The “F” Word
Years ago, I created an R&R workshop and called it, The Yoga of Faith.
Nobody came.
Well, that’s a slight exaggeration.
A few people came.
My boss, a world-wise-fella called Steve, patiently prompted me to change the title.
I was emotionally young enough to be slightly offended at his request.
I somewhat begrudgingly, while feeling slightly superior, changed the title to The Yoga of Life.
I changed not a word in the program.
People came.
Faith is a funny thing to talk about.
I hesitate.
Okay.
Here goes:
Faith—
To me
Means:
Knowing
No matter is happening,
I will find my way forward.
Believing
No matter what externals are surrounding me,
I have access to serenity.
Imagining
No matter what direction life is taking,
I will not be alone.
For me,
Faith isn’t something
To latch on to,
To lock into,
To hunker around,
To keep.
It is as fluid
As a
Living
Stream.
It comes.
It goes.
I’m aligned.
I’m not.
I trust.
I
Get
Anxious
And
Doubtful
Again.
The fluidity of faith
Offers a homecoming,
Ongoingly
And
Always.
Turning points,
Doorways,
To
Return
Back
Home.
To a place that holds me.
To a place that loves me.
To a place that keeps me safe,
No matter
What
Is
Happening.
~~~
These two songs reflect my evolving relationship with faith!
This first song came out in 1970.
I must have heard it in the early ‘70’s, when listening to the album, The Concert for Bangladesh.
I must add, most probably stoned out of my mind.
I had years ahead of me of pain and struggle and effortful living.
Yet, my truth is, I always wanted God. Period. Conversation over.
I tried so hard to get there, to get somewhere that felt better.
A place in which I felt better.
My addiction to marijuana was a seeking, a searching for Grace, for something bigger than me. Something to hold me safe.
It never worked.
Perhaps temporarily the pain lessened.
It never sustained.
This song represents my longing.
I have been known to play this some over and over and over again.
And then, some more.
My Sweet Lord.
And of course, I loved the Hindu prayers woven into it.
Even if you are familiar with it, please listen.
Listen again, consider again, to what George is saying, wanting ,hoping and leaning into:
~~~
I don’t remember the first time I heard this.
It was—always there—at Kripalu, in a yoga class, during a workshop.
I always, ALWAYS feel comforted, connected and softened in solace when receiving it.
Written by Mike Heron, it was made popular in the world of yoga by the brilliant Snatam Kaur, world-renowned devotional singer.
It does.
It does reflect my spiritual moment back to me, softening, intensifying…
Sat Nam—repeated at the song’s end—is a seed mantra that activates the chakras.
Its translation is I Am Truth.
~~~
Dear Folks, what about you?
What songs did or currently do support your spiritual journey?
Open your heart to that which is greater than us?
Reminds you of the truth?
~~~~
May the long time sun
Shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light
Within you
Guide your way on
Guide your way on.
May the long time sun
Shine upon you
All love surround you
And the pure light
Within you
Guide your way on
Guide your way on.
Sat Nam
Sat Nam…
May all beings receive
The benefit of our words.
May all beings receive
The benefit
Of our hearts’ longing.
Aruni