In my yoga classes recently we’ve been exploring yogic observances or restraints, referred to as the yamas. These recommended behaviors are the first of the 8 limbs in the yogic path. Ahimsa, non – violence, is the first yama. The second is truthfulness, Satya. “What’s so dangerous about the truth,” Carl Jung wrote, “a lie […]
Category: practice
Know Peace
I’m disturbed. That’s not a strong enough word. I’m scared and worried. Just this week one of my millennial friends had a psychotic break and is in the mental hospital. My Gen Z son rejects the notion of a loving God and embraces the idea that trans men can have babies. Since the beginning of […]
The Spiritual Path
A path leads to a destination, right? If I get on the path it’s so that I will eventually reach a place. Like Nirvana or Heaven or a peace-filled mind and heart. Last night my friend said, “I just want to get through all of this and finish.” She, and most people I know, want […]
This Too Shall Pass
A lot of people are experiencing some heavy emotional stuff right now. I mean a lot. The pandemic itself may be over but the ripple effect seems to be resounding throughout the community. Megan’s brother died of an overdose, and Scott’s son committed suicide. Sandy’s daughter attempted suicide. Mary’s depression has mushroomed into a force […]
On Silence
When I was younger, in my late 20’s early 30’s, music was always on. The only time it was silent was when sleeping. I carried a transistor radio with me to listen to talk radio at my desk while working. Silence was a foreign idea. It didn’t occur to me to cultivate silence. During that […]
On Ahimsa
Yoga is more than a workout. It’s an 8 limbed philosophy that lays over all cultural and religious belief systems. It doesn’t matter your nationality, your race, your economic situation, the 8 limbed path is for all people. One of the 8 limbs is the Yamas, a set of principles that when practiced allow the […]
On the Deconstruction of the Self
Recently while feeling sad and a bit hopeless, my loving husband reminded me of how many obstacles I have overcome throughout my life. I pick the hardest things to do and then I succeed at that super hard thing. Power yoga with fused spine? Check. Single parenting and a challenging career? Check. Recovery from addiction […]
The Wildness of God
When I stop cajoling, negotiating, petitioning, and outright begging, that’s when I have surrendered.
The Dark Night of the Soul
Sometimes the darkness is brought on due to our actions, as evidenced in addiction. But other times, it feels random and unfair, like a cancer diagnosis for the mom who makes good choices and has two beautiful children and a loving husband.
On Choosing Faith
When I consciously choose to believe that God is everything, I widen the stress tolerance window. I have more peace of mind and a longer pause between stimulus and response. In other words, I’m less likely to “lose my head” over something simple.
Heather Dellapi 