The Power of Intention ~ by Kerri Hanlon
“I invite you to set an intention.” How often do you hear that in a yoga class? And how often do you truly take it to heart?
Two years ago I set an intention and began the process of letting it manifest. It was what I held in my heart as I stepped on my mat, what I scribed about in my journal, what I boldly put out in my New Moon wishes. And now, I’m seeing that intention come to life.
Last night, I was joined by family, friends and colleagues as we premiered “On the Other Side of the Fence”. This documentary follows students from HMS School for Children with Cerebral Palsy and Germantown Friends School as they prepare to stage the musical “On the Other Side of the Fence.” The film shows that as the children collaborate on this musical, they develop relationships, share experiences, and perhaps most importantly, learn what their unique talents and abilities are.
So why is this film important to me? My son, Sean, has severe cerebral palsy and is a student at HMS. He’s participated in this musical for eight years and I’ve seen how much he lights up when he hits the stage. It hasn’t always been easy. Sean’s medical issues have sometimes trumped his desire to perform – yes, there was the year he had to exit stage left due to a seizure – but he loves this musical. Perhaps more importantly, he loves meeting a new group of kids from another school and spending his afternoons finding what they have in common. He lights up when I ask him about rehearsal and Ezra, his partner from GFS. Sean may not be able to speak with words as I do, but he uses his voice to sing along, a communication device to speak the words and his enormous smile to play the role of “Bear”. In 2012, Sean had just returned to school after nearly two months in the hospital. Being cast as a Bear, with the lead song “Grin and Bear It”, seemed very appropriate. Ezra treated Sean with such compassion, understanding when Sean needed a break as well as encouraging him to ham it up when he was feeling well. Sean and Ezra developed a bond that was based not on expectations, but what rested in their hearts.
In the end, the film is about acceptance. Isn’t that what we all desire? To be accepted for who we are, just as we are? To be seen, not for what our limitations or disabilities are, but for what we have to offer this world.
As yogis, we sometimes close with a chant, Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu, translated to May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for all. For me, “On the Other Side of the Fence” is my small contribution. At the close of an interview this week with Dr. Dan Gottlieb on WHYY’s Voices in the Family, Dr. Dan asked me what my hopes are for the project. It’s simple, really. I’m just a Mom who loves her son with all her heart. My hope is that when people see this film, they have a better understanding that people like my Sean have so much to offer this world. I hope people see this film and their hearts will open, allowing the light of others to shine in.
View the documentary trailer here.
Listen to the WHYY interview here.
Read the full Philadelphia Inquirer article here.
Keep your eyes peeled for a fall screening at Yoga Home.
https://ouryogahome.com/staging/9172