This has been another unconventional year with the ebb and flow of Covid outbreaks and how life has been impacted by all of us in various ways. But through the struggles, here is what I am grateful for in 2021:
The community, which is the heart and soul of Yoga Among Friends.
The commitment of you, our students, to keep your sense of wellbeing through a practice.
I’m grateful for not just a physical practice but for the blessings of a one-pointed mind and the steadiness of the emotions.
Yoga Among Friends has held the integrity of the heart and met each person in loving kindness.
Grateful for the masks, the air filter, and the open windows.
For the willingness of each student to respect and care for each other in a gracious loving way. I witnessed confusion and frustration and yet, I also saw acceptance and joy in just being together and hearing laughter.
I am grateful for Zoom and the way our extended community could come into our studio and feel like belonging.
Even in the difficult decisions of protocol for covid and making sure each student felt safe, there was a gentle reminder of our humanity. There were many stories of profound grief this year and moments that brought us to our knees. There were also moments of deep appreciation for the masked hugs.
There were days where I had no idea who would walk in and fill an empty space.
There was always an offering of compassion, a silent balm of ease as the walls held us. They allowed a willingness of the senses to embrace the memory of what has come before and the possibility of what is to arrive.
In the 24 years, that the studio has been open, I have never felt more gratitude for the steadiness of the space itself. It has been nourished by such brilliant souls that have been the constant of the open door. The walls have been sealed in the vibration of mantras and simply walking into the practice room, the energy is healing.
May we continue to ride the waves of change and yet feel the stability of our practice to maintain some inner clarity. May our thoughts, words, and actions arrive from our ability to shine in our hearts and be the light in the world.
To those alone on this holiday and not well enough to come in or even zoom, may we all extend the practice of love. We are never alone, we are ALL ONE with the source of presence.
Sending out blessings for a New year and may every day continue our daily commitment to turn on the light and shine for each other IN JOY!! And let us know in the comments below what you were grateful for in 2021.
With love and light,
Laura Jane
