dharmashakti blog

Headin' South

2009-05-14T09:23:00.001-07:00

Great night in Harpursville NY last night. Sorry no time to write more, but today we head "down south" -- all the way to New Jersey.

Much love.

Dharmashakti

Ithaca and the power of abundance

2009-05-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

We're in Ithaca today and enjoyed a great Kirtan last night. Sorry, no pictures -- the one at left is another one from Massachusetts.

Honestly, I was in a funny place when we arrived in Ithaca because, due to a lot of stuff that life just brings, the studio had forgotten that we were coming. We made a check-in call during the morning and that's when the light bulb went off, "Boom! OMIGOSH... today's the day that they're coming!" Apparently, the afternoon was a frenzy of calls, emails and texts prior to our arriving -- and I'll admit that I got here with a little bit of a chip on my shoulder.

You know how our bodies get when we feel discouraged, they really are a reflection of what's happening inside, no matter how hard you try. So, I was feeling a little discouraged and low, and my body was a complete manifestation of that. No matter how hard I tried, poor Christian had to do all of the effort to get us ready last night. But, as a final touch, I added the fabulous purple fabric given to me at Putnam Barn Yoga in Danvers, Mass -- it turned my bolster into this wonderful Disney-like purple poof cloud and that was enough to establish my pratyahara (sense withdrawal) and transport me from discouragement to a place of being ready to receive. See, it's important to make your practice space a little special and removed from the day-to-day -- you never know where it can take you!

In spite of the last minute rush to get the word out, we had a really nice group of chanters and new chanters come for Kirtan -- a real tribute to the studio and the sangha leader. As we began singing, this group just totally filled the room with sound. The first Rama Jaya had such power and resonance that I also felt inspired by the human divine being celebrated through the chant. We moved on through a conversation (somewhat like Danvers) and chanting on Saraswati (have you ever started your day by acknowledging yourself as being divine clarity, wisdom and creativty?), Christian's new Ganapati chant, three sutras on OM, finally finishing with a celebration of Lakshmi and our own power to be the manifestor of abundance in our own lives. As we chanted the last song on Lakshmi, I suddenly GOT how I had been the generator of my own poverty during the afternoon -- and that I could instead choose to view each moment as blessed, even if it contains pain. I began to tear up during the final strains and enjoyed my own beautiful release, which had been building throughout the Kirtan, but finally bubbled over with the abundance from the kindness and good company of everyone who came to be with us last night.

So, continue the lessons for yourself. BE the abundance you seek in your life. SEE the abundance in the world you already inhabit. MANIFEST the energy to meet all that you truly need in life. CREATE the space for your life to be truly full with peace, joy, love and light.

Om shanti, Om peace.

Dharmashakti

Quick note post Kirtan in Webster, MA

2009-05-10T21:10:00.000-07:00

OM OM... just a quick note to add to today's earlier post. We finished Kirtan tonight at a lovely home-based studio in Webster, Massachusetts named De-Stress With Yoga. The studio owner, Mimi, invited us just this past Thursday when she heard we had an opening in the schedule. With just 4 days of effort, she brought nearly 20 chanters to the studio to celebrate Mother's Day and the 4th Anniversary of her studio. The people who came ranged in age and experiences, including a UCC minister! -- but we all had a great time contemplating motherhood and the things we bring into life in the world through our attitudes and presence. Jai! Here's a photo of some of us after the chanting -- notice the happy smiles. We all said, "Svaha!" Peace and love.

Catching my breath in Danvers

2009-05-10T10:28:00.000-07:00

Greetings and salutations! How's that for a beginning?

So much to tell from last week (has it really been since Monday?). First off, photos... here's a link to my Flickr photostream for the tour - CLICK HERE!

Kelly (Kamala) from the studio in Danvers took me out yesterday with her amazing camera for some new photos. People have been curious to see that I've gone from hair, to bald, to hair with beard -- it's very confusing, but a little fun for me to practice non-attachment to any one way of looking.

