in much the same way that it was difficult for me to know the right words to say as i led my yoga class this morning, i am unsure of the right words to say on this blog today. to talk about my weekend and the things i have been doing seems trivial and even disrespectful.
the events of september 11, 2001 weigh heavy on my heart today. rather than filling up space with words that don’t seem appropriate for the gravity of this day, i am taking a day of silence to remember and honor.
i will be dedicating my practice this afternoon to the memory of those lost, to the courage of those who serve and to the strength of my fellow american citizens.
(source)
i read gandhi’s prayer for peace to my class this morning.
i offer you peace.
i offer you love.
i offer you friendship.
i see your beauty.
i hear your need.
i feel your feelings.
my wisdom flows from the highest source.
i salute that source in you.
let us work together.
for unity and peace.
– mahatma gandhi
how are you remembering and honoring today?
I too dedicated my practice to the victims and families of 9/11, both direct victims and those lost in combat since. I then hurried to a United States Marine Corps family day and spent time with my family and my Marine family . The children giggling through sack races and Marines and their spouses laughing and feasting showed me that all is still well in America. America is people, not a government. As people, we will always hurt on this day, and I am glad for that. We are caring and compassionate people and we are the greatest team to ever exist.
Side Note:
If you missed the opening ceremonies for the Bears game, find video of it on a Google search. It involved a nearly field sized flag, players and first responders holding it taught, an extremely strong vocal of our National Anthem, and the croud roaring through the entire ceremony from the unfurling to well after the last lyric of the song. Chilling experience!!!
chris – thank you so much for your comment and for sharing your experience. i thought about you a lot today. i did see the opening ceremonies and they were incredible.
my wisdom flows from the highest source.
i salute that source in you.
… namaste.
om shanti
Spent the morning with my family at Freedom Park, then we volunteered through Hands on Charlotte by packing boxes for troops and making cards & writing letters and lastly went to the Flags of Remembrance at 7th and Firefighter Place. Your post today is perfect.
diane – that sounds like a perfect day of remembrance with your family.
I was thinking about you last night, knowing we were both teaching today, and wondered what, if anything you were going to do or say about today during your class. Besides wearing my I <3 NY tank top, I didn't say much of anything until the very end. I thought there might be some people coming to their mat today to avoid the media coverage or to take some time for themselves if today was/is an emotionally challenging day for them. I decided to err on the side of caution and be respectful of what everyone may be feeling. I did conclude my class with reminding everyone that yoga is not only what you do on your mat, but off it as well. "Be kind, compassionate & patient with yourselves & each other. Be grateful to those in your life. And especially today, appreciate those who spend & sometimes sacrifice their lives protecting us." Thanks for sharing your day with us.
cara – i had a tough time planning my class for today, i’m not going to lie. i didn’t know what to say and if i should say anything. i ended up starting class with a moment of silence and inviting my class to dedicate their practice to those who serve our country. at the end of class i read the gandhi prayer for peace before savasana. i also changed up my playlist a bit. i usually play upbeat music but it just didn’t seem appropriate this morning. my heart has definitely been aching all day for those who lost and those who serve(d).
Beautiful post, my friend.
thank you.
Absolutely beautiful post. I know all our hearts are heavy today. I think that days like this remind us how to live; that we should live and love fully and extend kindness and compassion towards others.