After returning from Bali after a very divinely inspired retreat with my dear friend and gifted teacher, Mara Branscombe, and then right into a Level 1 and Level 2 of the teacher training program, life is flowing with inspired expansion.  DUring this last weekend of Level 2, we were reflecting on the unique message or teachings that were inspiring our practices to go deeper. The word that came to me at the time was “stoked”. Being a relatively well used word in my vocabulary, I appreciated how just today, one of the trainees emailed me the exact definition of this so-called slang word (which for the record is a totally legitimate word in my vocabulary). The dictionary definition she offered was: “stoked” - adj - to be “stoked” is to be completely and intensely enthusiastic, exhilarated, or excited about something. those who are stoked all of the time know this; being stoked is the epitome of all-being. when one is stoked, there is no limit to what one can do.

Obviously, I am now committed to this bhavana (feeling) more than ever. At this time of flux on our dear planet while the state of our oceans, economies, climates, species and the human heart continues to shift, deconstruct and reform anew, I have certainly had to “practice” my way out of a heavy heart while watching these shifts. However, while practicing with this quality of heart, I get excited knowing that regardless of how the external circumstances continue to shift and change, there is a feeling of internal exhilaration that with breath, a wide-sighted perspective, and deep graittude to the beauty of a moment, is untouchable to outside forces.

In the Bhavagad Gita, Krishna explains that all external circumstances, fluctuations and emotions, stop at the gate of the Inner Self. “The Self abides in the inner chamber of the heart, always at peace with whatever forces of prakriti may storm outside. The illumined man or woman maintains a joyful, excited and even state of mind in presence, whereby the infinite is attainable”.

This month, I am practicing to create, increase and sustain a high level of “stoke”, I hope you’re with me.

In love to the light,

Ally B