It’s been 2 weeks now, that I have purposely not used the word “busy”. As I am a yoga instructor I am constantly observing the principals of pratyahara (withdrawl of the senses) and svadhyaya (self study). I decided to see if not using the word “busy” would actually cause me to be less busy, in turn, help me “find” more time in my days. Well, as it turns out, it worked beautifully. It seems alot of us find our identity in our work or in our accomplishments which equals “busy-ness”. Vritti in your citta (fluctuations in your consciousness) = a busy mind, and hence that is mirrored on the exterior walls of oneself. It took some time to get used to, and I noticed I was “select hearing” for the first few days. It seemed everywhere I went, in most every conversation I overheard or purposely evesdropped on (for the purpose of this experiment) the word busy came up.
It took a bit of readjusting to, and there were a moments of guilt, I too have many things to accomplish, lesson plans, laundry, administration, the breakfast dishes, but I prioritized, did what I could and then let go and let God! This is a picture I took yesterday morning. I took my little one down to Lonsdale key and we looked at the tugboats, they are her favorite thing. I cherish the time I have with her, and heck, I still made it to my staff meeting, happier and more relaxed. Try it for yourself and let me know how it goes!

It seems this photo of John Gebhardt has been circulating since 2006, but I just received it today. The image of humanity and of hope. According to John Gebhardts wife, Mindy, this small girls whole family  including the children was executed by the insurgents in Iraq. Miraculously she survived after being shot in the head and was cared for in a military hospital. John had the magic touch with her and was able to comfort her when she woke screaming and groaning. According to the article he spent 4 days and nights comforting her and sleeping in this chair with her on his chest, close to his heart. A tragic story tempered with promise  and faith in mankind. It is an image that I won’t ever forget. Yet when I think about it, isn’t his action one we all would embrace? Wouldn’t you do the same?

My friend Tamara told me about the Good Stuff Connection Clothing Program in North Vancouver and I shop/donate there whenever possible. I was in the other day, when this book “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by James and Phyllis Balch jumped out at me. It is a classic, well researched book that should be a part of everyone’s library. The price tag on it was $1.50, unbelievable. Snatched that one right up, and will be making a New Years donation to Sage Transition house next week. Here is some further information.

The Good Stuff Connection Clothing Program ensures that clean, good quality clothing, shoes, personal items and small household goods donated by the public are provided free of charge to women and children staying at SAGE Transition House and to men, women and children referred by other community social service agencies.  The Good Stuff Connection is funded by donations from the community as well as the sales revenue from the Thrift Shop portion of the program.

Donations currently being accepted include:  gently worn men’s, women’s and children’s clothing items and accessories, books, toys, and essential household items (such as towels, linens, glassware, cutlery, dishes, pots and pans).  Toiletry items for SAGE Transition House are also accepted, as well as bus tickets (two zone and concession), grocery gift certificates and entertainment gift certificates for the women and children who are staying at SAGE Transition House.

Donations are accepted Tuesday to Friday from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm and Saturdays from 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm at the front door of The Good Stuff Connection, 154 West 3rd Street, North Vancouver, BC  V7M 1E8 (North side of the street between Lonsdale Avenue and Chesterfield.  For further information, please call our recorded message at 604.987.1773.  The Good Stuff Connection is closed on all statutory holidays

Wow! I was so blessed last night, to be able to experience the power and healing of Krishna Das and his Kirtan at the Studio Maui, up in the hills of Haiku, Maui. Judging from the winter attire the picture above looks like it was taken at the St.Andrews Wesley Cathedral in Vancouver BC, where I am from, the clothing at the concert here in Maui was quite different! It was a room of tanned, healthy, shiny looking people, just in from a day of surf and frolick. The Studio Maui is a gorgeous new studio, with a full schedule of classes and workshops, nestled at 810 Hai’iku Rd. in the Marketplace. The bazaar beforehand boasted thalis of dhaal and a colorful assortment of clothing, bags and trinkets imported from India. We were a crowd of all ages, in a packed house chanting the many names of the Lord in Sanskrit in a call and response chantwith Krishna Das himself. Magical. Do yourself a favor and go see him when he is in your town, or when you are in his.

I’ve seen friends tandem breastfeeding, but never a baby and a fawn! How lovely. I am a HUGE breastfeeding advocate and this picture describes compassion beautifully.

I discovered and joined Liberation BC at this years Epic Convention that was held at the new Vancouver Trade and Convention Center. The information and newsletters I receive are thoroughly researched and well written. With the concept of “Ahimsa”  (non-violence) in mind, Liberation BC educates and informs the public on animal , food and social issues. Since Thanksgiving is right around the corner they are holding their annual “Walk for Farm Animals ” on  Sunday Oct.4th , noon to 1.30 with a vegan Thanksgiving dinner and talk with Jon Camp of Vegan Outreach following. The walk will start in the park on the corner of 10th Ave and Fir street in Vancouver, BC.

All funds raised go to Farm Sanctuary, and last year with your help the walk raised over $5,500 to help them care for rescued farm animals and conduct their important advocacy work.  Learn more about it at  Vancouver WFFA page! 

Reiki Evening At Havana Restaurant Commercial Drive

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be in the presence of Tadao Yamaguchi,a true Japanese Reiki master. This reiki evening will be held on Sept.27th at 7.30 at the Havana Restaurant on Commercial Drive.

I have been using reiki as a healing modality since I was a teenager, and now my 12 year old daughter finds it exceptionally therapeutic.Please join us at the Havana on Sept.27, 2009.It will be a truly memorable evening, and the $15 entrance fee is being donated to the Chilliwack hospice.

Reiki is a energy healing therapy that originates from Japan. It works on both physical and psychological health by reactivating natural healing ability that humans originally possess. With simply laying hands, the practitioner transmits the energy onto the receiver. Reiki is beneficial for all kinds of conditions , mental, physical, spiritual.
Jikiden  (passed down) Reiki is the original Japanese Reiki started in Japan, the birthplace of Reiki, and offers the original teachings that were taught to the Yamaguchi family in the 1930’s.
Nothing has been added or amended from its original teachings.

For more information about Jikiden Reiki and  Reiki workshops held by Mari Okazaki. Please visit her website www.jikidenreikiwithmari.com.
Rae Armor, who will be providing the music for the evening is an acclaimed pop/rock Canadian musician who performed on many international stages including the USA, Australia, and Europe; and was an opening act for Faith Hill in Whistler, B.C. Rae has also lent her musical talent at spiritual workshops and special interest groups. Notably, with author and speaker Barbara Hand Clowe(The Mayan Prophecy) and Eckankar((The Religion of the Light and Sound).
For more information about Rae Amour, please visit www.RaeArmourMusic.com.

please contact Sanae Okada at info@sanae.ca.for ticket purchases.

My friend Kaitlyn just spent months growing her hair so she could donate it to the cancer clinic for chemotherapy patients. A very noble cause. Here is the cut!