Life Giving Part 7
April 14, 2025
I take cardio exercise classes every day at the city recreation center. They are demanding classes — one class is Zumba, and on alternate days, it is another cardio activity. All the courses use great music. The teachers are very skilled and inspire us to try our hardest. The atmosphere in the room is upbeat and exhilarating because there are lots of laughs, everyone encourages each other to exceed their goals, and usually, the classes are so much fun that it’s like a party.
Something about the group’s mind, heart, and spirit gives each of its members an extra something. If we were doing the exercises without each other, we possibly could not do them as well or put so much effort behind them (partly because we would have nobody to show off to). I can go to class feeling drained but immediately feel more lively when I see all the people. And as I think more about life, I am suddenly no longer tired. The people's energy seems to come into my body and energize me. The classes give me tremendous cardiac exercises, but they give me something even more significant — they are life-giving.
People are life-giving; when we share sacred kinship, we share a form of love. The love is not entirely family love or romantic love. The Greeks described this type of love as “Philios,” the love shared between friends and loved ones. When I look around my class and see people of all colors and all ages from 18 to over 80, and when I feel so close to the people even though most are not in my life outside of class, I am very thankful! It is a true sacred kinship and it is powerful.
Many things give us life. This week, we have touched on only a few. But the stories, memories, and concepts we reflected on are to help us appreciate, even more, the beautiful gifts of life we have. In becoming more conscious, we tend to see things that before seemed hidden. When our minds expand, we realize so much more and are even more grateful.
Spiritual practice: Who are the people who give you life? How do you express your gratefulness to them?
Self-inquiry: Why does the group give us more than the sum of its members?
Dear God,
For my friends, I am so grateful. Amen
