Trust

A Mission Moment share by Humble Haven’s Founder, Suzanne Burns

The other day, I shared the story of receiving my daughter’s Down syndrome diagnosis. I was chatting with a new friend, blending stories from past and present as we explored who we were and how we were doing. Our conversation landed on intuition, reminding me of the afternoon we learned her diagnosis.

I was a few months pregnant with my second child. At the pool with my toddler, I got a call. My midwife’s office was calling about bloodwork results for potential chromosomal abnormalities. When I heard we needed to come in, I knew it was serious. Sitting across from my midwife, Steve and I listened silently. She explained our baby likely had Down syndrome. We began to softly cry. My tears weren’t from disappointment, but from the weight of anticipated challenges.

We understood that this path would bring new, unexpected difficulties. As we listened to what the diagnosis meant, we processed it quietly. When the midwife paused, I knew it was our turn to say something. I turned to Steve and said, “This makes sense for us.”

Steve and I had long been immersed in spaces that served individuals with disabilities. He had coached Special Olympics for six years before we met and it was one of the many reasons I was drawn to him. At the time of June’s diagnosis, I had been teaching yoga to individuals with disabilities for four years. Something that I was and still am deeply passionate about. 

While talking with my friend, I described an intuitive 'yes' as a spark. I believe we all possess that spark, but for me yoga has helped knowing it unmistakable. Just as an intuitive 'yes' feels like one thing, an intuitive 'no' has its own distinct feeling. One that I can only describe as a contraction.

Learning to recognize sparks and contractions has taught me how to trust and how to do so without needing control or insight into every detail.

This morning, as I zipped up my daughter’s jacket, she reassured me of that spark I felt that day in our midwife’s office. She cupped my face, studied it, and kissed my cheeks one at a time. Then she said “Mama” in the way that only she can. Raising her has come with its challenges, but I intuitively know I’m where I’m meant to be.

Yoga looks different for everyone and evolves over time. My own practice has changed over the years, but one thing is constant. Yoga creates space between the doing and the thoughts.  That space allows me to hear my inner voice and trust my path with deep faith.

-Suzanne