Awaken Child

embrace me child dwell within this space child forgetting your future here child be one with me here child forgive me in your heart child until there is no more within child I am here for you child feel this truth within child deep deep sleep child awaken with wet eyes child it is time for us now be one with me child hesitation is lost now find space for me child 

within each beat 

between each breath 

under each step 

over each thought 

in lightness and dark 

between each thought 

for all nows for all times be here with me child, love of mine. 

deep deep sleep child. 

waken child with wet eyes. 

Deep

vision enfolded deep tissue within

open wide expanding out and round

until it all comes back again refreshed

this time.

ever fresh bursting within upon each breath each beat

fluttering delicately deep within heart enfolded here

vibrating steel slides across oceans of lines I can not know

oceans of heart pulse swallowed in the plug swirl darkness

finding no thing on its trajectory of oblivion again this time.

pieces of poetry finding thrust in this frame overcome again

to dressing it up in rhyme of swing time when all is done

this time again is here you said dwell here in forgetting, please

don’t stop this swirling of life, don’t stop forgiving blackness

in bars both here and there across times past and this frightening

hole hot bubbling with frightened forgetfulness tied down

and beaten with twisted steel underneath your fingertips

and trodden underfoot for times blessed but past deep know.

Here I am

Heaven, here I am,

Awaiting your disposal.

Dumpster or throne

What will it be for me

This time round?

Awaiting my sentence like one on death row

Afraid yet impatient for it to end.

Photo: Albert Vila 

Forever Forsaken

Terror is not welcome here anymore

Its teeth bared and gnashing

At meshed coloured dreams

Of violent forever’s mirrored

In the psyche forgiven times ago

But never returned to.

Banished, art thou, terror

Of fields of dreams gone dark

With sorrow for life past.

Forever forsaken down narrow

Pathways of forgiveness

Tinted with winds

Alleyways vibrant with life

Laughter, darling girl

Do you not remember me

Your cascading hair on my arm

Laughing, wildly with open mouth

But forgotten, all, now under the

Cloak of sleep and forgetfulness

Embedded in the lids of your eyes.

Woven together by magicians in the

Guise of angels. 

Photo: Tiffany Jones 

Frame of Flesh

Encircled in this frame

Of flesh lies

Crippled and broken

Pieces twisting softly

From the floor

Of despair

Only waiting thy word

Of forgiveness

Repentance

Compassion

Love

Humility wrapped in the one

All.

Today

Divine creator

Blessed be this day

And all to come.

The Heart of a Flower

The heart of a flower

Bursts to life

Infinitely undulating

To soundless

Waves of love

Tapping into the source

Of the infinite ocean

Of love.

Photos: Tiffany Jones while on the Camino de Santiago

Invitation to Experience Amma 2011, Granollers

Hello everyone,

I am very happy to announce Amma's return to  Granollers, 5th to the 7th of November 2011. 

I will be spending as much time as I can with her. I extend a warm welcome to any of you who would like to come and see her, especially if it's your first time.

I'll be there and if you want to catch up please get in touch. Put it in your diaries now.

Apart from Amma there are lots of different holistic therapies on offer as well as Indian and International food in the cafeteria.

For more information take a look at Kate's blog post from last years visit. 

A truly big hug in honour of Amma, 

love Tiffany. 

If you would like to know a little bit more about Amma, please check out her website above, and here is a brief article I wrote a few years back about her early life. 

Photo: Tiffany Jones

World Prayer for Today

With visible breath I am walking.
A voice I am sending as I walk.
In a sacred manner I am walking.
With visible tracks I am walking.
In a sacred manner I walk.

bringing the sacred pipe - white buffalo maiden

The Seven Sins

At home we've been talking about the 7 deadly sins lately.  They are

• Pride
• Envy
• Gluttony
• Lust
• Anger
• Greed
• Sloth

We asked ourselves which one we identified with most. And how could we find its counterpoint - as a conscious reminder.

• Humility
• Kindness
• Abstinence 
• Chastity
• Patience
• Liberality
• Diligence

Of course, it seems  we suffer from a few of them at different levels, but there might be one in particular that seems stronger than the others.

