Thursday, July 19, 2007

Thursday......July 19th............2007

Last night the strains of the Daily Show wafted out of the television...And I started smiling with anticipation of an unexpected angle Jon Stewart would choose to spin the events of the day. Probably not "the" right angle, but a right angle.

And yesterday I also got back to my bemusement of beloved New Yorker cartoons.

I went to the nutrionist in the Integrative Medicine part of Sloan and learned lots to help me make wise choices. An occassional chocolate IS in my future after the dark greens and variety of other good things to nourish and sustain me.

Had lunch out after the appointment. Good to be able to have a sequence of events.

New York was under water in the morning, complete with a sound and light show.
And the afternoon the water spouted out of a pipe near Grand Central slowing all comers to a standstill.

I am feeling better and better every day and the days are starting to feel more like my days.


Thinking of all of you. I hold you all so dear in my heart. Indeed the present is big enough to hold the past and the future

With love,
Mary

37 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hey Mary
George told me about your health a few weeks ago but now I have your blogsite. May God bless you Mary. My prayers are with you. One of my favorite sutras which has helped me deal with things. Sutra II.21 Nature and intelligence exist solely to serve the seer's true purpose, emancipation.
Sam Dillon

Norma Colón said...

HI MARY,
So good to hear your days are getting better each day!
Don't forget when you come this way (Upper East Side) that we have a discount at two of NY's best vegan resaurants--Candle Cafe an Candle 79. Cafe, simple, 79 fancy. did you ever get your little member's key tag?
Do you know Wendy--massage therapist at Sloan K. Integrative Medicine? She loves Iyenger Yoga.

Knowing how well you're doing lifts my spirits and improves my day, makes me happy.

love,
norma

Anonymous said...

Loving thoughts from Vicki's Mom, Judy Vollmer
































Loving thoughts from Vicki's Mom,
Judy Vollmer

Maria C. said...

Wow Mary, lot of events and colorful pictures on TV and outside of TV. Life is a show wherever you look, a quite entertaining one. Enjoy it!
IT seems you are getting better and better and better! Yeah! Life is slowly changing the rhythm to the more regular Mary's days and you know that chocolate is coming later :). In the meantime enjoy the greens, they are soooo good and they match with the season so well and with all your cells too.
Enjoy the rhythm of these days and continue taking good care. We also hold you deeply in our hearts and wish you the very best.
I always check your blog and like following up with what is going on in your life. Thank you very much for doing so to connect with all of us.
You are so poetic that your words caress my ears and touch my soul. They bring all the love you are.

maria ;)!from sunny and warmer bay area now.

Mary Beth Early said...

Hi Mary,

From Madeline and the Gypsies:

"A bright new day. The sky is blue.
The storm is gone. The world is new.
This is the castle of Fontainbleu.
All this dear children belongs to you!"

And to you, dear Mary, in our scrubbed clean city. Enjoy those greens. My favorite is broccolini, and they probably have it at Fairway near you.

You sound like you are keeping up your spirits - so important - but so very challenging at times. I know there will be downs as well as ups, but your optimism and focus and the comfort of your closest friends and family should surely help.

A more normal schedule including lunch out? That's progress indeed!

Sending love and healing wishes,

Mary Beth

bonnie said...

Dearest Mary,
I am so glad to hear that Elizabeth will be with you for awhile and that you are getting out and about a bit. I spoke w/Claudine recently and she sends her love and wishes for a successful recovery (She does not do e-mail.) I think of you constantly and follow your progress on the blog.
Much love,
Bonnie

Unknown said...

Dear Mary,
Through this blog you continue to teach us.
So glad to read these notes and especially to find in them your beautiful spirit radiating.
Sending you a bubble of love every day.
Bill

bonnie said...

Dearest Mary,
I am so pleased to read that Elizabeth is with you for a while and that you two are getting out and about a bit and enjoying other "activities." I spoke to Claudine and she sends her love and hugs and wishes for your recovery (She does
not do e-mail.). I think of you constantly and follow your progress on the blog.
Much love,
Bonnie

Ronnie G. said...

Hi Mary,

Looking at your smile makes me smile. The following is a poem by Rumi .....

THE GUEST HOUSE

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

eleoth said...

Mary, my dearest,
tomorrow July 20th, i'll be in NY since february, closer to you by geography.
The blog is a great idea so i can enjoy reading you almost daily.
Also happier everyday to read you're doing always better in your spirit.
Love you always, eleonora.

