Weekly Newsletter

The Yoga of Spring

Hello Yogi’s,

I hope the energy of Spring is bringing a harmonious balance to your days. Even though it is always warm and Sunny here in Florida, I can see the change in nature. It is a treat to have the sun shining into the evening and a pure delight to hear all of the chirping birds throughout the day.

At times I find we become so used to our environment that we don’t notice subtle changes. The other morning as I was in my kitchen getting ready to leave, I paused at the kitchen sink , closed my eyes and just listened. Right out my back door was the sweet melody of singing birds. I realized they had recently made their arrival to ignite spring. Now at times when I am outdoors and I hear the birds lovely sounds, I smile to myself. It is all the little things in my day, that once I notice, I hold onto like new found gems.

Simplicity can ignite divine ecstasy. These days I am looking for all the small things that count or that have been unnoticed or even taken for granted. I think that when we can find the bliss and the beauty in the simple pleasures of life, we then can have a greater appreciation for the grandiose things when they show up.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of having an insightful and interesting interview with Russill Paul. This interview will be out in our May newsletter. It is an issue that you will not want to miss.

It was a long conversation filled with a range of topic from his life growing up in India, how he found music, his years spend as a monk, his many years of teaching and traveling, his vast knowledge on Music, the vibration of sound and chanting.

He recently came to Florida on his mystic heart tour. I got to experience a Kirtan with him and then then attended his all day chanting workshop. His books sold out, so this week I hunted down a copy and went to get it. I have not yet read it, but It is one you will want to buy if you are looking to dive deeper into the pathway of sound: The Yoga of Sound by Russill Paul.

My other book recommendation for the week is a book that is giving me inspiration and leading me to the passion of my own heart. A big Thank-you to Harlan for once again ordering a new book and letting me have first dibs in reading it. It is a book on the celebration of Rumi. The Way of Passion by Andrew Harvey. All I can say is Wow. I have just began and It is a book that takes you to new divine place and leads you to underlying words of Rumi. Here is a little sample to bless you on this new day.

The brilliant sun that shines in every heart

For the heaven’s earth and all creatures

What a blessing

The heart can’t wait to speak of this ecstasy

The soul is kissing the earth, saying

Oh God, What a blessing.

May every bit of change arising in your life, fill your soul like the sight of a glorious sunset.

A loving Smile,

Sara

April Newsletter With Seane Corn!

Sara snagged an incredible interview with Seane Corn. She is so busy traveling the world it took nearly six months to schedule this interview. In addition, Harlan does a video critique of Shiva Rea's website. Don't miss it. It mails this week. Subscribe now.

Tuning In And Tuning Out

I'm about to tune out for a few days from the "real world" and turn the dial back a few thousand years. At this time, I gather with my family to celebrate Passover.

My family is very traditional. We sit down at the Seder table on Saturday and Sunday nights this year and the discussion will go on for hours. Some nights, we've been at the table at 3 in the morning. My eyes are trying to stay open fighting off the effects of four cups of wine while my 11 year old son is going strong.

Each year, my children come to the table prepared to challenge and ask the most difficult spiritual questions. But my children know there are some questions that can't be answered.

In our tradition, there is a cup poured for Elijah the prophet but no one drinks from it yet. This cup marks all unanswered questions. Elijah will one day come and answer every single one of them.

I raised my children to ask questions. Anyone who asked a question got tossed a marshmallow. The questions came fast and furious. Today the questions are likely to be much deeper and much more difficult to answer.

The Dalai Lama once met with a group of Jewish scholars and asked them how they have survived in exile for thousands of years when he was wondering how the Tibetan culture will survive for a much shorter period of time. They told the Dalai Lama about the Passover meal and how each year, Jews re-enact their liberation from slavery thousands of years ago.

The key to success is realizing that today, everyone is enslaved to something and that our goal of personal liberation and freedom is not something in the past - but in our present and our future too.

As I put the finishing touches on this newsletter, I'll be heading home to begin my studies and preparations for the Seder. Maybe there will be a story my children haven't heard yet that will engage their minds and open their hearts and touch their souls.

Om Shanti Shalom,