Monday night we drove to New Hampshire and the DRAGONFLY YOGA BARN in North Sandwich. There Katie, Declan and their kids (Finnean and Bridey) made us feel right at home in their new retreat center. Christian and I had our choice of 14 beds and all the floor space we could image. They've done such an amazing job with restoring this 200 year old barn to a new purpose in life. Katie also greeted us with some of the best homemade cookies I'd tasted in a long time. We got a day of rest and recovery and then set up for Kirtan on Tuesday, first spending the day collecting daffodils to make the space even more beautiful and fragrant. The kirtan was amazing with such great offerings brought to the SVAHA sonic fire. Afterwards we sat up talking and laughing with Katie and Declan until 1am sharing stories and perspectives. The next morning (Wednesday), Declan prepared a fantastic Irish breakfast for us and sent us off to Kripalu with full hears and full bellies.

We arrived at Kripalu just in time to set up (I HAD to stop for a haircut and a beard trim). The staff met us joyfully and gave us the best of everything. The Kirtan was probably our largest yet with something like 70 people coming to chant. We've been slowly integrating a new Lakshmi chant that really took off full-force here. The next day, we helped ourselves to food, yoga classes and I even got a dip in the whirlpool. We took a long walk on the grounds before driving off again, this time heading to Shelburne Falls.

The studio in Shelburne Falls is run by this great guy named Lindel Hart. He met us with his son, Hugh, and they helped us get organized. I have the cutest pictures of Hugh playing the harmonium with me -- I'll try to get those for the blog soon. We had a terrific experience. The group was small but their voices were big. The event of the night was Christian leading his new chant "Om Ganapatiye" all alone, in preparation for our retreat in Pennsylvania later this month. It was a hit! Jai, Christian!

Friday night was our first East Coast return engagement, at Soni Yoga in Cambridge. The space was as beautiful as we remembered and we had a batch of 20 chanters, all of whom were meeting us for the first time. We also had a nice visit with some fellows from an ashram farther north (no names, please) who joined us for Kirtan, although they seemed a little unnerved because of our unorthodoxy. During the prassad afterward, one really engaged me about how we needed to meet his guru and study the true yoga. It was especially fascinating because we had just chanted the Locks & Keys, including the lesson about just having a peaceful delight in the righteousness of others, even if it's not your own path. One of the fellows was especially strident and I felt a sense of sadness that we had this "block" between us that made it hard to truly be in yoga with each other; however, I also really appreciated his devotion to his path and to his teacher. I hope they were able to have peace as they left, in spite of our non-traditional way of being -- I embraced them as my brothers and thanked them for being with us in love.

Saturday morning, we headed into Boston and had a truly amazing Chinese lunch in Chinatown. Wow! Christian went to the New England Conservatory for his undergrad so he had me marching up and down the streets of Boston as we revisited his old haunts. He wore me out! I don't even remember the drive to Danvers for Saturday night's Kirtan -- I was passed out in the passenger's seat!

Saturday night's kirtan was really something special. The studio was concerned because not many people had signed up, but we all decided to have Kirtan anyway, no matter what. In the end, there were only 5 of us in the room, but WOW -- what a great time. Instead of doing our usual big set up, we only brought out the harmonium, some shakers and a few lights. Everyone sat close and we sang the first chant, "Hari OM" -- this led to a lovely discussion about the meaning of "Hari" and "OM" -- and we really had dharshan on the teachings of truly finding the divine in all things. It just continued as we chanted to Ganesh, Saraswati and Lakshimi -- great conversations and questions from everyone about applying teaching to life. This was a great eye-opener for and definitely something I'd like to continue with other studios, perhaps this summer after my trip to Yogaville in July.

Now, it's Sunday -- Mother's Day. We started today with me teaching an Integral Yoga hatha class in Danvers. We had an opening in our schedule and De-Stress with Yoga Studio invited us to come to Webster tonight for Kirtan in celebration of their 1st anniversary. Mimi (the owner) is so excited since she was with us in Sharron MA a few days ago and we're thrilled to be joining in her energy and meeting her Sangha. In honor of the holiday, we're planning a night of all Devi chants for the creative mother. Jai Ambe!

Sending everyone love and blessings. I invite you to spend sometime today reflecting on your own mother and to the idea that you come from someplace, that there is a source that precedes you and follows from you. And, whether you are a man or a woman, whether you have children or not, we are all the creative mother of the energies we send out into the world. Happy Mother's Day.

Peace, joy, love & light.

Dharmashakti

Greetings and catching up..

