Feed the Buddha,  Love the Bees

My sons’ first encounter with a bee sting created much more than a swollen patch of skin. A situation that could have been a regular and simple occurrence of childhood resulted in his deep concern for understanding the ways of the world and my first attempt to truly teach the lessons of acceptance,  impermanence and Oneness.

With annual blooms,  fruits,  sages and lavender bushes adorning our yard,  bees have always made a home amongst the sweet nectar we provide. Many afternoons are filled with bee (and bird) watching.We curiously peek into the center of the flowers witnessing the bees delicately hover while adding to the bundles of pollen stuck to their furry legs,  then watching them in awe as they take flight to mix their magic. We watch them drink from the fountains and puddles,  and on one special occasion,  three bees landed softly on my sons arm and drank from the droplets of water he presented to them. He demonstrated no fear,  no resistance and took it upon himself to remind me,  “we are here to help care for the bees;  they are our Flower Keepers,  mama.”

The day came,  however,  when a bee left a sting on tender flesh. After the initial shock,  and when the burn subsided my son accepted the pain as part of the bees’ inherent nature to sting,  he found relief and simply ensured me,”  the bee was scared,  he will now go help the flowers spread and leave me alone and be happy.” But when he discovered that bees die after they sting he was overcome by a deep sorrow.He slowly,  over the course of many days,  processed the events of ‘the sting’. He experienced feelings of guilt: had he not scared the bee,  it wouldn’t have stung him and lived longer. He felt pain:  the bite of the sting through his fair skin,  sadness for the loss of the bee,  and anger because it,  “wasn’t fair!” He felt fear: “even little things die for no reason?”  He began to look into the idea of death; that things do not live forever and that life is unpredictable. I was not prepared to address these subject matters with a five year old,  but none the less took it as confirmation that even the subtle events can contain potent information for understanding and accepting the depth in all things.

I shared the story of Siddhartha as a wealthy young prince leaving his fathers palace. As he ventured into the streets of the common man,  he witnessed for the first time in his pure and sheltered life of 29 years,  filth,  poverty,  old age, sickness and death. Siddhartha recognized change,  impermanence and discomfort and was committed to comprehend the cycles of life as well as the nature of suffering.

I explained to my son that it was from witnessing the painful aspects of life that Siddhartha was inspired to seek Knowledge and find peace. We must first be willing to see the pain in the world and accept it as another part of the human experience;  an aspect that can not be avoided or denied. Everybody and everything can relate to suffering on some level. I continued to explain how his feelings of sadness,  anger,  fear and guilt were normal and a necessary part of the process of ‘feeling better’ about unfortunate circumstances.We spent time exploring his feelings and discussed them each; bringing awareness to the sensation of emotions in body and our capacity to release the grip through awareness and acceptance.Lesson # 1 from Buddha and Bees:  To overcome sorrow is to move through our suffering, rather than becoming bound to it.

We then reflected upon and dissolved the discomfort and uncertainty that comes with change and death. Just as with pain and suffering,  everybody and everything gets older and eventually dies. It is one of the most natural parts of life,  one that unfortunately,  in our American culture we try to avoid. It was important to me to present aging as a sign of experience,  wisdom,  and respect and death as a part of a greater transformation. It is my belief that an aged body is a temple worn well;  a transcended body is a temple without walls.Though we may leave our physical body,  the part of Self that is Soul lives on forever.I reintroduced the concept of karma and reincarnation. I invited him to contemplate that perhaps prior to becoming the Buddha,  Siddhartha was a scared bee who,  by default,  sting a boy and died. Had that bee not died,  he would not have transformed into the enlightened child the Sages predicated would come. I further suggested if a seed remains a seed forever it will never reach the scent of full bloom.If we stay a seed,  a bee or a boy we will have no knowledge or experience of our greatest capacity.All things must change,  fall away and have the potential to be reborn.  Change and death are to be welcomed and honored as opportunities to reach our greatest Self. Lesson #2 from Buddha and Bees:   Impermanence is an opportunity to open to infinite possibility.

