“You’re not playing with me!”

Her right foot was poised to throw a front kick at her big sister’s back.

I saw it from the corner of my eye but I wasn’t quick enough to block it.

Good thing the little one was, well, little, her kick hardly moved her big sister in place. I don’t think she even felt it.

But that still didn’t make it right.

I was controlled enough to keep my mouth shut but my hand involuntarily slammed my table.

The little one looked at me as tears started welling in her eyes. She walked out of the bedroom and slammed the door with all her might. Bam!

For a few seconds, I forgot to do one small thing that could have made a big difference to how I handle this situation.

Breathe.

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When you want balance, focus on your center because it gives you power.

I am on all fours on the black gym mat, waiting for the yoga instructor’s next cue. I’m imagining I’m a table with delicate cup on my back.

I must balance or it will fall apart.

“Now raise your right arm straight in front of you, and your left leg straight behind you. Both should be parallel to your body,” he says.

Now I’m a table with a flying arm and leg. It sounds relatively easy and yet I am wobbling, trying to find my balance.

“Whenever you need balance, focus on your core because it gives your limbs power. Don’t get balance from your limbs, they are unstable and you will fall. Always focus on your center.”

I harden my middle. I stay still. I breathe.

I realize my yoga instructor just taught me a valuable lesson without him even knowing.

The key to patience is calmness

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