2009-05-04T08:46:00.000-07:00

So much news to share today. After Peoria, we spent a great Kirtan with the folks at OneTree Yoga in Cleveland. They are in a beautiful old school currently being used as a Cultural Center, but the City is trying to tear the building down to replace it with something new. We almost didn't get to have this event, but at the last minute, there was (another) reprieve for the structure and Kirtan was on! We had to get out of the space early due to City rules, so everyone pitched in an we completed the Kirtan, gave everyone hugs AND packed the car in a record 28 minutes!

After that, we moved on to Breathe Joy Yoga in Sharon, Massachusetts -- a beautiful space in the suburban woods. The Kirtan was full of the studio's teacher trainees and their friends & family, plus other guests. What a treat it is to be a part of bringing these beautiful new teachers into the world for good work. This was Friday night and after packing up, we immediately drove to Warren, Rhode Island -- all in all this was a very long day in a very long, blissed out weekend.

After our 11 hour drive, plus Kirtan, plus drive to Rhode Island, we work up early on Saturday so I could teach Hatha and lead a Deepening Your Practice workshop at The Yoga Loft in Warren. It was an intimate and intense weekend of Hatha, Raja, Jnana, Japa, Karma and Bhakti -- including a Kirtan on Saturday night -- but totally uplifting and inspiring. Pictures follow this post and on Sunday, some of the attendees offered some testimonials for us. Here's the video:

Enjoying a walk to and from our Karma service.

"Yoga is SOOOO serious!"

Sending much love from the road. Peace, peace and more peace.

Dharmashakti

2009-04-29T23:16:00.000-07:00

Fantastic night at Heading OM Yoga in Peoria. We debuted a new Lakshmi chant and it was very well received. A great group of chanters really raised the roof and we had a special guest guitarist, Jason Moll, tore it up!

There was laughing, singing, clapping and fresh made brownies afterwards.

More news later... it's late and I must sleep.... yawn...

OMMMMM

Greetings from the Tour

2009-04-28T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone and greetings from Omaha, our "unofficial" 2nd stop on the Spring tour.

We left Albuquerque yesterday morning (see the picture of me being happy in the car) ...and headed to Denver for a great event at Karuna Yoga & Wellness and their great studio -- thanks Carina and Chandri for being such lovely hosts and thanks John for putting us up for the night. Look below for a nice snapshot of us with the ladies of Karuna.

We had a little crisis just before the Kirtan when Christian discovered that many of his computer files were missing! But he sprang into action and rebuilt many of the percussion sounds in the nick of time before Kirtan started - whew! We had a great time here and introduced a new Saraswati chant. The Rama Jaya was especially powerful to me as everyone reflected on their own humanity as an expression of the divine.

Today we drove to Omaha just in time to catch a special Hatha class by the amazing Wah! at the OM Center. Wah! was so gentle and kind and funny -- it was a lesson for me to remember to take care of myself during this tour by starting with morning Hatha and a short sit -- Wah! also really reminded us to find time to care for our bodies, minds and spirits so that we could be ready to serve. Jai, Wah!

Tomorrow, we're off to Peoria and Heading OM Yoga.

Dharmashakti

Last night of the Tour - Frederick MD

2008-10-18T23:58:00.001-07:00

Greetings from 3am at a Super 8 Motel somewhere in Pennsylvania. We've just arrived and checked in to get some rest after our last Kirtan of the tour -- hard to believe we were chanting Kirtan just a few hours ago at Ten Thousand Joys in Frederick, MD. A really great group turned out tonight, including Christian's father, sister, brother-in-law, niece and nephew! Patrick at the bookstore treated us like superstars and we had a great group of chanters, even running about 30 minutes overtime. After we were done, we packed the car up and hit the road, determined to make a dent in our 28 hour drive back home and trying to get back to Albuquerque by Monday night.

Thanks to everyone who made the tour so special, for hosting us, buying CDs and being generous in many, many ways. We'll be back on tour in the Spring as we head to Kripalu in May.

Much love,

Dharmashakti

Princeton NJ

2008-10-18T08:03:00.001-07:00

Thanks to the good folks at the Princeton IYI for a lovely time last night. Just before the Kirtan, I had to do a quick harmonium repair, which led me to have Super Glue stuck to my fingers. This not only felt strange while playing, but also gave me a great meditation on the act of reciting mantra or repeating the sutras. Like super glue, it sticks hard when it's applied and feels like it will last forever, but even super glue will rub off after a day or two. To keep that "feeling" of having the adhesive permanently applied, it's best to reapply... teachings will feel as if they are stuck forever, but after a day or two, the meaning will diminish without reapplication.

