“You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes a day, unless you are too busy. Then you should sit for an hour.” – Zen Proverb

“Those who know, don’t talk. Those who talk don’t know.” – Tae Te Ching

Topic 1 – : The Power of Silence and Presence

“Have you ever watched a still lake at sunrise? The water doesn’t shout its presence or demand attention; it simply reflects the beauty around it, effortlessly and perfectly. In the same way, the Tao reminds us that those who truly ‘know’ don’t need to announce it. True wisdom resides in stillness, quiet observation, and presence.

In our practice tonight, consider this: When you let go of the need to prove, to grasp, or to resist, you align with your primal essence—your true nature. The Tao teaches us to blunt our sharpness, untie the knots within, and settle the dust of our busy minds. In doing so, we become like the Tao itself: unshakable, enduring, and free.

The Buddha once said, ‘Silence is an empty space. Space is the home of the awakened mind.’ Let this be your mantra as we move together. Allow each breath to soften your edges and untangle your inner knots. Let the silence between movements remind you that the most profound truths are often found in the spaces we don’t fill.

As we begin, carry this question with you: Can I embrace the stillness within and allow it to speak louder than my words ever could?”

Topic 2: Wandering to Find Yourself

“Paulo Coelho once wrote, ‘Don’t be afraid to wander. Sometimes, getting lost is the best way to find yourself.’ As we hold this asana, think of it as a metaphorical journey. Balancing or twisting may feel unsteady, uncertain—like wandering through unfamiliar terrain. But it’s in these moments of exploration, of being slightly ‘lost,’ that we connect most deeply with who we are.

Imagine a river carving its path through a valley. It doesn’t resist or cling to a fixed route; it wanders, adapts, and flows, eventually finding its way. Just as the river trusts its course, allow yourself to trust the journey of this pose, whether it feels graceful or messy. Remember, self-discovery often comes when we step outside the familiar.

As Rumi once said, ‘Try not to resist the changes that come your way. Instead, let life live through you. And do not worry that your life is turning upside down. How do you know that the side you are used to is better than the one to come?’

So breathe here. Let the wandering teach you, and trust that the path will reveal itself.”

“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.” – Tae Te Ching

“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them-that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.” – Tae Te Ching

“When you’ve been lost as many times as I have, you learn to trust your ability to find your way home. Deep within each of us lies an internal compass, a guiding force in our hearts. Follow it, and it will always lead you back to where you’re meant to be.” – David Scott

“Deep within each of us, like a hidden fish in the vast ocean, lies untapped potential—waiting to be discovered, nurtured, and cherished. Just as the sea holds mysteries beneath its surface, we carry within us a reservoir of strength and possibility, ready to emerge when we explore with curiosity and patience.” – David Scott

Topic 3: Embracing the Small Steps

“The Tao Te Ching teaches us, ‘Prepare for the difficult while it is still easy. Deal with the big while it is still small.’ As we hold this pose, reflect on how even the greatest achievements in life begin with the smallest of steps. A mighty tree starts as a seed. A long journey begins with a single step. And in our yoga practice, the strength and balance we seek are built moment by moment, breath by breath.

Sometimes, we can feel overwhelmed by the scale of our goals or the challenges ahead. But wisdom lies in starting where we are, with what we have, and trusting the process. As the Tao says, ‘Great undertakings always started with what is small.’

In this moment, honor the simplicity of your practice. Perhaps this pose feels challenging now, but each small adjustment—a deeper breath, a gentle shift—moves you closer to ease and steadiness. Remember, it’s not about striving for greatness; it’s about being present for the small, deliberate actions that pave the way for transformation.

As Rumi reminds us, ‘Be like a tree and let the dead leaves drop.’ Focus only on what you can nurture and grow today.”

Mixed Bag

“Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” – Jackie Chan

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” – Barbara De Angelis

“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey

“I give up freely what is not longer serving me, to create space for what inspires me.”

“If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” – Wayne Dyer

“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” – Germany Kent

Lost in the Dark – David Scott

“Lost in the dark, I wander alone,
Aimless and scared, with no place to call home.
The path I once knew, now seems so unclear,
And the road that I’m on, is filled with fear.

But then I remember, the light that once shone,
The warmth from heart, the love that was shown.
I close my eyes, and take a deep breath,
And follow my compass, to find my way back.

The journey is long, and the road is rough,
But I keep moving forward, even if so tough.
I stumble and fall, but I get up again,
For I know in my heart, that I’ll find my way back.

And then I see it, the light in the distance,
The beacon of hope, the source of my persistence.
I run towards it, with all my might,
And finally, I’m home, in the warm embrace of light.”

“If you look to others for fulfillment, you will never be truly fulfilled.” – Tae Te Ching

“Be Content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” – Tae Te Ching

“He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.” – Tae Te Ching

“If you do not change direction, you may end up where you are heading.” – Tae Te Ching

“The best soldier does not attack. The superior fighter succeeds without violence. The greatest conqueror wins without struggle. The most successful leader leads without dictating. This is intelligent non aggressiveness. This is called the mastery of men.” – Tae Te Ching

“He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened. He who overcomes others is strong, but he who overcomes himself is mighty.” – Tae Te Ching

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” – Tae Te Ching

“Water is fluid, soft, and yielding. But water will wear away rock, which is rigid and cannot yield. As a rule, whatever is fluid, soft, and yielding will overcome whatever is rigid and hard. This is another paradox: what is soft is strong. The Gentle will outlast the forceful.” – Tae Te Ching

“Muddy water, let stand, becomes clear.” – Tae Te Ching

Don’t choose the one who is beautiful to the world, choose the one who makes your world beautiful.

“When you like a flower, you just pluck it. But when you love a flower, you water it daily.”

“Love is what we were born with. Fear is what we learned here.” ~Marianne Williamson

Instead of asking yourself how do I make someone love me, say instead how do I let someone love me.

“The man who removes a mountain, begins by removing a small stone.” – Chinese Proverb

“Force, no matter how concealed, causes resistance.”

“Suffering is not holding you, you are holding suffering.” – Buddha

“Use your voice for kindness, your ears for empathy, your hands for helping others, your mind for truth, and your heart for compassionate love and you will experience joy.” – David Scott

“Kindness is having the ability to speak with love, listen with patience, touch with gentle kindness and act with compassion.” David Scott

“You can accomplish by kindness what you cannot by force.” – Publilius Syrus

“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams

Dancing Shiva – Parivrtta Hasta Padangusthasana

Rocking the baby – Hindolasana