Class # 3

Slogan:  Don't Expect Applause.

I hope you are all taking this into your week and seeing how it applies.  I think of aparigraha when I consider the ability to be unattached to receiving praise for all that we do.    How much do we need appreciation or acknowledgement?   I think we all need it to some extent.   It feels like we are SEEN when we receive that from others, however it may be more about our attachment to it.

 There is a purity of heart when we are able to do for others and allow that to be the gift in itself.
The author suggests" "More than to expect thanks, it would be helpful just to expect the unexpected".... being curious and inquisitive about what comes.
   Also it is important to express gratitude but not so that we expect to be liked or get something back.   I wonder if we are even conscious of that.

"Simply keep the door open without expectation!"  

This reading (and my commentary) comes from Pema Chodron's book:  Comfortable with Uncertainty

Class #2

Last week I read a story poem by Portia Nelson.  I gave all of you a copy.

"I walk down the street.  There is a deep hole in the sidewalk. I fall in..."   those are the first few lines.
The poem helps us to look at the patterns we create in our lives and how we become unconscious to them even though they create suffering.  
The author gives us an opportunity to ask ourselves where are we creating suffering in our lives and repeating the same choices over and over again.
The suffering can feel like a negative emotion or an inner conflict and then we wonder why are we here again.    Or maybe it is a behavior that leads to a problem that we continue to encounter.
I learn from this that I must look at my belief or my attitude and deconstruct or undo it  if I am to re- build and change where I end up.
In the poem there are several moments of becoming more conscious becoming more and more awake.
The poem is called Autobiography in Five Short Chapters.

Spring classes begin...

So glad to be back with classes once more.  Spring is in the air even though we are having high winds and lots of rain.
This quarter there will be no specific theme, just a variety of little reflections to take us into our breathing and meditation and asana practices.
I am letting students know this week that I am taking the summer off so there will be no yoga classes for summer quarter.  I will give you recommendations for other classes around town for summer yoga if you want to continue classes during summer months.
See you in class.
Maureen