As I navigate the deeper waters of meditation lately, there's a lot I don't know. Acknowledging that while I'm practicing helps me to pry the ridiculously tenacious fingers of the controller OFF my meditation.
About half-hour or so into my meditation this afternoon (guessing here), I realized I was just treading water, so-to-speak. I was working with my mantra, allowing thoughts to catch my attention, and just generally feeling like I was in an all-too-familiar holding pattern. Ironically I've been feeling the same way out of meditation over the last several days. Actually, it's not really ironic at all. It's pretty much a "duh" type realization. No real rocket-science.
While at this seeming impasse, a type of active seemingly impersonal fire of anger-like energy starts to focus itself in my awareness. It's not anger in the sense of being mad about my experience and pouting about it. More like a focused, clear, and take-no-prisoners "Enough is enough" sentiment.
In the moment, I had the sense that this uprising of will could easily just pass on by and I'd be back in the malaise of sitting rather aimlessly. Grasping this fire and basically ingesting it into every cell of my body and awareness, I sharpened the intention to harness and focus this force through the Heart, to churn as much visceral self-love as I could possibly conjure, mix it into this fire, and PIERCE the stuckness -- not just once, continuously.
If it's true that God, Guru, and Self are all One, then all of it dwells within me. Waiting hopefully for someone outside to show up on a white horse and make all the differences in my life that need making is pointless. Until I make the shift deeply within, my life will continue to mirror exactly the places my attention is rooted consciously and unconsciously inside myself.
I've been feeling for some time that it's now time to take my life deeper, and I've been experiencing a lot of frustration about not seeing the kinds of support from places I feel like I've given so much support to over the years...the exact kind of support that my ego was convincing me would make all the difference for me in expanding the quality and experience of my world.
In this meditation, I just basically said, "Fuck it. If it is to be, it is up to me." I don't mean the little me that would go off like Chicken Little to do all the work of making the bread herself just to be right about how great she is and what a jerk all the other animals were for not helping her out. That paradigm is called Victim clothed in arrogance. I've danced that dance so many times it makes me nauseous just thinking about it.
This impulse of it being up to me, is pointing at a deeper aspect of self, a quality of will that I'm discovering has great power within it. In the Tantras there's the description of Iccha Shakti, the energy of will, and in that context, it's a very pure form of will with little ego around it, if any. I'm sensing, and hoping that what's dawning is the opportunity to sense, tune to, and work with that type of will. If it isn't it certainly feels like it's on the road to that zip code.
Regardless of the official truth on all of this, whatever that might mean, something turned today in meditation. The awareness that sitting isn't meant to be passive if it's going to lead to a deeper realization. Nor is it to be forceful. Both those are flip sides of the same hand, the same energy. Some how what got sensed and tapped today seems to run right up the middle. We'll see.
ADDENDUM ~ In re-reading this piece, I realized I left out a crucial piece from the meditation and the ardent (thank you Zaven for that word) firing up of intent. At the beginning of the shift in this meditation from the malaise to focused will, I had a vision of my Guru's feet. In the Tantric understanding, the feet are said to be an access point to the Guru's shakti or spiritual force. It's also understood that the outer Guru is a mirror for the truth of the Guru within.
At this moment of glimpsing his feet, I reached out and grasped them firmly in my hands, determined not to let go, and lowered my head to place it squarely on them, as my body flooded with goosebumps and my awareness felt like this giant bellows-like fantastically alive pulsation.
This firing up of will was not conjured by me alone. It was and is inspired by Grace. It has all the hallmarks of True Support. May I never forget. May I always remember.
Copyright 2011 Scott Patrick Schwenk, All Rights Reserved.
Showing posts with label Grace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Grace. Show all posts
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Sunday, January 16, 2011
RELAXATION, A Profound Inner Freedom ~ Ecstatic Breathwork Fri 1/21 8-9:30pm at The Hub
Friday, January 21 ~ 8:00-9:30pm ~ The Hub (West LA)
RELAXATION, A Profound Inner Freedom ~
What is it to deeply RELAX? What will your life be like when you can RELAX in any type of experience or situation? What’s the difference between RELAXING and being lazy? How is RELAXATION one of the more powerful tools for Freedom and Unconditioned LOVE?
Breath Deep. Heart Awake. Body Soft. Attention Clear and Present.
Join Us.
