(All images in this blog are computer generated.)
“I can’t walk that far, I’m too old.” These are my mother’s words as I tried to encourage her out of the car to walk one block to see one of the geysers at Yellowstone. She never got out. “I can see the top of it from the car,” she said. She was only in her 60s.
I didn’t understand then, yet I vowed a different attitude. In the fall of 2024, my writing community challenged us to a topic called A World Unexpected. I wrote a poem about my Yoga community.
Out of my brain to my fingers, this poem revealed itself on the computer screen, limerick verses and all. A catharsis was made; I did not read it initially without crying. My poem, “My Sacred Temple“, was selected without edits for the anthology project to be published in 2025 by Sidekick Press. Below is an excerpt of the poem.
Here are my first and second stanzas:
My Sacred Temple is crumbling
45 years of yoga have forsaken me
I can no longer do the full bridge pose
Even though I did it once correctly
My wrists don’t flex
My back won’t bend
My neck is tight
My groins don’t extend
Here are my last two stanzas:
Maybe I’ll complain and feel sorry for myself
But only for a moment
Because I will look for my yoga buddies
And banish my sorrow and judgment
My yoga family inspires me
They have shown me this is just another stage
Because of them and their guidance
My Sacred Temple is full of yoga that doesn’t have an age
Anyone who understands or has practiced yoga knows that it speaks to the Mind, Body, and Soul, its foundation. But I’ll add one more layer to the Mind category: Attitude.
Sure, my mind is calmer and more relaxed with yoga. But I needed an awakening, a reality check, and an attitude adjustment. My yoga family has given me that.
My takeaway from this blog is to take care of your sacred temple and surround yourself with people who give you inspiration and life; and for me, this is my Yoga Family.
I will post the entire poem once it is published.
Namaste!
(I will have hip replacement surgery in May 2025 allowing me to continue my practice with less discomfort with all my yoga buddies around me.)
Susan E. Greisen 
I lead a free core and strength exercise class via Zoom. Three days a week. I have been doing this for 4 or 5 years after taking the class for 4 years before Covid. Over the last six months or so we have been working more and more on balance. In that time we use the tree pose among others. I can hold the tree pose for 1.5 to 6 seconds. Usually closer to 1.5. 🙂 Earl
*”Good is something you do, not something you talk about. **Some medals are pinned to your soul, not to your jacket. ” * *Gino Bartali, Italian hero and winner of the Tour de France in 1938*
My Website: https://sites.google.com/site/earlstrassberger/home/woodworker See my latest jewelry box. My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@earlstrassberger Soccer coaches, refs, players, check out Coaches Across Continents http://Coachesacrosscontinents.org
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello Earl,
Would we have thought when we met in Liberia over 50 years ago we would be engaged in these activities? I’m so proud of you for taking these classes. Not many men do. In my one Yoga class of about 32, only 5 men come regularly. I take yoga and pilates about 4 times per week and this is my savior. I hope to get back to hiking and biking after my surgery. Keep in touch, I always love hearing from you. Gowee Sue
LikeLike
WOW, great woodworking. I have a few projects you could do here!!!!
LikeLike
I appreciate your post and congratulations on your poem being published.
I do yoga sporadically but exercise or movement is a big part of every day in my week. I agree it’s more about attitude and consistency that keeps me moving and staying vertical at my age (79). Sorry your mom missed out on so much at what I see as still being “young” and alive!! My plan is to stay engaged with my family, friends and the many communities in my life.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you Stephanie. Being a few years older than me, you have also been an inspiration to me. This year was a bit of a struggle as hip joint continued to deteriorate. Most likely this is what both my mother and father had as they were became very inactive in their later years. Both of them complained being old and limped. I’m thankful for the healthcare and coverage that I have. Take care and stay active.
LikeLike