I read and re-read it over and over for a whole week.

Every day I would read it again so it would sink deep.

Now I want to write it down for you, dear readers and fellow teachers.

I hope this inspires and helps you when you teach, as much as it helped me.

Here is Ram Dass. 

All the italics are his but the parts in bold are my emphasis.

"In trying to figure out a way to approach our sadhana, there are a few strategies that I would suggest we keep in mind- and the first and most important one is Relax! It doesn't really matter which next thing you do, because whatever it is, it will become your next teaching. And it isn't the thing you do that matters, anyway- it's who it is that's doing it, where it's coming from in you. That means that all those choices and all those decisions that we agonize over aren't really quite so fraught and melodramatic as we like to make them out to be."

I love this because so often, so so often when I teach I worry about what to do, what poses to teach, what kick ass sequence I can come up with, what inspiring theme is going to blow my student's minds... And here it is, right here. Ram Dass reminds us that what really matters is not what I say but how I say it and from what part of me it is coming from. 

Is it coming from the part of me that seeks validation from others? That wants to be liked? That wants to impress? 

Or is it coming from the part of me that is receptive and open and wants genuinely to be of service? 

So checking in where am I coming from- is so, so important.

On another note:

I taught a few classes on the theme of Mudita or sympathetic joy. One of the most beautiful qualities to develop.

I reminded the class that just because a friend has a success and you don't, in practicing mudita, you get to remember that their triumphs are your triumphs. And that there is abundant goodness for everyone, everywhere; the universe has no lack.

We focused on muscular energy: 

Remembering your own goodness...

We worked towards Natarajasana...

AND

the latest pose I did in my

Anusara Poster Project: Prasarita Padottanasana!

Have a great weekend!