The heat and discomfort of my condition left me fleeing the yoga room in an angry frenzy. With my mind spinning, I fell into a white leather couch in the marble lobby of the Yoga college. I could have chosen to venture outside and soak in the warm California sun, but the soft body of the couch held my body just right and the warm breeze flowing past the glass doors soothed my mind. I sat, breathing deeply, trying to dissipate the subsequent dizziness of deciding what the information, pain, ridiculous amount of yoga really meant to me. I planned on spending the few hours relaxing in that very spot, soaking in my silence and stillness...
But then, I caught a scent, a perfume so sweet I had to know what it was so that I could have it for myself. Surely, it was not one of my fellow trainees; hygiene had become as basic as possible in order to conserve energy, and cut down time spent in the washroom shared by some 180 exasperated yoginis. No, it was not one of the women I sweat alongside with day in and day out, it was the colourful woman who sat next to me.
She turned to Rachel and I and asked with wide eyes " How is training going?" we answered with slight enthusiasm, our answers not nearly as in depth as she obviously desired. Unsatisfied with our run of the mill, "Oh its going really well, hard, but really good," she continued to ask question after question. At some point I found the annoyance of having my peace robbed by an inquiring stranger dissipate. In its place grew a fascination with the things she was telling me. We began with sharing basic facts about ourselves, our backgrounds and our practices.
Her name was Suzanne, a jewelry designer and practitioner of 5 years, she had recently made LA her home after moving from New York. Soon our conversation began to journey down many different paths, exploring a variety of topics. Two of those paths we traveled, left their sights so deeply ingrained in my mind that I feel an absolute necessity to share them.
" Fear," I said, "I've always had a negative relationship with the emotion, if you can call it that. But I am beginning to feel that even fear has its purpose. Fear somewhat serves to give us some sort of guidance, to keep us in check."
"I understand your point," she said, "and I could even argue it. But I've come to understand something different about fear. I truly feel that there it has no productivity. That decisions should rather be made based on knowledge and not fear. '
' For example, imagine I was in Hawaii, standing alone on a beach late at night. And, imagine that there is nothing that I would rather do than take a swim. Taking into consideration that there is a rocky shore, and as the tide comes in the swells are huge with the dark making things hard to see, swimming is really, not such a good idea. But, if I were to make that decision based on fear, I do nothing but demean myself. I debilitated by being in a position where I feel I cannot do something.
'If, however, I can look out at the waves understand their purpose and my purpose; and realize, that at that time of night, on the rocky shores as the tide comes in our purposes have nothing to do with each other. I can then make my decision not to swim based on knowledge, empowering myself rather than choosing to cower in fear. This way I know that I am capable of swimming, but it results in consequences I would not gladly endure. In this situation fear and knowledge lead to the same conclusions, but choosing to be fearful only made me weak, where knowledge gave me power."
Our conversation continued to grow, and take many twists and turns until our discussion arrived at the intersection of..
"Insecurity?" Though it was one word, I said it knowing she would understand I sought to know what she had to say.
"No need for it." Suzanne began, "There is a realization we all must make in our time here. There has never been a person like you that has walked this earth, and there will never be another like you again. This in itself, the very fact you exist, is a gift! You are an individual and a miracle, and being given the privilege of existence it is you DUTY to live to your best potential. There is no use looking around seeing what so-and-so is doing in hopes that you can be him or her, because you can never be that person. You can only be you, and to be the best you is the most beautiful and powerful achievement. '
'Not only is it important to realize this about ourselves, but its important to realize this about others as well. Its too easy to look at others and put ourselves on a pedestal. I am a jewelry designer, but that makes me no better than the guy who drives the garbage truck down the road. I don't look at him feeling sorry and say 'Gee, I'm glad that's not my job,' I NEED him! He NEEDS me! All of us are dependent on each other, and no one is better than the other, we all have our own role to play.
'When put in the context of insecurity, attempting to play someone else's role in life, by putting ourselves down, by seeking to be like someone else, doesn't contribute to the greater picture: the interplay between us all. It simply robs us of another brilliant person strong in their individuality. Be yourself, be proud; don't try to fit into a mold you do not fit into, because the only mold that fits is, in fact, your own."
The words that Suzanne left me within the hour and half we spent talking on the couch, have continued to touch me and change the way I view and conduct myself in my day to day situations. I strive to always remember that we all have our path, beauty and purpose, and in understanding and appreciating this in others and our environment, we can all live a life rich with knowledge and power, free of fear and inhibition.
Friday, December 30, 2005
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Christmas...
It seems that every year the discussion of what Christmas has come to mean in our modern society intensifies. Christmas was once defined by celebrating the birth of Christ, and the beginning of his coming. Yet now, in the year of 2005, Christmas is seemingly a prisoner of corporation, tortured into relinquishing its once holy meaning, beaten into telling us to 'Buy! Buy! Buy! Though Christmas controversy is seemingly new it has, in fact, surrounded the holiday since its inception. However the question remains; has Christmas lost all its meaning, or is it simply undergoing a metamorphosis coming to mean something new?
