A Glimpse Into the Mind of a Teacher

I turn 65 this month, and in the minds of Medicare, AARP, and the others watching out for the elderly, I am “in.” A world of opportunity is open to me. Daily, my inbox introduces me to the benefits of getting older.

And the greatest of these? I have time to try the things I said I’d try if I had the time.

So, what to do today?

I know I have a book to read, a scripture to parse, an article to write, but there will be time for that later. A teacher is only a part of who I am. The secret to a healthy life is a well-rounded life.

I could start working on my taxes while sipping my morning coffee. As a senior, I qualify for free filing software, and though it may not be easy, with all this time on my hands, I can learn.

But not this morning. I should start the day a little slower.

Baking, maybe? Yet my scale and the latest AARP article on heart health suggest that it might not be my best choice to try another naan recipe today.

It may be better to try an online fitness class, compliments of SilverSneakers.

I’ve been wanting to try yoga. I could build some strength in this body that’s asking for more mindful care than miles of pounding pavement. A gentle stretch might comfort the hamstring complaining from yesterday’s too-steeply-inclined treadmill.

Ah. Good. One is starting in just a few minutes.

And there she is.

Namaste. Begin by giving yourself a gentle hug. Good morning, body. You are beautiful.

I’m not sure the self-talk is helpful. I’ve always thought it creates a disconnect between soul and spirit.

Breathe deeply. Be aware of the center of your being. Feel your life force, your heartbeat.

That’s cool. My “life force” — God’s breath. My heartbeat — His life.

Bring all things into alignment. Celebrate the wonder of you.

Now, I can straighten my spine, stack head over shoulders and shoulders over hips, but everything else is out of my hands, and there are far greater things to celebrate than me.

Namaste.

If that was my opportunity to quiet my mind, I failed miserably. My head is swimming with ideas of what could be added, improved, changed:

An invitation to begin the day with an open, pliable heart in awe of the Creator. To meditate on the beauty of His creation. To celebrate His care for all things He has created.

Now recognize His care for you. How His breath gives you life. How His blood makes you worthy of it.

Be conscious that you are welcome in His Kingdom. How He lovingly beckons you to His throne.

Bow in His presence, fully at rest.

Selah.

Logic, ever-present, tries to interrupt the gentle flow of my thoughts: “You know, there are hundreds of Christian yoga classes out there. The world doesn’t need another.”

Heart whispers, “Hush now. I’m meditating on mine.”

Such is the mind of a teacher.

Always learning, seldom silent, never at rest.