Video

Happy For No Reason: Benny Lava

I let this sit as a 'draft post' for a few months debating whether this really qualifies as a 'Happy for No Reason' video. At first I thought the subtitling somewhat racist or at minimum, arrogant.  Then I started laughing and appreciating the connection between the 'translation' and the song.

I read somewhere - I can't remember where - how some of the best dancing in the world comes from these productions.  Having watched this more than once, I'm impressed with the skill and coordination of these dancers.  Whatever you might think of the production (or the subtitles), you can appreciate the energy they put out.

Here you go:  Benny Lava

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Walking Meditation

As you've probably heard when instructed in walking meditation, we realize eventually that we're not going anywhere. Once we 'get' that, we can settle into being present to the moment in the senses.

There are many techniques:  counting steps, naming the movement of 'lifting,' 'moving,' 'placing,' coupling breath with movement, sensing the whole body as it makes it's way through space.

Here's classic form for your viewing pleasure:

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(Thanks, Christine.)

If This Is It

It's always pleasing when popular culture draws on the message of 'being here now.'  This is a ridiculously addictive song you might enjoy. [youtube]deR9Jt2V7YU[/youtube]

A few lyrics:

but if i had one chance to freeze time and stand still and soak in everything i'd choose right now if i had one night where sunshine could break through and show you everything i'd choose right now

if this is it all we have i know i've done all i can if this is it and we can't stop and start again we can't fast forward to the end this is it

(Thanks, Elizabeth.)

Impermanence

Robert Frost said he could describe life in two words:  "It changes." A wonderful illustration here of one year in 120 seconds from a fellow's balcony in Oslo, Norway.  Very cool technique - time lapse video.

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(Thanks, Christa.)

The Power of Intention

Clarifying and remembering what is most important helps us stay awake. A little example:

This last retreat I gave a talk on Impermanence. I tried a different slant on the topic and in the face of 120+ people and nursing a headache, I thought I'd done a pretty darn good job.   Afterward I found myself basking in a warm, self-congratulatory vibe.

Then Tara asked me if I'd like some feedback.

I immediately felt defensive and tight.  After a few breaths later, though, I remembered my intention: to stay awake and open.  Her feedback was direct, clear and while I felt a little deflated, her observations were right on and I'll carry them forward.

One version of the Bodhisattva vow:

"May whatever arise serve the awakening of heart and mind and be of benefit to all beings."

This remembering can open us again and again to the here and now, no matter how challenging.

The following clip speaks to the power of remembering what is most important.  I wish there was more footage than just the last few seconds of the school children hugging Nick.

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(Thanks, Pete.)

Deep Dharma

Here it is:  The essence of all spiritual practice. [youtube]vnRqYMTpXHc[/youtube]

The first time I saw Louis Armstrong was before going off to elementary school.  He was on the Today Show and my father had us all stop and listen.  I never heard such music and what facial expressions!

(Thanks, T.)

Kim Peek Dies

Ever wonder if you are living up to your potential?  That's probably one of the biggest fears that can haunt me. Kim Peek, the character on which Dustin Hoffman based his character in the movie Rainman, died recently.  The following is a compelling story of both mind and heart.  Keep your hanky nearby.

What is possible in the human brain?  This story also touches on what's possible in the human heart.

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A Take on Namaste

Here is a wonderful perspective on the word "Namaste."  I remember when I first heard the expression.  I was about twelve and the concept of the 'light within me salutes the light within you' struck something inside. Years later, living in spiritual community for a few decades, "Namaste" and "Jai Bhagwan" were part of the culture in which I lived and the expression of course lost some of it's sharpness.  This video makes it quite real again.

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(Thanks, Elizabeth.)

Surf-ace / Service dog

As I've been thinking of the 'immeasurable' states of kindness, compassion, love and joy, I've noticed how they tend to arise in the absence of greed and aversion.  Stories of kindness touch us all. Do you know how when you watch a video with somewhat shmaltzy music and you KNOW you're being set up for some emotional heartbreak, but you can't help it anyway?  That would describe this video of reject service dog who found a new calling.

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