“The Leaf on the Stream of Consciousness: Embracing the Cycles of Happiness”

Once upon a time in a tranquil village nestled among lush forests and serene mountains, there lived a wise old monk named Tenzin. Tenzin was revered throughout the land for his profound wisdom and his deep understanding of the nature of happiness.

One day, a young seeker named Maya came to Tenzin, troubled by the ebb and flow of her emotions. “Master Tenzin,” she said, “I find myself riding waves of joy and plunging into depths of sorrow. How can I find steadiness in this turbulent sea of feelings?”

Tenzin invited Maya to sit with him by a gently flowing stream. He picked up a fallen leaf and placed it on the water’s surface. “Watch this leaf as it travels along the stream,” he instructed.

Maya observed as the leaf floated effortlessly, at times spinning in eddies, then swiftly carried away by the stronger currents. It seemed to dance atop the water, embracing each twist and turn of its journey.

“Like this leaf,” Tenzin began, “our happiness is not linear. It is cyclical, much like the seasons of the year. There are moments when we are carried swiftly by the currents of joy, feeling as if we are invincible. Yet, there are times we find ourselves caught in whirlpools of sadness, struggling to break free.”

Maya listened intently as Tenzin continued, “The leaf does not resist the water’s flow. It does not cling to the calm nor despair in the rapids. It simply allows the stream to guide its journey, knowing that each twist and turn is part of its path.”

“Similarly,” he said, “when you are full of joy, embrace it, soak it up, and spread your light to others. And when sadness visits, allow yourself to feel it, knowing that it is but a temporary phase. Just as the sunshine always returns after the rain, so too will your happiness.”

Maya pondered Tenzin’s words, watching the leaf until it was no longer in sight. A sense of peace began to fill her heart as she understood the wisdom in the monk’s analogy.

“Thank you, Master Tenzin,” she said, a smile blossoming on her face. “I now see that happiness is like the seasons, ever-changing, yet always returning. I will embrace each moment, whether it brings sunshine or rain, knowing that both are essential to the journey of life.”

And from that day forward, Maya walked through life with a lighter heart, embracing the cyclical nature of happiness, and spreading Tenzin’s wisdom to all who crossed her path.

OR

As we begin our practice today, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the nature of our emotions, much like the ebb and flow of the tides. Remember, “Happiness is not linear. We do not steadily become happier or sadder. Happiness is cyclical.” As we move through our poses, let each breath remind us of this cycle.

In moments of joy and ease within a pose, let’s fully embrace that bliss. Breathe it in deeply, and let it fill your entire being. This joy, this lightness, is a gift to be savored and soaked up, reminding us of the beauty in the present.

And when we encounter a challenging pose, when our muscles shake and our breath shortens, let’s gently remind ourselves, “When you are feeling down, know that this emotion will not last forever either; happiness will soon return.” Just as the sun always shines after the rain, our perseverance through discomfort will lead us back to comfort and peace.

As we hold our next pose, let’s envision the sunshine that follows the rain, understanding that both are essential to the cycle of life. It’s this cycle that teaches us resilience, compassion, and the impermanence of all things.

In today’s practice, let’s be patient with ourselves and with each other, knowing that whatever we are experiencing is part of a greater cycle. “Sunshine always reappears to those that have patiently stood in the rain.”

Let this wisdom guide our practice today, bringing us closer to understanding the true nature of happiness and suffering, and leading us towards a deeper peace within ourselves.

“Create your future today. Tomorrow is soft and pliable like clay. Your hands are the sculptor, creating your future with your thoughts and actions today.” – David Scott

March is often known for the winds of change that it brings our way. Make sure you are open to changes around; changing paths and changing energy.

In the grand flow of life, these inward moving energies are conducive for fine tuning and helping to bring greater clarity, awareness, and focus. March is the month to bring love and light into your life. Focus every day silently for at least five minutes on the word Love and think about its true meaning. Spend a few minutes just feeling the energy of the full Moon.

Spring is the Best Time to Clean Out Your Life — Start With:

Cleansing Your Spirit.

Clean out closets and drawers.

Clean off the clutter around your sleeping area.

Clean out old papers and receipts.

You can take your time and do this cleaning over the next few weeks.

“Yoga begins right where I am – not where I was yesterday or where I long to be.” –Linda Sparrowe

“Do your practice and all is coming.” – K. Pattabhi Jois

“You must find the place inside yourself where nothing is impossible.” – Deepak Chopra

“Without inner peace, outer peace is impossible.” – Geshe Kelsang Gyatso

“Blossom by blossom the spring begins.” — Algernon Charles Swinburne

“You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep Spring from coming.” — Pablo Neruda

“When it comes right down to it, all you have is yourself. Your Self is a sun with a thousand rays…” – Pablo Picasso

“Change is not something that we should fear. Rather, it is something that we should welcome. For without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forwards to become the person they’re meant to be.” –B.K.S. Iyengar

“What is coming is better than what is gone.” Arabic Proverb

“If we could unfold the future, the present would be our greatest care. The past is your lesson. The present is your gift. The future is your motivation. Do something today, your future self will thank you for.” – David Scott

“The future is completely open and we are writing it moment to moment.” – Pema Chödrön

“The soul has been given its own ears to hear things mind does not understand.” – Rumi

“The more we witness our emotional reactions and understand how they work, the easier it is to refrain.” – Pema Chödrön

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because some day in life you will have been all of these. George Washington Carver

“I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the highest source. I salute that source in you. Let us work together for unity and love” -Gandhi