MISS YOU, PAT: Collected Memories of NY’s Bravest of the Brave, Captain Patrick J. Brown by Sharon Watts.  Captain Patrick Brown died on 9/11, surrounded by dozens of severely-burnt victims he hoped to evacuate, and then refused to abandon in the WTC’s North Tower.  Everyone who knew and loved Pat held on to the firm belief and ironic comfort that he would have been nowhere else that day.  It was as if his entire life of spiritual searching apexed in an act of pure selflessness, at 10:28 a.m., when the tower came down. 

Many of his fellow yoga practitioners had no idea that Pat was a legend in the FDNY, with a sixth sense that enabled him to quickly find helpless victims in utter chaos and dense smoke. Likewise, his brother firefighters had no idea that “Paddy” was a Black Belt in karate who taught self-defense to the blind. Or that he was a decorated USMC Vietnam War veteran. Or an accomplished boxer and former Golden Gloves contender. 

Felise was quoted in Miss You, Pat : “I was not prepared for the everlasting imprint of Patrick’s life on my  heart. Patrick and I frequently spoke before yoga class and shared our own personal life stories. When I invited him to attend my teachers’ graduation at Jivamukti, he said he was sure to be there, and said, “I need the right  date, Felise, so I can get the guys at the firehouse to cover me that  night.” He sat in the front of the room with so much sincerity; it was so  sweet to have him there. I once said to Patrick, “You should become a yoga teacher.” He shyly replied, “I can’t even touch my toes.” But he was far more of a yogi than he knew.

MISSYOUPAT.ORG

gurur brahma, gurur vishnu, gurur devo mahesvara,

guru sakshat, param brahma, tushamai sri guruve namaha

I offer my efforts and bow down before all my teachers (guru), that teacher which is this birth, that I have taken, that teacher which is this life I continue to lead, that teacher which is all hardship and calamity in my way, that teacher who sits nearby and that teacher who is beyond all this formless and supreme.  Translation - Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati

  

Guru - remover of darkness

Brahama -  creator (birth) life is always regenerating

Visnu – preserver (life) the quality of life how you live it, not just surviving but also living with compassion.

Shiva – destroyer (death) creates room for life, everything and everyone is dying if we can come to terms with this idea we find peace.

Sri – beautiful, we acknowledge there is beauty in the guru

Namaha - bow,  we bow down to this cycle, we call guru

Birth, Life and Death…the trinity, a beginning, middle, end!  The father, the Son, the Holy Ghost.  This is a beautiful cycle, everything and everyone is an opportunity for each of us to remove the darkness within.   All colors reside in the color black, if we can see that in darkness there is light then we will not be disheartened by the facade of darkness.   As we evolve and understand life, we will see light even in the dark so rather then see black as dark we can see it as the color of change.   If we can see all situations in our life as a springboard for change and growth then the darkness that comes with difficulties, can be transformed.  There is a cycle, dawn, daylight and night, not one of of us is free from birth, life and death.   The life of a Jivanmukta is one who is free from bondage and delusion and understands  the role guru plays in life.  As a yogini, I have come to see life as a play and that part of myself (that is everlasting) watches the drama unfold, when I am IN tune, I live a life of non-attachment.   Understanding a yogic lifestyle is the way I tune in.  This includes understanding my attachments to something, someone or even this body as my guru. 

Shiva is the transcendental aspect of God, the ocean of pure consciousness, generally known as Brahman.  In Hindu mythology, there are three cosmic Deities, Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva who are responsible for the creation, maintenance and destruction of the universe respectively.   Shiva is the Deity responsible for the destruction of the universe for the purpose of fresh creation.  These three Deities are personifications of the three gunas in Nature.  Brahma represents rajas, Vishnu represents sattva and Shiva represents tamas.   In Hindu mythology, Shiva is shown to dwell with Parvati (Shakti) in Mount Kailash, a high mountain peak in the Himalayas.   Siva minus Parvati, is Nirguna (beyond the gunas) Brahman.   With Parvati or Shakti he becomes the Saguna (with gunas) Brahman.     

The holy union of male and female creates completion although the text suggests shiva becomes enlightened when he is beyond the gunas and YET parvati remains as his partner.   By embracing all aspects of the gunas, I embrace my earthly existence and I am able to transcend the mundane.  In the beginning of my yogic studies, I felt compelled to live a life of celibacy and I did for many years, not because I made a vow to any organization but because I wanted to experience a life not driven by my sexuality.   Now I feel I can approach union with a depth of holiness and a sense of spiritual value.

Dasi - one who serves (female), Shiva - the divine consiousness.

Shivadasi/Felise

Mom has been recovering but I am helping her.  In July 2007 I fell down the stairs and herniated 3 discs L4 L5 and S1.  Injuries happen and as a yoga teacher, it’s challenging.  How I assist people and how I practice has changed because of my injury.  My own personal practice has been very delicate and restorative in order to support the healing process.  I am hoping to get back to a rigorous practice but it is important to honor the changes in my body.  

