Living, breathing, and being present, is the practice that can lead us to having a full and authentic in-the-body experience. If we can shift our perspective from being separate to being part of it all, psychological hang-ups, insecurities, fears, and disorders dissolve. We are left with self-realization and the ability to live fully and authentically with ease.
I don't usually do the "my life is so awesome blog," but with some consideration, I think the best way to extract and attempt a useful contribution this time around is to tell a tale. So here goes.
It was a cold winter's night in New York City. I was sheltered and warm inside the massively gorgeous St. John Cathedral listening to Sting and his wonderful group of musicians perform haunting Christmas tales. He sang dark and reflective poetry suitably married to upbeat and soulful Gaelic tunes from his new album, If On a Winter's Night. His performance was a meditation, an offering and a fantastic use of the Cathedral. If anyone can remind you by example that living in the moment is where it's at, it's Sting. He tapped into the magic, spirit, love and reflection of the season, and brought everyone along for the ride.
After the performance we stepped back into the mercy of the fierce winter that I'm convinced Sting had a hand in stirring up for dramatic effect. The whipping wind seemed inescapable, but soon I found myself again sheltered and warm. A small group of people and the musicians from the performance gathered to share the holiday spirit. I was in shock and wonder as I sat on the den floor listening in on a jam session. Fiddlers, singers, and drummers traded leads and brought the magic. Sting wandered about, joined in on other leads, and led some of his own. His gorgeous wife Trudie playfully stole kisses and glances.
Not ever wanting to leave that room, we finally did. As the elevator doors shut we all looked at each other and completely freaked out. I still can't believe that night actually happened and that I was really there. The gift of music is incredibly powerful.
Last night I escaped the dramatic winter chill again and was warm and sheltered with a group of people celebrating Trudie Styler at her Yoga DVD launch at Donna Karan's Urban Zen Center. An aura of grace, enthusiasm, and ease follows Trudie wherever she goes. She announced in her welcome/award-like acceptance speech, that "Sadomasochism is the new Tantra".
She was referring to her physical, mental, emotional and spiritual training regimen she went through to get her body and mind in top form to shoot the DVD. She said after 20 years of yoga practice, training for her DVD with her teacher James D'Silva whipped her into the best physical and mental shape of her life. Proof once again that yoga really does work.
"People get very silly about the whole idea of what Tantra is. It's using your normal life as a devotional practice. Breathing, walking, eating, making love. . . it's all the same. Practice consciously. Music is my Tantra. It's my way of saying thank you to. . . whatever." - Sting
Happy Holiday Season. I wish you a magically conscious winter.