Thursday.  One of the favorite days for miracles.

I taught a yoga class at Butler.  Taming the Wild Mind: Yoga for Music Students.  I love to share yoga with young people.  There were about 25 freshmen in class--some Luke's students but not all.  The main points I made: The reason most people get serious about music is love,  and a chance to get in touch with a deeper, spiritual place inside themselves.  They want to share those feelings through their music.  In the practice room,  when no one is looking they are able to relax and get in touch with why they are playing in the first place.  But . . . as a recital or concert comes up . . .  the wild mind interferes with their gift.  Nerves set in.  The mind has a field day at the young performers expense.  

Yogic techniques for calming the mind: mantra.  We all use mantras: I'm shy.  I can't stay in tune,  or play in front of an audience.  I going to miss a lot of notes.  People will think . . .

My teacher gave a beautiful mantra:  Ham sa.  To be repeated silently--on the finger tips or in sync with the breath.  It means:  I choose to identify with my divine inner self,  and not the wild mind or the ego.  You can choose any mantra you like from your own religious tradition.  All you have to do is spend a few minutes each day in deep contemplation and repetition of your mantra.  

I gave six or seven techniques.  The kids were focused and the room got quiet and peaceful.  When people can get in touch with a higher side of themselves--even for a few minutes--it's a miracle and it helps create more peace in the world.  The ripples from even one person can have a surprising effect.

After the class,  Luke and I headed for B town.  The weather was unseasonably warm.  Yes!!!! I wore a light summer top.  Our drive was pleasant.  The leaves are turning to red and gold now.  Falling like colored snow flakes.  Very beautiful.  We made our Starbucks stop and got iced coffee.  

When we got to B-town,  Xavier was in aftercare.  Having fun with  his friends on the playground.  Luke went looking for him.  Kids like Xavier and that's fun to know.  Even some of the older boys.  Xavier was rolling down a leafy hill.  Such a kid thing to do.  It reminded me of playing with my cousins and rolling down the hill in front of Gamma's house.  

At home,  Luke did homework with Xavier--who is tired and never wants to do homework.  I don't blame him.  They got it done and X and I went upstairs to play with his super hero guys.  Today they fought the stuffed bears and won.

We ate turkish.  One of our fav places.  The original owner of the restaurant (don't ask me to spell it) went back to Turkey.  We felt like a family member had left us.  He always came to the table to talk to us and play with the kids.  He's known X since he was a baby.  We loved him and didn't know if the new owner could create the same warm ,  family feeling.   The new owner is different.  He doesn't come to the table and he doesn't talk with patrons,  but the warmth is there in a different way.  The food is just as good.  Interesting.