Embrace Your Journey

DHARMA TALK - September 3, 2017 I HEART YOGA

Last month, I did 100 hours of yoga teacher training in Jaco, Costa Rica with High Energy Fusion Yoga.  This took only ten days but it was intense, it was tiring and it was a humbling experience as day in and day out, I felt like my body was taking a beating.  All so I complete and add another 100 hours of level two teacher training to my resume.   But guess what, I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.  During the process, I discovered more of what my body can do, I met new people, I reconnected with old ones, I made lasting friendships. I read books, I meditated, I did homework.  I also explored the town, I ate great food, I melted in what could be the most humid conditions I've ever been in,  I surfed for the very first time and I fell many times.  I made friends with the resident furry family members and marveled at those red macaws just flying above our heads.  It was all so fascinating and I celebrated each of those moments.  Because for once, I wasn't focused on the finish line, that piece of paper telling me I've completed my requirements.  Instead, I focused on my journey and those who came across my path. I focused on each experience along the way, no matter how difficult, uncomfortable and painful.  For I know these experiences are molding me into the teacher I need to become.  And I embraced that.

For the next hour I would like to invite you to see if you can accept and appreciate each moment during class exactly as it is.  Do not focus on the end goal of the pose or the end of class.  Observe and appreciate where your body is at the moment.  Embrace your journey as yogis so that maybe, you can take that mindset with you off the mat.  Appreciation is a wonderful feeling, do not overlook it.