I have taught my children that we,  as humans,  share in a brotherhood with all living creatures. We are not separate or better than the world around us,  we are equal parts;  simply another unique expression of creation,  a part of the landscape cast between the highest clouds and the tiniest critters;  our closest neighbor and a stranger a million miles away. It is our collective experience that weaves the spectacular and mysteriously diverse and dynamic web of life. I invited him to see himself as the bee,  and we invited the bee to see its’ self as boy. In doing so there was empathy,  there was no separation,  no resistance,  and no struggle. If we recognize the interconnectedness of the world,  then we can develop a deep sense of compassion. If we have the heart to honor ourselves,  then we have the courage to honor those things that have caused us separation,  suffering or challenge;  remembering,  ultimately the pain is an integral part of personal evolution and transformation. Lesson #3 from Buddha and the Bees: With acceptance and possibility we merge into a Oneness where an element of everybody is held within everything,  and everything is held within everybody.

Our experiences with the nature of bees lead us to a deeper experience to the nature of life as well as the nature of Self. It resulted in a profound demonstration of the way the world moves,  as well as the complex internal world of emotions, perceptions and choices. Not only did the,  “Great B Sting” present an unforgettable opportunity of teachings,  it has been an event that inspired one of our most regular and beautiful ceremonies. In one of our magic gardens we have a very old, weathered Buddha figure surrounded by the lush green growth of elephant’s plants,  succulents and jasmine vines.  There he rests with us,  a reminder of his kindness,  light and the true knowledge he holds that gracefully guides us to place of peace. After our discussion on Oneness,  we decided that we would bring both the Buddha and the Bees a bouquet of fresh flowers as an offering of our gratitude and a willingness to continue to honor and feed these lessons into our daily lives. We chose roses and lilies for our first blessing. Half a dozen petals went into the Buddha statues’ mouth and a broken crack in the center of his full belly, the other half was placed along his feet.  We sat and waited for the bees to come,  and as they found their way into the sweet nectar we felt ease and trust knowing that even the sting of a bee can remind us of the sweetness in life.

Many blessings,  love and kindness,

Robin

It seems that the cosmos are aligning in a manner that is creating what could be perceived as a serious unfortunate events.  For the last few weeks I have heard from all sorts of friends,  family,  and students a steady discussion regarding the turmoil occurring in their lives.  Random acts of weirdness,  unexpected deaths,  health diagnosis,  and accidents.

I find it interesting that in a manner of 24 hours two of my best friends and myself experienced difficult,  yet different situations that lead us each to the same conclusions.

One friend, Ingrid, and her son had an awful confrontation with a belligerent stranger.  They were having tea outside in a public area designated as ‘non-smoking’,  and a man approached and sat at the table next to them and proceeded to light up.   Ingrid and her son tried to be tolerant.  In fact, Ingrid is one of the most compassionate, tolerant, patient, loving  souls I know.  She kindly mentioned that this was a ‘no smoking area’.  He began to vent a brutal tirade of diminishing comments regarding their nationality;  he questioned their immigration status and made preposterous statements regarding their lack of rights in this county.   He spoke to her son in the same profanity and abuse to the point he was in tears.  The man’s violent tangent went on for too long,  and the police were called which ended up scaring him away.  Ingird and her family came to this country from Venezuela for opportunity,  not cruelty.  They recently obtained their citizenship,  an incredibly lengthy process that signifies determination,  loyalty and perseverance,  not to mention extensive costs.  Even now as Americans they face the same racial assumptions and inequality.  How disheartening;  how unfair.  Where is the compassion?

