He said “I’m not running” as he flew down the hallway pushing a fire truck with sirens blaring.

It’s been a week since the grandkids arrived and to say it’s been hectic is a massive understatement. No time for my mat. No time for anything personal. No where else I’d rather be.

One morning I got up early thinking I’d have some quiet time but I was mistaken. One of the grandkids was waiting for me to get up so we could continue working on a Lego project that we had started. Ok let’s get at it: I said. Can someone please make coffee?

Today it’s 8:00am and the grandkids have been up for two hours. Three are now at the kitchen table working quietly building Lego projects. They’ve had breakfast and are unbelievably quiet.

I grabbed my mat and slipped out the door.

The kitchen window is open and I was able to roll out my mat on the deck underneath that window. The house is full but no one can see me. I can hear the kids quietly playing while one of my daughters is doing the dishes. It’s surprisingly calming to hear someone doing the dishes as if it’s somewhere far off in the distance. With a light ocean breeze the sun shining comfortably on my body; I was able to sneak in twenty five minuets.

My practice is a testament to all these moments. I love it. It’s a heaven while I hear the calming sounds of peacefully playing grandkids and the dishes being done. All those years of practice have laid the foundation for me to appreciate these moments. It’s constructive, comforting, welcoming, and incredibly peaceful while gently moving from asana to asana.

It’s still so surprising that I continue to receive from my practice. It’s been ingrained in my being over the years. It’s like an old friend someone to count on when you need them. It’s also doable. There are not many physical things this MS damaged body can do but my mat is still a welcoming and enjoyable place to be. The benefits are now oh so subtle as I gently absorb.

It’s been a part of me since I learned this. That I can get on my mat and find peace. It’s a lesson learned that I originally thought was not possible. The part that is for the inner me, the real me, the wannabe me. And even the physical me.

With all this constant external stimulation I was able to capture a few moments and just be. The mind goes everywhere the mat stays put.

Yoga is life.

Ahimsa