Warm Glow

 

In the midst of Winter,

I finally learned that there was in me 

an invincible summer.

Albert Camus

Winter Play

Winter has set in rather quickly.  Stormy, snowy, icy and cold with a bit of a hushed silence.  It's a fine time to turn off the sound machines and try a little meditation.  A labyrinth is a wonderful vehicle for helping us to slow down and look within.  Personally I find it nearly impossible to sit in quite contemplation draining the worry thoughts away while reaching for a silent bliss.  More than likely I am making mental lists, thinking about the day, or the week or my life and trying desperately not to let that little monkey of mine have a fun free spirited tromp, giggling away, while I politely and then with less finesse ask him to get out of my head for just five minutes.    

Labyrinths help tremendously with the process of meditation elevating some of the madding aspects which make mediation so difficult.  a labyrinth walk follows a man-made, spiral pattern path (traced on the ground, as in many cathedrals, or constructed in garden) to meditate, focus, and calm the mind. Not a maze, the path follows a number of circuits to the center of a circle and back out.   

The process leaves one feeling calm, centered and refreshed.   Its a wonderful winter activity and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family regardless of age.  Labyrinths are easy to find and rarely exclusive.  They can be found both inside buildings as well as outside in gardens.  I suggest looking for one with the World Wide Labyrinth Locator.  You'll be amazed how many are out there in your area.  

Enjoy, and happy meditations!

Tea Time!

Time for a cup of tea and a little relaxation..... well almost.  Saturday is my busiest day .  Clients all day, but with papers handed in and finals finished I am mentally ready to relax and move into the rest of the holiday season with some mental ease.  It's also time for a shift in our yoga practice.  Old man winter reminds us to slow down and and go deeper.  Winter is an excellent season for yin and restorative classes.  This season allows us space to go into areas which may have been neglected during the warmer weather.  Hips, shoulders, and back all need loving care and a slower deeper practice helps us heal neglected or injured areas which may have been overworked in the warmer season. 

Happy holidays and good health to all!

Contemplation

There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you.... In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you can savor belonging to yourself.    Ruth Stout

12-12-12

Have a great one, send some love out there and let it come back and hug you a bit!

Words for a Sunday Afternoon

"I would say to young people a number of things, and I have only one minute. I would say, let them remember that there is a meaning beyond absurdity. Let them be sure that every little deed counts, that every word has power, and that we can do — every one — our share to redeem the world despite of all absurdities and all the frustration and all disappointments. And above all, remember that the meaning of life is to live life as it if were a work of art. You're not a machine. When you are young, start working on this great work of art called your own existence."

Rabbi Hieschel

Sweet Dreams

 

This is the situation where I would like to involve myself.  Just crawl up and fall asleep, happily and sweetly.  Unfortunately I have little freedom for an activity of my choosing.  A mountain of work, hard deadlines, and absolutely no clue how I'm going to complete all this in a timely manner, keeps me rolling out of bed each morning with a slight cringe and a propensity to continually check my watch. Things are getting done and soon it will be all finished and I'll be free to dedicate my time to research only.  This means more family time, yoga, energy and household organization.  I don't like this amount of fretful busy.  After climbing out of my horrible work experience I have sworn never again, and never again is the only acceptable answer.  That said this is a short, hot little period and will be over quickly.  Occasional crunches I can handle, but not daily or long term.  I'd much rather grab my blanky and  and cuddle up for a snoozy, followed by a snack and playtime.  Much better, much nicer, far more preferable.