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!