Studying Happiness

We all know that happiness can't be found "out there" but must be cultivated inside, but how many of us know how to do that?? Well, both Buddhism and now science have identified specific practices that purposefully awaken and enhance our innate capacity to be joyful. For me, that seems to be one of the most important things to study in our lives - the science of happiness. Not only does it make our lives more richer, but by being happy we also affect those around us, thus contributing to a domino affect. We all have experienced the powerful contagious effect of a mere smile......now apply that to an embodied sense of joy and delight. Powerful.

How to do it? Well, turns out there is the perfect course designed exactly for this purpose, combining both the latest cutting edge research on the brain and Buddhist teachings. Its called the "Awakening Joy Course" and is an online 10-month experiential course meant to develop our natural capacity for well-being and happiness. It has been so popular that it was featured in O magazine, Yoga Journal, and Health magazine. Join me as I take the course, or join yourself!

If you don't have time for the course, you can also follow along by reading my blogs and the two books: Awakening Joy by James Baraz, and How We Choose to Be Happy by Rick Foster and Greg Hicks.

Below are the teachings from last month.........next blog I will share this month's teachings! Stay tuned....

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February - Inclining the Mind Towards Joy

The course is based on three principles:

1) Inclining the Mind Toward Joy

2) Developing and increasing wholesome states of mind that lead to happiness

3) Noticing the feeling of gladness that accompanies wholesome states

The first step is to consciously set the intention to be happy. To literally make that the center of our lives. Its amazing when we reflect how unimportant we make that in everyday life. But this step is forcing us to make it first and to constantly reflect back on that intention, cementing it into our subconscious. Wake up with the intention to be happy and watch how it transforms your day!

Next, to deepen this intention, we must notice joy when it arises. We have evolved as humans to be biased towards registering negativity, but we counter this consciously by being fully present when experiencing happiness and noticing with all our senses. Put in another way, we are working to build up a "storehouse of positive experiences."

Lastly, we identify what brings us joy and make a Nourishment List. These are wholesome activities and experiences that nourish our spirit and lead to greater states of joy. And then we work to incorporate these activities into our lives as much as possible. "If we are too busy to nourish our spirit, we are too busy." 

Supportive Practices:

1) Meditate daily for at least 10 minutes. For instructions go HERE. 

2) Sing every day, or do some other creative expression. Singing is great because it immediately tunes you to a vibration of well-being.

3) Move your body! Yoga is great because it also cultivates the mind-body connection

4) Do something nourishing for yourself regularly. Use your Nourishment List!

5) Journal. Write daily: What am I grateful for? What did I enjoy today? When do I feel satisfied?

EnJOY!

Milarepa, Tibet's Yogi

Milarepa is known as Tibet's greatest yogi, and is a source of great inspiration to me. He is said to be the first to achieve full enlightenment within one lifetime. In a superhuman effort, he rose above the miseries of his younger life and with the help of his Guru, Marpa the Translator, took to a solitary life of meditation until he had achieved enlightenment, thus escaping Samsara (the whirlpool of life and death of worldly existence). In this way, he was very much a jivanmukta.

His story is of particular inspiration to me now as I reflect on the meaning of moksha (liberation). For a variety of reasons, this has become prominent in my current thinking and reflection.....to the point of motivating me to get it tattooed. In three days. :)   More to come........For now, a picture: मोक्ष

As it happens, there will be a premier of a movie about Milarepa coming up in two weeks. It is part of the International Buddhist Film Festival, which is coming to the Smithsonian. All March, we can watch spectacular Tibetan Buddhism films, some premiering for the first time, at the Sackler Gallery's Meyer Auditorium.  For a full schedule, check out: Tibetan Buddhism: Films from Around the World – March  

MILAREPA: Magician, Murderer Saint
This is a vividly told, captivating story of Milarepa, the man who would become Tibet’s greatest yogi, poet and saint (and a major figure in the Karma Kagyu school of Tibetan Buddhism). In the dramatic setting of 11th century Tibet, the young Milarepa falls into a world of betrayal and hardships. The greed of others upturns his privileged life, dropping him into a void of despair, humiliation, pain and anger, and he sets out to exact revenge.  Filmed on location in breathtakingly scenic Spiti, India, near the Tibetan border. Directed by Tibetan Buddhist lama Neten Chokling (co-star of the hit film The Cup) and starring Jamyang Lodro and Orgyen Tobgyal (both featured in The Cup).
Neten Chokling / Bhutan / 2006 / 90 min. / Producer to attend for Q&A

In Tibetan with English subtitles

"If you lose all differentiation between yourselves and others,
fit to serve others you will be.