Special thanks to Ron and Naemi for hosting us last night and being so loving and gentle.

Love

Dharmashakti

Long Island, NY and Sewell, NJ

2008-10-17T09:06:00.001-07:00

Hello friends and chanters

It's been a couple of days since we've had internet access so the blog is a little behind, but we just found our way to a oasis of free Wi-Fi at a Dunkin' Donuts in New Jersey so we're back online!

Wednesday night was yet another presidential candidate debate and Kirtan competition. Once again, I think the dueling senators may have carried the majority of the attention, but the folks who gathered with us at the GrohWell office in Merrick, NY on Long Island were the perfect way for us to spend enjoying chanting and bliss. The most wonderful treat was also the Hicks family who hosted us for the night. Their daughter, Tara, was our Junior Production Assistant and helped us get set up. After Kirtan, we sat up with Linda and talked about music until the wee hours. The next day, Randy woke us up with a homemade breakfast for more good conversation while I got the delight of holding baby Zachary. They were such a lovely family and so generous.

Last night, Thursday, we had the extra-special treat of an evening with the sangha at Natural Path Wellness Center in Sewell, NJ. The owner, Christine, gathered an amazing group of yogis together for chanting and even loaned us her beautiful Ganesha to join us on the "magic carpet." Everyone was so generous -- I think nearly everyone left a small donation and took a CD home with them. Christian and I have a gentle disagreement about what was the highlight moment of last night, he says it was the very powerful "OM Namah Shivaya" and I was thinking the very fun time we spent with "Devi Ma." Still, I would have to take a 3rd position and say it was the "Svaha" with the many heartfelt prayers and thanksgivings. Afterward, the energy in the room was so prayerful and charged. The fire built with all of the voices in the studio felt like it was still burning in the hearts and minds of us all. WOW!

This morning, after the car was (yet again) packed and ready to go, Christian turned to me and said, "I can't believe we've just done 9 events." It seems like it's been just an eyeblink since we've started and now we're getting closer to the end of the first tour. Two more to go, as we head back north just a tad for an evening at our final Integral Yoga center stop this time, Princeton.

Much love,

Dharmashakti

Cambridge, Massachusetts and SONI Yoga

2008-10-14T07:31:00.001-07:00

Spent a fantastic evening at Soni Yoga in Cambridge last night. It was a Devi choir as a group of all women and just one man joined us for Kirtan. They were so charming and lovely (and made the best semi-circles on the floor I've ever seen!). The chanting went very well as most of them had been to Kirtan before, which surprised me because I thought they had not chanted before, but WOW! The studio was so beautiful and I was happy to discover that Soni (the studio's namesake) loves candles as much as I do -- the place was on fire... err... metaphorically, anyway. Cambridge also marked some real growth in ideas I've been trying to develop on this tour, such as: hugs from everyone who attends in the spirit of Amma - I've just been feeling like everyone (including me) needs more hugs; and using the Svaha chant as a metaphor for actually building the fire into which we offer the prayers and thanksgivings of the sangha - you can FEEL the energy change as people begin to inhabit that intention of receiving the offerings into they fire they've created with their voices.

Christian also pointed out to me that a particular highlight was a bite of pumpkin cheesecake that we share with Soni and her husband David, brought in by one of their students. It was the most luscious thing I think I've ever eaten!

Tonight is finally our night off and I think we're ready for it. But we'll be back with more Kirtan on Long Island come Thursday night.

Om shanti and love

Dharmashakti

Chanting in Danvers, Massachusetts

2008-10-13T08:04:00.000-07:00

What an amazing time we had last night with the folks at the Healing Arts Center at Wadsworth Village. The sangha leader, Kelly, gathered a great group of folks together in the restored barn at Wadsworth Village in Danvers -- BEE-U-TEA-FUL space. Most had never chanted before but, wow, they did a terrific job. The harder chants seemed a little scary for most at first, but before long, everyone was swaying and singing and having a blissed out time. We were joined by a drummer (and gypsy) friend of Kelly's, Pamala Chandra Lunz, who really added to the evening and actually helped us figure out how to do live drums and Christian's synth drums very well and very smoothly. She brought a lot of love and sensitivity to the Kirtan and we were grateful for her. Afterward, it was sushi and late night conversation with Kelly and Chandra -- we seem to be having a lot of these, so folks back in Albuquerque should be ready for two very blissed out chanters to return home in just over 1 week.

