And The Dance Continues....

A friend of mine who had just attended a dance performance is excited and teary eyed at the same time about how the child continued to dance without missing a beat even when the music stopped accidentally in the middle of her performance. Apparently, there was not a pause, not a blink, not a look of confusion but only steady beat of steps accompanied only by the sound of anklets around her feet on a quiet stage and an even quieter audience. While I can clearly see the immersion of that child in her dance, I cannot help but feel that she is the epitome of "Sthira sukham asanam", bringing ease and steadiness to the position she is in; dancing away to glory not letting the silence preventing her from continuing her dance.

I am thinking of my grandmother a lot these past few days and very fondly. As I make rangoli in front of the house, I can almost hear my mom whispering, "Look at that! So like her grandmother". Making bisibelebhath over the weekend, I almost hear my mom again, whispering "Look at the way she cuts her vegetables. Just like her grandmother!" My grandmother was like this big banyan tree who drew everyone to where she was stationed. Staying put where she lived, she could draw everyone and their family to where she lived and could show her love profoundly to them, accepting whatever love they brought for her or didn’t in their relationship, she made a temple of her favorite god where she lived leaving aside all religious expeditions, as a practicing ayurvedic doctor, she helped anyone who has shown up at her door and took what was offered to her in return; teaching me to bring ease and steadiness to my being, in the position I am in - "Sthira Sukham Asanam". My grandmother never stopped dancing; no matter what!

As I drive home, I notice a girl jumping rope on her driveway and why not? It is after all that rare beautiful day for this late a time in October. The trees as if in agreement are still colorful, the sun has decided to co operate and shine bright and just as I take a turn, I catch the sight of a blue jay fly joyfully and perch itself on a that branch amidst the golden yellow leaves with the sun shining on them. It was a spectacular sight yet, I wonder about the winter that is not far away, thinking of the branches that would be bare soon but I end up smiling for; no matter the leaves, the branch will be there allowing that bird to come back and sit – steady and at ease in its position “Sthira Sukham Asanam”! The dance continues! While I wish I had captured that bird on my camera,wishing I were walking and not driving, I am grateful that the mind had captured it enough to keep that smile on my face.

As I reach home thinking of my grandmother, I am thankful for that parent who had sent me a note that my grandmother must have been such an inspirational woman and spirit to have a grandchild like myself, also hoping that I find ways to honor her spirit.

I fondly think of



and wonder if that is how the dance continues in our own lives no matter where we are, hopefully steady and at ease in our position - Sthira Sukham Asanam!

 

Dear @periamma

Thank you for your response. It is nice to see you here in my snippets! All of us those amazing people, don't we but unlike you some of us will not think of them as often as we should!

 

Dear Vani,

Now you should know that a response from you puts a smile on my face even before I read it. Thank you for being that rock solid person and friend. While I have not known my grandfathers, I have been very fortunate as far a grandmothers are concerned - the influence of strong women is tremendous in my life. While my mom's mom passed away just a few years ago at some 93, my guru(another grandmother) three years ago, my own paternal grandmom passed away just a week at a ripe age of 95, peacefully in a split second - she lived well and able till almost the last day! We are very fortunate.

When we think of all these people before us, what else can we do but dance in joy and take strength from who they were and what they have passed on to us. Amazing isn't it?

Thank you as always for your response. Love to your little ones. Have a lovely day!

 

Dear V sir,

Thank you as always for your lovely feedback. Many a time I wonder about my place in the universe and all I have to do is remind myself that it is at the right place! It is when I have those moments of clarity, do I get to see the beauy around me. I wish I could live like that all the time. Like I mentioned to Vani, I am one of those fortunate people to have had a grand mom all these years and at her passing last week, there is nothing but a celebration of her life between all of us, her grandchildren! Knowing that she made a difference despite the innumerable difficulties is something I like to focus on.

Anyways, what you write here is what I think many a time! As I teach about the inanimate earth, I marvel at how

much change actually happens! There is magic all around us and even catching a glimpse of it can make our day!

 

Dear Syamala,

Thank you as always for your feedback. As much as we think it is natur or nurture only, it is constantly both. Knowingly or unknowingly life makes an impression on us!

And that's it Syamala! You nailed it. I was stunned that I did not realize how much I was like her till I started observing me, myself!