And when in serving others you will win success,
then shall you meet with me;

And finding me, you shall attain to Buddhahood."



Milarepa

The Hugging generation

Fascinating article about how the current American teenage generation greets one another by hugging. Perhaps an indication of teens reaching out to one another for more social interaction in an age of virtual communication? A need for touch? And/or a positive indicator of greater comfort with emotional intimacy....

For Teenagers, Hello Means "How About A Hug?"

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Animal Liberation Project (ALP)

In DC all Summer!

The Animal Liberation Project (ALP) is an outdoor "museum" or exhibit that consists of 12 panels in which we go throughout history describing the way that we used to justify cruelty to humans (i.e., child labor, oppression of women, slavery) and compare this to the way that we continue to justify cruelty to animals today. It is a powerful exhibit.

The ALP will be located at the National Mall, between the Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian information center Monday-Friday 9-5 PM from now until Sept. 8th.
The display will also be running until Sept. 8th in NYC.

You can check out the blog at http://blog.peta.org/ and go to May 19th to read more about the display. You can also go to http://www.peta2.com/alp/ to check out Peta2's online ALP exhibit.

Chakra Workshop

Jivamukti Chakra Tuning with Agi Glowacki

Sunday, June 7
2:00 - 4:00 PM

Pure Prana studio in old Towne Alexandria
$35

The ancient system of chakras provides us with a model for therapeutic transformation. The charkas exist in our astral body and consist of seven primary levels of consciousness and corresponding physical nerve plexi. Each chakra provides access to underlying causes of pain and suffering ultimately linking back to our relationships.

During this workshop, we will explore how yogic techniques can address the possible root causes of emotional and physical difficulties in our lives. Chakras are affected most directly through sound current and vibration, making mantra a potent yogic method for purifying the charkas and promoting the ascent of consciousness. Asanas, due to their ability to directly stimulate the endocrine glands, are another potent method used for chakra cleansing.

Using asana, mantra, and positive intention, this workshop will instigate deep and lasting healing.

A Jivamukti Meditation Workshop

Vanquishing the Vrittis
A Jivamukti Meditation Workshop
with Agatha Glowacki

Date: Sun 5/24/2009
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Place: Flow Yoga Center
Cost: $35

Yogash chitta-vritti-nirodhah. (YS I:2) Yoga is the cessation of the
fluctuations, or whirlings, of the mind.

All yoga practices, including meditation, are designed to allow
happiness to radiate through every cell and tissue of the body and
every vibration of the mind. This meditation workshop explores why
and how to meditate according to yogic texts, specifically the Hatha
Yoga Pradipika and Yoga Sutras. The session will also include how to
use ancient breathing techniques, or “pranayama” as a doorway to
meditation. A variety of meditation techniques will be covered, as well
as the following essential elements of both pranayama and meditation:

**establishing a "seat" that is one of these four asanas: padmasana,
siddhasana, vajrasana, or virasana

**use of bandhas (mula bandha, uddiyana bandha, jalandhara bandha)

**breath retention (kumbaka)

Flow Yoga Center
1450 P St NW (next to Whole Foods)
Washington, DC
202 462-FLOW
website

A Cautionary Video About America’s ‘Stuff’

Today's NYTimes features an article about “The Story of Stuff,” a 20-minute video about the effects of human consumption, which has become a hit nationwide.

The video was created by Annie Leonard, a former Greenpeace employee and an independent lecturer who paints a picture of how American habits result in forests being felled, mountaintops being destroyed, water being polluted and people and animals being poisoned. Ms. Leonard, who describes herself as an “unapologetic activist,” is also critical of corporations and the federal government, which she says spends too much on the military.

Read full article HERE.

Watch film HERE: storyofstuff.com

$5 Jivamukti class@ Flow Yoga Center!

Once again, DC is hosting YOGA WEEK, in which participating studios open their spaces and host free or $5 classes. One of the these will be my Friday 4pm Jivamukti class!

Come all!!

