Angels Inside Us

I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.  ~ Michelangelo

In Yoga, I often remind students part of what they are doing in their practice is letting go of everything that is not who they are. Just as a sculptor removes the unnecessary bits of the stone in order to reveal his creation, the poses, the breathing, the deep awareness of each moment gently unveils our true nature. Several of my teachers have used this analogy and I think it makes sense.


Instead of trying to change who we are, we are simply uncovering our true nature. From this perspective, there is no effort or striving, simply unfolding. Each of us is an angel waiting to be set free. 

Be with YourSelf

First of all, establish a constant contact with your self,

be with yourself all the time.

Into self-awareness all blessings flow.

Begin as a centre of observation, deliberate cognizance,

and grow into a centre of love in action.

'I am' is a tiny seed which will grow into a mighty tree ~

quite naturally, without a trace of effort.

~ Nisargadatta Maharaj ~

When I began to practice Yoga over 40 years ago, I was hoping to feel better, to find joy, to be flexible, to have more energy, and maybe even find enlightenment or self-realization. I didn't understand what this "I am" was and certainly didn't think it would be as easy as just observing, being cognizant of each moment.

Yet over the years my practice evolved from trying to being, from striving to letting go, from strict disciple to knowing when and how to practice. If enlightenment is not a thing to attain and realizing this is found in each moment, then I think I am beginning to understand. Being with mySelf all the time, awareness brings grace and blessings whether the experience is joy or sadness, struggle or ease, stillness or activity.

I am grateful for each moment...

Everything is Simply Happy!

Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars...
and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful. 

Everything is simply happy.
Trees are happy for no reason; they are not going to become prime ministers or presidents and they are not going to become rich and they will never have any bank balance.
Look at the flowers - for no reason.

It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are.

                                                                                                ~Osho

The moon peeks through the trees reminding me that joy is always present. Without any reason the whole of existence is simply happy. Somehow that makes life easy. Recognizing that I don't need to do anything, I don't have to strive to reach some goal or behave in a way that may bring happiness to others.  Just BE... The blessings are endless and grace softly kisses my cheek.

No Simpler, Easier Way

All will come as you go on.
Take the first step first.
All blessings come from within.
Turn within. `I am' you know.
Be with it all the time you can spare,
until you revert to it spontaneously.
There is no simpler and easier way.

                                                                     ~ Nisargadatta Maharaj

Sometimes life seems so difficult; every step is an effort. But in reality, life simply IS. There is nothing to DO, no one to BE. Everything just unfolds. Though that may not make sense to the mind, the heart knows when you turn inward and connect with your true nature ('I am'), there is no easier way.

All blessings come from within...