My other soul sister, Carrie, was experiencing pain in her uterus.  She had not been to the ‘girl doctor’ in 16 years since her son was born.  She is warrior who tends to ‘tough it out’,  but something was different about this sensation and she made the courageous choice to seek medical consultation.  Interestingly enough on her way to the doctor she came across every possible obstacle,  wrong directions,  address,  no cell phone all coupled with an underlying anxiety, ‘what if something is really wrong’.  Like a golden,  feminine Ganesh she moved through her obstacles choosing her health over a quick escape to give into the challenge and not go to the doctor to get help.  She was strong and willing to face the fait.  A week later she found out it was benign,  a cyst that popped.  Gratitude rushed in.  Do I take my health for granted?

Almost at the same time these two events occurred,  I was involved in a car accident.  Driving along in my ordinary morning routine and then boom,  collision,  an impact that stopped me in my path,  totaled my car and left me shaking but alive….so grateful to be alive,  so grateful my children are alive.  Am I on the right path,  am I living to the fullest,  am I seeing what is important?

It could have been really easy to let these little crisis emotionally cripple us into a helpless victim state holding onto to the statements,  “someone violated me”,  “I am sick,”  “I don’t know what to do”,  but instead we asked questions rather than making assumptions and we turned the situations into a practice of compassion,  acceptance,  gratitude and choice.  Compassion to the man who doesn’t know his heart well enough not to be cruel.  Compassion to the cyst that encouraged a women who doesn’t normally receive help to reach beyond comfort and ask for it in honor of loving her body.  Compassion to an accident that invited deeper contemplation regarding the direction I am moving and an honest reflection to those things in my life that need more attention.  We practice acceptance for what has occurred rather than resisting it or tying to change or control it.  We are grateful for our families,  each other,  the very body and breath that carry us through life with love and grace.   We mindfully sourced an integrity that allows us to choose how we face times of challenge and crisis.

Crisis is an opportunity to evolve and awaken to our selves in a more meaningful manner.  To learn how to cope,  adjust or do what is necessary to learn better methods,  perspectives and choices that empower us to not stay in the role of the victim.   When we stay in a position that identifies with the victim we loose accountability for our own active role in choosing the kind of life we want to have.  It doesn’t mean that we can’t sit with the pain and learn from it,  but when we attach to the crisis event or pain for too long it only perpetuates the trauma and it negates our power and ability to move forward,  to move through and beyond.   We must trust our ability to overcome and detach from those things that allow us to taste weakness,  vulnerability,  humility,  and pain.  Often times the most painful experiences are our greatest teachers and evoke a wisdom that aligns with life affirming practices such as compassion,  acceptance,  gratitude and mindfulness.  One of my most influential mentors,  Meagan Pugh,  described crisis as not being broken, but rather being broken open.

With compassion,  acceptance,  gratitude and an a life built on the integrity of intention and choice,

Namaste,

Robin Afinowich

Join me next Saturday for more reflections.

When I was at the chiropractor getting my neck adjusted again,  for what seems like the millionth time,  and a process that will likely occur for the reminder of my life,  I asked her what my neck and hip was telling me.  Yes,  there are medical terms;  degenerative disks,  compression,  slipping, pinching, spinal tension, withheld energy, osteopenia, blah, blah, blah.  Those concepts didn’t quiet relieve my frustration for chronic pain,  nor did they bring an explanation I felt I could do anything about.  Being the intuitive healer she is saw my growing concern and a reaching for something else to sustain me.   She began,  “Robs, your vertebra are at a game of tug of war,  these ones want to go this way,  and those ones want to go that way….they pull,  and slip and collapse into nerves and close off the ‘information highway’ to the brain and the rest of the body often leaving you with limited mobility,  irritability,  lightheadedness,  migraines,  digestive issues,  shortness breath,  depression and fatigue.  Not all the messages are getting through,  not all of your life force energy is moving smoothly;  the vibration of your spinal cord resonates at a mock 20 rather than a steady AUM of the universe.  You may find that you have a difficult time making decisions and are lacking flow and creativity.”  In reference to my hip she explains it as a having limited mobility,  it makes a little progress but then gets stuck when attempting certain things.

