More stories Part 4

"Courage is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.” -Shaquille ONeal

Armed with this quote as my personal mantra of inspiration, I arrived at a the Mercy Housing Corp Headquarters to teach a yoga class as part of a Day of Enrichment for previously homeless women.  WOW, change is in the air!  I walked in to hear 2 women casually sharing inspirational quotes they heard from their church and other various sources.  It was so obvious that these women were ready for what the day might bring, ready to move forward in their lives, ready to Own their Greatness (as Natalie would say). 

I had a small room to work in, and I lined up the mats in even rows like a studio sqeezing in just enough mats for all 15 women.  It was HOT, no AC, mid day August, but they walked in with smiles on and were very impressed with the formal set-up.  The class was so different from all the others I have taught so far at the shelter:  Everyone was so eager to do yoga!!!

We breathed, we stretched, we connected to our bodies.  We stood in the dripping heat and gently swayed with the music leading our bodies.  We meditated then shared something that brings us peace or that we are grateful for.  One women's answer came from a place of such heartfelt truth I can still hear her voice in my head at this moment:  "I am at peace because I found out my son is HIV negative".     

 May the world be kind to these women.  May they continue their journey with courage and hope.

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