Thank You, Sangha
February was a huge gift. Thank-you for allowing me to share Ho' opa' a and Aloha (Ti and Tea ceremony) with the Sangha. Our Sangha is so open and loving that I wasn't afraid. I thought I would be.
Like many of us, I compartmentalize my life into little boxes: Family, Marriage, work, Halau, Sangha... all of my boxes are coming together into one big Amy and showing these different sides of me is a big deal.
The Heart Revival saves me regularly; it is genuinely a place of Belonging and Joy.
I can be my true self and love everyone who comes through the door with a whole heart
AND I can watch that love come back. The Heart Revival is one of the healthiest relationships I've ever had. Give Love, Get Love - Aloha Aku, Aloha Mai.
Roy (Grant) had a practice during the Be Your Own Valentine event where we literally held each other in support and loving-kindness. Stephanie (Overman) inspired me to be completely vulnerable, she's so brave and beautiful... So, I stood in front of a mirror and each member of our Sangha that day put one hand on me: 19 hands offered energy, love and support through this gentle touch... I then looked at myself the mirror and told myself what I already knew to be true but didn't quite believe...my words were... I am Deserving, I am Brave, I will Survive. Then with their hands still on me, all gazing into the mirror, the Sangha repeated to me out loud... You are Deserving, You are Brave, You will Survive. Roy changed my life that day.
Mahalo Nui Loa Roy and Stephanie.
Maddie (Eschrich) taught me to put one hand on my heart and one hand on my solar plexus all while stopping to listen to how I'm responding to situations. I do this all the time. What is my physical reaction and what is my body telling me? Can I breathe?
Jerry (Becker) taught me about my energy and Super Friends (spiritual guides and support)... I talk to them all of the time. (I have no words for how profou