Sparkly North Star Practice for the New Year

Here's a New Year contemplation for you--what means the most to you above all else? If you've partnered with me in a private session, you know this is the foremost question we answer. Why? Because it drives our thoughts and ultimately forms our actions. The answer to this question is what I've coined, one's North Star. Once we identify our North Stars--ie, that which is most important to us--then we practice strengthening these beautiful sign posts and using them to guide us through the challenges and joys of life.

In order to embody our personal North Stars there's a practice I call North Star Tapping that I'd like to offer as a practice for the new year. Here it is in a few easy-to-try steps:

• N  -  NOW
  
  Check in with resistance felt in this present moment: not past, not future, but right NOW.
  
  
• O -  O to 10
  
  Assign a number from 0 to 10 to any resistance in the body, mind or emotions, with 0 being       nothing to 10 being strong. This is referred to as the SUD number (Subjective Units of             Disturbance).
  
  

• R - RESISTANCE
  
  Target your resistance with Meridian Tapping (if you don't know what I'm talking about, go to my website and watch the media provided, scroll down to the Tapping Points Guide or contact me for a session).
  
  
• T - TEMPER
  
  "Temper" is to dilute or soften by the influence of something else. Our influencing factor is       Meridian Tapping--tap the points until you get your SUD number down to a 5 or below.             Temper your resistance, you got this....come'on, you're almost there. If you're at a SUD 5 or       lower, jump to the final step....
  
  
• H - HONE IN
  
  To "hone in" literally means to sharpen or make more precise. Hone in your North Star by         working it into your set up statement (say WHAT? If you're not familiar with this IC language, contact me or go to my Inner Constellation website and scroll down for a Meridian Tapping Point guide). So the set up might look like this: "Even though I'm at this (substitute SUD number), I choose (insert North Star)."

One of my personal North Stars is compassion as the number one condition. So, for me, my set up statement looks something like this:

"Even though I'm at this 5, I choose to practice compassion...."

Then we short cut our set up statement to a word or two. For me, this one word reminder is "compassion," as we tap on each point. As we go through the points we might wish to expand on our North Stars, "...I choose to practice compassion by____________________." Just tap and fill in the blank, let the brainstorm begin!

Even though we have resistance in the form of pain, or an emotional challenge, or whatever we've identified, we can still practice our North Stars. And in fact, when we do temper our resistance and embody our North Stars they become brighter and keep us on course.

Whatever is given energy, gets stronger. What do you wish to strengthen this upcoming New Year 2017? I would love to hear your answers, Bright Shining Ones, and partner with you to make it a reality in your life and the lives of your community and loved ones. May our North Stars shine bright in 2017!

Winter Mindfulness Retreat: January 8, 2017

Reserve your calendar, January 8 will be a beautiful day in community! We will be restoring from the holidays and preparing ourselves for the new year with, "Beginning Anew," mindfulness practices in the tradition of Plum Village Thich Nhat Hanh. Please bring a small vegan dish to share as the food at our last retreat was mind-blowingly delicious. If you're not of the nature to cook there will be opportunities to sign up for service during the retreat to keep our day running smoothly. We will be carpooling from The Studio promptly at 9:00am to arrive at our retreat house on Lake Tahoe shores and will be arriving back at The Studio no later than 4:30pm. Bring warm layers for practicing outdoors and soaking up winter beauty. This house is an amazing exhibit of local artistry with hand-crafted wood features and sculpting honoring the local wildlife along with exquisite stain-glass and metal working. It promises to be a nourishing day for ourselves, our loved ones and our community. Please feel free to invite friends, loved ones and community members. RSVP to InnerConstellation.com or our event Facebook page as space is limited.

Beginning Anew

The world witnessed a Forgiveness Ceremony yesterday that will continue to bring peace to the nations who have gathered in support of the Dakota Sioux and their wish to divert the oil pipeline going through sacred lands and threatening local water supply. An easement to continue construction was not granted thanks to the efforts of many thousands of people who came out to support and protest. Among those thousands were our US Veterans who vowed to provide a front line of protection in the non-violent efforts of all those protesting and making their voices heard. After celebrating the halt to construction, a ceremony was held that so beautifully represents the native path I so dearly love--a Forgiveness Ceremony allowed Veterans to heal from their wounds of war and the unskillfulness of past actions against native people. Many of us living in modern society may scratch our heads over such a ceremony. After all, the actions of the past are not our actions. However, actions of the past have created the present moment and learning how to be more skillfull in the present moment will create the actions of the future.

We can take the lessons of forgiveness into our daily lives. Forgiveness is an act of nobility (and humility) and it sets our hearts on the right path. If I, or the people who I am connected to, have hurt another it's an act of peace to go to that person and set things right and learn what I can do to be more skillful in the future. Then, there is no need to hold onto regret for I have vowed to change--this is freeing.

In the Plum Village tradition such an act is called, Beginning Anew, and it's a practice of looking deeply and honestly at ourselves, our past actions, speech and thoughts to create a fresh beginning in our relationship with ourselves and with others. Beginning Anew is practiced every two weeks in communities and families and individually as often as is helpful. In the spirit and theme of peace, Beginning Anew or practicing a forgiving spirit are helpful tools. May we be heartened today by the example of our Native elders and live with equal integrity and respect as we care for ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.

Who's Your Momma?

