The hot seat, sometimes known as the open seat is the cushion one sits on in a circle of people with a facilitator, from which they get to share their present state of awareness. This present state might be a reflection of the past or the thinking mind bringing up memories or other such desires, aspirations or issues one might be struggling with.
This is a Gestalt workshop with Chris Price. A week with a graceful, compassionate leader, offering her attentiveness, love, and support with the utmost generosity.
The first couple of days we met we learned tools to use in this particular form of exploration. Then we opened the seat up, and one at a time we got to witness someone’s work.
Thursday morning. I take my seat on the hot seat, and notice my breath, my body and the environment. Scanning the room, I look at each person sitting in the circle, taking a moment to really connect.
The time I sat on the seat seemed timeless. I felt clear and light. Chris put her hands on my chest or back as support.
“I feel expansion, space, seeing widely, a sense of calmness, of flying. Yet there is an instinct that is searching for a place to land. I am not sure where that place is”.
I pause for a moment to feel that statement in body.
“ There is joy that exists and is not dependent on anything. It is life itself. This joy, this force keeps me going. At a certain point in life I chose it. I saw death; I was tempted by it and chose life. Now when I see death, it does not seem like a bad thing anymore. It is just there, same as life. There is no choosing anymore.”
As I sit, breathing, seeing the whole of the room, people sitting appear to me to have their attention towards me.
“ Take a moment to feel how this feels in your body” Chris tells me.
“ My hands reach towards the earth (well the carpet really) sliding up and down, feeling the earth, the base. My fingers move in a claw motion, feeling, like gathering.
“What are your hands saying, can you speak from the hands’ place? Hands can you talk to us?” Chris asks.
I smile for a moment. “ We are looking to gather these twigs. We want to offer them to you Doron, but don’t know where to bring them. “A nest, would love to have a nest, a place to come back to.”
When I mentioned something similar to a friend, he said that he always had a nest and was always afraid to fly. Now that he hears me, he realizes that the nest allows him to fly even higher, since he has where to come back to.
Is this sensation just a notion of the functioning world? What is this need of? Is there a lacking?
“What is important for you when you think of a place to live in?”
People, I answer without thinking much. “Friends, family, community. I want to be in a place where I can give the biggest hug and have it welcomed.”
I enjoy where I am. I am happy everywhere I go. But I want to feel a sense of connectedness, maybe belonging.
I am now is a place where I can take care of myself, stay in this good state I’m in and still be of service. My origins, my home place, where I come from, is a place with deep connections, with people that need me, yet a place that will be much harder for me to take care of myself. Can I be fully of service when I am in more of a challenging position? I know that wherever I go I will be able to be of service, so how are choices made?”
“How have you made choices in the past?”
“I set an intention. I see in my mind many of the possible options, and then I let it go. I know I can’t make a decision at the moment so I make the whole range clear, and when the time is right, the decision just happens. I know what to choose.
In a way it is what I am doing now. I find curiosity to understand this decision process, especially when it is related to finding a home.
I sit still again.
An image of a ship in the ocean appears. It has an anchor and a rope that connects it to the anchor. The rope seems to be endless. Having limitless length to go as far as I want. I am the ship and I can float or even fly as far as I wish. Complete freedom. The rope is like my connection to the womb, to an endless dark womb, dark in a good way. In an infinite way, where everything is unknown and everything is possible. The rope keeps me connected. I can pull it, and pull it, till I arrive back to my anchor. Is this rope a need for safety? I have always enjoyed complete freedom, enjoyed life on the edge, feeling good with any risk, being fearless. So this anchor, this nest serves as something else; A base, a place that will allow me to go deeper and be available to be of more service.
I feel radiant, a glow. No answer, no mind, just sitting there seeing the rest of the group.
They offer me echoes, words, sentences, pieces that touched them, which they remember.
I listen with a smile. Who was it just speaking? I bow with gratitude. Thank you all for holding the space, thank you Chris for you true presence and compassion.
Thank you all that read my blog.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
The gift of NY - the people
Front row of economy class, sitting with extra leg room in a metal tube, flying west.
Walking the streets and avenues of the city I know so well, observing the people, the greatest gift of NY; such a marvel of demographics, of color and accents. I watch as the moda of the 80’s creeps as zippers on jackets, as scarves, big necklaces and sunglasses adorn skin and clothes, adding accents, color, and design to already somewhat bright colors.
Leggings are everywhere, covered by tight super short skirts or dresses, like a stretched long T-shirt, paired with a pair of boots that either fold down as an accordion without sound, or have an extra long flashy zipper from bottom to top, like a seem on a hosiery on the back of the leg
Seems like so many have a fashion statement of a sort. Most women are wearing boots and heels, leaving me a sense of joy and glory at the beauty of the legs. Being a teenage in the 80’s I cannot help but be nostalgic. I admit it looks much sexier at my age and without adding the 80’s hairdo much prettier.
Like my artwork, like my life, this trip unfolded as an exploration of body and mind.
Silence and concentration as a young handsome man does a one-hand handstand on a little pole, splitting his legs apart, to the joy of the crowd. He wears little and white, exposing skin that is being stretched by muscle work and veins.
A hula-hoop master feels like Betty Boop, and a blond and a brunette fly up high in the open space of the striped blue and yellow tent flexing hips and extending legs, flying in coordination. The beautiful tan long legged brunette hanging off the bent leg of the petite blond. Living life to its fullest, flying with no security net.
Desir, a show at south street seaport hosts an exposition of body possibilities. Physic and concentration make this a Cirque de soleil wanna be.
Saturday at the Zen temple, sitting silently doing nothing. Breathing happens. Feels like home, so many familiar faces. Sharing lunch, I meet smiling faces that were in residence with me either at the temple or the monastery. The still body, the tired body from not sleeping much, the joyful mind, the space, the…
Halloween night (yes, this is not in order…) is a night of covering up, of new identity, a night to wear another layer of masks, to make believe, to bring desires to life, or hide. A night to allow one to be free from social codes, or is it?
As Lisa says: “A time to let what needs to die –die, and a chance to recreate that which has died and needs a rebirth.”
No masks for me, just a layer of urban elegance to cover up, as I join Tamar for a quiet night at BLT fish, a beautiful gourmet fish restaurant. Outside the remaining of the parade is still walking around, 5th avenue moves slowly. The Tuna tartar arrives on ice, with home made chips. Good touch of lemon. My swordfish was marinated in curry and then topped of with salsa, light with hint of spice, leaving the swordfish to still have presence. We sit at a corner table right by the open kitchen.
The wine is smooth, red, with fruit and a medium body. Enough to leave legs on the glass, but light enough to match the fish. “Should we drink White” Tamar asked.
