Approaching Life with Beginner’s MindBY LEO BABAUTAA lot of our troubles could be solved by one simple practice.
A lot of joy could be found with the same practice.
And it is simple: practice seeing life with a beginner’s mind.
I’m stealing this of course from Zen Buddhism’s shoshin and Shunryu Suzuki’s Zen Mind Beginner’s Mind, and I’ve written about it numerous times. But it’s more fundamental than most people realize.
It’s not just something you practice when you’re learning something — though dropping the “expert’s mind” and seeing the learning as a beginner is an important practice in learning. It’s something you can practice every single moment of the day (if you can remember to do so).
What is beginner’s mind? It’s dropping our expectations and preconceived ideas about something, and seeing things with an open mind, fresh eyes, just like a beginner. If you’ve ever learned something new, you can remember what that’s like: you’re probably confused, because you don’t know how to do whatever you’re learning, but you’re also looking at everything as if it’s brand new, perhaps with curiosity and wonder. That’s beginner’s mind.
But imagine if you could apply this to every activity. Take eating breakfast, for example:

• You start by seeing the activity of eating with fresh eyes, as if you don’t know what to expect, as if you hadn’t done it thousands of times already.
• You really look at the food, the bowl, the spoon, and try to see the details that you might not normally notice.
• You truly notice the textures, tastes, smells, sights of the food, pay close attention as if you don’t already know how the food will taste. Everything seems new, perhaps even full of wonder.
• You don’t take anything for granted, and appreciate every bite as a gift. It’s temporary, fleeting, and precious.

As you can see, this practice of beginner’s mind transforms the activity.
Why It MattersWhen you practice beginner’s mind with an activity:

• Better experiences: You aren’t clouded by prejudgments, preconceptions, fantasies about what it should be or assumptions about how you already know it will be. When you don’t have these, you can’t be disappointed or frustrated by the experience, because there’s no fantasy or preconception to compare it to.
• Better relationships: If you are talking to someone else, instead of being frustrated by them because they aren’t meeting your ideal, you can see them with fresh eyes and notice that they’re just trying to be happy, that they have good intentions (even if they’re not your intentions), and they are struggling just like you are. This transforms your relationship with the person.
• Less procrastination: If you’re procrastinating on a big work task, you could look at it with beginner’s mind and instead of worrying about how hard the task will be or how you might fail at it … you can be curious about what the task will be like. You can notice the details of doing the task, instead of trying to get away from them.
• Less anxiety: If you have an upcoming event or meeting that you’re anxious about … instead of worrying about what might happen, you can open yourself up to being curious about what will happen, let go of your preconceived ideas about the outcome and instead embrace not knowing, embrace being present and finding gratitude in the moment for what you’re doing and who you’re meeting.

As you can see, the practice of beginner’s mind can transform any activity, get rid of a lot of our difficulties, allow us to be more flexible, open, curious, grateful, present.
I’m not saying all of this happens automatically. It takes practice, but it’s worth the practice.
For more on how to: https://zenhabits.net/beginner/

“Each chakra is a vision of the world. It is a collection of our feelings, thoughts, values, and how we encounter the world within them.”
This surgery blew out my first and second chakra, the energies of “grounding and balance.” Rising up from our root chakra to the 2nd, it is our place of security and wisdom.
The First Chakra “represents the earth element, the strength, the grit, that bullish part of you.”
It is the deep instinctual patterns we learn for survival. It is at the very base of the spine, the power center that comprises our bowels and our anus. The first chakra reduces everything to the bottom line.”
The Second Chakra
The energy of the second chakra involves other humans, unlike the first which vision for the world is singular.  The second chakra involves so many contraindications in us. Our entire economy seems to be fueled by this center, and yet people do not associate the idea of sexuality with creativity. Those who function strongly out of this center at a speed dictated by their feelings, desires, impulses and passions.
When this chakra is blocked in this center, life becomes more listless, empty and tedious. When overstimulated, the person sees everything in sexuality. Everything is said or done with one goal in mind: to fulfill the person’s passionate nature. And sometimes we get stuck, almost as if in a holding pattern, perhaps gripped with fear. A combination of the two basic survival of our being, the first and second chakra.
The combination of the shattering of the two, being the earth’s chakra or ours, as we are all connected to this place called earth. When the earth shatters so do we. We are living in times of stress and distress. We need to deeply connect to our inner self and voices despite the noise to return to our souls, our beings and know who we truly are.
Your relationship to nature is the essence of your being.
I have always been deeply connected to the earth. Out alone in the woods I am never afraid because I am at home with my creator, and she takes care of me. Below is a link about the 1st Chakra if you are interested. I also have many resources on this topic I am most willing to share. Be well.
Namaste. Anne
For more information on the 1st Chakra: https://www.doyouyoga.com/alchemy-of-stability-earth-energy-of-root-chakra-48245/
In the Fall I will be offering a deeper exploration into Yogic Philosophy. It is good for healing the body, mind and spirit. A schedule will be posted late summer. Focus will be on the Chakra with yoga postures to lift blockages, open the body and spirit. This will include discussions on the Chakra’s with guest speakers as well.

