Generosity As A Natural Act

Sylvia Boorstein says that compassion is the natural response of the heart.
I believe that is true. She says that it requires a quiet state of mind. When we are in that state we naturally feel another's pain. Often we are too busy or caught up with our own attachments to feel the vibrations. Yet when we remember the interconnectedness of all beings we can see and feel another's pain more clearly.
If we are born with a natural tendency for compassion the same must hold true for generosity.
When our attention and awareness is sharp and clear, we naturally become caregivers. We find that sharing is a totally natural act. There is no fear to hold us back. It is just what we do.
Sylvia says: "perhaps generosity is the word we use as long as we think there are donors and recipients. When sharing is a natural and spontaneous act, we probably call it compassion."
Many years ago I heard a quote from an anonymous source. "There is no giver, no gift and no receiver, only the universe rearranging itself." It makes me know that I can relax and that the natural response of the heart will know what to do.

Seeing the Light in Each Other

Our story, about the failing monastery and the monk who visited his friend the rabbi for advice, reminds me of how we fail to look for the beauty and good within each other. It is so much easier to focus on faults or flaws. Can we believe that there is a quality of light and goodness that exists within each of us? If we focus on that does it change the way we perceive each other? By seeing someone in a new light, does it change how that person responds to us. Does it allow that person to become better, because we have no longer pigeon-holed or labeled him? We can discover this for ourselves by changing our perceptions a little at a time.

Black and White Thinking

Last week, the story of the 2 monks and the woman in the stream was an example of the kind of thinking that accompanies low self-esteem. Do we ever fall into the trap of thinking adherence to rules guarantees love and acceptance? This may occur when we have deep wounds that are unhealed. We then may be unable to take the higher ground and respond to our life's purpose.
As Jack Kornfield says, "Does your path have a heart?"... "if it does not it is of no use".

Happiness List

This week our reflection centered around making a Happiness List.
It only takes 5 minutes. I think it is a wonderful tool for getting current and honest with what you love and makes you happy. It can be anything. The tricks are: not to edit, write as fast as you can for 5 minutes, and repeat yourself as often as necessary. Be general and specific.
When I did it this week I actually wrote SNOW. I said later, "what was I thinking?" That is just it, I wasn't thinking, I was feeling. I love new fallen snow when everything is pristine, quiet, beautiful and uniquely nature at it's finest.
So what is this about in terms of AHIMSA? It is about bringing forward the love and beauty that is in your heart and calling on it everyday. Giving yourself a few things from your list everyday is a kindness gift to yourself. I believe that when we do that it enriches us and the world.

Yoga Models

My dear students,
I am looking for yoga models for my 2010 calendar.
This one will be different from my 2009 calendar ... more unique and therapeutic poses.
Maybe even a little humor in there.... It will evolve!!!! I have some great ideas.
I will have a sign up list in class.
Please let me know if you are interested.
If you are interested: I will do a short "photo shoot" with you at my yoga studio.
That is all it takes. And, yes, it is fun!!!!

"Waking" - a book

I am reading a book called Waking, by Matthew Sandford. It is a memoir and describes a terrible accident that leaves 13 year old, Matthew, a paraplegic for life. Matthew describes his mind body journey in depth and it leads him to begin the practice of yoga. In his healing journey he turns to yoga as a centerpiece in his daily life. He discovers the deepest of insights in the mind body connection and the distance and silence between the two. The struggles he goes through are heart breaking, yet his strength and courage always carry him. Matthew eventually becomes a yoga teacher. Today he teaches yoga and specializes in adapting the practice for those with disabilities. He has founded the nonprofit organization Mind Body Solutions and speaks nationally about the mind-body relationship. www.matthewsandford.com
This is a fascinating read and I highly recommend it.

The Seven Monks

From the story of the seven monks,which answer did you pick??
Who did the head monk choose to be killed? Many of us said, "himself", thinking that would be the most honorable thing to do. (I know I did when I first heard this story.) That is what our culture has taught us... that it is good to always sacrifice ourselves for others. If that is the case we might also ask, " am I more demanding, critical and punishing of myself than anyone else? What parts of myself have I rejected, or dismissed? Do I expect perfection from myself all too often?" It reminds me that as a mother I was alway willing to eat the "burnt toast". Sacrifice has it's place, putting others ahead of oneself has its place. But we might fall into the trap of using it as a code of behavior in every situation.

However, the story suggests that every being is precious, and worthy. I am no less or more important than you are. We are equals.
When we are of service in the world it includes being of service to ourselves aswell as others.
By honoring our own growth, strengths, creativity and happiness, we can then better serve others and the planet.


Reference: Ajahn Brahm, Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung?

"Once you accept the fact that you're not perfect, then you develop some confidence."
-Rosalynn Carter

"Perfectionism is a slow death." -Hugh Prather