Letting Go
This month, I traveled to South Seaside Park, NJ, a barrier island on the Atlantic coast, for the first weekend retreat of the two-year focusing training and certification program that I am co-facilitating with Beth Mahler, LCSW.
On Saturday morning, our group woke early to see the sun rise over the ocean. Through hushed streets, we meandered a few blocks from the retreat house toward the shore. Not even the pitch pines stirred.
At the threshold between sidewalk and sand, a beach rose opened her heart to me, inviting me to do the same. In reverence, I removed my sandals.
Stepping onto the beach, I was immediately embraced by morning mist. Although I could hear the rhythmic roar of waves, I could barely distinguish sand from sea, or sea from sky. All was unified in a field of fog.
Facing this hazy expanse, our group gathered before Beth, a yogi as well as a focusing-oriented therapist. She guided us through the pranayama practice Breath of Joy, embodying the ocean.
Once Beth had modeled this vigorous, whole-body breathing, she encouraged us to find our own flow through the movements. Surging, swelling, rising, releasing, we mirrored both Beth and our wild Atlantic teacher. Amidst the thunderous turmoil, Beth assured us, “Breath of Joy opens the heart.”
After several cycles through the practice, she invited us to sit in silent stillness, letting the threshold between our inner and outer ocean vanish in the mist. I reclined in a hammock-like beach chair, sinking into the sand. It held me as I held the weight of the world. It let me let go. Filled and enfolded by sea air, I opened to joy.
Words of Wisdom
“How
did the rose
ever open its heart
and share with this world all of its beauty?
It felt the encouragement of light within its being,
otherwise we all remain too
frightened.”
—Hafiz, “How Did the Rose?”
Deep Resourcing
Opening to Presence:
Body Prayer
A new free resource is available on my website. This body prayer is a dynamic practice for inviting trust, enjoying love, and inspiring peace.
Inspiration for the Journey
Breath of Joy
To discern whether you would like to experience Breath of Joy, please read Amy Weintraub's Yoga International article on this energizing yoga practice (5:00).
In addition, you might enjoy Harvard Health Publishing's short video modeling this breathwork practice (0:49).
Journal Reflection
Opening to Joy
What is the felt quality of joy for me?
What tastes open me to joy?
What textures open me to joy?
What scents open me to joy?
What sounds open me to joy?
What sights open me to joy?
What places (indoor and outdoor) open me to joy?
What people (individuals and groups) open me to joy?
What practices (e.g., baking with grandchildren, dancing, playing music, traveling) open me to joy?
How might I open to joy in this season of my life? What is one step that I might take?
How might I support others' joy in this season of my life? What is one step that I might take?
Wild World
Protect Joyscapes
For a brief introduction to the recent threat to wilderness habitat, please read Janessa Goldbeck's article "A Quiet Betrayal: The Largest Public Lands Sell-Off in Modern History."
For more details, please read The Wilderness Society's article, "250+ Million Acres of Public Lands Eligible for Sale in SENR Bill."
If you would like to embody your prayer by taking action, please ask your senator to oppose the current reconciliation bill.
Upcoming Offering
Soul Thirst: Contemplative Day Retreat
Tuesday, July 22, 9am-3pm Eastern, on Zoom
Celebrate the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene during this contemplative day retreat at home:
Slow down, pause, and reconnect with your inner wisdom.
Reflect on your spiritual journey.
Explore Ignatian prayer practices.
Experience guided meditations.
Renew your felt connection with Love.
During the day, you will have opportunities to experience creative prayer practices that enliven and integrate mind, body, heart, soul, and spirit.
Spacious and experience-centered, this contemplative day retreat at home has been designed to prevent Zoom fatigue.
Possible Preparation for the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene:
BLOG: Diana Butler Bass' "Mary the Tower";
BOOK: Cynthia Bourgeault's The Meaning of Mary Magdalene: Discovering the Woman at the Heart of Christianity;
MOVIE: Garth Davis' Mary Magdalene;
MUSIC: Mark Williams' My Beloved's Voice: Sacred Songs of Love.