Pleasure and Spaciousness
So many of the people I talk with really believe that they want spiritual awakening, and with a little looking find out that what they're really after is pleasure. We think we want Truth, but what we usually want is to feel better. Which is perfectly normal. However, what I often see is that as soon as one feels better, the desire for Truth (or awakening) suddenly seems unimportant.
It is important that we strive to feel better, but mistaking the desire for spiritual awakening for pleasure is like mistaking a band aid for total health.
Pleasure is great, I encourage it...but to believe that pleasure, or feeling good, will last in the long run is to invite yourself over and over into suffering.
The happiness or fulfillment of awakening is much more like spaciousness. In open space there is a sense of clarity, openness, freedom, and of non-changing.
So let's be very very clear about what it is that we're after...
Do we just want one more good feeling?
One more experience?
Real spaciousness and what is discovered in authentic spiritual awakening is really the end of all that...This is the wilingness to bear pain, to bear hardship, to bear suffering without running for a dose of pleasure.
~~Adi
excerpted from http://dharmapoint.blogspot.com/
Explore the second aspect of Joy Santosha (Contentment) in Deeper Flow with Jody Seaborn on Friday, April 2nd 6:30-8:30 pm! The FIRST First Friday of the Season!
Mmm...March Specials
LULULEMON 20% OFF - You've been looking at that great new tank, but just needed the incentive. Well, now you've got it. We've got LOTS of great Lululemon active wear in and its ALL 20% OFF!
8-CLASS PACKAGES $10 OFF NOW THROUGH THE END OF MARCH - just mention this email blast at the front desk and you'll get $10 off. Please remember that 8-Class Packages expire in 90 days.
VASUDEVA
Saturday, March 27th 7-9 pm
EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT - SIGN UP BY NOON SATURDAY - ONLY $20
Empowerment of Movement through Sound Vibrations
$25 at the door
VasuDeva combines the rhythm of live drumming, the lyrical quality of voice, muted trumpet, guitar, clarinet and the creative movement of a raga on violin. These musical elements combined with a mix of elemental practices inspired by the qualities of earth, fire, water, air and ether makes for a unique Yoga practice experience. The class moves from a guided practice to an exploration of our personal practices. The intention is to provide an experience that honors the divine interplay between the yogis and the musicians.
VasuDeva is an incarnation and inspired by Kristin Cooper’s Rhythmic Flow Yoga, a transformative yoga practice set to the rhythm of living drumming.
“The building anticipation of dancing & pulsing, moving rhythmically with you has left me complete after this unexpectedly bountiful experience.” -anonymous
SPRING CLEANING FOR THE SKIN
SPECIAL OFFER – TAKE $50 OFF SERIES
Now that spring is here, this is a great time to repair and revitalize winter-weathered skin.
Resurfacing treatments, better known as chemical (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) peels, will help remove dead cell buildup on the surface of the skin and within the follicles. It will dramatically improve surface roughness, reduce the appearance of fine lines and uneven coloration of the skin, break-up and disperse pigment in melasma, sun and age spots, and decongest and decrease pore size. Specifically designed to stimulate cellular renewal and the production of collagen, the treatments will increase the cell turnover rate and provide intense skin rejuvenation for all skin types, without irritation or dryness. Revitalize your skin to a more youthful state. These light peels are non-invasive and can even be done on your lunch hour! For best results, a series of 6 treatments are recommended.
Book now with Mary Lively at Flow Spa - Special offer good on series, expires 6/1/11
MORE EARLY CLASSES IN APRIL!
8 AM YOGA offered 4 DAYS A WEEK starting IN APRIL:
TUES/THURS/SAT 8 am
FLOW w/ Sybil & Steph
WEDS 8-9:15 am
Athletes & Injuries Yoga w/ Laurie, PT
TUES/THURS 8-9 am
Indoor Cycle Classes
Join us during these great new times for downtown retailers.
In May, 7 and 8 am meditation offerings coming, too!
TEN GATES OF ENLIGHTENMENT
Ten Gates of Enlightenment, Saturday April 3rd
1pm til we're done $40
"Each of you are perfect as you as are, and you can use a little improvement."
-Shunryu Suzuki Roshi
"It is true that we are already spiritually Awake, but in the unfolding of this naturally enlightened state, there are gates through which we inevitably pass. By orienting oneself to this process, one can get very clear on his or her relationship to full and complete spiritual Awakening." Adi will direct meditations and Dharma talks to cultivate a deep looking at oneself, and one's positioning in the enlightenment process
