You can do this, she said.

I can do this, I repeated.

I said it, but only half believed it.  I was exhausted and the altitude made my lungs burn as I looked ahead and realized the miles of steep incline that still lay ahead.

I needed to take a break – I couldn’t keep up with the boys, who were quickly becoming mere dots on the path ahead.

But she wouldn’t leave. I told her to.  I felt bad holding her back.  Though she claimed to need the break as well, I knew she stayed for me.  So I wouldn’t be alone.

Finally, we came to a small summit - crowded with the 15 or so others that had gone up before us.   I look ahead and realized the trail had not ended at all, and there was still a small stretch to go.  My husband called this the “fake” summit and we were directed to make our way past.

The real summit was just a few hundreds yards away.  Ahead we were promised a stunning plateau, at a final elevation of 10,566 ft. with 360-degree vistas of the entire Yellowstone and northern Absaroka region.

Our final leg of the journey, however, would be over a knife-edged ridge with 800-ft. drop-offs on either side.  It was a course that would give anyone pause.  And she s scared of heights.

You can do this, I said.

I can do this, she repeated.

I know she only half believed it.  I saw the panic in her eyes, and though her words indicated she would move – her limbs seemed not to concur.

And then he came over - my husband.  He reached out his arm, which she greedily devoured in both of hers.  She clutched at his side as the two slowly, carefully, (and successfully) made their way across.

There are times in life when we’re tired – yet cannot give up.
There are times in life when we’re scared – yet still must go on.
There are times in life we may go it alone – but why?

Your friend is not burdened by your struggle, but rather content to be by your side.  She is honored to assist and gratefully knows, you’d do the same should the tables ever turn.

Accept the loving hand that reaches out.  Or be that hand.  No one said it would be easy – but no one said it should be lonely too!
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My friend was my teacher in this morning’s yoga class.  After a vigorous first half that had left me drenched in sweat with muscles of jelly, we are now in the balance series.  I am supposed to grab my big toe and extend my left leg, but my body is trembling and my mind is filled with doubt.

She came beside me.  You can do this, she whispered.

I can do this, I thought.

Just her presence steadied me as she then guided and assisted me into the pose.  With just a little help, one leg could root while the other blossomed open.  I smiled in gratitude.

I briefly thought to myself, please don’t leave me. 

But then I already knew.

A friend never does.

If you live in the Washington DC metro area, and would like to schedule a private lesson, yoga party,or inquire about upcoming workshops and retreats, please email peggy!