Being human

Reading from Monday, October 31, 2011 yoga class

"Being kind to yourself lets you be kind to other-- and that might be the finest gift you can give to the world.    Cheri Huber

My friend, Bev Hurt, who is also a yoga teacher, sends out a weekly email to her students.  The above quote began her weekly tip.  She is a huge Cheri Huber fan.  Her tip for this week was kindness and oil.  She says  "I can not think of a better way to be kind to my mind, body, and spirit than spending some time practicing yoga.  When I make the effort to slow down, breathe, focus and stretch my body my mind automatically follows."   My friend Bev, is so wise.  She continues  "You would think as much as I practice yoga I would be loosey goosey.  Well that sure has not been the case lately.  My joints, especially my knees, have been stiff as a board.  I feel like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz when I get out of bed each morning."  Bev goes on to say that oiling your joints with oil can help.  If you are cool natured use sesame oil because it has a warming effect.  If you are warm natured use sunflower or coconut oil because it has a cooling effect.   Thanks Bev for your tips each week... they certainly help me. 

I also told my Monday and Tuesday classes that I have a torn medial menicus in my right knee.  I went to the doctor last Tuesday and I have thought about what to do about this... doctor told me I had two options, do nothing or have surgery to clean out the menicus.  I have decided that I am doing nothing for now.  I have done a lot of reading on this since I have seen the doctor and I think that this is the best course of action for me right now. 

I ended my reading with the following Rumi poem... one of my favorites:

This being human is a guest house.
Every morning is a new arrival

A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they're a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice,
meet them at the door laughing,
and invite them in.

Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.