The other night I was watching a martial arts film and it was here that I learned the meaning of the word ‘samurai.’ Samurai means “to serve.”

In the movie, the arrogant character’s personality was smoothed and polished through acts of service and discipline. I began ruminating on the word ‘service.’ Certainly it has significance in the yogic arts.

There is a spiritual path devoted to service called Karma Yoga — but isn’t service also the cornerstone to every spiritual and religious branch? Service is an act of love. It expresses altruism and generosity. Doing something for someone else to help make their life easier in some way.

It seems that every day I read about Ramonans helping people in our community — stories of people helping the Ramona Senior center, about individuals adopting a senior in high school, and how on Thursday, May 21, Ramona American Grafitti Cruise Night was organized to lift the spirits of our Class of 2020 graduates in sixth grade, eight grade and twelfth grade.

I read on local social media about simple acts, like a mother needing formula for her baby and a few minutes later a community member was more than willing to offer theirs with delivery.

Now more than ever, because of COVID-19, people are realizing that we need one another. Service creates a tight-knit community. We know that we can depend on each other.

In the martial arts movie, the main character created discord amongst the people in the tiny village because he didn’t know how things worked in their community. He was only thinking about himself — hyper focused on accumulating instead of contributing.

In time, as he observed the people, began participating in the daily chores, and offering his service, the harmony flowed with ease. He was a part of something sacred, something that he helped create through acts of kindness.

No matter how unusual these times are, we must remember our decency, generosity and humanity.

Let’s continue to grow closer as a community. Ask yourself what you can do for others. Sometimes the answer is as simple as listening without interrupting, or offering a helping hand. Service can be planned or random. Try supporting our local businesses or offering a helping hand to a family in need.

Let’s all adopt a samurai mindset and be of service with strength and love to support our community.

Try Tracy’s ‘Yoga for Confidence’ class in the Radiant membership where you’ll have access to weekly LIVE classes and a video library of pre-recorded classes to support your home practice. Click HERE to be redirected now.

Tracy Aleksic is the owner of Radiant Centre.