Barb and I completed a six day course on the Art of Living.
"A non-denominational, educational and humanitarian non-profit organization, The Art of Living Foundation's stated mission is to uplift society by strengthening the individual through programs that create a sense of belonging, restore human values, develop life to its full potential, and encourage people from all backgrounds, religions, and cultural traditions to come together in celebration and service. According to the Foundation, it has programs in more than 140 countries around the world, and offers several courses to bring individuals knowledge and techniques to unlock their deepest potential and bring fullness to life."
Barb's niece Erin and her husband Mark are very involved in this organization. Barb and Erin were talking (or exchanging emails) and Erin suggested this program could help Barb with the issues she is dealing with in regards to her cancer treatment and other things going on in her life. So we signed up for the 6 day "part 1" course held at the Crown Plaza in Union City. Tuesday through Friday 7-10pm and Saturday and Sunday 9am-2pm. "bring a pillow, blanket and yoga mat". Pillow and blanket are right up my alley but I wouldn't know a yoga mat from a welcome mat. So, ok, the course is a blend of breathing techniques, meditation, light yoga, and philosophy. All with the goal of making me a better person. Happy! I'm all for that!
One of the main goals of the course is to teach breathing techniques. The message is that the breath is the connection between the body and the mind. We spend our whole life breathing without giving it much thought. True. We would practice the techniques each day until we were able to do it at home without guidance.
Yoga. Now, I must tell you, the class was about 21 people. Other than one other lady, we were the oldest in the class. One thing you don't want to see is a 50 year old overweight Irishman trying to do yoga! Eighty percent of the yoga was good. Stretching, bending, breathing, relaxing. When the teacher said to sit cross legged, put your hands behind your back, then touch your forehead to the floor, I laughed! I looked around and most everyone was able to do it! AMAZING! There were a couple of other things that I struggled to do, but I did try everything. On Saturday and Sunday we had a full hour of Yoga! Imagine that. Jim Flaherty, yoga man!
I really like the discussion part of the program. We talked about life, happiness, responsibility, service, duty. We also talked about "living in the present". Our minds are always working. Thinking about things in the past or things in the future. More importantly, STRESSING about things in the past or things in the future. If we can teach ourselves to spend more time in the present, (live in the moment), then our lives will be better off. This really hit home for me. I am CONSTANTLY worrying about things that have happened, or things the I think will happen. Its stupid if you think about it. The things in the past cannot be changed, so why bother? Worrying about thing in the future is even more stupid! Because chances are they won't even happen! That goes back to what they say in church about "protecting us from all anxiety and useless worry".
The first night we committed to some "rules' for the six days. No caffeine. No Soda. No Meat. No Alcohol. Cleansing the mind and body now people! Other than a slight caffeine headache the first day or so, I was ok.
I also enjoyed meeting everyone in the class. 18 of the 21 folks there were of Indian persuasion. Over the six days we got to know everyone as a person. And they got to know us. We did group activities and exercises where we learned about each other. It was good. All good.
We even got lunch on the weekend. Kick ass vegetarian food. With Kate being a vegetarian most of her life, it wasn't too difficult for us to move to a vegetarian diet. I need to find out some of those recipes because they were mmmmm-mmmmm good!
Overall it was a good experience for me. Something I would have NEVER done if it weren't for Barb. Thanks Honey!
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