A Break From Our Regularly Scheduled Snarkiness

One of my afternoon classes focuses on the therapeutic applications of yoga, so we usually have a few case studies, students who've come to the Mandiram hoping to alleviate everything from chronic pain to depression. The students describe their problems, and then the teacher shows the course they've "prescribed" and we discuss the hows and whys of particular postures and their effects. It's become one of my favorite classes, namely because you can see how a regular practice can transform a person's health and well-being.

Last week, one of the classes was devoted to KYM Mitra, a branch of KYM that aims to teach yoga to the underprivileged; they've done programs with mentally disturbed women and destitute children as well as students with various disabilities. A group of young students with mental disabilities came to our class and showed us their practice. It was, in a word, amazing. I know I overuse that word but this was truly awesome. One of the boys in front, skinny and hearing-impaired, didn't speak before practicing yoga; now his high-pitched om's and ma's ring out clearly with the rest of the group's.

The next time I am feeling down, disgruntled and disgusted by life, I will think of him, smiling and chanting, and try to remember that a regular practice has the power to change.