YOGA IS A PRAYER

by Kellyn McGee

Samprati Hum. Kritajna Hum.

As I thought about the theme of this issue – gratitude – these two mantras came to mind. Loosely translated from Sanskrit, the first means “I am, now” and the second, “I am grateful.”

I cannot name here all the women I know who have waited on results similar to our contributors or received unwanted news. But I am grateful to have witnessed each of them embody and inspire awe in the face of a diagnosis, even while unsure and afraid. I am especially grateful to our contributors for opening their hearts and sharing their stories. Not only do they show their gratitude, but we also see that they “are,” right now. Because of and in spite of.

I am grateful for all these women who’ve shown up and are present for themselves (“here, now”) and who show their gratitude by living out loud.

There is another mantra often chanted during yoga practices: lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu. “May all beings everywhere be happy and free.” This mantra, coupled with a heart-opening pose like Camel, is my prayer, my offering, for all of us who have been touched by this dis-ease, either in our own bodies or in the bodies of someone we love.