HW420-Aesclepian Healing -Unit 7

Every since I was a little girl, I have always had this knowing without knowing.  I was and still am very connected to my intuition.  My baby sitter Mary used to call me Lucille because she said that Tiffany was a little girls name, and I needed the name of an old woman.  My family has always thought that was hilarious but it felt very natural to me.  She called me Lucille until I she passed away in the late 90s.  I was always comfortable around older people and was open to what they could teach me, which makes it no surprise that I work at a senior center.  When I listened to the Meeting Aesclepius mp3, my childhood and my connection to my grandmother came to my mind.  I always felt a kindred connection with her and even though she was deaf she had a way of communicating with me that was really special.  I always thought of how she was such a knowing and special person despite what many would consider a handicap.  I imagine the strength it took her to single handedly raise 9 children on the pennies she made working as a laborer in fields in Alabama.  I imagine if she were still here how my life would be far beyond anything she could imagine.  I don’t think she could’ve imagined me working as a writer, a filmmaker, a magazine editor, a yoga instructor, a business owner, a program coordinator at a senior center.  I remember once as a child I asked my grandmother if she was happy.  She thought for a second and simply replied, “Baby, I’m satisfied”.  I remember thinking at the time, I had to be about 8 years old, that that was sad to me.  I know now that that was all she could probably hope for being a black women in the south with very little education who had live through things that I could never imagine.  I always wanted to be more than just satisfied with my life.  I wanted to be happy.  I wanted and still want to be fully excited by and engaged in my life.  I didn’t want to just exist.  And now in hindsight, I guess that is what Mary saw, a little girl who was ready to take on life and be fully present.  And I have to say to this day it hasn’t changed.  I have always loved learning, which is why I am first and foremost a student of life.  I feel that my work abilities and my strength comes from all those who came before me.  Their lessons are my lessons and their hopes and dreams are the work for me to actualize in my life.  I always hope that I am honoring them in my choices to take risks and be me despite what some my think.  And honestly, I am truly happy with who I have become and who I am becoming.  I realize that this great responsibility is mine because I never shy away from the challenge.  I want to continue to live my purpose and help those who would like to do the same.  I think that is what is meant by the saying, “One cannot lead another where one has not gone himself”.  I think we all have a purpose here and when we are walking on that path we are happier, healthier beings.  I think what causes people sickness and misery is being trapped in a life they didn’t imagine for themselves.  Walking in a life that is simply an existence without connection.  People essentially want to come alive and be in a place where they are proud of the work they do and the life they lead.  I always imagine that if everyone could have this way of life and support themselves and their families we would be happier healthier people.  However, I know that my optimism can be a huge leap for those who think very practically about money, bills, obligations and the like, therefore, I have to be the example I want to see.  I believe in being well, therefore, I work on myself through my yoga practice physically, mentally and spiritually almost everyday.  I also study yoga a ton.  I am constantly reading and researching for myself and for my kids and clients.  I don’t teach a yoga pose that I haven’t felt in my own body.  I want to feel it for myself before I guide my clients through practicing it.  It also helps me find the words to lead them to their discovery of how the pose can unfold in their lives whether on the mat or in life.  I hope that what I offer as a wellness professional can somehow help those I encounter to lead happier healthier lives.