Tonight we're heading to SoniYoga in Cambridge. We're half-way through the tour and it just keeps getting better and better.

Love,

Dharmashakti

New York, New York

2008-10-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Last night was Integral Yoga – New York… home. Wow! What a great time! First of all, thanksgivings and cheers to our good friends, Last night was Integral Yoga – New York… home. Wow! What a great time! First of all, thanksgivings and cheers to our good friends, Brian Adler (tablas), Nina Katchadourian (vocals), and Justin Wood (saxophones and flutes). Christian seemed happy to have a night off from playing percussion on laptop and he and Justin were this incredible philharmonic horn section that really made things HUGE. Brian is a wizard at not only keeping us all together but also “singing” on his tablas. At one point in rehearsal, I was listening to him so intently and happily that I forgot to sing! Nina is talented and quick -- she picked up even the most complicated chants and led the audience through them as if she’d been doing them longer than I have. Also, someone I don’t point out enough... Christian. He played great and he’s such a constant companion and light. When I get road-weary or feel like I “just need a break,” I look over and Christian is just doing his work with dedication, great talent and without flagging. Thank you, Christian.

The chanting was great with LOTS of people who’d never chanted before. Afterward, I asked people who’d like one to share a hug with me and got many, wonderful hugs and conversations with beautiful friends, old and new. Of course, since we’re back “home” in New York, we also had a great time going out with friends after the Kirtan for food, laughs and that fantastically fast New York conversation that leaves you both exhilarated and exhausted! It was an incredibly eclectic group of friends that included Bobra (whom I met when I first came to NYC in 1993 and who is still wondering how I went from wanting to produce the first all-male version of “Dreamgirls” to becoming a yoga teacher and chanter); Bob (a genuine intellectual with whom I sang in the a cappella group Sons & Lovers in the 90s); David (fellow 2001 OMI resident and a true musician’s musician); Megan, actress, real-estate maven and fellow artist from my days wandering the hallways of New York’s greatest investment banks; Nina (from the night’s Kirtan with her new CD “The Marfa Jingles”); Christian’s friend, Lily (guitarist extraordinaire); and Amy (whom I met just before leaving NYC -- who says you can’t make new friends at the last minute? -- and who has declared us to be BFFs, much to my delight). SO MUCH FUN! Christian stayed out even later than I did -- the poor Dharmashakti had a big crash! -- and had a good time talking late into the night with Lily.

This morning (Sunday), we’re up and at a cafe because we were sleeping in a yoga classroom and had to clear out for them to reset for the day. I’m writing this at a cool spot on 8th Avenue that USED to have free internet, but doesn’t anymore. Will post it as soon as I can, but it’s an interesting reminder that even familiar things and places are constantly changing. That said, New York is New York still -- big, loud and beautiful. I don’t feel as if I’ve been gone for nearly a year; it seems like 5 minutes ago. So, I don’t really miss it here. I miss people, but thanks to the web and cell phones, who really needs to miss anyone? Being here for 24 hours reminds me of the many, many good things I did during my 15 years here. But I guess it makes be a bad New Yorker now to say that I also miss the big, blue New Mexico skies and my sweet dog nuzzling my neck... even more than I’ve missed having a good bagel.

Next stop Boston!

Much love,

Dharmashakti.

Yogaville, Richmond and New Berlin

2008-10-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

Catching up on the tour now...

Had a really beautiful time at YOGAVILLE, where we joined in a Puja (offering) with some new chants we wrote en route that turned out really great. The folks at Yogaville were really generous and the Kirtan went well. It was also wonderful to spend time at the ashram, meditating at the LOTUS temple (ecumenical chapels), walking through the woods and eating amazing and nutritional meals. It was also good to see a familiar face or two, including Swami Bhaktananda, who I met while I was in teacher training at IYI New York. She was a delight as always and I think she and Christian got on really well. We also really enjoyed our time with the events coordinator and very kind Swami Joytimananda and the very dear Reverend Saraswati, who was very happy that we offer two chants featuring her namesake, Saraswati.

