Monday, January 16, 2017

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!


“I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream.”  -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dr. King’s dream was for “little black boys and little black girls” to be able to freely join hands with “little white boys and little white girls.”  In New York City, children of all races play together after school in the streets, sidewalks and subways of our great city.  Yes, race relations in America often feel like the kind of progress that takes one step forward then two steps back.  Yet despite the difficulties and frustrations we experience, Dr. King’s dream has come true and continues to strengthen and grow.

When infants or little ones meet, how do they act?  They interact with each other at a visceral level.  They are naturally unaware of exterior differences between people.  They see another being -two reflecting eyes- with which to connect.  Skin color is superficial. Ultimately each of us is made of skin, bones, water and blood.  We all hunger, thirst, breathe and love.  At a basic level we all seek connection and belonging.


Everything on earth originated from the stars.  Regardless of our race, background, gender or beliefs, we are all stardust.  Star Pose, or Extended Mountain (Utthita Tadasana) elegantly expresses this idea.  It’s a natural pose, and fittingly, it’s a heart-opening pose.  We stand with our legs wide, rooted in the Earth, and spread our arms open as if requesting a big hug from the Universe.  Breathe deeply.  Let’s love ourselves and one another as we embrace Dr. King’s powerful message.

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