Jackie said...

Hi Mary! Yayyyyyyyyyy.... When my brother-in-law came here a couple weeks ago to get married, I made a banquet for him. His wife-to-be had asked for Asian fusion so I made a pilgrimage to various farmers markets. Discovered a variety of wonderful greens in season.

Particularly delicious were fresh amaranth leaves sauteed with a little Thai garlic sauce. Ruby and emerald in color, they cooked up like rainbow chard but had a subtle kick of sour-bitter, awesome with rice. Also delicious were those heart-shaped leaves they serve under sashimi at Japanese restaurants, wonderful with great bread, a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar, red pepper and fresh mozzarella.

When I lived in NY, we'd go to I think it was Elizabeth Street where at certain hours, the mozzarella was made. A dozen old ladies in black would line up. Exactly at 3 PM, the cheese master rolled out a giant oil drum, emitting steam and smoke. He opened it, with a flourish. If you were in line in front of any old lady, you were given the evil eye until you moved to the back. At 3:05 all the fresh smoked mozzarella would be gone. If you were very lucky, there was one at the bottom for you. Then the cheese master wrapped it up in plastic and newspaper and presented it to you as if it was a gift from God, which indeed it was.

I've seen a nutritionist who recovered from cancer. He recommended detoxifying with fresh juices, which had stabilized his own system. Celery might be too ether/air for you, but there might be some combo of herbs, antioxidants and soothing stuff which would be perfect for you, maybe parsley or dill/cucumber or watermelon/grape/ apple or something, your nutritionist or ayurvedist could suggest.

You always sound like you, but now you're sounding even more like yourself.

xx Jackie

smedley said...

Hi Mary: You name not remember me but I am Gloria and gave you a Los Angeles Iyengar pink shirt last year. I am moving back and forward to New York in December. I have to say this in all cander you are my favorite teacher in the Iyengar school of teaching (Oh, I forgot to mention: Karin, Paul, Marla and last, but not least, JIM. I will be available as I am retiring from "shrinking people" to be of service in any way I can to you from running errands to taping Jon Steward or lending you my Complete New Yorker Disks. Please take care of you till I get there and even then. Love Gloria\
P.s. Kathy will miss you in Feathered Pipe this year.

Phyllis said...

Hi Mary,

It's heartwarming to see the messages to you of love and prayer from friends all over the world.

You have been very inspirational to me throughout the years and your teachings and wisdom about Yoga and life, expressed with your wonderful sense of humor and warm contagious smile, absorb and resonate within.

Thank you for doing this blog to connect with all of us. You continue to inspire. I'm sensing more of your glow and energy each time you write.

I would like to join everyone in prayer and good wishes for your healing.

Phyllis Frohlich

smedley said...

Hey Mary: I can certainly relate to the Jon Stewart stimulation of "tickling the funny bone" ...I particularly liked the remark re "20 years ago I was a practicing homaphobic..." You are the main reasons I have chosen to move back (no forward) to New York...Well, you and Jim. and Whole Foods. I originally met you years ago when Steven Freidman recommended I attend your class on 27th st. I loved your class and even loved the one where Robin filled in for you. This is my second blog for today. Please continue your journey to health continuing to make thoughful choices.

Unknown said...

Dear Mary,
your joyful steadiness in the blog,is an inspiration,your greenwich students miss you in the summer and we are blessed to have
your spirit with us,we re all praying that you will
be back to us in september, and
the healing process continues
as positive as your spirit.
We all cherish you!
Love,
Michele(shoulders down, knees up)

Chris Nounou said...

Dear Mary,

I am so happy that you are feeling better and hope that soon we will paint the town red. Do let me know when you're ready! I'm saving some chocolate for you.

Chris

Judi F. said...

Dear Mary,
I'm so glad to hear you are able to be out and about. I think of you every day, and hear your words in my head as I practice. I sometimes, hear YOUR words coming from MY mouth as I teach, and I smile. I know if the words or ideas have their genesis with you, they are very intelligent!
So, as you are in my mind, you are in my heart and I continue to send healing energy and prayers directly to you. Much love --Judi F.

Yvonne said...

Dear Mary
It is nice to know your days are getting brighter even when it pours with rain here in the City!
Thinking of you lots!
With much love and support
Yvonne and Jules

Robin Janis said...

Another poem I have loved for years:



Of all the God has shown me
I can speak just the smallest word,
Not more than a honey bee
Takes on her foot
From an overspilling jar.

