Monday, November 19, 2007

Learning to Pray


prayer, originally uploaded by kimxtom.

My family and friends have been subject to basically the full gamut of unfortunate events lately: sickness, death, bereavement, financial penury, relationship troubles, and, probably the worst, two terrible accidents in which children were badly hurt.

In the midst of this chaos, my head spinning, I wonder what I can do to help. Apart from some moral support, just about all I can do is pray. And I do that every morning by dedicating my yoga practice to the one who needs it most, and through the day by dedicating my teaching to the one who needs it most. The list is long right now. Todays recipient is my friend's four month old daughter, who was bitten by a dog in the windpipe and rushed to ICU last night. It happened, from what I can gather, in the midst of her six month old cousin's christening celebration. I think my efforts must be paying off, because she was taken off the ventilator this morning, and is looking much better. Well, my efforts and those of the many others who prayed for her through the night and into the morning.

It is amazing how different a yoga practice feels when it is for one who needs, not just a way to stretch out the kinks in your muscles - if you know someone in need of a little help, maybe you could dedicate your practice to them, or, if you have done this in the past, I would love to hear your stories!

I have read about this same practice on some knit blogs - except with knitting - and totally off the topic, I plan to post a list of my favourites for your reading enjoyment. Be patient, all is coming!

4 comments:

Everyday Yogini said...

I am so sorry that there is so much pain and suffering amongst your friends and family right now. I love it that you are dedicating your practice to their healing...

I almost always dedicate my personal practice to whomever or whatever seems to most need it. My dedications have run the gamut from the rain forests to animals facing extinction to myself and my friends and family.

And, it's so true that by keeping something larger than ourselves in focus during practice, it changes the entire tone of the practice. I'm so glad you shared this...

Anonymous said...

Wow. When it rains it pours! It's awesome that you dedicate your practice. I'm still so new at Yoga (and having trouble getting into the swing of doing a daily practice), it never really occurred to me that I could dedicate my practice. What a great idea! thank you!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Nadine!
Hope better days are coming soon to you, family and friends. Keep praying and dedicating!

Julie's Journey said...

I have been dedicating my home practice to my sister's partner who has just found out he has an aggressive cancer and seems to have lost hope. Hopefully it will heal and lift him. You and yours have been having a rough time lately but I hope everything evens out soon.