I don't want to discuss my family's weaknesses (well I do, but I don't think it's necessarily thoughtful to them) but I will admit that my sin is 'wrath', or anger.

I'm not sure most people I know would agree, but I can tell you, my closest family know it to be true. I do hold a leash on my anger, but it simmers underneath the surface of my life in the most surprising ways. 

I've learnt techniques to keep it at bay, but honestly, it’s like a leashed animal.

That's where identification comes in. I can identify with my anger, and it can become me, or I can identify with the life that is NOW in my energetic body, this flow within my soul - that is the true me and ride out the fluctuations of this anger like a pro surfer.

That sounds so easy. In some ways it is. I've been heading to this time and time again. Here it is again. Commitment time. Adyashanti said he made a commitment to himself to 'never look back' and he never did. That was it; he didn’t go back into his previous mode of being.

That’s where I am. Never go back.

So, what's different this time?

• I just turned 40. It seems like a birthing into womanhood. You might think it's a bit late, but I feel it, internally, this strength of being that wasn't there before, just because of the number. No more nonsense. 
• I am just coming out of 6 weeks of illness. I had whopping cough and was house bound most of the time. I'm just emerging from my cocoon now. Strong and clear in what I know to be true. 
• Since the sickness I feel different. Like some of the chaff has fallen away. My life force is strong and radiant within. Stronger than ever before. Stronger every day. 
• Amma arrives in about 10 days. I will spend as much time with her as I can. 
• I feel a growing sense of urgency in my transformation. I feel as though it's not just me that I need to do this for. It's for everyone. The more fully awakened people there become, people who truly embody their internal grace, the better chance this world has. One person at a time. A channel of grace on this planet. It's got to make a difference and I feel this pressure building all the time. What might have been a choice is now imminent. There is no room for hesitation. 
• And I received this answer in the I Ching - This is the realm of the Shaman.  You have exhausted every alternative, spent yourself completely, taxed body and mind beyond your former limits.  Survival and salvation lie beyond your reach now.  Only transcendence to a new existence -- a higher plane of being -- will see you through.  The Old You is just a dry husk.  You can't return to it.   Metamorphosis is the only grace offered.  You can only return to your homeland as a New You.

There you go then. Nothing more to wait for. Commitment it is.

Free Online Chakra Course

Hello everyone,

I'd like to invite you to a free online course about chakras.

We actually started three weeks ago, but I honestly forgot to invite readers from patheya. Sorry! (Brian, thanks for the reminder!)

The course will continue for another 9 or 10 months.

It's an introductory course and you don't need any prior knowledge.  We begin with a basic introduction to the course and what chakras are, and then we spend about a month on each chakra.

The aim is to increase awareness of what the chakras are and how they can enhance our life.

At the moment we have about 20 or so people in the course. At the end of the course, I will create a small e book for people to use at their own pace. No personal details from students will be used.

You can go at your own pace and there are only two or so activities/readings a week.

The course is held on google groups and you need to be invited to participate. If you are interested, send me an e mail with your email address and I’ll invite you. 

Thanks and sorry for neglecting you!

Photos: Tiffany Jones 

Commitment to Affirmations for One Year, Let's do it!

Hi everyone, 

Today I listened to an audio on The Aware Show featuring  Simran Singh.  They offered a PDF file, for free, as part of their special offer. It's still online now if you want to pick it up. It will be there for a couple of days.  

To access it, you'll need to click the special offer button, head to the bottom of that page, and there will be a small box that you will need to fill out with your name and e mail address.  They'll send you an e mail, and you can pick it up from there.

When I glanced through the affirmations, it was like I was being stroked with light from the inside. I don't get that feeling very often. 

Commitment to Affirmations 

I decided to commit myself to the full course.  It's 11 or so affirmations per month that we repeat to ourselves, morning and night, for one year. Today's my first day. I invite you to join me!

If by chance you didn't get the affirmations in time (they will take it off line) send me a mail and I'll send you the PDF. 

