favorite things from today (2)

1. A woman walks into a yoga studio. She explains to the teacher (me) that she had previously survived a very bad car accident and was "all jacked up"--to include a fused ankle, shattered clavicle, and numerous traumas to the spine. I said the often-used but very true, "hey, you're in the right place." She told me, "I won't be able to do a lot of the postures correctly, but don't get me wrong, I am SO GRATEFUL. Very few people survive the kind of accident I had." Right away I was struck by her sincere "attitude of gratitude," and I assured her that "trying theright way" would be of tremendous benefit regardless of whether or not she could do perfect postures.

She proceeded to do a wonderful job in yoga class and had a smile on her face as soon as she got into the first posture and could do it well. I can't be 100% sure what was going through her head, but it looked like utter joy that her body "still worked" and could do a beautiful yoga pose on her very first try.

Every time she did a posture well or I helped her with a modification that made it so she could do postures she didn't think she would be able to do, I could just feel the happiness radiating from her. Her good friend, who is a regular student of ours, was magical to watch with her. While she clearly had a very connected energy to her fragile friend during class, she did not interfere in her process or "mother" her. Every time her friend could do a posture she didn't think she could do, she would look so genuinely happy for her. It was one of the sweetest, most sincere friend-moments I've ever seen.

What a wonderful thing to be witness to. I love my job.

2. Almost exactly a year ago, I was in a situation with someone I care about in which he reacted in a way that displeased me, because I didn't understand his perspective. Now it is very ironic

how the tables have turned. I am in the exact same position he was in a year ago. Today, I contemplated this, and found myself completely understanding what he must have been going through, and why he reacted the way he did. It is an incredible sense of understanding and COMPASSION. I feel so much compassion for this person now that I am in his shoes. Compassion is a wonderful thing to feel.