Also, Soft

An additional word for this year: softer.

A group of women gathered this weekend to celebrate my mum. They said a lot of wise things, and many will linger. But Nanny's words, that she wished she had been softer with her people and with her sweet self... that has lodged itself in my heart, and I find myself meditation on it these many hours later.

Yoga is a practice that asks for strength and softness to work together.

Softer. Stronger. That is what this year is going to require of me.

May it be so.

Strength for the Journey

One thing I like about yoga is setting intentions. It has replaced prayer for me in the last year, in as much as I sit quietly at the beginning of practice to see if there is something I can hear. Most often two or three words come, and then I carry them through my practice, breathing them in and out, literally inspiring my movement. At the end of my practice, I remember what brought me to my mat and I lie quietly for a few minutes to let it soak through me, and settle in my bones.

The first practice of the year brings with it the words Strength for the Journey. The prayer, strengthen us for the journey; strengthen me for the journey.

That is what I'm starting this year with: the prayer that we will each find and build the strength needed for all that lies ahead.

Amen.