Recently I let go of some classes at a yoga studio because I don't enjoy teaching at night. It took me a long time to make that decision, in part because of the amazing group of students there, whom I've become attached to. There was one student though that used to come every week, who was a bit challenging. He would sit in the back, never crack a smile. He would refuse to do partner poses, and when he did them, he did so begrudgingly. He would often would appear to not be having a good time. One time I praised him after doing a pose and he scolded me for using his full name. I would often drive home and take him with me in my thoughts and wonder why he was in my classes. At one moment I even thought of asking him to not come to my classes because I thought I wasn't helping or reaching him. But also because -to be honest- I was a bit uncomfortable because I want my students to be all nice! So, a few days ago, after I left those classes, I got an email from him. I took a deep breath and read it. And lo and behold the email said that he would miss me. That I had been a positive influence on him on and off the mat. That he wished me well. I finished reading and was blown away by him and his kindness. I thought of how we just don't know how we are reaching people- all we can do is show up to class and offer our best.