joy - Blog Posts - Yoga Vidya International - Yoga, Meditation and Spirituality2024-03-28T11:23:30Zhttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/joyIn All Directionshttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/in-all-directions2023-03-28T19:36:34.000Z2023-03-28T19:36:34.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p style="text-align:left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/2064894a1f52bc99e7175787636a5d1b/43f1ab01242c2e0c-7e/s1280x1920/2b30ea4383e5a3b4cce9c5860217ce05cdf0a46c.jpg" /><br /></p><br /><br /><p>joy is feeling<br />looking upwards<br />skies enrapture<br />the sorry self<br />and its grievance</p><br /><p>joy is seeing<br />looking westwards<br />social fracture<br />healing itself<br />from insurgence</p><br /><p>joy is knowing<br />looking eastwards<br />proper culture<br />relieves oneself<br />from ignorance</p><br /><p>joy is seeing<br />looking outwards<br />events mature<br />the early self<br />from quiescence</p><br /><p>joy is feeling<br />looking inwards<br />divine nature<br />express itself<br />to give guidance</p><br /><p>joy is seeing<br />looking backwards<br />how the future<br />bootstrapped itself<br />in existence</p><br />§</div>Blessings To Counthttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/blessings-to-count2023-03-21T19:30:29.000Z2023-03-21T19:30:29.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p style="text-align:left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/6637c5a65f17d97f95b3129938732525/620208f859906097-8f/s1280x1920/41528bfa46bf1c83691583a6ebbd27a0da33818c.jpg" /><br /></p><br /><br /><p>joy is knowing<br />the best of views<br />fuels volition<br />to climb the mount</p><br /><p>joy is having<br />freedom to choose<br />which obstruction<br />one must surmount</p><br /><p>joy is knowing<br />hearing the muse<br />is like drinking<br />from the youth fount</p><br /><p>joy is having<br />nothing to lose<br />and yet having<br />blessings to count</p><br />§</div>Compass Towards The Grailhttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/compass-towards-the-grail2023-03-13T21:18:40.000Z2023-03-13T21:18:40.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p style="text-align:left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f58d89af1866dfd1c56462dc73d3f669/1e66431e1e703a3b-3b/s1280x1920/e486493a97515d8657a46bf89404cade52055410.jpg" /><br /></p><br /><br /><p>when gloominess<br />deflects the gale<br />joy is the wind<br />that fills the sail</p><br /><p>when despair is<br />tricking the scale<br />joy is the clue<br />that tells the tale</p><br /><p>when spleen is thick<br />and hopes are pale<br />joy is meaning<br />that lifts the veil</p><br /><p>when no reason<br />can find the trail<br />joy is compass<br />towards the grail</p><br />§</div>Accord With One's Naturehttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/accord-with-one-s-nature2023-03-08T20:45:15.000Z2023-03-08T20:45:15.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p style="text-align:left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/f5e8fd3dc1fedbd1466d3b2fd97ab0eb/fcb7f3621e06476f-5a/s1280x1920/5b6c87226870cfbe9958c8114782f22c6b2c52c0.jpg" /><br /></p><br /><br /><p>though worries hurt<br />and fears injure<br />joy yields healing<br />beyond measure</p><br /><p>though gloom has roots<br />deep in culture<br />joy at all times<br />sages nurture</p><br /><p>though the reasons<br />may outnumber<br />joy is the wealth<br />wise ones treasure</p><br /><p>though the mundane<br />exerts pressure<br />joy is accord<br />with one's nature</p><br />§</div>Respite On Heavy Dayshttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/respite-on-heavy-days2023-03-02T20:38:36.000Z2023-03-02T20:38:36.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p style="text-align:left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/e02a0e594e0c43eceda4ebd86f267fee/2ac24b01d6c8c481-bb/s1280x1920/76bcef97f2f157587351df7e8e725ea2554fa93a.jpg" /></p><br /><br /><p>when the constraints<br />the spirit faze<br />joy is a door<br />out of the maze</p><br /><p>when nobody<br />offers their praise<br />joy is moving<br />on anyways</p><br /><p>when challenges<br />the psyche daze<br />joy is clear sky<br />after the haze</p><br /><p>when upheavals<br />disrupt the ways<br />joy is respite<br />on heavy days</p><br />§</div>A Friend Halving The Loadhttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/a-friend-halving-the-load2023-02-25T19:53:48.000Z2023-02-25T19:53:48.