion, instead of criticism; the
second is a beautiful description of how yoga can be captured using photography—and
how the real yoga is in the shedding of the ego. Enjoy!
Photo via Pinterest.
from Being Seen by Emily Rapp
Yoga changed the relationship I have with my body by forcing me to understand that it was not a fixed entity to control but an embodied presence to be enjoyed.
I found that some days I could balance, some days I could not. I found that I had more upper-body strength than I had counted on. I found that I stopped worrying about the way I looked doing a pose, and just found a way to do it. I stopped trying to be good.
Photo via Pinterest.
One day, in the middle of practice, on a day when I was finding the poses particularly difficult, the teacher approached me and said, "You have a beautiful practice." I had always wanted to hear that I had a beautiful body, althought I knew part of me would always resist that that could possibly be true. I felt, in that moment of acknowledgement, seen. Not for looking a particular way or for conforming to some norm, but for simply being present in that room, in the moment...
True yoga isn't about being technically skilled, and it's never about being good, as hard as it is to believe these statements. It's about being prsent, being alive, and for me, being truly seen. Now, instead of thinking, I will never be good at yoga, I think, I love to do yoga. A subtle change, but a transformative one.
Photo via Pinterest.
from Broga by Alan Shaw
One picture slayed me. Dru is in a south Tampa yoga studio, a few years younger than she is now, her hair noticeably shorter. The picture shows her hovering over the floor. Wearing a red top and pink yoga pants, she's inclined forward in Eight-Angle Pose. She holds her upper body in a lowered push-up position, and her legs bent around to her right. One leg is fed under her arm and the other over, and she's twisted them at the ankle.
I've seen her in this pose in three other photos from the album, and each one just knocks me out. The casual strength it must have taken, the years of focusing on her core, her form. She's exhibiting in the photos the strength I chase each time I practice yoga. The power in her body I see each time I look at this photo kills me and reminds me of why I fell for her.
It's in her eyes. She's looking at the camera, face placid as a still lake at dawn. No sweat on her brow, or grimace marring her mouth, no red flushing across her cheeks.
She's at peace.
And there's no pride in her expression.
Photo via Pinterest.
Many thanks to the team at Cleis Press for sharing the book. Namaste.
Indie Spiritualist: A No Bullshit Exploration of Spirituality (Book Review)
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Photos via Indie Spiritualist website and on Facebook.
- Chris Grosso, Indie Spiritualist
Being true with ourselves is so important. This has been surfacing again and again in my life lately: how, at a very deep level, yoga is a practice of being real.
For all its fancy postures and esoteric spiritual practices, yoga is, quite simply, a way of tuning in to what exactly is happening in the present moment.
I may be on my mat, in a posture (asana), feeling what it feels like to breathe (pranayama). Or maybe I'm choosing to treat others with kindness (ahimsa) in a moment where I want to react in anger.
Yoga helps us detach from needing everything to be perfect, and instead just to feel, to allow, to explore, to truly connect.
He says:
True spirituality embraces all of this [life]: the beauty
that is almost too much to bear, as well as the paint hat leads some to the
brink of insanity. It’s all grist for the mill. We practice our asanas and
mantras, prayers and aspirations, and that’s great; but are they serving to strengthen
our identification as a “spiritual person” or to help us release our
identification with that illusion, and in the process deepen our exploration of
more than meets the eye?
I like Chris' down-to-earth approach to exploring what it means to be human. Following his story, I really connected with the idea of him as a seeker, someone wanting to grow, and let go. And his path is not easy -- he falls down, he feels hopeless, he messes up -- but, ultimately, he chooses to keep going.
I was very inspired by his honesty, and the way he embraces all of his experiences (including the road from addiction to recovery) with an open heart.
If I am to be truly responsible for myself, then I have to accept discomfort and acknowledge the aspects of myself that scare the shit out of me and make my heart sink, because this is where the true healing can begin.
These were two other passages that really resonated:
The gift of desperation
“I was blessed with what the twelve-step fellowships call ‘the
gift of desperation,’ which means that I’d hit such a rock bottom that I was
finally able to surrender. I had nothing left to hold on to, and nothing
holding me back. I was completely bankrupt in every sense of the word – morally,
spiritually, emotionally, and physically – which allowed me to completely let
go. In turn, letting go allowed for true inner spiritual growth to begin.”
The fear behind the fear
“As I kept moving forward with my recovery, I began to
explore the reasons I was so scared to look at the things that sucked in my
life—self-loathing, fear, emotional scars, and other baggage. I began to see
clearly the futile nature of fear behind
the fear. And herein lies a perfect opportunity to explore why we’re scared
to take an honest look at the unpleasant things in our life (besides the obvious
fact that they’re unpleasant). And more importantly, to figure out what we can
do today to begin making even small steps toward changing that.”
Thank you, Chris, for sharing your story, for choosing not to hide, and for being true to yourself. Namaste.
