|
Preparing this website allowed me the opportunity to reflect on my history and relationship with yoga. Naturally, my first thought was the length of time that I have been involved with yoga. I think back to how it all started.... I've always been and still am open to new experiences; and 12 years ago, I read one of the very few articles about yoga and thought, I'd love to "try it" (like it was a new food or something). The only problem was "WHERE?" Yoga was nowhere to be found in my city at the time, except for the living room of a lovely lady named Nicoline. I found Nicoline only through much investigating and questioning, until finally, a friend of a friend knew a friend who "did" yoga out of her home. YEAH! Excitedly, naively and unknowingly, I started my delightful journey with yoga. Which brings me to a part of the happiness of yoga for
me, which is the community I share it with. Having friends, a group of
like-minded people to share the yoga journey with, is truly a special gift.
Now, normally, I start something and move onto the next just as quickly
(I'm going to have to meditate on that one) and don't get me wrong, I've had
my share of stopping and starting with yoga as well, but there has always
been something that brings me back to my mat. What stands out for me, the
thing that brings me back to my mat, is the "JOY" in my body. A joy that years of aerobics and weight
classes had never been able to provide. My "MAT" time is a moment
in my busy life that brings me back to myself. My heart, my mind and my body
become calm and open to grace, it’s a time to connect to myself. The joyful journey of yoga teaches me many things. Too
many to mention in this essay, but I'll simply name a few. Yoga teaches me
how to pay attention to my everyday life, to find sacred beauty, thankfulness
and pleasure in the simple things.
This brings me to another lesson; which is, keep life simple. It also
teaches me to be mindful in everything I do, see and say. One of the
greatest things yoga has taught me is to let life in and let life out,
instead of resisting, expecting, wanting, etc., and to keep seeking balance.
Yoga is a journey, and as a teacher I look forward to sharing this journey
with all of you, my friends. Remember as Baron Baptise said, "the prize
is in the process!" Peace & Hugs.... Mary
|
|
|