Good luck!

Fierce Grace: Discovering the Boons of Kali

Fierce Grace: Discovering the Boons of Kali

The above is a link!

Asana Videos

Baptiste  Power

Baptiste yoga door

Top Ten (Plus One) Islamophobes

Top Ten (Plus One) Islamophobes

Explore the relaunched Encyclopedia of Life: EOLv2

Explore the relaunched Encyclopedia of Life: EOLv2

Seth's Blog: Back to (the wrong) school

Seth's Blog: Back to (the wrong) school

Post 39 - Nothing to Lose (My last post for #Trust30

Nothing to Lose by Tanner Christensen

“Self-censorship is not just self-betrayal and self-abandonment (which would be bad enough), but soul-betrayal and betrayal of our Muse, out inner voice, our highest self.”

Too often we censor ourselves, our actions, and our work in hope or fear of what might happen if we otherwise don’t. What words would you write today, and what actions would you take, if you had nothing to fear, nothing to lose?

I would write: You are all trapped in the web of your mind and your arrogance and near sighted view of the world is what is making this world what it is. No amount of hoping is going to make it any different.  No amount of sales shopping will make it any different.  No amount of complaining will make a difference.  But I write and say that anyway, because I am not afraid, and I have nothing to lose. 

If I could do anything I wanted, and I'm going to do that in about 36 hours, then I would sit very still, very still, very still. And I would breathe deeply. And I would open every cell in my body to the moment that is alive right now, and I would listen deeply.  

I have nothing to lose. 

(this is the last post for the series I started over a month ago. Thank you to everyone who participated.) 

Post 38 - Worthwhile Day

Worthwhile Day by Jessica Dang

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could.”

What is one thing you can do that would make today worthwhile? What’s stopping you from getting started right now?

The only one thing I can ever do is be awake and present in the moment and alive to reality rather than lost in my own thoughts of reality. Nothing stops me but habit.  I start always in the now, thank you Jessica. 

Post Thirty-Seven - Be You

Be You by Elizabeth Presson

In one sentence, who are you?

A deep, vast mystery that holds nothing and everything.

Number One Passion - Post 36

Number 1 Passion by Eric Handler

What is your #1 passion in life?  Now, imagine what would happen if you incorporated that passion into your life daily.  Write down your passion and keep it close to you.  Remind yourself of it daily, just like brushing your teeth.

My big passion is Life it's Self. I love Life. I am Life. Aliveness and awareness. I do incorporate this into my every day life. It doesn't matter what I do. I move back from the mind, and sit deep behind the eyes, and live. Simply and sparklingly. 

Post 28 - Alive-est

Alive-est by Sam Davidson

Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind. If we follow the truth, it will bring us out safe at last. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

When did you feel most alive recently? Where were you? What did you smell? What sights and sounds did you experience? Capture that moment on paper and recall that feeling. Then, when it’s time to create something, read your own words to reclaim a sense of being to motivate you to complete a task at hand.

Today I took a yoga class for children. It was actually aqua-yoga.  At the end of the class, as we were sitting in the shade, I was trying to help the girls (7 years old) to settle their bodies and open up their senses. By the way, I teach in English to native Spanish/Catalan children, so a lot of the communication is via the body. 

I spoke to them about listening, and feeling the cool breeze and as I tuned into my own senses as a means to listen with them, everything kind of blossomed. It just took on colour and texture. 

I make my living from helping people use the senses of the body as a gateway into the 'now' and life. I still move from the mind into the moment at frequent intervals throughout the day. I don't need to remember this moment to help me in another, but thank you for the suggestion. I would ask people to learn to be 'here' rather than 'there' if they wanted to activate the integrity of their mind. 

Post 27 - Personal Recipe

Personal Recipe by Harley Schreiber

I do not wish to expiate, but to live. My life is for itself and not for a spectacle. I much prefer that it should be of a lower strain, so it be genuine and equal, than that it should be glittering and unsteady. I wish it to be sound and sweet, and not to need diet and bleeding. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Think about the type of person you’d NEVER want to be 5 years from now. Write out your own personal recipe to prevent this from happening and commit to following it. “Thought is the seed of action.”