Next, we headed to Richmond, Virginia and the lovely home of Kamala Coleman, a very devoted Integral Yogini (and mother of Gavin and Shanti). We sang poolside (yes!) under the stars on a beautiful Virginia night and even made a little video that we'll post on YouTube once we're back home again. It was a wonderful stay.

Last night, we traveled off the beaten path to Integral Yoga of Pennsylvania in New Berlin with a great night of Kirtan with the young Sangha there. The founder, Sudarman, is a loving and delightful light who hosted us with gratitude and joy. They hadn't had Kirtan in a long time and everyone was happy to dance and sing, taking instruments and making noise and trying something very new. I was SO impressed with the community that he's gathered together. After the Kirtan, Christian and I sat with him on the floor of this remarkable facility (a converted brick church) and talked about yoga and the teachings. We talked a lot about the idea that we are always seeking the path TO enlightenment as opposed to spending time BEING ON the path OF enlightenment. That was a great contemplation and I'm looking forward to heading to New York tonight to lead Kirtan at my yogic alma mater, IYI-NYC.

Until next time,

Dharmashakti

1st Night - Namaste Yoga Sanctuary, Asheville

2008-10-07T22:18:00.001-07:00

Well, we're back from the first night of our first tour. What a lovely evening we had with the Sangha at Namaste Yoga here in Asheville. We were up against the Presidential debate on TV tonight and still there was a wonderful group of chanters who showed up to spend a couple of hours with us. We chanted our new Devi Ma chant and it went really well, also it was terrific to play with other live musicians because we could do a Talking Stick, which are always great experiences. Tonight we played with members of Sangita Devi: Renjit, Kalidas and William brought amazing energy and expression to the chants and really lifted us up. Christian's friend, Sara Jane (whom we hadn't seen since she left New Mexico a few weeks ago), came by and also stayed after to help us pack up, which was SO helpful. Afterwards, we went out to this crazy spot for dinner -- all very natural and organic... with hard rock playing loudly in the back ground as a gentle reminder that we were the last customers and they were all ready to go home. It's late now and Christian has just put still more finishing touches... like yoga, the work never actually ends. Tomorrow we head to Yogaville and the last night of Navaratri.

Peace.

Dharmashakti

The Tour Begins!

2008-10-07T09:34:00.000-07:00

Christian Patrick and I have made it safely from Albuquerque to Asheville, NC for our first Kirtan tonight. The drive was both eventful and non-eventful. We made it to Amarillo our first night because we were late leaving New Mexico, but the 2nd day we drove a long day all the way to Nashville, Tennessee. Along the way we talked and laughed, and worked on new chants. We're leading Kirtan for a Saraswati Puja on Wedneday night at Yogaville and still hadn't found the perfect Devi chant -- but somewhere in Oklahoma, inspiration struck! So, now we're really excited about this new chant we'll be introducing tonight in Asheville.

We actually got here a day early just to get our minds and bodies transistioned from long-road trip to Kirtan. Derek, the studio owner at Namaste in Asheville, joined us for a beautiful Japanese dinner last night with amazing stories and wonderful conversation. Later, we went by his place to meet his cats and sing a little together. He played the Sitar with us on the new "Devi Ma" chant and then we all did "On OM" together. Afterwards, he expressed his surprise at the many extended trombone techniques Christian is using to create the "Vritti" or distractions. Oh, and we had a beautiful cup of tea, too -- that was the perfect nightcap.

Today, we slept in a little, worked a little and now we're going to explore Asheville for a bit before setting up at Namaste in a few hours. This is so exciting!

Peace, joy, love and light

Dharmashakti

Kirtan at Shakti Yoga

2008-01-19T23:45:00.000-08:00

Just got home from a beautiful and lovely evening with the good people at Shakti Yoga Center (Jai Pam and Alice!) on Staten Island. Tonight's Kirtan was especially moving for me as it really marked several endings and new beginnings in my life and I just basked in the glow of change as it happened before my eyes. The musicians were great. Sanchie joined us on the violin and although she wasn't at the rehearsal, she added so much to what we offered tonight. It was funny because she originally said, "I just want to play on a couple of things" but then she felt inspired to play everything. Wow, what a treat! Lily Maase was terrific on guitar, as were Brian Adler on tablas and Damaru on percussion and backing vocals. We had a very nice improvisation going and I was struck by the number of folks who enjoyed experiencing the improvisation, especially those who don't usually listen to "new music." I think it really helps using the "Talking Stick" to guide the audience during this kind of music. I've gotten a lot of resistance from other experimental artists about engaging the audience, but I truly believe that it's important to be "in the room" when one presents either artistic work or valuable teachings. The audience was SO with us and I think it made the improvisation stronger. Regardles, I was just thrilled with the sounds we made during this piece tonight. Boom, boom (segue). During the Kirtan, I noticed that I'd never performed with anyone on stage with me -- so it was a marvelous "first date!" I'm really looking forward to Integral Yoga on Saturday the 26th.