These statements came in clear,  they rang true and as always my inner exploration has new waters to chart.  Her description of what I am experiencing in my body is a perfect depiction of my current mental and emotional processes.  I do feel at a tug of war,  wondering if my pursuit of further education is compromising some aspects of my current life.  I feel a pull from the cerebral/intellectual self and my intuitive self.  I do have a difficulty making decisions.  I do feel that I am often so stressed and over-multitasked that I could launch myself to Jupiter.  I do sense that it is more difficult to get to the peace of the Aum than at other points in my life.  I do feel lack of flow and creativity. I do feel that I get stuck in making progress in emotional aspects of my life. The beauty is that these are things I can recognize,  accept and learn to manage and can change.

I respect the fact that there are legitimate structural concerns with my spine and hip,  and I will still take my medicine,  do PT get adjusted,  and receive acupuncture and body work,  but I will also take my healing into my own hands. Much of our wellness is in relation to our ability to address old injuries,  abuse,  unsettled emotions,  unhealthy thoughts and trauma. I will listen to the messages of the body. I will create a space for the trauma of the body to have a voice that will bring liberation. I will honor its intuitive expressions.  I am a firm believer that the body speaks;  it has a language of its own and it holds the story of our life.  As I focus my attention on the subtle bodies;  the emotions,  energies,  visions and my thoughts,  I will reveal the potential messages they hold as well as my capacity to be a powerful source of my own healing.

What is your body telling you?  Listen with compassion, intuition and acceptance.  Within us all are our greatest healers and teachers.

Many blessings,

Robin Afinowich

I thought it would be fun to create a reflective list of some of my most imperfect,  idiosyncratic characteristics that I RESOLUTE NOT to change or deny,  but rather aspects of my character I come to accept and have the courage to share. I thought it would also be interesting to create a list of focus words that I will use to help encourage my embodiment of Self. This was a practice that allowed me to establish a balance between the ‘me then’,  and the ‘me to come’….interestingly,  in the middle rests the ME NOW….the full acceptance of Self as it is revealed through presence…and that is where the true personal work lies.

I embrace 20 of my imperfections. So much hype, particularly in the yoga community, about being perfect and infinitely blissful….well,  news flash,  none of us are and if you can’t embrace the funny,  goofy,  raw things about yourself,  you are missing one of life’s best practices.

1. 90% of the time I am afraid of the dark.
2. When I was a kid I wanted to be on Broadway,  and an under-cover agent and cure Cancer…all at the same time.
3. Some of my favorite adjectives are four letter words.
4. I like them big,  hot and dirty…… I am talking about my Chi Tea’s of course…what’s the matter with you!
5. I talk in my sleep,  “ask the green aliens to turn the overhead compartment light on and then go separate the frogs and goats because they aren’t playing nicely.”
6. I’d rather know that you are imperfect and honest,  than perfect and dishonest.
7. I think that good parenting is a lost art,  and I aspire to be a Master Mom more than any other practice.
8. George Carlin is brilliant,  my first Hollywood heart throb was a young Paul Newman,  and if I could,  I would dress like Rita Hayworth in Gilda.
9. I used to be depressed,  unhealthy and I smoked and drank….a lot…thank goodness for yoga,  meditation and a resilient  soul.
10. I envision my retirement to be on a wide mountain landscape,  by the water,  in a tepee,  with a Tempur-pedic mattress.
11. The first time I got pulled over it was for ‘borrowing’ a car,  not just any car,  but a 1969 Chevelle,  to go drag racing. The last time I got pulled over was for driving too slow after yoga.
12. I am such a nerd at heart, maybe someday I’ll be on my favorite show, Jeopardy. “I’ll take real life, Alex, for a thousand.”
13. If I could sing,  the first song I would cover would be Bobby Mc Gee,  by Janis Joplin. My son once caught me belting out her soulful lyrics,  he said, “Now I know what they mean when they say,  don’t quit your day job.”
14. Though I carry peace in my heart,  I’ve been trained by a Federal Agent how to take a person out.
15. I don’ think I will ever say I am enlightened,  I think it would be my ego speaking.
16. I can belch the ABC’s,  and box like a mad-man;  did I mention I was a tom-boy.
17. I go to bed very early,  and finally understand my grandmothers 7pm bed time.
18. I have social anxiety.
19. I once had an ‘I heart Yoga’ sticker on my car,  I decided it would be best to remove it after I gave someone the double FU finger and yelled profanities….not really practicing the ethical limbs,  but in my defense I was expressing my truth and he was drunk and careless,  and yes,  I tailed him and called the cops.
20. I need to laugh more.

