Polishing the Heart, August 2026
This month's highlights:
This month's highlights:
- A new video and audio recording: I Am Loving Awareness
- Circadian Rhythms and Merlin
- Dances of Universal Peace November 5-8
Watch the video of my Dance, "I am Loving Awareness"
Hi friends,
By now, many of you have had the opportunity to experience my most recent Dance, "I am Loving Awareness." I finally had the time last week to do a studio recording and quickly put together a video so that I could share it with you before we leave on our travels. A shout out and huge thanks to Jennifer Friedman for recording this Dance at the June 2026 Paonia Camp!
This music and DUP dance was inspired by a recording of spiritual teacher Baba Ram Dass, where he said, "I am Loving Awareness," was his personal mantra. I consider Ram Dass one of the first teachers on my path, opening my mind when I read his book, Be Here Now. Not long after I read the book, I was able to spend a week where we sat for darshan with him back in 1972.
In more recent years, I found inspiration in the words and life of Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh. Although I never met him in person, I have had the good fortune to visit the Plum Village Monastery in Thailand where he spent several of his last years on earth, and the Plum Village Monastery in Viet Nam where he is buried. The song ends with a chord and melodic note reminiscent of my first "teachers," The Beatles. All You Need Is Love.
Watch the video of my Dance, "I am Loving Awareness"
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Recently, Deborah and I made a change to our morning routine. Since I'm often up before dawn, especially as the days become shorter, I watch the sun come up and wait for the morning light. When Deborah joins me, we spend the next 30 minutes or so on our back deck listening to the birds, resetting our circadian rhythm. More about this below.
We get back from travels the end of September!
Namaste y'all!
Douglas
Douglas
We will again place a strong emphasis on Dance Leader Trainings each afternoon.
All will have the opportunity to lead in the big circle.
- Visit here for a list of accommodations. Contact me for assistance.
- Temperatures in Tennessee are perfect!!
- All meals included
- Check out my music on YouTube to get a preview.
Click here to learn more.
In these challenging times, our dances are embodied prayers. Reap the Harvest of the Heart!
In these challenging times, our dances are embodied prayers. Reap the Harvest of the Heart!
Circadian Rhythms and Merlin
The view from my deck.
Early morning light acts as a natural signal to your brain's internal clock, helping regulate your circadian rhythm. This allows your body to know when it is time to be alert and when it should begin preparing for sleep. Ideally, this can provide an energy boost without caffeine while also helping you sleep better at night.
By exposing yourself to morning light within the first 30 to 60 minutes after waking, you naturally suppress the production of melatonin, while stimulating the release of cortisol and increasing the activity of serotonin and dopamine. This can enhance your mood, improve focus, and help you feel ready to start your day.
Once your circadian rhythm is properly synchronized, your body will naturally begin producing melatonin later that evening as you approach bedtime, making it easier to fall asleep and maintain a healthy sleep cycle.
I also try to leave my phone in the house while I go outside, and avoid the temptation to check my messages, my emails, the latest news, and those things that can add stress or simply pull my attention out of the present moment.
The Merlin App for identifying birds
That is, until I really want to identify the bird sounds. Then I open the Merlin app and record what I hear, revealing the 10 or more different species of birds that may be present. The app is free, and it is nothing short of amazing to watch it identify each bird by its calls.
I can also use it to identify the birds at my feeder. You simply enter the bird's colors, size, location, and the time of year, and the app provides a list of possible matches, complete with pictures and even recordings of their songs. It becomes surprisingly easy to identify your bird.
Have I given up my morning tea and coffee? The answer is no. But I have developed a greater appreciation for the beauty of the morning—a moment of genuine peace.
Thank you for your time and attention! Come visit us!
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When you become a subscriber, your contribution helps spread the word about community-based alternatives and the spiritual path. Take this one small step to be part of the solution!
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Douglas Stevenson
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.douglasstevenson.com
www.villagemedia.com
Douglas@villagemedia.com
www.douglasstevenson.com
www.villagemedia.com
My books:
- Out to Change the World! $12 plus shipping
- The Farm Then and Now $19.95 plus shipping
- Order both for just $33 including shipping!
Watch my TEDx Talk: Out to Change the World - Living the Hippie Dream
