got it!

It's on with Yoga Journal. Like my voice teacher Margery used to say, "A little free advertising never hurts."

modeling?

I got an e-mail from Yoga Journal, wanting to know if I would like to audition to be the model for the Home Practice section focusing on forward bending scheduled for print some time in the fall. I thought, why not? Who knows if I'll be the guy or not but I sent in the pictures (thanks Cookie). Have a look at the slideshow (there are a few extra shots in there from some professionals).

freed(om) time

When I decided not to have knee surgery this past winter, I made the decision that I have to have two days off from physical practice. It means practicing in other ways. So yesterday was Alter-Cleaning-Day. Dusting and chanting. Re-dressed Ganesh. Now that's my kind of day off! Om Gum Gum Ganapatayei Namaha!

flip, float, and fly

Flip, Float & Fly at Laughing Lotus SF

Saturday, July 12, 4 -6 PM
$20

An afternoon of playful exploration through inversions, arm balances, and gravity defying FUN! Working solo, with partners, and in small groups we will tap into our truest nature and become LIGHT itself. Familiar shapes will move away from the wall, unfamiliar shapes will spark new curiosities, and the known and unknown will change places. OPEN to All levels.

Call Laughing Lotus SF to register
415 355 1600
www.laughinglotus.com

the responsibility of the mantle

Last night I shared with my class a mantra that is still fairly new to me: Aham Brahmasmi. Swami Sivanada Radha - in her book Mantras Words of Power (timeless books) - translates this as "I am Brahman" or "I am God". That's big.

At first, choosing to chant this mantra can seem a bit tricky; I have visions of someone being cautioned against taking the Lord's name in vain or a flash of lightning striking down the infidel. With deeper reflection I begin to realize that this mantra is a reminder, much like Om Purnamadah, that I am the reflection of and therefore very much a part of God.

My teacher Rabbi Gelberman would always remind me and my budding ministers that one of our 'jobs' is to be an inspiration worthy of being called the reflection of the Divine. Not always easy. Sometimes when we are on this path to our highest self, seeking to rediscover oneness something unplanned begins to happen : separation. We start to reconnect with the Divine but begin to put walls up between us and those who may not be on the path or who are perhaps on a different path. If all the paths on the mountain lead to the same peak, then how can we allow ourselves such a stumble? Because we are human, and we think with our heads more than our hearts. So this mantra is the tool to help reset or readjust our perceptions and sight so that we can take on the responsibility of the mantle of being a joy-filled, walking, talking piece of God.

See you at the top. Enjoy the journey!