Bob Sullivan

Port Townsend, WA, United States

A naturalist living in the PNW. Loving life, whatever it brings next...
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11 posts
452 comments

Commented on New in the App: Streaks & Badges!...

27 Sep 02:49

It will be interesting to see how this works for others. I practice yoga and meditation daily. Even the competition I had with myself has faded over time. It’s just a part of life now.

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Commented on Yin Yoga Sanctuary

25 Sep 08:34

Tagged as a Favorite and very meditative for me.  My Lazy-Boy prop perfect for the half-saddles.  Gentle moves lend themselves to deeper work within the target areas, so beneficial!  For the past few days, during meditation, I have had a pronounced, warm, glowing surround the length of my spine.  In part I suspect to the work I've been doing with Yin.

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Commented on What’s your favorite thing to wear when you practice yoga at home?

25 Sep 08:28

I wear sweats and a T-Shirt year round as my 1st floor stays cool.

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Commented on Somatic Yoga to Open the Hips | Somatic Yoga Foundations #2

24 Sep 18:45

I did #3 today and really enjoyed it.  Time needed on the mat.  

#107: ..."Luminosity permeates the universe, And the secret sound that hums Everything into existence, Resounds everywhere.  Listening to the inner sound continually, Become lovers with the Secret One.

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Commented on Yin Stretch & Relaxation

23 Sep 14:22

In a pinch for time so opted for the Favorite of mine.  Yummy stretches with a meditative wake up.  Perfect way to start the day....🌇

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Posted

22 Sep 15:00

(Red Pine)

I feel compelled to share this with my circle. For some time now, I’ve been seeking new readings—perhaps sutras—to accompany my daily practice. After nearly two years with the Radiance Sutras, I sensed it was time for a shift. I’ve read the Yoga Sutras and am nearly through the Heart Sutra, in a translation and commentary by the renowned Red Pine (Bill Porter). At the end of the book’s long introduction, I was surprised to discover he now lives in the same town as I do.

Curious, I did a bit of searching to confirm where he lived, though I had no intention of approaching him—not until I felt more grounded in his work. I learned there’s a documentary about his life called Dancing with the Dead, which chronicles his thirty years in China.  

I watched it, it was amazing. What a remarkable life, translating ancient Chinese poetry, visiting mountain hermits, and offering so many luminous works to the world.

Then today, while walking my two dogs in Chetzemoka Park, I started down the path to the beach but turned back, thinking it would be too muddy. And there he was, Red Pine. We greeted each other, shook hands, and had a lovely conversation. I’ll admit, I was a bit awe-struck.

Next week, two of his translated works are set to arrive: The Collected Songs of Cold Mountain and The Mountain Poems of Stonehouse. I plan to draw my daily readings from these.  I definitely feel they found me...
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Replied on Slow Deep Stretch For Full Body Flexibility

21 Sep 09:28

Do what's best and skip the rest.  🙂

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Commented on Full Body Yin Yoga | Extended Practice For A Calm & Slow Stretch

21 Sep 09:25

This practice turned out to be all about the knees, or rather how I have learned to recognized the focus needed on the target areas, and the muscles that affect the knees and engage them mindfully as well, rather than adding tension and strain to them.  

Sounds a bit strange but this was the theme I found today.  After wrestling with a washer and dryer install yesterday I need a full body, extended practice.

Someone brought up chair yoga yesterday, which they said was "all the rage" on the internet.  I mentioned I recently did it, but I do Yin.  When they frowned I said it was a restorative type, a fascia stretch.  Interrupted someone said "Oh Bob is great at yoga" which I took to mean they knew I do it each day.  I told them "Well I know how to work with my body type."  Now that I think about it, I suppose I am great at it...😉

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Commented on Somatic Yoga to Soften the Spine | Somatic Yoga Foundations #3

18 Sep 08:34

Woke with a sore hip, most likely from biking and hiking of late.  Thought I might do something for the hips, but then proceeded with this one nonetheless.  So glad I did.  Gentle release and stretches just want I needed.  Love the breath work too. This one tagged as a Favorite.  (To note: I'm not aware that you know the focus was going in and out during the recording.)

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Commented on Somatic Yoga for Grounding & Softening | Somatic Yoga Foundations #1

17 Sep 08:24

Catching up today. The breath work at the start, and woven throughout, was grounding and welcome. The neck and shoulder release felt deeply personal and healing. I noticed a heightened awareness of my own geometry, discovering areas that asked for more care. Placing a cushion under my head during figure four brought unexpected precision to the stretch; I kept it there for reclined cobbler as well, which felt just right. Our Oms resonated together beautifully…

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