I went out cross country skiing yesterday, three days after the snow storm and melt/freeze temps. In other words, snow was rock hard. As I approached a hill that I had gone down effortlessly through the fluffy stuff a few days prior, a tiny voice in my head warned, "ummm...maybe ditch the skis." It was my Momma voice. So what did this kid do? Plugged her ears and pushed off! If it wouldn't be tagged as obscene, I'd post the picture of my bruised @$$ as a result of hucking myself down that path of suffering!

Sitting here typing this post is a sore reminder of my stubbornness (or pea-brain nature). It's no coincidence that the December Inner Constellation theme is, "peace," and... that I received this reminder in the mail (which I dug out of the mailbox after my cement collision:)

Whenever I begin a new monthly theme, I look up the word in the dictionary and let the synonyms stir my creative juices. One such equivalent to peace is non-violence. What does it mean to be non-violent to oneself? Revisiting the cross country skiing moment--nonviolence might mean heeding suffering's warning signs. Our bodies are supreme indicators of distress. Do we listen with compassion and wise attention or stifle our body's signals?

I love the analogy of a mother tending her crying baby. It's a rare momma who ignores the cries of her kid, instead she practices non-violence--going to the baby and doing her best to ease discomfort.

This morning I sit with these questions: What's the quality of my thoughts, is each one loving, peaceful and compassionate toward myself, my loved ones and my world? What are my actions? Are they skillful and kind? Am I 100% non-violent in my body, speech and mind? If I am, then I'm on the path of peace. December holiday season is the perfect training ground to ponder the above questions and deepen our practice of peace as we engage with our world and our loved ones this month. I look most forward to the insights and stories. Safe exploration, everyone!

Molasses Pours in Winter

Happy holidays, you'all! To balance the craziness and Black Friday madness, I'm consciously slowing down for a 90 day Winter Retreat, all from the comfort of my home! I'm reminded how such a commitment is directly tied to mindful consumption--our Inner Constellation November theme--most specifically the idea of mindful consciousness. What exactly is consciousness? We've been exploring this question in LTMC the past few weeks.

Buddhist psychology defines consciousness in a way that makes a lot of sense--comprising it into two parts--"store consciousness" and "mind consciousness." Store consciousness is explained using the metaphor of buried seeds, which represent everything we've ever experienced or perceived: seeds of anger, fear, joy, peace, etc. Think of a seed store--where you might go if you're planting a garden--in the storehouse is every variety of seed, nothing excluded. If we leave with a few packets, go home, plant the seeds and begin watering, the seeds will manifest into plants, herbs or flowers. The same can be said for the buried seeds in our consciousness: anger, fear, joy, peace etc, that when watered will grow and manifest in our mind consciousness--in the form of thoughts, actions, speech, etc. 

Everything our senses consume, waters the seeds buried deep and brings them up to the surface of our mind where we chose to give them form and life. This idea is entirely liberating because the seeds of happiness, compassion, understanding and enlightenment are within everyone, they just need cultivated. As Thich Nhat Hanh so eloquently writes:

There is a baby Buddha in our store consciousness, and we have to give him or her a chance to be born. When we touch our baby Buddha--the seeds of understanding and love that are buried within us--we become filled with bodhicitta, the mind of love....awakening to our mind of love is the moment the practice begins.*

Wholesome seeds are inherent within. When we take time to remember our garden and consciously water healthy seeds, they will take beautiful form. Entering retreat is a supreme way to mindfully water our wholesome seeds, surrounded by a community that is nourishing the same seeds, committed to the practice of love, peace and understanding. How can we consciously consume in a way that creates beauty? Join LTMC in entering the winter season, intent on slowing down to nourish seeds of compassion and care in ourselves, our loved ones and our community.

*Cultivating the Mind of Love, page 6, Thich Nhat Hanh

Freedom Singers, Sing!

I've had the great fortune to listen to an inspiring On Being interview with late, great Civil Rights elder, Vincent Harding, in the aftermath of the presidential election last week. He spoke of his experiences as part of the Freedom Movement during 1960's and the role of spiritual communities in making last change (Yay, LTMC!). He offers wisdom and encouragement for America in this time of division and upheaval. He poses the question,

What would America's "best self" be like? *

In LTMC this week, we spoke of volition--one's deepest aspiration--and how wholesome desires can serve as a source of nourishment and happiness in our lives. Might the answers to the above question serve to clarify one's volition? Throughout Vincent Harding's interview, Freedom Songs were interwoven, anthems that focused and united the beloved community in Martin Luther King's era. I've been singing them nonstop this week, and they've been the best practice companions! Here's my favorite one:

Woke Up This Morning

Mr. Harding reminds us that spiritual vision is a vital ingredient for positive social change. He defined spiritual vision as the innate truth that every life is sacred and this value becomes the guiding light for peaceful non-violent action. Spiritual vision was the Freedom Movement's volition under the guidance of Martin Luther King. Mr. Harding posits that spiritual vision is often lacking in present day movements, as is a community that practices and lives compassion, peace and non-violence.

Where there is no vision the people perish." **

Community and spiritual vision were the foundation of the Freedom Singers, their voices called all those embroiled in conflict, including those acting in violent opposition, to recognize the sacredness of life. They sang mindfully--

"I'm walking and talking with my mind stayed on freedom...."

Martin Luther King's freedom movement is a modern day inspiration for our modern age. Alongside my personal North Star of compassion, is compassion's companion--Freedom. Can we practice our volition to live a free and wholesome life, responding to any resistance in ourselves or in others with loving care? Can we sing ourselves and our community back home when they've gone astray? Yes, most certainly, yes.