Stepping into 12 Self Powers:

Because there is always need for improvement and growth, I find that ‘resolutions’ are really an every day practice, a demonstration of deep commitment to our best Self…..always.


1. Practice
2. Patience
3. Presence
4. Parenting
5. Purpose
6. Peace
7. Perception
8. Partnership
9. Possibility
10. Project
11. Ponder
12. Prayer

My oldest son once asked, “Mamma,  why is it always called a practice, aren’t you ever going to get it perfect?” My humble response,  “honey,  I don’t ever want it perfect.” “But why,  mamma?” I see my practice,  of both asana (physical poses) and mindfulness,  as one that is intended to bring evolution,  transformation, and liberation. If it were perfect I would assume there is nothing else to reveal,  and the mystery would vanish. I would become bored. If it were perfect,  perhaps I’d have come to the end of a journey,  but it is the journey where I find my curiosity,  devotion and presence. Yoga and mindfulness are not an attempt to attain something else beyond myself,  but rather an internal exploration leading me to a better understanding of my true nature. This true nature is ultimately the inherent part of Self that is perfect whole and complete. In my practice I challenge the edges of comfort and invite expansion into new territory,  wether it is a new pose or wether it is is a deeper recognition of my samskaras (thought habits,  triggers,  reactions,  attachments). It takes me to edge and inspires me to look beyond into the unknown and trust that there is space,  possibility and experience waiting for me. My practice is a quality of living that grounds me in this time and space, with this thought, expression, breath and body. To practice is to embody the fruits of my steady awakening. As I see it,  if it were perfect,  I would have no room to grow. My son concluded our discussion,  “Mamma,  lets practice growing together forever,  like hungry trees reaching to the sun.”

Black Elk – Oglala Sioux

I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday of gratitude;  warm hearts,  full bellies and nourished souls. May it continue to inspire you deeply in a manner that invites a daily practice of giving thanks.  My day was a perfect combination of play,  nature and food and contemplation;  simple and sweet,  yet so fulfilling. We filled it with hikes and soccer games,  snacking on pie and marshmallows between.  I took the time to clean house,  build a new alter,  set new intentions and pray to my guides and teachers and life experiences (good and bad) that have brought me to this mark in a long and beautifully unpredictable journey.  I also seemed to embody a grieving,  a mourning for the Earth and gave particular attention to the grace of Gaia.  I felt a mourning of many people in the world;  old and new,  and I believe it is a result of change on the brink,  a change that will unite us all a little closer,  with an awakening that reminds us of our fundamental human connections.  A deeper gratitude was revealed.  I sat with sadness,  yours,  mine,  the worlds;  I took it in and I breathed out light!

