Fingertip to shoulder support

The room sizzled with a flow of energy today – with no sound and very little movement.

I hope Kevin felt the love and heartfelt energy of people who really do not know him jolt through his system like electricity this morning. Kevin has practiced yoga in the class I attend two times a week for the last couple months. He has just a few days left in his hometown before he leaves for training, then deployment to Iraq.

Our yoga instructor thanked him publicly for the work he will do and sacrifices he will make before our practice began today. Kevin attended class and practices in order to sharpen meditative and concentration skills he will need to endure the unimaginable stress of war.

Just before class closed today, Patty drew the class of 30 or so into a circle and asked us to join with arms on shoulders. We supported one another as we balanced from one leg to another. Then, she asked the class to close our eyes and shift our loving thoughts to Kevin for strength for his tasks ahead. We did, and as I thought of the class and the spiritual power moving from hearts to fingertips, and fingertips to shoulders, all to a nervous young man, I thought of the mighty power of community.

I do not know Kevin, not his last name, nor his age, which I guess to be somewhere between 19 and 23. I don’t know his parents, where he went to school, nor do I know what he likes to do, except yoga. But, I am a mom who knows the fear and angst of separation from a child. I remember when I lived in China and what it felt like to awaken in my bed with awareness that continents divide me from my children and all of a sudden, be wide awake and worried to the bone.

In the room of people sending the power of love and support were young women who might feel fear of leaving home for the first time themselves. There were men who might relate to Kevin on a different level. The circle, however, mainly comprised women who have sons they would like cared for by a congregation of strangers.

I admire this young man and the decision he has made to serve our country. I admire the seriousness of his commitment by practicing yoga in preparation for the journey. But, I also look up the community of people who cared enough to send him off with love. We do not have to know one another to form community – we all share the Earth and I am touched when people offer heartfelt emotional support to strangers.

During the first weeks and months following the tragedy of losing our son, we felt that energy of community and love from people we hardly knew and those we did not know at all. We only lived here in Michigan for eight weeks before Nick’s passing. People brought meals and showed us the kind of support that kept us getting out of bed on those dark mornings.

Kevin had the sheepish look about him this morning in the yoga circle of a kid who would rather not hold center stage and all eyes on him. But, as he walked away, I believe, and feel pretty confident that he carried our prayers and good thoughts with him and appreciated a community of people who formed a circle to wish him well.