Yoga Bits
Morsels of yogic wisdom and information

 July 30 - Aug. 5, 2012  

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Rose, Mary and Time
Joy is as plain as the rose in your space 

"
Everything is given but nothing is promised." 
-- Judith Lasater

I consider it genuinely awe-inspiring that I can stand on a sidewalk in my neighborhood and inhale natural perfume. Blooming RoseI don't get charged. I don't have to wait in line. I don't even have to find a vase.

That's why when I am walking past a rose bush, I often pause for the purpose of breathing in its fragrance. (BTW, that was my attempt at crafting a sentence that did not include the phrase "stop and smell the roses.")

Even more impressive to me is the fact that the rose does not give off its scent because I deserve it or because it was expecting me to drop by.

The rose gives off its scent because it is a rose.

For centuries writers and artists have been describing the wonder of this enchanting flower, so I'm going to skip any effort to say anything poetic. I only bring it up at all because the rose reminds me of some very important principles of living.
By stopping along my way, I remember that it's my job to take the time and appreciate this stunning, unconditional gift. The rose isn't going to leap off the bush and jump into my path. If I rush past, I'll miss out on this little slice of heaven. If ignoring that gift becomes a lifestyle, I may even begin to believe that the world around me is entirely unspectacular or ungenerous. Is it? Or am I just too busy running through my own life to notice the parts of my world that are beautiful?

Taking in the scent reminds me that my own essence is something that needs expression for its own sake. The rose doesn't ask permission to be what it is: beautiful, natural, aromatic, unselfish. It does not discriminate in its giving -- and, worth noting, it does not take responsibility for my reaction to it. It grows and blooms and celebrates itself with no commentary or criticism. What might be possible if I liberate myself -- even for a moment -- into a similar attitude?

I invite you to experiment this week by noticing something amazing that you might usually take for granted? In the midst of your stressful, busy, scattered life, open up a little space for the antidote. The exercise will only take a moment, but the payoff may last much, much longer.

 

Join me for yoga this week:
Home studio, North Hollywood:
Tuesday 7:30 p.m., Saturday 10:30 a.m., Sunday 10 a.m.
Burbank YMCA:

Wednesday, 8:30 a.m., Thursday 8 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.

For more information about classes, email me or visit the class schedule on the Yoga Bits blog.
Sat Nam,
Mary

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Love your yoga as much as it loves you!
Love Your Yoga / Los Angeles 
The techniques and suggestions presented in Yoga Bits are not intended as medical claims or to substitute for proper medical advice. Consult your physician before beginning any new exercise program. If you are elderly or have any chronic or recurring conditions such as high blood pressure, neck or back pain, arthritis, heart disease, and so on, seek your physician's advice before practicing.