Happy Spring! We all enjoy the blossoming and beauty of the flowers and trees as Spring unfolds. It beckons us to pay attention and observe the majesty and magnificence of the colors of Nature as it opens. Do you catch yourself smiling at the array of beautiful colors? The return of the sun as it expands across this landscape of blossoming beauty leaves one in awe. It beckons us to remember and open to our sacred light and goodness.
A paradox of life is the goodness and cruelty that simultaneously exist in our world. There is so much that goes on in the world each day that is tragic, heartbreaking and painful. As we know, so much injustice and suffering exist. And, there is so much goodness, kindness and generosity on display each day for us to witness.
The practices of yoga, breath and meditation help us to open to our sacredness and goodness. When we see something as sacred, we value it more and honor it's worth. When we remember our sacredness and that of all other living things, we tend to treat ourselves and others better, with value, dignity and respect. When we comprehend and see the sacredness in others, we open to the divine connection we share with all beings.
When we open to our inherent worth, goodness, and divine connection to others, it also expands our capacity to see more clearly and to be of service to others. A sacred yoga text, the Bhagavad Gita ("Gita") reminds us that "[y]oga is skill in action."
“Self-possessed, resolute, act
without any thought of results,
open to success or failure.
This equanimity is yoga.
The wise man lets go of all
Results, whether good or bad,
and is focused on the action alone.
Yoga is skill in action."
(Gita, Chapter 2, .48-52)
Dr. Douglas Brooks, (Scholar of Sanskrit and Yoga), reminds us: “Yoga teaches us how to make the soul the critical element in our decision-making process.”
How often are we called to serve? Truly, each day of our lives is an invitation to be of service to others. Sometimes in small ways or bigger ways, life invites us to serve. Sometimes, with family and friends and sometimes, with strangers. The more aware we are of the sacredness of our lives and all others, the less we shut down and the more engaged we live. When we open and see the sacredness in all, we can no longer ignore or deny that we see people in distress and/or in harm's way.
We grow in awareness that what happens to one of us, happens to all of us. We are not separate beings. We are divinely connected to each other. With awareness of this sacred connection to others, it awakens responsibility and accountability for our lives and for others. With growing awareness, our attitude expands from "what's in it for me" to "how can I be of service?" With awareness, we realize that we are here to love, support and care for each other. This growing awareness are the blessings and benefits of yoga, breath and meditation.
Beginning in mid-May, we will be returning to the Holyoke Boathouse for outside yoga! For now, all classes will be offered simultaneously both on Zoom livestream and in person. (see all details) Both new and experienced Yogis are Welcome! Please join us and invite others.
