Yoga II

practicing me

my Mother’s Day treat, a new book

All roads these days lead to yoga. And that's no surprise. I kept yoga waiting an inordinate amount of time, five years. The discipline has been waiting patiently to continue its teachings. 

I am here, It is time, I am ready.

Spending time researching quotes regarding yoga to share with my class, I've come across some nuggets I'd like to share here as well. This first one hit home. 

Yoga is not a workout, it is a work-in, and this is the point of spiritual practice to make us teachable to open up our hearts and focus our awareness so that we can know what we already know and be who we already are. 

-Author unknown

When I read this quote, I was struck by the last four words, “who we already are.” We all have a destiny that lies deep within, also known as our passions/dreams. Whether we are fortunate to travel down our unique paths depends on many factors. And even if one is lucky enough to avoid roadblocks, they still must tackle vulnerability, a huge deterrent. Pushing beyond our comfort zone is hard work. 

I see a bird’s eye view of myself diving into the pool of discomfort, returning to the surface, gasping for air, remembering who I am. Yoga has been directing me for longer than I can remember. It brought me to my writing. And I have no doubt it will continue to be life-changing going forward.

I taught my fourth class on Monday, continuing to show up to tackle my most significant opponent, vulnerability. Each class renders that menacing creature into less of a force. I've delivered an eviction notice; it's time to move on, and let me get on with it. The lessons will truly begin when I can relax and breathe into the experience, showing up, again and again, to connect with my students and learn along with them.

A quote I read to my class that speaks to this, 

Your life is a sacred journey. It is about change, growth, discovery, movement, transformation, continuously expanding your vision of what is possible, stretching your soul, learning to see clearly and deeply, listening to your intuition, and taking courageous challenges at every step along the way.

— Caroline Adams

The day after class I treated myself for Mother's Day to a sweet little book, practice you, a journal by Elena Broker. The moment I held it in my hands, it was coming home with me. Later that day when I began to peruse the pages, I learned the author has been teaching yoga since 1998. As I said, all roads at this time point due north, aka Yogaville.

The third page of the book drew me in…

my attention is my prayer.

I am. I feel. I do.

my presence is my communication.

I love. I speak.

my intention is my projection.

I see. I understand.

my breathing is my reflection.

I trust. I serve. 

Such compelling soothing words… I can't wait to spend more time with the journal. You can check it out here.

After finishing my first month of teaching, I am in awe of my journey and grateful for my many guides and supporters. 

I saved my favorite quote for last.

I am never alone wherever I am. The air itself supplies me with a century of love. When I breathe in, I am breathing in the laughter, tears, victories, passions, thoughts, memories, existence, joys, moments, and the hues of the sunlight on many tones of skin; I am breathing in the same air that was exhaled by many before me. The air that bore them life. And so how can I ever say that I am alone?"

— C. Joybell C.

I can't top this. I can only bow my head in Namaste.