Body as Temple - Shivratri poem 

The rich will make temples for Shiva.
What shall I, a poor man do?
My legs are pillars.
The body the shrine.
The head a cupola of gold.
O Lord of the meeting rivers.
Things standing shall fall,
But the moving ever shall stay.

~ Basavanna, revolutionary Vira Saiva poet who made teachings available to all women and men of all castes and backgrounds.

The renovations are almost done!  We painted the walls, put in windows, french doors, and a wood burning stove. Our friend Mac is now laying the last of the hardwood floors. It's not quite finished though, so I am planning the layout of the garden. Lots of flowers, fruit trees, vegetables and berries are the plan. So far we have plum trees and we're looking for an organic fig tree. If you know where to get one please let us know! I can't wait for the planting season to get here. You're welcome to lend a hand if you enjoy gardening! I could use some help and your extra hands would be so appreciated! Plus, I've never had a garden before and I could definitely use the guidance. Our garden is your garden so if you lend a hand then you are welcome to any of the fruits and vegetables that you want :) In the meantime the grass in the yard is trying to come out of its dormant state and the daffodils are blooming beautifully. Take a look!

So, here are some pictures of the yoga rooms as they are in the moment. They are obviously not ready yet: there's tools everywhere and the floors aren't quite done. We are also on the fence about the paint colors. What do you think of the yellow?  We were going for a bright, warm, energetic room, because of all the windows and french doors. What do you think? Your suggestions are appreciated so please share!

"The minute I heard my first love story I started looking for you, not knowing how blind that was. Lovers don't finally meet somewhere. They're in each other all along."

- Rumi

Oh, to be greeted by love. How grateful I am this morning and all mornings for this lover and friend.  ​

At the dawn of time
through the darkness 
and silence of the universe, 
the first breath was heard.

It reached across infinity
and breathed life into the first
vestiges of humanity.
Carrying the eternal 
spark of divinity, it filled
all of life with hope and purpose.

As I watch the ocean
I can see the planet breathe,
each exhalation leading to a 
sacred renewal, 
each inhalation leading to rebirth.

Breathe into the heart. 
It will not burst,
it will flourish.

The hardwood came in this week! This picture is an example of the Brazilian Walnut wood that is going in the yoga and meditation rooms. I am so excited! What do you think???

Also, we are still on the edge about paint colors for both the yoga practice space and the meditation space. So far, yellows, greens, and reds have been recommended. What do you think about making the main, larger room a mossy green and the smaller practice/meditation room a yellow?

I'm just hoping to create a sanctuary for you all that makes you feel relief and at home. A place where you feel peace and yet an abundance of loving energy. Your opinions are highly valued here, so please share them. :) This space is your space too. Let's create it together. ​

A large camel train passed through the desert and arrived at an oasis, where it was decided to take rest for the night. Drivers and beasts were all anxious to sleep, but when it was time to secure the camels, they found that they were short of one hitching-pin. All the camels were duly tied up, except one. The drivers searched for some means to tether the animal, but none could be found. No one wanted to stand watch all night and lose the night's sleep. Yet at the same time the drivers did not want to lose the camel.

After some thought, one of the drivers had a good idea. He went to the camel, took the rope and carefully went through all the motions of tethering the animal to a pin -- an imaginary pin. Afterwards the camel was bedded down, convinced that it was securely bound, and a good night's rest was had by all. 
​
The following morning the camels were released. Everyone made ready to continue the journey, except one camel. It refused to get up. The drivers cajoled and coaxed, but the beast would not move. Eventually one of the drivers realized the reason for the camel's obstinacy. He stood before the imaginary hitching-pin and went through all the usual motions of untying the rope and releasing the animal. Immediately afterwards, the camel stood up without the slightest hesitation, believing that it was now free.

Of course the camel had been free all the time, but it had allowed itself to be convinced that it was bound. It is the same with each human being -- he too is always potentially free, but most people allow themselves to be bound by their mental problems and seemingly oppressive responsibilities. You are really as free as the unpegged camel, yet through conditioning and misconceptions, you think that you are firmly bound. You compare yourself with others, in the same way as the camel did, and automatically believe that you are limited. But you are really free -- understand this clearly. All you have to do is to unhitch, release yourself from your mental problems, the imaginary pin of  your bondage. All you have to do is change your attitude. 

~~ Borrowed with love from: A Systematic Course in the Ancient Tantric Techniques of Yoga and Kriya, by Swami Satyananda Saraswati