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p style="text-align:left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/4e5be03d71cdb4d7e8dddf50353bd0cd/2a8d44eb3bb6ce48-96/s1280x1920/4f4c36da352287ac3bf2ca0e9b453a5482995d62.jpg" /></p><br /><br /><p>when there is fault<br />at the crossroad<br />joy is knowing<br />the cosmic goad</p><br /><p>when the ciphers<br />the wit erode<br />joy is insight<br />breaking the code</p><br /><p>when through hard work<br />seeds have been sowed<br />joy is seeing<br />blessings bestowed</p><br /><p>when there's burden<br />and a long road<br />joy is a friend<br />halving the load</p><br />§</div>Breakthrough From The Standstillhttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/breakthrough-from-the-standstill2023-02-23T19:52:29.000Z2023-02-23T19:52:29.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p style="text-align:left;"><img src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/86b4a90c1c869d124b7d29064832bec5/99215879c8854cd6-aa/s400x600/b227c96460a4dec57b9940d8463493514a6e62e9.jpg" alt="" width="444" /></p><p> </p><p>when there's no vim<br /> the land to till<br /> joy swells the wind<br /> running the mill</p><p> </p><p>when there's no verve<br /> the page to fill<br /> joy lights the spark<br /> moving the quill</p><p> </p><p>when obstacles<br /> challenge the skill<br /> joy marks the path<br /> leading uphill</p><p> </p><p>when restrictions<br /> deter the will<br /> joy brings breakthrough<br /> from the standstill</p><p><br /> §</p></div>The Secret Of Silencehttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/the-secret-of-silence2023-02-21T21:59:20.000Z2023-02-21T21:59:20.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p style="text-align:left;"><img width="444" alt="" src="https://64.media.tumblr.com/e0f79b68a6f220760608fd54aa2d0042/32a09a81bdeaef38-0d/s1280x1920/d1ba3e350e7dc18b9d278c332c6183c3058ea778.jpg" /></p><br /><p>joy is being given<br />the secret of silence<br />after the hard lesson<br />and the heavy penance</p><p>joy is being driven<br />to relay radiance<br />and this way forgiven<br />for past indifference</p><br /><p>§</p></div>Hello Life Lovers!!https://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/hello-life-lovers2009-07-28T03:25:59.000Z2009-07-28T03:25:59.000ZSolvei Kristin McKennahttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/SolveiKristinMcKenna<div>I just returned from 3 days in nature, camping by a roaring river,animals all around, bonfires,cooking on the fire, and it always hits me- Life Is So Abundant!Many walk around with heavy minds feeling and saying, "I can'tafford this, I can't afford that, there's not enough to go around". Thenews often ignites this feeling of scarcity and "not enough". Whensitting out there in nature on a rock, overlooking the most splendid colors andviews, such perfect harmony and balance, it required NO money, it isjust life revealing itself as ABUNDANCE.All feelings of "not enough"melts away.For how many thousands of years have humans lived,immersed and in harmony with nature? And for how many years have welived a life where almost everything we do involves phones, cellphones,TV, computers, wireless, software etc. I love all that stuff, itgives me an opportunity to create music in the simplest way, and toconnect with YOU, Right now :-) but please don't forget that the mediaoften thrives on drama, please don't buy into it. Know that theuniverse is abundant, look around you! The stars shine for you, seasonschange color for you, nature sings for you. It is all ours to enjoy.Please acknowledge the sounds, the smells, the feeling, the views, evenwhere you are sitting, right now, there is so much beauty! Please sendlove to your fellow human beings, and especially to yourself, for beinga good person, a strong person, reflection of the divine, a loving and important soul on thisplanet.xoxoSolveiwww.solvei-music.com</div>New Week- BREATHE please....https://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/new-week-breathe-please2009-07-20T19:07:37.000Z2009-07-20T19:07:37.000ZSolvei Kristin McKennahttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/SolveiKristinMcKenna<div>SO... right