Eclipsed, Raining & Dark

Sunlight is occasionally blocked by the Moon, blanketed by clouds, or hidden by the daily spin of the Earth. But it is still there. It is always there, persistent and waiting. Occasionally our light is blocked from our consciousness by an unsual occurence that takes us by surprise. Often it is blanketed by the mundane grit that constitutes much of the time in our lives. And access to the light comes and goes in regular waves as the rhythym of our days and weeks grants to us time to work and time to reflect. But like the Sun, our light is always there, waiting for the impediments that we have created to pass, disperse and turn.

Another Friday Night is on the Way

Another week is coming to its conclusion, and I can sense the peace of Sabbath approaching. I am giddy with anticipation and I am feeling at peace. It is interesting when I can hold those two emotions togther, producing a settling, centering, and quieting affect. Thoughts turn to Friday night and then Saturday's rest from work, which produces good feelings that move me towards leading a better life.

The Sabbath and Yoga practice have a lot in common. And I would guess I am not the first person to discuss this. (Although this is the first time this has occurred to me.) The word "Shabbat" is built from the Hebrew root "שבת" (shin-bet-tov) which means "sit". And in Yoga, we practice "Asana" (आस) which comes from the Sanscrit word meaning "to sit down."

For me, both the practice of Asana and of Shabbat are paths to the same end. Each asks that we sit, quiet ourselves, and center ourselves. They allow us to take measure, observe, and be present. They prepare us and cause us to turn inwards to find what is divine within, and from there, we can shine back out and brighten the world around us. From this inner point of peace, we can engage ourselves in the material world and lift it up towards its source, helping the world reconnect with its original divinity, eternity, & infinity.