Touched by the Holiday Spirit

I had planned my next blog post to provide yoga poses that help us practice patience during the holidays.  Patience is important, but that blog post can wait, as I was stopped in my tracks today and touched by the spirit of the holidays at Sherwood Hall Library. 

I took my 8 year old son to meet with a local teacher, an individual who was recommended by a friend on a “mommy” listserv (the best place for advice and information!) My son is left handed and needs assistance with his handwriting that his right handed parents can not provide. I didn’t really know who I was meeting but when I saw a petite woman with hair down to her waist and a santa hat, I immediately knew it was her. Having raised three left handed children, her approach was simple, taking time to analyze how my son holds the pencil, the angle of the paper, how his elbow is placed, etc.  She also allowed my son to analyze his writing, discussing the shape and space between his letters, the degree of pressure, etc. Next, she presented different ways to hold the pencil, in person and with computerized images. He was completely motivated to try this on his own.  Mind you, that he is very defensive about his handwriting so this excitement was an incredible change of heart. When, a few minutes later, he held the pencil correctly and wrote a few words with a very different hand, his eyes simply lit up.  He was completely overjoyed to know that he can write well, and in just 30 minutes or so, this lovely person changed his entire outlook.

There was no doubt in my mind the appearance of a twinkle in her eye when she saw his comprehension. She waived me away when I attempted to pull out my checkbook.  She then let my son know it was time for her meet up with Santa Claus, they had lots to do to prepare for the holiday. Still a Santa believer (although a bit suspicious), he was very impressed that she had a connection to Santa.  She turned and whispered in my ear, “I dress up as Mrs. Claus and distribute presents at homeless shelters.” This is what stopped me in my tracks. I realized that she is here to help others, this selfless service is her dharma or purpose in life. In such a short period of time, she gave my son the confidence he needs to excel with his handwriting and feel good about himself.

I like to think the sparkle in ones eye is the light shining brightly inside them.  Yogis believe that everyone has a light that shines within.  That light is sacred, our true self, or our spirit. It is always there, but sometimes it takes these moments to uncover it. In yoga, we bow our heads and say ‘Namaste’, which means “the light inside me honors and recognizes the light inside you”.  It’s important for us to not only nurture our light but appreciate and nourish the lights of others. Remember this as you view the beautiful array of lights during the holiday season.

Namaste, Mrs. Claus. Your radiance lights all around you.

Happy Holidays.

Copyright © 2011 Johanna Seltzer.

Johanna Seltzer, RYT 200, has been teaching since 1991, beginning in dance, and currently in the yogic tradition. She holds a B.A. in dance from the University of Maryland, and a graduate certificate in arts management from American University where she will serve as an adjunct faculty member starting January of 2012. Johanna serves as a consultant for the Dance Heritage Coalition, River’s Edge Yoga, Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, and Virginia Yoga Week. She is a yoga and wellness blogger for the Mount Vernon Patch. In addition to group classes, Johanna teaches private sessions and classes for corporate wellness programs. Join her on January 4 for a donation-based yoga class benefitting Sacramento Neighborhood Center. For more information, visit www.innerlightyogi.com.