It is always good to get away and experience something new, even if only to gain a different perspective on what is already there. I just returned from a family vacation in Hawaii, and found myself reflecting over my morning tea how different the soundtracks of daily life are between Hawaii and my home in San Jose, California. I sat and really Listened to life around me this morning in an effort to catalog the sounds. How often do we do that? What about when we are in conversation with friends, are we really Listening? You know when you are with someone who is, because it is such a different feeling; no need to interrupt to be heard, no need to repeat yourself, they gift you with eye contact, and (if it is new to you) it could feel very uncomfortable to have all of that interest directed on you. I'm not sure which came first, but chronic talking definitely has a factor in how much we Listen. The more we ramble, the less we feel heard, so the more we try to verbalize... an endless loop. In recent years, I have been trying hard to learn the art of Listening and I found that the first step is closing the mouth to open the ears. Meditation has definitely helped, because I am now less afraid of silence and more accustomed to the direct attention that someone who does Listen gives me - it is similar to the attention I give myself during meditation. Just think what would change in the world if more people Listened.
Schedule updates and special events; please click description for more details...
- Lorien will be away for a training March 27-April 1. Classes will continue with subs.
- Special classes: Lorien will be subbing Foundations of Flow classes on Tuesdays, March 15 and 22 at 11:00am at Breathe in Los Gatos.
- Saturday, April 23: Yoga as Cancer Support workshop 1:00-4:00pm at Breathe in Los Gatos; this workshop is donation-based and is for patients, caregivers and professionals working with cancer.
- Sunday, April 24 (Easter) OM for Peace Annual Chant: 3:00-4:00pm at Breathe in Los Gatos; this free hour of chanting OM is our annual Easter ritual to connect with others in an effort to send a vibration of peace out into the world. No need to register, no previous chanting experience needed, just come with an open heart.
- Friday, April 29 - Sunday, May 1: Yoga Retreat to the Beach Immerse yourself in this relaxing weekend retreat at the beach in Watsonville; only 2 beds lefts - register NOW!
- Class change: Tuesdays 1:00pm class at Breathe is now a Wellness Yoga class, which means that anyone dealing with chronic pain, compromised immune systems or chronic stress from illness or injury can find ways to improve their total quality of life through gentle yoga practices. Class is offered by donation ($12 suggested, but no one turned away).
