The path of peace anchors my story. It is the first rasa,
shanta. Thinking about shanta I wonder about its opposite force and wonder why
that element has predominance on our planet. The flavor of peace is so sweet,
gentle and has kindness and gratitude as predominant features. Why wouldn’t
every living being want to hang out in that place?
Shanta is more easily cultivated living closer to the
elemental world, to nature, to earth. The beautiful creations of the Mother offer
tranquility simply by luxuriating in her bounty. To live next to water or to
trees, to be a speck under the canopy of blue and white sky, to walk on dirt,
sand, earth can cultivate a sense of peace. Of course wonder might be inspired
and the rasa dance of shanta and abhuta, awe, may well become engaged!
The sankalpa of my devotion is for
peace and transformation not only for myself but for our entire planet. Peace,
peace, peace, let it begin with me. The kiss of peace stills my heart. Shanta
fits well in the anahata chakra. The aaahhhhhh of settling into home. Devotion
brings the peace. Bhakta Shanta. Shanta Bhakta. Chillin’. Transformation is
for the art, for awakening us all to our own creative potential by stepping into
our divine creating selves both on and off the mat, in and out of the
practices. That force too returns us to the flavoring of Shanta, of feeling good,
relaxed and maybe simply content to be alive and at home in our human
experience.
