 |
"Unless we change directions,
we
are likely to end up where we
are headed.” |
May, 2005
Aloha from Hale Pule on
Maui,
It has been a while
since the newsletter was updated and this has been
a time of tremendous growth for my self and all the activities here at
Hale Pule and Piku Mala.
The Yoga studio and retreat space, Hale Pule, is where guests come
to connect with themselves and the earth. There are ongoing classes
in Yoga available.
Piku Mala means
‘Fig Garden’ and the property is developing beautifully.
Piku Mala is an organically farmed 2-acre property with 60+ fig trees, a
substantial vegetable garden, produce stand, and various other fruit trees.
Piku Mala uses sustainable organic practices in a cheerful, solution
oriented, and spiritual atmosphere.
There is a beautiful
produce stand selling many types of fruits and vegetables.
The figs will be sold fresh, dried, as preserves, in fig bars and ?! Just
now, a
new stand is being built in the style of the traditional Hawaiian Hale with
thatched roof.
| Of course, all of this
activity requires many helping hands and long hours
of work. This has been possible with the help of long-term students living
here and travelers from WWOOFers (Willing Workers on Organic Farms –a world wide organization) who do work-trade in exchange for living and
practicing Yoga at Hale Pule. Retreat guests who are interested can do
partial work-trade on their visits. Connecting to the earth in this way
helps
with clarity and connection to our higher self and purpose. There are many
different types of tasks available. |
|
 |
In addition to the
physical and spiritual growth of Hale Pule and Piku Mala,
I have been presented with some challenges and blessings in my personal
life. Just after acquiring Piku Mala in July of
2003, my father became very
ill. He spent a difficult 10 months in bed before passing in July of 2004.
It
is with much gratitude and blessing I release him to his next step.
Also, in July of 2004,
Evie Poland, an amazing person and dedicated
student at Hale Pule for the past 4 years, passed on at the age of 90.
Evie came to class the week prior to departing and thoroughly enjoyed
her last head stand. We all learned from her as she accepted her life
from moment to moment. Evie left peacefully in her sleep on July 11th.
I was honored to have her memorial service here at Hale Pule which 75
people attended to bless her passing. It was an occasion of joy and
sweetness… Evie touched many hearts forever.
In 2003, I came to the
end of 8 years of menopause and, like a switch
flipped, I was complete with many levels of true passage --physical,
mental, psychic, and spiritual. My body took a shift and although I felt
well in most ways, there was a nagging feeling inside that was not
quite right. I was not processing and letting go inside as thoroughly as
my intellect thought. In June of 2004, I had swollen glands in my groin
for what looked like infection which subsided. Then in August, I
discovered lumps on the right side of my chest. The glands in my
neck had been slightly swollen for a long time. It turned out to be
leukemia and I was again challenged to use my practices as
support to work through a difficulty in life. I chose not to use
Western Medicine for treatment and have used a combination
of Ayurvedic herbs, New (Energy) Medicine, and Homeopathy.
I was not feeling well for a couple of months during the initial
treatments and was able to cut back my activity appropriately with
the loving support of those around me. I continued my practices;
adjusting even more carefully each day based on how I was
feeling. It has been a great lesson in raising awareness and
practicing consciousness in all of my life.
Exploring the
emotional component of this disease, I found more
levels of resistance inside of me around forgiveness, acceptance,
and realizing that resistance is just resentment internalized toward
the future. It was only hurting me and separating me from others.
As much of this internal resistance has broken down, I experience
deeper joy and love of myself and others and there is a new
sense of intimacy and connection.
There were a few
adjustments to foods and their preparation
as a result of the disease. Now, there is no baking soda in the
bread or muffins (as always no yeast or sugars) and I am grinding
my own grains and growing sprouts (clover and mung bean mostly).
In celebration of my 50th birthday, I purchased new cookware;
copper
(over stainless steel / cast iron) for certain foods and clay pots for
others. The shift was distinctive in taste and perhaps more healthful.
Thanks to overstock.com for the wonderful pricing. The food preparation
at Hale Pule continues to be true sadhana; all organic, Ayurvedic, and
prepared with much love and blessing. It is a prayer and a gift. Like
all of my practices it is a healing each day if I allow that and carry that
attitude.
I am now free of the
dis-ease. The lumps are almost gone and I am
stronger than ever before on all levels. If you would like more information
on the healing approach I used check out
www.alternative-treatments.com
and
www.naturalcures.com for information. If you would like to know more
about what I did specifically email me at yogini@livingYoga-maui.com.
In mid-March, I
returned from a 5 week retreat to the Peruvian Amazon
which included meditation work and 3 weeks of silence at a center built
by my teacher, Joachim. As usual, more is revealed of the wonders of the
inner world. I continue to realize that I am not my feelings, emotions, or
body; they are tools for my purification and progress towards realization
of my true Self and liberation. It is always a blessing to have special time
to acknowledge and work with Joachim, as I can then practice more easily
in my daily life. I realize that all the people and challenges in my life
are an
opportunity for me to grow toward that liberation, practicing faith, and
courage on the way.
There is much growth
in all ways here at Hale Pule and Piku Mala.
A labyrinth is almost complete for the area under the monkeypod tree at the
front of the property. There will be figs to harvest this summer and many
new fruits. I hope you enjoy the new pictures and come to visit soon.
Much love and sweet
blessings to all,
myra
