We are a community of flames, a family of twinkling stars. As Dr. Schweitzer wrote, each of us rekindles the others around us. When the holidays re-connect us with family and old friends, let's be grateful for the people who have illuminated us when our own flame sputtered.

And let's also remember this reflection: each of us has lighted the flame in someone else, most likely more often than we'll ever know.

The video clip of jazz musician Stefon Harris below is a beautiful illustration of passing the spark. He speaks brilliantly and forgivingly about making mistakes, and then deftly illustrates with music that in jazz there is no such thing as a mistake.  

Maybe it's the same with the people around us...when one of us seems to be making a mistake, we're only propelling the music of our interactions in an unexpected direction. 

And the same is surely true of yoga, where the gifts and aches from our quirky bodies are sparks that can engage the mind in coversation and illuminate our practice.

Holiday blessings,  

Fay and Mid

P.S.  We hope these brief holiday notes are bringing you good cheer and a tiny moment of peace. If you would prefer not to receive them, reply "No, thanks!" to this email.

Stefon Harris: There are no mistakes on the bandstand