Crazy Makes The Community

We recently saw the most magical film, “Lars And The Real Girl.” Film-making at its finest, if you ask me; tremendous ensemble work, psychologically on the money, not one misstep over the top, when going over would have been so easy. It was ripe with pathos, that wonderful rich, true pathos so difficult to create without corn. This ‘pathos’ was indeed from the Greek; ‘a suffering passion, imbued with that quality of human, or animal experience, or its artistic representative, which awakens feeling of pity, sympathy, or tender sorrow.’

My dictionary writes of pathos as emotions, traits, or experiences that are evanescent, transitory and idiosyncratic, emotions that are often melancholy but excite feelings, at times with a detached pleasure. The truth of pathos grows throughout the story, worn beautifully by each character from their own view, their particular story. And as difficult as their lives become, they never lose their evanescent, idiosyncratic warmth, their pathos, nor their ability to connect.

The story and acting are enough to enchant, but what most beguiles is the tremendous sense of connection. This is a community that honors its crazies. It felt like a mythical place where we do not disdain bizarre, disowned selves taking mortal form, where the simplicity of kindness blooms and grows, proffering hope. This was not the gaummy, sticky goo of too sweet ick. This was practical, no nonsense love; “I’ll pick you up and take you. Don’t be late.” This was a network of confused, fearful people willing to support someone doing things they did not in the slightest understand.

I yearn for community reaching out in care, no matter what. I am not alone. We are a nation, perhaps an earth, longing to come together in simple gifts, to accept and open ourselves to one another through these wildly changing, unknown times. Perhaps one of the offerings will be that our fear will make us kinder, not harsher, and that the rush of time instead of taking us from one another, will become part of the glue bringing us back together.

Sit in the dark, watch “Lars And the Real Girl.” When it’s over, reach for the one beside you. Hope that this could be our community, and that we might grow as full of Grace when presented with our own Lars.

Asana: This is an important time to sit together. Make faces. Laugh. Hold hands. Roar. Breathe deeply. Your Asana is Simhasana/Lion Pose. Inhale deeply, open mouth wide, extending tongue toward chin, eyes focus on nose, and are therefore crossed. Roar out on the exhale. Do it several times until you are imbued with life’s greatness…and its absurdities.

Health Notes: Working breath and sound open inner pathways of being. Qualities of the subtle bodies are awakened and begin to transform. When we do this with joy, it doubles the good, especially if you are lifting the lower bandhas (Mula & Uddiyana) on the exhale. Feel the base of the belly contract as you release your roar. Sense deeper powers rising.

Astrology Notes: We are in the changeover days of Libra to Scorpio, from the quality of air to frozen waters, from social connection to profound connection. Scorpio is the territory of death, sex, and transformation through love. We are shifting from Venus to Pluto rulership, and diving deep within dark waters. Who will we be when we emerge? Who will come and hold our hand as we do the difficult work of transformation? Who will sit by our side and roar with us?

Ayurvedic Notes: In the northern hemisphere, energy is shifting from light, airy Vata toward watery, muddy Kapha energies. Our bodies need more heat through warm foods, and a stronger, more physical practice. Eat less kapha-increasing foods such as: cheeses, yogurt, ice cream, and/or cold drinks. Eat more like a Lion!