keep practicing

This quote from Marianne Williamson is one of my favorites, and one that I come back to when faced with senseless violence and acts of hate, which sadly, has been far too often in our world.  In the wake of a tragedy like last night's attack in Las Vegas, I feel so insignificant, helpless and small.  I know I'm not alone.  

One of the basic tenets of yoga, ahimsa, requires that we do no harm.  This can feel relatively easy when we think of harm as physical violence, as most us are not violent by nature.  But choosing to love- in any and every situation-  can require energy and a force of will that isn't always easy to muster up.  We must continue to stay the course, and love others hard, even when, especially when, the gut instinct may be to shut down or push away.  This can be something as small as letting someone in front of you in traffic, having patience in a long checkout line, or being present and listening to your partner in a difficult conversation.  Remember to show that same love for yourself when your best intentions go awry.  
Keep practicing.  I'm so grateful to be starting a new Meditation class tonight to create some space to practice being less reactive and more present.  It is in this space that love can grow.  I don't mean to make this into an advertisement for this class- I just feel better knowing that I have these 20 minutes tucked away today to regroup and process.  If your budget can't swing it, my treat today. 
5:40-6 pm tonight at Bow Street. $5 drop-in.