Jack’s Winning Words 5/31/19
“All kidding aside, if everyone did Yoga we’d have world peace.”  (Rory Freedman)  I know 4 yoga instructors, and all 4 have told me that yoga exercise is good for the body and that the mind benefits from meditation.  An enlightening college course for me was Oriental Religion which allowed me to compare my beliefs with Asian thought.  A desire for peace was a commonality.  It’s good that world peace does not depend on me doing yoga poses.   ;-)  Jack

FROM VW MARY:  Have been doing a senior senior version of yoga for several years...I don't know about world peace, but it does help with balance..===JACK:  Many churches now host yoga groups.  If I were still in "the business" I'd offer to be present to offer a spiritual thought at the beginning of each session.  I know that some instructors already do that.

FROM DR J IN OHIO:  FROM VW MARY:  Have been doing a senior senior version of yoga for several years...I don't know about world peace, but it does help with balance.===JACK:  I did it!  I did it!  That takes care of two fingers on each hand.  Now, what's the next yoga move?..===DR J:  very good grasshopper!  you’ve advanced to chair yoga:  
https://www.verywellfit.com/chair-yoga-poses-3567189
emember, you don’t have to go ALL the way down to touch the floor !===JACK:  I've watched Chair Yoga, and it's not as easy as it sounds,  Crolyn is the leader...and she is good!  As for touching the floor, it's harder for me since I'm taller than you are...but I can still do it.

FROM MAILMAN MIKE:  Jack, you are funny!  I also have difficulty getting into the correct positions on a yoga mat.===JACK:  The part that I do best is...hmmmmmmmm!  My biggest problem is getting up from the mat.

FROM NOVA SCOTIA FISH:  Heard a few days ago that a Zen Master approached a hot dog vendor and said, “make me one with everything. “ The vendor handed him a hot dog with sauerkraut and chilli and all the rest. The customer handed him a $20 and didn’t receive any money back. He complained, but the vendor replied, “change must come from within.”  Not having any expertise in Zen, I don’t know the quality of this.  Hannelore and I are enjoying my 55th reunion at Princeton. 
It includes various lectures by classmates. The next scheduled one is by Marty Seligman on “Science of Happiness: Changing Behavior for Good.”===JACK:  I like that joke---and it's true!  If you were asked to speak as a Princeton grad, what would be your topic?===FISH:  Organization design and management processes at the global level of large business enterprises.  That was also what I described to a pastor from Nova Scotia, who pointed a finger at me and exclaimed “You! You’re the epitome of evil!”  I was amused and felt complimented at being awarded such a high status. I can only guess at his background.===JACK:  I've always considered it to be a Badge of Honor when you referred to me as the Benevolent Dictator.

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  seeing you doing Yoga might have the world laughing instead of fighting.  think about it:):):)===JACK:  Maybe I'm a candidate for Senior Yoga.===PAUL:  That would be fun!   I think?!?!===JACK:  SOTV, the church that has everything for everyone, must have Senior Yoga class.===PAUL:  i don't think we have that one but it could be on the drawing board.  (actually,  we did have a group using the building a few years ago for a Yoga class but it was not officially sponsored by the church.  and i am pretty sure it is no longer functioning).   i would like to see a Siesta Class every afternoon about 1:00.===JACK:  ZZZzzzzzz  

FROM BB IN CHGO:  I agree; though yoga is a noble pursuit that seems to benefit many people.
Last winter I finished an interesting book written by a (former) Episcopal pastor called, “Holy Envy”.  The book starts with her departing from her pastoral vocation and teaching “world religion” at the college level.   Rather than make the class a sheer academic endeavor, she attempts to inspire students to visit various houses of worship, meet religious leaders and members and try to understand and appreciate what the various spiritual traditions teach.  They’re looking at the sparks and touchpoints that each faith has which might make others “envious” of their spiritual practice or tradition.  It was an eye opener and an inspiration to me.===JACK:  If I were to teach at any level, I would choose World Religions.  A specific religion would be too limiting for me.

FROM SHARIN' SHARON:  When I was lots, lots younger, used to try to do yoga on a towel in front of the TV with some woman--I think her name was lilias but memory is foggy on this.  She sure did look peaceful and full of tranquility, me I was just trying to get my knees to touch the floor while in that sitting posture.  Believe I would have done better if I would have watched her and started as a toddler but we didn't have a TV then.  Finding that naps are helpful for peace and tranquility. ===JACK:  I wonder if there's such a thing as "Yoga While Lying in Bed?"

FROM GUSTIE MARLYS"  I do chair-yoga and also acupuncture.  I should be good!   Ha! ===JACK:  Acupuncture?  What does that do?  I have injections in each every 11 weeks, or so.  Does that count as acupuncture?  ===MARLYS:  No—injections don’t count!  Ha!  It can help with any problem.  At the moment she is treating me for a leg problem and also sleep problems.  She worked on allergies this time.  And the needles don’t hurt.  The best part is that I lay still for about 1/2 hour listening to very soothing music.  I really like it.===JACK:  I looked it up....According to the history of acupuncture, acupuncture practice began during the Stone Age when sharp-edged tools and stones were used to puncture and drain abscesses. Acupuncture was first recorded in the ancient Chinese medical text Huang Di Nei Jing, The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine.
===MARLYS:  I don’t know why it works, but it does.  I first started going years ago for my asthma problems and my feet.  No problems there anymore.  I still go see my asthma Dr. Once a year and take medication—but that has been cut way down.  I don’t dare stop taking it because I don’t want the asthma to flare up!  Uff Da!===JACK:  Whatever works, works...even psychosomatic. 

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY:  Does exercising the mind count?===JACK:  ...so, you liked taking tests in school?  Not me!