Teaching yoga

"just a dream and the wind to carry me"

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

I now have the ability to share the music I'm listening to as I write. I’ve been wishing for that opportunity for years. While writing this post, I've been enjoying Christopher Cross' Sailing.

I've often dreamed of sailing across the ocean, not on a cruise. On a sailboat. That wish remains on my bucket list. But for now, the words about dreaming and the wind carrying me fit my mood for this post.

As I sat down to write, I began by looking up quotes about persevering— one step at a time. I found more than I can share here. But I’ve worked a few of them into this post in the hope that my readers might resonate with one or more of them.

But first, my favorite lyrics from Sailing…

Sailing

Takes me away to where I've always heard it could be

Just a dream and the wind to carry me

The wind has carried me, I’m here.

The vision of myself as a yoga teacher appeared one day quite unexpectedly about the time of my mom's passing.

Just a dream and the wind to carry me.

I felt foolish mentioning it to Rick. I hadn't practiced yoga for at least six years. Luckily for me, he is that partner who sees only possibility for those he loves and encourages us to pursue our dreams even if we doubt ourselves. And doubt me, I did, but my vision left an indelible impression. You can't unsee some things. And Rick provided my wind.

Just a dream and the wind to carry me.

In the years following the completion of my teacher training course, that version of me (the me I could be) kept tapping me on the shoulder, reminding me that I had unfinished business. Friends inquired as well when I might begin teaching. And, of course, I could always count on my editor, Dennis, to ask when I would finally be teaching yoga. He was just fishing, hopeful for a sequel to Lessons of a Wayward Yogini. (This ought to solicit a response; I love to joke with this man.)

I'm still shaking my head (or, as Dennis loved to respond when editing my work, "SMH") over the fact that I'm actually TEACHING YOGA.

I've once again learned the importance of taking a risk, pushing myself out of my comfort zone. The rewards are rich when I can manage this task.

The only way round is through.

-Robert Frost

For five years, I found countless reasons for not making my way through. I could so easily still not be making my way through.

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.

-Confucius

I am so thankful I did not let myself stop. The negative self-talk I hurled at myself over the last five years lies quietly in an ash pile waiting for the breeze to carry it away. I have overcome myself (at least at these crossroads) and confronted vulnerability.

You may walk over the highest mountain one step at a time.

- John Wanamaker

I'm feeling the victor and excited to hone my skills and improve my yoga practice and teachings. If I were an Apple iPhone, I'd be Version 1.1. The lessons I'm learning as a teacher and the lessons I'm meant to pass along have just begun.

Baby steps count, as long as you are going forward. You add them all up, and one day you look back and you'll be surprised at where you might get to.

-Chris Gardner

I’m immensely grateful to be moving through, even if it’s slowly, thankful I did not stop, and continued moving toward the mountain top one baby step at a time. What a privilege, one that I will work hard to deserve! And I’ll always be appreciative for…

Just a dream and the wind to carry me.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay