Last month, we swam in the deep terrain of grief, and now perhaps we allow ourselves to float within the waters of gratitude.
It seems fitting, because as the days grow darker still, we need to find a spark of light to grasp hold of. For me, that light was blinding in the best of ways this week—from the tsunami of blue to MWL’s 4th birthday.
I spent the majority of this week preparing for our birthday brunch party. It began with digging through my extensive camera roll and transferring every MWL picture from the last four years into one folder. And there I was, showered with memories, some big, some small, but all delightful in their own ways.
From my initial tears and very real fears upon opening to our first art exhibits and intimate concerts. Watching our team of teachers grow and grow and grow. All the heartfelt rituals and workshops, the friendships that have blossomed, the babies that have been born (and some that are now toddlers!), the tears that have been shed, the deep belly sighs, the laughter, the sing-out-loud Flow Backs, and the folks who have practiced alongside one another every weekend or every Wednesday at 9:30a. And even a few folks who have been here since day one!
Watching people who were once strangers linger and giggle together on the front bench. Folks meeting up for class before big events—birthdays, weddings, friend dates—and then heading out for walks in the Wissahickon or brunch.
Just last week, Julie brought in a whole bag of homemade scallion focaccia that we all enjoyed post-savasana in Emily’s class.
And it’s these little moments that I cherish so dearly.
And then came Saturday’s birthday brunch. Amongst the party balloons, disco and Donna Summer, delicious bagels and pastries, warm coffee, kiddos twirling in tinsel, heart-shaped sunglasses and happy birthday headbands, and a good old-fashioned sheet cake from ACME, we all gathered to sing and “blow” out the candles together.
There were so many flowers. So many hugs. Old teachers and new. Stories of how folks first found their way to MWL, and all the joy and love that filled the room.
And I found myself marveling at it all. Still am, really. It’s so hard to try and put what is felt into these small words.
Gratitude just has that sort of “cool kid” swagger. Of reminding us to appreciate what, and more importantly, who we have in our lives. It’s expansive, contagious energy. It turns our attention toward the sweetness of life, and we get to feel that tremendous energy swirling through our bones. And when I find myself with my head bowed at its feet, I am very grateful.
Maybe that’s what I’ve been feeling so deeply this week. A desire to slow down just long enough to recognize the beauty of what’s right in front of me, rather than only when it’s become a photograph or a memory.
To close my eyes, tip my chin toward the hub of my heart, take an intentional breath, and whisper thank you.
I might have had the idea to create this space, but it’s all of you who helped build it. You gave it life. You gave it a heartbeat.
Always + forever, Move with Love.
xoxo,
Holly bird
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