Life at the Ideal

Happy New Year!

2010-01-03T22:04:00.001-08:00

We are very excited for 2010! Here is just a few of the upcoming events:

January 9th - Vipassana Meditation Retreat with Wren, 2pm

January 16th - Yoga Workshop with Catherine, 2pm

January 23rd - Chinatown Peace Party Member-Appreciation Event, 7pm

January 30th - Full Moon Meditation with San Diego Transmission Group 7:3opm

Also mark your calendars!

The 2nd Annual Sit-A-Thon will be on Sunday, May 23rd.

Participate. Practice. Promote. Peace Through Meditation

Peace Through Meditation

2009-12-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

Inspirations are everywhere. RLS would like to share with you one of our inspirations:

The Peace Pilgrim

An extraordinary documentary about a woman, Mildred Norman, that at the age of 44 left her life circumstances and began to walk for peace. 25,000 miles and 30 years later, she will forever be known as the Peace Pilgrim.

We know its been a while....

2009-07-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

...but we have been super busy! Check out the latest changes to our Ideal Hotel.

We look forward to seeing you soon! More to come!

Before

After

Kashif's Journey Towards The Ideal Life

2009-07-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

It wasn't that long ago, only a few months back. I sat in a cyber cafe in Rishikesh, giving myself permission to let go of the present moment. Allowing myself to wonder what life would be like when I returned back to the US, back home. As I chatted with my other half, half a world away, we went back and forth on how we should create our lives together. "I could get a job, return to Corporate America" I offered. "It might not be that bad, I've done it before." I tried to convince myself.

Even though we were seperated by thousands of miles and had only the emotionless scrolling of text through a chat window to connect us, I could sense the skepticism through the flickers of the computer monitor. We went back and forth a few times, East Coast or West Coast, jobs or travel, being responsible or chasing after our dreams, trying to make our parents and family happy or taking a chance on life. I left the cyber cafe to go back to the guest house I was staying at with my friends, to see what had evolved in their lives in the last hour.

The next few days, in my yoga practice, while I sat meditating, as I tried to shut myself out of the sights and smells and sounds of India the same thought kept running through my head, how I was going to put the pieces of my life back together when I was ready to leave this amazing land. But I knew that the answer would present itself when I let go of my need to have it. If I just allowed the Universe to tell me where I was supposed to go, it would put me there. And the next time I checked my e-mail, there it was.

My good friend MC Owens had a message waiting for me on Facebook. He had been there to give me a place to crash before I took off on my journey, wish me a fond farewell and safe travels, and now was asking if I would help him put together The Ideal Studio. I sent him a response with a few questions that I didn't really need answered, I already knew this is where I was supposed to go. I finished my yoga training, opened my eyes to what was happening, packed my bags and left towards home, towards San Diego, towards something that I cared about and supported whole-heartedly.

There was one stop before I began my new job, New Jersey. I had to see about a girl. It turned out nothing played out like we had imagined, things were great then they were terrible then they were great again, and through it all we never lost that connection. We both had our seat-belts buckled and were prepared to do the things that needed to be done in order for us to actualize this love we had.

When she dropped me at the airport, I didn't know when I would see her again, but I was heading to the Ideal Hotel to start my new gig as the Manager of the Ideal Studio. I came back able to recognize the place I left, amazed to see how it had evolved, embraced by the family I left behind. Early the next day, for the first time in almost a year I started work. The things to do seemed endless, schedule classes, promote events, prepare the studio. One item on the to-do list captured my attention more than most, "Find Tea Room Mananger." I threw out an idea, planted a seed.

The roots took hold almost immediately. I found it springing up in the most unexpected places. And then 3 weeks later it blossomed. I picked up Dipika from the airport, she joined me at our home in the Ideal Hotel as the Manager of the Ideal Tea Room, and we began our journey together as The Ideal Couple. Who knows where all of this will take us, but right at this moment, right at this place, everything is just as it should be.

July is Here, Peace is Always Here

2009-07-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

What comes to mind when you think of the month of July? Summer, vacation, swimming, cookouts, fireworks, the 4th?? I would like to focus this posting on the last one: July 4th, Independence Day. I encourage you to think about what this really means? Independence from what? Yes, at the time it was from the control of Great Britain. It gave us the freedom to create a country that reflected our precious perspectives on life - free speech, religion/beliefs. and much more.