It is easily assumed to be thankful for our family,  friends,  food,  employment,  and material possessions. These are elements within our lives we often take for granted and it is necessary to bring awareness and respect back to the aspects of our life that sustain us.  But ask yourself;  what was before all of ‘that’,  what is the root to those experiences?  YOU! Your essence,  a perfect peace not yet touched by the presence of the material world;  our intrinsic wholeness resting in a womb of possibility. If we want to practice gratitude for the things in our life,  we must first recognize the channel that connects us to these things;  the channel of our self and our own unique expression of divinity.  To love and honor yourself is not a practice of vanity,  and should not be avoided out of shame or guilt or attachment to ego. It has taken me most of my lifetime to love myself, and there are still many days when my ‘self talk’ is anything but kind.  This,  too,  is a practice and a difficult one at that but I choose to remember,  and I choose to help you remember.  I respect the power of nature,  creation,  the divine;  the source that gives me both the human and soul experience.  If I deny the gift of myself gratitude and honor,  then I deny my greatest gift.  I may not always be well liked by everyone, I may not always see my beauty and worthiness, but Creator does, and has given me breath,  body,  mind, and heart to feel my place among this world,  and if Creator believes in me,  then that is enough… to celebrate…every single day, every single moment! The Buddha says,  “If you touch one thing with great awareness then you touch all things.”  If we love and honor ourselves,  then we can truly love and honor the beauty we are grateful for in our lives.

Find pleasure and gratitude for not only the people and things in your life,  but the quiet contemplation that fills the space between and the stillness that is the root of all things.  May you celebrate your own creation and your connection to source (what ever that is for you).  May you see yourself as nature and divine.  Meditate and contemplate:  Sit with gratitude,  as if it were a teacher taking you on a journey deep within. Rather than saying,  “I am grateful for..….” Ask,  what does gratitude feel like? Then embody it,  feel it,  let it move through you, not attached to anything….as the essence of gratitude moves though you, then notice and feel, your essence, your Self as one…your self as Oneness.

Namaste,

Robin

“I have had the privilege of meeting ‘A’ and ‘B’ in a community of yogi’s and this ceremony is a perfect representation of the intentions they carry true to their heart. Yoga literally translates to union;  an integrated merging of the many layers of Self into one unique expression. This process of union is not intended to dilute aspects of ones self,  but rather to bring an awareness to the other elements of our being that can encourage expansion and renewal of the whole self. A and B are a magnificent reflection of these ancient teachings. Their dynamic love and devotion is apparent and an inspiration for us all. They do not loose themselves within each other in a manner that deflects the powerful essence of each as separate BEing. They are witness to a soul respected in its own inherent beauty,  a soul that is not defined by another,  but instead refined by their collective experience. Their love and light shine side by side,  bridged by a restless magic that can only be soothed by the presence and touch of one another. Their union is one that honors the possibility within the realms of a boundless companionship that can never be contained in the frame of words and that can never be experienced by anyone other than them. It is a unique,  transformative journey that invites awakening,  wisdom and evolution. As they stand here today proclaiming their undying commitment to wholeness and a lifetime of growth they place seeds of honorable intention into their hearts;  seeds that will rise by the rich,  nourishing light of a true loves’ soul. Through the course of their life they will cultivate a sacred garden and observe the ever changing seasons,  each with the promise of a new seed and each with the promise of a deeper love revealed.”

We Swear by peace and love to stand

Heart to Heart and hand to hand

Mark, O Spirit, and her us now

Confirming this our Sacred Vow

This week,  I encourage you to fall in love again,  with your partner or yourself,  and to find a place of peace and inspiration within your own heart and soul. Maybe even create your own simple ceremony as a demonstration for your commitment to wholeness and union.  Be grateful for those that fill your life with nourishment and love.

If you are interested in obtaining information about my ceremonial services email with questions.  I am an ordained Minister of the First Cherokee Nation.

Many, many, blessings,

Robin Afinowich

I post every Sat and can also be found on Facebook for reminders; Robin Yoga Page.

I was teaching Thursday night restorative,  a class that has built its self beautifully on the foundation of doing very little and experiencing profound shifts in health and mindfulness from simple asana,  dedicated intention and healing space. Though our attention is typically quick to move within and reconnect to our sacred wholeness,  our class was otherwise engaged in the unexpected arrival of a tiny gecko who had claimed his spot in a crest of the white curtain. His charming and curious presence brought not only a serge of laughter (he could save you 10% or more on your yoga experience..thank you Ruth) but an opportunity for a collective awareness and inquiry. It seems as if he were our dristi,  or focal point,  we all gazed upon him with a sense of gratitude for the grace of nature and a compassion that seemed to naturally soften our eyes and open our hearts,  melting the stressors we had carried in from the day. He was a reminder of the hidden gifts that can be so easily overlooked;  a reminder that those things that we are different from can create a connection to our inherent goodness and Oneness.

