ABCs and Less Than Three

April MacKay
May 15, 2016
3 min read

As I’m sitting here trying to write this entry I just keep spiraling out in so many different directions. But I think I captured the message pretty well in the dharma for this week’s video:

You are loved! You matter! The things you have to share and say in this world are worthy of sharing and being said. And no matter how much you might feel like it’s not true sometimes, there is someone out there who is incredibly grateful for your existence because it’s helping them with theirs.

I lost my very good friend Steve to an ongoing battle with depression and addictions this past December. Wondering what’s up with the whole “less than three” thing? It’s the characters that make up the text emoji for a heart – one of his favorite cute jokes. It breaks my heart to think of every time I missed an opportunity to reach out to him (to anyone) and let them know how much their life, their friendship mean to me. As I mention in the video, I often feel like I’m bothering people to keep saying high and doing little things to reach out — but I’m doing everything I can to re-wire my habits to bother the crap out of others with as much love and smile-inducing-awesomeness as I can.

In the moments that I have fallen under the weight of depression and anxiety, two things have been my saving grace. I have been so fortunate in my life to have the ferocious support and love of incredible friends — these people have simply refused to let me succumb to feelings of doubt and hopelessness. I am also very fortunate to have found a love of movement.

Movement can be a form of meditation, and it is certainly my favorite form. Focusing on the movement of my muscles and the endorphins released from moving the body brings me happiness I have a hard time describing. Dance has always been one of my greatest sources of joy. When the pursuit of my degree in a college dance program became too stressful, I found solace in my yoga practice. The ability to get out of my head and into my body is the best resource I have to remain sane and joyful in this crazy world, and I love that it is my work to bring that ability to others.

This week’s episode is one of my favorite flows that I call my “ABC practice”. Sun salutation A, B, and C, and some other basic poses thrown in to create a full spectrum practice. I’ve started sectioning off the full episode videos, so below the full episode you will find videos of just the dharma talk, a brief warm up, just a segment of the main flow, and a clip of prepping for handstand using the wall for support and strength-building.

I really hope that you enjoy this practice, that the movement brightens your day a bit (even if it’s already been pretty sunny for you). If you know someone who’s been really clouded lately, maybe share this with them (or even better, do it with them!). Even just letting them know you’re thinking about them makes a big difference.

Also, check out the group Suck It Suicide on Facebook and Six feet Over — these organizations do some great work to encourage engagement, connection, and healing for those struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Find out how you can get involved through the organization and in your own community as well.

In the mean time, go out and bother the heck out of people with how much you care about them and all the joy you have to share. Share some with me too 😉 let me know what you think of these videos, I’d love to connect with you. If you’re needing some encouragement and love, shout out and I will sooooo send some your way.

Cheers, yo! -*- Namaste -*-

–April