Be the Building and Namaste

My mantra for the last few days has been "be the building, Alex, be the building."  In case you missed the memo, that means slow down, don't panic and allow God ("the Architect") to do his job.  I have to say, I'm so glad I have a little mantra/prayer going.  My mantra reminds me to be thankful for what I have... and should we happen to meet on the street and you're a little frazzled by life and circumstances... please don't be upset if I take a deep breath and tell you to be the building.

It simply means, "I hear you... I'm there too... we can do this...together." It's not me blowing you off or belittling you... it's me sharing your sense of overwhelm, confusion and prayers for your life.  It's not my lazy, half-assed "Feel Better" statement... nor is it a "too bad, so sad for you because my life rocks."  'Nuf said about that. 

I used to take yoga... and had a great yoga teacher... she taught me much about my body and my mind and, this may be surprising, how to be a Catholic and open to the world.  And it is just in the last few days that I finally understand the greeting "Namaste."  She used to give us the definition of "namaste" as "If I am in this place and you are in this place, then we are one." Rather than wrapping my mind around that bit of genius, I've let it brew in the back of my mind for years (really, years...sometimes it takes me that long to get it).

As you've probably read, or heard, I've been struggling with some irritating health issues.  The infamous "B-12" issue.  Anyway... yesterday, I received a headache-inducing e-mail from a very, very good friend.  I say headache inducing, because my heart did not break from it, but wrapping my mind around what's going on with her, healthwise, has humbled my own sense of "problem" and it's truly a very OVERWHELMING issue.  Having had to even consider that colon cancer was a possible diagnosis this past Fall... my head hurt just knowing what kinds of thoughts were streaming through her head. Out of respect for her privacy, that's as much as I can say on her health particulars.  Despite that we're both struggling right now... we connected in a way that can only be described as God-given beauty.  Perhaps right now, my health issues were to open my heart and mind to be there for her. 

So what does this have to do with being the building or namaste?  Well, clearly, I'm under rennovation... that's obvious to me... but right now... Namaste describes what I felt last night.  As we've exchanged messages over the last 24 hours, I have seen myself in her words and her situation and in turn,  I think she's seeing me.  We are in this "place" together.  We are one... we are strong and we will get through what lies ahead.

Kay (not her real name BTW), if you are reading this... we are too strong, too loved and our babies need us... and a battle is being waged for our souls and tempting us with dispair and frustration.  I know we're in the right "Army" and in the end, no matter what, we will be okay.  Oh, yes, and I  love you!  Namaste.