now, my friend, right now as you're reading this - take one moment of your life and breathe... take a deep breath in... and let it go. Again please, take a deep breath, and... let it go...really let go by exhaling deeply. Una mas... NOW please :-)Good, now bring to mind something that brings a smile to your soul... this only takes a moment, yes you can stop and do this :-)What ARE you passionate about? Bring to mind something that inspires you, right now, why wait?? What excites you and makes you feel good inside? A person? A project? An inner awakening? An event? A place? Whatever it is, just go to that feeling, how do you feel when thinking about it? Yes!! you DO have things you are excited about, and who cares what other people think is possible and not possible, they are not YOU - a glorious and unique creation, vitally important in this world, yes... you are that!Please approach this week with an absolute KNOWING in your heart, that you deserve success, peace, comfort and happiness! Your passion is your spiritual highest self calling out for your attention, don't ignore your calling. Make NO mistake: the world awaits your contribution.xoxoSolveihttp://www.solvei-music.com</div>The Miracle Is Worth The Waithttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/the-miracle-is-worth-the-wait2013-09-16T16:30:00.000Z2013-09-16T16:30:00.000ZChristopher Stewarthttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/ChristopherStewart<div><p>« <em>The Miracle Is Worth The Wait</em> » was the 2nd song written for the « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » project, and was completed on January 8, 2013.</p><p>The inspiration for this opus came from conversations held with David, a somewhat peculiar fellow with whom I was sharing living spaces earlier this year. To the best of my memory, the first words he ever spoke to me were « I can guarantee world peace. » Obviously, the statement got my attention and I just had to know more about him. I eventually learned that he was on a mission to build an ultralight, and that, assuming I correctly understood his long-winded stories, world peace would be achieved upon completion of the aircraft. That particular causality remains to be seen, but one thing for sure, there was something strangely beautiful about how he just kept going against overwhelming odds.</p><p>It sometimes seems as if many of us have to build an ultralight of some sort, which will somehow transport us to our ideal. David definitely could trust that it was his fate to fly above the hill. Can you believe it is yours ?</p><p>The version embedded above was released earlier this year on the « <em>The Abode Of The Blessed</em> » EP.</p><p><em><br /> <b>verse 1</b><br /> aviator you're working still<br /> to build your ultralight<br /> when it will fly above the hill<br /> the bird will destroy the night<br /> <br /> there's a new world to establish<br /> a new order to crystallize<br /> a skyward ladder to finish<br /> an uprising to organize<br /> <br /> you're pushing hard, we've seen you go<br /> you will get there in the long run<br /> dismiss your doubts you have to know<br /> that you'll have your time in the sun<br /> <br /> <b>verse 2</b><br /> jerusalem opens its gates<br /> to let you see the golden tree<br /> that patiently for you awaits<br /> you will claim it when you are free<br /> <br /> today tomorrow is unclear<br /> yet it's no reason to worry<br /> to get to the dream that's so dear<br /> surrender to uncertainty<br /> <br /> never give up you shining star<br /> don't give in to the daily gloom<br /> joy of this life heals every scar<br /> and ripens each fruit to full bloom<br /> <br /> <b>verse 3</b><br /> aviator you're working still<br /> to build your ultralight<br /> when it will fly above the hill<br /> the bird will destroy the night<br /> <br /> <b>chorus</b><br /> hone your feathers and keep your smile<br /> you have a date with destiny<br /> steady go for the extra mile<br /> and you will soar to liberty<br /> can you trust that it's your fate<br /> the miracle is worth the wait<br /> <br /> <b>bridge</b><br /> onward to complete harmony<br /> at heaven's door often you've knocked<br /> all of the time never knowing<br /> that the entrance was never locked<br /> <br /> <b>last chorus</b><br /> hone your feathers and keep your smile<br /> you have a date with destiny<br /> steady go for the extra mile<br /> and you will soar to liberty<br /> can you trust that it's your fate<br /> though the road might not be straight<br /> can it ever be too late<br /> the miracle is worth the wait<br /></em></p><div align="center">·</div><p></p><p style="font-size:x-small;border:1px solid #AAAAAA;"><br /> <em><br /> The « <em>30 Songs for the Sunny Season</em> » series presents songs written in the aim of building a repertoire of originals that require only guitar and vocals, without additional arrangements, and thus can be performed in a busking context.