Inhale lavender, exhale gratitude
We started in the lotus position which, in itself, was no small accomplishment. We were cross-legged on yoga mats while candles flickered around the room and the sounds of waves flowed through our shared space. I was three states away. It seemed as if I was three planets away. Essential oils were distributed. “Would you care for lemon or eucalyptus, lavender or peppermint?” the instructor asked.
“Yes,” I said, obviously intimidated by her, the oils, the mats, the candles and, of course, the lotus position. We were told to use this hour to gain a new perspective, to resist negative thoughts and embrace gratitude. I knew those were noble goals but all I could think about was what the husband would say if he were beside me in this class, desperately trying to reach the lotus position. That thought gave me pause. It also made me want to laugh. I resisted that urge, and all the other urges which zoomed through my brain.






