Thoughts About Change

"Playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing
enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel
insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the
glory of God that is within us; it is in everyone. And, as we
let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people
permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our
own fears, our presence automatically liberates others."
~ Nelson Mandela

The shorter days of autumn provide the natural opportunity for introspection and
rejuvenation, as well as nurturing and nourishing ourselves. It is a perfect time
for replenishment and practicing letting go, to let life flow, to let your energy move,
and be in the unknown of the present.

I often think about the role music plays in my life. It has gone through many phases
and as I continue Yoga practices I look to the vibration that connects us to spirit and
to the eternal. Music is not only more soothing and relaxing; it is vibration that lifts
the spirit. It adds a new dimension to my life whether it is drumming, singing,
chanting, playing the piano or just listening.

Whatever type of music tickles my spirit, it is with deep appreciation that I approach
it. My relationship with music and vibration is growing and changing. Music
engages my body and mind in a new way.

Recently, I watched a rose go from a bud to a fully open flower in a matter of minutes.
It had just stopped raining and the sun was coming over the mountain. It reminded
me of music and Yoga asana and how much we change when we allow ourselves to.
Allowing seems to be the key as we learn to go beyond the mind to that sacred
part of us. It is the breathe that takes us there. It is what leads us to become a
witness and not a judge. It keeps us from the boredom of life when we allow
ourselves to look for more on the inside rather than the outside. With these
ideas, we can experience the depth of the pose, the depth of the rose, the
depth of our practice, the depth of ourselves and others. It is then that we will
see what we have not yet seen.

This summer, I took the incredible opportunity to be in a silent retreat for 2 weeks.
I trudged through many aspects of myself that I often don't take time to look at and
sometimes run away from. In this process of silence and meditation, I was
encouraged to allow myself to release the old and transform. I felt safe enough to
allow the present to "be enough" and not feel like I had to be going anywhere or
being anybody. The first few days were about clearing out all the excuses and
reasons for things that clearly were just a means of keeping my perception under
the delusion of my control. As I lost track of the days and time, I experienced a new
sense of freedom in the not knowing. The movement of energy and the experience
is beyond description...truly a transformation. I encourage each of you to take some
time for silence this season. Give yourself a few minutes, a few hours, a day to
rejuvenate, let go, and be in silence.

Blessings to all of you,
myra

p.s. A new member of the family at Hale Pule, Rama (a Welsh Terrier), is keeping
all of us on our toes with puppy energy! He is teaching Birdie and I many lessons in
patience, love and creative communication. He is truly a wonder and gift to us.

Birdie & Rama

Birdie

Rama