At the start of the new millennium the Dalai Lama apparently issued eighteen rules for living. Since word travels slowly in the digital age these have only just reached me. Here they are.
Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.
When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.
Follow the three Rs:
Respect for self
Respect for others
Responsibility for all your actions.
Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.
Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.
Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.
When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.
Spend some time alone every day.
Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.
Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.
A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.
In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.
Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.
Be gentle with the earth.
Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.
Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.
Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Yoga of love
Love makes one glow. Somedays it is the boat on which eternity taps and rocks us into joyfulness. Next time you feel lonely start by loving yourself, then those close to you and then widen your heart to fill the whole world. If cant love yourself, you can love no one.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Reflections of a wannabe Yogi
Raj wrote this...
By the time I got to the free class, it was pretty well jam packed. I found a spot to place my rented mat and laid my towel over it, and water bottle alongside, and stood facing the mirrored front wall. I was already sweating and we hadn't even started. It was Bikram yoga and the room was heated.
The instructor, a big guy welcomed us and told us that if we had to leave the room, we were to leave quietly. He started us off with the breathing exercise. Hey, this isn't too bad, I thought. Then we started the different poses or asanas and it got tougher. By now I was drenched, sweating pofusely, hands and feet were slippery. Fifteen minutes into the class, I looked towards the door. I was in the middle of the room. The mind game had begun, "To be or not to be a yogi." To leave now, I'd have to weave through too many people to get to the door. If I left, I'd always remain a wannabe yogi, besides something told me to stay. It was like a faraway (distant) voice, or even a whisper from the heavens. I'd always told my three children that most of life's battles are won and lost in the mind. I decided then that I would stay and win this one for her and her.
Every now and then I'd sneak a peek to the sides and couldn't help admiring some of the other yogis and yoginis, so majestic in their asanas.
I'll get there, too, InshAllah, I told myself. Believe you me, it wasn't easy but I hung in there. After each asana, I'd put my palms together and quietly give thanks. The instructors words, "Change and relax" were music to my ears. "Party time" as the instructor announced the first official water break. Water had never tasted sweeter than the sips I had that day. I savored each sip with gratitude.
As we progressed through the asanas, I began to love the word "Savasana," that's when we lay down on our backs and completely relaxed. The final pose of the evening, sitting Japanese style, and exhaling fast, getting rid of all the toxins. Finally, the most welcome words, "Lie down and completely relax." As I lay down, eyes closed, hands on my chest, joined in quiet thanksgiving. I had made it through my first ninety minutes of yoga with the feeling that there is hope yet! Praise the Lord!
By the time I got to the free class, it was pretty well jam packed. I found a spot to place my rented mat and laid my towel over it, and water bottle alongside, and stood facing the mirrored front wall. I was already sweating and we hadn't even started. It was Bikram yoga and the room was heated.
The instructor, a big guy welcomed us and told us that if we had to leave the room, we were to leave quietly. He started us off with the breathing exercise. Hey, this isn't too bad, I thought. Then we started the different poses or asanas and it got tougher. By now I was drenched, sweating pofusely, hands and feet were slippery. Fifteen minutes into the class, I looked towards the door. I was in the middle of the room. The mind game had begun, "To be or not to be a yogi." To leave now, I'd have to weave through too many people to get to the door. If I left, I'd always remain a wannabe yogi, besides something told me to stay. It was like a faraway (distant) voice, or even a whisper from the heavens. I'd always told my three children that most of life's battles are won and lost in the mind. I decided then that I would stay and win this one for her and her.
Every now and then I'd sneak a peek to the sides and couldn't help admiring some of the other yogis and yoginis, so majestic in their asanas.
I'll get there, too, InshAllah, I told myself. Believe you me, it wasn't easy but I hung in there. After each asana, I'd put my palms together and quietly give thanks. The instructors words, "Change and relax" were music to my ears. "Party time" as the instructor announced the first official water break. Water had never tasted sweeter than the sips I had that day. I savored each sip with gratitude.
As we progressed through the asanas, I began to love the word "Savasana," that's when we lay down on our backs and completely relaxed. The final pose of the evening, sitting Japanese style, and exhaling fast, getting rid of all the toxins. Finally, the most welcome words, "Lie down and completely relax." As I lay down, eyes closed, hands on my chest, joined in quiet thanksgiving. I had made it through my first ninety minutes of yoga with the feeling that there is hope yet! Praise the Lord!
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Yoga with Khushboo!
Early this morning with the chill in the air, my young neighbour Khushboo came along to do Yoga with me. She is 25 and I see her slim flexible body against my somewhat stiff one... my knees are not as straight as hers, nor is my spine... she does not lose her breath as much as I do (huffing a puffing is common with me...) However I know that daily yoga will give me greater flexibilty within weeks.. I marvel at the body that has the intelligence to improve at any age!
We did a routine with standing postures (trikona asanas, the tree and 5 surya namaskars followed by sitting asanas and then the lying down ones...) I have decided to create a more intense routine for tomorrow.
Mom joined us for the pranayam.... I loved the togetherness.
We did a routine with standing postures (trikona asanas, the tree and 5 surya namaskars followed by sitting asanas and then the lying down ones...) I have decided to create a more intense routine for tomorrow.
Mom joined us for the pranayam.... I loved the togetherness.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)