Dedicating My Practice

Years ago I read an article written by a yoga practitioner encouraging others to dedicate their practice to an individual or an idea every time they unrolled their mats. I was so taken by this message that I began to dedicate each class to different people or ideas.
The first night was especially important to me. My Dad had been dealing with some physical difficulties, and before I stepped out of the locker room and onto the mat to bow in, I made a quick mental note that "tonight was for Dad." Throughout that class during every physical challenge and mental hurdle, I kept my Dad in mind and pushed through. Every successful joint-lock or throw was a celebration of Dad. Every shot landed was for him. Every shot I took, I took to shield him. By the end of class, the anxiety I was feeling about him was gone. It had been supplanted by a pure and positive energy. I don't claim to know how it worked, but it did, and over the years I regularly dedicated my classes to various family members, friends, coworkers, social movements, and so on.
When I moved and was training on my own, I was out of my element and the break in routine lead to a loss of this practice until tonight. At the beginning of class tonight I made sure to dedicate the class to my training partner, Farang brother, and dear friend. His mom passed away about ten days ago, and tonight, every kick, punch, joint-lock, roll, fall, muscle cramp, and drop of sweat was for him.
If you're reading this, you know who you are my brother. Everyone at Ferrito Martial Arts has your back.