Great classes this week

I have been very blessed all week with lovely classes of all lengths of time and number of students. Monday's 45-minute evening class was quick and yet full as the regulars and newcomers continued our work in focusing on creating an intention for practice. Tuesday's 90-minute class was wonderful as we practiced Chandra Namaskaram (Moon Salutation) -- the room was full (14 students) and the energy was delectable. During the side-lying twist, I asked everyone to hold hands and we created a horseshoe around the room for the energy to flow! This morning, my 7am class was quieter with two regulars attending. We repeated Chandra Namaskaram (it's new moon time) and really got to sink into this wonderful series of poses. If anyone would like a copy of the series, visit my website at Dharmashakti.com and send me a note with your email.

Last week, I pulled a hamstring during a class while demonstrating Trikonasana and showing the students what "not to do." Well, I succeeded in doing it wrong! so this week I am walking with a little limp, exacerbated by the lingering effects of the car accident. But my muscles are already so much better than last week and I was able to demo poses today without being afraid that I would buckle as my anamayakosha (physical body) felt pain. Even healing through yoga has been so beautiful and different to observe within my own body. I can feel the pain but also feel the healing effects of the prana as I practice and direct good energy to the tender places. Will keep reporting on this.

Yesterday, as I waited for the Ferry, a group of people were talking near me. At first, I started to move away because they were quite loud, almost shouting, but I reconsidered and decided that I was being silly and precious and I could just as easily find peace there as anywhere. Anyway, because of the volume, it was impossible not to eavesdrop, and I noticed that they were sharing personal philosophies. Lots of it sounded sort of "bubblegum" to me, but one fellow said something that remains with me. He said, "How is it possible that a world full of people who all want the same things -- a stable life, a happy home, a healthy family -- that all of these people can want the same things and still be so cruel to each other?" His rhetorical question really threw me back, it was so spot-on true.

I suspect it is a kind of greed and a fear of deprivation that causes us to be so unkind to each other. If there is something good, we desire it and, easily, that desire can get out of control, leading to grasping and hoarding, grabbing and taking from others as if any of the things we can hold in our hand could provide peace to our spirit. We fear that others will take all of the good things for themselves, leaving us destitute. So we fight, scheme, war and even kill one another for a little piece of something that won't go with us when we're gone. How much happier to pursue the things that travel with us through eternity? Instead of grasping for more materialism, to seek a warm day, a comfortable seat, good conversation and nourishing food that keeps our minds focused and blissful. Using our time for less competition and more collaboration, laughter and learning. Finding something good and sharing it to fully experience the bounty of generosity, not selfishness. Mankind seeks god and meaning ourside of ourselves in religion, relationships and rewards, but god (bliss, happiness) abides with us already -- in rest and in peace.

In a world where we all want the same things and are still so cruel to one another, "Blessed are the peace makers, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Om shanti
धर्मशक्ति