taking stock
Unless you've been living under a rock, I'm sure you're well aware of the recent fluctuation of the volatile US stock market, as well as throughout international markets. Markets have also been volatile in Greece and throughout Europe for several years, and as you undoubtedly know, Greece made the switch to the Euro for their standard of currency upon its inclusion into the EU. According to Biblical Prophecy, in the End Times, our world and its inhabitants will have become so unruly that we must resort to a unified currency, unified government, and possibly even a one-world religion. I say "possibly" regarding religion, only because human free will lends to individual personal choice, versus the globalization of governments which may manifest as the impending doom of the inevitable. Do you see the writing on the wall, in the economy, the government, and in upheavals throughout the Middle East? Syria, Iran, and Russia will join forces to attack and attempt to destroy Israel. It's already happening.
Last weekend I attended a Yoga/Ayurveda/Sacred Music Festival in Santa Monica, California (about 2 1/2 hours from San Diego). I was invited by an old friend who has always been into spirituality and higher consciousness, with a very global mindset, like myself, and another friend who I used to train Capoeira with in Arizona, several years ago. I've found that surrounding myself with like-minded individuals, with similar cultural interests, broader understanding of the world we live in, and open-minded acceptance of humankind's differences, bring me into a better personal space - mentally, spiritually, and even physically. While many of these open-minded transcendent folks may be more liberal in their political views, they don't aim to minimize mine, in fact we can dialog and interact with one another in a more open respectful and educated way. I mean, I respect their views and they respect mine, because we respect each other as fellow humankind, coexisting together. We share a common focus on health, wellness, and mindfulness, and this is what it really boils down to - the condition of the heart.
I finally hooked up my little TV I found in an alley in Seattle, so I could watch the Chargers pre-season NFL game yesterday. I just watched a surfing documentary on the Universal Sports network. They are in Bali, not only talking about the great surfing there, but about the culture of this beautiful part of the world. I have never been to Bali but from everything I've heard, I know I would absolutely love it. In addition to being paradise on earth, the locals these surfers encountered were so peaceful and centered. They described their religion as a mix between Hinduism and Buddhism. One cultural ritual some of the locals practiced was in giving offerings (looked like a plate of fruit and flowers, with incense) to both the low life (people who cause traffic accidents, mean or impatient people), and those they honor or revere (peaceful, positive, helpful people), and/or their gods. While I am spiritually grounded and can generally deduce good from bad energy fairly easily, I can also appreciate these types of ritual traditions of other cultures. In the Bible, Jesus instructs us: if someone asks for your shirt, give him your coat also (Matthew 5:40, paraphrased). Be mindful of those less fortunate than you, and treat others with the respect you'd expect. Be mindful of other walks of life, their cultural, religious, and political beliefs. We may be forced to live under a one-world government with them someday soon!
Since the festival last weekend, I have felt incredibly inspired, motivated, and more in-tune with my surroundings and my overall life path and mission on this earth. Despite current circumstances which are not ideal (aspects of finances, stock market, family's health, a few interpersonal relationships), I am more able to put these in proper perspective, and thrive in my own environment. In my current profession of teaching Yoga, I am also able to draw on these inner truths and higher consciousness, as strength comes from within. I always play international/world music in my classes, and I throw out all kinds of little nuggets regarding Yoga/Eastern philosophy and aspects of spirituality in my classes. Yoga is a mind-body practice, and known for centuries as one of the healing arts. It has its roots in ancient cultures of India and China, encompassing (and transcending) elements of Hinduism, Buddhism, incorporating meditation, transcendence, and expanded levels of consciousness and awareness. These concepts are foreign to a lot of Westerners, not only regarding religion (though Yoga itself is not a religion per se), but in challenging themselves to detach from unpleasant circumstances as they focus their gaze inward. Focusing on the breath for an entire hour as we stretch, balance, and strengthen our bodies is a simple way to do this - and ideally blend a little bit of East with West.
In addition to teaching Yoga, I will begin teaching my online class, World Culture and the Arts again in a few weeks. Besides vocationally, I have been striving to improve myself interpersonally, as I continue to weed out the rotten apples (people with negative energy, narrow-minded ideals, and shallow intentions). This process will only continue as I grow and progress in my own life. Speaking of apples, I admitted to my Facebook community that "the worst decision I ever made was selling my Apple stock in 1998", shortly before the iMac and iPod were introduced. One of my stock-savvy lawyer friends (whom I fondly refer to as "my lawyer" in my pet-naming system of friends and foes) pointed out that had I not sold it, my investment would have earned $30,000 by now. Another friend pointed out that this was indeed not the "worst" decision I've ever made, referring to some poor relationship choices. In re-evaluating this comment, I would indeed prioritize my mental/emotional health over any stock account. After all, in the words of Dierks Bentley (whom I had the opportunity to see in concert the other night), "I could make a million or wind up broke... can't take it with you when you go... so, free and easy down the road I go!" Time to take stock, in mind, body, and soul.
