The Void

         You know those people who clearly are filling a void in their life by having a dog? New York, you know what I’m talking about! That guy who comes into the coffee shop and accepts graciously all compliments on how cute his dog is and also fearlessly admits he gets awful gas (the dog). He doesn’t seem to think this would be a raunchy topic for unsuspecting customers munching on their favorite cafe fare because it’s his baby, maybe his one and only, and not least, his best friend.

         If the thought glinted across your mind that you might quit reading this because you are a dog lover (then wait, I am too), or because you suspect I may be out to judge that guy or those people. Well please, keep reading because I am that person and those people are my people. I just don’t have a dog. Instead, I have yoga.

         Upon returning to NY after long travels, I didn’t come home to slobbery kisses and tail wagging. I went to the Yoga to the People studio in Brooklyn, and got a hug from Mara, the studio manager, awesome yoga teacher, and all around cool lady. I took her thoughtful class full of ideas like ‘how are you treating yourself?’ or ‘let it feel good’ or ‘can it be about the breath?’

         I may not get to come home and pat a dog on the back, but I can pat myself on the back for making it to my mat & all the effort that takes, for listening to other yoga teachers & continuing to learn, for listening to my body & being willing to experience where my boundaries are, for nourishing myself & letting others try to nourish me too. I hope never to forget to do all with compassion.

         I may lack a dog as a conversation starter with strangers, but perhaps I don’t need it. I can go to yoga and chat with human beings that I'll likely see again about where home is, will I stay in NY (thanks Mara for somehow remembering what we talked about months ago), how cute little kids are, writing blogs (thanks Jess for unwittingly giving me the nudge I needed to write this), that really cool yoga festival I went to (thanks Carl for letting me talk your ear off as you swept dutifully).

         What I mean to say is I’m grateful. The void is filling up with sweaty hugs, hellos followed by smiles, getting-to-know-yous, and yoga classes starting in Child’s Pose. Not only is my yoga a lot more enjoyable and meaningful after connecting with people, but I want to come back and feel encouraged to return. Sorry, strays at the pound, I’ve got yoga.

Students on Expectations

If it all doesn’t pull together by 25, I’ve done something wrong...

This is a road I come to a bit more often than I should: I’m thinking about what I should be doing, and it frustrates me that I either don’t or can’t. Then, I just get even more frustrated. It’s a cycle that I want to break...

Life is very hard and sometimes where you think you are isn’t where you would have seen yourself. Just be happy about what you are doing at the moment and don’t stress about how your life should be or how you think it should be...

Every good and bad thing will pass in life and you will continue to make mistakes and memories, and that’s what life is! ...

Students on Meditation

I love when I practice the Santosa meditation because I can talk about myself and remember that I’m special and also to believe more in myself. When I practiced the meditation in class, at first it was very challenging because I was talking about myself and making me look better… after finishing, I realize that I am pretty, confident, and strong...

It is a powerful affirmation to tell yourself ‘you are good enough.’ ...

I learned the power of forgiveness...

The first time I used meditation, it was hard to get all the crazy thoughts out of my head, like things I had to do- tests, things I had to deal with at home- family matters. After a couple weeks of doing meditation, I have learned to be in places that make me feel good and enjoy...

What My Students Tell Me

ABOUT YOGA:

         When the semester first began, I thought this class was going to breeze by- it’s just yoga, right? However, I thought wrong. This class became a challenge for me physically and mentally. It required that I focus on certain aspects of my life that maybe I have not even thought to focus on during my own personal time...

         When you are just breathing that is an act that only is valid to you in a strict sense. Breath is living (and notably calming) and it does create a sense of self, an act that for the most part only you commit...

         I learned that you don’t have to be the strongest person to succeed in yoga (like I once thought you had to be) because of all the modifications you can incorporate into your private practice. I could never even think about doing the yoga sequence without modification because my upper body isn’t strong enough to lower myself down to my ribs without falling. Since there was the modified version, I was able to complete the sequence by dropping my knees and coming to cobra...