It’s been a rather dreary Friday today, with gray skies and
intermittent drizzle. And while inhabitants of the Willamette Valley expect daily rain come winter, I can’t help longing for one more summer day, one more forever-blue sky, one more soothing embrace of warmth before the deluge begins.
Alas…
But I can do something after all. Inside my home, I will soon be kindling the Sabbath light. By lighting candles to welcome the seventh day (according to Jewish calendars, each day begins at sunset the previous day), by commemorating the miracle of Creation, I sanctify time and space, bringing a sense of holiness into the world.
And on this particular Friday, I will also begin to set aside time and space to appreciate friendships which bring me warmth and light. Each Friday I will feature someone I consider a friend—a fellow writer, long-time reader, someone who inspires me, delights me, or simply shares this mysterious journey of Life with me.
This afternoon as I sip my herbal tea, I welcome a new acquaintance, or rather, an acquaintance I have recently rediscovered. Her name is Yoga.
Me- Welcome, Yoga, it’s so nice to have you back in my life.
Yoga- Yes, it’s been quite a while.
Me- Yes..ahem…I’m sorry about that…sometimes Life just gets in the way…
Yoga- True, true. Life gets in the way, and laziness gets in the way…
Me- Okay, you got me there. But let’s not point fingers. We’re back together, and you’re looking lovely as ever.
Yoga- *smiles sweetly* Just my nature, thank you.
Me- I know it’s only been a couple of months, but how do you feel about our reunion? Can we make it last this time?
Yoga- I was skeptical at first…you made a lot of promises last time, you know…and bringing in that big blue Yoga ball and everything…what were you thinking?
Me- *shrug* *nervous smile* *looking around the room for help*
Yoga- Well, if it wasn’t for CC I think we’d still be estranged. She said you mean it this time, you promise to be more flexible, to learn when to bend, and when to stand strong.
Me- Yes, I do. And I think CC’s guidance has gone a long way already, don’t you?
Yoga- One day at a time, remember? If you try to think too far ahead…
Me- You’re right…one day at a time, one breath at a time.
Yoga- That’s how it is with everything you know…yoga, life, love…one moment, this moment, is all we have, all we can handle, all we should even try to handle.
Me- Yes, I’m learning, and I appreciate your help more than ever, my friend.
Yoga- I am happy to be of help, happy to be back with you, happy to watch you grow strong and centered, happy when you don’t find me such a pain, happy when you don’t fall on your face.
Me- Thank you, I am trying.
Yoga- And that’s all anyone can do, keep trying. It’s called practice, you know. You’re practicing yoga…maybe Life is all about practice too.
Me- Maybe. You’ve given me quite a bit to think about. Thank you for coming by.
Yoga- My pleasure. Thank you for inviting me to be part of your daily practice.
**Yes, Yoga and I are back together , and our conversations will no doubt find their way into this little blog from time to time. Until then, watch for future conversations—and may my efforts at **Kindling Friendship** bring a spark or two into your world.
PS- Please contact me at jmyles63@gmail.com if you’d like to drop by for a chat. I’ll keep the kettle warm.
Blessings
Jewniquely Myself 
Love your chat with Yoga! I tried to be her friend too — for two months this year – july and august and then dropped out. Wonder what she thinks of me? i am so exhausted now – with fever, cold and stomach pain — can’t think of anything but sleeping — sitting with the sabbath candles, warm kettle and your sweet presence and hearing your talk to Yoga – i imagine i am a little puppy at your feet, hearing these conversations – half-awake, half-asleep — blissful to be home with your sweetness! Wish you a wondrous weekend, my most-est beloved friend. 🙂
Awww, how sweet to find you in my kitchen on this Sabbath, or any day, darling Krishnapriya. And you not feeling well…I wish you a refuah shleimah, a speedy recovery, and pray you will soon be filled with your playful energy as usual. For now I scoop you into my arms like the drowsy little puppy, and cheek to cheek send you blessings and love. May your dreams and your day be as lovely as you are.
You are such a blessing to me! I am so clogged up with the travel stress and sickness now — i can so, so use the little-drowsy-puppy hug in your kitchen! 🙂 Your words always take me to that place in my heart – light, free, joyful and i feel so grateful. 🙂
Me, to, my darling Krishnapriya…blessings always to you!
Oh just got to know that u r not well.😑
Take good care of yourself dear or should i say Krishna ought to do it.😊
You cant afford to be ill in the festival season. Pray that u be all fine very soon🙏 amen.
God bless💐
Thank you for your sweet wishes and love. i am smiling already filled with the blessing of His presence in your words. Thank YOU my secret friends. 🙂
May u keep smiling always dear. 😊 Have a sweet day ahead💐
Dhyanyavaad pyaare mitra mere 🙂
Reblogged this on Campbells World.
Thank you, my darling friend…hope you are staying cozy…hugs and wags from Ari and me, and blessings galore!
A fabulously unique post.
Reblogged at campbellsworld.wordpress.com
Thanks so much, blessings to you, Patty!
Yoga and I have always decided to befriend each other and always stopped short. High time I wrap the friendship band around my wrist! 🙂
She did mention to me how much she’s been missing you *smile* so why not give it a whirl? Can’t wait to hear how things work out between you. Blessings and love my sweet Pari!
Yoga ..i try hard but cant keep it along for long😐. Wish u a happy company of it😊
A very unique way of putting it up
Thank you for your encouragement and kind remarks. Intention is the first step, right? We’ll see how far Yoga and I are able to travel together. CC is not just my instructor but my daughter, which makes the journey sweeter anyway. Blessings to you, dear friends!
Oh that will really màke the journey lovely then 💐
Reblogged this on Jewniquely Myself and commented:
**I’m reposting this little interview as a way to let you know *Kindling Friendship is coming back…probably not every Friday, but every few weeks or so. And by the way, Yoga and I are still together, still wrestling with ideas and the practice of meaningful living. But more on that later. Blessings and sweetness to you, my darling readers!**