Awakening Self Blog
A Worthy Spiritual Attitude
>I read something today that made me stop and reflect. It was a quote by Leland Val Van De Wall:
“You only have to do something until you want to do it; then you won’t have-to do it any more.”
Avirati (Worldliness) : the Sixth Obstacle of Spiritual Practice
I find avirati, the 6th obstacle of spiritual practice from the Yoga Sutras, a bit uncomfortable to talk about. Why? Because we (including myself) have become very attached to being comfortable – wanting what we like and avoiding what we don’t. Seeking pleasure and over-indulging. Our consumer-based society is founded on this over-indulgence (Buy! Spend! Eat! Consume!). It’s humbling to have to take a look at it.
Be Like the Bee
To find inner balance and harmony with the world, learn from the bee, who gives generously and receives abundantly. Nature has its way of making sure everything stays in balance. As animals inhale oxygen, they exhale carbon dioxide, and thus the plants can take in the...
When You Just Can’t Explain The Suffering
How do we embrace life as well as suffering and death? This week, I began writing a blog about suffering, and I stopped myself. It felt too vulnerable... too difficult to talk about. It seems that there is always suffering in the world - whether it is war, disasters,...
Rainbows Only Come with Rain
Few events in nature inspire us more than a rainbow. On a cloudy, rainy day, it fills me with exuberant joy when the arch of light and color magically appears across the sky. We may complain about wet days, the dark clouds, the need for umbrellas, windshield wipers,...
Revisiting Carpe Diem
Like many of us in the first months of the year, I’ve been reflecting on my goals for the year and for my life. But I realize that, unlike years ago when I had big goals and aspirations for the future, I feel so much more inspired and joyful about my present....