The Yogabliss, Two Rivers/RiverTree Yoga on-line Moving into Meditation classes met this morning.  We explored gifts of darkness by “wintering.” Slowing down, resting, shedding skin reveals tenderness. We embraced wholeness by tuning into the darkness and light.  This wholeness makes the living world possible.

We heard Francine Marie Tolf’s Praise of Darkness. This poem speaks to the inner wisdom we hold deep inside – an inner knowing that sometimes surfaces in the dark.

We heard poet farmer Wendell Berry’s poem, To Know Dark.  You can learn more about his life and work from the New Yorker interview, Going Home With Wendell Berry.

We drew inspiration from Katherine May’s book Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times.  I learned about Katherine in an On Being interview, How Wintering Replenishes.

We ended with Nathan Spoon’s poem, A Candle in the Night.  Nathan is an ally of the web-site Time Medicine where you can find slow, calm, connect and fast medicines in its “pharmacy.”

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The Yogabliss, Two Rivers/RiverTree Yoga on-line Moving into Meditation classes met this morning.  We focused on bringing presence to our innate sensitivity.  We explored ways of cultivating acceptance and appreciation; patience and nurturing.  The lotus flower symbolized our ability to allow Life to move through us.  We explored rhythms of opening and closing in breathing, feeling, moving and thinking.  We mirror Nature because we are Nature.

We heard Daniel F.  Mead’s poem:  If You Would Grow – Shine the Light Of Loving Self-Care On Yourself.  Daniel speaks to our ability to be as hard as nails and tender as flowers.  Like a blossoming flower, a true opening of the heart cannot be forced.   I found Daniel’s lovely poem at the UC San Diego Center for Mindfulness site.  I am sorry to say I couldn’t find any biographical information for Daniel. His poem has been referenced many, many times on the internet.  Thank  you Daniel for your encouraging words.

We drew from psychotherapist, author and soul activist Francis Weller’s Sun Magazine interview, The Geography of Sorrow.  He poignantly observes the relationship between grief and gratitude and the vital importance of keeping our hearts open.

We ended with Jennifer Paine Welwood’s poem Unconditional.  Jennifer encourages us to feel our loneliness, face our fears and grieve.  Paradoxically, this courage and willingness is our path to wholeness.

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The Yogabliss, Two Rivers/RiverTree Yoga on-line Moving into Meditation classes met this morning. We explored our inter-breathing with the world.  We reflected on all we take in and give out.  We considered the many kindnesses of Earth and Sun making our lives possible.  We are a constellation of relationships emerging moment by moment, breath by breath.

We drew inspiration from poet Arnoldo Garcia’s Meditation on the Breath.  Arnoldo’s work is inspired by Earth and social justice.  You can find more of his beautiful poetry at:  La Carpa del FEO: Fandango en East Oakland.

We heard Zen priest and poet Norman Fischer’s teachings on the self, relationship and compassion.  You can read more in the Tricycle Magazine article, We Are Our Relationships You can hear Norman’s recent Upaya dharma talk series, When You Greet Me, I Bow. This is also the name of his latest book of on relationships, culture and engagement.

We heard Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer’s poem, Belonging. Rosemerry teaches and performs poetry for addiction recovery programs, hospice and mindfulness retreats. Continue reading →