Last weekend I attended a Yoga/Ayurveda/Sacred Music Festival in Santa Monica, California (about 2 1/2 hours from San Diego). I was invited by an old friend who has always been into spirituality and higher consciousness, with a very global mindset, like myself, and another friend who I used to train Capoeira with in Arizona, several years ago. I've found that surrounding myself with like-minded individuals, with similar cultural interests, broader understanding of the world we live in, and open-minded acceptance of humankind's differences, bring me into a better personal space - mentally, spiritually, and even physically. While many of these open-minded transcendent folks may be more liberal in their political views, they don't aim to minimize mine, in fact we can dialog and interact with one another in a more open respectful and educated way. I mean, I respect their views and they respect mine, because we respect each other as fellow humankind, coexisting together. We share a common focus on health, wellness, and mindfulness, and this is what it really boils down to - the condition of the heart.
I finally hooked up my little TV I found in an alley in Seattle, so I could watch the Chargers pre-season NFL game yesterday. I just watched a surfing documentary on the Universal Sports network. They are in Bali, not only talking about the great surfing there, but about the culture of this beautiful part of the world. I have never been to Bali but from everything I've heard, I know I would absolutely love it. In addition to being paradise on earth, the locals these surfers encountered were so peaceful and centered. They described their religion as a mix between Hinduism and Buddhism. One cultural ritual some of the locals practiced was in giving offerings (looked like a plate of fruit and flowers, with incense) to both the low life (people who cause traffic accidents, mean or impatient people), and those they honor or revere (peaceful, positive, helpful people), and/or their gods. While I am spiritually grounded and can generally deduce good from bad energy fairly easily, I can also appreciate these types of ritual traditions of other cultures. In the Bible, Jesus instructs us: if someone asks for your shirt, give him your coat also (Matthew 5:40, paraphrased). Be mindful of those less fortunate than you, and treat others with the respect you'd expect. Be mindful of other walks of life, their cultural, religious, and political beliefs. We may be forced to live under a one-world government with them someday soon!
Since the festival last weekend, I have felt incredibly inspired, motivated, and more in-tune with my surroundings and my overall life path and mission on this earth. Despite current circumstances which are not ideal (aspects of finances, stock market, family's health, a few interpersonal relationships), I am more able to put these in proper perspective, and thrive in my own environment. In my current profession of teaching Yoga, I am also able to draw on these inner truths and higher consciousness, as strength comes from within. I always play international/world music in my classes, and I throw out all kinds of little nuggets regarding Yoga/Eastern philosophy and aspects of spirituality in my classes. Yoga is a mind-body practice, and known for centuries as one of the healing arts. It has its roots in ancient cultures of India and China, encompassing (and transcending) elements of Hinduism, Buddhism, incorporating meditation, transcendence, and expanded levels of consciousness and awareness. These concepts are foreign to a lot of Westerners, not only regarding religion (though Yoga itself is not a religion per se), but in challenging themselves to detach from unpleasant circumstances as they focus their gaze inward. Focusing on the breath for an entire hour as we stretch, balance, and strengthen our bodies is a simple way to do this - and ideally blend a little bit of East with West.
In addition to teaching Yoga, I will begin teaching my online class, World Culture and the Arts again in a few weeks. Besides vocationally, I have been striving to improve myself interpersonally, as I continue to weed out the rotten apples (people with negative energy, narrow-minded ideals, and shallow intentions). This process will only continue as I grow and progress in my own life. Speaking of apples, I admitted to my Facebook community that "the worst decision I ever made was selling my Apple stock in 1998", shortly before the iMac and iPod were introduced. One of my stock-savvy lawyer friends (whom I fondly refer to as "my lawyer" in my pet-naming system of friends and foes) pointed out that had I not sold it, my investment would have earned $30,000 by now. Another friend pointed out that this was indeed not the "worst" decision I've ever made, referring to some poor relationship choices. In re-evaluating this comment, I would indeed prioritize my mental/emotional health over any stock account. After all, in the words of Dierks Bentley (whom I had the opportunity to see in concert the other night), "I could make a million or wind up broke... can't take it with you when you go... so, free and easy down the road I go!" Time to take stock, in mind, body, and soul.
posted by :: Lisa :: at 10:05 AM
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