I realize I have no more “shoulds” in life. Only being honest and sincere with what feels right. And red felt right in the cold NY eve.
The cab ride home flowed slowly through the busy east village, where the land of dress up seemed to be most at play. At this hour it was like a wax museum of humans standing at the curbs, freezing…waiting.
I could not help but notice that most female costumes, no matter what they were, were very sexy and seductive. Nurses with tiny little white outfits and large red crosses, super woman in a super short mini skirt, cats and cat women, being more like sex kitties, angels, fire women, sexy devils…or is it just my perception?
I smiled, enjoyed and watched, like swimming in a moving yellow aquarium with windows. Noticing how at every red light, people intoxicated leaning, falling, fighting for the impossible cab.
Being in NY as a visitor has such beauty and freedom. Apart from dropping off an art piece at a gallery in the lower east side for a show in December, all else was open. I realized that my favorite things to do are wonder the streets, watch people and flirt with some fashion stores, taste new flavors, do Yoga and see a few friends. Only what time allows. Staying with Jen in Carol Gardens opened a whole new flavor of NY to me. The larger homes and smaller buildings, the trees and little gardens, the sidewalks that have room to walk, and invite a slower pace.
Brooklyn is rich in many little moms and pops shops and restaurants, a delight of creativity, a feeling of a neighborhood and friendships.
I went to a variety of Yoga studios n the City. All ones I’ve never practiced at before. I attended Kirtan at Jivamhukti and Dharma Mitra Yoga, but have not practiced Asana there.
It was a delight to taste new flavors, Practice with new teachers, and reaffirm that the way I teach feels right for me, and is surely my way. A unique way, that stands on the shoulders of my teachers. Inspired by many great, and synthesized into a truth that flows through me, like many rivers into an ocean, where the drops no longer belong to anyone.
I practiced at Eddie Stern’s studio in the Soho, and got to see some friends from NY and from Mysore, India. The Ashtanga community is a small one, where a similar face always appears.
Yoga Sutra, on 5th and 42nd, across from the NY public library, and half a block form my old office at Tahari, is a whole floor of 3 yoga studios. It is sweet to see how NY is now floured with Yoga on every corner, the need to balance the work life with some peace.
I must say though, that most classes I’ve taken have felt to me as creating more Vata imbalance
(Vata being the air and space element, the movement aspect in Ayurveda), strong classes for A type people, Lots of distraction, music, words, fast pace…I always leave a Yoga class feeling good because of the body work, but only sometimes do I leave levitating thanks to a graceful teacher allowing space for grounding, for connecting with the breath, permitting surrender and letting go.
Wearing my new black hoody with extra silver zippers cutting the cotton in an angle, I leave NY. I feel gratitude for the entire people roaming this city. For all those that shared moments with me (even if I have not mentioned their names here), for the generosity of my host, and for random encounters that make NY such a fabulous place.
Walking the streets and avenues of the city I know so well, observing the people, the greatest gift of NY; such a marvel of demographics, of color and accents. I watch as the moda of the 80’s creeps as zippers on jackets, as scarves, big necklaces and sunglasses adorn skin and clothes, adding accents, color, and design to already somewhat bright colors.
Leggings are everywhere, covered by tight super short skirts or dresses, like a stretched long T-shirt, paired with a pair of boots that either fold down as an accordion without sound, or have an extra long flashy zipper from bottom to top, like a seem on a hosiery on the back of the leg
Seems like so many have a fashion statement of a sort. Most women are wearing boots and heels, leaving me a sense of joy and glory at the beauty of the legs. Being a teenage in the 80’s I cannot help but be nostalgic. I admit it looks much sexier at my age and without adding the 80’s hairdo much prettier.
Like my artwork, like my life, this trip unfolded as an exploration of body and mind.
Silence and concentration as a young handsome man does a one-hand handstand on a little pole, splitting his legs apart, to the joy of the crowd. He wears little and white, exposing skin that is being stretched by muscle work and veins.
A hula-hoop master feels like Betty Boop, and a blond and a brunette fly up high in the open space of the striped blue and yellow tent flexing hips and extending legs, flying in coordination. The beautiful tan long legged brunette hanging off the bent leg of the petite blond. Living life to its fullest, flying with no security net.
Desir, a show at south street seaport hosts an exposition of body possibilities. Physic and concentration make this a Cirque de soleil wanna be.
Saturday at the Zen temple, sitting silently doing nothing. Breathing happens. Feels like home, so many familiar faces. Sharing lunch, I meet smiling faces that were in residence with me either at the temple or the monastery. The still body, the tired body from not sleeping much, the joyful mind, the space, the…
Halloween night (yes, this is not in order…) is a night of covering up, of new identity, a night to wear another layer of masks, to make believe, to bring desires to life, or hide. A night to allow one to be free from social codes, or is it?
As Lisa says: “A time to let what needs to die –die, and a chance to recreate that which has died and needs a rebirth.”
No masks for me, just a layer of urban elegance to cover up, as I join Tamar for a quiet night at BLT fish, a beautiful gourmet fish restaurant. Outside the remaining of the parade is still walking around, 5th avenue moves slowly. The Tuna tartar arrives on ice, with home made chips. Good touch of lemon. My swordfish was marinated in curry and then topped of with salsa, light with hint of spice, leaving the swordfish to still have presence. We sit at a corner table right by the open kitchen.
The wine is smooth, red, with fruit and a medium body. Enough to leave legs on the glass, but light enough to match the fish. “Should we drink White” Tamar asked.
I realize I have no more “shoulds” in life. Only being honest and sincere with what feels right. And red felt right in the cold NY eve.
The cab ride home flowed slowly through the busy east village, where the land of dress up seemed to be most at play. At this hour it was like a wax museum of humans standing at the curbs, freezing…waiting.
I could not help but notice that most female costumes, no matter what they were, were very sexy and seductive. Nurses with tiny little white outfits and large red crosses, super woman in a super short mini skirt, cats and cat women, being more like sex kitties, angels, fire women, sexy devils…or is it just my perception?
I smiled, enjoyed and watched, like swimming in a moving yellow aquarium with windows. Noticing how at every red light, people intoxicated leaning, falling, fighting for the impossible cab.
Being in NY as a visitor has such beauty and freedom. Apart from dropping off an art piece at a gallery in the lower east side for a show in December, all else was open. I realized that my favorite things to do are wonder the streets, watch people and flirt with some fashion stores, taste new flavors, do Yoga and see a few friends. Only what time allows. Staying with Jen in Carol Gardens opened a whole new flavor of NY to me. The larger homes and smaller buildings, the trees and little gardens, the sidewalks that have room to walk, and invite a slower pace.
