Welcome, everyone. Today, as we gather in our shared space of practice and mindfulness, we are also united by a profound sense of love and concern for our beloved teacher Marybell, who is transitioning from this life.

In Buddhism, the concept of courage, or “virya,” is not about fearlessness in the face of adversity, but about maintaining a steadfast heart even when fear arises. It’s about the strength to stay open, to remain compassionate, and to hold space for ourselves and others in moments of pain and uncertainty.

I’d like to share a metaphor that may resonate with you. Imagine a candle, flickering in the darkness. The flame represents our inner courage, a light that persists despite the winds of sorrow and fear that may try to extinguish it. This light is not about being strong and unyielding; rather, it is about being resilient, adaptable, and steadfast.

As we face this difficult time, let us draw strength from the teachings we’ve received. The Buddha said, “No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.” This reminds us that courage is not a destination but a continuous journey. It’s about showing up, even when the path is unclear and our hearts are heavy.

Let us honor Marybell by embodying the lessons of compassion and courage they have shared with us. Let’s support each other as we navigate this moment, just as the lotus supports itself with the strength of its roots in the mud.

As we move through our practice today, I invite you to dedicate your breath, your movements, and your intentions to our teacher. Let our collective energy be a beacon of love and courage, a testament to the light they have kindled within each of us.

Let us take a few moments in silence, focusing on our breath, feeling the connection between our hearts and the spirit of our Marybell. Inhale deeply, filling your heart with courage. Exhale slowly, sending out compassion to all who need it.

May we all find the courage to face this moment with grace, the compassion to support one another, and the wisdom to cherish the love we have shared.

“When the breath control is correct, mind control is possible.” – Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois

“It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self, and intelligence.” – B.K.S. Iyengar

“Life is so much simpler, when you stop trying to explain yourself to others and just live your own life.”

“Every situation in life is temporary. So, when life is good, make sure you enjoy and receive it fully. And when life is not so good, remember that it will not last forever and better days are on the way.” Jenni Young

“If the problem can be solved why worry? If the problem cannot be solved worrying will do you no good.” – Buddha

“Perfection is not attainable, but if we pursue finding the best version of ourselves possible, we catch excellence.” – David Scott

“Life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90 percent of how I react to it.” ~ Charles Swindoll

Courage

I have not ceased being fearful, but I have ceased to let fear control me. Erica Jong

Where your fear is, there is your task. Carl Jung

Lean into (not away from) what’s making you uncomfortable. Shane Parrish

What do you stand for? Stand for something or you will fall for anything. Today’s mighty oak is yesterday’s nut that held its ground. Rosa Parks

Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. Have the courage to follow your own heart and intuition. Steve Jobs

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. Nelson Mandela

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”~ Maya Angelou

“The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.” ~ William Arthur Ward

“Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.” ~ Dalai Lama

“You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.” ~ Christopher Columbus

“Certain things catch your eye, but pursue only those that capture the heart.” ~ Ancient Indian Proverb

“Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” ~ Joshua J. Marine

“The best way to predict the future is to create it in the your mind, then manifest it with your actions.” – David Scott

“A caterpillar must endure a season of isolation before it turns into a butterfly. Embrace the time you have alone, it will only make you stronger.” ~Steven Aitchison

“Our journey is about being more deeply involved in life and less attached to it.” – Ram Das

“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” – Reinhold Niebuhr