As we walk towards the end of this turbulent year I feel incredibly lucky & grateful to have moved through it relatively intact, in fact, I would say that due to the many silver linings of the pandemic, I have grown as a teacher and a person. I guess this often happens when we are exposed to chaos and change but it has also been made possible by many positive conditions in my life that that so many do not have access to. Covid has made the inequalities in our society so deeply transparent. I am fortunate to have lived through this year in a house large enough to find space, in a beautiful rural part of the country where we can walk & cycle freely and to have continued to earn in a job that I love. I also feel lucky that I have been able to access training via Zoom with some of the most inspiring movement teachers in the world and really grow as a teacher. It has not been easy by any means, but I end the year with a residing feeling of gratitude to my parents, friends, teachers and those of you who have joined me in class each week, turning up for yourselves, turning up for each other.
Did you know that each time you practice you are strengthening your capacity to be present in daily life? To notice what is happening, when it is happening with kindness and understanding? Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh, says "The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they bloom like flowers." I can't think of a better present this Christmas.
Wishing you well in your practice. May we continue to spread the light of mindfulness & love out into the world, particularly to those less fortunate than us.
Joyeux Noel,
Orla x