Ai Weiwei work in Berlin, Germany at the Gendarmenmarkt:
14,000 life jackets worn by refugees trying to come to Europe
Art tries to have a deeper understanding of color, of our sensitivity, our rationality, ultimately who we are. What is the real mystery and what matters. My conclusion is we are one humanity. If anyone is being hurt, we are all being hurt. If anyone has a joy, that’s our joy.
“Be more involved. Take responsibility. Do what you should do. You may help and you may not help. But your intentions will be expressed. Provide yourself opportunities at the same time you provide opportunities to others.
This quote by Ai Weiwei lights up the sky with lightning and thunderbolts for me. Art, yoga, life, body, spirit - kaboom! it comes together. Omit certain words like "color" (though even that works), and Weiwei speaks to the essence of everything—yoga, spirituality, life, love, nature. Beautifully, the second paragraph seems to say, do something, do your best, express your intentions (artistic or otherwise) and you will be changing the world for the better.
As for getting a deeper understanding of microcosmic/macrocosmic chunks of life, I've been contemplating the effects of not having a daily yoga practice. I have been doing an adapted first series twice a week and stretching out daily. The shoulder issue/injury has led me back to running, which I believe is a wonderful, primal form of movement.
But it's not the same.
My days have felt off and oddly directionless without a morning moving meditation that affects every part of my body. The joy of visiting another city without the promise of practicing with teachers and fellow Ashtangis is diminished to meh. NYC without a visit to the Brooklyn Yoga Club or another Ashtanga studio leaves art, theater, and food. Sound great? Sigh....
And there's more. Had not realized how attached I had become to this practice. At the root is ego. Ashtanga is one of the last things that mind still identifies as "me." There's a few more layers left to this onion, but this is getting way close to the core.
Four months of this dukkha! It's time to give it up.
It is said that pain is inevitable; suffering, optional. I get it.
And underneath all is the source, expressed inadequately and incompletely with various words— love is one of them.
Metta
May all beings everywhere be happy and free.
May the rulers of the earth keep to the path of virtue
For protecting the welfare of all generations.
May the religious, and all people be forever blessed,
May all beings everywhere be happy and free
Om peace, peace, perfect peace
Swathi Praja Bhyaha Pari Pala Yantam
Nya Yena Margena Mhim Mihishaha
Go Brahmanebhyaha Shubamastu Nityam
Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu
Om Shanti Shanti Shantihi
Ashtanga closing mantra
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