Are you finishing winter, or beginning spring?
Spring is the bursting forth of shoots, buds and blossoms. But winter is still a hotbed of activity too, under the ground, as long-dormant bulbs respond to some hidden signal, and begin the difficult climb upwards, somehow knowing, deep inside, that sunshine awaits them on the other side. Whether we’re finishing winter or beginning spring, we are all in our own way listening to that same hidden signal, and doing our part (mostly getting out of the way), to access and bring forth the glorious potential that lies within every one of us.
During Be in Awe’s Naked Voice singing workshop yesterday, each participant brought to our circle their own individual journey, up from the ground — daring to venture into unknown vistas with movement, breath and sound. And entering into the “garden” — the gorgeous essence of each person — brought such alive awareness and Presence. It’s the clearing necessary for the springing of your very own springtime that becomes a life line and unearths the most magical of connections.
Tags: Be in Awe's Naked Voice and Soglio 2010 open from winter to spring
Last Saturday was the first day of spring; and it was the official launch of www.BeInAwe.com, a coming together and burst of dreams that I’ve been carrying around and wondering about for such a long, long time.
When I meditate, stilling my mind enough to listen, amazing ideas come through. I calm “busy mind syndrome” by remembering to bring my mind back to the mantra, light and the breath. I like to place beams of light coming through my right eye, right ear, left eye, left ear and a radiant beam of light through the crown of my head. Then I like to think of my body, the container of energy that it is, as a big resonating bell — silently generating the vibration of Om. Sometimes I resonate “Thy Will be done.” Sometimes I resonate an extended Ahhhhhhh thru the inhalation, and exhalation — imagining liquid gold pouring up and down my spine. These, for me, are attention grabbers that, much of the time, upstage my ongoing assessments and to do list. And, as I gently ease my mind back into this gorgeous flow — I Am That and I experience all the magic that I feel during a walk through the woods. Only, instead, I’m settled inside, Being, inside. And I Am connecting to listen…no different from the daffodil that springs from the earth. An idea springs into me. Being inside springtime is a lot like being inside the beginning of an idea that comes through.
It wasn’t specifically a website that was the idea that came through so many years ago. The idea comes through, and in the listening and responding — and getting out of the way, the idea takes a life of its own; and, in getting out the way, the miracles begin to unfold. It’s tempting to find lots of reasons to self-direct, doubt, question and constantly edit. But, by not doing so, the vibrancy of the color and the rhythm of the flow is somehow lots lots more and speaks of Nature. And so it was with the Website launch and Be in Awe.
Our circle of celebration on Saturday was a gorgeously diverse ”singing field.” Each brought, in one way or another, the sweetness of springtime. We meditated and shared the elegance of silence. We shared song, poems, stories, memories — and we lit candles. We heard words of wisdom and we gathered outside, around two big blazing fires for a first day of spring picnic. We welcomed Riley, Mozart, Ginger (the resident groundhog) and the family of deer, who have been the keepers of this enchanting sanctuary, maybe forever. Somehow, all these four legged friends made the occasion even more significant and memorable. It was suppose to rain, then snow and it did wind up being cold. But, as we hovered around the fire enjoying each others company and Rupert’s delicious Indian feast — there was a warmth that melted through the spring chill.
When web designer Cynthia Robinson first unveiled the beginnings of Be in Awe, I was awed by all the roots that were coming together like a seasoned garden. Initially, I felt shy and vulnerable. But as the wind of time rustles the this and thats — and miraculously karma yogis appear to offer their time and skills, there is such gratitude and Awe for a modern day parable of the Mustard Seed. More than anything, I look to listen for dreams to come through, and stand far enough back to notice the miracles as they appear. Thank you Rupert, Cynthia, Sophia, Susan and the guardians of Soglio — all who are listening and cultivating dreams and miracles — and, gratitude, most especially to the Source of these dreams.
Tags: Being inside springtime is like being inside the beginning of an idea that comes through.
Tapping into Nature’s Brilliance — a journey into the ultimate wise, life affirming connection, is the guide for Felix Bruegger and his farming neighbors in and around Soglio Switzerland. During a talk he gave to participants attending Soglio 2009, a yoga, meditation and chanting retreat at the Swiss Italian border, Felix said he and the other local farmers use Ancient Farming Techniques. I imagined large rugged contraptions. Not at all.
