Invitation to Reaffirm your Sadhana

7^th of July 2009 Full Moon

Invitation to Begin or Reaffirm Your Sadhana

Sadhana is a Sanskrit word for spiritual practice.

In two days we have a full moon. On this full moon, I invite you to dedicate yourself to your spiritual exercise with the opportunity of a new start.

Traditionally this phase of the moon heralds a new start, dedication to your discipline, your teacher and to the great sage Veda Vyasa.

If you would like to take the opportunity you can do so in anyway you feel comfortable.

Some ideas :

Light a candle

Say a prayer

Awaken early (4am is suggested in traditional texts!)

Write your self a commitment

Practice with a friend

Vow to yourself to dedicate yourself to your practice

Reminder :

Vow something that you can keep. If it means saying ‘I’m going to practice to the best of my ability, when I can.’ Then say that.

However, don’t say ‘I’m going to practice every day for an hour’ and then be unable to stay the course. Know yourself and give yourself achievable aims. You only disappoint yourself if you aim too high and you lose your personal integrity.

Links to explore :

Significance of the Guru-Purnima Day

The Guru Purnima

Mirror Mirror, On The Wall

Are we just looking into a mirror the whole time?

Is the world just showing back to us what we already believe?

Is that it?

So then, to know the reality, the truth, I guess the only thing to do is sit still. And see what is to be seen.

Its more than enough, without our own drama added to the story. But then, it’s the addiction to the drama, isn’t it, that traps you. It feels like there is no choice, but that, is a big fat lie.

Back to the mirror.

Let go of your worries

and be completely clear-hearted,

like the face of a mirror

that contains no images.

If you want a clear mirror,

behold yourself

and see the shameless truth,

which the mirror reflects.

If metal can be polished

to a mirror-like finish,

what polishing might the mirror

of the heart require?

Between the mirror and the heart

is this single difference:

the heart conceals secrets,

while the mirror does not.

~Rumi

(Thanks for the Picture tip B!)

Mudra for The Gold Tara

Acceptance of What IS

or

‘wishing to be somewhere else with someone else’ won’t magically fix things.

Yoga is Unity. Let’s start from there.

To be in unity, we need to join, mentally, the thing we are doing, or the person we are with. This is called awareness. In hatha yoga class, we learn to join our body. To be one with the moment. To feel the stretch, the balance, the flow of energy. As we concentrate, we become more alive, more aware, more focused and more energised.

That’s normal.

However, usually, if there is a problem, we can mentally be somewhere else. If we are cleaning, or doing dishes, or talking to a boring person, we just drift off mentally and then we don’t have to be ‘joined to the moment’.

However, this is escapism. And it doesn’t fix anything. It just delays, represses and ignores the reality.

And yoga, in all honesty, is a tool that is helping us to grow up. To become responsible. To stop being a victim and become the seat of power. To become You and Me.

Go beyond boredom.

What is the most boring thing that happens to you? When do you want to ‘escape’? When do you wish you were somewhere else with someone else? Why do you keep blaming someone else for your own unhappiness?

If we think about it for just a moment, we can see that its not sane. Its not logical. Nobody can force us in our reaction. If there is one thing we do have control over, it is our reactions, our responses, the way we view the world and the way we greet life every morning.

If you say ‘yes, but, he does ‘this’ and then … how can I not react to that? Its so irritating.’ Then you are being a victim of circumstances and not the master of your own destiny. Make a choice.

Be bored. On the other side of boredom, is aliveness. Search out boredom. Fill yourself with it until you can’t take it another moment – and then – you’re on the other side, and the moment is magical.

Practice (try this!)

• Sit down in a comfortable chair.
• Relax. Be comfortable.
• Stare softly at the thing in front of you. (the TV is NOT on)
• Breathe.
• Watch your self.
• Notice every thing. Become alive.
• Allow yourself to see and feel and just watch.

What happens?

