A year ago I began practicing yoga at a studio near my home. The instructor is a grounded, gifted practitioner who sets the tone for movement, relaxation, and growth. Her class has grown in popularity and sometimes we are packed a bit close in the space. If someone comes in a little late, we all adjust our mats and make space graciously- although in my heart I grumbled at the inconvenience of it. That is, until I was stuck in traffic and arrived the very minute class was starting and opened the studio door to find the room full. I closed the door and felt frustrated.

 

Darn traffic! I stood outside alone in my disappointment when the door open and a fellow student waved me in, mouthing the words: “we made room for you.”

 

I felt tears selling up in my eyes as I hurried to the open space and rolled out my mat. Another person smiled and waved at me. It almost felt like too much to bear- this grace-filled way that my fellow students offered plenty good room for me to enter and find the balance I craved.

 

Making space for one another, without judgement, creates a powerful connection in community. I no longer grumble in my heart as a latecomer arrives because I’ve been there. And, I hope they feel the acceptance I felt as we slide our mats to make more room.

 

There is plenty good room for us to accept one another, just as we are right now. I pray that in all aspects of our life in community, and especially in our faith community, we learn to wave one another in and with a gentle smile mouth the words: “we made room for you.”

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The Rev. Cn. Dina van Klaverenis Canon for Development at the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and is a past-president and member of the Board of Directors for TENS.

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Questions for Reflection:

• How might we shift a grumbling heart into a welcoming wave?