Remembrance

With the tenth anniversary of 9/11 nearly upon us, I want to offer up some thoughts in memory of that day.  I believe in the power of love and the incredible resilience of the human spirit.  In spite of all that was lost on that day, both tangible and intangible, there remains a sense of hope and renewal that is at the core of humanity.  I can only imagine how the loved ones left behind in a vapor of loss watched incredulously as the Earth continued to spin.  They must have been certain that all the clocks would stop and the wind would cease, just as the lives of their family and friends had.  And yet, the sun still rises and sets, the leaves still flutter in the wind, the seasons pass, and life goes on.  Therein lies hope.  No matter the pain and suffering, the sun will rise tomorrow and we have another chance to live fully.

The best thing I can do in remembrance is to do just that: live fully and with hope.  So, in that vein, here are my remembrance commitments:

• Be nice and work hard.
• Be of service to others.
• Give more than I take.
• Spend as much time as possible with the ones I love.
• Never give up on hope.
• Laugh.

I would love to hear your remembrance commitments.  Share them with us, please.

In remembrance,

Lynae

A Lesson in Respect at My Yoga Studio

I practice yoga several times each week, and benefit from it in so many ways.  In addition to its physical, mental and spiritual benefits, I receive repeated and unexpected lessons in respect.  As we arrive in the studio, we remove our shoes and place them in cubby holes.  When we enter the room for our practice, we refrain from talking so everyone can prepare to the sound of gentle music and their own beating hearts.  We put our props away carefully when done, clear our places after practice, and create a clean and open space for the people who will come after us.  All of these actions, albeit small, are expressions of respect.  I have learned to appreciate it enormously when I see that someone who went before me made things a little easier so I may enjoy my practice even more.

From yoga, I learn that expressions of respect, no matter how small, create a smoother life.  Being respectful of things and people creates space for others to be respectful.  That’s what I notice more than anything . . . respect begets respect.  When it’s clear that someone has shown respect for me, and they don’t even know me, I am compelled to show respect for the next person.  And, this idea follows me as I leave yoga.  I like the feeling of showing and receiving respect in small ways.  So, I ask myself, and you:

1. What small action can you take right now to make someone else’s life a little easier?
2. What would your life be like without the sweet and small courtesies (i.e., saying please and thank-you, leaving a place better than you found it, holding the door open for the person coming in behind you, etc.)?
3. How does being respectful make you feel valuable and an important part of your community?

As my day begins tomorrow with yoga, I will commit to treat everything and everyone with respect.  I’ll bet it’s going to be a smooth day.

Namaste,

Lynae

Why do we tend to look at what others are doing, instead of at what we are doing?

I’m a human being.  Yep, I admit it.  And, as one, I am guilty of looking outside of myself for the cause of my problems, my feelings, and my results.  Irritating.  I know I shouldn’t, because I have a giant responsibility (if not the sole responsibility) for everything that happens in my life.  Duh.  So why is it that I sometimes find myself looking around me for causes when the results aren’t what I’d like?  Why does anyone?

When I look outward, it’s because I don’t want to look at the character flaws I know I possess.  It’s easier to notice someone else’s flaws.  It doesn’t sting as much.  But, it is not only disrespectful toward the other . . . it’s disrespectful to myself.  By reducing me and those around me to a set of flaws by which I apply a measuring stick, I am setting myself and them up for failure.

I have a choice every day to look at myself as a miracle (and to see others that way too).  It is miraculous what we can achieve – alone and together, flaws and all.  So, how can I make this my reality?  How can I show myself more respect?

• I resolve to look more closely at my strengths, rather than to dissect my flaws.  (Because when I focus on my flaws, it makes me feel lousy and to make myself feel better, I start to look at the flaws of others.)
• I resolve to pay more attention to what I am doing to influence the results I am getting.  (Because it’s hardly ever someone else’s fault when my results aren’t good.)
• I resolve to lighten up when I foul up.  (Because, I am a human being, and sometimes, doo doo happens.)