In yoga this morning, the theme was the element of water. You see, in our little mountain town right now there is a fire just 5 miles up the hill. It began as a controlled burn in the national forest that started from lightning but the gusty, relentless winds for 4 days in a row created perfect conditions for it to more than double its size and spread in almost all directions so that now some of my friends and community members have had to evacuate their homes. We cultivated the element of water with our movements and intentions in class today, and with her closing remarks my friend and yoga teacher invited us to take the positive energy we collectively cultivated and go out into the community and extend a helping hand to those in need.
As I drove home looking at the smoldering mountain side, I got a swelling sensation in my heart that I recognized as the need to do something for my fellow neighbors.
Not 30 minutes later once I was home I did a guided meditation, and the theme was the natural ebb and flow that is everywhere around us. The centering thought was: "Today, and every day, I give that which I want to receive."
It has become very clear to me that I'm being called to give. Ironically, this comes at a time when there is a definite need for many of those close to me, and it also just so happens to align with the coming October 12th date: Global PT Day of Service.
Global Physical Therapy Day of Service began in 2012 and has been growing ever since to encompass pledges by physical therapists to offer community service spanning all 50 states and across the globe. It truly is remarkable how there can be such generosity in the human heart.
I have had this Day of Service on my mind for the last month or so, knowing it was coming up but didn't think I would participate this year simply because I had thoughts like I don't know what to do, and I don't know if I'll have time. Well, those thoughts got squelched today! While yes, I have about 8 things on my plate I realized this morning that I can put my life on hold for 5 hours and help someone else who may need help cleaning up their yard in the aftermath of the fire, or perhaps I can make a meal for the brave fire fighters. Turns out, sometimes it's not all about me. How fortunate I am to be in a position to give instead of figuring out where my next night's sleep will be until I can safely return home.
With this giving I pledge to do next week, I know it will be just a small sacrifice of my time and efforts but it will pay great rewards in terms of assistance to others and the feeding of my own soul to practice selflessness.
Today, I encourage you to consider how you can give in a way that is out of your usual routine. It doesn't have to be grand either. Sometimes just a smile, a genuine thought of good intention, or a helping hand with a door is perfect and plenty. If you want to get really ambitious, join the physical therapy profession on October 12th for Global PT Day of Service. You can pledge to serve on their website, look for events near you to join, or partner with a volunteer organization from afar.
Whatever you do, it will matter.
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