"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change" - Carl Rogers
Transformation does not come from setting out to change anything about who you are, it comes from discovering who you are. Awareness and acceptance are the openings to the natural unfolding...the grace of transformation. We are all aware of what we don't like about ourselves, our bodies, our life situations, even our emotions. And, quite naturally, we have a desire to improve these things so that we may be fulfilled. But, have you ever noticed that the things you detest the most about yourself are the very things that keep bothering you? The things we would like to change about ourselves are the very things that we can never change?
There is another possibility. To simply embrace that which we would seek to change....to accept what we are trying to get rid of.....to welcome what we would be busy keeping away. Our true nature is unconditional Love. Unconditional Love means that everything is loved, everything is welcomed, everything is included. So, when we are attempting to change or fix what we are, we are in opposition to the most true and whole thing within us--- Love. Love embraces all, even our extra pounds, our anger, our depression. When we refuse to allow or include these things within us, we unconsciously resist ourselves, and this resistance leads to a nearly endless battle with ourselves over the things we want so deeply to change.
It is by the full and complete embrace of our darkness, our fears, our insecurities, our bodies that we come to align with the transformative power of Loving. Hate, resistance, and opposition lead to guilt, struggle, and suffering. Love, inclusion, and allowing, open up the door to a compassionate experience with ourselves that makes true transformation possible. So, as you consider making changes in your life, let your deeper considerations go to embracing yourself just as you are. First, hold the deep compassion of total acceptance of yourself and see what unfolds from that. It is a myth that you need great discipline to change your experience. A simple gesture to embrace it all is what actually brings about what we want the most.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
The Wisdom of Love
Delve into the heart of Yoga
exploring the question,
"What is Love, really?"
"What is Love, really?"
Not the sappy, romantic,
fairy tale love, but Love as Truth.
This class will include satsang, sacred poetry, heart-centered
meditation, and asana. If you have an interest in
playing with acroyoga or experiencing supported asana
Stephanie and Adi will be
guiding this journey. This
workshop is held in February of each year around Valentine’s Day – a great
Valentine’s gift for a friend or any yoga lover in your life! You do not need to come with a
dedicated partner for this playshop,
everyone is welcome and
encouraged.
Sat, February
18th 2-6 pm
$30 (or
$55/two signing up together)
Sign-up/Register
at Flow Yoga Studio
3rd
& Oak Streets, Downtown HR
Sunday, November 27, 2011
December: Darkness & Light
Every human being has within his or her experience certain shadow sides, dark corners of their existence, voids and places that are frightening. In Winter, these parts of ourselves are reflected by the barren trees, the dark nights, and the veil of clouds that hide the bright sun.
What most human beings don't realize is the incredible opportunity that is given by these experiences. As we get accustomed to the long nights, the cold air, and the rain, we are given the gift of time and space to look deeply and honestly at the shadows and dark corners.
The amazing gift of darkness is that darkness is not darkness. Darkness contains within it brilliant, radiant light. Some traditions have called this darkness the Void, Emptiness, or the Dazzling Darkness. And, it is only by embracing the darkness, the fear, the despair that we come to see the hidden secret inside the total dark.
For thousands of years, humans have celebrated this time of year, this winter solstice, with the exquisite embrace of darkness, and in celebration an unveiling of the Light that cannot be hidden even by the darkest night.
Nearly every spiritual and religious culture has some deeper understanding of the nature of darkness. In mystical cultures such as those found in Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism there is deep significance to the power and sublime symbolism found in the dazzling darkness. In the Sufi tradition, Layla represents the divine feminine, embodied as darkness and with a magnetic pull of divine Love. In Hinduism, Krishna is described as the 'dark lord' whose quality is also that of the irresistible draw of divine love. In the Tibetan Book of the Dead, practitioners are instructed to enter into the darkness to discover the ultimate dimension of being. And one of the most beautiful expressions is represented by Christmas, where we acknowledge the indestructible Light that stands amidst the darkest, most barren hours. The dazzling darkness is where we find the profound opportunity to enter into the silent solitary depths of our being to discover radiant light. The gift of darkness, is ironically, the gift of Light.
What most human beings don't realize is the incredible opportunity that is given by these experiences. As we get accustomed to the long nights, the cold air, and the rain, we are given the gift of time and space to look deeply and honestly at the shadows and dark corners.
