“It’s important in terms of being grateful to everyone, to realize that no slogan, no meditation practice, nothing that you can hear in the teachings is a solution. We’re evolving. We will always be learning more and more, continually opening further and further.” ~Pema Chodron
During my early yoga studies in the ‘80s, I learned and accepted the fact that the more grateful I was in life the more content and happy I was. Gratitude changed my way of thinking and living–promoting my health, my financial stability, my confidence in myself and in relationships with others and my spiritual connections. It seemed the more I focused on what I was grateful for, the more positive things came my way. Today I am practicing the art of being grateful for those things in my life that, at first, seem quite negative or even painful. I have a friend I have admired for years who seems to have this “down to a science.” I watch her go through difficult times with such grace, awareness and poise. She allows the difficulty to wash over her, she learns what she needs from the experience and, within what seems like the next breath, comes forth with all the gifts she receives from the situation. It amazes me how quickly she can move through the trauma to find the gift to be grateful for. What a “practice” to move through our days looking for the gifts in every situation that comes our way and expressing gratitude for them!
This month we will explore the many gifts and blessings of living a life expressed in gratitude. As part of this theme, Victoria Crawford will be presenting a workshop titled “Yoga and Self Discovery The Practice of Gratitude: How to live it, share it and express it more fully” on November 3rd. Anyone who wants the opportunity to be part of a deeper conversation about the power of gratitude, to explore peak experiences in their own life and to learn new ways to cultivate a daily practice of gratitude, should consider participating in this timely offering.
In closing, we ask that you all send prayers and positive energy toward Vince Markus. Vince took a fall off of a 12-foot ladder while doing work on the new building. He dislocated his shoulder, fractured his wrist and had damage to some of the bones in his cheek. While these injuries are serious and raise obstacles in the construction he was planning to do at the new space, we are all so grateful that it wasn’t worse. Thank you for all the support and love being extended right now… this is truly one of those opportunities to practice moving through a difficult situation and looking for the gifts that come our way.
May this month offer you many ways to feel the collective blessings of this community. May you always feel honored when you come to Desert Song and allow the spirit of our connection to be a support to you along your path.
In gratitude,
Mary Beth Markus
December 2012: Reflection
Reflection for Moving Through Change Gracefully
As we move towards the Winter Equinox, where the nights are longer and the days are shorter, one of the gifts of this season is the opportunity to draw inward to take time to reflect. In most parts of the country winter is the season for hibernating. The seeds have fallen from the trees and are now slowly germinating underfoot. No growth, just a quiet incubation period. We can use this time to initiate a profound look into ourselves. By giving ourselves this time to reflect on our feelings and experiences over the past year, it allows us the space to move through change more gracefully. For Vince and me, as with most people I know, this year has brought on many significant changes to lifestyle, health, and the simple ways we use to do things.
My husband and I usually take time around the holidays to get away with each other to spend quality time reflecting and giving thanks for the past year’s gifts and lessons. We usually go to the mountains or the ocean, places that feed us mentally and spiritually. This year it is very different for us. With the purchase and renovation of the new property for Desert Song, along with Vince’s recent accident, we are staying home. In the retreat of our own home, we are deliberately and consciously finding moments together of reflection within our day to recharge and renew ourselves through meditation, walks, bodywork and heartfelt discussion. Although our lives have taken a sharp curve, we find it beneficial to spend a lot of our reflection time finding the gifts that come from the unforeseen–and the seemingly negative–episodes of our lives. Hindsight has always shown us the silver linings; however, when we can be grateful and conscious of the lessons in present time, then we can move through these travails with calmness, faith and appreciation.
At the yoga center this month, we plan to create a calming restorative atmosphere during this season of busyness that will nurture your body, quiet your mind and feed your soul. We encourage you to find some reflective moments to enhance your health and promote your happiness.
Take some time for yourself to nurture, appreciate and listen to the whispers of your soul. Allow some space in your day for meditation, restorative yoga or therapeutic bodywork. Savor the past accomplishments and follow the inner urgings that plant the seeds for your tomorrow. When you create space for the internal work, you give yourself the freedom to explore what touches your heart and lets your spirit soar.
May you and your family enjoy a season of grace and peace. We are so grateful for your support and feel continually blessed that you are in our lives.
Blessings to you,
Mary Beth, Vince and the Desert Song Staff
This passage is from the Anam Cara. The Book of Celtic Wisdom.
by John O’Donohue 1956-2008
A Blessing of Solitude
May you recognize in your life, the presence, power and light of your soul.
May you realize that you are never alone,
That your soul in its brightness and belonging
Connects you intimately with the rhythm of the universe.
May you have respect for your own individuality and difference.
May you realize that the shape of your soul is unique,
That you have a special destiny here,
that behind the façade of your life there is something beautiful, good, and eternal happening.
May you learn to see yourself with the same delight, pride and expectation with which God sees you in every moment.