The Journey

Maybe you were like me this past Monday night and got stuck in that horrible traffic jam caused by an accident between a motorcyclist and a truck. Sadly, the motorcyclist died. I was on my way to teach a yoga class and was stuck in that traffic for 3 hours. I never did make it to my class. Normally, I am a very punctual person and hate to be late for anything. When I am running severely late, I start to panic, get grouchy and get mad at the world for inconveniencing me. But that day was different. That day, I made conscious choice to think and react differently. Because even though I couldn't do yoga or teach yoga, I could be yoga.

I started to focus on my breath and that began to help me change my perspective on the situation. I knew I wasn't going to make it to class, so I called my friend to cancel it, and that took care of the stress of that. So, I'm still stuck and breathing and... listening to talk radio. That helped, but I could still do more. I know what took the edge of immediately, was thinking about the 2 main people involved in the accident. I knew one had died and I began to think about him and his family and friends. I began to think about how and when his family would be told and how their lives would change forever because of this one day. I began to pray for them and I began to pray for us because we're stuck here, all trying to get to our destinations.

We eventually would get to our destinations, but I questioned metaphorically why we wanted to get to them and get to them so quickly? It seems we all want to get some place, that we miss out on the actual journey along the way. It's the same with yoga. We all want the end result (that perfect, advanced pose) but we end up missing the point of it all, the hard work along the way. Transformation doesn't come when you reach the end. Transformation comes at every step along the way. I learned nothing when I got home that night safely to my husband. I learned everything sitting in my car, stuck on 75.

The joy is in the journey, my teacher said. I hope you remember that when you are hurrying through your life.

Susan

Nama what?

A student came up to me after class and asked me, "what is it that you always say after class?" She was having some difficulty even pronouncing the word. And the word is "Namaste," prounounced (Nam uh stay.) It's a Sanskrit word we use in yoga, generally at the end of our class. Break the word down and it says this:

"Nama" = bow


"as" = I


"te" = you

Put it together it means, "bow me you" or "I bow to you." Generally, when someone asks me about this word, I tell them it means "the Divine in me, honors the Divine in you" or "the God in me salutes the God in you." And when we say it, we place our hands togther at the heart center (heart chakra) thumbs lightly touching the chest, eyes are closed and we bow the head. It can also be done with prayer hands at the third eye chakra, bowing the head and bringing the hands to the heart. Either version is a deep form of respect, aiding in our meditation and increasing the flow of Divine love.



To clarify even further, Aadil Palkhivala says this: "For a teacher and student, Namaste allows two individuals to come together energetically to a place of connection and timelessness, free from the bonds of ego-connection. If it is done with deep feeling in the heart and with the mind surrendered, a deep union of spirits can blossom. The teacher initiates Namaste as a symbol of gratitude and respect toward his/her students and his/her own teachers and in return invites the students to connect with their lineage, thereby allowing the truth to flow-the truth that we are all one when we live from the heart."



Namaste,
Susan

Back to School

Ahhh, it's that time of year again. Time for fresh starts, new possibilities. No, I'm not talking about New Years Day. I'm talking about back to school time. I don't have children...yet, but I love this time of year because it brings back memories of being excited and scared of the newness of a new school year, of seeing friends you haven't seen in a while, getting to know new teachers, learning new things and being challenged.

As adults, we don't get much of that experience anymore. We're in the thick of things with our jobs, raising kids, keeping the house clean, etc. We just don't get the opportunity to put ourselves in a traditional learning environment and become a student again.

In yoga, like many other things in life, there are opportunities out there to learn and put yourself back into that "classroom" environment. You can:

~ Go with a friend to a yoga or meditation retreat. Most vary in length from 2 weeks to as short a as weekend.

~ Sign up for a yoga teacher training. At 200 hours, you're sure to learn more than just the postures. Most are designed for those who either want to teach or just deepen their own practice.

~ Try a yoga workshop around town. Many studios bring in local or national teachers for a week or weekend to broaden your understanding of the ancient wisdom of yoga.

~ Take a class from a different teacher or a different style. If your love is hot yoga, why not take an Iyengar class to mix things up a bit.

~ And if money is an issue and you can't afford any of the above, head to your local bookstore or library and start reading about what your teachers are telling you. Sometimes picking up a book on yogic philosophy or technique can add a different dimension to your physical practice.

Below are some links to yoga studios or venues around town that offer workshops or different classes starting. Please click on their schedules for more information. Also, if you've never been out to Grailville in Loveland, the Cinci Sangha is coming soon if you want to practice in a community of yogis. (through Yogahome)

http://www.radiantfitness.com/news.html
http://www.yogahome.net/
http://www.cincinnatiyoga.org/
http://www.shineyoga.com/
http://www.yogagarage.com/

Blessings,

Susan