Tradition
Before Michael and I started our family, we began our lives together, partly wondering “Where do we want to begin our traditions?” I suppose these words consciously may not have been stated in this exact way, but their essence did.
Tradition offers an excellent context for a meaningful pause and reflection.
I wanted to live in a place with seasons including snow, Michael wanted a place with seasons (without TOO much snow). My California upbringing had me weary of the constant 74 degree weather and seeking diversity, while Michael’s Michigan upbringing of “9 months of winter and 3 months of road repair” had him begging for sun and seeking balance. We chose the Avenues near downtown Salt Lake City. I like to say that we chose the Avenues because it’s one of Utah’s oldest neighborhoods, first surveyed in the 1850s. I also like to say that we chose the Avenues because it has the largest municipal cemetery in the United States, residing on 250 acres of old growth trees with herds of deer and skulk of foxes. I’ve even been awakened by a herd of deer led by an 8-point buck traveling in front of my house at 3:00 a.m.
But the truth is, I couldn’t abandon my California upbringing completely. I firmly expressed to Michael that I needed to live near a University and in a municipality where I could still experience and witness diversity in local government. The Avenues maintains a general population of younger, more progressive and somewhat “artsy” folks when compared to other neighborhoods. It’s a walking neighborhood. It’s also a stone’s throw away from the outdoor ice rink!
We skate near trees covered in colorful lights, music serenading dancing skaters, outdoor fire pits warming hands and bums, and hot liquid beverages warming hands and hearts. We perhaps enjoy, dare I say, the snow on the ground. Global warming has made snow unpredictable, but somehow we continue to hold on to these simplest of traditions.
These traditions contribute toward a sense of comfort and belonging when, frankly, so much disruption has occurred. Skating outdoors is our family tradition. Our children are now 21 & 24 years old and we still gather for a skate. We depend on this time to remember each other and ourselves. This reconnection of hearts calms our busy, occupying lives and instead allows laughter and love to occupy our hearts for a while.
We put aside the busy-ness so that we can play.
This is our tradition.
This year, we had to sit down and have a formal family meeting to coordinate schedules to skate. We do it because it’s worth it! It’s worth it to play together.
I value play. I call the yoga studio the yoga playground because we get to practice within the boundaries and guidance. Play is a state of mind, an inner spark. And it’s also a dedicated space, like a playground.
So when I invite you into yoga….
I’m inviting you into my playground…here’s where we can play together.
