A central theme of yoga is doing what is most natural for your body – this brings vitality, strength, and longevity.
In the above video, Professor Pig brings forth many salient points in his endeavor to lead humans onto the point of health and well-being through food choices that are suited towards their (i.e. human) biological & anatomical make-up.
Of course there are many reasons for choosing a plant-base diet – human health, environmental concerns and ecology, animal well-being, and more. This particular video looks at human anatomy and physiology.
Each and every being is attracted toward a more subtle vibration. This brings feelings of joy, peace and contentment. This is a universal attraction for all – to find a more refined flow in life.
While no doubt we can get caught up in more crude endeavors and general busyness, it is when we return to and seek out the subtle that we feel better.
This applies to animals as well. They also want to find joy and peace in this world.
Of the 5 sense experiences – shabda (sound) – is the most subtle. That is why at the highest state of realization, the aspirant will only hear the eternal sound: Omn.
Here below is a sweet reminder how all have an appreciation for the more subtle expressions of life…
This is quite the reminder of what magnificence exists beyond human sight. This video reminds us of what things we see but don’t see in this most natural and remarkable process of pollination. Hint: Watch in Full Screen Mode…
I was starting to think I would never get my power back, though I know now that many of you lost power for longer than I did, and some may still be without power.
As I write below – once it became apparent that actual damage in our area was at a minimum – the aftermath of Irene became a good (albeit too lengthy) exercise in living without; I called upon all my backpacking knowledge and Indian village living experiences from years ago. And yes, I have renewed appreciation for electricity – and the fact that I need a new generator.
Anyway, I’ll share more tales of my adventures with Hurricane Irene below. First here is some footage of Hurricane Irene from my driveway, about 6 or 7 hours past her peak, on Sunday morning, Aug 29, 20011.
Once the hurricane went on her way, the sun came out – SUNday after noon. And it stayed out for days. How wonderful – because I know at my place there was a basic void of amenities and to have picture perfect weather was helpful while the power was out.
Fortunately, ahead of time we filled up 55 gallon drums of water and oh-so-many buckets. So we were able to bathe daily, very similar to bathing at the old hand pump of your basic Indian village: Just pouring water over the head with your plastic vessel.
And here is how the cooking was done – very chic I know.
All in all we lost power from late Saturday afternoon until Tuesday morning, 7am. Though it did seem longer, I admit.
I do hope everyone is now in the clear and getting by – if not back to normal.
As for yoga – well it went on. Monday I had a session scheduled with the Loyola Cross-Country teams and as they were at full power, I made the afternoon trip up and had a wonderful session with the team. They were an outstanding group and I look forward to returning in winter for pre-season. Taking a shower in the locker was a big bonus.
Then early Tuesday morning I left to teach (prior to my getting power back) and really did not know if anyone would be coming or not – nor if the St James hall had power or not (it did not on Monday). But yes it did have power! Plus, considering the circumstances, had a great morning turnout – 9 for abs and 18 for general yoga.
And last night again went out for yoga not knowing if the Christ Church Hall would have power (it did not on Monday). Once again, there was power. And not only that, 3 minutes after we started our class – with the doors open and the lights off – a power truck stopped by as they did not see any lights on! They got out of the truck, walked up and actually asked us if we had power - – what service!!
And as I understand, Galesville Hall is ready to go for today – so things are mostly back to normal. Hope you have full power and please do tell us your tales and stories from Hurricane Irene.
With our own fasting seminar coming up this Sunday (July 24), I could not help but share the trailer about a film I first heard about last Wednesday after Community Yoga. While the yogic approach to food and fasting stands on its own unique pillars, the below film (which I have not seen but is offered on Netflix) seems to offer a compelling and much needed voice to this great practice…
This is our second video series of baby groundhog footage. Check what these two are up to…
Once again, I drove up the driveway after returning from yoga class and sure enough I saw one of the baby woodchucks (i.e. groundhogs) poke his head from underneath the blue tarp on the woodpile – they love playing on top of and within the woodpile! I filmed that scene through my front windshield from my driver’s seat. The above video picks up from where the aforementioned video left off, i.e. now he is already on top of the woodpile and soon to be joined by one of his mates.