What is it to deeply RELAX? What will your life be like when you can RELAX in any type of experience or situation? What’s the difference between RELAXING and being lazy? How is RELAXATION one of the more powerful tools for Freedom and Unconditioned LOVE?
Breath Deep. Heart Awake. Body Soft. Attention Clear and Present.
Join Us.
When: FRIDAY night 1/21/11 8-9:30pm
((Arrive early to avoid being late))
Exchange: $35
Where: The Hub (http://thehub-la.com)
2001 S Barrington Ave, Suite 150, Los Angeles, CA 90025-5363 US
{ S Barrington Ave between LaGrange and Mississippi }
Entrance for the Hub is located on street level at the ground floor of the
parking structure located on South Barrington Avenue.
Bring: Yoga mat and/or blanket-we'll be sitting on the floor at first then lying down
for the breathwork.
RSVP: You can reserve your spot through The Hub 310-575-4200
These ECSTATIC BREATHWORKSHOPS are nothing less than a journey deeper into the experience and expression of who and what you are, a journey into the Heart of Freedom within. Through a simple and powerful breathing meditation, you gain and deepen the tools for seeing past your former limitations, gain muscle for being your own best ally, teacher, and healer, and deeply taste a place free of insecurity, full of self-love.
LOVE,
SCOTT
http://trustthebreath.com
http://scottschwenk.blogspot.com
http://huffingtonpost.com/scott-schwenk
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Sacred Breath of Life ~ ECSTATIC BREATHWORK Friday~ 10/15 8-9:30pm @The Hub
Friday, October 15th ~ 8:00-9:30pm ~ The Hub (West LA)
Sacred Breath of Life ~
How clear can you be when your energy is flagging and low? How precise is your intuition when you’re feeling challenged? When the charge in your life-force batteries gets below a certain level, how easy is it for you to connect with self-love, to even make the effort to recharge?
This Friday night, we’ll focus on recharge, renewal, and rejuvenation as pathways to the Sacred within. The more quickly you can learn to recharge, the more quickly you get back on purpose, in flow, and feel the tremendous support of Universal Energy Flow and Grace supporting you every step along the way. It’s crucial to learn to rejuvenate and maintain openness going forward. With a strong base of support from within, expansion into and recognition of your True Nature are natural...
Breath Deep. Heart Awake. Body Soft. Attention Clear and Present.
Join Us.
How clear can you be when your energy is flagging and low? How precise is your intuition when you’re feeling challenged? When the charge in your life-force batteries gets below a certain level, how easy is it for you to connect with self-love, to even make the effort to recharge?
This Friday night, we’ll focus on recharge, renewal, and rejuvenation as pathways to the Sacred within. The more quickly you can learn to recharge, the more quickly you get back on purpose, in flow, and feel the tremendous support of Universal Energy Flow and Grace supporting you every step along the way. It’s crucial to learn to rejuvenate and maintain openness going forward. With a strong base of support from within, expansion into and recognition of your True Nature are natural...
Breath Deep. Heart Awake. Body Soft. Attention Clear and Present.
Join Us.
When: FRIDAY night 10/15/10 8-9:30pm
((Arrive early to avoid being late))
Exchange: $35
Where: The Hub (http://thehub-la.com)
2001 S Barrington Ave, Suite 150, Los Angeles, CA 90025-5363 US
{ S Barrington Ave between LaGrange and Mississippi }
Entrance for the Hub is located on street level at the ground floor of the
parking structure located on South Barrington Avenue.
Bring: Yoga mat and/or blanket-we'll be sitting on the floor at first then lying down
for the breathwork.
RSVP: You can reserve your spot through The Hub 310-575-4200
These ECSTATIC BREATHWORKSHOPS are nothing less than a journey deeper into the experience and expression of who and what you are, a journey into the Heart of Freedom within. Through a simple and powerful breathing meditation, you gain and deepen the tools for seeing past your former limitations, gain muscle for being your own best ally, teacher, and healer, and deeply taste a place free of insecurity, full of self-love.