Christmas is known to be a celebration of the birth of Christ. Yet even this is a falsehood, as many historians have come to agree. According to descriptions from the Bible, "shepherds [were] living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night." (Luke 2:8) This passage alone has led historians to believe that Christ was in fact born in spring or summer months as the winters would have been to harsh for people to sleep exposed to the elements. So why is it that the eve of December 24th and day of December 25th was in fact selected?
As Christian powers seized Europe, a challenge lay in converting the masses from the dominant religions of the times which varied from Paganism, Roman mythological beliefs, to local and regional beliefs throughout Europe. To achieve conversion, action was taken to replace existing traditions with those of Christian origin; in doing so eliminating the religions they were associated with. During December many of these religions observed mid-winter festivals, and traditions while others paid homage to different gods.
In Rome, the festival of Saturnalia was celebrated from December 14th to 25th paying homage to the god of peace and plenty : Saturn. During this time of "relaxation and merriment ..law courts were closed. No public business could be transacted. Schools kept holiday." Wars and Punishment ceased and gambling was condoned by the government. The French celebrated the 'Festival of Fools' on December 26th during which the English Lords of Misrule paraded as mock clergy, bishops, popes, abbots and archbishops. Babylonians, Egyptians and Germans observed mid-winter and fertility festivals. The Persians celebrated the birth of their sun-god, Mithras, on the 25th of December. Because the coming of winter ended the growing season, Scandinavians celebrated the festival of 'Yule', during which festivities were conducted void of spirituality. Mistletoe and holly, thought to be important symbols of fertility by the Celts, decorated homes. While Druids, who worshiped trees as a religious symbols, held sacred ceremonies around evergreens. Most of these festivals were accompanied by glutinous feasting, gift giving, endless celebration and indulgence.
It wasn't until 350 ACE, that Pope Julius I named the 25th of December as the day of Christ's birth. An action, thought by many historians, taken to make the conversion to Christianity easier for a population so accustomed to winter festivities. Not surprisingly, since its inception the tradition of Christmas has been shrowded in controvercy. Early outrage was expressed by members of the clergy who believed the birth of Christ should be a holiday focused on the simplicity of nativity rather than a holiday celebrated with the sins of indulgence. Exactly 1,655 years later and the tradition of Christmas is still hotly debated.
In 2005,the true meaning of Christmas is at stake as we buy more and more each year. In the year 2004, shoppers in Canada alone spent a staggering $34.5 billion on retail goods. On average, per Canadian, that's a whopping $804 each! These figures, released by Statistics Canada did not include any sales made in the automotive retail sector. It is such information that leaves many with substantial evidence to support the claim that Christmas, has simply become a marketing tool.
'The Christmas Resistance Movement' (www.xmasresistance.org) proclaims that "holiday shopping is offensive and wasteful... Christmas "wish lists" and "gift exchanges" degrade the concept of giving" ; in light of this they call on readers to boycott Christmas. Refusing to subscribe to any Christmas traditions from gifts and cards to decorations, 'The Christmas Resistance Movement,' seeks to show their care to their family at this time of year by giving the gift of time. Is this just another case of counter culture madness, or a view of things to come?
As atheism increases in the 21st century, so does the mass of those who appreciate Christmas without religious or spiritual reason. Though Christmas is still a time of celebration and indulgence it is quickly being stripped of its traditional, "birth of Christ" meaning. But, is a new meaning begining to arise? Surely one could argue so. Stemming out of sentiments of old, many are beginning to feel that Christmas is simply a time for family and friends. And while it is true that the materialism of Christmas has increased, one could argue that this too is a reflection of the desire to treat those who we hold dear to our hearts. Need this be done by spending $804 per Canadian? Definitely not. But as we progress to an age where tradition is fading, it is important to remember that not all is lost. Even the members of 'the Christmas Resistance Movement' would have to admit that despite rampant materialism, the holidays still remain a time of family. Christmas is one of the few times of year people go the extra mile to connect and celebrate with those close of kin, whether they are armed with a bounty of gifts or not.
Regardless of the arguments that can be made, Christmas will remain forever immersed in controversy and debate. It has been this way since Pope Julius I's declaration some 1,655 years ago, and will surely remain so for 1,655 years more. Whether the meaning of this holiday changes again in years to come, one thing remains certain, the populous will always demand a reason to spend mid winter celebrating and indulging with those who mean the most; its been this way for centuries, and surely will remain so for centuries to come.