Mechthild of Magdeburg


may honey always stick to your feet, and a gentle buzzing remain in your heart.

Glad you are feeling better, Mary,

xo

r

Anonymous said...

Hello, Mary :)
Something compelled me to Google your name this evening and led me directly to this blog. I've been teaching yoga for the past five years. Tonight, one of my students asked me who my first yoga teacher had been. I answered: "B.K.S. Iyengar through his book 'Light On Yoga'" But then I backtracked when I realized that you had actually been my very first teacher. The valuable lessons you taught me from the very beginning have stayed with me over time. During my own teacher training (Vinyasa), my colleagues would often compliment me on my mindful approach to alignment and form. The irony of my teacher training is that I ended up teaching alignment to my fellow students! I soon realized that although mindfulness and diligence are available to all, not everyone is lucky enough to have the right guiding light to steer our passion in the right direction. I have explored many other styles of yoga, but you and Iyengar are always with me. It’s been many years since I’ve seen you and the gang (Robin, Vicki, Brooke, Bobby) at the NYC studio--I’m guessing at least 7 years—but every single time I move into an asana, every single time I adjust one of my students, all of my Iyengar teachers are standing beside me pointing the way. And you and your beautiful, honest, supportive, reassuring smile are there to encourage me to be mindful, to study, and to share my love, passion, knowledge and mindfulness with others. So, you see, Mary. My thoughts are with you…always. I sincerely wish you the best. Thank you for being a part of my life and for showing me the way.

Namaste
Carlos Guevara

SUSANTURIS said...

Hi Mary,

Sending you a note to let you know your in my thoughts...
I have been busy preparing for assessment and learning so much in the process... I feel your presence with me when I work but especially at Patricia and Joan's workshop last week. It was at the very end sitting in silence when I felt a breeze from my left and opened my eyes to see a leaf float in through the window. I looked towards the front of the room to see Patricia and Joan sitting in the brief quiet meditation and realized the sistership that you must have with them. I smiled at the thought and feel supported by all of the love, generousity I have been given...
With continued love and support in your healing...........Susan Turis

bonnie said...

Dearest Mary,

I was so plesed to read that Elizabeth is with you for awhile and the two of you are out and about a bit and enjoying yoga "activities." Claudine asked me to send her love, hugs, and wishes for recovery -- she doesn't do e-mail. I think of you constantly and love following your progess on your blog.
Much love, Bonnie

Peter Thomson said...

Mary.......Tamar Kelly told me about this blog. Thank you (and James?) for setting it up. You are in my thoughts...and my practice...constantly. Much love to you. I look forward to seeing you well- and soon- in the practice hall at the Institute-Peter

Barbara Nicol said...

Dear Mary,

Sorry I was not able to blog for awhile. I have been swept up with Amma. I had an amazing time with Her and left you some healing holy water at your institute. She also blessed you by way of a sandalpaste mark on your photo, which I also left.

Have thought of you often.

Love,
Barbara

Ellen said...

Dear Mary,

We've been underwater, too..and paddling on it, splashing in it, doing handstands beside it -in fresh Alpine lakes; the crowded imperial swimming pool at the Schonnbrunn Castle; the old Danube by starlight- photos heading your way upon Judy's return. I'll follow her to NY shortly thereafter. You've been part of our every day . We had such fun and I'm so glad to hear that you are too.

love from old Vienna, Ellen

zengirl said...

Hi Mary: I attend Kim's class in NJ and we've been doing group healing meditation after each class. So I hope that this morning at 10:50 you felt a bright healing light.

I've been very touched by the messages on your blog. I hope that I will have the joy of having you as my yoga teach.

Warm heart and calm mind,
Ruth

cathy said...

Longing---
"Indeed the present moment is big enough to hold the past and the future."
The love,possibility and hope contained in that thouht inspires me.
Let each practice and class be dedicated to establishing that state in every mind we encounter. For then we are truely connecting. The doorway to the chamber of the heart is opened and we recognise that we are all bathed in the same light.
I hear the truth in your words.
Love Cathy

Deborah Di Carlo said...

Dear Mary,
Seeing you in Vegas, I would have never guessed you had health issues. I'm sending love and healing light your way. It sounds like things are going very well. I look forward to tuning in to more updates now that I know about your blog.
Love,
Deborah

Marita Gardner-Anopol said...

