Parinama

  There is no linear evolution; there is only a circumambulation of the self. Carl Jung, Memories, Dreams, and Reflections   If the practitioner weights the front, back, and side trunk with equidistance to the core of the being, along with parallel adjustments of the spinal muscles, shoulder-blades, muscles of the arms, grips of the wrists and legs, I say they are close to ananta sampatti (embracing the Soul) evenly from all sides of the body, directing towards the Soul as if all parts of the body are completely mingled to the core. BKS Iyengar, Ashtadala Yogamala, Vol. 7   It can seem as if the point of life is to “get somewhere” as in a place, destination, position, or situation where we can finally realize contentment, ease, abundance, and love.   That through hard work, sticking to goals, discipline, and a bit of luck we can reach this place we have set out to go and be successful.   Every advertising executive knows our secret...

    When I was younger, I had a dream of being a mountain climber.   I wanted to be like Arlene Blum who led the all women hike up Annapurna in the 1980s. Blum studied chemistry so she could climb mountains and make a living as a chemical geologist. She and the women on her team seemed so strong and courageous, living adventurous and exciting lives.   Hiking made me feel free and courageous.   After my first backpacking trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire I was hooked. I was amazed by the views from the peaks such wide-open space, the artistry of granite, deep flowing valleys of pine.   The hiking wasn’t easy for but that was part of the allure.   My lungs burned, my legs ached, it was the most physically demanding thing I had ever done.   That I could make it to the top of a tall mountain after hours of hiking restored me in the faith and courage I lost in adolescence. It was thrilling to think what might be possible i...

  There was something special about that day fifty years ago that made it perfect, perfectly delightful. There are other things about childhood that I remember as being so lovely and happy.   These memories are of bits and pieces of joy. Like the overflowing joy that comes when during the night three feet of fluffy snow has fallen.   School is cancelled and you spend the morning playing with friends in the cold freshness, sledding, rolling, spreading yourself out in the fluff.   There is the joy of coming back home where you mother yells “Take your boots and snow suit off before you come into this house!” and she makes you and your friends hot coco.     The joy in the delightful day was different because the day was so unremarkable, the joy so unexpected.  It was the Saturday of the Girl Scout tag sale.   My mother and aunt were the leaders of a Cadette troop.   I was too young to be in this troop but tagged along to all the meetings ...