LOVE,
SCOTT
http://trustthebreath.com
http://scottschwenk.blogspot.com
http://huffingtonpost.com/scott-schwenk
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
SUNDAY, March 28th 4:30-6pm ~ Feeling The Net Of Support, ECSTATIC BREATHWORK at Liberation Yoga
Feeling The Net Of Support, ECSTATIC BREATHWORK at Liberation Yoga
How much personal energy do you expend trying to make your life flow? It can be easier and more fun! There is a vast and unfailing net of support ready to not only catch you, but LIFT you into your highest personal expression, into flow, ease, and JOY. This net is GRACE. It has been called by many different names throughout histories and cultures. We will use the power of this ECSTATIC BREATHWORK to guide you into a deeper and more direct experience of this net, this GRACE. Through direct experience comes TRUST, and through trust, you become more available, more open to receiving and being guided by this GRACE and unlimited stores of energy.
DATE: Sunday, March 28th, 2010
Time: 4:30pm - 6pm (come early to avoid being late)
Cost: $44
Bring: Yoga mat and/or blanket-we'll be sitting on the floor at first then lying down
for the breathwork.
Location: Liberation Yoga
124 S. La Brea (btw 1st and 2nd)
Los Angeles, CA 90036
RSVP: You can reserve your spot through Liberation Yoga (323) 964-5222.
LOVE,
SCOTT
http://trustthebreath.com
http://scottschwenk.blogspot.com
http://huffingtonpost.com/scott-schwenk
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Celebrating Plenty! Breathwork ~ Sunday, Dec 13, Noon-1:30pm
This Sunday, we’ll CELEBRATE (a close cousin to Gratitude)!
At a time of year when there can be too many moments of feeling “not enough” (not enough time, money, sleep, sunshine, etc), it’s no wonder people get depleted and sick. So we’ll gather to CELEBRATE ABUNDANCE, to recognize, mark, and breathe into all the areas where there’s plenty, where there is FLOW, and we’ll watch them EXPAND through awareness, impacting every other area of life.
~ Sunday, December 13th, 2009 Noon-1:30pm ~
At a time of year when there can be too many moments of feeling “not enough” (not enough time, money, sleep, sunshine, etc), it’s no wonder people get depleted and sick. So we’ll gather to CELEBRATE ABUNDANCE, to recognize, mark, and breathe into all the areas where there’s plenty, where there is FLOW, and we’ll watch them EXPAND through awareness, impacting every other area of life.
~ Sunday, December 13th, 2009 Noon-1:30pm ~
We’re calling this event THE PRACTICE, and it’s for ALL levels of experience with the Breath. It happens for now in the sanctity of my healing space in West Hollywood. Reserve your space as soon as you know you’ll be coming, as it fills up quickly...
In this workshop, there won’t be much talking. We’ll set some intention very quickly in the beginning, and then get right down to the business of the Breathwork; an ancient 3-part breathing meditation that takes you beyond the dream of the limited ego experience....into the space of GRACE, the space of KNOWING, the space of deep REJUVENATION.
This is designed to be a place to work deeply with the breath and build /strengthen the muscles for your home practice.
ARRIVE on-time or better yet, early. No one will be admitted after the breathwork begins to honor and support the safe space created for The Work.
When: Sunday, December 13th, 2009
Time: Noon-1:30pm
Exchange: $40
Where: 1226 Havenhurst Dr. #9
(Havenhurst is 1 block West of Crescent Heights between Santa Monica Blvd and Fountain Ave)
Parking: It’s best to park at a meter on Santa Monica Blvd or in the West Hollywood City Lot just South of Santa Monica Blvd behind Out Of The Closet between Havenhurst and La Jolla. The City Lot is $1 per hour in quarters. Other meters in the area are free after 6pm.
RSVP: Due to size of the space, please RSVP to hold your place. If need be, we’ll start a waiting list. 24hrs cancellation by phone. (310) 922-4890
BRING: A folded blanket and/or yoga mat to lay on for the breathing meditation, water, and a smile!
LOVE,
SCOTT
http://trustthebreath.com
http://scottschwenk.blogspot.com
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Exchange
There is only Love.
This I know.
And yet the
thousand and one
things shiny or bright
can still
cast their glamour,
steal drops of attention
until I return.
And returning is a
precarious teeter-totter
of a walk
at times,
coyotes chasing rabbits
across the sandy desert road
winding through Joshua Trees
and chapparal,
captivated by my senses
until a large rock
knocks against the steely wheels of my mind.
Infinite Grace
always extending
not one hand
but two,
nothing held back,
for Grace doesn't wait for
guaranteed returns before
opening the coffers wide.
So why should I?
Scott Patrick Schwenk 9/24/09
This I know.