They use their hands; they prioritize feeling, listening and hearing what comes through. How they make choices as to what they do is their response to this listening which speaks of Respect and Reverence for the earth — an unmistakable Honoring.
Because he, his colleagues and ancestors have never departed from ancient farming techniques – they have never not been organic. Nature’s response?
The energy in and around Soglio is buzzing with aliveness. It is an aliveness that is distinct and extraordinary. Beyond description. And that same buzzing aliveness can be sourced, in each of us.
As winter melts into the bursting of springtime and nature’s magic does its enchanting dance, the wonder of it All offers a Blessed opportunity for each of us to welcome in a similar kind-of personal ancient farming technique; Revering our own inner feeling… listening… and hearing…and waking up to that still small voice within.
What comes through, from our own time of ”winter” as it emerges into the Expression of springtime - not of external shoulds, oughts, and musts — but instead, from Reverence and Honoring and tuning into the very Source of your breath.
In that… life blossoms and becomes a work of art, a response that is buzzing with aliveness. An aliveness that is distinct and extraordinary. Beyond description.
Each spring the song of the universe begins again. Each spring the song of your spirit begins again. Listen for and respond to its call.
“Look for a bit a magic behind the morning.”
Tags: life affirming connection, Nature's Brilliance -- the ultimate wise
Last Sunday I situated 4 baskets out on the deck where nature was “eliminating the unnecessary so that the necessary could speak” ie winter melting into spring. Nature was my inspiration as I pored through drawers, closets, cupboards, bookshelves and nooks to find items to fill the baskets to either give to friends, donate, throw away or put back for the next purge. I set the timer for two hours and off I went!!! Dread made way for interest made way for fun — knowing that most of the stuff would soon find its way to another home for another chapter of use. THAT made it fun. THAT took away the dread. THAT got me into the mode of filling the baskets to overflowing, knowing that there is a growing need for such things. In yoga we talk about connecting and feeling an inner smile. This process connected me to that. A win/win all the way around. I feel lighter, my drawers close easier, my closets are tidy and, best of all, there is more breathing room.
Unlike other failed attempts at clearing stuff, this was different because, in the process, I intentionally activated the witness consciousness. I calmly observed and saw clearly the situation for what it was. I had stuff that no longer served my needs. Others needs could be addressed by my letting go.
The witness consciousness is a powerful skill — a faculty of attention that doesn’t come naturally. It must be developed. Standing back and watching your life as if it were a movie, to make decisions in such a way that you are your own best and loyal friend. By realizing this discipline, you increase — in equal measure — your capacity to connect with and be a loyal friend to others. Never, by the way, selling your soul or giving away what you don’t have. But, instead, through the witness consciousness, noticing and honoring what it takes to engage in best-friend kindness to yourself, you become a better friend, better listener — a more compassionate and kind contributor.
While I’ve been studying yoga for years, and have great respect for the notion of detachment — this clearing, now in retrospect, illustrated to me what it is all about. And, I have this sneaking suspicion that the clearing of things is a piece of cake as compared to the clearing — the detaching from those thoughts, habits, fears, ways of BEING that are embedded in the cellular memory — that no longer serve.
But, I trust that if I calmly observe, I will more clearly see situations for what they are, and regularly practice the witness consciousness — dread will ride into interest which will ride into what ever clearing arises from from listening and responding to inner stirrings.
Tags: The witness Consciousness -- Becoming a loyal friend to yourself
To simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak
Feng Shui expert, Lucy Harmer (www.innerelf.ch) recommends a quarterly house hold purge. Setting the timer for 2 hours — no more, no less — she suggests placing 4 big containers in a central location; one for throw aways, one for give aways, one for donations, and one for reacessing next time. Being ruthless, Lucy says, is key, as is enjoying this systematic cleanse that rejuvenates — mind, body and spirit.
Listening to my still not so small voice — I know that my time has come. Diving into this quarterly discipline is the BE of my yoga practice. I am relieved by the two hour window once per quarter bit, and by the fact that there are only 4 containers — really, only 3, if you see what I mean.
