I am participating in the Spiritual Thursday Round up over at Holly Mueller’s blog. We are writing from each other’s one little word. Today, we reflect on Ramona’s word, Stretch. Stretch is a synonym for my OLW, Reach. But I couldn’t help but think about yoga class and how Evelyn tells us to pay attention to our bodies so that we will be better equipped to function for others.
Yoga Class
I am tired at the end of the day.
My socks hug my feet.
I stretch and release the tension
resting in my shoulders.Stretch out on a lavender yoga mat,
listen to the gentle chime
calling me to do a body scan.
What part needs your attention tonight?The block of energy, the stopping place,
my right shoulder, not pain but tight,
holding in, holding on.
Let go. Stretch again.Folded into child’s pose,
I am inward like a chrysalis
waiting for the gift of life
waiting for the stretching of my wings.Help me open up and fly to you, Lord.
Help me to know the limits of my reach
so that I may be the strength
for someone’s grief, the embrace
for someone’s pain.I am your instrument only
when I am fully present.
Listening to the rhythm of my breath,
I hear yours join in.
I know you are here.
Namaste.–Margaret Simon
Love your poetic reflection, Margaret. This post makes me want to try out a yoga class.
Margaret,
This is beautiful and a timely reminder. Thank you for reminding me.
Margaret, I did not know that you are yogi, too. The line, “am inward like a chrysalis waiting for the gift of life waiting for the stretching of my wings,” is such a beautiful thought for child pose. I will think about that when I am in the yoga studio. Your poem reminds me of the importance of listening to the Lord.
You make yoga sound so wonderful. I’ve tried and don’t like it at all. Ha. But this stanza is my favorite:
“Help me open up and fly to you, Lord.
Help me to know the limits of my reach
so that I may be the strength
for someone’s grief, the embrace
for someone’s pain.”
I’m just going to try to accomplish it with something other than yoga. 😉
Maybe you need another yoga teacher. Mine is all about relaxation.