The amazing gift of darkness is that darkness is not darkness. Darkness contains within it brilliant, radiant light. Some traditions have called this darkness the Void, Emptiness, or the Dazzling Darkness. And, it is only by embracing the darkness, the fear, the despair that we come to see the hidden secret inside the total dark.
For thousands of years, humans have celebrated this time of year, this winter solstice, with the exquisite embrace of darkness, and in celebration an unveiling of the Light that cannot be hidden even by the darkest night.
Nearly every spiritual and religious culture has some deeper understanding of the nature of darkness. In mystical cultures such as those found in Islam, Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism there is deep significance to the power and sublime symbolism found in the dazzling darkness. In the Sufi tradition, Layla represents the divine feminine, embodied as darkness and with a magnetic pull of divine Love. In Hinduism, Krishna is described as the 'dark lord' whose quality is also that of the irresistible draw of divine love. In the Tibetan Book of the Dead, practitioners are instructed to enter into the darkness to discover the ultimate dimension of being. And one of the most beautiful expressions is represented by Christmas, where we acknowledge the indestructible Light that stands amidst the darkest, most barren hours. The dazzling darkness is where we find the profound opportunity to enter into the silent solitary depths of our being to discover radiant light. The gift of darkness, is ironically, the gift of Light.
Green Karma Wisdom Energy
Like all the other aspects of wisdom energy, karma energy has two ways of appearing in our lives. This energy can appear through dysfunction and ego-consciousness, or it can appear as an aspect of wisdom.
When karma energy appears as egoic dsyfunction it arises as a constant state of doing, which comes with feelings of jealousy, competition, and comparison. This dysfunction is fueled by a deep fear of failure. The drive for success and accomplishment gives rise to an anxiety, aggression, and speed that keep one from truly being.
As karma energy is transmuted into wisdom, it embodies all-accomplishing action, which is able to act with love, generosity, and ease. We see that the aggression and speed that are apart of egoic consciousness are unnecessary, and a true lightness develops as we act with spontaneity and aliveness. The simple shift from ‘doing’ to ‘being’ has a sublime way of acting in this world with intelligence and peace.
We bring our attention to transmuting karma energy from its dysfunctional focus on competition and the fear of failure, into its wisdom aspect which brings our attention to being, accomplishing all with the ease and perfection of our true nature.
When karma energy appears as egoic dsyfunction it arises as a constant state of doing, which comes with feelings of jealousy, competition, and comparison. This dysfunction is fueled by a deep fear of failure. The drive for success and accomplishment gives rise to an anxiety, aggression, and speed that keep one from truly being.
As karma energy is transmuted into wisdom, it embodies all-accomplishing action, which is able to act with love, generosity, and ease. We see that the aggression and speed that are apart of egoic consciousness are unnecessary, and a true lightness develops as we act with spontaneity and aliveness. The simple shift from ‘doing’ to ‘being’ has a sublime way of acting in this world with intelligence and peace.
We bring our attention to transmuting karma energy from its dysfunctional focus on competition and the fear of failure, into its wisdom aspect which brings our attention to being, accomplishing all with the ease and perfection of our true nature.
Vajra Wisdom Energy
We will conclude our focus on the wisdom energies that are represented by the tibetan prayer flags. This month we will be visitng vajra, which is represented by the blue flag and the element water. When vajra energy is distorted through the lens of ego, it comes across as sharp, intellectual, and bitingly critical. It is cold and aloof within the world of concepts and skepticism. When vajra is in its awakened conscious form it represents clarity and what is known as 'mirror-like wisdom'.
Vajra sees things as they are, rather than seeing things with ego, which makes us opinionated, judgmental, and sarcastic. The challenge for vajra types is to pierce through the fear of intimacy and embody tenderness through being vulnerable and open. The movement from the reasoning, intellectual doubter in the head to the clear sighted, vulnerable warrior of the heart is the transmutation of vajra from neurosis to sanity. The challenge is, as always, to stop living life from the head, and to live life fully from the heart.