Advice for New Beginners

‘I don’t want to do it today.’

‘I feel bad because I haven’t practiced all week.’

‘I don’t want to disappoint my teacher.’

‘It was ok to start with, but I feel like training is a burden.’

‘When I started, I needed change, but now, I feel fine, so I’m not going to continue any more.’

‘I don’t see the point anymore.’

When ever we begin a new project or activity we start fresh, open and willing. Some of us continue with little problem, but most of us begin to feel that continuing training becomes more and more difficult as our mind throws up obstacles.

By beginning a mind/body discipline, you are suggesting to yourself that you want change of some sort. You might want to feel calmer, to get fitter, to feel better, to look good in a swim suit. This forces you into a new role of student and learner.However, as we begin the process of change, we come up against certain resistance. Our ego has been happy so far. It does not want to change things. Its used to the ups and downs of our moods, and it likes the indulgences and thoughtless activity. Our ego will resist.At this point, we either give up, or we struggle along with lessening enthusiasm.

Or, we can see what the mind is doing and remember why we began and wanted to begin training in the first place. (If you’re an absolute new beginner, it’s a good idea to write yourself an honest letter explaining why you want to begin a mind/body discipline. As honest as you can. And when you feel that you don’t want to train any more, take a look at the letter as a reminder of how you felt at the beginning.)

Dealing with ‘I don’t want to.’

We want to practice, first and foremost, just noticing the resistance. Because we feel or think something, it does not mean we must act upon it. Let it be, but continue the practice. Sometimes we don’t want to brush our teeth, but we do it anyway. (At least I hope so.)

Being honest with ourself.

What is the real reason we feel resistance?

Is it fear of change?

Is the training taking us to places that makes us feel uncomfortable?

Talk about it with other students and/or your instructor.

Perhaps some changes in the routine is required to help pass through a difficult stage.Be compassionate with ourself. We have many years of being a certain way and thinking certain things, and living with certain patterns of behaviour. If we were perfectly happy with how we are, we wouldn’t be looking for change. We’re now opening ourselves to a new way of being. It usually does not happen over night. It will take some time, some patience and some forgiveness on our part towards ourself.

If you have any other suggestions about how you can combat ‘I don’t want to even though its beneficial for me’ post them or e mail.

Originally posted on Patheya-blogspot.

~

Sitting still,
Feeling within.

The cells awaken,
To one another
Like a wave
Across the ocean.

Points of creation
Focus awareness.

Inside, outside
Searing near.

She sits within,
Quite and calm.
Steady in her pose
Sure in her stature.

He’s dark as night
Always from behind
Guiding, sure,
Ever present, if I call.

Inside, outside,
Swirls of light.

I see me –
Now let me see you.

Wearing Cross Cultural Clothes

~the whys and therefores

About me (contextualizing my comments)

My name is Tiffany Jones.

My Australian-born parents are a mixture of Welsh, English, Scottish and Chinese heritage. I have lived in Australia, Japan, Norway, Denmark and Spain. I’ve travelled to thirty countries.

I wear clothing I’m comfortable in and clothing I like. (I know its not the same as everyone else and still, I’m happy to be comfortable rather than fit in.) I’m a believer in discarding clothing that I identify with negative experiences or makes me feel negative towards myself.

Questions on Cross Cultural Exchange (why I wrote the post)

Last week, a friend of mine posed some questions about cross cultural dressing. For example, why decorate the face with Bindi’s if you are not Hindu, why dye your hair a different colour if you obviously have black hair, why try to be whiter if you are naturally dark, why do white girls have cornrows sometimes, and why do some Asian people surgically ‘round’ their eyes to be more Caucasian. Why not just display your own heritage and be happy with that?

These questions are not exactly in the same category as cross cultural fashion, but they do point to an opinion many people hold that consists of ‘what you are, is what you were born as, so stay that way and don’t mix your creativity with others’.