About 15 years ago I discovered Pilates. It is an excellent practice and nice compliment to Yoga or any form of exercise that you might engage in. The mat work of Joseph Pilates is over 90 years old. The first Pilates studio opened in NYC in 1926. It has been the secret of dancers and performers since the late 1920's and in recent years been discovered by athletes, models and actors who say they own their strong lithe bodies to the Pilates method.
The Pilates method of body conditioning is a unique system of stretching and strengthening exercises. It strengthens and tones muscles, improves posture, provides flexibility and balance, unites body and mind and creates a more streamlined body. These exercises will assist you in daily activities stabilizing muscles that protect your back as well as developing a sleek physique. Of course, any exercise program must be accompanied with health eating habits and a lower carbohydrate intake.

All my classes include components of Yoga as the practices compliment one another nicely. Yoga is a complex tradition that has a history of over 5,000 years. Hatha Yoga is a forceful yoga aimed at liberation through physical transformation. Yoga incorporates poses designed to balance the body and the mind, generally including many active expanding poses/postures or known as asanas.

For years I have studied and participated in many forms of exercise, aerobics, running, biking and callenetics. I found that the most consistent form of exercise for me was my Yoga practice. It is a practice you can do anywhere and I knew that when I was mindful of my practice, I always felt a sense of inner peace and could move my body well. When I discovered Pilates I was amazed at the short time I was able to transform my body and strengthen and stabilize my movements.

It is the richness and complimentary nature of these practices that enhance our body, mind and spirit. I am a firm believer that you do not need to purchase a lot of expensive equipment to look and feel good. A mindful mat practice will strengthen, tone, increase flexibility and balance and increase your body awareness.

Remember that these exercise are not competitive and you need not push yourself. Each time you do a posture it will become easier and more comfortable. Do what your body allows and remember to breathe with each movement.

Joseph Pilates says "In ten sessions you will feel the difference, in twenty you will see the difference and in thirty you will have a whole new body.

References: The Pilates Body by Brooke Siler
Mindful Mat Technique
Mindful eating: The Zone Diet (A good start and great information)
Low carb lifestyle  https://www.carbsmart.com/

Bike ride
I keep talking about bicycle riding in Pilate’s class and we have been doing a lot of bicycle leg exercises on the mat. My hubby had brought my bike down from the rafters and I had been procrastinating because I know that the hills wait on 184 no matter which way I go.  
So I finally opted one way to go out and found that my gears were in a need of repair; 1st a bit cranky 2nd fussy and 3rd gear no way! So I rode it twice to makes sure it was not just the rider who was being incompetent having not ridden in 2 years. I chose the easy route down Rocky Hollow and back; other than the glitches’ on the gear the ride was rather nice I realize how much I missed riding.
My next trip was up to Jeremy hill to complete some landscape work so I took the bike riding up the hill and that’s where all those bicycles from Pilate’s class kicked in! As I biked to the top and then sailed own the hill I felt joyful in making it up and the gift of the downhill with the winds keeping me cool and free.
On my way down to Mystic to swim with a friend I took my bike to Mystic Cycle Center who fixed my bike in 20 minutes complete with a new mirror.
I rode it today and the gears shifted nicely heading up the hill on a new route to realize we can always be challenged! Particularly by this small but rather steep hill which tested my knees an my lungs as I used mouth breathing on the exhale which got me up the hill and then release with shorter out breath at the top to cool down. I realized that I had learned these breathing techniques from Yoga.
Yoga is part of our lives that keeps us connected to our mind body and spirit. We know what we are made of and we use our energy wisely. As I sailed down the hill I felt happy to be alive, and as I turned onto 184 grateful of my mirror purchase!
I plan to continue to ride this summer and will be heading to Weekpaug for evening rides. The view is beautiful and warm seas for a swim. Enjoy your ride!  Namaste Anne

