Yoga Walk of Peace

What will you do with your One Precious Life?

Everything is possible.

Our thoughts voice action choices in how we live - are instruments of peace or destruction.

You are an agent of creative positive change

See the One in All and All in One.

Wake up and

Roar!

Laugh!

Sing!

Dance!

Love!

Serve!

Create!

And so was my Yoga Walk of Peace day. If I had been better informed of the nature of this event I would have done a better job of spreading the much needed news for peaceful action. This conference was hosted by the Global Mala Project, which the intention:

"The purpose of the Global Mala is to unite the global yoga community from every continent, school or approach to form a "mala around the earth" through collective practices based upon the sacred cycle of 108 on Sept. 21st and 22nd, Fall Equinox as the yoga world's offering to further the UN International Peace Day. Each center offers their form of a Yoga Mala according to their yoga tradition and inspiration:
108 Sun Salutations (or variations of 27, 56)
108 rounds of mantra such as the Gayatri or Maha Mrityanjaya
108 rounds of a kriya
108 minutes of meditation, kirtan, movement meditation"

The above quote taken from the main site of Global Mala Project: http://www.globalmala.org/about.php.

Please refer for a complete coverage. It is very interesting.

What I did not realize the connection was to the UN International Peace Day. Why is not such important information regarding peace broadcasted more? I have not seen anything in the news about Peace Day. And here I missed it. Especially the part where at noon (September 21) there is asked a global minute of silence for world peace. Would not that been incredible? If whole cities, countries, communities, nations all stopped for one minute for silence and prayer of peace. Here is a website in reference to an article about UN International Peace Day: http://www.un.org/events/peaceday/2007/index.shtml

And so I went to the one hosted at the Los Angeles Convention Center. I went today, Sunday. Actually not too many people around. It was nice as I did not have to fight the mob to view booths. The assembly room had a multitude of booths for books, health foods, massage, clothes, and the works. Amazing really - the intent is to promote healthy, conscious living. I had found out about this event through the LA Weekly. Most of the attendees are Yoga instructors and students. So a lot of yoga oriented material as well! :)

Storm Day

Ah, another storm day. I went back to the ocean today to take a walk from Manhattan Beach to El Segundo. El Segundo had a street faire with crafts, handmade objects, art, clothing, food, along with entertainment. While on my walk there which is a little over a mile and half, I took pictures and enjoyed the changing dramatic scenery. It rained but not very much. Soft drops. This above picture is of Manhattan Pier (the red roofed aquarium at the end). The blue in the way backdrop (between the end of Palos Verdes and the pier) is Catalina Island. There are white clouds sitting on the top. :)
This picture is looking South, yes South, towards Redondo Beach and the rest of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Reason for the low visibility? RAIN!! They are sure getting a soakin'. I seemed to be in the perfect location as even though it rather rained lightly, I was hardly wet. And I was even hot with my long sleeve shirt and sweatshirt.
And this is looking North. Wow!! Could not see Santa Monica or the Santa Monica Mountains. Actually, I did wake up during the night. I had thought coming out of my dream state that the airplane was so loud and so unusually close. But realized it must have been a thunderous thunderclap and roll. Happened only once to my knowledge.
The previous series of photos is what I saw out on the beach (two of them). This one at the El Segundo beach. On the normal day this trench is covered over by sand; never knew it existed. Now I understand why there is a crisis beach clean - up after storms. The beach is littered with more trash than usual, especially congregating around these outlets that open up during storms. I was not prepared today but definitely will be in the future--to clean up that rubbish! Maybe a good idea I was not out in my tent (that I do not even possess for that matter), because I may have unwittingly placed myself about these outlets. And whoosh, away I go out to sea! I am starting to laugh just thinking about it. Ah dear.

And yes, by the time I reached El Segundo, sunny sunny--with the exception of the North and South areas.
And so was the day out on the LA coast. I saw a hawk (peregrine Falcon-do they actually exist in these parts?) flying with a fish in its talons and a score of seagulls in pursuit. Did not have my camera handy for this glorious sight.

Coastal Storm

So. A storm in LA. Well the storm seems to be more centrally located out at sea but we got the rain. People have been talking up a storm (haha) about the reported rain/thunderstorm for the weekend. It has gotten quite a bit cooler in the last week. So cool I was starting to think, ah Autumn is coming.

Today was sunny enough, but when I left after work and looked East to the coast. The big clouds coming in. I went racing home to get some errands done and then out to the beach to take pictures and admire the storm. It has not rained in 150 days. The last time it rained was on Good Friday. We needed the good soaking. The air is "much fresher." Not too fresh though but the smog has been very low. Wonderful. I like storms on the coast. It is so full of energy.