Do enjoy the images of our two fury friends. And perhaps soon I will post the prior video of this sequence: i.e. his journey from underneath the tarp to the top of the woodpile.
This is all part of our ongoing groundhog saga as mother groundhog delivered 4 babies in early spring.
The Reverend Dr Martin Luther King (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) was assassinated nearly 43 years ago yet today we commemorate his birth, his life, and his message that all may live peacefully and with dignity on this earth.
This below excerpt from the last speech he ever delivered presents the very moving, if not prophetic, words he spoke the night before he was murdered.
News of his assassination spread like wildfire around the world – from Harlem to Moscow. Below is how the famed anchorman Walter Cronkite delivered the news to America in this racially charged era. Bear in mind that this is a 1968 news report so some of the terminology & references are quite antiquated, especially the use of the word “negro”. That said, it is an indicator of how things were then and where we are now. Included in Mr Cronkite’s report are video clips of President Lyndon Johnson and Dr Martin Luther King himself.
Today also, each and every one of us has an important role in creating a singular human society free from exploitation where all have the opportunity to progress physically, economically, socially, psychically and spiritually.
In the words of one Sadguru or great yogic master:
“The more human beings live in unity, shoulder to shoulder, the greater the welfare of the human race will be. Let no one try to suppress others on the basis of nationality, language, religion or anything else in any sphere of life. Let the path of full expression of human intelligence be kept open forever.”
“The newly awakened humanity of today is anxious to herald the advent of one universal society under the vast blue sky. The noble and righteous persons of all countries, bound by fraternal & sororal ties, are eager to assert in one voice, with one mind, and in the same tune that human society is one and indivisible. In this voice of total unity and magnanimity lies the value and message of eternal humanism.”
These guys are known as Turf Feinz (Oakland, CA) – a neighborhood group trying to make a difference in their area. We all know the scene: They’re surrounded by varieties of difficulties that can plague inner city life. Yet here, instead of giving in or giving up, they are out to make a difference by expressing their creative light that shines within – and they are sharing that with all…
The significance of this particular video is that this street corner is the site where one of their friends was killed in a car accident. They wanted to honor his memory.
Here is what they say about themselves on their Facebook page:
We organize dance battles to organize young people, provide a safe space for entertainment and continue the advancement of turf dancing as a street culture and a recognized art form.
This poignant message from Chief Seattle of 150 years ago still provides reflection for us as a humanity. Imagine if we could have paid heed to his words back then. Today, we also have such an opportunity. It is never too late. When we rediscover our link with this earth / universe, then so many positive transformations will invariably unfold. In this regard, the great chief’s message parallels yogic principles of oneness and reverence for all forms of life and natural expression. May this be the meditation of today’s humanity…
Here elephants use their brawn and brains – and most importantly their feeling of collective welfare – to rescue their little toddler.
There is a great lesson in this for our present humanity. As strong and as smart as we may be, that strength & smartness should always be used for helping those in need – not any self-centered agenda.
As we develop as a humanity, slowly we are making our way in the right direction, with a few growing pains here and there.Yoga and meditation will certainly help illumine the proper pathway – enabling us to create a world-based human society upon on the pillars of peace, security and universal benevolence.
Yoga is all about broadening our horizons – physically, emotionally, psychologically, mentally, intellectually, morally & spiritually – as we seek out our true place in this cosmos. This short video by the American Museum of Natural History offers an interesting perspective.
Here is how they describe their video:
The Known Universe takes viewers from the Himalayas through our atmosphere and the inky black of space to the afterglow of the Big Bang. Every star, planet, and quasar seen in the film is possible because of the world’s most complete four-dimensional map of the universe, the Digital Universe Atlas that is maintained and updated by astrophysicists at the American Museum of Natural History. The new film, created by the Museum, is part of an exhibition, Visions of the Cosmos: From the Milky Ocean to an Evolving Universe, at the Rubin Museum of Art in Manhattan through May 2010.
