I woke up this morning feeling a deep sadness.  I was not sure why. As I poured a cup of tea and turned on my computer, I found out two of my friends who had cancer passed away early this morning.  We are all so connected.

One had a lengthy illness and stayed just long enough to see her new born grandchild, and the other left behind the love of his life after a short diagnosis.  Life allows us such joy, love and connection as well as sorrow and pain.  We can’t have one without the other, needing both to evolve and grow. When I lost my mother years ago, I thought I would never be the same.  And I was right.  I became more compassionate and understanding. It is incredibly healing for someone to say ‘I have been there.  I understand what you are going through’.  I now have the wisdom to say ‘I understand’. There is no doubt in my mind we are here to help each other navigate this wondrous and beautiful life through our shared experiences and humanity.

I’m heading out to teach my Saturday morning yoga class at a safe house for victims of domestic abuse in San Diego.  The women who come to my class have been through impossibly hard times, but every time I teach, I witness their strength and resilience.   They are ‘mama bears’ protecting their precious children and supporting each other to move forward with their lives. I am in awe of their beauty and courage.

I have a yoga teacher who reminds us: ‘Just this’. Be in this moment completely, just this moment.  Feel what you are feeling, be it sorrow or joy.  That is the great alchemy which creates our hard earned wisdom and the ability to be here for each other in love, support, kindness and compassion.  It heals both the giver and receiver and makes our lives more meaningful and connected.

As I send light and love out to the families of my friends who have passed, I wish them peace and to know they are surrounded by all of us who love them.

Just this.

Just this life, this moment, this opportunity to be present, however it shows up. Our purpose is to love one another. We have the power to heal and transform.