Brooklyn is rich in many little moms and pops shops and restaurants, a delight of creativity, a feeling of a neighborhood and friendships.
I went to a variety of Yoga studios n the City. All ones I’ve never practiced at before. I attended Kirtan at Jivamhukti and Dharma Mitra Yoga, but have not practiced Asana there.
It was a delight to taste new flavors, Practice with new teachers, and reaffirm that the way I teach feels right for me, and is surely my way. A unique way, that stands on the shoulders of my teachers. Inspired by many great, and synthesized into a truth that flows through me, like many rivers into an ocean, where the drops no longer belong to anyone.
I practiced at Eddie Stern’s studio in the Soho, and got to see some friends from NY and from Mysore, India. The Ashtanga community is a small one, where a similar face always appears.
Yoga Sutra, on 5th and 42nd, across from the NY public library, and half a block form my old office at Tahari, is a whole floor of 3 yoga studios. It is sweet to see how NY is now floured with Yoga on every corner, the need to balance the work life with some peace.
I must say though, that most classes I’ve taken have felt to me as creating more Vata imbalance
(Vata being the air and space element, the movement aspect in Ayurveda), strong classes for A type people, Lots of distraction, music, words, fast pace…I always leave a Yoga class feeling good because of the body work, but only sometimes do I leave levitating thanks to a graceful teacher allowing space for grounding, for connecting with the breath, permitting surrender and letting go.
Wearing my new black hoody with extra silver zippers cutting the cotton in an angle, I leave NY. I feel gratitude for the entire people roaming this city. For all those that shared moments with me (even if I have not mentioned their names here), for the generosity of my host, and for random encounters that make NY such a fabulous place.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Blissful Living - Yoga and Nutrition - The workshop
How was it? I keep being asked?
It was one of the best weekends of my life! I had so much fun. I enjoyed the energy of the group, the practice, and was super surprised at the amount of info I carry with me. Good thing we do not need to buy more hard-drives for all that our mind holds. It would be nice to see my hard drives creating new cells within themselves when new info arrives.
Friday, October 24th, 12 participants and my self were sitting in a circle and meditating. Sitting tall sharing the same air, breathing in and out as the energies merge.
While creating the workshop, I tried to imagine the perfect workshop for me. What would I really want to see in a workshop? Weekend workshops always seem quick to me, and rarely do I feel we went deep enough.
So Friday night after a brief introduction of each other, and an intro to the weekend, we dived right in. Filling out an Ayurvedic body type questionnaire, and then a talk. I presented the Blissful Living approach I’ve been cultivating and working on for the past16 years. A lot of info was shared in a very relaxed way.
We finished class with half an hour of restorative Yoga, getting ready for a hot tub or sleep.
Since I wanted to give more “meat” to Friday, I offered an optional blissful Yoga class in the afternoon. And oh did we go deep!
Saturday we had two sessions during the day, 3 hours each. We practiced Pranayama, Asana (poses), and meditation and studied more about nutrition. It was a beautiful combination.
Saturday eve, as an optional gathering, we met for a free form dance session. ( I was the DJ….some 70’s, 80’s and electro music blend…)
An hour and a half of complete let go, just pure fun, completed with Savasana (the corpse pose).
Sunday was mostly Asana, and a closing circle.
We sat close, felt each other, just a weekend passed, but it felt very solid.
Words were thrown into the circle: “gratitude, calm, happy, dark leafy greens, courage, permission, love, MSM, balance…”
During the next day or two, I noticed how the participants were moving with awareness towards nutrition and a healthy life style; the food plates were colorful and had raw and greens, others went and bought some supplements, I saw herbal tea replacing coffee, sitting quietly outside and chewing food longer, drinking water with full attention, I see organic discussions happening in the lodge, talk about fermentation and raw dairy…
A feeling of joy, surrender and satisfaction comes over me. I have found my calling.
Teaching and sharing with others is the greatest gift I have received.
I now follow the footsteps of my parents, both educators. Both are people, who have had the idea of sharing, teaching and celebrating with others a mission.
Sing along at home with more people that can ever fit in (“if there is room in the heart there is room in the house”, they used to tell me), dancing down fifth Avenue in NY, my Mom led her folk dance group in the late 60’s, teaching in JCC’s and bringing tours to Israel, my Dad still has people who talk about him with great appreciation decades later.
It is the teaching with compassion, finding the middle way, and accepting change even within the teachings that is the light to my teachings.
Thank you all those that attended, those that shared their encouragement before the workshop, and those that inquired after.
Thank you all that made this possible, and those that help this carry on.
December 12 is my next weekend workshop.
May I always be of service to others.
It was one of the best weekends of my life! I had so much fun. I enjoyed the energy of the group, the practice, and was super surprised at the amount of info I carry with me. Good thing we do not need to buy more hard-drives for all that our mind holds. It would be nice to see my hard drives creating new cells within themselves when new info arrives.
Friday, October 24th, 12 participants and my self were sitting in a circle and meditating. Sitting tall sharing the same air, breathing in and out as the energies merge.
While creating the workshop, I tried to imagine the perfect workshop for me. What would I really want to see in a workshop? Weekend workshops always seem quick to me, and rarely do I feel we went deep enough.
So Friday night after a brief introduction of each other, and an intro to the weekend, we dived right in. Filling out an Ayurvedic body type questionnaire, and then a talk. I presented the Blissful Living approach I’ve been cultivating and working on for the past16 years. A lot of info was shared in a very relaxed way.
We finished class with half an hour of restorative Yoga, getting ready for a hot tub or sleep.
Since I wanted to give more “meat” to Friday, I offered an optional blissful Yoga class in the afternoon. And oh did we go deep!
Saturday we had two sessions during the day, 3 hours each. We practiced Pranayama, Asana (poses), and meditation and studied more about nutrition. It was a beautiful combination.
Saturday eve, as an optional gathering, we met for a free form dance session. ( I was the DJ….some 70’s, 80’s and electro music blend…)
An hour and a half of complete let go, just pure fun, completed with Savasana (the corpse pose).
Sunday was mostly Asana, and a closing circle.
We sat close, felt each other, just a weekend passed, but it felt very solid.
Words were thrown into the circle: “gratitude, calm, happy, dark leafy greens, courage, permission, love, MSM, balance…”
During the next day or two, I noticed how the participants were moving with awareness towards nutrition and a healthy life style; the food plates were colorful and had raw and greens, others went and bought some supplements, I saw herbal tea replacing coffee, sitting quietly outside and chewing food longer, drinking water with full attention, I see organic discussions happening in the lodge, talk about fermentation and raw dairy…
A feeling of joy, surrender and satisfaction comes over me. I have found my calling.
