by Lu Milius

Since March is Memory Month, it prompted me to share with you a review of an article on mindfulness. 

Do you often wonder how you can be present while letting the mind go? Do you find yourself thinking, "I'm here in the room. I made it to class, so yes, I'm present"? Then you start noticing your back is hurting while sitting so upright; the blanket is lumpy, and it itches. You're noticing it's too hot in here; you start wondering, "Did I shut the garage door? lock my car?" " I sure hope this class ends on time. Yes, I'm mindful." Your dialogue continues, "Where are my sitz bones? I know I'm breathing; this hurts! I can do this. It's only an hour, then I need to .... Yes, I'm getting centered." Sound familiar? For some of us, becoming mindful is a new concept. How does it all happen?

Frank Boccio provides us with insight in his article Taking Mindfulness to the Mat. He presents a unique combination of Hatha yoga movement and breath awareness based on the Buddha's four foundations of mindfulness: body, mind, feelings, and dharma. Buccio explains each foundation and its relationship to the practice of mindfulness and gives a clear and concise guide for anyone from the beginner to the experienced yogi. Following his gentle guidance deepens the process of mindfulness toward embodiment.

I wanted to share with you the memory and mindfulness connection. Not long ago, a fellow yogi who has Alzheimer's disease came to practice at YBB. She scurried around in an anxious mood, but once on her mat -- her entire being let go. She became totally mindful, at one with her body -- embodiment in witness.
My fellow yogi  taught me a great deal: Even when the mind is fleeting, there is such possibility -- when the mind lets go, there is connection with the self, the inner being. I thank her for sharing this!

This poem written in 1942 by William Stafford beckons us to see beyond reality. I dedicate it to those experiencing memory loss.

Like a Little Stone