Make the most of now

We humans really love to quantify time increments. We love the new year because it’s a line in the sand, so to speak, a new year means a new beginning, right? Don’t get caught up in the semantics of time. Every second, every minute is a chance to change, to grow, to let go of old things that no longer serve us. Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to grow or change or go do something wonderful. The time is now. Now is all we’ve got so make the most of it. ❤️

Love Letters to an Octopus

Journal entry, Page 1

Dear Lexy,

First of all, hello and welcome to this memoir. Pull up a chair and make yourself a cup of tea or Barnie's White Christmas coffee and grab your Spotify. The song going through my head when I wrote this and painted this was Peter Murphy "Marlene Dietrich's Favorite Poem"

"My mother loved it so she said
Sad eyed pearl and drop lips
Glancing pierce through writer man
Spoke hushed and frailing hips
Her old eyes skim in creasing lids
A tear falls as she describes
Approaching death with a yearning heart
With pride and no despise

Hot tears flow as she recounts
Her favorite worded token
Forgive me please for hurting so
Don't go away heartbroken no

 

Just wise owl tones no velvet lies
Crush her velvet call
Oh Marlene suffer all the fools
Who write you on the wall
And hold your tongue about your life
Or dead hands will change the plot
Will make your loving sound like snakes
Like you were never hot

 

Hot tears flow as she recounts
Her favorite worded token
Forgive me please for hurting so
Don't go away heartbroken no

 

My mother loved it so she said
Sad eyed pearl and drop lips yeah
Glancing pierce through writer man
Spoke hushed and frailing lips yeah
Old eyes skim in creasing lids
A tear falls as she describes
Approaching death with a yearning heart
With pride and no despise

 

Hot tears flow as she recounts
Her favorite worded token
Forgive me please for hurting so
Don't go away heartbroken no"

 

I think the part of the song I highlighted above is one piece of the facet of the WHY I am writing this. I feel like words are best captured from the source. Whether you are talking about relationships, politics or anything really.

 

I remember when you were little and you would grab my Peter Murphy CD and take it and hide it. It was also the first concert I took you to at age 6. In hindsight, that probably wasn't the best parenting decision since the opening band was definitely not kid appropriate. But that has always been the way of it with us, right? You were always a little wiser than your years and I was always a little more lax than the average parent. You even told me once when you were VERY little that "a long time ago that YOU were the mother and I was the daughter a long time ago before you were born". I definitely believe that we have shared other lifetimes together and that is probably true. You always said "weird stuff" like this as a kid.

 

The other reason I am writing this is because this year I plan to try to love more. Others and myself. Sometimes this isn't an easy task for me.

 

This project was a tangible way I could express to you how much I love you and I love you a whole lot. I want to show you a level of unconditional love and acceptance that I felt I never got from my own mother and just show you how much you mean to me.

 

My plan is to tie a song and a journal entry to each page of the art journal I had made. You can also use the #loveletterstoanoctopus to find all the visual entries in one place on Instagram or Facebook.

 

I hope I can create a RFID code and paste the code on each journal page. (and in the Instagram post) so you can easily find everything.

 

Love you honey,

 

You are definitely my "happiest accident" and the world would be far worse off without you in it.

 

-Mom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New name, new purpose, new goals

 First of all Happy New Year!

I decided to resuscitate my old blog Isolated Muse. Here I am years later with a new purpose for this blog. But I couldn't resist bringing along all the years of angst and joy and the other myriad of feelings and perceptions that have brought me here to "Now".

I have decided this year to practice Bhakti Yoga. This is the yoga of unconditional love. I have studied Hatha and Raja and others, but I think too much, too often and honestly, it has brought me a lot of angst, but also a lot of perceptions and sometimes even a creative well to draw from.

This blogs new purpose is going to be tied to an art journal I am making for my daughter. I commissioned a truly beautiful journal from @stonegrainleather (you can find his work on Instagram). It is massive and full of Arches Cold Pressed watercolor paper. It has my award winning 'Galactopus" engraved on the cover.