Are we free right now? Free from not only physical control, but also mental and emotional control? Have you ever feel imprisoned by life? what do you do? Do you ever feel the weight of some burden? Do you ever feel the pressure to meet yours or someone else's expectations?

We live in a world of over-stimulation. In each moment, our brain is processing millions of details picked up by our 5 senses. These details when put together make up a setting for our environment.

Two examples:
1. A living room filled with a pleasant color scheme, a warm cup of tea on the table, a cool breeze circling through the window, and soothing music in the background creates one setting.

2. A busy office filled with deadlines, budgets and goals, a small cubicle with no windows in sight, the sound of AC vent pumping air into room, and a cold black coffee sitting on the desk.

Which scene is more peaceful? More chaotic? If there is a difference between how we are each place, are we really free and independent in those moments? Or are we dependent on our external environment? Can we find a common place or state of being that exists in both settings...something that is not part of the our perceived surroundings, but rather part of our beautiful essence and center. That is what I find in meditation. Not only on a cushion or when practicing yoga, but as a journey through each day. To know that my perceptions are a product of my mind, allows me to detach from these ideas and connect with a beautiful peace that is always present. This peace does not know time or any other conditions we've created in our world.

It just is.

News from the Ideal!

2009-06-19T14:31:00.000-07:00

Greetings Friends! Two areas to report about today...our Environmental/Sustainability Program and Volunteer programs

Red Lotus going Green?

To building a fully conscious community, we must examine the size of our environmental footprint and whether our practices have long-term sustainability. To do this, we've created our Environmental and Sustainability Program. We found that one option to minimize our footprint was to reduce our use of plastic. This was achieved through a water purification system that was supplied by Pure Water Tech of San Diego (www.purewatertechsandiego.com - tell them RLS sent you!) We also have recycling and composting projects that support sustainability.

The next BIG step was the start of our roof-top gardening project (pictures are below)! Being in an ideal climate for planting year-round, we felt it was necessary to take these steps. So far we have planted some vegetables, herbs, and flowers, along with trees in bigger pots. Right now we are using our patio space for these plants and have an intention of developing the roof once a staircase is built.

These things are just the tip of the iceberg for the Red Lotus Environmental & Sustainability Program!

Would you like to lend a hand?

With so many programs now underway and others in development, we are definitely in need of volunteer/staff. Do you have a passion that can benefit our mission? We are looking for help in all areas - accounting/auditing, fundraising, grant writing, event planning, marketing, advertising, and secretarial work as well as in our Studio, remodeling the Teahouse, and gardening. I can tell you first hand, that this is the most unique and beautiful 'work' environment I have ever been a part of. If you would like to join us please fill out our volunteer form at http://www.redlotussociety.org/volunteer/index.html or email peace@redlotussociety.org with your possible skills to offer.

Thanks so much and enjoy the pictures below!!!

A Lot Happening at the Ideal Hotel!

2009-06-12T13:42:00.000-07:00

Greetings Everyone!
With spirit of spring still strongly present at the Ideal, here is the latest news:

We have added new classes to our schedule: French Yoga with Martine, Candlelight Yoga with Kashif, and a mid-day workout class with Sommer. Check out the schedule for complete details! http://www.redlotussociety.org/practice/index.html

We have received a little publicity thanks to Littlebirdsays.com! Check out the story at http://www.littlebirdsays.com/articlebycategory.cfm?categoryid=4.

We also have a new student joining the Ideal Hotel Residency Program! The lovely Nina will be moving very soon! She brings with her a great deal of holistic healing practices (massage/yoga/psycho-therapy), knowledge, and just unbelievable positive energy! Hopefully you'll be hearing from her soon on the blog!

She'll be moving into the suite room which has been worked on over the last week. The two pictures below help show the transition.

Before

After Here's Clay sanding the original fireplace built in 1912! Thanks for your help!

Another defining moment at the Ideal...

