October is an evocative month; some feel sadness at the bittersweet ending of summer, while others are invigorated by smells, colors, and cooler temperatures.  Change is undeniable. Memories of events that have happened at this time of year can be more powerful due to association with the senses.  What other time of year do we celebrate the mystery of darkness by disguising ourselves and walking right up to strangers’ houses in the dark expecting to receive a treat?  (You can tell that that memory is from “the good ol’ days” before commercialization and fear predominated.)

All matter (including the most subtle forms of matter such as a thought) is subject to change and flux, yet the system of Sankhya philosophy states that the absolute true nature of everything does not change (purusha).  Anything of primal matter that is subject to change is known as prakriti.  Yoga is sometimes called Sankhya-Yoga, because it gives us practical methods to realize through direct experience the truth of this philosophy.

Here is a practice for you:  find a quiet space to be still.  Contemplate something such as a dried leaf on the ground.  It appears to be dead.  Now, zoom in to the cellular structure and you will see all the change of decomposition happening. Zoom in as far as you can imagine.  Change, change, change.  Now zoom out as far as you can imagine by gazing into the night sky and contemplating the expansiveness of the universe, the multiverse.  Again, change and flux.  Where is the still place?  The closest we can get to the experience of pure consciousness and still perceive it is to identify as the witness of this change.

Now, how can this practice and awareness help you to be happier and freer?  When you can experience the drama of your life as much as possible from the witness stance, you can be less reactive to the changes and be able to “go with the flow.”  Sit back, relax, and maybe even make some popcorn balls for the show!

For October, we are pleased to announce two special events and a 10 a.m. start time for one Saturday class:

• Laughing Yoga class:  Join us on Friday, Oct. 3, at 3:30 p.m. for a laughing yoga class with Susan.  All levels of students are welcome, and you can read more about this style of yoga on our website.
• Talk/meditation session:  For the monthly discussion and meditation, join Juanita on Friday, Oct. 17, immediately after the Yin class.  There is no charge for this session, and everyone is welcome.
• Later start time on Saturday, Oct. 18:  To allow time for the downtown roads to be reopened after the 10K on Saturday, Oct. 18, the Basics class will begin at 10 a.m.

For a full list of October classes, please see the calendar section of the site or a hard copy available at The Pots Place.

Remember that even if you are running late when the gallery downstairs is closed, you can still join us for class.  If the front door is locked, come to the back door of The Pots Place (look for the blue building) and ring the buzzer.  The teacher will then unlock the door remotely for you to enter through the pottery studio.