Open your practice

As I finish my first week of a new teaching schedule I was pleased to see some returning clients, but equally glad to see new faces to work with. The class sizes were packed, probably due to New Years Resolutions. My regualar clientele were eager to be taking from me again. However, in the new students I could see some with a peacefulness of their practice, and they were uncaring of who the teacher seemed to be that day. Other new students were curious who I was, what music I was playing, focused on the room temperature. It is easy to be distracted from your practice when the environment of your practice changes. We have all struggled with this inner monologue. As yogis, we must remember that the overall point of our practice is to overcome distractions. To be present in the moment, whether it is a similar or different practice moment that we are used to.

I used to be very dedicated to my original instructor. She is still the one I go to when I feel my practice needs a tweak or a push, but anymore, I am grateful just to get a yoga practice in. I learn new techniques of practice and teaching from each new instructor. New experiences in practice can open our eyes and broaden our growth.

I encourage you to take a new class this week with an open mind and peaceful practice!

What our practice can teach us

As we move into 2010, it is a good time to take a second look at our practice. Yoga teaches us more than just asanas and breath. Yoga is a teacher of ourselves. We learn how we move through life and how we interact with the world around us. For instance, I know that in life I like to be in control. I like to be organized and prepared. In yoga I used to be this way as well. Now, after much practice, when I step onto my mat I am able to let go. My yoga mat has become one of the only places in my life I do not worry about time, that I am no longer afraid to fail, and that I do not plan ahead. I love the ability to flow through my practice without concern. I can learn from my practice that this is also how I need to strive to be in the world. Eventually, with more practice off the mat, I will be able to feel this bliss in everyday interactions with life.