she's ... sensitive

It is amazing to me how we can phrase certain things. Simply by changing the emphasis on a word, the tone of voice, the exaggerated pause. All of these things make our language so complex. And also interesting (read funny). When I was little, or when I hear people talk about me as a little girl, a lot of the time I hear people use the word 'sensitive'. Yikes. One of those things I would probably change about myself. Or maybe not? My amazing Fraternal Grandmother passed away a few years ago and I miss her so often. She was THE (see how I put the emphasis on that? heehee) kindest, softest, warmest, most loving woman I have ever met. Almost to the point that it would either make you love her, or make you feel uncomfortable if you are not the touchy feely type. well I am, and I loved that about her! Over her last years of life, Grandma Hoppe would always tell me the same thing every.single.time we talked. Seriously. She'd say, "Oh precious Sara! Your dad would always say - 'she has such a tender heart!!'" She would go on and tell stories about that, but bottom line is that I would cry every time. I loved hearing something my dad said about me. I love hearing something my Grandma thinks about me now. Tender might also be another word for sensitive. Tender. I like that word. Maliable. Moldable. Aware of others. Soft. I love that rather than using a word with a negative connotation, my dad chose to use a postive one to describe me at that season of my life. It means the world to me now! I know I am on a journey to becoming less (negatively) sensitive, and more (positively) tender toward others and towards myself. Thank you dad for helping me see something beautiful. And thank you Grandma Hoppe for telling me that over and over. So grateful for a husband who loves this about his wife and helps me see this as an asset. I felt sensitive today as I was in a yoga class that focused on myo-facial release. Um. Wow! If you want to get to know your body, the only one you are ever going to have, do this type of body work. I was amazed. I learned so much about myself. I felt new things. I learned where I have areas of holding, tightness, tenderness, sensitivity. And I LOVED every second of it. No judgement. Just observing. I coax this into all my yoga teaching as well. Becoming an observer of yourself - mind, body, heart, spirit. Naming things can either bring life or death to your heart. Emphasis on one thing or another can do the same. I want to learn how, and what, and when to put emphasis on things, and when to release things or let them go. I learned that in class today physically. Excited to explore that emotionally as well.