Love

Yoga in the time of Love….
Or, Love in the time of Yoga!…..

I have my fair share of cynicism around Valentine’s Day, and yet, a part of me is gleeful that we have a holiday that celebrates the loving heart—cards, candy, flowers and all. I think anything that gives us an excuse to ruminate on the nature and taste of love between not just lovers, but all people, can’t be all bad. For my own part, I have been meditating and marveling on the nature and power of love, and of sorrow, and the love of letting go. I have a dear friend who is dying, suddenly, painfully, and quickly. Amie is not expected to live much longer, and I would like to share a few thoughts and insights from her brother, and friends, made powerfully clear to those of us witnessing her process of letting go and dying. 

Her brother writes: “At the request of Amie, today we let the flood gates down. Amie wanted to see, talk and really be with as many of her most cherished people that the day and her failing body would let her manage. She is a fountain of love, receiving love from those around her and flinging it up into the sky to shower on those around her and to those far away and reading this note. She wants to you all to know that she hears and feels the love you are bestowing on her….she is determined to make the absolute most of whatever time she has left. We who are with her now are doing our best to make her as comfortable as possible and to facilitate her wishes to remain part of the living world through her relationships with all of you.” And a mutual friend writes, “She has let go of fear, and it was joyful to be with her. When she said goodbye, it was so hard to leave. But I left her in such good hands. And I left knowing she is feeling loved and peaceful.”

Hold your loved ones close. Love big and love unreservedly. Fling your love across the universe. And remember that sometimes loving well means letting go. May we all have the courage and depth of love to release with arms wide open.