Hello Mary!
My thoughts and prayers are with you, since Kim Peralta told me about your health.
Thrilled to hear you are feeling stronger.
I took your Medical class in the 90's for my shoulder. Little did I know how many student's I would help, from your healing's and Pune straps.
God Bless You!
Marita Gardner-Anopol

francesbaker said...

Dear Mary

Karan and I have been on vacation. I was pleased to check your blog and see how well and how much you are doing. You remain in our thoughts and hearts. You go girl.

much love, frances and karan from cleveland

Peggy Kelley said...

Dear Mary,
One thing I forgot to mention. My friend Ric was laid up sick a few years ago, chemo/radiation, the whole 9 yards. His solution to recovery--funny movies. His taste ran to Marx Brothers and Buster Keaton. But to each her own. The Daily Show, I hear, is pretty funny.
We're under water, too, in Austin, and send you much love,
Peggy Kelley

Josephine Lazarus said...

dear mary,
max & i send you love and prayers everyday.
we wish you all the best.
josie & max

Aileen said...

Dear Mary,
I'm so happy to hear that Elizabeth is there with you. Please give her my regards.
It's good to hear that you are doing so well with all you have to do during your healing process.
Love to you both. Do you remember Nathalie from Germany? She just had a baby girl. Both are healthy.
Aileen

Erika C. said...

Dear Mary,
I am so grateful and happy to hear that you are doing better and that the chemo is not affecting you too badly.
My mom went through chemo and other treatments for breast cancer two years ago and she is doing great now. She also was not affected too badly by the treatments. She was often able to eat big meals afterwards and to play golf-one of her favorite sports (though it is not mine!) She got a new hairstyle after her hair grew in. She used to have straight, thick hair but after the chemo it grew back as tight curls close to her head. People kept asking her where she got it styled and she told them, you don't want to go through what I went through to get this hair!
The other big change in my mom is that she is so much more relaxed and accepting of reality than before the cancer. She told me that she has a very different perspective now. The things that seemed important before are not at all the same as what matters to her now.
Anyway, I just wanted to tell you about that.
I just returned on Saturday from a fantastic musical tour of Northern Italy so I haven't seen your blog in a while. I play in an orchestra that went on a 10 day tour. It was incredibly fun and inspiring but I am glad to be home. I did do yoga every day there. It really helped with jet lag and relaxed and centered me!
I am thinking of and praying for you. You are an inspiration!

love,
Erika C.

Jeff L. said...

Hi Mary,
It feels good to know you are feeling better and that you are up and about.
Shernaz gave me some of her tapes of you teaching us lucky Long Islanders back in 1988/89. I play them every day in my car as I drive around to my appointments and classes. You are still teaching me!

Robin Janis said...

Hi Mary,

another gem of a poem:

WORM MOON

1

In March the earth remembers
its own name.
Everywhere the plates of snow are
cracking.
The rivers begin to sing.
In the sky, the winter stars
are sliding away;new stars appear
as,later, small blades of grain
will shine in the dark fields.

And the name of every place
is joyful.

2

The season of curiosity is
everlasting and the hour for
adventure never ends,
but tonight even the men who
walked upon the moon
are lying content
by open windows
where the winds are sweeping over
the fields, over the water,
over the naked earth,
into villages, and lonely country
houses, and the vast cities

3

because it is spring;
because once more the moon
and the earth are eloping--
a love match that will bring
forth fantastic children
who will learn to stand, walk,
and finally run over the surface
of the earth;
who will believe, for years,
that everything is possible.

4

Born of clay,
how shall a man be holy;
born of water,
how shall a man visit the stars;
born of seasons,
how shall a man live forever?

5

Soon
the child of the red-spotted newt,
the eft, will enter his life
from a tiny egg.
On his delicate legs
he will run through the valleys
of moss, down to the leaf mold
by the streams, where lately white
snow lay upon the earth
like a deep and lustrous blanket
of moon-fire

6

and probably
everything
is possible.


-Mary Oliver (of course!)

(and it is...)

r

anandaintheearth said...

Dear Mary,

This is from japan. Probably you are not able to reconize me. However, I have been to your class in NY 3 years ago with 7 of my Japanese students for taking your class.

It has an great experience.

And I have not giving up to take all of my students to see you somewhere in the retreat in India or whatever the place in NY.
I have never stayed well about your class yet. It has been so difficult for tracking you, but I will try to find you whatever it is for not only for me, but for other yoga new students in Japan.

with a lot of appreciation....om
Ananda