Thank You!

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Good Morning,

Words cannot express our thanks to each of you for joining us last night as we practiced for a cure for cancer. On behalf of those who have, who are, or who may face the challenge of cancer, my deep gratitude to you for giving of your time, your money, and your spirit.

Thanks also to our wonderful team of instructors, whose dedication and talents and unflagging effort on behalf of this cause and of this studio are a constant source of both amazement and joy, and which sustain me.

Many thanks to Second Church for giving freely of their space, so that we could have a larger venue in which to hold this event.

And finally, our gratitude to Billy Star, whose commitment to the cause of cancer research led to the creation of the Pan-Mass Challenge, now in its 30th year, and which has raised hundreds of millions of dollars for Dana Farber--last year alone, more than 34 million. This is such a powerful example of how we can make a difference in the lives of others, serving others, alleviating their suffering. And, of course, this is why we practice at Santi Yoga-- to be of benefit to all living beings. This can only happen when we first practice for ourselves. By creating peace and compassion in our own lives, only then can we bring peace and compassion to the lives of others, to our families, our communities, our world. In the words of the Dalai Lama: "Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive."

For next year, please join us, even if you "already support" someone else in their PMC efforts; after all, this event is about coming together in practice, so that our collective spiritual energy makes the merits of our efforts all the more powerful.

Finally, I'd like to share this: Again, earlier this year, I found myself questioning whether or not I could go forward once again with this event, with this large financial commitment, and how I could possibly ask families and businesses for money, given the economic times, despite the great cause for which I'd be working.

And, once again, the universe provided the answer.

A long-time employee of Mike's was taken to Mass General having suffered a series of hemorrhagic strokes. When we went to see him, he was on a ventilator, a feeding tube, his left side paralyzed. But he held my hand with his right hand, gripping it, gazing into my eyes, his thumb massaging the side of my hand as I wiped his brow and cried. Several days later, after being moved from CCU to his own room, he was moved back to CCU. Diagnosed with cancer. This was on Monday. Paul Santasky lost his battle on Thursday, as did Farrah Fawcett. So, on behalf of Paul and all of our own lost loved ones, we practice in your honor. We practice too, in honor of those who have survived. May your numbers grow, through our persistent efforts.

Mike will be carrying the names of our loved ones with him as he pedals for a cure, first weekend of August, PMC. If you did not dedicate your practice or your donation, feel free to send it along before July 29th.

One final thought for the day....
"I'm starting with the man in the mirror.
I'm asking him to change his ways.
And no message could have been any clearer--
If you wanna make the world a better place,
Take a look at yourself and make a change."
'Man in the Mirror,' Michael Jackson (2009)

We hope to see you in practice,
Namaste,
Chris