I would never want to be a superficial, egocentric liar who manipulates people for their own self gain, consciously or not. 

The fact is, you must live with integrity. If you say something, then you should try to do it and live by your own words. Yes, practice what you preach, without doubt.  If you don't, then people can not trust you with their innermost thoughts and feelings, and to me, this is a sacred gift. If people share with you their inner self you have been given a responsibility to never harm them with your knowledge. However, if you are dishonest or manipulative, you can use their trust against them.  This behaviour to me is repugnant and diabolical. 

You must speak the truth. At best, in certain circumstances, it is better to say nothing at all, but always, avoid lying. 

Act with the awareness that actions have consequences far reaching than just this one moment. Be conscious, strong and aware. Don't let opportunities pass you by. 

If you do something for someone, don't think about it, reward yourself for it or praise your good deeds. It is what it is and then it is no more. Let it go. If you think you are so much better than everyone else, you start to feel superior and lose touch with reality. Don't let your right hand know what your left is doing, to paraphrase Jesus. 

Remember not to judge other people. They are doing the best they can, with what they've got. And you are no better or worse than others. At the basic level, at the most important level, we are all the same, and it's important to remember this at all times.  If you forget in moments of anger/frustration then return to a deeper awareness of the nature of our beings. 

Can't think of anything else at the moment. 

Post 24 - Intuition

Intuition by Susan Piver

The secret of fortune is joy in our hands. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you could picture your intuition as a person, what would he or she look like? If you sat down together for dinner, what is the first thing he or she would tell you?

My intuition would be a tall woman with strands of hair like the sun's flames burning in all directions.  She would be calm but full of life and fire.  Her gaze would be steady and penetrating  and there would be the hint of a maybe smile about her lips. She is thin and draped in soft material. 

She would say 'Feel me in every pore of your body. Feel me from the inside out. Trust me so that  we are one movement of life and I can guarantee you that you will only live in your highest honour.'

Post 23 - Courage to Connect

Courage to Connect by David Spinks

Men imagine that they communicate their virtue or vice only by overt actions, and do not see that virtue or vice emit a breath every moment. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Who is one person that you’ve been dying to connect with, but just haven’t had the courage to reach out to? First, reflect on why you want to get in touch with them. Then, reach out and set up a meeting.

I haven't wanted to connect to anyone that I haven't already. Thank you. 

Post 22 - Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm by Mars Dorian

Trust thyself: every heart vibrates to that iron string. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” is a great line from Emerson. If there’s no enthusiasm in what you do, it won’t be remarkable and certainly won’t connect with people on an emotional basis. But, if you put that magic energy into all of your work, you can create something that touches people on a deeper level. How can you bring MORE enthusiasm into your work? What do you have to think or believe about your work to be totally excited about it? Answer it now.

I dislike this prompt a lot because it focuses on what other people will get if you bring a little bling bling into your swing.   It's not my thing.  Many of the prompts with the Emerson quotes just remind me of what a leader Emerson was and just how difficult it is to fake it.   

I don't think Emerson wrote 'lines'. He wrote. It doesn't come off at all gimmicky or polished. It just speaks straight from his heart. His enthusiasm wasn't for 'others'. Emerson constantly reminds us that we must scorn 'others', especially if it get's in the way of our truth.  

When I am interested in something, really, then is shows. This is not something that can be faked. Unless you're job is to act, and that is another thing altogether. 

Post 21 - You Know

You Know by Jen Louden

Nothing is at last sacred but the integrity of your own mind. Absolve you to yourself, and you shall have the suffrage of the world. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

We live in a society of advice columns, experts and make-over shows. Without even knowing it, you can begin to believe someone knows better than you how to live your life. Someone might know a particular something better – like how to bake a three-layer molten coconut chocolate cake or how to build a website – but nobody else on the planet knows how to live your life better than you. (Although one or two people may think they do.) For today, trying asking yourself often, especially before you make a choice, “What do I know about this?”