$5.00 Class - Friday May 8 - Jivamukti 1.5 (4:00 - 5:15pm) intermediate playground

Learn more about DC YOGA WEEK: http://www.dcyogaweek.com/index.html

LoveMovement Summer Solstice Retreat

Yoga * Hoop * Dance
LoveMovement Summer Solstice Retreat
Vegan Cuisine * Cozy Accommodations * Celebration!
Women Only

Friday, June 19, 2009 – Sunday, June 21, 2009
Star Tannery, VA (90 minutes from Washington, DC)

In these times of rapid change, we’re being called to return to the center, to the heart, to The Dance!

In the spirit of Love & Celebration, join us for a weekend of ecstatic movement and deep restoration. We’ll explore Yoga, Hooping and Dance; enjoy vegan cuisine and luxuriate in the hot tubs and natural landscape of our host retreat center in Star Tannery, VA (just 90 minutes from DC).

Hatha Yoga - the exploration of physical postures (asana) to ultimately bring stillness to the body, clarity to the mind and revelation of the True Self.

Hoop Dance aka Hooping - the return of hula hooping as a movement meditation. uses colorful, adult size hoops to strengthen the body, amplify creativity and encourage community.

Ecstatic Dance - the freeform, feminine and yin expression to her counterpart, Hatha Yoga. she gives us entrance to the expansive expression of the Cosmic Force.

Come alone or bring your favorite Soul Sisters!

Yoga * Hoop * Dance Weekend schedule:
Friday afternoon: 3pm arrival, hot tub time, schedule a massage, Japanese style vegan dinner, intention setting time, restorative evening movement practice

Saturday: morning movement practice, Japanese style vegan breakfast, free time: hiking, hot tub, massage, lounge, vegan lunch; outdoor Hoop Dance practice, dinner in Strausburg, talent and movie night

Sunday: morning movement practice and integration, Japanese style vegan breakfast, discussion, farewell

Accomodations & Registration
Per person registration rates include accomodations, expert movement facilitation, four Japanese style vegan meals on site - our Saturday evening meal in Strausburg is not included in the rate, access to the Japanese style hot tubs (filled with natural spring water), a LoveMovement Goddess Bag to continue your experience at home. Massages are not included in the registration rate. Email me to receive the Registration Form: lovemovement@hotmail.com. Your space is reserved with full payment.

Main House*
Double Occupancy / $369 + $10 for payment via Paypal - Reserve Now!

Triple (Queen Bed & Single Futon) / $243 + $10 for payment via Paypal (only one Triad available, reserve as a group!) - Reserve Now!

Rustic Cabin Camping**
$198 + $10 for payment via Paypal - Reserve Now!

*All accomodations in the Main House are "cozy cousins" meaning shared queen or king sized beds.
**The Rustic Cabin Camping: The experience is similar to camping - complete with old furniture, sleeping bags and an outhouse.

$150 of your registration is non-refundable.
Full details will be emailed to registrants two weeks prior to the retreat.

Your Guide:
Jocelyn Gordon aka One Love Star Dancer
Certified Yoga & Massage Therapist, Hoopnotica® Certified Hoop Dance Instructor, Life Coach, Creator of Bhakti Boogie™, Movement Enthusiast and Joy Activator!

Jocelyn was called to the dance a long time ago. A student of massage and movement from the age of five, she continues to be inspired by the expansive creativity of the healing arts. She uses her natural gifts and integrative training to help clients/students deepen their awareness, connect to joy, and shift from inhibited expression to authentic movement. Jocelyn is a wife, a mother, a mentor, an artist and creator of Bhakti Boogie™ - a practice integrating yoga, dance, devotion and intention. She is thrilled to be a speaker at the 09 NIH Mind Body Week, Hoop Dance guest performer with Choreographers Collaboration Project and an international educator with MovingVentures and Hoopnotica®. www.lovemovementhealingarts.com & www.hoopdancedc.com

About Jocelyn:

"It takes a special teacher + energy to facilitate typically inhibited people into an uninhibited, fearless space to explore themselves - inside + out." Natasha Hennessey - Owner & Creative Director of Pure Prana Yoga Studio

For more details, contact Jocelyn:
lovemovement@hotmail.com

www.hoopdancedc.com
571-235-6374

Singing for peace

Pop star Aviv Geffen is a force for peace in Israel

Aviv Geffen, an Israeli pop artist, has been advocating peace through his music for fifteen years. He has received death threats for his open criticism of government policy. "Cry for You," originally written for a friend killed in a car crash, was sung by Geffen in honor of the assassinated minister Yitzhak Rabin. It became the anthem of the Israeli anti-war movement. Today, he’s still speaking up for peace.

Watch the video HERE!