Lots of yoga.

2007-05-29T20:56:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks have been a swirl of activity. From teaching a group of high schoolers in The Bronx, to a Chair Yoga class in Manhattan, a Flow & Slow Yoga at my regular Staten Island spot and a few others, plus actually finding time to take classes myself... well, it's been a great time. When I first contemplated teacher training, I thought that I had very clear ideas of what I might "accompish" with my certificate; however, the reality has been very different. First of all, I realize that I am accomplishing very little, I am only a guide to help my students find bliss for themselves. Secondly, I've found that the spiritual opportunities created through Yoga have far exceeded my expectations. While I still enjoy a good vinyasa, there is something so very "home-like" about teaching and taking time to contemplate the asanas and then practice this contemplation in the rest of my life.

It's also been an interesting week for hard questions and then observing my answers with an eye to how I might have responded not so long ago. Recently a student asked about the connection between yoga and sex, for example. I was shocked and speechless, which surprised me in itself because, as a jazz singer there's not too much I haven't heard of or seen. But then I realized that I had an answer inside of me, whether it was right or not, who can say? But I told her that yoga was about mindfulness and not to confuse feelings of pleasure or passion with the midfulness and awareness and suggested that it can be difficult to be fully involved with another person and mindful of one's own awareness -- for example, I enjoyed talking with her but I found it hard to be a good listener and notice my own breathing or posture at the same time. I had to turn one kind of awareness off to fully participate in the other. So, I suggested she look to her intentions and realize that if she is noticing someone else, then she is probably disconnected from herself, just as the opposite is true. Noticing those moments when your awareness shifts can be very telling -- are you truly "connected?" -- or are you experiencing moments of awareness interrupted by moments of passion?

I think not too long ago, I would have made a long case for the beauty of the simple human connection. While I can still make this case, there is also a beauty to the more difficult work of observing another person while also remaining fully present in one's own mind. This effort is also yoga.

Om shanti
धर्मशक्ति

Great classes this week

2007-05-16T09:06:00.000-07:00

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

Obsessing

2007-05-15T09:04:00.000-07:00

Here's a tip: Don't obsess over things that haven't happened yet. Live inside of today. Look around you -- THIS is your reality, this is your world today. Don't avoid real life by worrying over a future that hasn't happened. Things may bother you -- why not? we're human. But limit yourself to REAL things -- relationships that are unresolved, mistakes that are affecting you today, real hurts that need to be healed. Worrying about an imagined future is just inviting drama for you and for those around you. It's wasted energy, spilled prana. Likewise, putting off doing good things because you're waiting for "your ship to come in" is equally useless. You are (statistically) unlikely to win the lottery, be the next American Idol, or have the President call you for advice on solving Middle East peace -- but you can get out of your chair, go through the door and accomplish something to bring joy to others and to yourself. Small steps begin big adventures!

Om shanti, Om peace, ॐ शांति
धर्मशक्ति

The drive home.

2007-05-14T10:38:00.000-07:00

Last night, I took a taxi home. As I got in, the driver noticed that I looked tired at the end of very long day and I confirmed that, "Yes, I am definitely ready to be home." I asked how long he worked and he said, "I work every day, 12 hours a day."

We talked a bit more and I asked about his family and why he worked so much. Sure enough, he told me what I already knew -- that it's hard to get by these days as everything costs more and more, children and spouses need more and more and he feels like he can't stop working or he won't be able to keep up. As we drove along the F.D.R. in Manhattan, we talked about the media and the constant advertisements which push and push and push more and more goods onto us, with lower and lower quality so they have to be replaced often at increasing prices. He told me how helpless he feels when his daughter asks for something (already at only 2 years old!) and he feels he must give it to her because he is seldom home and how his spouse often shops for new things just to feel better, even with a closet full. Even his job now required him to buy a new GPS navigator and we both laughed when I asked rhetorically, "How did cab drivers navigate the streets of New York 30 years ago? Has New York really changed that much?"

