CONNECT: Can You Feel The Power of Love? (Winter 2022)

LETTER FROM THE FOUNDER

My sisters,

It was love at first sight. Or at least it was for me.

I’d arrived at the airport early, determined not to keep my mystery guy waiting. My heart was beating fast in anticipation of finally seeing him, after 10 weeks of him being nothing more than a picture on my screen.

Was I really ready for this type of commitment – especially after living alone for so many years? What if he didn’t like me? What if I didn’t like him? Would the normal “it’s not me it’s you” line be enough to send him back home? Maybe I wasn’t ready after all!

And then it happened.

I opened the door, and he ever-so-slowly came running into my arms. Well, actually it wasn’t quite a run, and I had to prod him along a bit, but the point is that he came to me. And, as I felt him in my arms, I knew it was a soul connection for life....

Meeting my guy for the very first time in October 2015. I named him August, because we both born on August 15th.

I used to laugh at people who treated their dogs like children, but yes, here I am professing my eternal love for August (my oldest furbaby) to the world. What can I say? Sometimes you just know.

If you’re thinking that I’m crazy, this wouldn’t be the first — and certainly won’t be the last — time that I’ve been known to think a little differently. But, just let me explain.

After my divorce many years ago, it was hard to think about ever letting anyone back in. And, although I’d dated plenty, at that time I had never really let anyone fully see me. Because if they saw me and didn’t like me, well... that would be a worse rejection than I had already endured.

But here was this little guy whose needs were simple and clear. Food, water, the occasional treat, a few belly rubs, and some playtime were all he needed. And in exchange, well, he promised me unconditional love.

If I’m not looking my best, he still seems to think I’m beautiful.

If I’m working too hard, he puts his paw on my laptop to remind me to take a break.

If I don’t give him enough attention, he doesn’t fuss – he just climbs his big behind into my lap to remind me he needs some loving. :)

If I’m having a rough day, he listens without judgment.

If I’m crying, he gets this worried look on his face, then does his best to comfort me.

And if I’m cranky, well he just gives me some space then circles back like nothing ever happened. No judgment.

The way August loves me makes me want to love better. He’s taught me so much about myself, taught me so much about unconditional love, and expanded my heart in ways I never could have imagined. In fact, I think he prepared me for my human love.

My "little" guy, all grown up. . . . I love everything about him, except for his grooming bill!

In this issue, five YANAsisters similarly share their atypical love stories — stories about love of self, love of children, love of sisters/friends, and finally, love of God (which if we’re lucky, we find in human form). Our Editor-in-Chief reminds us how everything, including yoga, can be an expression of love. And, finally, we asked the question “What is LOVE?” A special thanks to all of the ladies who shared their hearts with us!

Love and Light,

Imani

P.S. This issue is dedicated to the legendary bell hooks — author, professor, feminist, and social activist — who passed away several weeks before we went to print.