Bilibiography:
http://www.xmasresistance.org/
http://www.ccg.org/english/s/p235.html
http://www.christmas-time.com/ct-history.htm
http://de.essortment.com/christmaspagan_rece.htm
http://www.biblegateway.com/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/holidays/sales.html
Christmas is known to be a celebration of the birth of Christ. Yet even this is a falsehood, as many historians have come to agree. According to descriptions from the Bible, "shepherds [were] living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night." (Luke 2:8) This passage alone has led historians to believe that Christ was in fact born in spring or summer months as the winters would have been to harsh for people to sleep exposed to the elements. So why is it that the eve of December 24th and day of December 25th was in fact selected?
As Christian powers seized Europe, a challenge lay in converting the masses from the dominant religions of the times which varied from Paganism, Roman mythological beliefs, to local and regional beliefs throughout Europe. To achieve conversion, action was taken to replace existing traditions with those of Christian origin; in doing so eliminating the religions they were associated with. During December many of these religions observed mid-winter festivals, and traditions while others paid homage to different gods.
In Rome, the festival of Saturnalia was celebrated from December 14th to 25th paying homage to the god of peace and plenty : Saturn. During this time of "relaxation and merriment ..law courts were closed. No public business could be transacted. Schools kept holiday." Wars and Punishment ceased and gambling was condoned by the government. The French celebrated the 'Festival of Fools' on December 26th during which the English Lords of Misrule paraded as mock clergy, bishops, popes, abbots and archbishops. Babylonians, Egyptians and Germans observed mid-winter and fertility festivals. The Persians celebrated the birth of their sun-god, Mithras, on the 25th of December. Because the coming of winter ended the growing season, Scandinavians celebrated the festival of 'Yule', during which festivities were conducted void of spirituality. Mistletoe and holly, thought to be important symbols of fertility by the Celts, decorated homes. While Druids, who worshiped trees as a religious symbols, held sacred ceremonies around evergreens. Most of these festivals were accompanied by glutinous feasting, gift giving, endless celebration and indulgence.
It wasn't until 350 ACE, that Pope Julius I named the 25th of December as the day of Christ's birth. An action, thought by many historians, taken to make the conversion to Christianity easier for a population so accustomed to winter festivities. Not surprisingly, since its inception the tradition of Christmas has been shrowded in controvercy. Early outrage was expressed by members of the clergy who believed the birth of Christ should be a holiday focused on the simplicity of nativity rather than a holiday celebrated with the sins of indulgence. Exactly 1,655 years later and the tradition of Christmas is still hotly debated.
In 2005,the true meaning of Christmas is at stake as we buy more and more each year. In the year 2004, shoppers in Canada alone spent a staggering $34.5 billion on retail goods. On average, per Canadian, that's a whopping $804 each! These figures, released by Statistics Canada did not include any sales made in the automotive retail sector. It is such information that leaves many with substantial evidence to support the claim that Christmas, has simply become a marketing tool.
'The Christmas Resistance Movement' (www.xmasresistance.org) proclaims that "holiday shopping is offensive and wasteful... Christmas "wish lists" and "gift exchanges" degrade the concept of giving" ; in light of this they call on readers to boycott Christmas. Refusing to subscribe to any Christmas traditions from gifts and cards to decorations, 'The Christmas Resistance Movement,' seeks to show their care to their family at this time of year by giving the gift of time. Is this just another case of counter culture madness, or a view of things to come?
As atheism increases in the 21st century, so does the mass of those who appreciate Christmas without religious or spiritual reason. Though Christmas is still a time of celebration and indulgence it is quickly being stripped of its traditional, "birth of Christ" meaning. But, is a new meaning begining to arise? Surely one could argue so. Stemming out of sentiments of old, many are beginning to feel that Christmas is simply a time for family and friends. And while it is true that the materialism of Christmas has increased, one could argue that this too is a reflection of the desire to treat those who we hold dear to our hearts. Need this be done by spending $804 per Canadian? Definitely not. But as we progress to an age where tradition is fading, it is important to remember that not all is lost. Even the members of 'the Christmas Resistance Movement' would have to admit that despite rampant materialism, the holidays still remain a time of family. Christmas is one of the few times of year people go the extra mile to connect and celebrate with those close of kin, whether they are armed with a bounty of gifts or not.
Regardless of the arguments that can be made, Christmas will remain forever immersed in controversy and debate. It has been this way since Pope Julius I's declaration some 1,655 years ago, and will surely remain so for 1,655 years more. Whether the meaning of this holiday changes again in years to come, one thing remains certain, the populous will always demand a reason to spend mid winter celebrating and indulging with those who mean the most; its been this way for centuries, and surely will remain so for centuries to come.
Bilibiography:
http://www.xmasresistance.org/
http://www.ccg.org/english/s/p235.html
http://www.christmas-time.com/ct-history.htm
http://de.essortment.com/christmaspagan_rece.htm
http://www.biblegateway.com/
http://www.cbc.ca/news/background/holidays/sales.html
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