<br /></em></p></div>2010... YES!!!https://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/2010-yes2010-01-19T15:04:01.000Z2010-01-19T15:04:01.000ZSolvei Kristin McKennahttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/SolveiKristinMcKenna<div>Hello my beautiful souls!Happy new year (a little late, but better late than never), and let me assure you, this year is going to bring much encouragement, hope, forward motion, drive, positivity and you will need all your strength, your health, your positivity, to move with the flow of this AMAZING year.The "stuck" energy of 2009 is over ~ full blast forward.Let us together now, make a decision to be kind, to be helpful to others, to trust that we are enough, we have enough, and that we know enough... to be a part of this world's highest, most aware energies, of "back to balance".What is better in your life today, compared to a year ago? or two years ago, or 5?Regardless of your current circumstances, can you now please put a spot light on what is BETTER, more in harmony, or more in balance in your life?Acknowledge it, appreciate it, whatever it may be... please take a breath and when exhaling the breath out, say quietly or aloud "Thank you". You are thanking the highest good, the most loving force within you, you are thanking your soul for showing up, even when it is difficult, you are thanking the universe for moving you into a new day, a new chapter, a new millennium.We are in this boat together :) When one of us is down in the dumps, we help each other, we help each other become happier.Your success, your fulfillment is BEAUTIFUL. You don't take anything away from anyone else, by being successful, you INSPIRE others by being truly successful, it shows others that it is possible, so go and do what you LOVE to do, go and feel fulfilled! If you don't know what truly fulfills you yet, that's okay... just ask inside of yourself. " What would I like, what do I enjoy, what brings a smile to my heart...?" The answers will come. Keep asking. You are unique, and very important to this world. Don't you forget it! :) You don't need ANYONE'S permission to be happy. It is your birth right.Happy 2010!xoxoSolvei</div>Slowing down...https://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/slowing-down2009-09-02T03:53:54.000Z2009-09-02T03:53:54.000ZSolvei Kristin McKennahttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/SolveiKristinMcKenna<div>Three days in nature, cooking on the fire, swimming nude in the cleanest river you can imagine, everything is in perfect harmony. In the city our senses get bombarded, and with the news telling us constantly how miserable the planet is, it can be blinding...blinding to the fact that great balance is found in large amounts of this world. Out there on the earth in a sleeping bag, everything works together, the birds are busy doing their thing, the spiders are busy working,the butterflies grace the sky with their exquisite colors, the snakes avoid you because humans freak out around them, and we forget sometimes we are just a SMALL part of the whole. We have so much to learn, things we don't see when we are rushing through life, but only get to see when we slow down...When we slow down, we bring quality to our lives, we create lasting memories. Being present and truly experiencing life in the moment, is what I will remember at the end of my life. I will remember the moments, when life stood still in complete beauty and harmony" I wont remember the "work deadline" I had. Let us make a decision to pay extra attention to the balance of nature this week, and know nature is our family, whether it is the house plant, or a flower pressing through a crack in the cement, or a beautiful field/forest. Nature