The Amazing, Mobile Body

Bird of Paradise

We are grateful that our bodies allow us to move in this way.

This is the line I've chosen to say when bringing the yoga classes I teach to an end. The post-savasana, pre-namaste wisdom that I'm happy to share.

I'm sticking with this line right now, though I'm not sure it's entirely accurate. How do I know if everyone in that yoga room is grateful that their body allows them to move? I don't know. I'm okay with that. Even if they aren't grateful, I want everyone to think, at least for a moment, about these phenomenal machines we have working for us.

Sunday Spoiled, Sorta

"And now I'd like to introduce the youth choir. I can guarantee none of these kids are dropping bombs on Boylston Street."

I sucked in a gulp of air and dropped my head, thinking, "really lady?"

I wanted to groan audibly. I wanted to take to twitter (like these people took to Universal Hub) and express my disgust. Shame on you, host, for bringing that up. Hundreds of people are sitting in Copley Square patiently awaiting the Handel and Haydn Society's playing of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9. We came to enjoy a summer afternoon and take advantage of one of the benefits of living in Boston: free events like the Boston Summer Arts Weekend. The host, tasked with starting the show, chose these words. 

I could have seethed with anger at this unexpected reminder of that April day. I didn't. I shuttered and shook my head. I gave Greg a "did you hear that" squeeze and I moved on, listening to the youth choir, thinking, "how does she know what those kids are up to?"

It's time for a revival!

re·viv·al 

rəˈvīvəl/

noun

• an improvement in the condition or strength of something. "a revival in the fortunes of the party"

• an instance of something becoming popular, active, or important again. "cross-country skiing is enjoying a revival"

• a new production of an old play or similar work.

• a reawakening of religious fervor, especially by means of a series of evangelistic meetings. "the revivals of the nineteenth century"

• a restoration to bodily or mental vigor, to life or consciousness, or to sporting success. "the thunder and lightning affected his revival in the third round"

(definition courtesy of Google)

April 30, 2012 was the last time I published a blog post. Three years ago!