Teaching and sharing with others is the greatest gift I have received.
I now follow the footsteps of my parents, both educators. Both are people, who have had the idea of sharing, teaching and celebrating with others a mission.
Sing along at home with more people that can ever fit in (“if there is room in the heart there is room in the house”, they used to tell me), dancing down fifth Avenue in NY, my Mom led her folk dance group in the late 60’s, teaching in JCC’s and bringing tours to Israel, my Dad still has people who talk about him with great appreciation decades later.
It is the teaching with compassion, finding the middle way, and accepting change even within the teachings that is the light to my teachings.
Thank you all those that attended, those that shared their encouragement before the workshop, and those that inquired after.
Thank you all that made this possible, and those that help this carry on.
December 12 is my next weekend workshop.
May I always be of service to others.
Friday, October 17, 2008
The meaning of Meaningful
(A half fiction situation with fiction names)
“I have a feeling that everything I do needs to be meaningful. When I am engaged in an activity I feel like it should serve some sort of purpose. Having spent the time in a useful manner”
I spoke these words with a group of friends, asking if anyone thinks there is a problem with that.
Looking deeper into what I just said, I realized that what I considered as meaningful is if the next day I would not have feelings of regret or guilt towards the time spent doing whatever it might be I was doing.
“I just went through a period in which I would wake up at 11:00am every day, do Yoga, and watch hours of TV. I felt that it was very meaningful as through that I managed to deal with the heartbreaking separation of the love of my life” said Heather.
Do we need to save the whales in order to be doing something meaningful?
“ I love to take long showers and just stare at the wall, that doesn’t seem meaningless to me, as I feel that it helps me with what ever bigger task I may have later.” “I love staring at the wall too” said another.
“I do meaningless things all the time. Just let me built a dirt bike and then drive it through the mountain paths” this gives me so much joy, what can be more meaningful than that?
Is it considered meaningful according to the outcome of the action or is the action itself what makes it meaningful?
If it is according to the outcome, Is it important that others benefit from it, or can it be meaningful even if the outcome is of benefit to me alone?
Doing something that brings me Joy, can be meaningful to me, as well as bring benefit to others by me being a source of joy to others. As long as I do not do anything that might hurt or harm anyone or anything else.
Doing something that leads me to become a better person, either physically, mentally, emotionally or intellectually is meaningful to me, as again it will lead me to be joyful and of service to others.
Meaningful is very individual. Indeed there are some social codes of what is meaningful (like saving the whales or getting another degree) yet on an every day life, the meaning of time spent in a certain way is dependent on how one feels during, after and long after the time spent. (One might enjoy drinking with friends tonight but have a hang over the next day. If done very often, may even lead to great liver issues years later). Is the outcome of the time spent meaningful in a sustainable way? Benefit for now, tomorrow and further…
It can be an action or a non-doing.
After struggling with this questions for six months now, I realize that I participate in many activities, including sitting still and doing nothing. Yet even this is done with an intention to just be, not hang out as to pass time, but be here and now, with out relation to time and space.
Joy, gaining knowledge, practicing self-realization and maintaining a healthy body and mind are all of substance to me. I can reflect back and feel that my day was worth living. Not another day, or time that passed by. A meaningful day, a day that when `lying in bed before sleep, makes me smile and feel content.
What is a meaningful way for you to pass time?
“I have a feeling that everything I do needs to be meaningful. When I am engaged in an activity I feel like it should serve some sort of purpose. Having spent the time in a useful manner”
I spoke these words with a group of friends, asking if anyone thinks there is a problem with that.
Looking deeper into what I just said, I realized that what I considered as meaningful is if the next day I would not have feelings of regret or guilt towards the time spent doing whatever it might be I was doing.
“I just went through a period in which I would wake up at 11:00am every day, do Yoga, and watch hours of TV. I felt that it was very meaningful as through that I managed to deal with the heartbreaking separation of the love of my life” said Heather.
Do we need to save the whales in order to be doing something meaningful?
“ I love to take long showers and just stare at the wall, that doesn’t seem meaningless to me, as I feel that it helps me with what ever bigger task I may have later.” “I love staring at the wall too” said another.
“I do meaningless things all the time. Just let me built a dirt bike and then drive it through the mountain paths” this gives me so much joy, what can be more meaningful than that?
Is it considered meaningful according to the outcome of the action or is the action itself what makes it meaningful?
If it is according to the outcome, Is it important that others benefit from it, or can it be meaningful even if the outcome is of benefit to me alone?
Doing something that brings me Joy, can be meaningful to me, as well as bring benefit to others by me being a source of joy to others. As long as I do not do anything that might hurt or harm anyone or anything else.
Doing something that leads me to become a better person, either physically, mentally, emotionally or intellectually is meaningful to me, as again it will lead me to be joyful and of service to others.
Meaningful is very individual. Indeed there are some social codes of what is meaningful (like saving the whales or getting another degree) yet on an every day life, the meaning of time spent in a certain way is dependent on how one feels during, after and long after the time spent. (One might enjoy drinking with friends tonight but have a hang over the next day. If done very often, may even lead to great liver issues years later). Is the outcome of the time spent meaningful in a sustainable way? Benefit for now, tomorrow and further…
It can be an action or a non-doing.
After struggling with this questions for six months now, I realize that I participate in many activities, including sitting still and doing nothing. Yet even this is done with an intention to just be, not hang out as to pass time, but be here and now, with out relation to time and space.
Joy, gaining knowledge, practicing self-realization and maintaining a healthy body and mind are all of substance to me. I can reflect back and feel that my day was worth living. Not another day, or time that passed by. A meaningful day, a day that when `lying in bed before sleep, makes me smile and feel content.
What is a meaningful way for you to pass time?
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 1st, Esalen life
4:45, I open my eyes to see sparkling stars within the darkness. The days are shorter, and the mornings are dark. The skylight reveals a clear sky, probably a sunny day ahead.
I prepare quietly as my roommate sleeps below, hop on my black Suzuki Katana (motorcycle), and head to the main property a mile down the road.
I peek into Huxley, the room where I’ll be teaching later to make sure it looks OK.
Down to the tubs, soaking in darkness with a vast dark sky above.
I take a quick cold shower and walk up to Huxley, the large room where my Yoga class is held.
I prepare the room, and then do my own practice till 7:15. Students arrive slowly and join me in meditation. By 7:30 the class begins. Blissful Yoga.
“Beautiful” I say as I see someone that cannot flex deeply but tries to go deeper with her breath. Breathing in, she lengthens and opens just a tiny bit more, but for her, the sky has opened.
