Together but Apart
A Journal share by Humble Haven teacher, Jennie Ray
“This year has been the ultimate s*#t show. Between health scares, the death of my brother, an unexpected career shift and the diagnosis and impending death of my brother in law in Abingdon, Va, let's just say that my practice and my presence at HHY has been distant, at best.
Taking long breaks from my Yoga practice and the Haven have been a necessity. I don't love the phrase "Life Happens" because it presumes that Life isn't going along as it should all of the time. Every moment is just a point on the continuum of the journey we call life. Everything is happening...all the time.
The culture in which we live has created a mindset that we have to earn our place on our mats. We have to "work hard" so we can play hard, or something like that! If we "take a break" we've somehow become a backslider. I have surely felt this about myself and have needed to draw upon my knowledge of the 8 Limbed Path of Yoga to affirm that what I do on the mat is just one small part of this path that I follow.
The real question is how have I stayed connected and felt the Togetherness that I do when I'm in-studio?
I've drawn on the great well of love and support that has developed over years of practice within the community. I've followed so many of you on social media and seen your love lives flourish, your request for prayers for family members and your amazing summer trips with your littles. I've been able to share my own journey on socials and many of you have given the little care, heart and thumbs up emojis helping me feel close and supported.
I am also a believer in this Source energy that runs through and between us all. I will have an intuitive knowing and pop a text out to an HHY friend/colleague. When I let myself get on my mat I practice FOR the community that IS HHY. I envision Stephen humming along to a tune, myself giggling alongside Rachel, Malvin moving gracefully or Donia & Billy side by side giving me hope.
You see, it's the time previously spent that continues to sustain me. I fill the cup when I can because lord knows, it will empty soon enough. That's just life. It ebbs. It flows. Some points on the continuum I'm next to you and some points I'm unable. But Together, we are always.”