Magpie. Mixed media on canvas. 30″ x 30″
Last month, I spent time in all my classes unpacking this quote, which Pema Chodron writes so eloquently about in The Wisdom of No Escape:
Keep the sadness and the pain of samsara in your heart and at the same time the joy and the vision of the great Eastern Sun. Then the warrior can make a proper cup of tea.
Chodron says that when we can remain aware of suffering — not in a state of denial about it, and not drowning in it — then all of life, everything we do becomes a sacred ritual. I’ve asked my students to view their asana practice from this place, experiencing, living, cherishing each joyful and challenging moment on the mat.
The Story of Tummo and Abel. Mixed media accordian book.
Now it is time for me to live fully into this practice. Throughout the past year or so I’ve spent my creativity establishing a new way of being in my teacher’s seat and being in sangha. Now that Yoga=Union has been incorporated and I have a Board and volunteers to bring this vision to fruition, it is time to return to my own proper cup of tea and find the time to integrate art-making back into my journey once again.
These are the last pieces I made as I completed by 300 hour certification in 2017. The crows called me to make a nest for a proper practice, to play in the wind of change and pierce the veil between experience and true self. I followed my heart. More transmissions to come, I’m sure.
Dhumavati Ma. Mixed media on canvas. 10″ x 10″
lostandfoundyoga 
The universe is a pretty crazy place…a few minutes ago I went on a mission to find out about the artist of an amazing painting I purchased at an art event last year, because I couldn’t find a signature anywhere on it. I absolutely LOVE your Dhumavati Ma and I am grateful to know a little bit more about her now.
Molly, I always wondered what happened to her! The Torpedo Factory and Art League are good causes and I’m glad you supported them and Dhumavati Ma…the universe is such a wonderful, small town. Glad to bump into you here.
Meg – what a beautiful post and art! I must admit though, I do not know what to make of Pema Chodron right now… she has such beautiful words, and the Buddhist lessons are compelling – indeed, I have read several of her books! – but she is also allegedly involved with the cover-up of the sexual assault cases at Shambhala… yes, in truth, that’s just one of many sad things happening in this world today, but given that she was one of my favorite authors it’s still sad.
Peyton, thanks for letting me know. [sigh] I guess the message is not to have idols and as Pema herself said, not to believe in anything. Someone at our late Yoga=Union — an astangi who has removed all the mentions of Patabi Jois from his website — said, “I’m not a cult member.” Still, he teaches the method because it is where truth is for him, separate from the teacher. I guess this is how we will all move forward. What is the good in each teaching, regardless of the teacher?