After the silent and powerful Savasana (corpse pose where all are laying and resting), I put mats and props away, give hugs, exchange gratitude and get breakfast. It’s Wednesday and Sheila made her raw Muesli. Yum!
Before 10:00 I walk on the little bridge over the creek and head to the dance dome. Dancing with Vin Marti - Soul Motion, a seven-day dance workshop. What joy to move so freely, to connect so intimately with others, to be alive and grateful for this body.
“Feel your feet, where are you now. Feel your hands, your sky dancers. Your breath, how are you breathing now? See the space around you. Soft gaze.”
Vin has this remarkable way of connecting the dance with awareness, with being in the present “what is happening now? Right now?”
We are 45 dancers of all ages, moving flowing alone and with each other.
At times dancing with a guided instruction, maybe with someone else or a group, at times dancing, just moving, inside with an awareness of the space, of the canvas we dance in.
12:30 I head back, get a quick lunch and into the kitchen. It’s my Chef night at Esalen. I am still in training, but really, get to be the Chef.
Wednesdays are fish nights at Esalen, and as a fish lover, I feel fortunate to serve the community healthy delicious meals.
Local fresh sea bass brought over by the fisherman himself is served with a maple ginger tamari glaze, topped with fennel. A kabucha (Japanese squash) miso soup, greens wilted in a warm Dijon vinaigrette, and brown Basmati rice with scallions accompany the fish. Tofu with the same glaze topped with red bell pepper julienne and sunflower sprouts is the veggie option.
Running the kitchen while preparing the food fills m heart with a sense of service. As people are enjoying dinner I peak out to the lodge and smile. Gordon Wheeler the CEO and president of Esalen, comes in to the kitchen to thank and compliment me.
Wednesday October 1st, thank you for so much opportunity.
I prepare quietly as my roommate sleeps below, hop on my black Suzuki Katana (motorcycle), and head to the main property a mile down the road.
I peek into Huxley, the room where I’ll be teaching later to make sure it looks OK.
Down to the tubs, soaking in darkness with a vast dark sky above.
I take a quick cold shower and walk up to Huxley, the large room where my Yoga class is held.
I prepare the room, and then do my own practice till 7:15. Students arrive slowly and join me in meditation. By 7:30 the class begins. Blissful Yoga.
“Beautiful” I say as I see someone that cannot flex deeply but tries to go deeper with her breath. Breathing in, she lengthens and opens just a tiny bit more, but for her, the sky has opened.
After the silent and powerful Savasana (corpse pose where all are laying and resting), I put mats and props away, give hugs, exchange gratitude and get breakfast. It’s Wednesday and Sheila made her raw Muesli. Yum!
Before 10:00 I walk on the little bridge over the creek and head to the dance dome. Dancing with Vin Marti - Soul Motion, a seven-day dance workshop. What joy to move so freely, to connect so intimately with others, to be alive and grateful for this body.
“Feel your feet, where are you now. Feel your hands, your sky dancers. Your breath, how are you breathing now? See the space around you. Soft gaze.”
Vin has this remarkable way of connecting the dance with awareness, with being in the present “what is happening now? Right now?”
We are 45 dancers of all ages, moving flowing alone and with each other.
At times dancing with a guided instruction, maybe with someone else or a group, at times dancing, just moving, inside with an awareness of the space, of the canvas we dance in.
12:30 I head back, get a quick lunch and into the kitchen. It’s my Chef night at Esalen. I am still in training, but really, get to be the Chef.
Wednesdays are fish nights at Esalen, and as a fish lover, I feel fortunate to serve the community healthy delicious meals.
Local fresh sea bass brought over by the fisherman himself is served with a maple ginger tamari glaze, topped with fennel. A kabucha (Japanese squash) miso soup, greens wilted in a warm Dijon vinaigrette, and brown Basmati rice with scallions accompany the fish. Tofu with the same glaze topped with red bell pepper julienne and sunflower sprouts is the veggie option.
Running the kitchen while preparing the food fills m heart with a sense of service. As people are enjoying dinner I peak out to the lodge and smile. Gordon Wheeler the CEO and president of Esalen, comes in to the kitchen to thank and compliment me.
Wednesday October 1st, thank you for so much opportunity.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Blissful Living
A few new tasks came to life in the past few weeks.
Doing some cleanup, either posting camera equipment on eBay or finding people to give clothes and art to. Updating my computer skills and software, learning Aperture, Bridge and Dreamweaver. Getting ready to bring my stock photography back to life.
Working on the detailed sessions of my “Photography beyond the eye” workshop, as well as now, creating a web page for two Yoga workshops I will lead at Esalen this fall. The art of sustainable living though Yoga and Nutrition
At ESALEN OCT 24-26
So yes, I am still here at Esalen. Cooking in the kitchen is wonderful. I have been in charge of the salad bar, both hot and cold, and also training as a chef here. It is wonderful to have opportunity for so much creativity while nourishing over 300 people. The kitchen has been very supportive, and I thank all those that are constantly willing to share with me.
My mom Sara was here at Esalen in August, “a little paradise” she kept saying. She soaked in the baths, went for walks, did her Soduko, read and went swimming.
Seeing her swim on a few foggy days inspired me, and I have been moving through water much more since. Toda Ima!
Last night I soaked in the baths for an hour, gazing at the sun as it set between Japanese like painted clouds, then went up to the lodge to pick up a nice plate of Vietnamese noodles with spring rolls. It’s hard to have all the yummy options around, especially since I’ve been eating mostly raw recently. Esalen has a lot of healthy, fresh organic choices, but surely has lots of meat and dairy options as well.
I have met so many fantastic new people here, while still feeling all the fabulous encounters from India and all my life long friendships. Keeping all close to heart. Sorry if not all get emails and constant contact as I am blessed with so much love, and even as a type A Gemini, I find it hard to keep up.
I sleep in a loft bed where there is enough room for a little computer area at floor level, books, and meditation space. Above my bed (nice mattresses on the carpet) is a big skylight. The moon appeared very round and bright the past few nights, so I got to sleep with its soft cool light flooding in. when it slims down, the stars appear bright, and I go to sleep smiling, remembering how tiny I am in this grand universe, and how huge when thinking of millions of probiotics in a little capsule.
I plan a short visit to New York At the end of October. Get some city flavor after all the nature at Esalen…This trip is much thanks to Jen deciding that I need to come and cook for her…
Love you all!
Doing some cleanup, either posting camera equipment on eBay or finding people to give clothes and art to. Updating my computer skills and software, learning Aperture, Bridge and Dreamweaver. Getting ready to bring my stock photography back to life.
