Yoga

While I was on the mat today, I got to thinking. Yes, I know, when I am practicing yoga I am supposed to be " in the moment". Mostly I was, but...

I got to thinking about my Yoga practice in general. Why do I do it? What do I get from it? Why do I yearn for it when I neglect it? Why do I always come back to it? Why indeed?

I practice yoga because...

It makes me feel good. Physically, mentally, and yes, spiritually. I admit there are times when I am standing in Tadasana and haven't even started when I think to myself, "I do not want to do this." But I feel compelled to move forward, to keep going. Without fail, I am glad I did it. I always feel connected to something greater than myself. Something ... how can I put this? Something ethereal. I always feel some clarity of mind. It is good for me.

So then I get to thinking about Christmas. As you may know, I used to be an Evangelical Christian. Before that Roman Catholic. Naturally Christmas had a religious meaning to it. You know, Virgin birth, from the Catholic days. Saviour of the world from the Evangelical days. But what now? I struggle with celebrating Christmas without the Christ in it. Am I being two faced? Am I not being my authentic self? (Sigh)

I am trying to raise Athena with a tolerant world view. A world view where we are all equal no matter color, creed or religious belief. I suppose I could tell her that the Christians believe that Jesus was born of Mary, lived a sinless life, died on the cross as the ultimate sacrifice and paid the penalty for our sin so we, if we only believe, can live in Heaven, with God, forever. Or that if we perform all of the Sacraments as laid out by the only One True Catholic Church that when we die, because of Jesus,born of the VIRGIN Mary, we go to Purgatory for however many years and then, maybe, fingers crossed, we can live in Heaven, with God, forever. Or...

I can tell her ...The Christians believe that Christmas was the time Jesus, their Saviour was born. The Jews celebrate Hanukkah, the festival of lights. Or some celebrate Kwanzaa, where African culture and heritage is remembered.

Then I can tell her that WE celebrate the Winter Solstice. The time of year when the days get longer and the nights get shorter, and we look forward to the renewing of the earth, of spring, of hope.

Whatever we are preparing for, celebrating, commemorating, to me it is a time of joy. Of love. Of family and togetherness. We revel in being together. Of warmth. Of giving gifts of love. Of good food. Flowing wine. Of gratitude.

We have enough.

We are enough.