It is so easy to “fight” against winter. It is acceptable for people to start conversations with their winter complaints. And even if we don’t particularly agree that that the weather is bad, we will give a nod or a quick, “yeah, I know,” because we can relate to the person suffering. Yet, we have a choice. We can choose to recognize that for now, in this moment, that it is winter and there is nothing we can do about it. We can make the choice to accept and embrace winter as a season as relevant, necessary, and joyful as any of the others. Winter is truly a gift that gives us a chance to hibernate, not in a way that separates us from the outside world, but a chance for us to connect with ourselves and who we are. These months given for our hibernation allows us the time we need for reflection; to be still, to silent ourselves so that we can hear and relish in our thoughts. As we rest, we prepare ourselves mentally and physically for the spring that waits—the season when our thoughts, created in the still of winter, are brought forth and put into action. To be sure, the days will get longer, the ice and snow will melt, and the green grass will come back. But for now, with little precious time of the winter remaining, surrender to the moment and enjoy the magic of the winter energy.
Westside Yoga Studio presents a series of talks and meditation practices introducing the principles and practices of Tibetan Buddhism. This is a progressive training program that will build each week from the previous week. Evin Bodell has been a practicing student for 12 years, studying the teachings of the well know Tibetan Master Chogyam Trumpha Rimpoche. Teachings are based on books, discussions, meditation practices & the life experiences of Trumpha Rimpoche, Pema Chodron and other teachers of this profound tradition. This program serves as a foundation for a series of monthly talks & teachings in meditation practices and principles from Mahayana Buddhism. "Metta"The path of Loving-Kindness and compassion for all beings. Students will be introduced to concepts and the practice of mindfullness awareness meditation called Shamatha -Vipashyana. We will practice both sitting and walking meditation as well as more conceptual techniques for developing loving-kindness, as well as the practice of working with and taming strong emotions.
Did you make a New Year's resolution for 2010? How’s that going for you? Feeling motivated, or have you fallen off the resolution wagon? According to Dorothy.com, each year about 1 in 4 adults make New Year's resolutions and out of those only about 6% keep them. It really isn’t too surprising, since so many who resolve to make a change (whether to quit smoking, lose weight, work out more, or be happier) haven’t prepared themselves to break their deeply instilled habits. Going cold turkey rarely, if ever, works.