Intrinsic Yoga with Anita Hartman

Summer is here. We wait a long time to feel warmth here in Alaska. The temperature is rising over 70 and the sun is shining brightly, not a cloud in the sky (today that is). It is time to embrace the moment and for me to be outdoors with my family.

For the next few months I will be providing inspirational moments only. My summer priority will be to spend time reconnecting with my family. Reconnecting with people I care about keeps me centered and is a reminder to not take things for granted. I’ll be back with more articles soon.

“I don’t know what tomorrow will bring—except old age and death—but I do know that I do have today, one absolutely glorious day that I will savor and make the most of as if it were my last one…because it may be!” – Gary Fenchuk

Once upon a time there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. Once day he was walking along the shore. As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day. So he began to walk faster to catch up. As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn’t dancing, but instead he was reaching down to the shore, picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean. As he got closer he called out, “Good morning! What are you doing?” The young man paused, looked up and replied. “Throwing starfish in the ocean.” “I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?” The sun is up, and the tide is going out, and if I don’t throw them in they’ll die.” But, young man, don’t you realize that there are miles and miles of beach, and starfish all along it. You can’t possibly make a difference!” The young man listened politely. Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea, past the breaking waves and said, “It made a difference for that one.”

There is something very special in each and every one of us. We have all been gifted with the ability to make a difference, and if we can become aware of that gift, we gain through the strength of our visions the power to shape the future. We must each find our starfish. And if we throw our stars wisely and well, the world will be blessed.