It is sad to me when someone feels trapped on such a mouse's wheel. He must work to buy even more things, which means he is gone from home every day and is missing his child's growth and development, which makes him feel guilty so he gives her more things, which means he must work more hours. How do you get off the wheel?

I have so many childhood memories that revolve around time with my family. We took vacations together, went fishing, saw movies, attended church. True, I watched a lot of TV, but mostly this was when I was alone after school as my generation became more and more a battalion of latch-key children. One summer, we drove from New Mexico to Disneyland -- my parents, brother, sisters and me -- SEVEN of us in an Impala! -- of course, seatbelts weren't the norm and so I often sat on the hump in the backseat or slept on the long window ledge. My parents both worked in the family business and yet, we ate dinner together most evenings -- at the table, not in front of the television. We talked about our days, politics and obscure ideas like morality and justice. My mind was awakened during this time -- imagine a house of seven people, genetically linked but swapping opinions left and right as if we'd just met! Not long ago, I watched home movies taken by my parents over the years. We were a normal, middle-class family and still, as the camera panned the house, I was surprised to see how simple the house was -- a picture or two on the wall, a comfortable sofa, a television. I was even more struck by the difference in that home and today's middle-class home, bursting with things from Wal-Mart and BestBuy, groaning under the weight of clothes and toys and videos and computers and stuff and stuff and even more stuff of decreasing quality, lived in by people all moving in separate directions. Over stimulated, over-fed and disconnected from one another.

Last week, I heard a radio interview on The Economist podcast where the guest (a renowned economist no doubt) was discussing the poor countries of the world and he said something that completely threw me off. Paraphrasing here, he said, "So many poor countries could be doing so much more to participate in commerce and in improving their standard of living. Sure when you go to a poor farm or village, the people may SEEM happy, but you can't help but think how much better life could be for them if they just had more money." Imagine that! "Pity the poor, but happy farmer -- let's get him to a shopping center immediately so he can have as much unmet desire as the rest of us. THEN he'll truly be happy!" Incredible!

We are rich today, by any material standard. But, like my driver last night, our material wealth buys us little peace and costs us time with ourselves and with those we love.

So, can we get off of the wheel? No surprise, but it is a choice we make every time we say, "Yes" to an advertisement or to the pressure from others to "keep up." We give away our own power to decide our worth every time we agree that, "Yes, I would be better/smarter/more attractive if only I had a new car/computer/shirt." Does this mean that I'm opposed to shopping or buying or trading? NO, not at all! I LOVE to shop, too. But my practice now is to shop for more often for I need and less often for what I want.

Do I need a brand new car? No, I need reliable transportation -- so I have a used car.
Do I need Nacho Cheese Doritos? No, my mind might think I do but my body knows better and understands that I need an orange or an apple, not a deep fried plastic-food-laced corn chip.
I just bought some new tennis shoes after five years; did I really need them? Yes or maybe yes. My old pair had been making my feet hurt for awhile so I shopped for something reliable at a fair price. I could have looked at 2nd hand shoes, but there's something odd about wearing used tennis shoes (and wasn't I replacing an already-used pair anyway?) and I am fortunate to live in America with access to affordable goods. So I shopped.

The trick is to buy things when I NEED them, not just when I WANT them because I'm sad, lonesome, celebrating, turned-on or whatever. And because I'm shopping less, I'm enjoying it more.

Here are some questions to ask yourself before heading out to the Halls of the Malls of America:

Is this something I NEED or something I WANT?
Is this something I would get if no one was pressuring me?
Am I shopping because an advertisement told me this would make my life better?
If it's a durable product, will it really last?
If it's food or drink, is it really good for my body, overall wellness and mind?
Can I pay cash for it or do I have to go into debt? Will the debt outlast the pleasure?
What would my life be like without it?
How many minutes, hours or days must I work to earn the money to pay for it?
How could I use that time if I spent it instead with my family, friends or Self?
Is this something I NEED or something I WANT?

Here's a link to some information on "Affluenza" -- a PBS video and book that discusses the problems our growing consumer society has with acquisition. Start here. Or here.

Om shanti, Om peace
धर्मशक्ति