And yet the
thousand and one
things shiny or bright
can still
cast their glamour,
steal drops of attention
until I return.
And returning is a
precarious teeter-totter
of a walk
at times,
coyotes chasing rabbits
across the sandy desert road
winding through Joshua Trees
and chapparal,
captivated by my senses
until a large rock
knocks against the steely wheels of my mind.
Infinite Grace
always extending
not one hand
but two,
nothing held back,
for Grace doesn't wait for
guaranteed returns before
opening the coffers wide.
So why should I?
Scott Patrick Schwenk 9/24/09
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Transformative Grace, Simple Breath
I just got back last night from the East Coast with the work, the 3-hr Breathwork Immersion: Alchemy of Transformation was held at Virayoga in Soho, followed the next day with an afternoon workshop up at MindBodySoulYoga in Ft. Washington amid the drumbeat of near monsoon rains, finishing with a Full Moon/Eclipse workshop where 40 people and 2 Didgeridoo Masters took the breath to levels I’d not yet seen before as a group. Then 4 days with friends in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. It was a time for me to integrate the last number of months within myself, and refresh my intentions and my batteries in the bursting green woods.
And now, and now....back here in LA we dive into the work once again with Tonight’s The Practice. There are still spaces available, so if you’re feeling the call, reach me on 310-922-4890 to reserve your spot.
Love,
Scott
http://trustthebreath.com
------
Coming out of the month of 3 eclipses, we’re ready to re-convene, re-collect, re-juvenate, and walk forward...
It’s time for the next round of The Practice...on Wed, August 12th.
We’re calling this evening THE PRACTICE, and it’s for ALL levels of experience with the Breath. It happens for now in the sanctity of my healing space in West Hollywood. Reserve your space as soon as you know you’ll be coming, as it fills up quickly...
In this workshop, there won’t be much talking. We’ll set some intention very quickly in the beginning, and then get right down to the business of the Breathwork; an ancient 3-part breathing meditation that takes you beyond the dream of the limited ego experience....into the space of GRACE, the space of KNOWING, the space of deep REJUVENATION.
This is designed to be a place to work deeply with the breath and build /strengthen the muscles for your home practice.
ARRIVE on-time or better yet, early. No one will be admitted after the breathwork begins to honor and support the safe space created for The Work.
When: Wednesday, August 12th, 2009
Time: 7:30-9:00pm
Exchange: $40
Where: 1226 Havenhurst Dr. #9
(Havenhurst is 1 block West of Crescent Heights between Santa Monica Blvd and Fountain Ave)
Parking: It’s best to park at a meter on Santa Monica Blvd or in the West Hollywood City Lot just South of Santa Monica Blvd behind Out Of The Closet between Havenhurst and La Jolla. The City Lot is $1 per hour in quarters. Other meters in the area are free after 6pm.
RSVP: Due to size of the space, please RSVP to hold your place. If need be, we’ll start a waiting list. 24hrs cancellation by phone. (310) 922-4890
BRING: A folded blanket and/or yoga mat to lay on for the breathing meditation, water, and a smile!
LOVE,
SCOTT
http://trustthebreath.com
http://scottschwenk.blogspot.com
And now, and now....back here in LA we dive into the work once again with Tonight’s The Practice. There are still spaces available, so if you’re feeling the call, reach me on 310-922-4890 to reserve your spot.
Love,
Scott
http://trustthebreath.com
------
Coming out of the month of 3 eclipses, we’re ready to re-convene, re-collect, re-juvenate, and walk forward...
It’s time for the next round of The Practice...on Wed, August 12th.
We’re calling this evening THE PRACTICE, and it’s for ALL levels of experience with the Breath. It happens for now in the sanctity of my healing space in West Hollywood. Reserve your space as soon as you know you’ll be coming, as it fills up quickly...
In this workshop, there won’t be much talking. We’ll set some intention very quickly in the beginning, and then get right down to the business of the Breathwork; an ancient 3-part breathing meditation that takes you beyond the dream of the limited ego experience....into the space of GRACE, the space of KNOWING, the space of deep REJUVENATION.
This is designed to be a place to work deeply with the breath and build /strengthen the muscles for your home practice.
ARRIVE on-time or better yet, early. No one will be admitted after the breathwork begins to honor and support the safe space created for The Work.