Because our image, the way we present ourselves, the way we dress, adorn and paint ourselves is a creation. We can create sloppily, or with high skill, with little thought, or with great care. Its a creation.

Who Decides What We Wear?

The fashion changes have often been brought about by necessity. The changes of women’s fashion were the greatest during war times when material was in short supply (so skirt hems went up), or because women started working (trousers and clothing with more freedom of movement).

We’re inspired by what we see on TV, in magazines, on the street and by our friends. The images that we see are created by fashion designers from across the globe. We are wearing and buying clothing that other people design, and we choose from these designers. (Designers are typically the first to admit that they are inspired from other culture's interpretation of clothing.)

Denim Jeans

I bought my first pair of jeans when I was 30. I hated jeans because I thought they were ugly, heavy and common. Everyone wears jeans. I changed my mind because at that time in my life I wanted to be common. I wanted to be just like everyone else. And jeans was a way to feel normal.

And ‘normal’ my dear friends, is what we see, mostly on TV. What we see on TV comes from North America. Teenagers in Norway, Australia and here in Spain are highly influenced by American TV and American fashion. What do teen queens wear? Jeans and a cutsie little top.

The story of jeans is a classic example of how fashion travels. The material, Wiki states, originated both from Genoa and India in the 16th century for sailors. In the 1800’s, were being sold in North America for factory workers. In the 1950’s, they were popularised by teenagers in North America. So, who owns the copyright or national identity of jeans? The Genoese, the Dhungaese, or the Americans?

So then, if I go to India, and I wear a Punjabi suit (suitable since Hindu’s and Muslims living in India are typically modest) I am cross culture dressing. Perhaps its acceptable in India, but if I wear it here, in Spain, or in Norway? What do you think?

Do you think ‘ahh, that girl can’t wear that, she’s not Indian?’

But what if I wear the pants only, and a singlet? And a bracelet? Then, am I being a ‘hippie’ or am I cross culture dressing or perhaps you didn’t even notice since the pants are in fashion at the moment.

And what if an Indian person wears jeans? Are they disregarding their culture for that of the Americans?

Accepting or not accepting the fashion of different cultures seems to be based on how often you’ve been exposed to other culture’s ideas of fashion or not.

The pants from the Hill tribes of Thailand are in fashion right now in Spain. Every tenth female is wearing them. Its fashionable and I can tell you right now that most of the females wearing them do not know where they come from. They just like what they look like. They are, in short, cool.

Does it matter?

Really?

Where do shirts come from? Who has the right to wear them?

And if we really want to get picky, can only Italians eat pizza? (God forbid)

Everything is personal and nothing has a blanket answer. There is no right or wrong. There can certainly be ugly and attractive, but we all know that admiration is in the eyes of the admirer.

On a personal note, I love Indian clothing. The colours, the freedom of movement – you can eat what you want and the top is big enough that your stomach doesn’t show its bulge, its elegant and protective from sun and wind and more feminine than any pair of jeans.

I have never felt as comfortable as I do in my favourite blue Punjabi suit.

Other opinions are heartily welcomed.

A New Beginner's Attitude Towards Training

‘I don’t want to do it today.’

‘I feel bad because I haven’t practiced all week.’

‘I don’t want to disappoint my teacher.’

‘It was ok to start with, but I feel like training is a burden.’

‘When I started, I needed change, but now, I feel fine, so I’m not going to continue any more.’

‘I don’t see the point anymore.’


When ever we begin a new project or activity we start fresh, open and willing. Some of us continue with little problem, but most of us begin to feel that continuing training becomes more and more difficult as our mind throws up obstacles.

By beginning a mind/body discipline, you are suggesting to yourself that you want change of some sort. You might want to feel calmer, to get fitter, to feel better, to look good in a swim suit. This forces you into a new role of student and learner.

However, as we begin the process of change, we come up against certain resistance. Our ego has been happy so far. It does not want to change things. Its used to the ups and downs of our moods, and it likes the indulgences and thoughtless activity. Our ego will resist.