As I have pack rat tendencies, I am challenged — despite longstanding dreams of being a minimalist. Having rented a storage space for years, my closets and drawers are filled with coats, outfits, shoes and hand bags that date back to the turn of both centuries. (Not to mention family furniture dating back to the mid 1800s. Won’t go there for now.) Previous attempts have resulted in my tiptoeing into the garage, ram sacking to reclaim a this or that.
But, this time — I AM responding to a Still Small Voice Within and I Am being called to action. By simplifying in this and every way — by eliminating the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak, my yoga practice deepens and evolves; treasures find new spaces to inhabit which, I’m told, is liberating.
With each step along the way of my yoga practice, I’ve eased in, never insisting or forcing or driving. In fact, each step has come to the doorstep of my spirit and welcomed — almost without my realizing a deeper and richer connection.
I trust that I AM being guided. And from this guidance comes…a more fantastic way of Being in life.
Eliminating the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak…
As the snow melts into springtime — Mother Earth’s clearing to prepare for the new, I’ll follow suit by designating the next two hours — gearing up for the academy awards — as a big adventure into listening. Resisting the temptation to resist, I will respond accordingly…and just witness, as if Meryl Streep (hahaha) were playing, not Julia Childs, but Jody Tull, donning her apron, situating her 4 containers, and setting the timer.
Ready, set, go…
I’ve just returned from the Sivananda Yoga Ashram where I offered a course on Pure Authentic Sound — Shaping Sound from the Inside Out. It was a mega-experience – to now be giving back to the organization that has provided the structure for my deepest and most significant learning. Dr. Joe Dispenza who wrote bestselling, ” Evolve Your Brain — The Science of Changing Your Mind,” (www.drjoedispenza.com) was teaching there, as well, and described a thinking style that, while in the here and now, propels your visioning into staging exactly and precisely what is meant to be created in your life. Going to sleep that night I remembered doing just that in 1990, during my first visit to the Ashram at Paradise Island. I imagined myself teaching a course at the Ashram, to a group of people who had come from all over the world to attend. Dr Joe’s talk reminded me of the dream that came through all those years ago; and of the fact that so much that has manifested in my life ie Yoga in Schools, musical compositions, Ann Arbor Girls Middle School, Yoga Meditation and Chanting in Soglio Switzerland (September 12 - 18), 1632 Broadway, home of BE IN AWE and www.BEINAWE.com has resulted from the mental techniques he recommends. Such visioning is generated, from an opening into deep, deep listening — strengthening the Connection that informs specifics that become. BEING IN the Presence of I AM THAT is the inspiration behind BEINAWE.com. BEING IN, at the Sivananda Ashram, at Soglio 2010, with the inner-stirrings of your own spirit brings a Quality of trust to each moment of your day…and a Quality to the fields of compassion directed towards yourself and others. ”Out Beyond ideas of right and wrong doing. There is a field, a singing field. I’ll meet you there.” Rumi’s verse is the essence of Traveling Ashram — a state of BEING IN WONDER…BEING IN AWE.
My Dad — A Tribute
More than anything, my Dad loved to laugh. He loved a good story. He loved to see the best and was genuinely interested in whoever happened to be nearby. Most of all, he loved my Mom and his three daughters. He attributed his love for people, his passion for the written word, and his can-do attitude to having grown up in a mostly Jewish neighborhood in Detroit. While I, his middle daughter, respected that aspect of his rearing, there is more to his story…
My Dad grew up observing his Mother being mistreated by his Father. Her husband, my Dad’s Father was mostly mean, inconsiderate, stingy and a hostil, stress-provoking driver of their model T. While a horrible thing for her and her three children, it was — in a strange generational kind-of way — a blessing for us. For as difficult as his Dad was, my Dad (though he seldom spoke of his Dad, and when he did it was with compassion) was just the opposite… kind, helpful, generous and fun loving. And, my goodness, was he ever.
My Mom was treated with utmost respect. She, his daughters, his newspaper dealings and their friends were it. He helped with homework and splashed us around in the swimming pool and, along with Mom, helped us through sticky situations, until his dying day. Our home was regularly filled with neighborhood kids who would observe my Dad, the publisher of the Reporter Papers, standing on his head, doubling over with laughter during a Johnny Carson episode, boycotting aerosol spray cans by growing a beard, and, as often as he could, offering jobs to those he felt needed a chance.
