Monday, June 20, 2016

Fit and Fresh

Yoga means to connect, to join, to yoke, and bring together. Connections are everywhere… when we move with our breath, become still and join mind with body, and when we connect with one another. Bobby and I have known Kevin over the past several years through our yoga vacation in Jamaica. Kevin has been on staff at The Negril Escape Resort and Spa as a yardman, working with maintenance, helping with the laundry and other jobs, and most recently as head of the laundry. Kevin always, always wears a big smile, works without stopping and seeks to do the next job, and always has time to make sure you are comfortable. He never complains or speaks a negative word. And yet, as most people we know in Jamaica, his life is not easy. He is not afforded the simple, routine basics that we are so accustomed to having. It’s with this background that I recognize Kevin as one of my teachers. One early morning during our last visit, we greeted Kevin with your typical, “Good morning. How are you?” My mind was on what I had to do before teaching class. When Kevin immediately answered in his enthusiastic voice and vibrant smile, “I’m fit and fresh. Fit and fresh, Miss Claire!” I took pause. I still do when I remember this sweet moment. Kevin chooses to live his life in abundance. He’s fully engaged with each activity and views his world as being filled with the extraordinary gifts that are always available to each of us. He’s fit and fresh as he greets the new day. His words continue to impress me. His words remind me that in each moment we can choose. We can choose if and when to connect. We can choose to be what and how we want to be. I choose fit and fresh today. Thank you, Kevin. By: Claire Liddle