This is looking in the direction to Palo Verdes Peninsula (on far left of picture) but supposed to be full view of Catalina Island which is clouded over with some of the significant ominous clouds. It had not started to rain just yet. I could feel the rain coming closer and was fairly windy.
Just think, just a few weeks ago (like Labor Day weekend), the beaches were amassed with human bodies. One could barely see the sand between the people. I had seen a photo of that weekend. And now look at this picture, a small representation of what the beaches looked like for miles. The only inhabitants with me were the fellow seagulls and sandpipers and the pelicans riding the crests of the waves out at sea. There were some people granted out on the walkway for biking and such but not very many.
Then it started to rain. Big drops. Splat, Splat. I quickly got on my hat and rain coat. I do not mind getting wet but hearing aids are prime importance to stay dry. As long as I have dry hearing aids, everything is fine. Did my little rain celebration dance before hiking it back to the van to sit and read and listen to the rain come down. I did not take off right away so to let the roads get a good soaking before driving. And probably avoid some of the crazies who think they can go 50 mph on five minute fresh wet pavement with the oils coming out.

Yes, interrupted report! I just witnessed lightning. HA!!! My kind of storm. Almost wish to be out on the beach in a tent and letting the rain and wind rip through. Thunder? Was that faint thunder? If it was about six to eight miles away. So perhaps I will get my storm. The first storm of the season in anticipation of Autumn. Autumn is coming. My favorite season of the year. If we only had fall foliage around here.... but this is just as glorious. Coastal storms.

Watching the River Run

The rivers in my life. I am drawn to the waters ever taking them in with my senses, and ever pausing to listen, listen, listen...

There is a song, "Watching the River Run,"
that I call the song of father/daughter (namely my dad and I). I grew up with this song starting as a baby with the song sung to me like a lullaby. The song continued to be sung as I got older. And it continues to be sung even though Dad and I are miles apart in the physical sense but rather the song continues whenever we cherish the moments together in our hearts and spirit. For every time I pass a river, every time the words are sung on a breeze, they celebrate the love between father and daughter.

WATCHING THE RIVER RUN

If you've been thinking

You're all that you've got,

Then don't feel alone anymore,

'Cause when we're together,

Then you've got a lot,

For I am the river

And you are the shore. And it goes on and on,

Watching the river run,

Further and further

From things that we've done

Leaving them one by one

And we have just begun

Watching the river run;

List'ning and learning

And yearning;

Run, river, run.

Winding and turning

And dancing along,

We passed by the old willow tree,

Where friends embrace

As we sing them our song,

Rejoicing together

As we greet the sea.

And it goes on and on,

Watching the river run,

Further and further

From things that we've done

Leaving them one by one

And we have just begun

Watching the river run;

List'ning and learning

And yearning;

Run, river, run.

And it goes on and on,

Watching the river run,

Further and further

From things that we've done

Leaving them one by one

And we have just begun

Watching the river run;

List'ning and learning

And yearning;

Run, river, run.

One can also listen to a live recording from YouTube to get an idea of the flow of the song. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyIZXB1aJEM&NR=1

The song is written by Loggins and Messina"Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world's great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of the rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs."

A River Runs through It; written by Norman Maclean.

A Love Story

I walk to work everyday. I am so spoiled! I walk through a fairly lively, colorful neighborhood filled with so many people from a variety of places. One of my neighbors is from Italy. I know there are dozens of other countries/ethnic backgrounds being represented here.

Every morning I walk to work and pass several people in clusters. Mostly are children on their way to school. There are schools in the neighborhood as well. And I pass daily a mother and her child. They look to be very friendly, indeed they are, and cheerful, as exhibited by the smiles and joyful greetings when we pass. With the exception of the summer interim, we see each other every day of the work/school week. All it is a greeting of hellos, how are you, have a good day sort of pleasantries as we keep walking by. Of course there are waves of hands and big smiles that accompany the vocal greetings.

School has started up again and happily I have seen the children back to walking the streets on their way to and from school. And among those I pass, this mother and child. However, there has been a change! Just a few days ago, the little girl stops me to ask my name. We introduce to each other. And small chit chat is exchanged between all of us (mother, child, and I). The child's name is Maria and the mother's name is I believe Wilma. She has an accent so it was hard to pick up all the vowels and sounds. Maria looks to be so happy, especially when we are passing and exchanging greetings.

Now this morning, I saw Maria and Wilma coming down the street. Already, I had a big smile on my face and could feel the happy energy from them. As I was passing this time, Maria was on the phone. She had smiled and said hello but was obviously engrossed in a conversation. Wilma explained to me that Maria was on the phone with her grandmother talking all about me. Me! What?? Have our exchanges although seems minor because of our smiles and greetings every day, can really have an impact? And so I have yet learned another lesson.

Even though Maria and Wilma continued on their way to school passing by, I had stopped and stood there watching them depart from me. I was awashed with love. Yes, love. I felt so loved right there in that moment and it continued to be felt throughout the day. If it was not for the love, I think I would have cried. Here is a little girl who looks forward to her walks to school with her mother because she passes by this girl (still view myself as a girl) that gives her great pleasure to see. So much pleasure, she goes calls her Grandmother and tells all about me. It seems like a small inconsenquence but to Maria, I might as well be her dear friend. And yet, each day I look forward to my walk to work because I pass by this girl (probably about 7 years of age) and mother who are so jovial and pleasant. To see them gives me a happy glow in my heart. Goes to show that the small things in life, even just a simple gesture of a smile, greeting can go a far way into the hearts of many. I love you Maria.