When: Wednesday, August 12th, 2009
Time: 7:30-9:00pm
Exchange: $40
Where: 1226 Havenhurst Dr. #9
(Havenhurst is 1 block West of Crescent Heights between Santa Monica Blvd and Fountain Ave)
Parking: It’s best to park at a meter on Santa Monica Blvd or in the West Hollywood City Lot just South of Santa Monica Blvd behind Out Of The Closet between Havenhurst and La Jolla. The City Lot is $1 per hour in quarters. Other meters in the area are free after 6pm.
RSVP: Due to size of the space, please RSVP to hold your place. If need be, we’ll start a waiting list. 24hrs cancellation by phone. (310) 922-4890
BRING: A folded blanket and/or yoga mat to lay on for the breathing meditation, water, and a smile!
LOVE,
SCOTT
http://trustthebreath.com
http://scottschwenk.blogspot.com
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Come, Spirit, Come!
Come, Spirit, Come…
Fill this pen with
Your endless ink.
Come, Spirit, Come!
Shatter the glass
In all the windows of division,
That Your sweet breath of freedom
Would blow through all
Dilapidated buildings of despair...
Come, Spirit, Come!
Reveal the Trust
Joy and
Truth
Contained in the
Seeds
The core of all
Your Holy Names.
Your smile on my face
Will open more hearts
Than a thousand
Lectures intoned
With perfected pace,
Rigorous study,
And a starry-eyed gaze.
Come, Spirit, Come!
Bring the Awakening
Part the veils
Grounding Your
Love into these
Traveled soles.
Coursing through every footstep
Ingraving Your invitation Home
Into sidewalk cracks
Splitting sidelong
In every metropolis
Germinating,
Sprouting,
Growing the
Seed of Creation,
In the compost of the mind,
Revealing only Grace, and
The Faceless Face,
No birth,
No death,
Just This...
Come, Spirit, Come...
Scott Patrick Schwenk 6/25/09
Fill this pen with
Your endless ink.
Come, Spirit, Come!
Shatter the glass
In all the windows of division,
That Your sweet breath of freedom
Would blow through all
Dilapidated buildings of despair...
Come, Spirit, Come!
Reveal the Trust
Joy and
Truth
Contained in the
Seeds
The core of all
Your Holy Names.
Your smile on my face
Will open more hearts
Than a thousand
Lectures intoned
With perfected pace,
Rigorous study,
And a starry-eyed gaze.
Come, Spirit, Come!
Bring the Awakening
Part the veils
Grounding Your
Love into these
Traveled soles.
Coursing through every footstep
Ingraving Your invitation Home
Into sidewalk cracks
Splitting sidelong
In every metropolis
Germinating,
Sprouting,
Growing the
Seed of Creation,
In the compost of the mind,
Revealing only Grace, and
The Faceless Face,
No birth,
No death,
Just This...
Come, Spirit, Come...
Scott Patrick Schwenk 6/25/09
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
This Joy...
With a Heart
Full of Grace
How can I
go wrong?
Where can I turn
and not feel Your
heat?
Drunk on your fragrance,
I stagger up and down the
stairs looking for that
one sacred flower
that will end
all delusion...
Oh that precious
and divine
savior,
budding only
on leap-year
or maybe it's
the last hour of
Solstice,
or could it be?
Could it be that
maybe it's just
those perfect hours
so early in the morning
when the world is still
free from the sometimes
happy buzz
of caffeinated contentment...
Oh yes!
Maybe it is those
sacred moments...
But where?
Where do I
find the formula
the special mantra
to unlock the gold
in these few coveted moments?
There must be
an incantation to
open the locks
on the wrought iron
doors to the Infinite...
Scurrying
Pining
Pushing
Pleading
Yearning...
Until the inevitable
forfeiture..
Giving in to the
seductive slumber of
anesthetized awareness.
"It's so simple,
with simplicity."
"The doorway to
My Heart
is nowhere
your eyes can look
your ears can hear
your tongue can savor
your mind can conceive."
"My Dear One,
as you giggle
and shake into
the most unholy
laughter,
sweating and
rolling on the floor
practically
and maybe actually
drooling on yourself
as the howling
hilariousness of
this game of
cat and mouse
comes crashing through your
Heart
and shows you My face
in the dust bunnies
under the couch."
"Will you let go now?
Or do I have to drag you
kicking and screaming
all the way to my
Joy, the only
home
you never left?"
Scott Patrick Schwenk 6/17/09
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