This is my first way to consistent practice pf unconditional love. My daughter is truly an amazing creature. She is so magnetic and full of love and tentacles. The octopus has always been her spirit animal. You will see them all through my artwork because they remind me of her.

When Lexy was 3 she started a collection jar to save the Giant Octopuses. She set it out at a garage sale I was having and she was so passionate, even then, she managed to raise several dollars for her cause. Her love only grew and grew as she got older. She is literally surrounded by Octopods (notice I am using multiple tenses? That is on purpose) ;) She has a giant tattoo of an octopus on her arm. She says she wanted it to look like it was scavenging antique items from the sea floor.

I am not quite sure if I will make any more formal goals. I just want to try to set my thoughts and ego aside and focus on loving people. All too often, the ego becomes the ultimate barrier to love.

I have some thoughts.

• I would like to also highlight other artists as a way to show love to one of my tribes. Maybe a monthly thing on Instagram @andreaharstonart
• Volunteer more (probably something to do with bikes)
• Continue my hatha practice but focus more on dedicating my intentions to others
• Focus on other people more
• Practice self care and self love daily

Happy New Year 2019!

Andee

Asteya – Non Stealing – Third Yama of Patanjali’s yoga sutras

First, stop and think of what “not stealing” means to you. For most of us, the obvious comes to mind. Don’t take things that aren’t yours. But this Yama (like the others) goes far beyond taking material possessions that are not yours to take.

I agree with the precept from Ekhart Yoga (see original link below). We steal because of innate self-worth issues. We think that by taking what others have, we will become like who we THINK they are. We steal because we think we are not good enough. We feel disconnected and incomplete on our own.

I want to give you a personal example of an abstract thought on stealing. I encountered an individual that was always apologizing. For everything. All the time. Apologizing for the sake of apologizing. While the intention was not consciously malicious, the amount of energy and time it took to sooth and reaffirm this individual was extremely draining. This is an example of how you can unconsciously steal time and energy from another person. By becoming aware of how our words and actions impact others and by examination of the root cause of why we do what we do, we can start to elicit real change by speaking authentically, with full awareness of our intentions behind our words. After becoming more aware, I realize I too was unconsciously starting to do this. I now see the impact on others and myself from both sides of this situation.

Another form of stealing is spending too much time on social media. When you mindlessly "scroll" and hours go by, you are stealing time from your spouse, your children and from yourself. We have all fallen into the "black hole" of the internet (I am guilty!) but when you start to bring your attention mindfully to where your time is going, you can make better use of it. Intentionally focusing on spending time on yourself by doing yoga, meditating, doing art, reading, etc. brings awareness to the present moment.

Being constantly late is another way to "steal" from people. You are stealing time from others when you are repeatedly late. Be mindful of how your actions impact others.

Jealousy is a way to steal as well. Although a perfectly normal emotion, it not only creates a dynamic where you end up wasting a lot of time and it steals friendships and relationships. If you use Jealousy as an indicator of what you authentically want, it can be a transformative tool. For example, if a person is jealous that their friend is spending time with another friend, maybe that is an indicator that you miss that person and you want to spend time with them. Instead of creating drama and strife, focus on what you really want. If it is to spend time with the person, make a plan, pick up a phone and call them. Or if you are jealous your sister starts her Masters program, perhaps that is an indicator that you want to begin a new career or school path. Make a goal, make a plan and go! But misusing jealousy can steal moments from friendships, it can steal peace of mind and more. Just be mindful of your authentic needs and desires, what lies beyond the superficial, holds the answers to your peace of mind.

Ways to steal on the yoga mat...well I think the first and most obvious is comparing yourself to others. It is so easy and we all do it. Being mindful in your own practice and bringing your awareness to you and where you are at RIGHT NOW can bring about an acceptance, a letting go of any expectation. It is freeing. So don't steal your neighbors practice, focus on you and this moment.

