The 'way' of spiritual advancement through consciousness is actually uncomplicated and simple.
The primary quality is really one of attitude in that one looks at life not as a place to acquire gain but as an opportunity for learning, which abounds even in the smallest of life's details. A spiritual attitude leads one to be friendly, kind, and well meaning to all life. We find ourselves walking over an ant carefully rather than squashing it, not as a compulsive must or a religious rule, but out of a greater awareness of the value of all life. All animals will be discovered to actually be individuals who respond to respect and attention. Even plants are aware of it when you love and admire them.

- From David Hawkins, The Eye of the I, from which nothing is hidden. GREAT READ!!

Silence

It's been awhile since I last wrote on the blog. Much has transpired in the last month. The two lovely yogini's who were staying here for the 23 day Intensive have gone and I've just had three more wonderfully interesting and fantastic women here for the Cora Wen workshop. It's so much fun having women from all walks of life here at the hostel, sharing their unique and individual gifts.

During the Asheville Yoga Center's teacher trainings, Stephanie Keach ask the students to spend a day in silence. For those who stay here during the training I assume this assignment with them. I love to spend time in Silence and it's always an opportunity to reflect on how much accessory noise really goes on in my head. Each student cast their own spin on how deep they go into the assignment; some can only be silent for a few hours, some choose not to participate, others simply choose to not speak but feel it's ok to listen to music etc. Everyone has their individual take on how the day should be conducted.

I took the assignment a bit further and asked myself over the last few weeks, "Does what I have to say really need to be said? Does it even matter? Am I simply spewing off at the mouth out of active ego, etc? Do I speak to fill the void of silence or because I feel my opinion is worth sharing and of value? Do I speak out of nervousness or self-absorption? Can I speak my intention through living example, through non-verbal communication, and not simply with words? What is my real intention when I feel compelled to speak? Is it ego or inner guidance that leads me to speak?" There's a lot to contemplate when you allow yourself to be silent. Even when practicing silence, it's interesting to observe how much inner dialogue takes place. It's easy to find frustration arising if one simply tries to silence not only the mouth, but the mind as well. I like to use the analogy told to me by my dear friend and spiritual sounding board, Scott Marmorstein, of watching a movie. When one watches a movie they are doing just that, watching. They aren't the movie nor are they the movie theatre or characters. You can chose to leave the movie or building at any time or even close your eyes for the intense scary parts. Similar with the mind. You are not your mind, nor does it have to control or define you. The mind is like the movie screen. You watch your thoughts and then you allow them to drift off the screen. If you don't allow yourself to get involved in the drama of the "story" and simply observe without attachment to the thoughts, one is less reactive and staying centered and grounded in the higher Self is more accessible. It certainly takes a lot of practice, just like exercising a muscle, but once you get over the hump, and make it a regular practice, it becomes easier and easier. If you acknowledge that you are a perfect reflection of the Divine, God, Consciousness, Source, Love or whatever label you choose, you then realize you are not defined by the ego or little self. Ask yourself, who is thinking the thoughts, or labeling, judging, criticizing etc? It's certainly not the higher Self. Acknowledge the thoughts for what the are, for where they originate and simply let them go without getting involved in the story/drama.

I find, if I can bring this type of intention to the various activities throughout my day, speaking when it's necessary, not necessarily whenever I feel compelled to speak, I can better serve the Divine in all that I do. It's a powerful way to bring one's yoga practice into all aspects of one's day and extremely liberating! Ultimately, what we all want is Freedom. Freedom from suffering, financial Freedom, Freedom from pain and spiritual Freedom. It all begins with the mind.