2009-06-03T12:43:00.000-07:00

Bonjour mes amis! You may wonder why I would say 'Hello my friends!' in French?

Well, last night was a very special in the Ideal Studio...we held our first yoga class in French! It was such a gift to be part of the event and I will share with you my experience:

The class was at 6:00pm so I arrived downstairs around 5:40pm to help set up. Martine, our wonderful instructor, showed up soon after with a big smile. We got everything situated as the minutes past. We looked at the clock...it was 5:53pm...still no one. Martine, just a little nervous now, said "Its the French, we're always late!". Then one person arrive greeting me in words I could not understand. Ah, our first student! Then another. Then another. And finally by 6:15pm when the class started, we had about 20 students ready to practice! Martine taught a beautiful class and the students enjoyed it so much that they wanted to start a weekly class! (**New Class Alert at the Ideal - 9am, Sunday: Beginner's Yoga in French!**)

I had such a fun time just being present in the room before, during, and after class. I felt like I was on the road traveling again in a foreign country but yet I was still in a place that I called home. Just observing the way everyone interacted and how natural their words flowed from their lips was wonderful. I found myself just smiling constantly not because I understood 3% of what was being said but because of what this event means on a higher level:

How special is it that French immigrants were practicing a tradition that originated in India at a center promoting Peace in the United States?

This says so much for where we are at and where we are going as a global society. And for me, this is what the Red Lotus Society is all about: creating bridges of peace across all walks of life. It does not matter what language you speak, where you are from, or what you believe. It is simply everyone greeting each other with an open heart/mind and growing together!

Merci Beaucoup! (Clases de español pronto!)

24 Hours of Fun!

2009-05-30T17:55:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics from our three outreach projects that took place yesterday and today:

Teaching Meditation/Yoga at Garfield High School

For many students, it was their first time meditating or practicing yoga. Above is a picture of their first-ever yoga pose - Child's Pose.

Jorge in the picture above (bottom-left) had a great time trying all the different postures. Even if he physically stumbled a little, his smile was never effected!

Here's a picture of me just showing off, haha. Actually, I wanted to show the similarities between break-dancing and yoga! Out of respect no pictures were taking during meditation but I can say first-hand that a beautiful peace was present in the room!

Healing Arts Happy Hour - Balboa Park

Here is Hip Fu (part of the Ideal Hotel Residency Program) teaching at the Healing Arts Happy Hour which had acupuncture, massage, Reiki, yoga, drum circles, and Hip's Qigong! Many thanks to Ryan and the Healing Arts Network (www.althealnet.net) for hosting such a great event.

Yoga with the Women's Junior League of San Diego

It was wonderful to be part of this day welcoming the new board members to this great organization serving the San Diego community (www.jlsd.org). They wanted to start the year off fresh with some yoga! Even the morning rain on my motorcycle ride to Mount Soledad would not stop me from helping them achieve this goal!

Thank you to all the people that put these fantastic events together. If you have any groups, organizations, or events that would like meditation, yoga, Qigong, massage, etc., let us know!!

Be on the lookout for the Red Lotus...we are branching out!

2009-05-28T20:53:00.000-07:00

It is exciting times for the Red Lotus Society! With our studio schedule solid and the addition of some full-time staff, we now have the resources to start our Community Outreach Project. In previos months, we have been present at Earth Day, the Healing Arts Festival, and SDSU's Health Fair but these dealt more with the promotions of RLS.

So tomorrow the fun stuff begins! I will be heading to Garfield High School to bring some meditation and yoga into their classroom. This is the first step in the preparation for a Yoga Summer Camp starting in the end of June! (If you are interested in similar projects, check out www.lineageproject.org especially the video in the lower right.) I would like to call our project the "Red Lotus Blooming Project" but we shall what the group thinks. Your thoughts? Then on Saturday I will be teaching the board members of the San Diego Junior League in La Jolla.

This is where I find our work to be most rewarding. It is wonderful to be able to bring a gift to people that may have not otherwise had the opportunity to experience it. And there is really no limit to the amount of people we can serve - school, hospitals, clinics, elderly, disabled, apartments, condos, corporations, and the list goes on. Do you have any group in mind that could use our services? Let me know at dave@redlotussociety.org!