Can you think of any other ways that we steal from each other? Let me know in the comments! I would love to hear your thoughts.

Namaste

  

References:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asteya

https://www.ekhartyoga.com/blog/the-yamas-asteya-non-stealing

Satya – Truthfulness: the second of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

Satya – Truthfulness

What does truthfulness mean to you? How are you truthful? How are you not?

Satya is the second Yamas and it means “Truthfulness”. Being truthful in our thoughts, deeds and actions is the basic precept of Satya. I find the correlation between Ahimsa (non-violence) and Satya (truthfulness) very intriguing. For example, we all know that one person that is praised for “telling it like it is”. Sometimes they are unkind in their delivery and that causes harm. The goal is to be truthful without doing harm. I know I struggle with this because I can be very blunt. But by having the awareness of Satya, I am finding the balance in telling the truth but doing no harm. Of course people will interpret your actions and words through their own filter, but as long as your own intention is pure and unselfish, their lesson is their own and you hold no responsibility for that. Carefully choosing your words with thought and compassion or even choosing to remain silent at time

The word “sat” literally translates as “true essence” or “true nature”. It also means “unchangeable”. ‘that which has no distortion’, ‘that which is beyond distinctions of time, space and person’, and ‘reality’.

Satya also means being truthful with ourselves. It means looking in the mirror and being able to distinguish those things in our lives that are ever changing (our emotions, irrational thoughts, perceptions) and being able to see past them and focus on the unchangeable truth. This means to focus on responding to situations rather than reacting.

Feeding our egos to the point of injury or pain is not conducive to Satya. How many times do we push ourselves in life because we think we “should” be able to do something? By listening to our bodies and being aware of our breath we are able to let go of our egos and accept where we are right now in this moment. Embracing that is embracing the essence of Satya.

Truth is righteousness. Righteousness is light, and light is bliss. Ahimsa, Brahmacharya, purity, justice, harmony, forgiveness, peace are forms of truth... Truth stands even when there is no public support. Swami Sivananda, Bliss Divine

Working to become more aware of our beliefs and constructs, our perceptions and judgments (and it is work, my friends, hard work, constant work…work done in this moment and the next) will lead us closer to truth.

Expressing our desires clearly and concisely is another way we can practice Satya. For example, you have a friend and that friend hasn’t contacted you in a while. You become angry or upset. You start to make judgements and assumptions. When they come, acknowledge them. And immediately invite in the opposite of your assumptions. Maybe they are sick? Distracted? Busy? Most likely it has nothing to do with you. Now, get the heart of your emotions. Do you miss your friend? Pick up the phone, and just simply say, I miss you. Let’s get together on x day. Clear and concise, minus all the emotional constructs.

Challenging your personal judgments and negative self-talk is another way you can embrace Satya. The other day I am talking to a person looking for a job. I suggested they apply to a company I knew that was hiring. Immediately this person launches into negative self-talk and constructs built on a past experience. “They don’t want me…”, “I applied before and they didn’t hire me because…”. But if you let go of your self-limiting ideas and just “do” without judgement of yourself or the situation, the truth is you don’t know what might happen or what door may open. Just DO…and don’t tie yourself to the outcome. When we overthink our minds make up stories, they chatter on and on and take us on a wild ride. We tie ourselves to the shadows of the past when the past no longer exists. Don’t let your mind hold you in bondage. Just do, and don’t tie yourself or self-worth to the result. If you apply and get the job, great. If you don’t great.

Think about other ways you can incorporate Satya into your daily lives, your thoughts and actions, words and deeds.

Namaste

 

References:

http://yoga108.org/pages/show/95

https://www.ekhartyoga.com/blog/the-yamas-satya-truthfulness

http://www.yogajournal.com/article/philosophy/to-tell-the-truth/

 

 

Shadow of the Sanctified

I can trace the outline of this she-energy but can't remember who I am

I've drawn this image over and over, time and time again, 100000 times

Trying to tap into something ancient and sacred, trying to remember.

