This time of year marks my 2 year anniversary in working with the Grandparent’s Support Network.  This is an amazing group of Grandmothers who raise their children in the absence of the parents (due to death, incarceration, drugs, inability….).  These women are my heroes.  Every Thursday night, I head downtown to First Presbyterian Church and enter a crowd of chaos.  There are usually about 30-40 kids of all ages doing what kids do best:  running, screaming, enjoying time away from the watchful eye of Grandma. 

I made my way through the front room, into the back where the Grandmothers were finishing up dinner and preparing for yoga, breathing and meditation.  A room full of women sat waiting, ready to have a glimpse of peace at the end of their challenging day.  I asked them to honor themselves as they bring their hands to their heart in anjali mudra, the gesture of blessing.  I initiated the OM chant, and they each joined in, voices coming together in support of one another.  It was the sweetest sound I experienced all week.  I sensed the deep connection that they have with each other, through the beauty of that sound. 

We opened our eyes, and I honored the group for their support of one another.  Their voices joined, just as their paths joined to create this village of strength.  In the two years that they have graciously let me into their lives, I have witnessed Yoga in action.  They come together as a community and share in each other’s joys and struggles.  It humbles me. 

At the end of the night, Natalie shared with us her joy in being given full guardianship of her two grandchildren, after her daughter died in childbirth.  The judge made the final decision just that day.  Natalie was able to “breathe a sigh of relief.”  In the grief and despair, there is a light…it takes perspective to see what is being offered in the moment where the two sides of emotion pulse in unison.

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I encourage you to find ways to give of your time and talents to a group or a person who is in need.  Watch what comes back to you.  This is the flow of life in its fullest cycle…the giving for pure giving sake.  Give from the heart and the heart receives.  I guarantee it will shift your perspective of life!