The picture above was taken at Kripalu on the lake.

Is taken from Anahuac National Refuge. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. The vast wetlands surrounded by protective marshes filled with so many species of birds, the largest population of Alligators in the United States. My brother Bruce lived in Anahuac, Texas after moving his family there on a wing and a prayer for a job. He was smart and came by things naturally. He raised his children, Catherine and Bruce the 4th in this beautiful place which we visited, for me once again. My heart became opened as I felt the energy of my brothers spirit, who died way too young at 41. He was a wonderful father who loved his children and would do anything for them. He taught them to fish and swim, they spent a lot of time at the water. They have grown up into fine young adults with wonderful spirits, his son the same twinkle in his eye and the spitting image of my brother and Catherine, a big adorable heart filled with much joy. My brother was a wonderful father and you can feel the love surrounded them. It was a wonderful visit and my daughter, Katherine and son Erik joined us. We met their friends, went clubbing in Houston and I listened to some great music...A birthday party at and for Catherine's where we celebrated and made new friends. We met Bruce's wife Aurelia and his son, Bruce Alexander Hunter, 4th! I can remember when I asked my nephew Bruce was going to call his son, without hesitate, he said, "Well Bruce, of course." He's one and a half and devised his own language which he understands. He calculates his moves, you can see his mind working. He did not crawl, he got up and just ran (and hasn't stopped since!) He's a beautiful baby with a wonderful smile,
So, if you are ever in Texas and like birdwatching a lot, take a trip to see nature at her finest, do go to Anahuac National Refuge, spend a few days to explore! http://www.fws.gov/refuge/Anahuac/

by Everything but the Girl
on Amplified Hearts

An excellent CD.  I came across this album quite some time ago, and never tire of listening to it. Perhaps the most important thing for me about this CD is the song “Missing”. It’s a powerful song, passionate and heartfelt.

When my sister Barbara was 41 years young, she died from cancer. She was too young and I will always remember her wonderful smile, generous nature and sense of humor. She was a beautiful young woman in every way. She lit up a room with her radiant smile and warm embrace. She made me laugh and was always there for me. I learned about courage from my sister Barbara.

She will never leave my heart; she will always be a part of mine.

When I heard the song “Missing” one day while cleaning out some of her personal items, this song came on and totally described the feelings I was having about my sister. I was so missing her.

“And I miss you, like the deserts miss the rain”

When I hear this song, it evokes emotion in me in a wonderful memory of my sister Barbara.

“You found some better place.”

How does music affect your lives? For me it opens new pathways, delights the ears and makes the body move. It helps me release feelings and emotions that may have been bottled up, or breathe into meditation and relaxation. Music is a big part of my life and I enjoy exploring new music and enjoying the old. There is something for everyone. So, the next time you are feeling blue, in need of motivation, or just a quiet moment, find the music that speaks to you. Listen and let the music take you where you need to go. And, if there is no music, go outside and listen to the birds sing.
You will be hearing the jazzed up version of “Missing” in Pilates class.  Let your spirit move you!
Anne
  “Music does bring people together. It allows us to experience the same emotions. People everywhere are the same in heart and spirit. No matter what language we speak, what color we are, the form of our politics or the expression of our love and our faith, music proves:  We are the same.” John Denver  
ENJOY !      
                                                                          http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiSsBj3ROWQ
“Music makes pictures and often tells stories
All of it magic and all of it true
And all of the pictures and all of the stories
All of the magic, the music is you.”

