Moments of Awe

​In over 35 years living in the northwest I don’t remember such an incredible fall.  I have been stopped in my tracks in awe of leaves ablaze in yellow, red, and shades of orange, blue skies, rainbows and stunning sun rises and sunsets. In the midst of this splendor there has also been indescribable suffering in our community, country and the world at large in an intensity that I also have never witnessed.  I have wondered if the beauty is offered as nourishment for our hearts, asking them to stay open and awake during these extreme times.
 
I am so grateful for the practice of yoga, for the balance and openness it fosters, especially during intense times.  One of the many teachings of Yoga is the description of the human experience through our Koshas or 5 layers:
 
Annamayakosha- the physical body or food body.
Pranamayakosha- the energetic dimension of our being including our breath.
Manomayakosha- habitual patterns of thoughts and emotions.
Vignyanamayakosha- the witness or curiosity that fosters transformation.
Anandamayakosha- inner joy and love that is our true nature.
 
The many teachings in yoga help us to become aware of these layers and ultimately the practices create a pathway to our core, the pure love and joy called ANANDA in sanskrit. It is so interesting that the beginning middle and end of this word is the resonant sound of ahh.  It’s a sound that feels like it transcends language, perhaps the way a beaming smile communicates beyond any one culture.  
 
As this season of Autumn has unfolded, more than ever I have been reminded of the power of taking time for and cultivating moments of Awe or Ahh. It is so interesting how these words sound the same and are like different flavors of nourishment for our body, mind and spirit.  The sound AAH is in both the name DayAAlu and our new café TulAA and what I see day in and day out at the center is the grace and beauty that unfolds when we take time to pause and feel the AAH, feel what’s right with ourselves and the world.  
 
This month we have so many incredible opportunities for both Awe and Ahh at the center.  We hope to see you this weekend for our 4th Birthday Party where we will celebrate our many blessings enjoy our AWESOME community and dance the night away!
 
So Much Love,
Sue
 
As You, O Autumn, take pleasure in your great bounty,
    Let me also take delight
    In the abundance of the simple things in life
    which are the true source of joy.
With the golden glow of peaceful contentment
    May I truly appreciate this autumn day.
                                                                          -Edward Hays

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