We arrive at the bottom of the canyon in time for a Ranger talk. I am reminded of these talks as a child visiting various National Parks. I loved these stories and remember attending these intimate amphitheater events with my dad and siblings. (I feel fortunate to have visited so many in my childhood.)

And I think it’s just as if not more important to remember that despite preparations for an unknown future, we must all practice being in and practice finding joy in the present moment. It’s easy to forget that the path of life isn’t over the next horizon but the ground that my feet are stepping on at this exact moment.

I like to dance! But … It doesn't mean I’m great at it! It just means that I like to do it. It makes me happy.

Teachers love to plan! Perhaps, it’s a necessity, I mean, it makes the week go by so much easier when you know what you’re doing. But the truth is, I think teachers like to know what the future can bring.

At the end of the day, there is no more powerful word than LOVE. LOVE is Presence. What do you LOVE?

When I visit my mom in her central coast town and attend those senior gentle yoga or body pump exercise classes, the average age of the participants and instructors are 55+ years of age! They’re rockin’ it! They’re holding strong and sweating hard. They support and encourage one another. It’s a wonderful community to be a part of.

When I grow up, I want to be a participant and instructor for senior exercise and yoga classes. When I grow up, I want to act like Rita Moreno - dancing and talking about my sex life. (Mom, if you’re reading this, sorry if I embarrassed you … )

Why do we practice hard things? So that we know we can, perhaps. As humans, our emotions arise spontaneously - are we a masterpiece in the making? This question can deepen our perspective where we can see the long game and be connected to purpose. In the end, we seek JOY. We may pray, practice and meditate, re-training our muscles and our mind to seek JOY.

I am a fortunate being to witness both scenarios … of love and that love permeates both the wonder of innocence and the grief of losing our loved ones. Love is a force, is the connective tissue and what we source from in being held in community.