Yesterday I went to Debbie's house for Yom Kippur dinner, which I have gone now for many years. Debbie made a beautiful heartfelt speech about the New Year and giving. Last week I went to Judi's Art of the Brain. Art of the Brain is the fundraiser for brain cancer that she founded, which has raised- literally- millions of dollars towards brain cancer research. Judi gave a powerhouse speech (with her friend Channel) about living with brain cancer and care-giving.

I know that technically I am the teacher, but my students are the ones who continue to teach me. They keep me on tract, fuel my desire for learning and show me how to be of service in the most gracious way. In all these years of teachings I have met remarkable people. I know we are limited in how much time we spend with each other and how much we get to know a person. Teaching yoga allows me to "cut the chase" in meeting someone. There's really no time for small talk. No one trying to impress anyone. Teaching yoga strips everything away and we get to the light quickly, basking in it. Sometimes in my public classes, I literally don't know a student's last name or what they do for a living. And yet I feel like I know them on a deep soul level. I see them showing up to class, offering their best, sacrificing their limited idea of who they think they are and connecting to something greater.

May I continue to study my students, watch them with care, learn from them.

May I always be grateful to my students for showing up to class and for sharing their light.