"It’s ok to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something really, really brave.”

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Last week I was searching around for a yoga class to take and I clicked on one called “a hero’s journey”, well I thought ok that sounds good!  The class didn’t have much dharma on this idea but it was enough to get me thinking about an appropriate intention for this month which would coincide with the classes I would be teaching for Breast Cancer Awareness month and support of Breast Cancer Alliance (BCA).  I thought of all the people who are touched by cancer personally or as a support to someone else, they are true heroes.  As I said in class this morning though I do have a hard time labeling myself as a “hero”, but It is very, very clear to me that others battling cancer and their support network are true heroes!  Furthermore, we are all heroes - all of us today are being taught an important lesson in showing up for our lives, no matter what - meaning even though it doesn’t look like we want it to look due to the lingering pandemic.  We have all been forced into acceptance of situations we never thought we would find ourselves in and by continuing to show up, no matter what - we are all heroes!

 

Now this idea of a “hero” brought me to the ancient Hindu text, The Bhagavad Gita (Gita means song and Bhagavad means God, so it is the Song of God).  

The hero in this writing is a character called Arjuna, which means shining or brightness.
Arjuna represents the best aspects of humanity:
Courage, Strength, and Humility
Intelligence and Wisdom
Commitment to Truth and Justice
Performance of Dharma with Karma (Duty and Right Action) Joshua Mark
At the same time, however, he is flawed in that he is stubborn, adheres to a personal code of honor which does not always consider the needs of others or the greater good, and is overly proud of how he comports himself and his reputation.

IN THE BHAGAVAD GITA, ARJUNA STANDS FOR ALL WHO FACE DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES & CHOICES IN LIFE & QUESTION WHAT THEY SHOULD DO & WHY THEY MUST SUFFER.  He also stands as a model of behavior, however, in that he sets aside his pride and reputation to honestly express his fears and doubts and to then accept help and counsel from another.  He receives that counsel from Krishna. He becomes the student seeking before he takes any action and Krishna is the important teacher that guides him.

 

This perfectly describes my process this past year with my diagnosis, seeking counsel and then from that place of a awareness taking action.  This is a very important part of yoga and meditation in our day to day lives.  Situations arise, big and small that require us to take action (or not).  Together we can use the awareness and the quiet space of our practices to take the best actions we can take.  Today we can continue to show up, no matter what and to show up with our authentic self - flaws and all, it’s ok we all have them and we just try our best!  Working through the flaws, asking for help and taking action is a true heroes journey - simple.

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***There are still 2 more classes next week you can join to support BCA:

Tuesday October 13th, 7pm 1 hour restorative yoga
Tuesday October 13th, 8:30pm, 30 minute study/life break - meditation and short yoga stretch for high school and college students as well as young adults fresh out of school!
The minimum suggested donation is $25.  Donations can be made here:http://weblink.donorperfect.com/bca_donate
When you register, BCA is asking to please list me in the “In Honor Of” section so it can help them keep track of registrations.  Once you are registered BCA will send you the zoom link.

 

***Going forward my classes require a password. The meeting room is the same number:https://us04web.zoom.us/j/7251646023  Password is:1203.

 

***Website - I am working hard on launching my website.  If you have any comments in regards to my yoga classes and meditations can you please email me?  Tell me why you like the classes, me as a teacher, why this class as opposed to another? Also would you like alternating weeks of yoga classes at 8am and 9:30am? Some of you area back to life with getting kids settled in the morning before your classes, please let me know.