Inner Constellation Truth #2 speaks to how we are to do this--Energy never dies, it just changes form. A compassionate America is alive today because of the sacrifices and wisdom of visionary elders who walked their talk, sang their songs of commitment and used their imagination and voice to guide themselves and others in the direction of freedom. These Veterans of Hope can serve as role models in embodying peace, happiness and freedom for ourselves, our loved ones and our communities.


*Is America Possible? A Letter to My Young Companions on the Journey of Hope, Vincent Harding
** Proverbs 29:18

Self Care for Trumpsters and Hillary Lovers

It's a new day, have faith my comrades. Everything once shaken up, eventually settles. Can we hold the possibility of perhaps being pleasantly surprised? Populations of American voters are self-professed dissatisfied and cast their vote for a change in status quo. Can our practice of peace see past left and right, democrat and republican, black and white, woman and man to listen with compassion and understanding?

In these days following the election, we have riots, protests, cry-ins, safety pin movements. Me, I sat with my community the morning following the election, had dinner with my dear beloveds and opened books of poetry. In all these acts of nourishment, there is pure wisdom that guides through any "perceived storm":

"I once asked a bird,
how is it that you fly
in this gravity of darkness?
The bird responded, 'Love lifts me?'"

~Hafiz, The Gift

Bowing to Veggie Broth!

Happy November everyone! This month's theme is mindful consumption and in LTMC we're exploring how we consume the four kinds of nutriments: edible foods, sense impressions, volition and consciousness. This first week of November will focus on edible foods, heck with just finishing our Halloween goodies, we're up for this, right?! To water the seeds of mindful consumption, I wished to share a Veggie Broth recipe that's delicious, nutritious and simple. I used to feel bad about carrot peels, tomato tops and other veggie scraps that were thrown away, knowing there MUST be something I could do with these edible offerings (composting is not an option in bear territory :). Then, while interpreting a Broth's Culinary Class an insight was introduced, so simplistically beautiful the recipe is one delicious sentence:

Freeze all veggie scraps (except potato peels and eggplant) in a zip lock bag until full, place in a pot, cover with water and simmer around 45 minutes, then voila! golden, nutritious veggie broth!

"All" veggie scraps, literally means anything: onion skins, broccoli stems, leaves of cauliflower--everything! Actually, one other exception...I did find lettuces not so edible but spinach stems and leftover herbs work great. The other nightshades, tomatoes and peppers, are fine. Peppers add kick, so be forewarned. I use my veggie broth for all my rice dishes which are often Mexi, so the peppers work for me. Spices such as salt are best added after stock has been strained and placed in containers. These can be frozen and removed as needed.Veggie Broth is good for all soups, chilis and in place of water in most instances. One of my favorite ways to consume it is to add salty V8 juice, more whole veggies and eat as a quick, nutritious soup. Now when it comes to preparing veggies, I'm one happy, grateful girl....

Mindfully consuming the scraps of veggie friends,
I smile,
knowing I use everything Mama Earth
so generously offers.

Step Into Nature's Paint Palette

This week in Mindfulness Community (LTMC) we're studying the 5th Mindfulness Training: Nourishment and Healing. Over the last two days I've had a visceral experience of this by way of the rain. After many months of drought it's a blessing to soak in and appreciate the moisture, literally sitting with the sight, sound, smell and touch as well as enjoying walking meditation in nature's paint palette, splashed in the colors of fall and being nourished and healed big time! The 5th Mindfulness Training discusses mindful consumption but not only confined to food. It expands to nourishing our sense impressions, volition (North Stars) and consciousness. In community we discussed media and how its bombardment can be all consuming. What are ways in which the influx of information we absorb can ensure we're sustained and inspired, versus depleted? Please email thoughts or visit LTMC's FB page. We're just beginning our exploration. Take a peek at this week's training and consider joining LTMC as the discussion and practice will be insightful these next few weeks: 

Fifth Mindfulness Training: Nourishment and Healing

Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I am committed to cultivating good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family, and my society by practicing mindful eating, drinking, and consuming. I will practice looking deeply into how I consume the Four Kinds of Nutriments, namely edible foods, sense impressions, volition, and consciousness. I am determined not to gamble, or to use alcohol, drugs, or any other products which contain toxins, such as certain websites, electronic games, TV programs, films, magazines, books, and conversations. I will practice coming back to the present moment to be in touch with the refreshing, healing and nourishing elements in me and around me, not letting regrets and sorrow drag me back into the past nor letting anxieties, fear, or craving pull me out of the present moment. I am determined not to try to cover up loneliness, anxiety, or other suffering by losing myself in consumption. I will contemplate interbeing and consume in a way that preserves peace, joy, and well-being in my body and consciousness, and in the collective body and consciousness of my family, my society and the Earth.*

*The Five Mindfulness Trainings, Plum Village Mindfulness Practice Centre, Thich Nhat Hanh

Creepy Crawlies, Save Us!

A mindfulness practice in looking deeply into the experience of another...what great fun! Enjoy below or watch poetry read on YouTube. 

Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
©October 24, 2016 Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

Late 1600’s, 

a Dutchman sewing drapes
on a quest to see and understand the quality of thread,
held glass to flame, pulled apart whiskers of filament
and fashioned a sphere of magnificence
far surpassing any enlargement known to man.

You, most Curious One, then positioned magnifying orb
to capture a drop of rain,
slid it within an elegant copper frame,
and held it toward the sun…
In that moment, instant epiphany—‘Animalcules!’—
“Tiny Animals,” wriggled beneath said looking glass:
diminutive muscle fibers, blood pulsing capillaries,
vibration of smallest life, as of yet unseen.