Working on the detailed sessions of my “Photography beyond the eye” workshop, as well as now, creating a web page for two Yoga workshops I will lead at Esalen this fall. The art of sustainable living though Yoga and Nutrition
At ESALEN OCT 24-26
So yes, I am still here at Esalen. Cooking in the kitchen is wonderful. I have been in charge of the salad bar, both hot and cold, and also training as a chef here. It is wonderful to have opportunity for so much creativity while nourishing over 300 people. The kitchen has been very supportive, and I thank all those that are constantly willing to share with me.
My mom Sara was here at Esalen in August, “a little paradise” she kept saying. She soaked in the baths, went for walks, did her Soduko, read and went swimming.
Seeing her swim on a few foggy days inspired me, and I have been moving through water much more since. Toda Ima!
Last night I soaked in the baths for an hour, gazing at the sun as it set between Japanese like painted clouds, then went up to the lodge to pick up a nice plate of Vietnamese noodles with spring rolls. It’s hard to have all the yummy options around, especially since I’ve been eating mostly raw recently. Esalen has a lot of healthy, fresh organic choices, but surely has lots of meat and dairy options as well.
I have met so many fantastic new people here, while still feeling all the fabulous encounters from India and all my life long friendships. Keeping all close to heart. Sorry if not all get emails and constant contact as I am blessed with so much love, and even as a type A Gemini, I find it hard to keep up.
I sleep in a loft bed where there is enough room for a little computer area at floor level, books, and meditation space. Above my bed (nice mattresses on the carpet) is a big skylight. The moon appeared very round and bright the past few nights, so I got to sleep with its soft cool light flooding in. when it slims down, the stars appear bright, and I go to sleep smiling, remembering how tiny I am in this grand universe, and how huge when thinking of millions of probiotics in a little capsule.
I plan a short visit to New York At the end of October. Get some city flavor after all the nature at Esalen…This trip is much thanks to Jen deciding that I need to come and cook for her…
Love you all!
Monday, August 11, 2008
A day at the races
The sea of motorcycles that covered the earth that day had a fantastic exhilarating affect on my inner blood flow towards my brain and the muscles that pulled my lips towards my ears.
We parked my Katana 750 alongside some serious 1400cc Kawasaki monster, and headed towards the track. The sound of motors running at high rpm’s was speeding from one ear to another. What is it about these two wheelers hitting the curve, going sideways, knees scraping the earth that is so fascinating to so many people?
The Monterey peninsula, beautiful land, and some great curvy roads along highway 1 that draws bikers from all over the world to watch the grand Prix. This is the Formula 1 of the motorcycles” told me Carl earlier this weeks as he realized I had no idea about all this, even though I ride a bike as a main means of transportation.
Carl owns his own sporty yellow Italian two-wheeler, unlike my “rice cooker” as Fi would call it.
Jen and I drove out through the splendid curves of Highway 1 Saturday morning. That’s after Jen swore never to be on the bike with me unless it were in a foreign country.
So thanks Jen for the trust, and sorry for the scary moments.
Along the drive riders greet each other with a left hand wave (the right has to keep accelerating J). The hand goes down and by the side of the bike (less wind) either in a peace sign or as if to give a low five. It’s a great feel to be able to wave and receive hellos from people I have no idea who they are. Not only do I not know them, but also I can’t even see their faces. Are they young, old, Asian, nerdy, beautiful, almost hard to know if it’s a male or female.
After we got our fix of super sound and super speed, of crowd and a feel of a big fair, we drove down to quiet and quaint Carmel for Sushi Heaven. A little Japanese place that looks and feels like a local “Mama sun” in Kyusho (the south Island of Japan), a place I would go eat where the main woman behind the counter is like a mom to many needy customers.
I had to have a spicy tuna roll for Zohar’s sake, as that is all he would order if he were there by me.
It is really refreshing to eat out after being used to getting 3 meals a day at Esalen. Meals that I can count on being served at the same time and place every day, rich with options, including a huge salad bar, always an option for plain brown rice, raw veggies, and the surprise of the main dish the Chef has made for the day.
Back to the land of plenty where the kitchen gets its vegetables from the garden just a little stroll away, where my commute is a two-minute ride or a thirty-minute walk, I smile at the contrast of the races compared with the hot tubs.
We parked my Katana 750 alongside some serious 1400cc Kawasaki monster, and headed towards the track. The sound of motors running at high rpm’s was speeding from one ear to another. What is it about these two wheelers hitting the curve, going sideways, knees scraping the earth that is so fascinating to so many people?
The Monterey peninsula, beautiful land, and some great curvy roads along highway 1 that draws bikers from all over the world to watch the grand Prix. This is the Formula 1 of the motorcycles” told me Carl earlier this weeks as he realized I had no idea about all this, even though I ride a bike as a main means of transportation.
Carl owns his own sporty yellow Italian two-wheeler, unlike my “rice cooker” as Fi would call it.
Jen and I drove out through the splendid curves of Highway 1 Saturday morning. That’s after Jen swore never to be on the bike with me unless it were in a foreign country.
So thanks Jen for the trust, and sorry for the scary moments.
Along the drive riders greet each other with a left hand wave (the right has to keep accelerating J). The hand goes down and by the side of the bike (less wind) either in a peace sign or as if to give a low five. It’s a great feel to be able to wave and receive hellos from people I have no idea who they are. Not only do I not know them, but also I can’t even see their faces. Are they young, old, Asian, nerdy, beautiful, almost hard to know if it’s a male or female.
After we got our fix of super sound and super speed, of crowd and a feel of a big fair, we drove down to quiet and quaint Carmel for Sushi Heaven. A little Japanese place that looks and feels like a local “Mama sun” in Kyusho (the south Island of Japan), a place I would go eat where the main woman behind the counter is like a mom to many needy customers.
I had to have a spicy tuna roll for Zohar’s sake, as that is all he would order if he were there by me.
It is really refreshing to eat out after being used to getting 3 meals a day at Esalen. Meals that I can count on being served at the same time and place every day, rich with options, including a huge salad bar, always an option for plain brown rice, raw veggies, and the surprise of the main dish the Chef has made for the day.
Back to the land of plenty where the kitchen gets its vegetables from the garden just a little stroll away, where my commute is a two-minute ride or a thirty-minute walk, I smile at the contrast of the races compared with the hot tubs.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Ashes like snow
Fitting my long duffle bag under the stroller in the back of Adarsh and Heleen’s car, we head off to Monterey Tuesday Morning. After a must stop at Acme coffee, a “bikers” coffee shop in seaside, we head to the beach. “its the best coffee” tells me Adarsh he veggie Yoga teacher. Real good coffee, roasted on the spot drip or tap.