I'm Australian and we tend, as a cultural rule, doubt people who attest to their own authority.  I was also bought up in a household where every one was questioned for their integrity. When I learnt about how other people thought about people like doctors, police, talk show hosts, politicians and all who make a living by counting on your disorder, I was literally shocked.  

People are people after all. No better and no worse than they are. But they are human. And human's are, as we know, capable of great kindness and insight and dazingly shocking behaviour.  We can't tell until we give them a chance. Each situation is unique and can not be dictated by our previous experience. No matter how comforting it is to grab a belief based on a previous experience and hold it for dear life. All you'll get is a repeat of all you've been through in the past.  oi!

Post Twenty - Speak Less

Speak Less by Laura Kimball

What I must do is all that concerns me, not what the people think. This rule, equally arduous in actual and in intellectual life, may serve for the whole distinction between greatness and meanness. It is the harder, because you will always find those who think they know what is your duty better than you know I. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I once received a fortune cookie that read: “Speak less of your plans, you’ll get more done.” What’s one project that you’ve been sitting on and thinking about but haven’t made progress on? What’s stopping you? What would happen if you actually went for it and did it?

Well this one speaks to me today.  I've been dreading picking up my Catalan studies again. I must learn Catalan.  I live in Catalonia and my partner is Catalan.  I've been here for two years and I still only speak a very basic level.  

I don't make time for study and I feel often unmotivated to learn. I can change that! And actually I have a good friend who is learning very well and often gives me good tips. I will open my books today and make a plan for study for the week!

What would happen if I actually did study?! Everyone, including me, would be happier.  Ok then. 

Post Nineteen - Facing (and Fearing)

Facing (and Fearing) by Dan Andrews

Greatness appeals to the future. If I can be firm enough to-day to do right, and scorn eyes, I must have done so much right before as to defend me now. Be it how it will, do right now. Always scorn appearances, and you always may. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Trusting intuition and making decisions based on it is the most important activity of the creative artist and entrepreneur. If you are facing (and fearing) a difficult life decision, ask yourself these three questions:

1) “What are the costs of inaction?” I find it can be helpful to fight fear with fear. Fears of acting are easily and immediately articulated by our “lizard brains” (thanks Seth) e.g. what if I fail? what if I look stupid? If you systematically and clearly list the main costs of inaction, they will generally overshadow your immediate fears.

2) “What kind of person do I want to be?” I’ve found this question to be extremely useful. I admire people who act bravely and decisively. I know the only way to join their ranks is to face decisions that scare me. By seeing my actions as a path to becoming something I admire, I am more likely to act and make the tough calls.

3) “In the event of failure, could I generate an alterative positive outcome?” Imagine yourself failing to an extreme. What could you learn or do in that situation to make it a positive experience? We are generally so committed to the results we seek at the outset of a task or project that we forget about all the incredible value and experience that comes from engaging the world proactively, learning, and improving our circumstances as we go along.

No, I'm not facing a difficult life decision.  I will stick with the quote again to write my response.  I print the whole quote out in case someone else is interested in writing or thinking about these things. 

Greatness appeals to the future. If I can be firm enough to-day to do right, and scorn eyes, I must have done so much right before as to defend me now. Be it how it will, do right now. Always scorn appearances, and you always may. - Ralph Waldo Emerson


I agree pretty much with everything Emerson seems to say.  I have to read the whole book soon. I have a kindle copy.  Yes to firmness today, and yes to scorning appearances.  Cheers to one firm man!

Post Eighteen - Dreams

Dreams by Michael Rad

Abide in the simple and noble regions of thy life, obey thy heart. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Write down your top three dreams. Now write down what’s holding you back from them.

1) True compassion arises in the hearts of all humankind and is listened to. 

2) I am fearless in embodying the Truth. 

3) My house is clean from top to bottom at the same time. Just once would be good enough. 

What's holding me back? Purely time management skills.  Learning to delegate without guilt and learning how to prioritize without apology.  Sometimes laziness.