Just today, upon completion of a yoga class at SPU, one of the athletes gave me a card. She had given some considerable thought to the picture on the front, and her hand-written note brought tears to my eyes. When I first started offering yoga to the Cross-country and Track athletes at SPU, it was not without some resistance from administration and students alike, who were not sure that yoga philosophy would jibe with their religious beliefs. The class, however,  has become quite popular with the kids, and I must confess, going over there each week in the fall to work with the teams has become a highlight of my week. I will simply offer the kind words that this student wrote as an example of what I always say (and learned from my wife Mary): “ The most precious gifts we have to give are our time and our attention.” Something to consider as we approach this year’s Holiday Season.

Dear Jim,

“Thank you” seemed like it was in order for me to tell you. It’s Thanksgiving time, our last yoga session w/ the team (You’ll see more of me, certainly.), and gratitude is simply a part of who you are as a person and teacher.

Thank you for being patient and playful with our group, and for letting us know that you are rooting for us in athletics and life!

It has been a very pleasant surprise for me to benefit and learn so much more from yoga than I had been expecting, when I started a few years ago. I’m certain I couldn’t have replicated the physical and interpersonal development without a teacher like you - doing a few stretches on my own just doesn’t match up.

Thank you for  teaching us, showing a personal and caring interest in me, and the fun summer memory at running camp!

I picked this onion card for you, because i thought you’d like its whimsical, striking way of making “the ordinary” into art, and because it reminds me of the centering part of yoga, when you talk about peeling back the outer layers of ourselves to be with our inner self. Having yoga time to intentionally bring my attention to being with and feeling myself is a restful contrast to my usual mode of doing and producing work. I’ve been able to use yoga to help myself spiritually in working out the rhythm of work and Sabbath. This is an important thing for me to learn (though it’s less of a “thing” than it is a process of sowly maturing), and I thank you forhow your words and instruction and conduct have taught me

Wishing you all the best...

P.S. The sweetbread is marbled chocolate squash bread. Enjoy.

Which I did. The sweetbread was delicious. Yet the note was even better. What a lovely way say “thank you”! What a great time of year. Gratitude and generosity, and all subsumed into one word: Thanksgiving.

Blessings to all.