(Postscript: I know the picture does not seem to go with the story, but I chose it in picturing the beautiful birds of paradise like people. And since the story involves three individuals... so hence the underlying symbolism. *smile* ).

Coastal Ventures

I had a very special Labor Day weekend. Special because in many ways it was not planned until the last moment, up to a few days prior to Friday. Then again in many ways as life has it way, perhaps it was planned all along. So before I commence telling of the story, I will start from the beginning. As Labor Day weekend was approaching, I knew I wanted to get away to do something different than stay in LA for my three day holiday. As I thought about what possibilities I could do ranging from up in the mountains surrounding LA from the North or the deserts or the coast. As you can imagine, coast sounds better just because it has been so hot. I set my sights to the coastal north of LA. Where? Hmm... a plan never formulated. Why? Because I knew I was going somewhere but something told me to wait it out like something or someone will come. And indeed I actually told my co-workers I was leaving town for a destination yet to be revealed to me. So I waited and up to the last few days prior to the weekend was starting to wonder what I was waiting for. Was my little voice playing tricks on me? Come Wednesday evening I get a unbelievable surprise. One of my friends, Rachel, said that she and Swede were coming to California for the weekend to go adventuring up the coast to Carmel and the surrounding area. Believe me my roommates could hear me for miles if they were not in the house hearing me jumping around with glee and joy. So my inner voice was right. In fact I was thinking the voice was disappearing of sorts since being here in LA. LA is definitely not conducive to my lifestyle. But the fact that the voice is still there and at least I am hearing it makes me feel relieved.

And so now begins my tale. My friends arrived en route to our destination from Tempe Friday evening. We drive up to Salinas to stay overnight with a friend of Rachel's. We probably did not get there until sometime right after 1am but we had left my house a bit after 7pm and even had some LA traffic so I thought that was pretty good time.

We spent all of Saturday in Carmel. What a pretty little place. The main attraction besides our superb breakfast with kathy cakes at the Cottage and the ocean, was The Secret Garden and The Pilgrim's way. First, I start with the Secret Garden which is right behind The Pilgrim's Way through an alley. The Secret Garden is exactly such, a secret garden that offers many visual and auditory pleasures. Different plants, figurines, and gifts are present in this semi-outdoor garden.

This picture was actually taken outside of the Secret Garden along the flower beds of the street. But pretty nevertheless. I like the yellow with the green stripes. The secret garden had a lot of succulents but also plants like bamboo and flower plants that looked exotic.

One may not see it very well but this is the view of the place from the streets. The sign says Pilgrim's Way Books. And that is where we spent a significant portion of our time in Carmel. Who would not, thinks I. Books, books, books. Swede and Rachel may not know this but I put real restraint on myself but made dozens of mental notes of titles and authors. It is my kind of bookstore and worth the miles to drive up to visit it. Like a pilgrimage in a way.

And then we spent the rest of the afternoon and early evening at the beach in Carmel. We found a quiet spot overlooking this quiet, small bay. Our time was spent reading, Swede playing his guitar, talking, beachcombing, running, and making sand art. Perfect! We sat by this big Cyprus tree which it's roots were unfortunately giving way because of the sand erosion. However, I am sure the beautiful Cyprus was happy to have us for company close by.

We returned while the sun was setting. So beautiful and the smells just glorious, especially with the eucalyptus trees. We then went to the store to get salad fixings and wine to bring back to the beach with our blankets and enjoy dinner and discussion out on the beach. We went to a different beach that was quite open and a group of folks offered their dying campfire when they were leaving. So we had some warmth of a fire and the beach. Beautiful evening with the stars so bright and the milky way and then the moon rising to cast the glow on the waves, water, and sand. I even saw a shooting star, which is something that I have not seen in a long time (partly because the city lights do not do justice for star gazing). And now looking back, hmm, I did not make a wish or maybe I did but just do not know it. I think I will remember that evening for a long, long time. Swede had said something that this is the way life should be with friends around the fire, out with nature, and sharing time together. Rachel then says, "No, this is the way life is." And so very true. Blessings in every way. Rachel went to sleep while Swede and I stayed up till midnight talking. Now there is another part of the story of how our evening ended but honestly, to write it here will take too long. I still laugh just thinking of the events that transpired. For those who want to know, ask me personally and I will tell you. hehe

Come Sunday, we start to drive down the coast on the famous Pacific Coast Highway 1. So I got to see the glorious coastline of Big Sur once again. And come to think of it, probably one of the most beautiful coastlines I have ever experienced. There are some places in Washington/BC/UK that come close. There are no words to express such scenery and the feelings in my heart. All I can do is just soak it in. Each time I pass through I come away a new person.

The ocean so vast here with brilliant colors of blues and the shimmering water. The rugged coastline like never seen before. Even just looking at the above picture, I can lose myself all over again and in the process start to rediscover myself.
We continued to have fun as we camped out at Pismo State Beach and continued our journey down PCH 1. We stayed at Refugio State Beach to spend a few hours reading, Swede playing his guitar, and enjoying the beach.

It was quite the extraordinary weekend. One I will treasure for a very long time. So very perfect to spend some time with two very dear friends on a coastal venture like this. Pure bliss.