Vajra sees things as they are, rather than seeing things with ego, which makes us opinionated, judgmental, and sarcastic. The challenge for vajra types is to pierce through the fear of intimacy and embody tenderness through being vulnerable and open. The movement from the reasoning, intellectual doubter in the head to the clear sighted, vulnerable warrior of the heart is the transmutation of vajra from neurosis to sanity. The challenge is, as always, to stop living life from the head, and to live life fully from the heart.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
July: White 'Buddha' Wisdom Energy
Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. The White flag is represented by the turning of the wheel of the dharma (truth). The white wisdom energy stands in the center of the wheel, and it is from there that the four directions move.
White buddha energy is expressed as the sense of sight and, physically, as the heart. Its sacred syllable is Om and it represents the element air or clouds. Most importantly, white wisdom energy represents all encompassing wisdom that overcomes delusion, or the quality of ignorance.
In the Tibetan tantric teachings we are, at our core, fundamentally sane, wise, and compassionate beings. The reason humans experience so much aggression, fear, and delusion is our ignorance of what we truly are. As we simply transmute our ignorance into sanity, all encompassing wisdom begins to reveal itself. This wisdom see things as they truly are, and seeks to relate to life in a way that is peaceful rather than aggressive, fully rather than partially, and selflessly rather than 'me'-centered.
Asana: Wheel & other heart openers
Mantra: Om
Special Techniques: drishti, focus, sight, tratak meditation, yoga for the eyes
Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. The White flag is represented by the turning of the wheel of the dharma (truth). The white wisdom energy stands in the center of the wheel, and it is from there that the four directions move.
White buddha energy is expressed as the sense of sight and, physically, as the heart. Its sacred syllable is Om and it represents the element air or clouds. Most importantly, white wisdom energy represents all encompassing wisdom that overcomes delusion, or the quality of ignorance.
In the Tibetan tantric teachings we are, at our core, fundamentally sane, wise, and compassionate beings. The reason humans experience so much aggression, fear, and delusion is our ignorance of what we truly are. As we simply transmute our ignorance into sanity, all encompassing wisdom begins to reveal itself. This wisdom see things as they truly are, and seeks to relate to life in a way that is peaceful rather than aggressive, fully rather than partially, and selflessly rather than 'me'-centered.
Asana: Wheel & other heart openers
Mantra: Om
Special Techniques: drishti, focus, sight, tratak meditation, yoga for the eyes
September: Ratna Energy
You have probably seen prayer flags hanging, but have you ever contemplated their deeper meaning? We continue our exploration of each of the five classical prayer flags - their colors and deeper meanings - as our monthly themes. Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. Each prayer flag represented a different aspect of our unique and inherent wisdom energies.
Ratna energy is the wisdom of the Earth and is represented by a jewel and the color gold. It points to the aspect of our being that is rich, full, and abundant. Many people, in an attempt to find richness and abundance in life, chase after things, experiences, people, and status to feel full. But this attempt is like continually feeding and never feeling full. The opportunity we have to transmute this energy in our lives is to see that we are already full, and that the constant attempt to add more more more to our lives depletes our system and leaves us feeling deadened. Ratna energy is one of abundance, where the fear of not having enough, being enough, or being special enough is seen clearly and fully. From this seeing comes the recognition that the attempt to 'have enough' is a constant experience of failing....but to begin to see that what is within is already enough removes the greed and pride of endless acquiring, holding, chasing. Ratna jewel energy in its confused aspect tends to overindulge in pleasure, seeking to make oneself as comfortable as possible in every circumstance. In it's deepest energetic experience, this wisdom energy becomes equanimity, contentment, and gratitude for what one has, and what one is. As this unfolds, the jewel-like nature of our being begins to emmanate a richness, a fullness, that is so profound. An ability to appreciate life simply and completely just as it is.
Tantric Wisdom Energies
From the Tantric Yoga point of view life is an expression of various energies, some pleasant, some unpleasant---yet, all experiences are seen as pure energy. From the Tantric viewpoint, life is a constant dance of shifting energies ~ the energy of emotions, thoughts, feelings, body, and even various states of consciousness. Seeing these energies as neither good nor bad, neither right nor wrong, neither enlightened nor unenlightened, frees them up to dance with the stuff of life. We can begin to relate to the energy of emotions, anger, hurt, sadness, and confusion in a way that is sane, welcoming, and compassionate. If we are at war with ourselves, we only produce more insanity, more violence. Understanding the wisdom energies can be a powerful opportunity to cultivate the brilliant qualities of wisdom and compassion, and begin to view life as sacred rather than a tumultuous mess. Relating to the energy of life, rather than ideas about life, is a powerful exchange and alchemy. It means unlearning ourselves, and seeing things in their true light.
