The Gift
Breathe, I say to myself
Every morning, lying in bed, eyes open, almost ready to take on the day, I look forward to and resist what’s next — my ever so simple yoga practice.
Breathe
It’s not much of a practice really. Just a few poses Mary taught me. Easy. Starts with Tree Pose.
Breathe in through my nose
Oh how I love Tree Pose. Standing there, at peace. Taking in the beginning of another day. Looking out the window at nothing in particular — the trees, new snow, the lengthening days.
Back straight. Arms outstretched. Relax and breathe
We lost one of the greats last night, friend and family, Jay Jenkins. His daughter Gail texted us in the morning to tell us of his passing late last night. He’d been sick for quite some time. I’m so sorry.
Breathe, and remember the man. His spirit
Life is so damn short. The more I live of it, the more this unassailable fact chases me down, like a haunting dream I hope never quite catches-up. Though I know that it will, just not today. Today, I’m here, awake. That’s the magic of yoga. Just this pose. And this breath.
Eyes closed
When in Child’s Pose, my body relaxes into the day, my back finds an equilibrium not attainable while standing. What would a whole day in child’s pose be like? Hard I imagine, and not something anyone recommends, but what if you could bottle this feeling? That everything’s going to be OK, that nothing hurts, for the moment at least. This is why people love Yoga. This feeling.
Peace
Quiet the body and the mind before this achievement culture revs me up and I find myself bouncing off the screens and walls that make up our new locked-down existence.
I’m so sorry for your loss
Jay’s spirit will live on in all who knew him, because here was a man who gave and gave and gave of himself, to everyone, at every turn. A model citizen. As generous a person I’ve known. A sailor. A craftsman. A family man and the heart of the community.
Another breath
Last night Jay stopped breathing. God’s choice. After a long life of love and generosity. We should all be so fortunate, to live to that spirit. Of Giving. Sharing. Being present for others. Something that comes naturally for some, is work for others.
Slow down
Plank. Warrior. Triangle.
Eyes open
The day unfolds, mornings dedicated to reading and writing, to taking in the moment, reflecting on the power and grace of our short, short lives on this earth. Model citizens all around us, showing us the way, helping us find our footing, guiding us. Their voices not extinguished with their last breaths, but made more permanent, more lasting. Their spirits now in us, to carry forward.
Thank you
The day begins with the memory of a life well lived.
This day, a gift