Brilliant Antoni,
artist and businessman,
in an instant turned charlatan,
became a self-proclaimed scientist.
Your professed “wonders of God’s creation,” were openly ridiculed,
mold, lice and bees scoffed as insignificant,
varmints to exterminate rather than understand. 

After many years fraught with scientific struggle 

Royal Society vindicated and affirmed your name.
Antoni,
“Father of Microbiology,”
please help us see
clearly and deeply
the enchanting,
arresting,
miraculous
quality of all life—
Eyes-the-looking-glass,
capture the merit
and illuminate its worth. 

Spilling Over Gratitude....

A Snapshot of FR Short Property
LTMC Fall Retreat 2016
©Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

Practicing with the theme of, “Vibration,”
we are blessed with the fourth day of a major storm.
Thirsty Momma Earth models the way—
yield all hardness to steady rain
as LTMC drives onto Glenbrook lane.
Stuffed to the gills in three cars,
oooos and aaahhhhs abound:
crimson maples, flaming aspens,
rain-slicked black asphalt, backdrop to color.

A parked Model T Wagon reminds,

we’ve entered a portal of time….

Turn right onto the drive,
all eyes on Ancient Cottonwoods,
glistening limbs spread up and out,
welcoming canopy,
having deposited golden gifts upon the lawn—
miniature treasure piles
for our discovery.

Walk up porch steps,
shed our many layers
as flow like a river
we arrive inside
glass-room sanctuary.

Heart-to-heart hugs, smiles, profusion begins.
Sound of the bell,
settling in.
One-eyed leather turtle
an endearing ottoman for damp feet.
Turn him toward center, so he too can see.

Pitter, patter gentle penetration
builds to gale force winds,
but at FR Short—we become the eye of the storm….

Walking meditation, inside? Heck no!

We are Tahoe born, bundle up and out we go,
step into nature’s palette:
splashed with scarlet, gold, russet,
Lake gray, pier brown, wet sand,
hold hands, stay warm.
Back inside we go,
aglow.

Sound the bell,
tea in hand,
back to sanctuary.
Pitter patter flows into lunch:
5 Contemplations with a vegan spread—
out of this world lip smacking!

Our compassion nourished, it’s time for a nap,
total relaxation with the Discourse on Love:
“senses calm, we dwell in tranquility…
safe, protected from inner and outer harm…
cultivating love without obstacles,
hearts free…
living with ease and grace….”

Native drum comes out in force,
to en-force
Momma’s one drumbeat beneath our feet,
synchronized mallets and voice push prayers out:
health, well-being, these people want to live.
Sing ourselves into submission—Inter-beauty—
from the tops of heads to the soles of feet.
We acknowledge our teachers, ancestors
those who fanned our sparks so we may shine.

Vibrating hearts in unison:
October 16—FR Short property,
everything here gentles, “wake up!”
Gratitude in our marrows
as we generate peace, compassion, understanding,
so we may maintain peace, compassion, understanding.

How?
One simple, adoring word—Community.

"It's such a good vibration...It's such a sweeeeeet sensation!"

"Can you feel it baby...I can too! Come on, come on, swing it, swing it! Bringin' this to the entire nation: black, white, red, brown, feel the vibration!" Then, Loleatta Holloway's powerful voice penetrates the air, "It's such a good vibration...it's such a sweeeeet sensation..." Ooooooo, yes it is!

When I think of October's theme of "Vibration," Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch slips in with their song Good Vibrations. Theme song for our October Retreat  perhaps???!!!??? Bet you can't listen without tapping your feet....

Oct. 2 Tahoe's first snowfall! Happy Bunnies!

Vibration also has me thinking of the incredible scientifically proven ability of our hearts to pump out positive vibes. Heartmath Institute has shown that our hearts radiate an electrical current 5-8 feet from our marvelous centers, influencing all other beating hearts around us. When we generate non-violence, peace and compassion within ourselves (and FOR ourselves) this current literally permeates out and creates many happy hearts. The same is true of emotions like grief, sadness, anger, or despair. These too influence the physical electrical currants of those in our vicinity. Sing it, Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch: "Rhymes will groove you and I'm here to prove to you...pump positive vibes!" If the power of the heart intrigues you, please read these related IC Blog articles.

What are you taking in and putting out? This is a mighty question for the month of October and the season of Fall when we're called to release what is no longer bearing fruit and go within for transformation. What's your vibration, ya'all? Hit it..."So come along for the ride...making you feel the rhythm is my occupation!"

I look most forward to the theme of "Vibration," this month and all the insights it will bring. LTMC hopes to see you at October's Fall Retreat where we'll be pumping out all things beautiful..."Come on, come on, feel it, feel it! Feel the vibration!"

Ordinary Magic

Magical September days are unfolding. I've been home from Deer Park Retreat a week now and was corresponding with a dear friend who was a travel companion about our transition back. We both agreed that we continue to feel nurtured and held by community.

Thich Nhat Hanh, alongside Martin Luther King Jr., have made establishing beloved community their life's work. Both men have been instrumental in my practice of peace and the idea that every moment provides a practice opportunity. It doesn't matter if we're in retreat, at work, knee deep in the mundane or  steeped in the holy; in fact, there's no differentiation. This brings me to dish washing, yes, dish washing! It's something I do every day, but I notice myself sometimes rushing through it so I can move onto the next something.

