Can Yoga - all styles and methods of Yoga - transform your life? Yes. But you have to allow it. I have recently had several conversations about my evening classes and the "fun" environment. Is this yoga transforming? Again, my answer is yes. Many many people come to my classes who would not otherwise practice yoga at all. Little by little, I share yogic philosophy in a way that is understandable and not overwhelming at all. BE PRESENT. LET GO. AHIMSA (non-violence). FORGIVENESS. Simple truths that students hear without shutting down.
This month in the Yoga Journal (the ad with me faded in the background is on the back cover again!) - there is an article called, "Miraculous Practice" by Karen Macklin. Worth a read. The article cites the dramatic ways the practice changed several students' lives'.
But just yesterday, I was feeling overwhelmed. Overwhelmed that I am constantly giving. Then one small thing happened and I snapped. I had to retreat to my yoga practice and teachings for insight on a few levels. Can I be human? Can I get overwhelmed and be angry? Is this still ok, when I try to be the best yoga teacher I can be? Can I let go of what happened and move on? can I forgive myself and the person who angered me? Can I be present enough to teach my classes, hear my students needs and be the best mom/wife I can be today? I try. Every day. Every step of the way. I really do try.
All I can say, is thank GOD I have Yoga in my life to keep me guided and allow a space that I can love and forgive myself. And Give to my students.
Yes!
ReplyDeleteI'm also an over-achiever who doesn't make enough time for fun in her life. I don't give myself enough time to just Be and enjoy the present. Your yoga class helps me do that. Is that transforming? Absolutely!
Fun, joy and play are interconnected! Life can be too serious. We give too much weight to those things that should be weightless, and discount too heavily the real heavy things: Love, community and compassion.
Anyway. I second this!
I believe I am a walking example of this... If not for your style of teaching, I'm not sure I would have stuck with yoga. In the past I got bored easily and it felt a little too quiet for me. Yoga has absolutely helped keep my mind, body, and soul in check, and to be honest has saved me hundreds in therapy. I tried therapy and did get out of it what I needed, and with yoga I stay balanced most of the time and my emotions and stress in check. Also the workout is less taxing on my body with more results than your typical weights/cardio routine.
ReplyDeleteThank you JL!! Not only did I fall in love with yoga, I have made some new great friends that make a positive impact in my life, with YOU being one of the most inspirational ones and you make me strive to be better overall!! (so cheesy, but sometimes cheese is good!)
Loves to you!!!
I love your truth! Stay with it my friend. Know that you are human and you are good enough. We are not perfect, ever. You give so much, but as we have seen, the rewards come 10 fold. Just look at the comments above, the lives that you effect everyday. Let's keep growing together. Love you! -Leah
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