I look forward to connecting with you soon!

Peace from my heart to yours. :-)

What is Peace?

2009-05-23T09:37:00.000-07:00

Our mission at Red Lotus Society is to "Promote Peace Through Meditation." What is peace? What really are we promoting? Here is a little exercise for you to do. Close your eyes and take a some quiet moments to reflect on what peace (or paz, aloha, namaste, salaam, shalom, etc.) means to you?

Please do so before reading on...

A few more, this is heavy stuff...

Ok, welcome back. What thoughts or emotions arose in you? Did you picture something concrete or was it more of an ideal? Could you really wrap your hands around it or was it tough to grasp? Was your perception more internal or external? Where does internal begin and external end? Did you encounter any doubts or did you truly embrace the notion of peace? Who was involved: just you, family/friends, or was it more universal? Did you feel more connected with your mind or your heart? Did you enjoy the exercise or was it frustrating? Do you think what you experienced is possible?

It is interesting to ponder where the idea of peace came from. Who was the first person to use the idea and in what language? How was the thought generated? Did the person or group make a comparison to the peace found in nature, like a flower? Are we not part of nature as well? Is the world at peace right now? If not, has it ever been in peace or will it be in the future? What does that look like? Perhaps this modern notion of peace only exists today because of a heightened awareness throughout the world. For example, even the "peace symbol" is just 50 years and was created to promote nuclear disarmament of Great Britain.

For me, it seems that all of these questions are not to be answered on the global level...because I bet if we were to document 6.5 billion (world population) answers to these questions, no two sets of responses would be the same. Even if the words are the same, were the intended meanings behind them identical? How could this be measured? If this is the case, then how do we come to an all-encompassing consensus on what to strive for?

I have spent considerable time trying to answer these questions. At one point, I thought I had some answers, but then realized I was fooling myself. The only outcome I now arrive at is "I don't know." At first, this may seem to be a let down. However, why have we deemed "not knowing" a bad thing? What kind of expectations do we have of ourselves? Are we trying to figure out a mystery that is not meant to be solved? Who knows!

This is what I know:

I have made it may practice to completely surrender to this unknown and through this have found a beautiful internal peace. I have no expectations or goals of solving anything. I realized that setting these goals for the future made me unaccepting of the present...thinking that it could somehow be improved and that it was not perfect. When would I finally reach the point that I could say "I AM THERE. I AM AT PEACE."? Well I have found that point to be this moment...and this moment...and forever remaining constant.

I have found that in this surrender, I am now able to greet my entire self and the world with an open heart full of love...unconditional, compassionate, pure, and fearless.

What is peace to me? Peace is RIGHT NOW. Peace is in my heart, in your heart, and everywhere in between.

This is why I have made Red Lotus Society my life's purpose because our mission is to promote this peace. We do not claim to have any answers or the ability to unlock any secrets. We simply believe that by creating a safe and comforting space that allows people to explore their minds and their hearts, they will find their own sense of peace thus promoting peace in the world.

Monday Night Capoeria!

2009-05-18T23:06:00.000-07:00

Check out the video below, the Ideal Studio was rockin' tonight with some amazing energy! Hope to see you soon!

Pictures from the Sit-A-Thon are in!

2009-05-14T21:41:00.000-07:00

Reflections on the Sit-A-Thon :-)

2009-05-10T20:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday (and Mother's Day)!

As we organize the pictures from this beautiful day, I (Dave) wanted to briefly share my personal experience with you. Last night, as I laid in bed soaking up the beautiful energy created by everyone, there was one very special, yet simple, truth that I realized:

Yesterday was the most hugs ever that I've shared in one day...and I suppose 'hugs' does not really describe the exchanges I had. Each one was truly the warmest of embraces. This may seem somewhat insignificant but in order for two people to offer such an embrace requires special conditions...a letting down of our guards, a peaceful mind, and most importantly, an open heart. And to experience 100's of these over a 14 hour period speaks volumes for this special day.

I am extremely grateful to be part of such a wonderful event filled with so many extraordinary people.

Thank you for openning your hearts and minds to the endless possibilitites that exist in this world.