Guess what work group I was placed in during the Deer Park retreat? Yep, dish washing. Everyday I worked within the collective mindfulness of my team and we assisted with washing dishes for over 200 people. Such occurrence, the opportunity to be so perfectly held in community, is what I now refer to as--The Miracle of Mindfulness.

Here's another example of the Miracle of Mindfulness and beloved community--as you may know, the September Inner Constellation monthly theme is "Magic." This morning, I reached for a book on my shelf that I had purchased after moving from my childhood home in PA. Back then, I was wet behind the ears, having arrived in Florida to begin college. I had stumbled into a tiny bookstore crammed with all variety of, well...variety. A book title jumped out--Ordinary Magic: Everyday Life as Spiritual Path. So I purchased it, and then it sat on my book shelf over the years, somehow avoiding my regular weeding out routine. I just kind of held onto it, never having read it until this month when I needed inspiration for our theme of "Magic." I turned to the first author in this anthology and I find Thich Nhat Hanh! His contribution is entitled, "Sunshine and Green Leaves," and do you know what he wrote about? Yep, dish washing! Another Miracle of Mindfulness wherein I am gently guided by community. So with gratitude, in this same spirit of community, I offer the following gatha (practice poem), inspired by dear Thich Nhat Hanh, Deer Park, my dish washing team, the Lotus Root :), and the aspiration of practicing peace in every moment:


9/26 InnerConstellation.com Blessing*: Washing Dishes

Hot water, fragrant soap, sponge,
movement of my hands
and strong legs to stand--
each are precious miracles.

©Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

May each dish you wash today, nourish you completely as you love and care for yourself, your loved ones and your community.


*Inner Constellation Blessings are short, sweet little ditty's to inspire your practice. They are my gift to you, sent via email Mon-Fri. If you would like to receive, please contact me.

Sister Falling Leaves

I write this first day of Fall while watching storm clouds build over Mount Tallac and roll this way. Wind has picked up as leaves and pine needles drop to the ground. A sweet mantra has formed out of my day's blessing send,* a three word reminder to carry me through the rest of today: sister-falling-leaves. This mantra is inspired by a recent retreat to Deer Park, a Mindfulness Community of practitioners. My biggest take-away was the role of community and the tools of mindfulness to keep me going in the direction I wish to go (ie Charting the Course). Community and practice are my foundation and both water (so tenderly) my seeds of determination to live a happy life.
 

9/22 InnerConstellation.com Blessing*: Magic of Fall

Cottonwood roots bump up through hard ground,
to catch sister-falling-leaves, gladly,
knowing these heart-shaped bodies
nurture and become her own.
 

 ©2016 Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

Experiencing the stability, peace and collective energy of community, I'm supported and therefore can be stability and peace for others. The roots of practice: meditation, the teachings, sutras, bell, teachers and ancestors hold us, they are solid and share our determination. Strong roots produce beautiful leaves, and as they go through their full glory, transformation and release, the roots catch their sister-falling-leaves, knowing they are not separate but dependent on one another for a good life. 

I also have much gratitude for Lake Tahoe Mindfulness Community, my home group, who share in the desire to practice compassion and understanding in ourselves, toward our loved ones and our local community. On this first day of Fall, the storm approaches, the leaves and pine needles drop, but sister-falling-leaves knows the comfort of being held and supported through whatever the season offers. 

*Mon-Fri InnerConstellation.com blessing sends are my gift to you. Please contact me if you would like to receive and benefit from short and sweet inspirations.  

LTMC Fall Mindfulness Retreat 2016

Get ready for a spectacular day under the ancient cottonwood beauties along the shores of Lake Tahoe! Our Zen tradition speaks of conditions for happiness that nourish and grow seeds of mindfulness within us. This home and property has a multitude of such aspects, coaxing and pampering our community into the Fall season. It has sustained through six generations and is a museum of Tahoe local and Native history. We'll be carpooling from The Studio promptly at 9:00a, to arrive in Glenbrook to greet the morning with sitting and walking meditation. Native American visiting drum will be coming as well to join in our theme of "Vibration." Soup, bread and salad will be provided. Please bring something to share, potluck style, with our community aspiration of maintaining vegetarian/vegan options. Come practice peace, understanding and beauty for yourself, your loved ones and your community. More information on our LTMC Facebook page and Fall Retreat Events page. This is an RSVP event. Please contact me if you plan on attending. LTMC looks forward to greeting Fall with you!

Magic

Here in the Sierras leaves are turning brilliant colors and the air has turned crisp with shadows creeping long in the softening light of fall. It's one of my favorite times of year and I find myself captivated by the seasonal process of degeneration in preparation for rest. Magic as a theme seems natural and was precipitated by an early morning run along the river by my home the first day of September. Temperatures were invigorating as I rounded a bend to nearly bump into a white crane. He stood perfectly still about 20 feet from me in the golden grass and didn't move, so I didn't either, and we just regarded one another for a few brief seconds before he took flight. My active mind began thinking of reasons why he hadn't been scared off--perhaps he was deaf, or blind, or both, or....perhaps I had run into a magical moment.

A few days later I read an article on an amazing millionaire who, along with his wife and teenage daughter, rescues refugees out of the sea. In August 2014 at the age of 33, Christopher Catrambone dedicated half his savings to establishing Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS). Red Cross recently partnered with him because he has one of the lowest casualty rates. A reporter had recently accompanied MOAS on a rescue of Tunisian refugees and witnessed the following:

"Back on the Phoenix, one girl, her trousers covered in vomit, collapsed as soon as she got on board. Mostly there was quiet relief as energy snacks, water bottles, blue towels, woollen socks and thin white, wind-blocking protective overalls were handed out. After a few minutes of stunned silence the small children, miraculously, began playing." 

