Christina's dare
One of my teachers, Christina Sell, wrote on her blog a few days ago about a dare that she is giving us, which is to go "out there" and try as many different yoga classes as we can. When I started my yoga journey many years ago that was exactly what I did. I tried all kinds of styles of Hatha Yoga. Otherwise, how would you know you found the right one for you? Then I discovered a studio that I loved in Manhattan called Yoga Zone, which had a variety of different styles of Hatha Yoga. I did their 500-hour teacher training in 2001. Two years later I had fallen hard in love with Anusara so in 2003 I decided to take a 100-hour Anusara Teacher Training. From then on, I started what would become a incredible amount of Anusara teacher trainings (both level 1's, level 2's), Immersions, and myriad workshops... My studies continue to this day!
Now as a full-time yoga teacher I rarely have time to practice unless it's on my own. And when I do -because time is so precious- I would rather go to an Anusara class. Anusara is what I love and what feeds me. I get so much out of Anusara classes: great workout, excellent trained teachers, fun, joyous community, and a spiritual connection. So when I read Christina's dare I felt a hint of resistance, which for me is a sign that I need to do it.
Last night I went to a Yoga Works studio in Larchmont and took the great Paul Cabanis's Iyengar class. It was my first time with him although I have heard rave reviews from so many people throughout the years. Class was interesting and I learned so much. I loved his sequencing and I could see the thread of thought that went behind it. He also has a dry humor that catches you off guard and is very generous with his adjustments. He gave me a wonderful adjustment in my shoulder stand which made it the most aligned shoulder stand I think I've ever done. I left feeling inspired and happy in my body. Mostly I left feeling proud of being a yoga teacher, part of this magnificent profession that is here to serve everyone. I left feeling proud of the path my soul has taken. I am looking forward to continuing to try different classes, different styles, and to come back to Paul's.
On another note, this weekend is the final of Black Dog's Teacher Training. Today the students teach a full class and they will be reviewed by Peter, Sigrid, Jenny, Margaret and I. As I was meditating in the morning I thought of all the students and wished them well. I hope whatever style they decide to teach and devote themselves to, that they do it with gusto, with passion and love.
Blessings everyone!
thanks maria. gene.
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