Yoga Bits

Morsels of yogic wisdom and information

August 8 - 14, 2011

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Class Times for the Week of August 8

Yoga at the Armory: August 28!   

Armory Center for the Arts, Pasadena, 10 a.m.  Community Class     

Details below

 

Your Soul As GPS

I should've taken that left turn at Albuquerque...

 

The journey of a human life is to travel from where you are -- your fate --

to who you are -- your destiny. 

-- Guru Singh

 

That's easy for HIM to say, right? Well, not really. No one gets a free pass, not even a lifelong yogi.

In his blog, Guru Singh describes the challenge of mapping out our travel. "Most people consciously or unconsciously distract themselves from living in either of these locations. They are neither where they are, or who they are, but a chaotic mixture of being distracted from the actualities of fate and doubting the possibilities of destiny. All this while life -- patiently and dutifully -- waits on some parallel track...waiting for consciousness to awaken to at least one of these opportunities."

Silver CompassIf you've spent years towing the line to please others, or grinding yourself into the dirt to make "enough" money or drifting aimlessly while others realize their dreams, perhaps it's time for a course correction.

The first order of business is to acknowledge where you really are -- and this is no small feat. Often we don't like where we are, and even though that is often the impetus for change, that sense of misalignment can provoke denial and/or shame. Our dis-ease can impede our acceptance and trap us in wishful thinking.

For example, for a long time I have wished to cut back my intake of refined sugar. I love Krispy Kreme, french fries and Coca-Cola (no, not all at the same time), but I really do not thrill to the idea of Type II diabetes. It would be nice if that wish was enough.

Hanging out with fellow yogis who consume vegan, non GMO, raw, organic seaweed was not enough to inspire my palate (dietary change by osmosis is not particularly realistic, who knew?). I see that they are shiny, happy people but I discovered their methods and menus are really not going to get me from point A to point B. So I spent roughly 18 months thinking about how to go about making adjustments and trying new foods little by little. I've had to follow my own completely unspectacular, politically incorrect path to better nutritional health. It's slow and very unsteady but that's my reality. Last month I made the biggest dietary change yet  (in case you're curious, it involves stevia) and it seems to be paying off. I'd love to tell you that my diet is now pure as the driven snow, but it's not. Accepting my authentic "location" means the difference between progressing in my own way and pace or just throwing in the towel and pointing my compass toward the magnetic north of sugar cravings: the flashing "Hot Doughnuts Now" neon sign.

Maybe you relate to the level of challenge I've described, or maybe the change you seek is not so dramatic. Maybe you simply hope to speak more kindly to a family member, aspire to take three yoga classes a week or want to make room in your life for the dog you've always wanted. Big or small, take an honest look at yourself in this moment.

Making a "false" start by lying to yourself about your true position will only send you on a wild goose chase. Having established where you truly are, it's time to consider where you are going -- and it may not be what you expected. Your authentic destination (aka destiny) has to do with your soul's yearning to be expressed in this physical realm. The efficacy of the route you travel will depend upon your clarity at the outset and that vision will serve you as you encounter resistance and doubt. 

Tip:
Chances are if your inner GPS is guiding you to quit your job, leave your family and blow the nest egg on slots in Vegas, it's not particularly conscious or soulful. There are exceptions that prove every rule, but let's just say that a path toward self-indulgence is not the same as a path toward Self.

Awareness of the soul's purpose comes in different forms for different people and the rates of change are dramatically affected by numerous forces, both internal and external. Establish your commitment to destiny with a simple (but not easy) attitude adjustment: be patient; embrace the confusion; welcome the mistakes; and celebrate the progress, no matter how seemingly insignificant.

Sat Nam,

 

Mary

 

Classes for the Wweeklyinfoeek of August 8       

North Hollywood   

Wed 7:30 p.m.  Thu 7:30 p.m.  Sat 11 a.m.  Sat 3 p.m.

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fourthsunday

 

Yoga at the Armory

Sunday, August 28 

 

Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena    

10 a.m. Community Class 

All Levels

 

$15 suggested fee*

 

Armory Center for the Arts

Community Room 

145 N. Raymond Ave.

Pasadena CA 91103

 Parking & Directions 

 

*Why "suggest" a fee? Aren't you sure the class is worth $15?  

Well, in my humble opinion, it's certainly worth it. However, not everyone who wants or needs yoga is in a position to pay the full class fee. In those cases, a "suggested" fee or donation leaves room for students to pay what they can afford, if the standard $15 is not possible.  

 

Please bring your own mat and yoga blanket. None are provided. 

 

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