What are we looking for?

So much has happened since the web site come up last May. On Maui
there is an attitude of heightened awareness and intense knowing of
the importance of each moment. And a tremendous gratitude for the
beauty that surrounds us.

At Hale Pule, a lovely soul, Bogey, took his
next step on October llth. He was an incredibly loving and forgiving being, showering affection on all of those who came to practice and study here. He was of great service to myself and to others in his later days as he continued to be loving and strong in spirit as his body deteriorated toward death. It was an honor to care for him to the end. He is remembered fondly by many.

There is much talk about Yoga these days. It has become very
fashionable to attend Yoga classes. It is a wonderful thing that many
people are interested in taking better care of themselves.

But what are we really looking for? And is that what we find in Yoga?
We might go to a Yoga class to feel better, to be more comfortable in our
body, or to look better. Some people are attracted to Yoga because they
want a greater sense of themselves or a connection with their Source. We
may not realize that it is the connection to our inner selves that allows us to
feel better, look better and feel more comfortable in our body and as part
of the world.

Yoga is the practice of allowing our every action and inaction to have, at its
core, the ultimate goal of connection with our higher Self or our Source. The
Yoga practices help us learn to pay attention to all of life and not to
compartmentalize it. For example, “I do Yoga, but when it comes to my job I
do it the way I always have.” Or, “When I go shopping I lose myself and then
end up with things I do not need or want.” The various practices of Yoga can help
us learn to live from a perspective of completeness and abundance so that we
can see more clearly our own needs, that of others, and our place in the flow of
life from moment to moment.

I have spoken with a number of people recently who realized they wanted to
reduce the amount of material ‘stuff’ in their lives. We all use various guideline
to this. One very effective one is to ask our selves the question, "Does this item
or activity support my spiritual nature or my growth as a spiritual being?” If
the answer isn’t “yes”, then it may be time to let go. We hang on for all kinds of
reasons, most of which are related to feeding the ego and an image or mask of
who we think we are supposed to be. The notion of letting go requires the courage
to allow life to move and flow, realizing I may not know what is coming next.
The practices of Yoga help us learn to live with an attitude of exploration. Gentle
persistence in Yoga practices is one of the best ways to develop an attitude of
patience toward self and others.

The study and practice of the Yamas and Niyamas are one of the main tools to
begin to spiritualize our everyday living. Read a bit each day and offer it to your
spiritual self without judgment or analysis. A moment of silence to digest, then
pay attention to what happens. Be a witness to your own amazing life.

The class schedule at Hale Pule will be changing and expanding in mid-January to
include 2 individual practice classes and one additional class for all levels.

For those of you thinking about, or planning a retreat, Maui is as soft and
sweet as ever. Hope to see you soon.

Thoughts from Hale Pule ~