is relentless, unstoppable. Isn't that GREAT to know... And since we are a part of nature, that means the life force within us TOO, is unstoppable.Live as if you're seeing everything for the first time!xoxoSolvei</div>New Week, let your light shine!!https://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/new-week-let-your-light-shine2009-08-03T05:44:55.000Z2009-08-03T05:44:55.000ZSolvei Kristin McKennahttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/SolveiKristinMcKenna<div>Hi my friends,This week, please stay alert and look for the magic, and the synchronicity that life will bring you. Remember, you are so talented with SO much to offer the world. Don't you DARE put yourself down... ever! Don't you DARE believe you can't accomplish something you feel passionate about. When you say, "I can't", you are saying you know better than the universe. I don't believe you are as limited as you may tell yourself at times. Be open, my friend :-) Leave the door open a tiny crack for "I can"...I don't know... sometimes it seems we forget that we are souls having a physical experience. And our biggest blessings were never store bought, no, they were so generously installed within us. The biggest gifts don't have a price tag. Life is beautiful. Embrace being open to new paths this week, and then... Buckle your seat belt, we're going for a ride! Yeyhhhh!!!!!xoxoSolveihttp://www.solvei-music.com</div>Hello beautiful soulshttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/hello-beautiful-souls2009-09-29T06:21:45.000Z2009-09-29T06:21:45.000ZSolvei Kristin McKennahttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/SolveiKristinMcKenna<div>How are you today? Feeling good? Whatever you are experiencing... it will pass. Yes, time washes us down this eventful river of life, and the key is to be fully present, as we travel. And where is is our emotional state while traveling? Are we creating a higher, vibrant life today or are we digging a hole of anger and frustration?If we only knew the POWER of our emotions, our feelings set the tone for our future. I've had some crappy days, and it is not easy, shifting my misery fest into one of appreciation, of love and of good vibrations, but it must be done, because nothing goes right when I feel shitty. It tends to attract more misery. I'm all for being honest, and feeling whatever is going on, swearing, yelling, whatever needs to be done, BUT then... it's time to snap out of it and FOCUS on something that makes me feel good! Anything... Now, what can you think about, right now that lifts your spirit, that makes you feel warm and happy inside? I know you got something..... remember, you are SO important in this world. You might think not, at times, but you are a very vital part in bringing our world into a more empowered and joyful place, through your attitude, through your love, through your talent, and being willing to keep your passion alive.I honor you, my friend. Thank you for reading :-)Solvei</div>Holiday~Winter Solstice~Reflectionhttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/profiles/blogs/holidaywinter-12009-12-23T04:13:17.000Z2009-12-23T04:13:17.000ZSolvei Kristin McKennahttps://my.yoga-vidya.org/members/SolveiKristinMcKenna<div>Blessings to you all, my wonderful souls, wherever you are at this very moment reading this, I urge you to look around you. Find something that pleases the eye and flood what ever or whomever it is, with love and appreciation. We never know where we will be tomorrow. Life has many surprises, appreciate when you can, wherever you can. Love, is the word, Love is what this time on this earth requires and hungers for more than anything else. Compassion, understanding... Use your gifts, your talents with this Love in mind, know you are gracing our world every time you choose Love. Know you help raise the positive vibrations of our planet, every time you choose Love.I am there with you, in your hardships, in your struggles, in your sadness, but also there in your joy, in your excitement and inspiration and grace.Be better this holiday, listen to yourself, take 5 minutes to yourself, even in the midst of partying and family gatherings, look at the sky, see the beauty. Focus on the beauty, and know.. you ARE this beauty, the beauty you see in others, is also in you.Blessings to you my sacred friend xoxoxoSolvei</div>