Yoga, Grief and Gratitude

As I write this, I am just returning from a funeral and the many media reports of the recent deaths of 2 celebrities who could not go on with their lives any longer.  We are broken hearted due the lost of so many recently due to their overwhelming grief, sadness or depression.   There are so many questions in my mind about how this can happen.  How can so many people feel like they have no other way forward and nobody that can help them?  It makes me incredibly sad.

In my classes this week, we discussed this sad trend. The debate continues as we learn to cope and try to find ways to help.  I feel so strongly that yoga can be part of the answer.   Not only can this amazing practice help a person slowly find a place of peace, it also promotes a sense of community.  I love it when I come in to class and everyone is talking to each other, sharing stories and really encouraging each other even during class.  THIS IS YOGA!

Yoga means union.  Not only the union of body, mind and spirit, but union with the universe around you.  And union with spirit - your higher power.   This faith in something much bigger than us that will carry us through our path in life is an important part of my life.   It is this union with faith and spirit that carries me through every day, especially the tough ones.  The ones where you cannot get out of bed, the ones that bring tears that swell your eyes shut, and the ones where you are not sure how to even take the next breath.  

With yoga, we get on our mat and breathe, and hope that the breath will help unite us and make us whole again.  Yes, holding a child's pose for the entire time and breathing still YOGA!   So,  take just a moment to be grateful for your yoga practice.   I know that life is not easy, but that I have this practice to turn to when I need it.  Yoga will remind me to breathe, unite and heal throughout all moments in my life.

Please share your stories on how you have used your yoga practice to enrich your life.   Lets share and create this community to help those who are not sure where to start.  Namaste.