Hi Loves,
Happy to report that Skiing with Grace was a success! The attendees said, "Can we do this tomorrow or Everyday for that matter?". The answer is, "Yes!". No we might not be able to ski everyday, although Ben likes to try. He has been skiing every month for the last 22 years or so. Pretty hilarious in the fall months during the drought years. I love his passion. But back to the question, yes, we can take a little time everyday to be silent and drop in with the grace that moves thru. AND it is a treat to have the space held for you. I enjoyed observing the attendees that are more identified with skiing were surprised by the benefits of the yoga and meditation. And the yoga students including me, were surprised by the ski lesson. All of them loved the silence. I have to say it was a really fun integration of it all which means......Ben and I are holding it again on Feb.9th. If you are an intermediate skate skier, I encourage you to come to Skiing with Grace 2.
So today I write this newsletter from a plane heading to Oahu. I have all sorts of feelings going on inside of me. What inspired the trip is my college girlfriends all getting together at my friends house near the north shore. But why I feel the need to go, is because I want some closure also. Over 7 years ago I made a trip to Hawaii to meet the teacher of the man I was relating with and this teacher quickly took my meditation practice to a very deep level. I was immersed in a spiritual community as much as I could being I still lived in Truckee. And it was 4 years ago that I made the decision to step away for lots of reasons that I might write about another day. Honestly, my experience was beautiful and I am so grateful for it. I also got to witness how many of us are willing to give our power away to a teacher. I understand, life can be extremely hard and we just want to hand it over to someone else to deal with it and some individuals are willing to take the power which puts them on a pedestal. For me, I got to see how my ego was wrapped up in "having a teacher". Like I was "seen", "special", "worthy", blah, blah, blah. Like people that don't "have teachers" are not seen, special or worthy. It kind of makes me sick. Yes, I feel there are individuals that can reflect back to us the truth of who we are because they are awake, but I feel life is the teacher so that includes all of it. I really don't want to spend too much time with teachers that are not giving the power back to the student. It's also why I don't say, "I'm going to sit with my teacher, but I'm going to go sit with Adyashanti." Plus I don't want anyone calling me their "teacher." I really feel we are all in this together. Yes, I will take the seat of the teacher and share what I know has helped myself and others, but each individual is responsible to listen to their own guidance, the life that is wanting to move thru them. Anytime we get caught up in needing another individual, we have given our power away. Watch yourself when you are saying, "I need (fill in the individual's name)." Then change it to "I want." I was definitely given guidance by "my teacher" in Hawaii, but I didn't always take it. I knew I didn't need his guidance, but I did like receiving it because there was a different perspective that I wasn't able to see. But all in all I have gotten way better at listening to my own intuition over the years. Funny the mind does still want someone to tell me, help me, advise me, but when I get quiet and listen the next step always comes. So I am interested to see what is in store this next week in Hawaii spanning the friends from the spiritual community and friends from college. I feel extra raw and exposed because I have been on a Sugar Detox with Andrea Shaffer from Not Just Broccoli the last two weeks. Excellent by the way. I went in grumbling and dragging my feet and it has been awesome. She is a super knowledgeable nutritional therapist, wonderfully supportive and so is the group. Look for her offerings at Namaste.
Speaking to opening, investigating and listening deeply I find myself sharing for the 4th time Yoga for Fulfillment starting in two weeks. It's an 8 week series and we follow the teachings in Rod Stryker's book, The Four Desires. It's rooted deeply in meditation because truly that is where the Fulfillment is found. I have seen so much amazing transformation happen in the lives of those that have taken part in series. I have had people repeat the series. I have friends that do the exercises in the book every year like me. It's good to revisit because life is always changing. But it is always my intention to get individuals established in a daily sitting practice. In class I hold the space for you to be in that investigation with yourself. We come in and leave in silence. We do a little movement to get ourselves in the body. Usually some sort of writing exercise. Yes there can be some sharing, but most of that is left for the FB group and the potluck at the end where we connect with others. There is email support between classes as well. I have payment on a sliding scale so you can pay what it is worth to you. I realize not everyone can make all 8 Thursday nights, some people are yoga teachers and some people just can't afford the $280 right now. So take advantage of the sliding scale. Also if you are unable to attend classes, you are welcome to work along with the group and get support from me for $99, but I do have to say there is something to the physical presence. After just going thru this detox program, I am reminded how powerful the group is. So if you have any questions at all, please reach out to me. I am certainly not on silent retreat while I am here.
Aloha and Love to you all!
Namaste,
Shari
P.S. Ladies that like to nordic ski! Come to Shooter Bowl Sunday out at Tahoe Cross Country. Sunday, Feb.2. It is such a fun non-competitive event with lots of giggles and shooting laser guns. Great fundraiser and raffle too! Would love to play and practice with you.