Here’s my dad and me as we exit the Panama Canal’s last lock to enter Gatun Lake. At 72, my dad can balance in Tree Pose with ease. The most amazing thing is he started practicing Yoga at age 70! My nephew always jokes that you can spot my dad in crowd of gray heads -- because he’s the one standing fully upright!For 7 decades, my dad has kept his body moving - mostly through his work as a Civil Engineer - walking job sites & climbing ladders. And for over 20 years, he’s been the only man in a twice weekly aerobics class held at my hometown’s middle school.
His latest journey into the mind/body connection through Yoga, has been significant. Not only has his body become more flexible and less rigid, but also his mind -- which has allowed him to feel his heart. This softening of the heart has helped my “tuff & gruff” dad better support my mother who lives with Parkinson’s.
On the eve of 2009, my family embarked on a journey to the Panama Canal - a place that connects oceans & people.
As we begin our transition into another decade, may each of us unlock what binds us & holds us back from connecting. Like water, may we allow ourselves to flow freely, rising or lowering to the next level of our experience.
And may we recognize, that on Earth, there is only one ocean. We have just labeled the parts. And from this profound understanding, may we see ourselves as whole.
Peace on Earth. And Peace be with you.
first published online in 2009 at www.LongLisa.com
