Tapas, Isvara-pranidhana and svadhyaya
Today I used as a theme for the Teacher Training, "Tapas, Isvara-pranidhana and Svadhyaya", which translates respectively as: "burning," "absolute surrender" and "self study." I think this triad is the key to life. I think it's the key to practicing mindfully, and I think it's the key to being a good teacher. To know when to employ more effort and when to soften. This applies not just in our general energy as we practice but in specific parts of our bodies as we do our asanas. For instance, most people need more tapas in their feet and legs whenever they do backbends, as the tendency is for the feet & legs to turn out. Or, in standing poses the front leg generally needs to release more, needs more Isvara-pranidhana.
Tapas comes from the verb root which means "to burn." It has been translated as "heat, energy, burning."
Isvara-pranidhana means "devotion to God" or "absolute surrender."
And svadhyaya means "self study."
Isn't this the serenity prayer?
Isn't this the secret of life?
I know that when I teach I have to employ more tapas in the beginning of a practice and more surrender at the end of class.
I know that I have to encourage some students to be more fiery and others to soften.
I know that I have to remind students to awaken certain parts of their bodies, and to release others.
And so it goes.
I know that when I go teach a class, I have prepared and done my best and then I have to be open to what is, to whoever shows up, to whatever happens... Over and over, we employ this triad as a compass to help us navigate through our day.
Today's practice at the training included backbends, so I knew I had to get them fired up quickly and effectively. I didn't allow time for chatting as I usually do, because I wanted people to be more focused. Funny, I felt for one moment that I was being mean- even though I wasn't- because I wasn't my usual smiley self. But I knew that it would actually serve the students more if I held the space for them, with even more focus than before.
I thought the students had a really really great practice. I don't know how they felt after but they seemed strong and focused. Some had breakthroughs in their practice today, and their bodies had a vibrancy that was palpable. I like it when I get a bit tough sometimes. More and more I think that I'm not there to be my student's caretaker, nor to fix them but rather to give them the best that I got and teach to the best of my ability.
Later in the evening my dear friends and students Felix and Michelle took me out to celebrate my certification. One of my best friends Jenny came along and we had a blast even though the restaurant was so loud I think I'm a bit deaf right now. I drank- which I never ever do- and I think I might be a bit tipsy. Felix and Michelle know how hard I had to work for my certification, and I am so honored that they recognized it and are celebrating it with me.
Time to go to sleep.
Oh, one more thing.
A strange detour, but it is on my mind.
Today is 9/11.
...
I will never forget this day.
As I go to sleep I will pause and meditate on this day.
I was there in Manhattan when it happened 9 years ago. I saw things when I looked South, that will stay with me forever.
I lost a friend from College who worked at Cantor Fitzgerald, his name was Todd Issacs.
Today I remember him.
Today is 9/11 and I will never forget that day.
From that day on I always carry a cell phone with me. In case something happens, I will be ready to call my family and tell them what they already know; that I love them.
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