Yoga Update + / Learning the secret word

As far as my yoga practice goes, I have mentioned that I plan on using this public forum to motivate me to get my butt in gear.  Well, that is not working...yet.  I do intend to someday get on the path, it just seems to always be tomorrow.  Right now tomorrow does not seem to be coming.

So the secret word is "No".  A simple one syllable, two letter word that is very difficult to offer.  I just had to use it however, and it was nice to feel that it is ok to do so.  Our suite neighbors just came back from a three week trip to the Himalayas, and after 30 hours of travel, I bet that help from their 20+ year younger friend sounded good.

Thing is that I injured my back Monday night while breaking down after a resident appreciation party, and I have been struggling to find any sort of comfort.  It feels a great deal like a broken rib in the fact that it hurts to breathe, to stand, to sit, etc.  The only comfortable position is flat on the back, and I cannot stand to do that for too long.  I had a massage this afternoon that has helped, but it is not fully mended.  I think that if I can manage to take it easy for a few more days that I will be back to 100%

So needless to say it was tough to say it, but it was a good lesson that sometimes saying no today will set you up for many yeses in the future.  I am sure that it seems like I marvel over the silliest things, but you would have to live here to understand.  It is like dog years.  In one year you will learn what it would take (at least) 7 years to learn about yourself in the regular world.  It is like living in a fire in the sense that you had better make this fire your friend, or you are going to get burnt to a crisp.

That's really all that there is to say at this point.  Looks like we have a lot of work to do as there has been commitment to seven different projects in Africa.  WOW, that is going to take some real determination to get done.  I am excited!

New Word / New Experience - Mundan

Yesterday we attended a Vedic ceremony called Mundan for our good friends daughter.  It was quite an experience.  A mundan is very similar to a Christening in the Catholic church.  The idea is that removing the hair that was on the child's head when they are born you are removing undesirable traits from past lives (original sin or karma). 

Below is a chronological slide show of the ceremony:

 

It was a very nice event.  Very relaxed and simple.  There were no real rituals, or odd behaviors.  It was just another Sunday afternoon.  It really reminded me alot of the baptism and dedication ceremonies that I have been to in the past, only this was not done in a church, it was in a friend's living room, and there was not a priest but rather a Pandit.

This will probably seem strange to some, but it was really natural.  A side benefit that I understand is that this actually helps to tone the scalp to allow for a strong new crop of hair to sprout.  That almost makes me wish that I had this opportunity when I was 3 years of age.

Tonight we are having a residents appreciation party so there will be a bon fire, smores, popcorn, ice cream, and fun and games.  It will be a good time.  All in all this has been an exceptional weekend.  All is well in our world, we wish you all the same.

Not really anything to say

just more photos of deer.  This morning there were three in our front yard.  I like that.

I know that it seems like Africa is not going to happen, but you need to realize that Briana is patient, I am patient, now it is you that needs to learn patience.  If we were to go over now things would not be ready.  That could be a bad thing.