Change is not something that we should fear. Rather, it is something that we should welcome. For without change, nothing in this world would ever grow or blossom, and no one in this world would ever move forward to become the person they’re meant to be.
B.K.S Iyengar
A few weeks ago, I received all my books for Yoga Teacher Training. I have three of them. The first one is the 200-Hour Uplifted Manual. The next is a book by Jack Kornfield called, “A Path with Heart.” Finally, but not least of all, is “Inside the Yoga Sutras”, a translation by Jaganath Carrera. Though I have been in class for two weeks, I have embarked on all three simultaneously. As I reflected on my journey so far, I had an insight.
Let’s go to the ocean…
I began to see an image of myself walking on the beach. The sand is pristine. The warm sun kisses my skin. I’ve been here before, and I’m familiar with this beach and some of the things I see here. Yoga poses, for instance, are like the shells that appear on the shore. I can see them and pick them up easily. I feel at ease here. This is my comfort zone. Then, I enter the water.
I visualize myself diving into the ocean and swimming beneath the surface. However, as I go deeper, I notice, I am not as easygoing with other parts of this ocean. I’ve heard about them. I know they exist, but I don’t have firsthand experience with them. I am not as quick to approach them, because I don’t know enough about them. The more I learn, the more confidence I have to move safely through this amazing sea of knowledge.
A True ‘Little Fish’ Story
Once upon a time, I was swimming while on the island of Maui. I had an underwater camera with me, and I was taking pictures of little brightly colored fish. All of a sudden, I felt something brush up against my body. I could tell it was big. When I turned around, I saw that it was a massive sea turtle. For a moment, I was stunned, then excited. So interesting. While I studied this beautiful animal, I shifted my perspective, and I could see she meant no harm. She stayed close by, and I noticed that, as I breathed and became more calm, I was able to swim with her.
I am learning the foundations of Anatomy in relation to yoga and movement. It has been eye-opening. The more I remain open, the more perspective I gain. Getting feedback on my own poses gives me a sense of relief. I’m softer on myself. I remember to breathe. We are all so completely different, and my expectations for my yoga practice have shifted. I am navigating the waters with more awareness, which ultimately makes the journey more rich.
Dive Deeper…
Lastly, as I go deeper still, I see things I’ve never seen. They are beautiful. I’m drawn to the light that surrounds them. I’m curious. I want to know more. And the more I study them and myself, I come to the realization that, though I may not have seen them before, they are not new. These creatures have the same qualities as others I’ve encountered on my life adventure. Ideas and concepts I’ve held so dear. Like a clam shell, these pearls of wisdom are within me. They are formed naturally and are of great value to the beholder. These are the treasures in this vast ocean. The sutras are sacred scriptures, affirmations, mantras, and guidelines. Most importantly, they are invitations to make peace with the water. To flow with it. To become one with it.
“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn how to surf.”
John Kabat-Zinn
The sutras remind me that I am not the crashing waves, the thoughts in my mind that move me to undesired places. I am the body that surfs the waves and finds union with the flow. When I am present, the waves become a vehicle I use to move me to wherever I want to go.
from my heart to yours…Namaste,
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