Pike’s Peak
The teacher who is indeed wise does not bid you to enter the house of his wisdom but rather leads you to the threshold of your mind.
–Khalil Gibran
It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.
–Albert Einstein
~~@~~
“Right association” is the practice of being with those who will help you elevate your being. Elevating your being does not mean increasing your status or inflating your ego. It means finding people who will move you closer towards bliss than you can walk alone.
Surround yourself with individuals and environments that are positive, loving, and compassionate. Can’t find these people? Then seek out individuals through the ages who have lived through the wisdom of spirit rather than the drama of ego. Read their works!
This also means minimizing time with individuals and environments that are degrading or toxic.
And just to share a few of my ‘elevators’ this past year:
Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates.
Rolf shares his interesting background and wonderful talent at translating ancient teachings into practical and modern living. It’s parcelled into bite-sized bits that pack a punch. It’s a great book for daily study. In fact, it was so good I had to buy a second copy of the book mid-way through because I couldn’t wait to share it with a dear teacher.
The Lost Art of Compassion by Lorne Ladner
A fantastic book. Ladner’s perspective is informed by modern Western psychology temper with Buddist tradition. My copy is highlighted, dog-earred, water-marked, and filled with cookie crumbs — all signs that it’s good. It has traveled with me everywhere. Thanks to Noelle of Be the Breath (another elevator) for the recommendation.
Please share what or who has elevated you this year!
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May 22, 2012 at 7:23 pm
Dana
One of my elevators this year has been Kathy from the blog Lake Superior Spirit (http://upwoods.wordpress.com). I often find her posts to be refreshing in the midst of my normally chaotic life.
I like the idea of surrounding yourself with people who uplift you rather than drag you down. Drama takes so much energy (but why is it so attractive?) So much better to just ride the river of life without struggling against the currents.
Speaking of currents, a book I read several years ago used this metaphor: we have trained ourselves (inexplicably) to struggle against the natural flow of our existence. Instead of sailing down the river of existence *with* the currents, we have built sleeker rafts and developed our muscles to become strong and able enough to steer ourselves upstream. Why? What for? Gently turn the aero-raft around and let yourself glide with the currents. So much easier! 🙂
May 25, 2012 at 3:02 am
Lunar Euphoria
Thank you for posting the link to Kathy’s blog. She is indeed an elevator! 🙂
I like the metaphor. Now you have me thinking of salmon in mating season…
May 24, 2012 at 8:06 pm
Kathy
Awww, Dana, that is so sweet of you to say that. Happy Kathy.
Lunar Euphoria, please tell–what ashram did you visit? How long were you there?
It has been such an intense time of realization lately that it feels impossible to articulate anything in words. Have been meditating/on a spiritual journey for many years but only this spring been able to penetrate layers to open to a deep fear of emptiness–and relax into it. Just sitting and being…and right now, enjoying reading your lovely blog.
May 25, 2012 at 3:11 am
Lunar Euphoria
Yogi Hari’s ashram (http://www.yogihari.com/).
In “real world” time it was the equivalent of two weeks. But in the ashram time warp, the first week was roughly the equivalent of three dog years. The second week sped by in a dizzying blur.
And yes, the void can seem a scary place.
Thanks so much for dropping in.
July 3, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Maria Lúcia Dário
Beautiful dog, beautiful friend. A teacher from Brazil.
June 8, 2013 at 3:29 am
Lunar Euphoria
Thank you for pausing here to read. Somehow I missed your comment before today.