These wisdom energies are represented in the symbols and the 5 colors of the Tibetan Prayer Flags. We explored the white energy of buddha wisdom in July. Last month, we explored fiery, passionate, red padma lotus energy. In September, we explore yellow, or ratna energy.
From the Tantric Yoga point of view life is an expression of various energies, some pleasant, some unpleasant---yet, all experiences are seen as pure energy. From the Tantric viewpoint, life is a constant dance of shifting energies ~ the energy of emotions, thoughts, feelings, body, and even various states of consciousness. Seeing these energies as neither good nor bad, neither right nor wrong, neither enlightened nor unenlightened, frees them up to dance with the stuff of life. We can begin to relate to the energy of emotions, anger, hurt, sadness, and confusion in a way that is sane, welcoming, and compassionate. If we are at war with ourselves, we only produce more insanity, more violence. Understanding the wisdom energies can be a powerful opportunity to cultivate the brilliant qualities of wisdom and compassion, and begin to view life as sacred rather than a tumultuous mess. Relating to the energy of life, rather than ideas about life, is a powerful exchange and alchemy. It means unlearning ourselves, and seeing things in their true light.
These wisdom energies are represented in the symbols and the 5 colors of the Tibetan Prayer Flags. We explored the white energy of buddha wisdom in July. Last month, we explored fiery, passionate, red padma lotus energy. In September, we explore yellow, or ratna energy.
August: The Red Wisdom
Energy
You have probably seen prayer flags hanging, but have you ever contemplated their deeper meaning? Over the next several months, we will be exploring each of the five classical prayer flags - their colors and deeper meanings - as our monthly themes. Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. Each prayer flag represented a different aspect of our unique and inherent wisdom energies.
Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. The Red flag is represented by the lotus flower (padma) and sits at the western side of the mandala of being. The element associated with the red flag is fire.
This month we explore Red and Lotus (padma) energy. The Red flag is symbolic of the lotus flower and sits at the western side of the mandala of being. The element associated with the red flag is fire.
Red padma energy is connected with passion, magnetizing, and the fire of living fully. For most of us, we were not taught they we are inherently good enough exactly as we are. We were taught to somehow be good enough we need to achieve something.
For this reason, we are mostly driven by a deeper insecurity that we may not even be aware of. In some cases, this becomes manifested as an addiction to intensity or sensuality. The addiction to intensity can show up as overindulging, thrill seeking, seduction, and fascination with something in the future or trying to recreate a past experience. Passion with something other than what is here and now.
As we connect to a wiser energy of passion, we exude a fire and brilliance that is attracting, powerful, and unconditional. This leads to a natural experience of the fullness of life, and eliminates the unconscious drive to try to 'fix' the feelings of insecurity through seeking pleasures, temporary thrills, and instant gratifications. A self-existing wisdom of discriminating awareness deepens and we begin to see ourselves, our passion, and others from the standpoint of selflessness. We see life and the fire of this human existence as an alive fiery presence that sees the real from the unreal, darkness from light, and bliss from suffering.
You have probably seen prayer flags hanging, but have you ever contemplated their deeper meaning? Over the next several months, we will be exploring each of the five classical prayer flags - their colors and deeper meanings - as our monthly themes. Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. Each prayer flag represented a different aspect of our unique and inherent wisdom energies.
Prayer Flags not only offer prayers that travel the wind, they each have very deep and rich meaning that points to different aspects of one's true nature. The Red flag is represented by the lotus flower (padma) and sits at the western side of the mandala of being. The element associated with the red flag is fire.
This month we explore Red and Lotus (padma) energy. The Red flag is symbolic of the lotus flower and sits at the western side of the mandala of being. The element associated with the red flag is fire.
Red padma energy is connected with passion, magnetizing, and the fire of living fully. For most of us, we were not taught they we are inherently good enough exactly as we are. We were taught to somehow be good enough we need to achieve something.
