I have shared about śraddhā (generally translated as faith) in two previous posts (days 40 and 30) but today’s post is about Śrāddha (generally translated as confidence, devotion) - the act, the ritual, the way for us to express our gratitude, to pay homage to an ancestor.

It has always been my belief that we each have to find the rituals, the ways that resonate with us. How do we offer our devotion and our gratitude? How do we pray? How do we connect to our inner Self? It is a journey for each of us.

Today I am remembering my mother. In remembering, in doing things that she loved to do, I offer my love and gratitude. In doing the work that I do, I feel connected to her and I think of it as a continuation of the work that she did. Today, every breath is an offering.

On this day in 2013 she passed on. It was a Wednesday evening; my parent, my sibling and I were with her. There is a measure of grace in being able to be with someone in those moments of transition.

For me there were equal parts of joy and sorrow. Joy because there was release for her, for us. 17 years is a long time to manage the experience of cancer. Sorrow because I know there is much she wanted to do and because I miss her physical presence. I am working on acceptance and surrender as was exemplified by her.

I have shared my belief in yoga as a practice for care, for growth and transformation. This belief is grounded in those years of caretaking.

• Can yoga help us manage our physical body? Yes. Even when the body is compromised.
• Can yoga help us manage our mental state? Yes. There are many tools and practices for us to work with.
• Can yoga help us manage our emotional space? Yes. Our heart, our feelings, our relationships to self and others can be guided by our practice.
• Can yoga help us spiritually? Yes, through grace, through guidance, through our discipline.

I am remembering her today and always. Her hands guide my work.

peace,

Renee Arundhati