remembering 9-11

today's the 4th year anniversary of the september 11th attacks of the world trade center. this morning, the moving reading of names of those that perished was held at ground zero. throughout the day, firemen and police officers were clearly visible throughout town (especially in the bars). and tonight, the 2 memorial lights shoot up into the sky clearly visible even all the way here in brooklyn.

a remember 9-11 ad ran this morning on tv. its message—whatever it is you do today, september 11th, make sure its memorable. i dont think i really did anything extra memorable, actually.

there was however a conscious effort to try to remember in the things that i did. ate brunch at favorite village place, cafe esperanto, which i have not done in a while, trying to remember the good old days. worked on personal book, spreek je filipijns, which is very nearly done, trying to remember the days spent and great atmosphere felt in holland. had dinner at pomme frites, a free one at that courtesy of the pinoy friends there, trying to remember the things i needed to take care of before the start of another week. did my sunday 2-hour yoga class, very centering and calming yet again, trying to remember important people in my life (and those that died in 9-11) as i did the different asanas.

while i can't say that there was anything extra memorable today, there is however something different with how peaceful it had been. must be the yoga. must be the simplicity. must be the remembering.

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closing peace chants—at the end of every yoga class at the center, we offer these universal chants. though i still find it quite weird, the chanting, the message and energy however seem very apt, especially today.

asato maa sat gamaya—lead us from unreal to real.
tamaso maa jyotir gamaya—lead us from darkness to the light.
mrityor maa amritam gamaya—lead us from the fear of death to knowledge of immortality.
om shanthi, shanthi, shanthi
loka samastaa sukino bhavantu—may the entire universe be filled with peace and joy, love and light.