At this point, we either give up, or we struggle along with lessening enthusiasm. Or, we can see what the mind is doing and remember why we began and wanted to begin training in the first place. (If you’re an absolute new beginner, it’s a good idea to write yourself an honest letter explaining why you want to begin a mind/body discipline. As honest as you can. And when you feel that you don’t want to train any more, take a look at the letter as a reminder of how you felt at the beginning.)

Dealing with ‘I don’t want to.’

We want to practice, first and foremost, just noticing the resistance. Because we feel or think something, it does not mean we must act upon it. Let it be, but continue the practice. Sometimes we don’t want to brush our teeth, but we do it anyway. (At least I hope so.)

Being honest with ourself. What is the real reason we feel resistance? Is it fear of change? Is the training taking us to places that makes us feel uncomfortable?
Talk about it with other students and/or your instructor. Perhaps some changes in the routine is required to help pass through a difficult stage.

Be compassionate with ourself. We have many years of being a certain way and thinking certain things, and living with certain patterns of behaviour. If we were perfectly happy with how we are, we wouldn’t be looking for change. We’re now opening ourselves to a new way of being. It usually does not happen over night. It will take some time, some patience and some forgiveness on our part towards ourself.

If you have any other suggestions about how you can combat ‘I don’t want to even though its beneficial for me’ post them or e mail.

The Economic Crisis and Inner Withdrawal

Coming back to Europe, we hear on the television and amongst people we speak with stories about how the economic crisis has affected them.

We were in Australia when the crash announced itself, and have been travelling in South East Asia for the last four months. People there say that there are less tourists than last year.

There has been a slight increase in break ins and robberies around here (Granollers, Spain), and I expect that it’s a common effect of harder economic times across the world.

During this time, there is fear in the air. The media and the people you know are filled with the hardships approaching. It tends to create a reaction of withdrawal from activities within the community and especially from foreigners.

In times of hardship, it’s a time to pool together, not prise ourselves further apart. It’s a time to give, because there is obvious need under our own eyes. What ever we have, let’s forge strong links and share it. By sharing it, it increases. By holding on tight, we concentrate on our lack and our fears and create our own misery.

If we have a view of each other as brothers and sisters, we will help each other.

Somebody stole a mobile phone and a camera and fell to their death as a result while trying to escape.

How many of us have a spare mobile at home? How many of us have a camera, or two, that are not used? Would it make a difference to the people with less, if the richer gave a bit more. Perhaps its even worth giving, to help elevate your own fears of being robbed or discriminated against because you have more than enough.

Sharing increases your wealth. It spreads good will and peace, not just at Christmas, but all through the year.

Holding onto your fears, worrying and playing it ‘safe’ leads to withdrawal and increase in negativity. Let’s not invite more trouble than we already have.

The Appearance of Silver Hairs

Its shiny and wayward and doesn’t fit into the style I chose, but I love them. I love each one. They can be a symbol of wisdom, of experience, of life.

When I take a positive note to something that has a modern reputation as being a negative, like grey hairs, I think of Nickos and Shirley Valentine and his rapturous description of her birth marks.
So maybe you don’t believe me, but it gets me to penetrate your mind with a new idea of what is. Then perhaps, after accepting that ideas come and go, we can allow what is, without an opinion and without insistence. Insistence seems to always want to sell something, and at this stage, I’m no different.

I’m selling positivity.

I want us to question what the media tells us is negative. If everyone is afraid of grey hair, then they will dye it, and money is exchanged for your fears.

If people embrace the silver strands, standing independently and fiercely upon our heads, we just smile to our mirror, instead of peer and squint and complain internally every morning.

Where’s the good in that?

Silver strands of my life
Breaking into my phantom youth.
Be, I am, and smile at their insistent direction.
Resistant they are, and full of self importance.
Silver strands of my youth
Coming to remind me, of me.