As if tracing the lines on the paper will evoke a scent or song or feeling

This shadow of the sanctified is a reminder that divinity is ingrained in the Now.

Encapsulated in this second, there is a certainty in the covenant of the now. 

The waves and wind have come and blown away this goddess shadow-self.

this hallowed shadow is transient and impermanent, like lightness and dark

But it is me who is eternal and divine

Ahimsa - Non-Violence, the First of the Yamas: Come explore them with me!

Ahimsa

Welcome to an exploration of the Yama's and Niyama's! First, what are the Yama's and Niyama's? The Yamas and Niyamas are yoga's ethical guidelines and are foundational to all yogic philosophy and thought. They comprise the first two limbs of Patangali's eight-fold path.  

Before you begin to read, stop for a moment and think "what does Non-Violence mean to you?" Take a breath and close your eyes, what comes into your mind? There is no wrong answer. Think of something, now try to think outside the box. What else comes to mind? Post your thoughts in the comments!

The word Ahimsa comes from the Sanskrit word “hims” which means “to strike”, “himsa” means “injury” or “harm”. The word ahimsa means “not to injure”, “compassion”, “cause no injury” and “do no harm”. Ahimsa is also referred to as “non-violence”. This applies to all living creatures, including animals.

Ahimsa is an ethical precept in ancient Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. In Hindu teachings the term appears as early as the Chandoya Upanishad. The Jain Religion constitutes Ahimsa as the first vow. It is a cardinal virtue in Buddhism. In yoga, it is the first ethical principle discussed in the Yoga Sutra’s of Patangali.

An important thing to note, however, is that Ahimsa is a multi-dimensional concept. It is not only, non-violence with action. It is harmful thoughts and words, not only to others, but to yourself. But even so it is more than that, BKS Iyengar describes ahimsa as having “a wider positive meaning – love.” That means ahimsa is really about kindness and love to all beings, including ourselves. Non-violence is defined by honest compassion and loving deeply, yourself and others.

Let’s talk about Ahimsa in regards to the physical. It is easy to think about not hitting someone. But let’s delve deeper. In your personal yoga practice could be not pushing yourself far into a pose and injuring yourself physically. It could be not littering and destroying the environment. It could be not over eating, or not smoking or not drinking to excess.

“Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habit. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”  - Lao Tzu

Ahimsa means being mindful of our words and thoughts. Things like lying, jealousy, speaking poorly others, gossiping, self-deprecating thoughts, harsh speech, unkind words, judgement, anger and resentment are all things we should be mindful of because these things make us feel bad. Even expecting too much from ourselves and taking on all the responsibility is a type of self-harm.


We can condition ourselves to replace these bad thoughts and words with good, loving words and thoughts. This actually causes dopamine to be released into the body and will literally make us happier and feel better.  Violence can also be passive like failure to relieve another’s pain or approve of another person’s harmful action is an indirect form of Ahimsa. Ahimsa is the total and complete abstinence of violence from your body, mind and spirit. So how do we manifest this in daily life?

One of the most famous displays of “ahimsa” was how Gandhi used it as a political strategy. Gandhi not only adopted the idea of non-violence, he assimilated it into his very way of life. He saw that violence could be passive and physical. Gandhi objected to violence because he saw that it begat hatred.

What ways can you incorporate Ahimsa into your daily life, words and actions?
Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahimsa

http://www.dlshq.org/teachings/ahimsa.htm

http://www.mkgandhi.org/africaneedsgandhi/gandhi's_philosophy_of_nonviolence.htm

http://awakeningself.com/writing/ahimsa-for-yourself-non-violence/

https://www.ekhartyoga.com/blog/ahimsa-non-violence

http://www.gaia.com/article/practice-ahimsa-everyday-life

http://www.theyamasandniyamas.com/