He steps out of the shower and into his body,
trying it on,
situating the muscles atop the bones,
adjusting the mass, the dimensions,
shaking out the width, the stability,
judging the play of gravity,
and just how
the weight of the world
will sit
on it today.
Tag Archives: duty
Contrary
Contrary to what we often times believe, we make other people happy. Because of this, it is our duty to be as selfless as we can manage.
~ ALS
Inspired by D. George Secrist’s request during my yoga practice, and his subsequent giggle upon my acquiescence:
“Watch me, Mommy…Come ‘ere a second…Watch me!” he said, patting the step next to him.
I sat and watched him roll small metal and plastic cars and tractors down a blue yoga mat that had been unrolled along the bottom three stairs. Each time the cars landed on the carpet, he looked at me, waiting. And when I smiled, his shoulders squeezed up to his ears, and his giggle spilled out enormous amounts of love not just from his toes, but from his deepest core.
It is in moments like these that we live the truth of giving’s excellence over receiving.
The flip side, of course, is that if we make others happy, we also have the capability to make them unhappy. And so we must practice awareness at all times, not just when we feel like it. This is the hard work! This is yoga off the mat.
a spirit of joy
“How necessary it is to cultivate a spirit of joy. It is a psychological truth that the physical acts of reverence and devotion make one feel devout. The courteous gesture increases one’s respect for others. To act lovingly is to begin to feel loving, and certainly to act joyfully brings joy to others which in turn makes one feel joyful. I believe we are called to the duty of delight.” ~ Dorothy Day