Five Days till the Magic Begins...

2009-05-04T21:53:00.001-07:00

Greetings everyone! It is Dave at the Ideal Hotel. Well, our biggest event of the year, the 1st Annual Sit-A-Thon (http://redlotussociety.eventbrite.com/), is just days away and it has been a joy to see how the event has evolved over the past three months. My instinct tells me that Saturday is going to one very special day for ALL of us. It has been wonderful to operate RLS's booths at the recent fairs and see how well the event is being greeted.

My ego would like to say that this success is the result of our planning and promotional skills but my heart knows the truth...this event is going to be a huge success because of YOU. It is the open heart and mind that each person carries allowing this event to happen. This can be found in many forms from the courage of a first-time meditator participating to the energy of a volunteer willing to help out to the understanding and wisdom of a meditation leader. It is so beautiful how all these energies come together to fuel this extraordinary occasion.

In these final days leading up to the event, there are of course many last second things crossing our minds..."should this be here or there?", "should the sign say this or that?", etc. However, I realize that many of these final details are insignificant now because what is really going to make the day so special is the loving energy present - not the number of massage therapists, media coverage, or even the money raised. It is our willingness as individuals to surrender ourselves to something greater that connects us all, whatever that may be. It is our ability to let go of any thoughts, judgements, or perceptions that may restrict us from living in beautiful Peace, realizing that by accepting another, we are really accepting ourselves.

I look forward to sharing this energy with each of you. See you on Saturday.

Peace.

I. First and Broadway Softly

2009-04-30T21:10:00.000-07:00

I. First and Broadway

Softly, she is clapping the beat with her hands-
the color of silt and cowry-
at a bus stop on Broadway and First.
From her mouth flows a melody
that courses through moods,
and words that roll and roll, “The Lord,
he blesses me. He blesses me,
this beautiful morning. He blesses me. The Lord...”

A Recap of the Week and Preview of the Weekend!

2009-04-16T21:17:00.000-07:00

Hello beautiful friends!
First, an update on the floor...its D-O-N-E! As you can see from the picture below, it is looking quite nice. :-) Aaron was just finishing up a few 'extra special' touches today. I am amazed by the beauty each time I enter the room. And its been great for the movement classes (that continue to grow in students) to have the extra floor space! The next step is the teahouse floor! Thank you so much all the donations so far and I hope you'll agree we are putting your gracious offerings to great use!

Besides seeing the floor completed, it was such a gift to be present at the Naqshbandi Sufi Meditation last Friday night. It was the first time that the Islamic faith was formerly respresented at the Ideal. It was great to see how wonderful their traditions are and to also hear Haji Daud Idris Abdul-Salaam speak about his practice and world in general. The Sufi tradition will also be participating in the Sit-A-Thon, May 9th! Which brings us to the weekend preview!

Here is your weekend Red Lotus buffet (have as much as you like!):

Friday, 6pm-7pm: Come join me to exerise the body, mind, and the heart in a fun and challenging Yoga Class!

Saturday, 7pm-9pm: Crystal Vibrations Ensemble Concert, I attended the last sound healing concert and was blown away. If you have a special pillow or blanket, feel free to bring it along because it will be the most comfortable two hours you'll have!

Sunday, All Day: Besides are usual full Sunday schedule of classes (check the schedule below), we are also participating in the Earth Day celebrations at Balboa Park, come stop by the booth on the lawn by the Federal Building!

Looking Beyond: Very soon you will be receiving the final schedule for the Sit-A-Thon! I won't ruin the surprise but I think you'll be very excited with the selection of styles and instructors that we've brought together for Peace. We have a few extra treats that I think you'll like as well. :-) More to follow very soon! BE SURE if you have not registered yet, please visit http://redlotussociety.eventbrite.com/ to complete the simple (name, email only!) so that we have an idea of the number of participants. We've also received great feedback on everyone's fundraising efforts so thank you! It is such a gift to be part of such a wonderful community.

Lots of Love!
Dave

P.S. There is a bonus treat if your scroll down of our very own Fitness Pete being interviewed on YouTube. Enjoy!