I watch Adarsh hold his son Evan, both their blue eyes merge with the ocean, while hearing beautiful Heleen talking about how good her life is, a real appreciation for the little things.
They drop me off at Costco where I join Philip for the town run. It’s my first visit to a Costco, the super size discount store. I drive the super-size shopping cart while Philip shows his membership card.
We load up booze, as tonight at Esalen there will be the decompression party. I chose a good night to return. A couple more stops on the way and we head towards Carmel to pick up fresh pasta. “I’ll meet you back here in 10 minutes” I tell Phillip as I run to The American art gallery, where my art is being shown these days. Alik is behind his desk, and a large 5x7foot canvas with my projection work on it lives on his wall beside him. Alik has more than 50 of my pieces so wish both of us good luck!
Hopping back on to the rented yellow van, Phillip and I head back to Esalen. At first I find myself wondering where was the fire. All looks good. Then, as we head further south, Philip points out where over 1000 firemen were camping. A bit further is the camp where the convict camp was, 500 Prisoners that came to fight the fires.
As we keep going south through this still very beautiful land, we start seeing spots where the fire hit. “ Some of the hills coming up look like covered with snow. The ashes create this layer of white with only burned trees sticking up from it.” Tells me Philip. Some white mountains appear in front of us, having their own unique beauty. Closer to the road mostly trees are still standing green. Patches of fire burnt bush appears, but beautiful trees still stand strong.
The ocean and the land are as beautiful as ever. I assume that behind the hills I see there are endless areas that are much more burnt. Near the road, where there are residents and properties, the area was well defended. Still 30 homes served as food for the hungry fire.
In most cases the fire came down the mountains towards the ocean. The fire rolls down much slower than it climbs (as heat rises), so even when fires were heading down towards Esalen or other properties it was easier to stop them
We are stopped for some minutes on the road as workers are preparing big fences to roll over the hills. The fire ate the shrub, and now nothing is holding the rocks and earth from sliding down to the road. Seems like the road might be closed again once the rains falls as for the landslide. Closer to Esalen I see the water lines leading to the water tanks, That was the big Esalen battle, where the fire had to lower its face with respect to the efforts of those working so hard to defend it.
Entering Esalen grounds my feelings are mixed with fear and excitement. I go straight to the kitchen and help unload the truck.
Walking around the grounds I see a leaf covered with ash. The garden is beautiful and the farm producing like never before. The trees beautiful, the ocean reflecting silver, the grass is till green, even though it is not of the neighbors.
Uncovering the motorcycle cover, a thin coat of ash is like a sheath to the bike. A smell that reminds me of the end of a long night around the bonfire fills me up with good memories.
On the door to my room there is a posted sign: “ Caution, rat traps around the room. 5 five”
I walk in with caution finding very little ash and lots of mouse poop. Pulling up my sleeves I get to work, some deep cleaning ahead before dinner.
After Dinner the party up at Fritz is already happening. The view to the ocean is as gorgeous as ever. A real nice bar is set at the entrance, with Matt the kitchen manager behind it, rocking like any superstar bartender in the meatpacking district of New York.
Never thought I’d be dancing till late on my first day of arrival, but I sure was shaking and grooving.
At 6:45am today I was already hitching a rde with Sheila the chef, on our way to prepare breakfast and lunch.
Now, after a long soak in the tubs, Its time to take back to my room some of the things that were moved from there when we were evacuated.
Esalen, beautiful as ever, intimate with no workshops happening till Friday, familiar yet I am still adjusting back.
What an amazing place, a community that sticks for each other, a place that cares, a land that filled with beauty and love.
I watch Adarsh hold his son Evan, both their blue eyes merge with the ocean, while hearing beautiful Heleen talking about how good her life is, a real appreciation for the little things.
They drop me off at Costco where I join Philip for the town run. It’s my first visit to a Costco, the super size discount store. I drive the super-size shopping cart while Philip shows his membership card.
We load up booze, as tonight at Esalen there will be the decompression party. I chose a good night to return. A couple more stops on the way and we head towards Carmel to pick up fresh pasta. “I’ll meet you back here in 10 minutes” I tell Phillip as I run to The American art gallery, where my art is being shown these days. Alik is behind his desk, and a large 5x7foot canvas with my projection work on it lives on his wall beside him. Alik has more than 50 of my pieces so wish both of us good luck!
Hopping back on to the rented yellow van, Phillip and I head back to Esalen. At first I find myself wondering where was the fire. All looks good. Then, as we head further south, Philip points out where over 1000 firemen were camping. A bit further is the camp where the convict camp was, 500 Prisoners that came to fight the fires.
As we keep going south through this still very beautiful land, we start seeing spots where the fire hit. “ Some of the hills coming up look like covered with snow. The ashes create this layer of white with only burned trees sticking up from it.” Tells me Philip. Some white mountains appear in front of us, having their own unique beauty. Closer to the road mostly trees are still standing green. Patches of fire burnt bush appears, but beautiful trees still stand strong.
The ocean and the land are as beautiful as ever. I assume that behind the hills I see there are endless areas that are much more burnt. Near the road, where there are residents and properties, the area was well defended. Still 30 homes served as food for the hungry fire.
In most cases the fire came down the mountains towards the ocean. The fire rolls down much slower than it climbs (as heat rises), so even when fires were heading down towards Esalen or other properties it was easier to stop them
We are stopped for some minutes on the road as workers are preparing big fences to roll over the hills. The fire ate the shrub, and now nothing is holding the rocks and earth from sliding down to the road. Seems like the road might be closed again once the rains falls as for the landslide. Closer to Esalen I see the water lines leading to the water tanks, That was the big Esalen battle, where the fire had to lower its face with respect to the efforts of those working so hard to defend it.
Entering Esalen grounds my feelings are mixed with fear and excitement. I go straight to the kitchen and help unload the truck.
Walking around the grounds I see a leaf covered with ash. The garden is beautiful and the farm producing like never before. The trees beautiful, the ocean reflecting silver, the grass is till green, even though it is not of the neighbors.
Uncovering the motorcycle cover, a thin coat of ash is like a sheath to the bike. A smell that reminds me of the end of a long night around the bonfire fills me up with good memories.
On the door to my room there is a posted sign: “ Caution, rat traps around the room. 5 five”
I walk in with caution finding very little ash and lots of mouse poop. Pulling up my sleeves I get to work, some deep cleaning ahead before dinner.
After Dinner the party up at Fritz is already happening. The view to the ocean is as gorgeous as ever. A real nice bar is set at the entrance, with Matt the kitchen manager behind it, rocking like any superstar bartender in the meatpacking district of New York.
