Author: Victoria

“Only the development of compassion and understanding for others can bring us the tranquility and happiness we all seek.”
~ Dalai Lama

Wow, it’s so hazy this photo almost looks like I’ve applied a sepia tone mask! But with the haze, we have a wonderful fresh trade wind blowing today, which hopefully will cut through some of the still heat we’ve been experiencing the past few day!!  I hope some of you have been enjoying the beach, as it’s perfect beach weather … I am stuck with villa duties this weekend, but maybe will take a break today for a dip in the pool 🙂 read more

“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.”
~ Robert Frost

Such a quiet, hazy and still sunrise here today. It’s taken me a while to sort through so many thoughts this morning.

I had another one of those really good days yesterday. So much of my time is spent finding material to stimulate my own growth and learning … It was just nice to be out with other people, having mind stimulated through interaction.

As I commented yesterday about my experience with Yoga Nidra helping me along my spiritual path, I had this longing in the heart to continue my studies. With a teacher. As a 250 hour yoga teacher, I feel I have just begun, still very much a student. And I don’t feel that I will ever be a teacher of vinyasa (which is what I am certified in). As a personal practice, I love it, but not to teach … Too much talking. So what is it that I want to teach, to share along this path to awakening? read more

On a long journey of human life, faith is the best of companions; it is the best refreshment on the journey; and it is the greatest property.
~ Buddha

Our weathermen say we are in for a spectacular weekend. A big plume of saraha dust is making it’s way across the Atlantic, leaving us with dry and hazy conditions. I think it was the dust in the air that allowed for that gorgeous sunset last evening! Very rarely does the setting sun’s rays project that far to the east from my vantage point! read more

“Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.”
~ Buddha

So I awoke angry this morning, from a bit of an altercation I ran into yesterday … An infrequent, yet quite human emotion and experience. And I had to chuckle … The sun looks like a fire burning beneath the morning rain clouds. And that’s exactly how anger feels … Like holding onto a hot burning sun.

There are still a few things that are bound to push my buttons. I’ve come to be mindful of them: Being called or considered “those people” always gets my ire up. Having my help or advice asked for, then specifically having that help “corrected”. Being interrupted while I’m in thought. People infringing on my space or property without any consideration. Not feeling heard (I’ve written about this one before). And then who doesn’t get mad when we are outright insulted, even if the insult rings true. And being told not to be angry – something I was often told as a child – this will almost always make me angrier! I am grateful to my practice, as through breath, and this writing, I will be able to release it. read more

“Look within. Thou art the Buddha.”
~ Buddha

For some reason, I was fascinated with the clouds over Hans Lollick this morning. Maybe it’s because the one cloud looks so much like an elephant to me. Funny that my pipe dream is to create an elephant sanctuary on Hans Lollick, should I ever win the lottery. Hey, maybe it’s a sign that I should go pick up a ticket today LOL !! But besides the elephant, do you see the little man in prayer?

So yesterday, I had a friend graciously write me, to thank me for spreading positivity. (You are very welcome!) They also wrote that they were kicking themselves for not having taken more classes or engaged in more self learning … read more

“There is nothing more beautiful than seeing a person being themselves. Imagine going through your day being unapologetically you.”
~ Steve Maraboli

I loved how this big red glowing sun snuck out between the clouds this morning. I was certain it wouldn’t shine until it made it’s way above the thundering rain clouds. But nope, it surprised me! It always make me smile, at how easily the eye (and the mind) can be fooled …

So yesterday, I had a very enjoyable and thought provoking conversation with a friend. We were talking about being our authentic selves. As I replayed our thoughts, my meditation moved to that of Mudita … “Cultivating appreciative joy at the success and good fortune of others.”  I’ve written at length about Mudita as one of the Buddha’s 4 heavenly abodes in a previous post.  It seems the world has so little mudita these days …. read more