Weaving energy into something good…

Here is another article I wrote for the Valley Voice... enjoy!

I found a wonderful quote.

When I read it,

my heart swelled with love...

“Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth, ‘You owe me.’ Look what happens with a love like that- it lights the whole world. “ –Hafiz

Everything we do can bring positive or negative energy back into our lives and into the lives of others.

Everyday we are faced with decisions that can make life better; for us and others. Simple acts such as holding a door open for someone to smiling when making eye contact can cause a chain reaction of bliss that will come back to you. Sending the positive action or energy into the world not only fills the world with love, but rights the wrongs of others and ourselves. The laws of karma are taught in different ways to all of us at some time. The hard part is doing good things while expecting nothing in return. This does not mean that the goodness does not return, it means that we do not tag the good act before we send it out.

To turn inwards, grab bliss and send it out into the world can be hard. A simple yoga pose to help us approach this action is Ardha Chandasana or Half Moon pose. Start in standing Mountain Pose and move into Triangle pose. From here, with one hand on the floor or a block, lift your top hand to the sky and then lift your top leg, opening your hip. While in this pose, your chest is open, your top arm and leg reach out. Send the energy and bliss through your arm and out the tips of your fingers into the world. This pose will open your heart and soul.

the plants are taking over my house...

So.
Our 50 tomato plants are growing so fast, I am afraid that I can't keep up with turning the trays to make sure that they grow straight as they perch on the window sill in my kitchen! They are about 6 inches tall in some cases.

Today, they will be embarking on a new journey...they will be introduced to the warm sun and soft breeze!

is it really spring???

I am so scared that it will snow again.
The tulips in my garden are out and about 5 inches tall already! They have survived the last few months so I guess they will be fine. The garlic sprouts are about 3 inches high and growing. My tomato plants are on the window sill enjoying the brightness and trying to stretch towards the outside. I have planted yellow, plum and beefsteak tomatoes. I am starting a white bean plant too. (I had planted 3 beans and only one grew) I have 9 little red hot chilli peppers too. They are taking their time. It just goes to show how amazing mother nature is! She will allow us to start seeds when we need them and does her best to help them grow.

listen to your world

In my April article for the valley voice I mentioned that when I was a child, my dad had a poster (at least I think it was a poster...maybe an album cover) that he displayed right above his stereo. At the time I think he had a stereo that included one of those double reel tape systems. Could have been around 1974 or so. One of my earliest memories is seeing that image. He took a photo of the stereo system and the sign and I still have that photo today. It was like he was telling me something even before I could read. It was in my memory even though I could not understand it at the time. Later when I could read, and found the photograph, I discovered that it said, "listen to your world." Still I was unsure about what it meant. The photo was put away but the memory of the sign was evolving in my mind. Much later, almost recently, I found the photo again. This time when I read the sign, it meant a lot more to me. I had evolved and the photo had remained a snapshot in time. The meaning was still the same as it was in 1974 and as it was in 2008. To the adult me, it spoke directly to my spirit, relating to yoga, meditation and my strong environmental convictions. Funny how it was present through all my life and a piece of me. It is like a reminder throught the stages of my life. What will it mean to the old aged me?

Listen to your world...

When I was a child, my father had a poster that had only those words on it. As soon as I could read, I started on a journey to figure out what those words meant. Every thing on earth has a sound and vibration. Shakespeare once said, "the earth has music for those who listen."

A yoga pose that calms the mind to help us listen better is Upavistha Konasana. The name of this pose translates into ‘seated angle’ pose. Sit comfortably on the floor and open your legs out as wide and comfortably as you can. If you feel discomfort in the low back, place a pillow under your seat. Position your knees and toes pointing upward. Inhale deeply, then exhale, place your hands on the floor in front of you. With straight arms, walk your hands as far as you feel comfortable while hinging in the hips. Hold the pose for a minute or so and tune into your breath. Close your eyes and turn your ears on.

Whether it is in our favorite pose or in meditation, really listen to the world around you. Listen for the collective universal sound. Listen for your own sound with in the universe. Listen to your world. What does it say?