Marika Walks into the Room

2009-04-11T09:50:00.001-07:00

As soon as I pass the dragon mural, I drop into my feet. Perhaps it is the anticipation of the soon-to-manifest meditation class or perhaps it is the energy of this place that now three months later I call home. But that first night, I had no idea that I would be able to live in such a place. I was only aware of the energy of mindfulness that seemed to pervade the walls, and the mystery of the red drapes obscuring the interior from view. As I reached for the tea house door, I found the handle missing, and entered a room that seemed like a great cavern. Upside down stained-glass bouquets lit up the room with vibrant antique glow. I wandered among the multitude of objects, checked out the bookcases-filled with cookbooks, poetry, self-help, new-age, history, social critique, and many more. And then I talked to Michael, told him I needed a place to live, and he offered me a completely new life.

Only recently, I emigrated to this place that people call San Diego. My previous home, and perhaps the most life-changing (apart from Chile) was a monastery called Deer Park, which hides couched in a valley behind the hills of Escondido’s northern border. For seven months, I had lived there with the sisters doing some of the things Vietnamese nuns do. But mostly, I spent a lot of time alone. I began to love the solace of that valley. I would sit for hours doing nothing but enjoying my breath, the stories of birds and clouds ever-shifting. I didn’t want to become a nun, although now that I am in the world of cars, jobs, bills, and schedules, I sometimes wish for the peace of that sheltered place. But in the end I know that the sheltered life of the monastery, for my path would be an escape from the challenges of the outer world. And because it is there only for those who seek it out, who have already been injected into the stream of spiritual life, it might prevent me from fulfilling my own particular Bodhisattva aspiration, which is to plant the seed of meditation in those who would otherwise not receive it.

I originally wanted to become a teacher in order to bring the practice mindfulness to the classroom, perhaps even interweave meditation into the lessons that I taught so that the energy of mindfulness would be present in the lessons. I envisioned that each lesson would inspire self-awareness and compassion in the hearts and minds of my students, or at least create the precedent.

But you can’t do these things if you live in a monastery. You are not even allowed to leave really. So I decided that the best way for me to make manifest this intention was to go out into the world and make my own spiritual oasis, and from there extend myself out into the inner city schools. I would be safe because there would always be a life-line tethering me to a place of peace, which would be my home. So, I left the monastery to go live with a woman I met at Deer Park, who had a deep spiritual practice.

Stop there. Although that was what was passing through my mind, it was all too idealistic. Wouldn’t it be nice for me to tell you that I lived with this woman, entered a teaching credential program, and then became an incredible inner-city school teacher, who went home every night to her sisters meditating peacefully in the living room and eating nothing by organic food cooked fresh that day in a state of deep peace and mindfulness. The one thing I have learned since I have left the monastery is that creating a life path (ie. a career) is a very very very messy and busy business, and sometimes you don’t decide what your career is, life decides for you.

I will spare you the cluttering details that describe how I lost sight of my original vision, and be brief. Since I moved to San Diego in August, from August till February, I have moved three times. I have worked five different jobs, retaining only two of them, which are busking and tutoring. And yes I am tutoring, and yes, I began Waldorf teacher training in January, but Waldorf is a private school based system (much different than the inner-city school teacher dream I once had). And to top it off, I find myself professionally playing violin in not just one, but two circuses, and also playing clubs with a DJ and accordionist. Needless to say, the amount of changes to my living situation have been overwhelming at times.

So here I am, in this giant cavern resembling a museum warehouse where a multitude of interesting histories collide into one, and the cathedral of a room I am in is called the Tea House. And I’m talking with Michael, who has a wonderful smile and has a habit of adjusting his spectacles mid-sentence. And it is like magic; I ask him whether or not I could live at the Ideal Hotel, and he says that we could probably work something out, and a week plus one residence meeting later, bam! I am moved into the Ideal Hotel.