Usually while walking a topic will come to mind that opens my mind to much conversation, albeit, sometimes just by myself,  and as I walk I contemplate on the possibilities. Of course, I have to remind myself to be present in nature, but walking energies my brain. Walking helps me sort out everything that matters and leave the rest behind…

I am reminded of one of my Pilates music selections for class called, “Leave it All Behind” It was an intentional choice of music. For me, using many methods to integrate the change I need, or the path to follow becomes more solidified. By using all my senses, I integrate the intention in my body as it becomes part of who I am as a being.

Yoga has done that for me. It is a practice that will help make you whole despite all that tries to bring us down or in other directions. We have to be true to ourselves and “Let Go” of the judging.

I had no idea what I would write about today; sometimes it just flows in an area you weren’t even thinking of. So, the title of this being New Year 2014 leads to my quest is to “look at things differently” with my third eye.
Become unattached and clearly see.
(To learn more about the “Third Eye” go to http://www.yogajournal.com/basics/898?page=7. They can explain it a lot better than I!)

Since I have started this practice in my life, right around the holidays, I looked more upon people with compassion, rather than trepidation from the dreaded or not-- holiday family season. I looked at all the gifts I have received from others. A smile, a hug or good laugh at the dinner table. A kind remark, a loving look and being able to laugh at myself and enjoy the company of others. Not that I haven't in the past but being more conscious. Not letting the details or perfections I require get in the way. Truly being present in that place.

I thought of the uniqueness of each being, and I embraced the thought which brought much joy into my heart this holiday season. A season of JOY!

What will your practice be this year? What is your intention? If you allow it, it will come quietly to you without any fanfare, all you have to do is listen and be open. Manifest your intention using your senses, in a way that works best for you. See what happens.

In Joy~ Anne                      See Play list of Music under “Originals Only” at www.spirit7moves.com

 Unsettled weather has a tendency to put one on edge and yet there is an opportunity to be with the flow of the weather. Rain may quiet us. T-storms invigorate, and the humidity slows us down.

Weather invites us to be part of the energy of the earth.

This summer has been unsettling for me. Perhaps the most traumatic was my son who was stricken with Lyme Carditis on August 26. This is an acute Lyme disease attack. Due to the diligence of an EMT and an excellent cardiologist, my son will be okay. He is not out of the woods and must take good care of himself with no strenuous activities until the cardiologist and infectious disease doctors give their blessings. Lyme Carditis is a complete heart block and happens more often than you think. The nurses and docs at L&M emergency were quick to recognize this and immediately put in a pacemaker. The prognosis’ is good with IV antibiotics and a weeks’ stay in the hospital and more antibiotics and rest.  There is not a day I don’t thank God my son is still with us.

The docs everywhere have said that Lyme disease is rampant this year. My husband Jeff, his face feeling tingly was also just diagnosed with Lyme disease. I had Lyme myself over 20 years ago. So don’t hesitate to be tested if you are having symptoms of Lyme disease. Know that it affects everyone differently. Do be mindful of ticks and mosquito’s it’s been a banner year for both and with these wet and humid days, there will be more.

I find that it is at times like these that the practice of Yoga has helped me. I resonate with the philosophy and the movements help my body release and let go of what is not needed and bring in that which is. A breath of air, a nice slow stretch, meditation or perhaps a good hard Pilates workout. Working the body, mind and spirit. The best work you can do.

So, in these unsettling times, take the time to cherish the people you love, take the time to be with them for a cup of coffee, face to face or a nice long conversation. Breathe often. Sing. Dance. Love.

And smile. A lot.  A smile will always brighten you up and those you share it with.

Hence, my son will not be shredding the nar for a while, and as there are no storms in the offing, he won’t be tempted. He can watch, film and be near the water and eventually he’ll go back in with his seal energy and enter the waters again. The seal is one of my son’s animal totems. We all have our totems, some of us carry several. My son’s is the seal and he swims just like one and is so comfortable in that environment. Ted Andrews has one of the best books I have read on Animal Totems. (This year I will be having a “lending library” at the studio with many good books to share. More information will be available on my website at www.spirit7moves.com and Ted Andrews will be on that list.)

Unsettling also makes room for new growth, for vulnerability which opens new pathways in the mind.