Mantra and Manifestation with Steve Gold
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Last weekend I had the pleasure of practicing a vinyasa flow class with live music from Steve Gold, and then attending his workshop on Mantra and Manifestation. Both were incredible yoga experiences!
It was so powerful to sing during class, to be freely
encouraged to make noise and to express from the heart. The studio was
jam-packed, yogis lined up like little sardines. There’s always something
exciting about a full room and I was inspired by the energy created by all of
us moving and breathing together.
And I have to say it was pretty magical singing So Much Magnificence and feeling the
voices resonate in the room during savasana. If you haven’t heard that song,
you should definitely check it out.
During the workshop, Steve dove into an exploration of
mantra.
We sang om namah
shivaya, a mantra close to my heart. You may remember, I have it tattooed
on my right ankle :)
Though the Sanskrit words are hard to translate, some
interpret the phrase as “I am that I am.” The breakdown of each word can be explained
with various definitions:
- Om: the universal sound; an exuberant roar of joy; “yes!”; verily; so be it; amen
- Namah: to bow; “I invite this energy into my heart”
- Shiva: that which contains all things; all possibility; maximum expansion; the destroyer of ignorance
When chanting om namah
shivaya, I acknowledge my higher Self. I acknowledge all aspects of my
being, and all possibilities for what may come. I ground myself, considering
the path I walk. I see the path clearly before me. Om namah shivaya. I am that I am.
The words have such power, and for me personally, they
conjure up a lot of memories of the past year when I chanted as a way to invite
strength into my life. When we sang the first time during Steve’s workshop, I couldn’t
help but tear up.
Om namah shivaya, Om shanti
Om namah shivaya, Om shanty
The words felt like such a relief, and the collective sound
of the chant brought me into a space of light, peace, and comfort.
After explaining the meaning of the mantra and letting us
experience it firsthand, Steve launched into a compelling story about moving to
Hawaii in his 20s. His goal was to cast aside physical and material
attachments, to detach from society in pursuit of enlightenment. He encountered
several wise mentors and spiritual texts along the way, and was surprised to
find that while the adventure was initially very appealing, he couldn’t sustain
this simple life of living in a hut, spending days by a waterfall with his
guitar, and doing yoga and meditation.
Perhaps most surprising was finding confirmation that his
path toward enlightenment didn’t have
to look like that of a monk.
He was struck by the words in the Gospel of Sri Rama Krishna that stood in stark contrast to the
lifestyle of his spiritual quest:
As long as you have desires, you must exhaust them.
Later, another teacher put it in this way: All
of us seek something to do, and someone to love.
Why not discover what it is you seek, and run after it
exuberantly?
So often in yoga and spiritual circles, we hear about the
ancient masters who sacrificed a so-called “normal” life and retreated to the
caves to do the “real” yoga, meditation, praying, fasting, and other sacred
practices.
I found it refreshing to be reminded that we each have
spiritual gifts, and many of them involve worldly connections. For Steve Gold,
fulfilling his dharma means being a conduit for spontaneous spiritual connection
and transformation through musical gatherings. He travels, connects with people
up close, and shares his music in a very visceral, immediate way.
He’s had to overcome fears and self-doubt in order to do so.
Again and again, he returns to his heart’s truest desire in order to find the
motivation and inspiration to keep playing his songs and speaking his truth.
I am grateful to Steve for sharing his wisdom and his
powerful music, and for challenging me to be clear about my desires – to be
conscious of them, and active physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually
in pursuing them.
Om namah shivaya om!
Steve has a new track called Golden Om. I highly recommend his albums Let Your Heart Be Known and So Much Magnificence.
He's also on Facebook.
Quiet Heart, Mind, Soul
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Photos by me.
Lately I have been thinking a lot about the power of prayer and yoga.
When I put them together in my life, I am able to create profound quietness and peace. With a quiet mind and a humble heart, I am more open to spiritual growth.
A simple yoga practice -- even five to ten minutes on my mat -- can help prepare me for more meaningful prayer. Because my body has been rejuvenated by the postures, and my mind made quiet by the breath, I am more ready to spend time in peaceful meditation.
I am so grateful that yoga helps bring me to a place of spiritual renewal. It is not only a physical practice. My yoga is something more -- a light, a wholeness, a purity that I need and crave. A practice that heals me, a space that allows me to connect with the universal Oneness.
I am so grateful that yoga helps bring me to a place of spiritual renewal. It is not only a physical practice. My yoga is something more -- a light, a wholeness, a purity that I need and crave. A practice that heals me, a space that allows me to connect with the universal Oneness.
My quiet, beautiful life. My yoga. Namaste.
A quiet mind is all you need. All else will happen rightly, once your mind is quiet. As the sun on rising makes the world active, so does self-awareness affect changes in the mind. In the light of calm and steady self-awareness inner energies wake up and work miracles without effort on your part.
– Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
Wholeness, A Cycle
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Photos via my phone.