After such a harrowing ordeal, the children began playing. Magic--our internal innate ability to turn toward life and survive and thrive. We have this same desire for others. I reflected this morning on the power of two North Stars--loving-kindness and compassion. Often when I introduce these to folks they'll ask, what's the difference? To me, loving-kindness is doing good for others simply to do good, uninitiated and perhaps this can be associated with friendliness or wishing well and doing our part to be kind to living beings in all circumstances. Compassion on the same hand :) is the capacity to recognize suffering and do what we can to alleviate that suffering, Mr. Christopher Catrambone and his family are prime examples of compassion in action. The incentive of loving-kindness and compassion seem to be the vision of a common good. When we practice loving-kindness and compassion we become forces that lift hearts and minds (ours included) to new heights. As enchanting September days set stage for glorious Fall, I look forward to magical moments with you. Send me your insights, I would love to hear them.

It Keeps Going...and Going...and Going!

I arrived home this afternoon to my beloved who asked sweetly, "Can we do a movie night?" It's been months since we crashed, cuddled up and watched a good movie. I was all in! But...then, a personal to-do list was introduced before we settled down, in addition to tennis rackets needing strung during the movie. Wait, what? Life is so full these days, it's hard to find a moment, or a cuddle, or a...breath? 

Is it just me? Anyone else feel like an alien from another planet, looking around at the energizer bunnies pounding their drums as they just keep going and going and going? I mean, c'mon, the bunny is pink, wears sunglasses and flip flops--that's a maddening juxtaposition!

While my energizer bunny runs around before the movie, I'm out in the garden, having kicked off my flip flops (ha!), and I'm writing it out. Here's a heart-felt weekend offering for space to materialize between the drum beats or hey...all else fails, let's pull the batteries ;)

Vaiynafesh
©Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

A word of Hebrew origin meaning “refreshed,” literally – “exhaled”

In the beginning: darkness, expansion, heaven meets earth.
“And on the 7^th day, God rested and was ‘refreshed’”—
Creator exhaled….

A 21^st Century creator takes in and breathes the days:
emails, texts, drama,
traffic, errands, news,
to do’s, cooking, chores.

Draw in and in and in, fill to overflowing.
Try this: hold the in-breath, do NOT breathe out,
Impossible!
Wise body knows the pause of natural rhythm.

“Vaiynafesh”—
Refresh.
Roll, Ancient Syllables, from a tired and grateful tongue…
Darkness, expansion, heaven meets earth.

As tonight is breathed into existence,
this 21^st Century creator
practices
exhaling. 

Blue Pill, Red Pill?

I recently finished the novel, "Night," by Elie Wiesel. Anyone who has read this slim holocaust memoir knows it was not easy. The reading was precipitated by a personal commemoration of the author, for Elie recently died at the ripe age of 87 years. Also, my momma, who knows my heart well, gave me the book. It had sat on my book shelf for years until I was most recently ready to read it.

Now, before you go thinking this is a kill-joy blog article, no-sir-eeeee. Remember IC Truth #3: everything no matter how challenging has the ability to be transformed. Elie Wiesel is a shining North Star example of this certainty. The day I finished the book, I dedicated my morning to sitting with what I had learned. I did this in my garden of course, and as I sat by my pond, in addition to holding Elie Wiesel's story close, I noticed the hummingbirds came around, as did the nuthatches, chickadees and all other kinds of joyful critters. I smiled, and pondered these competing realities--the destruction of a race of people juxtaposed with all the beauty of this natural world. Both exist--one heart-breaking, the other heart-sustaining--such interplay is constantly present. How to reconcile these realities?

I recalled this month's Inner Constellation theme--Co-creation--and grabbed my notebook as a poem took root...

Ground to Soften
©August 4, 2016 Karla Johnston InnerConstellation.com

The novel, “Night,” by Elie Weisel—
I’m reminded my every thought of impatience, anger, intolerance,
waters the larger seed of cruelty growing in the world today.
Annihilation of Jews (and anyone not conforming to radical Islam) is happening this moment.
Tears escape the corner of my eyes, seeking ground to soften.

The other side of human possibility: tenderness, joy, understanding
water seeds of freedom,
which, in the choice to cultivate, loosen cruelty’s strangle hold.
Do I wish to be grounded in the killing field
or tend the garden of humanity with compassion and mercy?

Germination starts within,
it grows within. 


How do I reconcile competing realities? My answer--germination starts within, it grows within. More questions follow--Am I more able to Co-create and practice goodness and generosity because I live healthy, happy, strong and free? Do I have a responsibility to do so, due to my good measure? 

As this month of August stretches toward the end, I continue to answer my heart questions. Relying on Lake Tahoe Mindfulness Community and my support network of family and friends, I know answers will come and Co-creation will be the result: germination starts within, it grows within. 

Bless you, wise Elie Wiesel, for your continuation of insight, compassion and hope. 

Co-Create...Say WHHHat?

Thanks to dear Mike Pape, LTMC member and sweet presence, for suggesting August's Inner Constellation theme of co-create. As I sat to write the practice blessings* to send for the week, you know how it goes...the muse slipped in. I heard a single word...animator...and the creative juices began a'flowin' until !bam!--co-creating in practice!