Morning after morning (during the countries centennial) Dad would hoist flags through town, pole by pole at sun-up, drive kids to and from my Mom’s nursery school, and don overalls to sing in the chorus of Oklahoma. Each week he published and edited a newspaper that was his passion and reflected his wholesome, family values and his never-ending belief in this country.
Each night my Dad, playing piano, would accompany my Mom on the violin or banjo. At least once per month, their circle of friends would gather to have a sing along around the pinao. These are the people who showed up, through out our lives and… the Sunday before he died, for his farewell sing-along. Words, despite having been a wordsmith his entire life, were few. But — he could still sing. And, he still had the infectious twinkle that made all — stranger, friend and family — come to life and light with love.
My husband asked what I thought it was, about my Dad, that caused strangers at Metro to come and sit by him, or youngster hover around. Now that he’s gone, I find myself pondering Rupert’s question. My Dad grew up in a household that was plagued with stress. Everyone had to tiptoe around this mostly cranky, nasty, mean-spirited force. From that environment grew a man of such integrity, honesty, kindness — always on the lookout for good, bringing his very best and looking to make life — even through the tough times — light and connected.
Dad’s memorial service was one year ago today. During the last 6 months of life here, Dad missed Mom . Life just didn’t make sense to him, without her. Shortly after her memorial, he asked me to teach him yoga. He knew that it was a process that was so important in my life — he was still reaching out. And, he realized the practice had tremendous feel-good, life-enhancing potential.
The fact is — and I told him so — that through out his life he had epitomized what we all hope to awaken through our yoga practice. The way that he lived every day of his life…in selfless service, filled to the brim with loving kindness was the inspiration behind an extraordinarily well lived and inspiring life.
For my twenty-second birthday, Dad gave me a Reader’s Digest songbook. In it he wrote,
“Dear Jody, What you do is this: Invite everyone over, open up this book, and have a sing along. It’s fun. Happy Birthday. Dad.
Somehow, one year after his death, his inscription, in so few words, says it all.
Love you dad. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
I thought you might enjoy this video.
This video was made in the Antwerp , Belgium Central (Train)=2 0Station
on the 23rd of March 2009.
. . . with no warning to the passengers passing through the station,
at 08:00 am a recording of Julie Andrews singing ‘Do, Re, Mi’ begins to
play on the public address system.
As the bemused passengers watch in amazement, some 200 dancers begin to
appear from the crowd and station entrances.
They created this amazing stunt with just two rehearsals!
Enjoy!
- Diving in, into the beauty of Soglio
Here’s how:
1) Notice what feeds your spirit…dive in
stepping inside beautiful places, like Soglio Switzerland, and being inspired
2) Refer back to what feeds your spirit…dive in
expanding the circle in Soglio, or where ever you find yourself –and bringing the sweetness back home
3) Talk about and savor what feeds your spirit…dive in
the photos, the journal, and emails – keep it all fresh and alive and lovely
4) Hang out with people who regularly feed their spirit — dive in thru their bliss
the most rewarding of all to be with spirit driven and spirit- filled folk
5) Get carried away with the lost art of visiting — dive in to having time
relatives in TN and VA reintroduced — by their too cool for words — southern hospitality
6) Discover relaxation – A SKILL THAT CAN BE LEARNED. Transplant relax into all of ife. yoga, naked voice singing, silent meditation walk thru Bird Hill, friendship
There is no doubt that this Memorial Day weekend, we will appreciate beauty and adventure here in Ann Arbor, Michigan as we do in Soglio Switzerland, during our annual yoga, meditation and chanting retreat. It is noon on Saturday and there is every reason to stay in Ann Arbor. Retreat Soglio is a state of mind and once you’ve been there – you can drop in, any place…anytime.
Last night launched our weekend, meeting Ricardo at 1632 Broadway, home of Nourishing Traditions, to water the garden and admire. The little cottage is home to Thai Yoga & Auryveda treatments, yoga wisdom, chanting circles and anything that is genuinely nourishing. The enormous trees, the walled and screened patio and fire pit – it is 
where drumming, tea parties and like-minded people come together.
