Last week three separate people approached me to talk about the struggles they are having as they are dealing with parents that are aging, some focused on end of life issues. And those are only the ones who spoke up. My classes seem to attract my own demographic: women between the ages of 45 and 55 who are in what is called “the sandwich generation.” They are tending to their people (blood-related or otherwise) as they age and pass into the next life, and to their children, uncomfortably sandwiched in between. Not to mention if they work–not like tending to those we love is not work, it certainly is real and meaningful work–but providing income and stability for a family is no small thing. Regardless of your situation, there is a LOT to hold up and show up for, and we do. That’s just what we do, no matter the circumstance.
When you sit back and look at all that responsibility it is stunning. I want to put a crown on everyone in my classes, this whole generation, really. So it’s no small surprise that people show up to yoga for rejuvenation and nourishment. They need it like they need a daily vitamin: to hit pause, regroup, and reconnect with themselves.
My classes this week are focusing on tuning into the breath as a tool for navigating not just our yoga practice on the mat, but also the challenges in our lives. When the mind is distracted whether it be from the myriad of devices, challenges, stresses, you name it in our lives, there is just a storm–like a snow globe. The mind is compromised, distracted. And a distracted mind is not a powerful one. So we tune into the breath to bring clarity, presence and peace. So you can keep showing up and soldiering on in your life.
I offer a deep bow to you for all that you do. Namaste.