Last week, I witnessed tremendous outreach from two individuals, each unbeknownst to the other, who, despite personal loss, sought to inspire, give and encourage, basking in a bright light of positiveness under circumstances that would have caused others to sulk in sorrow. Although their happenings were different, each individual, chose not to ask for embrace, but to give it instead. It is humbling and astonishing to see such courage and strength in action. Prevalent in each is a quiet, peaceful patience and a generosity that comes from deep within...with a pure love from their hearts and souls.
A Cup of Soul Tea™
I wondered what enabled these two beings to act in the manner in which they did. The answer came to me after I attended a yoga practice in honor of the launching of the e-book, "A Cup of Soul Tea". The book is a personal evolutionary journey of "transformation from unfulfillment to fulfillment". My friend, Jen McGown, the author and yogi, led us in a mindful movement of Anahata, to honor and open our heart chakra. The practice was intimate, quiet, solemn, focusing on self reflection and meditation. Afterwards, in a dimmed room illuminated by soft candlelight, we shared in gratitude over a cup of herbal tea. Although no one was required to, the five of us spoke in whispers. The ambiance seemed to calm our souls and dictate a peacefulness. How apropos. Anahata symbolizes awareness of love, selflessness, and devotion. The spiritual lesson of Anahata is forgiveness, unconditional love, letting go, and compassion. When we suffer loss, our heart chakra is wounded and we take it personally. I was taught that as you move through Anahata postures, it helps to silently recite "blessings, thankfulness, and love" as you forgive those who have caused you pain as well as those whom you have hurt. This mindful movement opens, cleanses, and heals the heart. The key to moving forward is loving, in spite of, without malice. When you are able to do this, you have learned to open your heart. It takes an incredible faith to love with selflessness - to give while in the midst of pain; yet, it is this very thing that fosters rejuvenation.
Cha No Yu
In Japan, the tea ceremony, called Cha No Yu, is a very reverent event. It is conducted through self refinement with focus on harmony, purity, respect, and serenity. It, like Jen's ceremony, it conducted with no more than five guests. The objective is to cleanse and clear the heart, creating patience which is the pathway to the soul .
What I love about enjoying a cup of tea is the preparation. To make tea properly takes time. Time teaches intentional and respectful patience. The practice of Cha No Yu is a lengthy one. It requires patience. Patience, according to it's definition, is: to endure calmly when faced with difficulties. Eighteenth century writer, Bishop George Horne, states that "patience is the teacher of humility and forgiveness, cherishes love, strengthens the spirit, subdues pride and extinguishes envy...patience is the preserver of peace".
A Lesson in Patience
Making tea properly, teaches this lesson. When we think of making tea, most of us think of a hot cup with aromatic tendrils wafting up into the air. It is a lovely thought. To make any tea however, requires a calm, poised endurance. This summer, I made sun tea. I love the flavor and natural warmth of the tea from the hot summer sun. It was a lesson in acceptance of time as I had to wait for the tea set and the flavor to become imbued by the fruit. The hours it took to make the strong, flavorful tea was worth the wait. My patience was rewarded by naturalness of the deep fruity taste. This past week, my friend Chris, did just that. He has a love that is so deep, so true and that it has filled his heart, overflowing to others with quiet equanimity. When he experienced a heart-felt pain and injury to his ability to love, instead of closing up to languish in self pity and hurt, he stood still, wide open in the bright light of the sun...deciding to wait patiently for the natural warmth and the reward of a full harmonious flavor. While he stands for that which he knows will someday return in one form or another, he shines intensely with positive energy, giving and helping others with words of inspiration, motivation, wisdom and even a little humor instead. He does not know if or when his reward will come - he is not seeking it. He is prepared to wait, without expectation, possessing clear heart and soul knowing that if it is for him, it shall be. He exists with a calmness being insistent on not harboring any negativity or any anger at the source of his pain. He encourages all around him to follow his lead...to love from afar is better than not loving at all and to appreciate reception and fulfillment of the experience itself. I have renamed him a "sweet angel" and am honored to receive his message and to be in his presence as a friend.
Empowerment
The lesson I learned this past week is that while it may seem difficult to give up your heart, you will achieve healing in time through acts of selflessness. You will be strengthened. We all have experienced deep loss, hurt, injury and pain. When we reflect upon it, we somehow fail to realize that we do not remain in the place where it occurred whether we've addressed it or not. While we wait, time still moves and moves us with it. No one stays in one place in exactly the same point. We will move - how we move and in which direction we go depends on the strength of our souls, the openness of our hearts and the lessons learned during the quiet period we felt time slow down. Growth is moving forward while you stand in your patience. Through generosity, you will gain this openness and vitality. The soul is strengthened when the heart is selfless. Wear your heart openly and share your soul freely. It shall empower you.
Namaste.
Yoga: - The Color Green
Each chaka is represented by a color. The Anahata chakra is represented by the color green. The symbolism meaning of the color green is self control, renewal, soothing, and relaxation.
As we departed practice, dear Jen gave each of us a gratitude love token. I have placed mine within a green cloth to remember the day...a little heart filled with a little tea... as a reminder to celebrate the openness of our hearts and the largeness of our souls.
Om Shanti.
A Cup of Soul Tea™
"Stay true to the song in your heart, while inspiring all those around to a life of abundant gratitude" - Jen McGown
Cha No Yu
In Japan, the tea ceremony, called Cha No Yu, is a very reverent event. It is conducted through self refinement with focus on harmony, purity, respect, and serenity. It, like Jen's ceremony, it conducted with no more than five guests. The objective is to cleanse and clear the heart, creating patience which is the pathway to the soul .
"In your patience, possess ye your soul" - Luke 21:19
What I love about enjoying a cup of tea is the preparation. To make tea properly takes time. Time teaches intentional and respectful patience. The practice of Cha No Yu is a lengthy one. It requires patience. Patience, according to it's definition, is: to endure calmly when faced with difficulties. Eighteenth century writer, Bishop George Horne, states that "patience is the teacher of humility and forgiveness, cherishes love, strengthens the spirit, subdues pride and extinguishes envy...patience is the preserver of peace".
A Lesson in Patience
"I know it ain't easy giving up your heart"
Adele, One and Only©2011
Empowerment
The lesson I learned this past week is that while it may seem difficult to give up your heart, you will achieve healing in time through acts of selflessness. You will be strengthened. We all have experienced deep loss, hurt, injury and pain. When we reflect upon it, we somehow fail to realize that we do not remain in the place where it occurred whether we've addressed it or not. While we wait, time still moves and moves us with it. No one stays in one place in exactly the same point. We will move - how we move and in which direction we go depends on the strength of our souls, the openness of our hearts and the lessons learned during the quiet period we felt time slow down. Growth is moving forward while you stand in your patience. Through generosity, you will gain this openness and vitality. The soul is strengthened when the heart is selfless. Wear your heart openly and share your soul freely. It shall empower you.
Namaste.
Yoga: - The Color Green
As we departed practice, dear Jen gave each of us a gratitude love token. I have placed mine within a green cloth to remember the day...a little heart filled with a little tea... as a reminder to celebrate the openness of our hearts and the largeness of our souls.
Om Shanti.
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