We dined in the home of our neighbor with friends gathered round, delicious food, stimulating conversation – we laughed so hard over what, now, I can’t remember. We dissected the dynamics and pros and cons of having plunged into the computer age; we tossed backed and forth notions like our need for human, face-to-fact interaction vs virtual. Heels were dug in as all sides of the topic were considered ie a machine-like existence, spirit-filled existence or somewhere in between. Books like “Brave New World” were quoted. The occasion was timeless and confirmed that face-to-face still is a lot of fun. All the best ingredients were PRESENT. It was very much Soglioesque as we partook of fantastic food, good company and a lovely view from Barb’s enchanting treehouse porch.
The next morning we awoke to a lovely breeze through the window, birds chirping, a racoon raiding our balcony birdfeeder
and an aborted cycle ride into town due to a very flat tire. Instead, we drove, meeting our A2 yogi circle for the Saturday morning ritual of another gather around the table — 
some with goodies from Sweetwaters, others from Ka-chingermans Deli. David removed stitches from his left hand — still swollen from last week’s dog bite from the neighbour’s “adorable and harmless” pooch. We all agreed it rude to be with a friend who takes phone calls — while your sit and wait. Rupert had a great idea — excuse yourself, walk some distance away, and call her/him.
We cheered on Ann Arbor runners in front of Zingermans for their weekly Saturday morning 10 mile in and around .
Laurie Mendenhall won the Ann Arbor Dexter 10K last year — in his age category, he was quick to say. JT invitation y’all– come for a refreshing half way drink en route before summer’s end.
Cruising the farmer’s market, we were introduced to the newest member of the Cash family and we were offered a teddy bear and beaming smile from older brother.
Amy Harris,
arm in arm with her 15 year old daughter, last seen by me when she 3. Amy announced the engagement of longlost frind Perry Irish — who is living in Chicago.
All the while, keeping our eye out for Gerry Gaskell, who is soon celebrating a significant birthday, we ran into drummers, dancers, and one of Ann Arbor’s GEMS — Vicki, owner of Heavenly Metal, my favorite shop anywhere!! Her web designer was taking note — also my referece for a gorgeous, interesting and quirky site. The site is a reflection, for sure, of Vicki…one of A2’s treasures. Rupert bought ALL of my Christmas presents at Hevenly Metal last year. Thank you Rupert and Vicki!!! 
Off to the Treasure Mart — my other all time favorite store anywhere. Yes, I am addicted and I need help. My Mom use to drag me, moaning and groaning as a child. Now, it is nearly embarrassing all the times I find myself there. Partly because of the staff.
Partly because of the treasures. And partly it was a “treasured” ritual with my Mom — who I miss beyond words. Rupert bought an old lantern and I bought an old, old pair of peach colored bloomers –a ha for a certain birthday celebration…
We saw bright shining faces of all ages, and from all parts of the world…out and about on a stunning beautiful spring morning. We compared notes with our Broadway neighbors
and, after our stop at Home and Garden to check out the big green EGG — a cooker highly recommended by Treasure Mart MIKE, we headed home.
Lunch was served on the balcony with our newly installed awning looking out over Bird Hill Sanctuary. Naps were taken, Ann Arbor Observer read, yoga practiced, songs sung and a movie viewed at the BEST theater anywhere — the Michigan Theater. ”Is Anybody There?” was sweet and sad and made Roop and me resolve to make the most of each day, make choices that prolong good health and do what it takes to fill up with the best of life.
For us that means walking along Huron River into town –
touring thru gorgeous gardens, visiting along the way, making music and singing songs, roasting marshmallows over a turn-of-the century fire-pit and reading Jo Mathis’ Ann Arbor News Column. Her writing is comparable to Le Dog, the Arb, the Ann Arbor Symphony, Yo Yo Ma performing at Hill. She is an inspiration and has become part of the soul of this community.
Years ago, I told friends in Soglio that I wanted to recreate the magical Alpine Swiss Italian village in our home of Ann Arbor Michigan. Dozing off to sleep after this near perfect day, I realized — it had happened. No, we don’t have the back-drop of the Alps. But, we do have the Huron River, Bird Hill Park , the Arb, the Botanical gardens, a downtown that is vibrant, alive and happening, and lifelong, best-ever, friends. People have asked, given the choice, if Rupert and I would move to Soglio. My answer is…”tempting, for sure — but not a chance. Soglio Switzerland is the ideal location for a yoga, meditation and chanting retreat. Second to none!! And the most beautiful place in the world. But, Ann Arbor is and always will be home.”