Animator
©2016 Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

It was instructed and breathed, “Receive the Holy Spirit…”

Sacred life, nonstop
pours through these bodies
requiring nothing except to be alive.

Yesterday, I saw a baby take her first breath,
and today discussed with colleagues how to assist those taking their last.

Deep Mystery
propels body, speech, mind,
actions and consciousness….

Breathing in, I’m aware of sacred life;
Breathing out, I vow compassion, peace and understanding.


May this offering continue to water the seeds of goodness within. I look most forward to exploring co-creation this month of August and practicing the North Stars of compassion, peace and understanding along the way. 


*Monday-Friday 2-4 line email send. Short, sweet, promoting the practice of engaged compassion throughout your day. Please contact me if you'd like this gift from me to you. 

The Moon's Question to Hafiz

The Moon's Question to Hafiz
©2016 Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

"Is it true that our destiny

Is to turn into Light

Itself?" *

Moon, Faithful Lover,

You continuously scour, then fill

With pure effulgence 

This awe-struck heart to the brim.

Your love-making is simple: 

Sit close,

Be still,

For any surface, once saturated with Light

Cannot help but overflow

with brilliance. 

*lines from Hafiz’s poem, “Faithful Lover”

60 Million Refugees

I typically don't comment on political hub-bub going on, but something struck me this week that I keep going back to, which usually means it's time to write it out. After the Republican Convention, President Obama was asked to comment on Donald Trump's speech on the worsening terrorist situation in the Middle East spreading into US and Europe and this was one of his replies:

...this vision of violence and chaos everywhere, doesn’t really jibe with the experience of most people. I hope people the next morning walked outside and birds were chirping and the sun was out, and this afternoon, people will be watching their kids play in sports teams and go to the swimming pool and folks are going to work and getting ready for the weekend.

I truly thank President Obama for so clearly confirming for me the importance of two things:

1) We must open our eyes and not turn away from the suffering in our world. The above statement is only applicable if one lives in the US! Here is a startling fact--at present we are experiencing the highest number of refugees in human history--over 60 million people are attempting to flee horrendous conditions. Do they walk outside and hear the birds chirping and sun warming their skin? Watch their kids play sports and go to the swimming pool? This leads us to number 2 point of thanks....

2) Engaged Compassion is a North Star worthy of consideration for our times - we must consider engagement with what is going on in the world, not turning away or being happy enough with our small piece of security here in the United States. How do we do this? By being mindful, i.e. aware of conditions with our neighbors and with compassion and understanding comprise a solution. In this quest of engaged compassion, I discovered a few links to check out. Please be inspired, and perhaps practice the North Star of engaged compassion:

Refugee Team Makes it to the 2016 Olympics

CARE website

CARE Facebook Page

Have a beautiful week, yes the birds are chirping and sun is shining. Soak it up! At the same time, there are many striving for life and for the world to notice and do something to help. Perhaps when you're all nourished and loved up, consider practicing engaged compassion--I would love to hear what you discovered.

Harmony in the Midst of Dissonance

Last night's drum celebration was awesome, celebrating the 2 year anniversary for Lake Tahoe Mindfulness Community and the continued strength and harmony of our community! We're just getting started as this coming Sunday is our Summer Mindfulness Retreat . As a community, we've been deeply touched by all the events going on across our country and world: shootings in Orlando, the loss of lives and suffering in the black communities, Dallas police shootings and most recently, last night's attack in Nice, France. Our theme for summer retreat is "Harmony," and the question naturally arises--how can we practice harmony in the midst of such seeming dissonance? 

We will be exploring answers to this question on at Retreat on Sunday. As a loose preparation here is one definition of harmony to use as our guide: 

Harmony - the blending of simultaneous sounds or voices of different pitches or qualities. 

Being a singer, I strive to recognize the lead vocalist. If this is strong, all kinds of harmonies can branch off and actually strengthen the lead with their support. If there's a voice that doesn't quite hear the harmony or is unskilled in producing a similar vocal range, the blending will not be in accord. In fact, this off-key voice will tend to pull others away and distract entirely from the ultimate production of sound. Every day we encounter different voices, different perceptions and clashing events. When these happen, can we still recognize, remember and maintain the lead?

Sunday's Summer Retreat will be a time to nourish the lead of compassion and understanding, a time to strengthen ourselves, our loved ones and our community. LTMC looks forward to diving into the question--how can we practice harmony in the midst of dissonance? We will explore Right View--noticing when suffering arises in ourselves and others and practicing not making the suffering worse...ie carrying the lead.

It is said that one of the greatest gifts we can give another is our freedom. LTMC looks forward to another year of practicing and strengthening freedom, please consider joining us, we would love to hear your voice.  

Independence Day

Freedom is an inside job, ya'all. It's natural to think of the Declaration of Independence today as we celebrate its signing in 1776--life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness--inalienable rights that America was founded upon. If we don't have reverence for life and freedom, then we can't begin to pursue a happy life. 

I think of Thich Nhat Hanh's eloquent definition of Reverence for Life in the first of the Five Mindfulness Trainings:

Reverence for Life 
Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating the insight of interbeing and compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants, and minerals. I am determined not to kill, not to let others kill, and not to support any act of killing in the world, in my thinking, or in my way of life. Seeing that harmful actions arise from anger, fear, greed, and intolerance, which in turn come from dualistic and discriminative thinking, I will cultivate openness, non-discrimination, and non-attachment to views in order to transform violence, fanaticism, and dogmatism in myself and in the world. 