So what does one do with that? What does one do when they magically aparate into wonderland. I have found that the Red Lotus definitely houses magic in its walls. The place is pregnant with promise of incredible things. But magically it is in writing this blog for the Red Lotus that I have been brought back to my original purpose. And even more magically, I realize that although I blindly stumbled here, I am exactly in the place that I need to be in order to fulfill my Bodhisattva vow. My time in the world has shown me that my mind is still not stable enough to teach an inner-city class in an authentically peaceful and mindful way. I have much more growing to do, and perhaps that is why the muse of music has demanded my presence at her side. Or perhaps, I was meant to be a musician, and I can help relieve the suffering sentient beings that way. Whatever the case, the future is like a giant cloud bank. Who knows if it contains a storm. And if there is one or no, I have to learn how to fly into it my own with serenity, how to find the find the eye of the storm if the hurricane threatens. I must learn how to have peace and compassion even when others are uncompassionate and unmindful. So I am very grateful to this place, and all who live here. Thank you Michael for blessing me with the opportunity to strengthen my practice. This place is a treasure.

See you in the next life ; )

New Feel at the Ideal...

2009-04-04T23:09:00.000-07:00

...for your feet!

Hello Everyone! Its Dave, again. I hope this message finds you with joy and in peace. :-) Well, after spending most of the day working on it, I just could not keep from sharing the sweet upgrade being made to the Ideal Studio. The next time you step into the studio, your shoe will be greeted with this:

That's right, new bamboo flooring! And let me tell you, it looks amazing. As I just mentioned, I spent the afternoon working on this project, but the man still going strong at 1130pm (Note that he started at around 9am) is Aaron!!! Here he is around hour 8 or 9:

Many thanks to his dedication today (and tonight)! The new floor is really going to complete the space beautifully. I think you can begin to imagine the end product from the picture below but you must experience it in person!

On a personal note, it is great to be part of a project like this because of the lessons within it. Not just the physical lessons of learning how to lay hardwood flooring, but more so of the lessons that that are representative of life in general. For example, the fact that the floor is completed one board at a time...It may sound cliche but this is very true of any transformation we make in life. There are small steps (or boards) that are strung together to complete the overall goal. Each board or step is an accomplishment in and of itself because the objective would not be completed without each one. What 'floor' are you desiring to build in your life? The energy at the Ideal may be able help! Look forward to seeing you soon!

Spring has Sprung at the Ideal!

2009-03-30T14:29:00.000-07:00

Greetings and Happy Spring!

Its Dave, here at the Ideal Hotel with many things to report...new classes, new events, new housemates, new look for the teahouse, and much more...

With the winter chill (by San Diego standards) nearly done and the flowers in full bloom (have you seen the purples, reds, and yellows?!), the Red Lotus Society has shifted into full gear. Here's a few of the transformations occuring with RLS:

Ideal Hotel
We are pleased to welcome another housemate to the community, Fernando! It only took a few moments of speaking with him to realize the value he will add to the Ideal Community. I will let Fernando explain his passion but to summarize, its Consciousness for the 21st Century full of the latest scientific discoveries and technology...some pretty cool stuff.

Another update for the Ideal Hotel is that stories from other housemates are on their way. I understand its been a few weeks but life has been quite full here. I think their stories will be well worth the wait!

If you have any stories you would like to share, please email them to davemacek.sandiego@gmail.com or if interested in residency at the Ideal Hotel, email resident@redlotussociety.org.

Ideal Studio

Classes and events have been picking up in the studio. It seems like everyone is welcoming spring with open arms! This past weekend we were honored to have Kali Ma host a special meditation and lecture Friday night. There were so many wonderful people in attendence. It was a delight to meet all the new faces in the Teahouse afterwards. We also have two more special Friday night events coming up in April (4/3 & 4/10)...you can check out the schedule for April and beyond @ http://www.redlotussociety.org/practice/index.html.

It is such a gift to be able to teacher yoga in the studio. I am excited that we are creating a class that will allow many others to do the same. Starting very soon on Tuesdays at 6pm will be "Open Mat Night" at the Ideal Studio. This will be a class open to yoga instructors throughout San Diego to come and share their wisdom. It will also give students an opportunity to sample different styles of yoga each week. If you are interested in teaching, let me know!

One final note on the studio...next time you walk in, you might be finding a very pleasant addition to the space (I won't ruin the surprise but I know you'll like it!).

