Sometimes the greatest shifts in yourself or in a relationship happen when we are not attached to the outcome of a realization. What do I mean? Miracles are never expected.

Yoga is the study of the self. I do not have the answers but I can give you ways to learn them. And like when I taught children art analysis, in yoga class I find them so open and unafraid. They don’t just cross their arms and expect you to “yoga” them. They come in with curiosity and excitement and keep it up for the whole class. Kids love to show you what they know. They love to tell you what they have learned. This makes them fabulous students. Yoga is the study of the self. Children don’t need to learn who they are but they need to learn how to keep being curious about who they are. 

Our very existence in the space was part of what made it sacred. How about that? That is another lovely thought I took home with me, the thought that I will always have a piece of the holy shrine with me. 

Yoga is about getting on the road to self-acceptance. This is hindered by limiting the concept of what a “yogi” is. Yoga is about wellness, not beauty, and is something that everyone can participate in. 

My dad taught me a lot of things. He taught me to throw spaghetti at the fridge door to see if it’s done. He taught me to go to a museum whenever you have free time in a city. He taught me to appreciate craftsmanship. He taught me to not take a picture with too much headroom. He taught me to appreciate good cinema. He tried to teach me to drive but it made him too nervous.

What is amazing is that I had forgotten that it’s all the same, the yoga self and the art self. There is no separation. It is all human behavior, the universe, the Divine Mother, consciousness, whatever you want to name it, it’s all the same.

It’s only a few minutes so why is it so hard?

During the holidays it becomes even more challenging to keep up with our self-care. We have almost every loved one asking something of us on top of normal life stuff. 

It’s fall! Time to gather. Or maybe not. Can you recall a time when you were present?  When you were focused on the task at hand? In other words, when you were your pure authentic self?

Birthdays make me think of fresh starts and new chances. Every day and every moment we are new. Our physical body changes. Our spirit changes. We get to start over! 

B.K.S. Iyengar passed away recently. He is a very important teacher in the yoga community and is credited with bringing yoga to the west. His dedication and consistent practice was an inspiration to those he taught directly and to those who learned about his work through others.

Someone suggested to me that the fear of a new experience comes from the idea that we will never be the same again. It will change us and this unfamiliar thing will become a part of us forever.

everything has a starting point

from which you expand outward

So sit straight, inhale through your nose, and ask yourself how you feel. Congratulations, you just practiced yoga.