I had made the mistake to assume he did not want to be inside on the curtain,  for I considered if I were him,  I’d likely find myself in the fig tree overlooking the orchid courtyard in the cool of the Autumn night. I scooped him into my palm,  cupped him in his own gecko mudra and attempted to place him outside. However,  he was quicker than I,  and managed to find a path of his own,  slipping out between careless fingers and into the rim of my overflowing sweater. I found a sacred pause and slowly began to disrobe,  unsure of his where-a bouts. As I pulled my soft green armor over head,  he was no where to be seen or felt. Again,  I made an assumption he was free. I left the french doors open and invited in the brisk air,  another gift of natures grace filling our contemplative space and proceeded with class.

Not long after students were settled into their restorative nests and as I was delivering the deeply mindful messages of the week I felt…..a wiggle….and a crawl…..IN my pants…on my inner thigh! YES,  it was him!! I bit my tongue and didn’t squeal,  as to keep the peace,  but my hand,  with a mind of its own,  slapped him. With apprehension,  I drew my waist line back and reached in,  all the while still talking about the importance of acceptance and surrender,  and pried the little guy from my leg. He didn’t move,  and as he lay in my hand, seemingly dead,  I felt awful. Continuing to teach,  I walked him around the room with his limp body resting in the creases of my palm giving him Reiki and channeling my inner gecko in hopes to restore our new friend. Then,  as if by magic,  he flipped over like a wind-up toy and peered over the edge of my thumb and began doing his curious lizard push-ups. I took long,  quick steps to the doors framing our gorgeous view and placed him down on the 100 year old steps,  I said my apologies and bowed to him,  Namaste,  little gecko…go on your way.

He is a metaphor for our practice and a teacher disguised in padded hands and cool,  scaled skin. From the shamanic perspective animals,  when found in unusual places and circumstances,  can provide insight into aspects of our lives that need further attention,  recognition,  contemplation and honor. Lizard totems are believed,  by many,  to be some of the most powerful spiritual messengers;  symbols of change and new beginnings. In nature,  lizards display their remarkable capacity of resilience by their unique ability to adapt to extreme temperatures;  they have to be incredibly flexible to survive in the harshness of the desert. We, too,  must honor the rough process of survival,  trusting that our greatest challenges hold the potential for the greatest transformation. The gecko teaches us the importance to adapt,  to overcome obstacles and approach our struggles with an inherent power that is aligned with the strength of nature. The gecko holds the knowledge of transformation and regeneration. He invites us to investigate our current perceptions and encourages us to shed old patterns,  assumptions,  and ways of living that prevent growth,  renewal and possibility. The gecko asks,  what are you attached to that is holding you back? He reminds us that to be free from the past,  we must first be willing to let go and step outside of our dry shells that can no longer nourish our growth.

I find it no coincidence that this little critter made his way into this particular class because it is a devoted practice that invites the very type of transformation our gecko friend represents. After personal contemplation, I also find no coincidence that he some how managed to make his way to an unavoidable place in my awareness casting great detail and consideration into my current circumstances and personal evolution. He has been a powerful and insightful guide for me, and I offer his teachings to you as well.

Just ten minutes after I had placed him down on the cool bricks, I saw him back on the curtain right where he started,  but this time with the knowledge and wisdom of a difficult journey that brought a sweet awakening.

Many blessings,

Robin Afinowich

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November has arrived;  it seems with a first class,  next day delivery as I am still looking for the lingering summer heat and more lengthy transition into the cooler offerings of fall,  not to mention I am quite ill prepared for Christmas music and parking-meter garland wrappings. None-the-less,  November is one of my favorite months of the year. The weather is beautiful (at least in AZ),  the food it fantastic,  and the practice of gratitude is reinvented from a place of greater wisdom acquired from another year of experience.

