And the practice gives one a way to check in with the body.

It was 1991. Our daughter was a student at UVM. She invited Heidemarie and me to Burlington to try something called Sun Do. The leader of the class, older than me, flowed effortlessly through the exercises. I struggled to keep up, breathing heavily, not really able to stretch fully. That was it, I thought. I did not continue.

But Heidemarie kept going with Sun Do, and I could see she was enjoying the practice and getting a lot out of it. I was still looking for something.  Better health? Stronger body? More energy?  Equanimity? 

Fast forward to 1995. I gave it another try. This time in Montpelier, with lots of younger people. It was still rough going, at first. But my body slowly responded to the unique combination of exercises, postures, and meditation. I began to enjoy a simple drink of cool water more. Food tasted better. My appetite improved. 

Breathing, I discovered, is the root of Sun Do. Simple quiet belly breathing - not in the chest. Through nearly three decades of practice, it feels like the body knows what to do. 

And the practice gives one a way to check in with the body. What's going on with the left hamstring today? The right hip? How about the kidneys? 

That hill behind our house that was a struggle to climb now yields to the older man. Body stronger, breathing less labored, moving easier.

Breathing. Practice. Letting go. The mind is quieter now. Sometimes - no mind. 

Simplicity. Patience. Compassion.

                                                                                                                  Steve Holmes, East Montpelier