Do you know the one factor that will most likely determine if a child will graduate high school? When volunteering to be a mentor for an at risk high school student last year, (visit www.coyar.org for more info about how you can be a mentor) I learned that it was an interested adult. When going through the training some trainees would opine that “Kids find me boring,” or “I am out of touch with kids these days.” I found it interesting that whether or not these statements were true, they didn’t matter. What mattered most was an adult who was present and interested in their life.

So, can you bring presents this holiday season, just through being present and interested?  I consider interest to be an activity of receptivity and listening, where your ‘cup’ has to be empty of all your previous ideas or beliefs. By being truly open and empty, you are ready to receive. So can we be open and receptive enough to listen to the people we will be around this holiday season? It may not seem important at the time, but it make a big difference!

I also want to thank all of you for being present for Kosha Yoga. Just showing up has made a huge difference; in fact, October was the studio’s most successful month so far!

In Love and Light,

Carrie Searles Odom

Partner, Kosha Yoga LLC