Have a seat and take a panoramic tour of your life recognizing the elements you are most grateful for. Become mindful to the pleasures in life that brings joy,  inspiration and a richness that coats the heart of your soul. Life does not always have to be grand or eccentric to be worthy of noticing. As long as there is life,  there are infinite miracles to witness. We are surrounded by wisdom,  the expression of nature,  and the potential for awakening. Give your self entirely to all you do,  whether it’s cuddling on the couch with a loved one or doing the dishes. A practice of gratitude is one of dedicated mindfulness,  a LIVING in the moment.

This is not only a time to be thankful for what is,  but for what has been;  a reflection of the year past and a sweet remembrance that everything has brought you to this point now.  It is very easy to be thankful for the beauty in our life,  but it is equally as important to be thankful for the times that came with resistance, pain or struggle. To be selective or discriminatory and not give attention to all aspects of our life denies the potential power of gratitude as well as our ability to detach and live with an open heart. This does not mean that we have to like the challenging lessons,  but it does encourage acceptance which is the key to letting go.It also encourages an understanding that these challenges are paths of our authentic history that have lead us to this moment,  and if we truly want to be thankful for this moment,  we must be thankful for all that brought us to it.

I invite you to honor the WHOLE moth of November with a mindful and dedicated practice of gratitude. We practice gratitude all year long,  but there is something quit insightful,  humbling and nourishing that is revealed with a deeper respect and more dedicated acceptance of the gifts in our life during this turn of the season.  I tend to create my spiritual practice in accordance with the cycles of the moon,  the seasons and my specific intentions that govern the heart of expression for each month. November has historically been a month of Thanks Giving,  and this is a tradition I continue to honor with my own unique Robin flare.

Creating Sacred Space with Your Gratitude Alter:

This is a perfect time to create a gratitude Alter for your meditation area or simply as a sacred place in your home.  If you already have an Alter, perhaps make some changes.  There is no wrong way to make an Alter, it comes from your own creative intuition. Much of my Alter is a tribute to those elements of my life that have been guides,  teachers,  lessons,  or inspiration; all of which are honored from a place of genuine thanks and respect.   An Alter is comprised of objects that either directly or indirectly represent your intentions. An example of a direct object would be a picture or figurine of someone you are grateful for. This can be anyone;  it is based on YOUR belief systems,  it can be Jesus,  Buddha,  your children or Madonna if you wish.  An indirect object could be dirt or soil from your favorite mountain to represent the earth that sustains you,  a jar of water to represent clarity,  seeds for intention and growth,  and a candle for contemplation /gazing. Remember,  it is yours,  and only yours and therefore a very unique,  special and creative process.  Feel good about creating it,  and most importantly create it from space of love and gratitude.  Sit,  or stand,  before it everyday and take a few moments to extend thanks.  Absolutely meditate on it if you like. I like to bring fresh flowers,  fruit and burn sage. Your Alter will unfold beautifully with the more energy and attention you give it. Enjoy this process!!! “Gratitude is an open door to abundance.”

The last gratitude practice for this week:  BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR BODY, JUST THE WAY IT IS!!!  I highly suggest you participate in the online workshop: My Body,  My Temple with Carrie Hensley.  This is a deep practice of loving,  accepting and embracing your self as perfect,  whole and complete…..a perfect practice for the year of gratitude to come!

Along with my weekly writings,  I will provide a simple gratitude practice for the rest of the month. Also, please join me on Face Book under Robin Yoga and you’ll get daily tid-bits and reminders as well.

“Peace I feel in infinite measure when my life becomes the fragrance of my gratitude heart.”

Many blessings, Much Thanks,

Robin Afinowich

Always feel free to contact me questions or comments: robinayoga@yahoo.com