For this reason, we are mostly driven by a deeper insecurity that we may not even be aware of. In some cases, this becomes manifested as an addiction to intensity or sensuality. The addiction to intensity can show up as overindulging, thrill seeking, seduction, and fascination with something in the future or trying to recreate a past experience. Passion with something other than what is here and now.
As we connect to a wiser energy of passion, we exude a fire and brilliance that is attracting, powerful, and unconditional. This leads to a natural experience of the fullness of life, and eliminates the unconscious drive to try to 'fix' the feelings of insecurity through seeking pleasures, temporary thrills, and instant gratifications. A self-existing wisdom of discriminating awareness deepens and we begin to see ourselves, our passion, and others from the standpoint of selflessness. We see life and the fire of this human existence as an alive fiery presence that sees the real from the unreal, darkness from light, and bliss from suffering.
| The History of Prayer
Flags
You have probably seen prayer flags hanging, but have you ever contemplated their deeper meaning? Over the next several months, we will be exploring each of the five classical prayer flags - their colors and deeper meanings - as our monthly themes. The tradition of hanging flags began more than 2000 years ago. At that time Tibet was ruled by war lords who carried their banners into battles. The native people, however, made their own flags to honor the nature gods. They used colors of the five elements: blue for sky or space; white for air or clouds; red for fire; green for water and yellow for earth. They hung the flags over mountain passes and rivers to benefit all who would pass underneath. Every time you look at the flags, let them remind you to continue to send out your own prayers for world peace, kindness and generosity. As you do so, you will also benefit from their blessings. Thousands of Tibetans, including the 14th Dalai Lama, have had to flee from their country and live in exile around the world. Their Prayer Flags continue to represent the tradition of sending out prayers, but they also remind us of a nation of gentle people who have been robbed of their home. Prayer flags are still stamped with prayers and hung to let the wind carry their messages in Tibetan refugee villages. Most of the Tibetan Prayer Flags we see today are made in those communities. And so, people around the world have adopted the custom of hanging Prayer Flags to commemorate special events and to transmit their blessings. It has been suggested by contemporary Tibetans that we create our own prayer flags by imprinting them with poems, prayers and symbols from the great faiths of the world in hopes of uniting them in a spirit of peace and harmony. We are now selling prayer flags at Flow made by Tibetans living in Nepal. We offer a few different types: Blank~ to create your own Windhorse~ representing unshakable trust in your self and life Guru Rinpoche~ the 'second buddha', the great master Padmasambhava who brought buddhism to Tibet Medicine Buddha~the embodiment of the medicine that ends suffering and awakens wisdom and compassion |
Summer Solstice
SUMMER: THE SEASON OF THE VISIONARY
As we sit on the verge of one of the most powerful times of the year, the summer solstice, we rest in the Eastern glow of the rising Sun. The rising Sun represents the birth of Spirit in the flesh, the birth of intuition, and it is symbolized by the Visionary. The Visionary seeks to live an authentic, fearless, wise existence marked with authenticity, truth, and deep compassion. The Visionary faces east, toward the light of Being, and extends her hands out to embrace others, and give of his endless abundance. The element of Summer is fire, which represents the immense inner fire of courage, discipline, and love that the Visionary is informed by and seeks to embody. We celebrate the Solstice, and the rising of the Eastern Sun, by embracing challenges and inner fire with openness and tenderness. Giving birth to the Visionary within ourselves, we turn to the East, bow at dawn, and smile...knowing that all the power of the Sun is within.
SUMMER: THE SEASON OF THE VISIONARY
As we sit on the verge of one of the most powerful times of the year, the summer solstice, we rest in the Eastern glow of the rising Sun. The rising Sun represents the birth of Spirit in the flesh, the birth of intuition, and it is symbolized by the Visionary. The Visionary seeks to live an authentic, fearless, wise existence marked with authenticity, truth, and deep compassion. The Visionary faces east, toward the light of Being, and extends her hands out to embrace others, and give of his endless abundance. The element of Summer is fire, which represents the immense inner fire of courage, discipline, and love that the Visionary is informed by and seeks to embody. We celebrate the Solstice, and the rising of the Eastern Sun, by embracing challenges and inner fire with openness and tenderness. Giving birth to the Visionary within ourselves, we turn to the East, bow at dawn, and smile...knowing that all the power of the Sun is within.
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