I was planning on going to sleep, but the urge to blog has been with me all day. So, here I am, expressing myself through cyberspace to clear my inner space.

Let's see, it might be easier to write about what's not going on since it seems like everything is going on right now. My ex-partner moved out of our place last Friday. This is a great transformation as the space between us was only causing the pain to be exacerbated, no matter how much we tried to make it go away. As a result of this major life change, I am going through many Unknown places, healing from this experience and awakening to the new possibilities being born from within my spirit. I am growing and becoming stronger and I am grateful to be going through this change no matter how challenging it has been at times. The Grace of God shines brightly upon all things, from the depth of pain to the height of joy and every place in between. I am learning to feel this Grace and to know it in my heart more and more deeply...

I will have the opportunity to meet one of my nephews this Wednesday! My twin nephews were born two months premature on New Year's Eve and have been in the neonatal unit ever since. Visitation has been restricted to the parents (my brother and hiw wife) and grandparents (our mom and dad and her mom and dad.) So, I have not been able to see them yet. My other nephew will have to stay in the neonatal unit for a few more days at least, but everything is looking good for him to arrive home soon. I am looking forward to meeting them and my heart feels joyous to grow to know these two beautiful souls.

Hmmmmm....let's see...what else. I attended a Yoga workshop with Dave Oliver yesterday. What a great teacher! We talked about the practice not being about the poses, though it's easy to get obsessed with thinking the poses are all that matter. In reality, the sages and Yogis of 9,000 years ago initiated the practice of the poses as preparation for Pranayama (breath expansion and control.) Through control of the breath they were able to correctly practice and recite the Yoga Sutras, which in turn, prepares one for the practice of Dhyana (Meditation) and, through these gates, he/she awakens to the realization of the final stage of the eight-limbed path (Ashtanga) of Yoga called Samadhi (Bliss.)

These are three of the Yoga Sutras which are really important to recite. They are to be recited in Mantra, meaning not just spoken, but chanted or sung.

II.29 - Yama-niyamasana-pranayama-pratyahara-dharana-dhyana-samadhayo 'stav angani

Which, translated means:

The eight limbs are: universal ethics, personal ethics, physical postures, breath regulation, withdrawal of the senses, concentration, meditation and samadhi.

II.30 - ahimsa-satyasteya-brahmacaryaparigraha yamah
The five universal ethics are: non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, moderation, and non-coveting.

II.32 - sauca-santosa-tapah-svadhyayesvara-pranidhanani-niyamah
The five personal ethics are: cleanliness, contentment, intensity, self-study and surrender to the Universal/God.

Dave said we should chant these every day. Chanting is about resonating with one's intention. I can see why it is powerful to recite the intention of the practice and the principals with which it is essential to be aligned with in order to awaken to one's Highest Good/Truth.

And, I'm also really excited because I will be attending another training with Shiva Rea this March 4 - 10. This will complete my 200 hours of study with her. Of course there are other components to fulfilling the certification such as self-study or svadhyayesvara which requires reading different books, but, my hours of classroom study will be fulfilled with this training. Her teachings have made such a powerful and positive impact on my life. I can hardly imagine what will ignite and awaken from my time with her this Spring.

I feel blessed. Even in the difficult moments. Some of you from time-to-time have posted a comment to one of my posts and it means a great deal to me to feel your connection and a sense of community even through the great wide world of cyberspace. We've all heard this blessing, I'm guessing, but it's one which never grows old to me. It just came flowing through as I was getting ready to sign off. Until next time...

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of His hand.Read more