I've been pondering freedom today and thinking about living a life free of tension, I'm talking 100% free of anxiety, worry, fear, you name it. Is it possible? Inner Constellation clients are familiar with one of my favorite questions to ask--"What's keeping you from being 100% absolutely free?" The following helps us answer that question:

1) Recognize - when there is tension, slow down, look deeply, and take time to care for yourself and others. Often we push ourselves or push others in the direction we wish them to go, rather than...

2) Calming the Emotion - once tension is recognized, we can bring relief right away through the use of our breathing, our thinking, our actions and our words. This is the practice of peace and nonviolence, toward oneself and others. It's a choice and a necessary one on the path of freedom.  

3) Inspire - don't stay in the tension, recognize all the other conditions of goodness available, be grateful and recognize beauty, it surrounds us always, even in the midst of utter chaos.

As I finish writing this, a BBC news feed scrolls across my phone: Iraq suicide bomb attack, 165 dead in Baghdad. Three days of mourning has been issued. Freedom starts within. I come back to my Inner Constellation: recognize, calm, inspire. What do these events mean to me in light of Independence Day? Song, dedication, the sound of the bell, beginning a poem to set my intention....May all beings be happy, may they be healthy and strong, free from inner and outer harm, may they live in their world with ease and grace....*


*Lines adapted from the Metta Sutra

July 14: Celebrate LTMC's 2 Year Anniversary!!!

You're invited to join us for an evening of celebration! The native drum has just returned from Sundance Ceremony in Croyden, Utah and is ready to bless LTMC's continuation and initiate our Summer Retreat the following Sunday, July 17. We'll be singing inter-tribal songs and Sundance Ceremony Songs in celebration of the summer season when dancers and singers come together with prayers for the people and communities. This promises to be an extra special night. Visit our FB events page to join, invite friends and find out more:

https://www.facebook.com/events/713904325416298/

Dirty Angels

I had a few of them appear last evening (larger than mosquitoes) and tried to swat them away to no avail! Dang it, I thought I was beyond this...I had a blow up with a loved one last night and got sucked in!

I woke at 2:30a with a heavy heart and decided to take my sorry self outside to sleep beneath the moon and morning star. I dragged my Therm-A-Rest and sleeping bag onto my deck and as soon as I got settled, I knew--this is the stuff of transformation, the blow up is the practice. I missed the first opportunity to transform the crappy-crap, but garbage is in a constant process of becoming a rose, so, um...get to work.

"Hello, my dirty angels, I see you..." I tapped, I breathed, I identified, and I lay beneath the bright moon and finally drifted off to sleep, into dreamland, where I saw one of my precious "Tahoe" Moms. She sat in our green garden rocking chair directly next to where I was laying on the deck, and motioned to the dark sky overhead--a cosmic scene like the pictures from NASA unfolded. Black and crimson gases erupted from a bubbling star field. She looked into my soul, like she has a tendency to do, and asked, "Do you have the ability to pull from this glorious Creation?"

The swirling beauty of stars, filled me, "Yes, ma'am!" I say silently in my dream. It's that kind of moment. When I woke, I asked the dream question to the moon, which now hung directly over me--"Do you have the ability to pull from this glorious Creation?"

She answered, "Of course, My Dear." I closed my eyes and went back to sleep. Some things are best given over to the night sky.

I woke this morning entirely refreshed and committed to continuing the journey using my North Star of love and compassion as my guide. I know too, my dirty angels should not be swatted. Their wings are tattered enough. They appear to show me what needs tending. "Hello, Little Rose," they say, "it's time for transformation."

Orlando Nightclub

I showed up to class yesterday and felt the white elephant in the room, a blanket that seemed to lay heavy on us all. I have two students in the class who are part of the LGBT community and they looked devastated. I proceeded with curriculum, making a quick adjustment to the evening to allow for a solid 30 minutes of discussion before we closed for the night. I love my students with a ferocity that often surprises me, and often when something like the shooting in Orlando happens, I think...that could have been one of mine...one of mine, it is one of mine--this has affected us all. In our classroom conversation I asked the question, how many of you were angry? All but two of my seventeen raised their hands. How many of you were sad? All of them raised their hands. Then, the question that always seems to be asked in return? What can we do?

Hmmm, we contemplated and discussed that natural, beautiful impulse of wanting to do something to relieve the suffering we see. Here was my reply--take care of those seeds of anger and sadness within yourself, for they are a taste of what caused the gunman to shoot. 

I came home from school, and as is my nature, I went to the written word for comfort. I hope this provides nourishment....

Orlando Nightclub
©June 14, 2016 Karla Johnston, InnerConstellation.com

Watching events unfold, I feel my Avenging Angel sprout wings,
Hello, my anger…my sadness.
I threaten flight.
Then, I’m not sure how, but a sudden realization, a blessing is bestowed—
righteous anger is a taste of what caused such tremendous suffering.
Seeds of anger and intolerance when watered will grow.
Is this what happened to the gunman?

What can I do for those suffering?
Take care of my unwholesome seeds,
listen to my Dirty Angels—they show me what needs care,
practice looking at myself and others
with love and understanding.

I see you, our seeds, and practice another way—taking refuge:
in stillness,
deep listening,
and transformation.

In closing, here is a mantra that I found beautiful and healing. May you enjoy the voice of an angel, Ajeet Kaur, who sings a song to turn our minds toward peace and ease of rest. It's sung before sleep, or for the final sleep of dying: Antajaamee