Living Your Yoga ~ by Kerri Hanlon

When I selected Living Your Yoga as our first book for the Yoga Home Book Club, I had little idea how the next month would unfold. I picked the book because it’s one of my favorites – a great read that keeps me on track, helps me process different emotions and is a source of comfort and strength. Turns out, this past month was a time I would need this book the most.

February started full of hope and anticipation. If January is about clearing space and setting goals, February is about taking action to make those dreams become real. I was super excited for several special events I was hosting at Yoga Home, especially Book Club and Yoga for Caregivers.

And then things got complicated.

My youngest son, Sean, caught one of the many viruses going around and due to his complex medical issues, this led to a harried ambulance ride to CHOP. He was ok, but needing some additional care. Time for the Fear chapter in Living Your Yoga and embracing the mantra “I am willing to act in the face of fear.” I could have let fear overtake me, or I could accept this is a natural reaction, give myself the compassion I need and act. Breathe, Kerri, breathe.

And then things got more complicated.

Literally, the day after I had Sean at CHOP, I received a phone call that my Mom was in ICU in a hospital in her hometown of Naples, Florida. Good thing I had reminded myself to act in the face of fear. I hopped on a plane and was at my Mom’s bedside that night.

Living Your Yoga made the trip with me. Again, the chapter on Fear – “I can do this.” The chapter on Control – “What can I let go of right now?” The chapter on Love – “Love dispels fear.” The chapter on Courage – “Letting go of what I cannot change celebrates my courage.”

As yogis, we’re taught the importance of breath. It was somewhat of a dichotomy that my Mom relied on a ventilator to breathe for her, while I relied on my breath to carry me through. It was definitely time for me to practice what I often teach – that when we breathe together, we are stronger.

Sadly, my Mom passed and the days that follow have flown by. February is gone and March is here. Time to pick up where I left off with planning and move forward. I know it won’t always be easy. Most importantly, I know I’m not alone. Many of us have dealt with loss in a very profound way. I take comfort in knowing I have a caring community that will cloak me in warmth. I will practice receiving. I will breathe. And I’ll turn to Living Your Yoga again and again.

We all have our stories. For some of us, sharing emotions and events like this (even in such a public way!) can be healing. For some of us, it takes us way out of our comfort zone. There is no right, nor wrong.

So my question for you is this – how has Living Your Yoga supported you in your life? Are there specific chapters you turn to again and again? Are there mantras you find helpful?

I’d love to hear your thoughts – feel free to share with a comment below;  join us for our next Book Club meeting, March 26th at 7:30;  or grab me after class and let’s have a cup of tea on the comfy purple couch and chat!