2007 was an intense year for me, recovering from a serious parasitic infection (India), sinus surgery, herniated discs, a sprained ankle, transition out of NYC and mom….cant think of year in my life that has offered more challenges.  Deep inside I was keenly aware I had to make some changes and when I did, I felt a shift.  I think it shows in my eyes.  Father Anthony (a long time friend) invited me to his Church and did a beautiful healing ceremony with me and I was deeply touched, I had a profound connection and some healthy tears.  I am still here in NJ, doing what I love to do, teaching yoga, investigating life and offering my insights to those whom seek out my voice!  I am not stopping and of course, I am constantly changing!   

We (my beloved students and friends) donated 1,104, to an orphanage in Surkhet Nepal  blinknow.org and we helped buy 8 beds $280, 8 mattress $120, 8 sheets $40, 8 mosquito nets $24, 8 quilts $40, 10 tali $50, set of pots and pans $50, 2 solar panels $250 each.   Maggie, the founder just arrived in Nepal and I am looking forward to her photos, which I will post.

As you can imagine I have put all my time and effort into doing the right thing and this is what I have come up with.  I have requested Paul return our donations, with the loss it adds about $1000.   I am so deeply committed to service and making sure that I am doing what is right. I have investigated and found what I believe can be a viable alternative in Nepal, not far from the original orphange.

I emailed maggie who came highly recommended and received an email from her about her orphanage and I think we can help her. PLEASE look at this site and tell me what you think http://www.blinknow.org/Kopila_Valley/Home.html

Dear Shivadasi;

In terms of specific targeted donations in the form of furnishings for the home, we are still in need of beds or bedding.  All donations at this point in time are going to either furnishings for the home and/or construction materials for building so it’s really up to you.  

Warm regards,
Maggie Doyne

At Bally’s in Englewood NJ
Month of December 2007

Tues-Thurs at 1:00 pm Bally’s Englewood, NJ
Cost is $220 for 8 Sessions

PRE-RESERVATION is Mandatory Contact:  Catherine Acosta to Reserve your Spot (space is limited)Call to Register 866-942-8663 ext. 5533 (Non-Transferable - Non-Refundable)

You are new to yoga and would like to learn proper alignment.  You are a fitness instructor and would like to learn more about yoga.  You have minor injuries and would like to learn proper modifications. You are already a practitioner and would like in-depth alignment instruction…….. now is the time and this class is for you. Hope to see you there registration begins now.

Hari Om 

Shivadasi 

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to return a sense of self, confidence and normalcy to children suffering from hair loss by utilizing donated ponytails to provide the highest quality hair prosthetics to financially disadvantaged children. The children receive hair prostheses free of charge or on a sliding scale, based on financial need.

April 22nd will be my 44 birthday and many students have been asking when I am going to conduct another retreat! Well here is your chance, in one of my favorite settings the beach, so if you want to spend a week immersed in yoga and nature, enjoying the beautiful island of St. Lucia, you need to act fast.  If this date does not work, we can try for something in 2009…..

Yoga in St. Lucia with Shivadasi April 19th to 26th, 2008 Island: St. Lucia, West Indies the Caribbean island of St. Lucia draws visitors from all over the world to enjoy its rich, natural beauty. Sandy beaches range in colors from white to gold to black and touch the lush, dense forests. Add to this the laid-back atmosphere of this unique island and come ready to experience an idyllic setting for relaxation & renewal! Accommodations: Harmony Suites Enjoy the secluded feel of this boutique hotel set amongst tranquil, tropical gardens. Here you are surrounded by peace and quiet while being with-in an easy, ten minute walk to duty free shopping, nightlife, art galleries and Reduit Beach, one of the islands finest! The hotel amenities include a fresh water swimming pool, massage and body therapy studio, beauty salon, yoga studio/holistic center and a PADI dive shop. Sample the fantastic variety of restaurants in the area including Harmony Suites own fine dining waterfront experience, The Edge, where European fusion cuisine is created and presented by one of St. Lucia’s most celebrated chefs. Vegetarian and vegan options are always available.

Yoga: Twice Daily Shivadasi teaches yoga asana classes in a Vinayasa style (asana sequence linked by breath and correct intention). Each class places a strong emphasis on the educational and historical aspects of yoga and the ancient teaching. Classes include music, spoken word, asana sequencing, yogic breathing and meditation. Felise Berman is a full-time practitioner and teacher of Jivamukti Yoga. She is an intuitive yogini, sensitive and a well-trained teacher; she brings experience to the field of yoga, holistic studies, innovative thinking and metaphysical teaching.

Retreat Package: $1475 per person Couple or Shared Occupancy, $1895 per person Single Occupancy Includes airport transfers, 7 nights’ accommodations, three course welcome and farewell dinners, daily brunch and twice-daily yoga. Room upgrades are available Between yoga sessions you can spend the days exploring St. Lucia, catching some rays, playing in the sand, swimming, golfing, scuba diving, pampering yourself with spa treatments or simply kick back, relax & just be.Pre-Register Today to Ensure Your Space: $200 Registration Non-Refundable Fee by January 1st 2008 shivadasi@verizon.net