My humble companion doesn’t ask for much.

Bending awkwardly to lower the bowl full of water to my elderly husky, I wait while he takes his time. Lapping aimlessly. I am off balance and teetering, wishing he would just hurry up and get his drink. I steady myself to square the offering of bowl and water and to wait.

This is the position I assume over and over in a squat exercise. I do it for training. I demonstrate it for teaching. I encourage others to do it as a means of gaining strength, balance, coordination. To fend off injury.

And here I am, irritated in my convenience. That I have to squat to offer a water-filled bowl.

Lower yourself in submission and raise up in strength. Serving the least of mine, the weak, the confused, even the demanding. This will do you good.