Loving-Kindness

May I be filled with loving-kindness

May I be well

May I be peaceful and at ease

May I be happy

This weekend I tackled twelve long hot humid miles. I struggled through each mile. Each mile reminded me that this is the worst-case scenario for running in the summer – 94% humidity, sunny skies, and 80 degrees at 6am. If ever there was a time to test my physical and mental strength, Saturday was that day. When my watch beeped to signify the end  of my 12th mile, I felt accomplished. I felt strong. If I can run 12 miles in that weather, I can tackle any race or training run between now and the end of the year.

May you be filled with loving-kindness.

May you be well.

May you be peaceful and at ease.

May you be happy.

Sunday morning started with a different challenge. I woke up to an email I never expected to see. It instantly took me back to high school. In that moment, I was the vulnerable 18-year-old who knew so little about life. I was the young 18-year-old whose life fell out beneath her who was grasping for anything that seemed stable.

I accepted every emotion as it found me. I felt them. I acknowledged them. And then I let them go. With one breath I felt my skin burning. I had tears in my eyes. My stomach felt sick.

And then I exhaled. And I was okay.

After I tucked my seven month old baby into bed for his morning nap, I unrolled my yoga mat. With each sun salutation, I found loving-kindness for myself. I found loving-kindness for my loved ones. I found loving-kindness for those whose who shaped my early adult years.

May you be happy.

May you be safe.

May you be well.

May you be peaceful.

After my morning meditation, peace found my heart. I found peace within myself, and I truly hope that everyone struggling to find their own personal peace can find the answers they need to get there.

This weekend was a great reminder that I am on the path that I’m meant to travel. Twelve miles reminded me that I am physically strong. Twelve hot miles reminded me that I’m mentally strong. Saluting the Sun reminded me that I am emotionally strong. Focused breathing – inhaling and exhaling – reminded me that I have found my peace in life.

May you be filled with loving-kindness.

May you be well.

May you be peaceful and at ease.

May you be happy.