04/11/2024
Dear Friends,
We are living in some very crazy, polarized times. Truthfully, I've been pretty negative about this; finding myself in one of those "fights with reality" that I will NEVER win. Why is life so hard? One of my teachers, Tosha Silver, recently challenged my thinking, suggesting that it is an HONOR to be living right now, especially in these times where there is so much at stake, so much is being reveled, and there is so much anger, sadness, and heartbreak. She feels that on some level we have all CHOSEN to be here right now, that here are no mistakes in our karma to be alive during this big shift.
When I noticed how much I was longing for a different time, something easier, not so intense, I saw that I was adding a layer of suffering to the one that was already going on (!) so common for all of us. Then I thought about this poem from the Persian poet Hafiz, and it helped me connect to courage and hope:
The Place Where You Are Now
This place where you are right now
God circled on a map for you.
Wherever your eyes and arms and heart can move
Against the earth and the sky,
The Beloved has bowed there –
Our Beloved has bowed there knowing
You were coming.
I could tell you a priceless secret about
Your real worth, dear pilgrim,
But any unkindness to yourself,
Any confusion about others,
Will keep one
From accepting the grace, the love,
The sublime freedom
Divine knowledge always offers to you.
Never mind, Hafiz, about
The great requirements this path demands
Of the wayfarers,
For your soul is too full of wine tonight
To withhold the wondrous Truth from this world.
But because I am so clever and generous,
I have already clearly woven a resplendent lock
Of his tresses
As a remarkable truth and gift
In this poem for you.
~Hafiz
Translation by Daniel Ladinsky, The Subject Tonight Is Love
Poems like this have helped me reframe, access a more sane state, and even embrace being here right now.
If you'd like to come together with others and together access a "more sane state" I'm offering an in-person workshop on Saturday November 9th!
Join me for a in-person workshop, "A Day of Reflection" at my house in Saratoga Springs. 10am to 3pm. My intention is for us to slow down, breathe, and take a pause. What if you had space and time to access your inner wisdom? What might be possible then? We'll enjoy a structured day that gives us time for inner listening as well as relaxing in community. With simple yoga, guided meditations, and, weather permitting, a walk in the fresh air, we'll tune into our inner worlds. Bring along a notebook and something to write with, as well as your lunch. (We'll have coffee, Saratoga water, & tea, available and we'll also sample some recipes, soup and a soothing smoothie.)
Day of Reflection
Cost: $50.
To register reply to this email
Pay on Venmo, -Lynch-5
Or, with a check made out to Saratoga Springs Yoga LLC.