There is an aspect of the Hanuman story which really touches my heart. Apparently as powerful as Hanuman was, and he really was endowed with these 8 great powers, he was cursed to forget that he was indeed strong. Here's a direct quote from the Chalisa:

"Due to a curse in his childhood, Hanuman was condemned to not knowing his own strength and power until reminded of it."

So here is this ever powerful being who forgets he is strong. And then someone comes along and reminds him of who he is and through that memory, his strength awakens. 

As we go through the trials of our lives, and all of us walk through challenges at some point or another, some days we literally feel that we cannot go on; that we cannot get out of bed; that we can't do what is asked of us. We forget not only that we are strong, but we forget our true nature. My teacher Sally Kempton once said (and I am paraphrasing her so it in no way will be as magically eloquent as she is) that whenever we feel sad, angry, anxious, depressed,and/or alone, it's because we've forgotten who we really are. And like Hanuman we strive to remember. 

Sometimes it's through remembering our intention for practicing. 

Sometimes it is a friend who calls and is there for us. 

Sometimes it is simply taking a deeper breath, and then another. 

And we find our strength again. 

Theme: Hanuman: "Remembering our strength"

Focus: Muscular Energy

Highlights: Reminding students of the three currents of Muscular Energy.

Anusara Poster Pose Project: Agni Stambasana

Something to think about:

I had an insight recently. 

I've been going through a hard time. 

But instead of staying home, I decided to go to an Anusara workshop over the weekend. 

And I realized how in an Anusara class/workshop the energy is so happy and so high. I found it very difficult to be around, with me being in a sad place. I almost found it unbearable. I went to a corner and avoided most people and kept really low key.

My insight was that this energy, especially when it is so high, can be shocking and a bit off-putting to those who are in pain. Of course I am in no way suggesting to cloak or hide our bliss. But rather it was such a powerful reminder that as a teacher to be as centered as I possibly can when I teach. Sometimes me being the bubbly person that I am, I come to class really high up and I forget not everyone is in that place and that they cannot meet me there. That I can never know what everyone in the room is feeling. So my insight was to stay really centered. To teach a class that everyone can relate to, not just the ones who are having a great day.

I hope this makes sense.