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Creating a Life of Freedom and Happiness |
Dodge Smith surrounded by his sons Brandon and Drake
My father, Dodge Drake Smith, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 28th, 2012 at the age of 61. A memorial service will be held in Birmingham, AL on March 10, 2012 from 2 – 4 PM at the Courtyard Marriott in Homewood, AL at 500 Shades Creek Parkway. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the New Life Foundation. Click here to donate.
When connected to our center, we genuinely want to help others, but do so from a much different place than when we have an agenda... it begins from a place of genuine acceptance of how things are and focuses on the love, kindness and consciousness that are generated through our efforts regardless of the results. -------------- (Picture by Jano Cortes)
(This article is dedicated to my friends and colleagues working tirelessly to make this world a better place. May you respond to the crises of our world from a place of deep love.)
Environmentalism, sustainability, being green – they don’t matter. Not only that, but they are actually a part of the environmental crisis that we are facing on the planet. In fact, they are just as much a part of the problem as the multinational corporations producing coal-fired power plants, toxic chemicals, deforestation and social upheaval.
By the way, this is coming from someone who has had a strong environmental ethic his whole life and who dedicated six years of his career working on the cutting edge of the environmental and sustainability movements. Read more
Crimson Furoshiki Blessing – March 31, 2011
The gift of your crimson Furoshiki (1)
cradles Hibiscus blossoms -
food for the sacred Mother Ganga (2).
The morning sun sparkles her grey beach -
a universe of stars hiding in the sands.
I carefully unwrap my offerings
embrace them in my steepled hands,
and offer a prayer of gratitude as I set them adrift -
red-petaled ships beginning their journey
in the smoky emerald waters -
a Blessing for you.
That’s right. I’ve fallen in love with an Indian girl named Jhuli! Jhuli’s from Ram Jhula, India, a small town near the ashram where I was teaching meditation. We met in town one day in the parking lot after my yoga class. Jhuli isn’t really into yoga, but that’s ok with me. I remember the day I first laid eyes on her. I was immediately taken by her big, dark eyes and her long succulent eyelashes that take the maybe out of Maybelline. Her shiny chestnut hair was absolutely stunning. “She has to be a supermodel,” I thought to myself. I knew that I had to go up and talk to her, but I was so nervous. My palms started to sweat, but I knew I’d never forgive myself if I let her get away. As it turns out she was really friendly, and we hit it off immediately. Read more
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