Never thought I’d be dancing till late on my first day of arrival, but I sure was shaking and grooving.
At 6:45am today I was already hitching a rde with Sheila the chef, on our way to prepare breakfast and lunch.
Now, after a long soak in the tubs, Its time to take back to my room some of the things that were moved from there when we were evacuated.
Esalen, beautiful as ever, intimate with no workshops happening till Friday, familiar yet I am still adjusting back.
What an amazing place, a community that sticks for each other, a place that cares, a land that filled with beauty and love.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Blessings to Boulder and Welcome to the Bay area
The Harmonium filled the air with tunes accompanying Richards beautiful chant in Sanskrit.
We were brought back to life with the sound s of a singing bowl, deep, smooth and vibrating. Slowly coming out Savasana (the corpse pose, or final relaxation) we sat up, and stayed still for a moment, then, bowing with gratitude, to the teacher, fellow practitioners, to us for showing up, and to all beings.
The class seems to float out of the room. I look into friend’s eyes and realize, this is one of those moments where the whole class experienced something beyond words. A glow, a softness, seems like everyone was on drugs, a kind of joy that makes one want to smile for no reason, to do nothing and just appreciate the moment.
The following day, we met in the park to celebrate the end of the teacher’s intensive.
40 beautiful people from around the world, a moment ago strangers, now feeling a sweet connection, a knowing, a shared experience. Richard and Mary, our teachers for the month are now standing together, with two sweet smiles they have set a beautiful example.
Richard Freeman is a long time student of Yoga, a long time teacher, a dedicated practitioner, an amazing chanter, a source of inspiration and beautiful example of a true teacher.
Mary the compassionate bodhisattva, the one that ran the show behind the scene, the mother of us all, the care taker and the teacher, humble and shining, was there as the complimentary piece to Richard.
Beyond them as teachers it is an inspiration to see them as a couple. Like Fi said (more or less) “makes me want to grow old with someone”.
Apart from the Yoga, meditation and philosophy this past month was more than anything a month of gratitude towards people. Sharing the house with Fiona, Tony, Ross, and Marcus, with whom I’ve shared the same room, was such a unique experience. Each person filled with an amazing life story, many in transition (lots of ex high tech in the air), generous beings that are truly open to see what else is out there.
The evening walks to get food, the endless exploration of a pose and its alignment, philosophical discussions, traditionalism, food, nutrition, music, Californication (the TV series) nights, Fi’s famous south walnut Banana bread…
Boulder itself, the beautiful town that shared with me it’s running waters everywhere, its green, the nice little homes and the quaint city center has become a real home for this time.
Instead of skyscrapers as a backdrop, the mountains surrounding it let huge rock formations reach up in a beautiful carving. The parks, the outdoorsy feel, the bronze sculptures around town, the small rock gardens for children to play, fountains and live music on the promenade, lively bars next door to family restaurant, healthy café’s next to the Prana shop or Billabong, make the unique setting for this pretty homogenous town.
A mostly white town surrounded by cowboy country out side.
Denise the performer, the contortionist, the heart Yoga teacher, a dear friend (which one are you Denise?) drove me to the nice Denver airport, where after a coffee (for nostalgic NY reasons), I departed on my return flight to San Jose where Kelly picked me up. There is nothing like a loving familiar face when coming out of the airport. We drove to downtown Palo Alto and entered the fabulous Stanford theatre (showing movies since 1925), watched The Animal Crackers with the Marx Brothers from 1930, ate old-fashioned popcorn, and laughed out loud.
I shall be staying at Gil and Debbie’s place for a few days till the calming news about the Big Sur fire arrives. Seems like it's getting closer to closure.
So sweet to have family around, makes all the difference in the world.
We were brought back to life with the sound s of a singing bowl, deep, smooth and vibrating. Slowly coming out Savasana (the corpse pose, or final relaxation) we sat up, and stayed still for a moment, then, bowing with gratitude, to the teacher, fellow practitioners, to us for showing up, and to all beings.
The class seems to float out of the room. I look into friend’s eyes and realize, this is one of those moments where the whole class experienced something beyond words. A glow, a softness, seems like everyone was on drugs, a kind of joy that makes one want to smile for no reason, to do nothing and just appreciate the moment.
The following day, we met in the park to celebrate the end of the teacher’s intensive.
40 beautiful people from around the world, a moment ago strangers, now feeling a sweet connection, a knowing, a shared experience. Richard and Mary, our teachers for the month are now standing together, with two sweet smiles they have set a beautiful example.
Richard Freeman is a long time student of Yoga, a long time teacher, a dedicated practitioner, an amazing chanter, a source of inspiration and beautiful example of a true teacher.
Mary the compassionate bodhisattva, the one that ran the show behind the scene, the mother of us all, the care taker and the teacher, humble and shining, was there as the complimentary piece to Richard.
Beyond them as teachers it is an inspiration to see them as a couple. Like Fi said (more or less) “makes me want to grow old with someone”.
Apart from the Yoga, meditation and philosophy this past month was more than anything a month of gratitude towards people. Sharing the house with Fiona, Tony, Ross, and Marcus, with whom I’ve shared the same room, was such a unique experience. Each person filled with an amazing life story, many in transition (lots of ex high tech in the air), generous beings that are truly open to see what else is out there.
The evening walks to get food, the endless exploration of a pose and its alignment, philosophical discussions, traditionalism, food, nutrition, music, Californication (the TV series) nights, Fi’s famous south walnut Banana bread…
Boulder itself, the beautiful town that shared with me it’s running waters everywhere, its green, the nice little homes and the quaint city center has become a real home for this time.
Instead of skyscrapers as a backdrop, the mountains surrounding it let huge rock formations reach up in a beautiful carving. The parks, the outdoorsy feel, the bronze sculptures around town, the small rock gardens for children to play, fountains and live music on the promenade, lively bars next door to family restaurant, healthy café’s next to the Prana shop or Billabong, make the unique setting for this pretty homogenous town.
A mostly white town surrounded by cowboy country out side.
Denise the performer, the contortionist, the heart Yoga teacher, a dear friend (which one are you Denise?) drove me to the nice Denver airport, where after a coffee (for nostalgic NY reasons), I departed on my return flight to San Jose where Kelly picked me up. There is nothing like a loving familiar face when coming out of the airport. We drove to downtown Palo Alto and entered the fabulous Stanford theatre (showing movies since 1925), watched The Animal Crackers with the Marx Brothers from 1930, ate old-fashioned popcorn, and laughed out loud.
I shall be staying at Gil and Debbie’s place for a few days till the calming news about the Big Sur fire arrives. Seems like it's getting closer to closure.
So sweet to have family around, makes all the difference in the world.
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