Ideal Teahouse

You might find this month that the Teahouse is a little less active. Reason being is that we've decided to clean out our 'dirty closet' in the back that we've been hiding from mom. :-) I can't disclose much at the moment but just know that many beautiful plans are being developed for the space...more to come on this in the future!

And finally...May 9th 'Sit-A-Thon' Fundraiser !!!
It has been such a joy developing this event with everyone at RLS. It is shaping up to be a fantastic day! Personally, I think it speaks to the significant change that is occurring throughout the world - a shift towards understanding and acceptance, a shift in the heart. We will be having a number of Eastern/Western Traditions represented at the event where we will all meet in a Meditation Retreat for Peace. There is no limit to the possibilities this day holds...If you or anyone is interested in registrating, sponsoring, volunteering, or anything else, check out the event page http://redlotussociety.eventbrite.com/ or contact peace@redlotussociety.org for more information. Please join the community is this epic experience!

Final Thoughts
With spring underway, what flowers would you like to bloom in your life? Begin to water the seeds and it will become your reality. As you continue on this path remember:

"Let your heart be your guide."

"Travel light, live light, spread the light, be the light."

The Beginning...

2009-02-15T17:02:00.001-08:00

Greetings!!!
I would like to take the time in this first post to 1.) explain my purpose in creating this blog, 2.) give an overview of the Red Lotus Society, and 3.) pass along some relevant information about my personal history,

My initial motivation to create this blog was that it was a requirement of a Health Communication class I am taking. However, once the idea set in, I knew the undertaking had much larger implications. It is to provide a framework to promote positive change in each of you and help everyone unlock the unlimited potential that is contained within the human spirit. This will be acheived through personal and group stories/insights, wisdom, laughter, love, and much, much more. The idea is that as the Red Lotus Society continues to evolve, we will, in turn, evolve with it.

What is the Red Lotus Society?

The Red Lotus Society (RLS) is a non-profit organization founded to promote the practice and awareness of meditation for the improvement of mental health and environmental well-being. The RLS envisions a more peaceful, sustainable world through the popularization of meditation as a healthy mental exercise in order to stay fit for the ever-accelerating pace of the 21st Century. In addition to several meditation styles, the Ideal Studio also offers conscious movement classes such as yoga, tai chi, qigong, and capoeira. The tea house also serves as a discussion forum and host for community gatherings. All programs are offered to community on a donation basis.

The historic Ideal Hotel, at 540 3rd Ave, is 95 year-old San Diego landmark. It was on verge on condemnation prior to RLS's involvement. After much work, the building was restored to a beautiful space that continues to attract new visitors. The studio and tea house are located on the ground floor and a residency program has been established on the second floor.

Currently, there are six residents of the Ideal Hotel, each serving a very special role. In no particular order: Aaron, Peter, Mike, Hip Fu, Marika, and myself. Getting to know these beautiful individuals, I have been amazed with their stories and path to the Red Lotus. Because of this I have asked that they share their stories on this blog. I feel that hearing these stories might provide some inspiration and also support the notion that at our cores, we are all united and can live in harmony.

My Story:

How did I get here? About three years ago, a massive transformation started in my life. I started to ask questions...what is my life's purpose? am I truly happy? what are my passions? are my actions promoting positive effects not only within me but in others? is there love in my life?

This sort of questioning led me down a path of many changes: improving my diet/exercise, stopping alcohol consumption, practicing meditation, quitting my job, backpacking Europe, applying to graduate school, becoming certified as a yoga instructor, selling my car, buying a scooter, and finally moving into the Ideal Hotel in January 2009.

It is difficult to connect with the lifestyle I use to have. Six years ago I was a college football player weighing 100 lbs. heavier, with little self-control, and a strong ego. My focus was more on self-satisfaction than helping others. Some of my habits were very destructive like excessive eating/drinking, diminishing others' thoughts/feelings, surpressing personal feelings, and wasting various resources. The pictures below show at least the physical changes. But these changes are not as significant as emotional, mental, and spiritual shifts that occurred in my life. There is a sense of love and appreciation I now have for myself and life in general. My goals are few, just wanting to serve others which in turn serves myself and finding the Red Lotus Society has allowed me to do just that.

Much more to follow!

Peace and love to you all.