Grounding in Times of Transition

My grandmother and I in Philadelphia on Christmas Eve, 2010.

I've been teaching mula bandha, the root lock, in yoga classes this week. I'm teaching this because I want to encourage grounding during times of stress. It's good to be able to root down (like the Beastie Boys song!) when emotions and life are unstable. 

My grandmother passed away last Saturday and I chose not to go to her funeral. I feel sad for not seeing my extended family in this time of loss and celebration of her life, but I'm rooted in my decision not to go. I bonded with my halmonee (Korean for grandmother) last Christmas and it was really sweet being a part of her life. I feel fortunate to have known her. She escaped from North Korea before the Korean war with a family of children and elders. She survived five wars with compassion, kindness and unshakable faith in God. 

So, I ground myself as she lifts up. I root as she ascends.  And I'm better able to reach up and out in my life by grounding myself, as well. Thanks for the wonderful inspiration, halmonee, and thanks for the great genes you gave me! I can't wait to see you again, soon.