Returning, coming back. Recurrence. Happiness giving way to suffering. The habits I repeat. The habits I create. The things I call home. Desire, loss, renewal.
My mind has been working over these things lately. I notice what stays the same, and what has changed as springtime emerges into full bloom. Winter is gone now. When did that happen? I find myself asking it again and again, noticing the colors, the pollen, the sunlight.
Photos by me.
Today on my bike ride home, I brushed against a bush that has grown into the middle of the sidewalk. For months, the little branches have been bare and prickly and I have swerved to miss them. Now they are green with soft leaves. Evidence of change on the route I take every day.
A few weeks ago before I left town to visit my sister, I watched the sunset out the airport window, pacing the terminal as I waited for my plane. Again when I had returned, I looked out the little window in my seat to find the sun setting in the distance. I felt different, returning home after time away. But the place hadn't changed. The sunset had stayed the same.
I spend a lot of energy just learning how to let go. Sometimes I stop for a moment to look at the changes I've made, to hold my own self under the light. Growth is not easy, but the sacrifices add up to something that is so worth it I can hardly give them a name.
And so it goes -- in yoga, in my life -- learning over and over how to be OK again.
This post was inspired in part by the emotions I've felt while traveling recently. I often find wholeness in being alone in a quiet space.
I wanted to share this with you since the feelings have been very authentic, and authenticity is something I strive for here on the blog, even if that means writing about being anxious or exhausted.
I hope they inspire you to consider the deeper questions. What makes me whole? How has that changed over time? Where am I today?
Be well.
PS, a poem that's worth a few more minutes of reading, too:
The Albatross
By Kate Bass
When I know you are coming home
I put on this necklace:
glass beads on a silken thread,
a blue that used to match my eyes.
I like to think I am remembering you.
I like to think you don’t forget.
The necklace lies heavy on my skin,
it clatters when I reach down
to lift my screaming child.
I swing her, roll her in my arms until she forgets.
The beads glitter in the flicker of a TV set
as I sit her on my lap
and wish away the afternoon.
I wait until I hear a gate latch lift
the turn of key in lock.
I sit amongst toys and unwashed clothes,
I sit and she fingers the beads until you speak
in a voice that no longer seems familiar, only strange.
I turn as our child tugs at the string.
I hear a snap and a sound like falling rain.
Ready for the Impossible?
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Photo via Pennyweight.
I have a feeling 2011 is going to be an incredible year. Are you ready for it?
I'm ready for quiet moments, full skies and elaborate dreams. I plan to do plenty of yoga, healthy cooking, and reading for fun.
And I want healthy relationships to be at the top of the list.
Photo via Andrew + Carissa.
Photo via Atlantic Tree Fox.
Now is one of those times of year I feel pretty reflective. I find myself reminiscing about my favorite memories -- which means reliving the Big Day over and over. Anyone else wish they could enjoy their wedding day all over again just because it was so wonderful?
Before we left California, I was also helping my mom pack up a few boxes and get rid of some of my old stuff. I spent a few hours going through old papers -- birthday cards, love notes from my lunchboxes as a kid, letters from penpals, journal entries, high school essays. I found myself feeling strangely sentimental, and sad to leave my family. The cards from both of my late grandmothers almost brought a tear, and more so they have inspired new poetry.
Photo via A Desert Fete.
Photo via Oh Happy Day!
Getting back to our wonderful little apartment has also inspired me. I endured a particularly long and ridiculous journey home (delays at the airport, delays for the bags, delays for the cab) so I was pretty happy once I made it to bed last night.
I spent the whole day today cleaning, organizing, and getting rid of old stuff. The perfect New Year's purge!
It felt great to free up some space and tidy up. I still have a bit to do -- and I have big plans for my own new planning schemes to keep things easy to find!
Photo via David and Sarah.
Photo via Stephen Beadles Photography.
At the start of January, it's easy to look forward and think how lovely and open the new year is. It's just as easy to look back at the year behind us and get overwhelmed by how much we had to do to survive it.
Are you busy looking forward, or looking back?
At this very moment, I am equally at peace with my goals for the new year and my accomplishments from the past year. I feel prepared to do better, to grow, to let go. I'm as ready for the impossible as I can be.
Photo by Jose Villa.
A final quick note: I'll be featuring a new series here on Alive in the Fire very soon! It's called:
Beyond Childhood (How to Love Your Kiddos Better)
Get excited; you're going to be seeing a lot of adorable baby pictures, parenting advice, thoughts for expectant moms-to-be, reviews of green products, and ways to make family your top priority in 2011! I hope you'll follow along and consider contributing your comments and ideas.
If you know of a mom who might want to share her story, please have her email me here: aliveinthefire at gmail dot com.
I'd also love to hear from you with ideas about:
- Family-focused companies
- Eco-friendly and green products for babies
- How to put family first
- Raising kids with love, hope and spirit
- Eating well for you and your family
Thanks and namaste!
