Love. Practice.

This is how Manorama says engaged with students. She will randomly send text messages that very simply state "Love. Practice." Those two little words situated next to each other have embedded into my mind and transformed into a little mantra in and of themselves.

Bhakti. Abhyasa.

Daivd was here this week and when I saw him on Tuesday I felt so connected to that mantra, love...practice. In a very relaxed and clear state I practiced with love and affection for so many blessings. As I practiced yesterday morning with a small group under the steady 2nd series count, all that I could feel was love for those in the room and Love for those far away, and that practice is not about fireworks, the big bursts of connection, but steadiness, and regularity.

Shiva Phase...Full On!

I guess it all stared with this last trip to India. Guruji was running the show trip one, with all his super Brahma energy. Sarasvati was holding down the shala second trip, with all her bhakti to keep her father's work going. It was mind blowing to be in her care. This summer it was the Summer of Sharath...full Shiva effect.

So many things broke...may alarm clock, my flashlight, my computer. So many other things felt the turn, the completion of a long cycle.

I haven't been blogging so much because even here it feels that Shiva is in full effect. Mike is being accepted into graduate programs, and it seems that this phase of my Philly life is ending and a new phase is beginning.

I am so blessed. I just returned from the inspiring beauty of Costa Rica into the inspiring hands of my teacher.

In any phase life is good.

Snow Falling....Spring Calling

This is just a quick note to share my excitement for the hatching of
Spring. Even as I sit here in my office feeling like I am in my very own
snow globe, I know that all this wetness is just the nourishment that
nature needs to fully come into bloom.

I have just updated my Spring workshop schedule on jillmanning.com, so be
sure to check it out...there are loads of juicy offerings, workshops that
will have you dropping back, wrapping around your Self, and experiencing
your inner Shiva.

I have been reading this lovely little book from Thich Nhat Hanh titled,
The Blooming of a Lotus. It is helping me during these very confusing,
and uncertain times feel a bit less stressed, a bit more at home with what
is...

"In letting go, we learn that true happiness can only come by way of
freedom, an awakened life, and the practice of love and compassion."

Love. Compassion.


http://www.jillmanning.com/