“Vulnerability is the only authentic state. Being vulnerable means being open, for wounding, but also for pleasure. Being open to the wounds of life means also being open to the bounty and beauty. Don’t mask or deny your vulnerability: it is your greatest asset. Be vulnerable: quake and shake in your boots with it. the new goodness that is coming to you, in the form of people, situations, and things can only come to you when you are vulnerable, i.e. open.”
― Stephen Russell, Barefoot Doctor's Guide to the Tao: A Spiritual Handbook for the Urban Warrior

Make more time for yourself and your family. Do things together. Get rid of distractions you no longer need for they only hold you back. Take time to breathe and be. Namaste. Anne

 My bathroom smells like low tide. It’s the ‘company’ bathroom of course. It doesn’t always smell like low tide but when it does
I know the surf’s up. So, I just BEAR with it knowing that my son Erik, also known as ‘Bear' is shredding the nar. On March 13, after Pilates class I went home, dressed warm, grabbed my camera and headed for Matunuck. My son was already there with a handful of brave souls for the winds were wicked, the waves, however, were good if you could stay on them with the winds howling. The gusts were so strong it was hard for the surfers to get back to shore. The winds were off-shore winds, which are good for surfing as the waves will hold up.  I’ve learned a lot about the ocean from my son.

 As I watched the surfers I opened up my camera to take some footage only to find out my camera needed to be charged from my Sedona/Texas trip. So I took a pic or two before the camera died and then I just watched. The surfers were amazing, they were getting some nice lefts, rights and barrels. As I walked down the beach I found where my son was surfing, I can always recognize him out there in the waves, despite the height, rain or snow or fog and twilight. The winds were ferocious and some of the gusts nearly knocked me to my knees but not before I saw the ride of the day. Erik barreling a right down the wave with a smooth finish. It was sweet and I know he must have felt psyched with that catch.  Later on he caught another sweet ride which I saw before retreating to the car as the winds picked up speed and shifted. You could see the change in the shape of the waves and I knew my son would be out shortly deciding to check out another spot or take a break.

 New England surfers have “balls.” I don’t like to be crude but you got to have them going out in that mess of winds and high waves and cold. Nor’easter’s can really pack a punch. Not to mention the very cold water!

 Upon my return from Sedona and Texas, I hadn’t really had time to reflect. Sitting in the car, warmed by the sun I took some time. Sedona was beautiful, filled with vibrant energy of the many vortex spots which kept me up at nights... but I left a piece of my heart in Texas. Spending time with my vivacious and adorable niece Catherine and my handsome nephew Bruce. They have wonderful energy and bright smiles on their faces. They warmed  my heart.

 I also met new members of the family, Bruce’s lovely wife, Aurelia and his beautiful, baby Bruce the 4th and Aurelia’s mother and brother. It warmed my heart to know that my father’s name has been passed down and I know my father and my brother Bruce Jr. would feel honored with this naming. As I looked into his soulful eyes I knew that he is special; an old soul re-born into a new world. I look forward to seeing him again with my Texas family. While I was there I gave Catherine my mother’s mother ring. There are 5 stones on it one for myself, my sister Barbara who died at 41, sister Susan who lives in CA, sister Paula in New Hampshire and my brother Bruce Jr. who died at 41.  I was ten years older than him, and he was like a son to me. Now Catherine will carry the family with her. Mimi, her grandmother would have liked that.  

 The ‘kids’ showed me their old homestead in Anahuac where they lived by the bay, complete with alligators but in a beautiful rural space. Catherine said the schools were great, no gangs and everyone took care of each other, a great community to grow up in and she has fond memories. I felt my brother’s presence strongly and thanked him for all he did for his children, including loving them unconditionally. What a gift he gave to them and Catherine said, “We had his love.” I shed some tears of sadness and joy knowing that my brother Bruce had loved and raised his children well.

 In Anahuac, TX, the kids lived by the water (bay) and I know it’s our family’s fondness for the water that keeps us near the shoreline. So, when surfing season arrives and I smell the ocean in the bathroom, I know that my son is in the water and my husband awaiting springs entrance so he can be on the water in his boat.  And for me, in or on, I am happy with both. It keeps me near all my family.  Namaste.