Yours. Not Mine.

I taught my usual Saturday morning class at East Side Yoga today and was reminded of a very important lesson.  As a Kripalu Inspired teacher, I learned to approach the practice of yoga as compassionately and intuitively as possible.  I aim to teach in the same fashion.  This morning I had my students begin in Child's Pose, which I sometimes will do if I am sensing lower energy in the room.  There is a lot of mold or something in the air right now (I can really sense it), so I was tuned into to the fact that people might have needed a gentler start.

While in Child's Pose, I instructed my students to remain in the present moment, to leave everything at the door behind them and to relax into the space.  One of my students was having a seemingly difficult time.  She was fidgeting around a lot and even at one point lay prone on her belly.  I took this as a sign that she needed some extra guidance.  So, I intuitively walked over to her and proceeded to ask what she was struggling with.  She named some areas of discomfort and said it just wasn't comfortable anymore for her body to be in this shape.  I offered her 2 or 3 suggestions, even rolling up a blanket to place in between her knees and her calves.


While I was helping her, she said..."actually, my intention today is to do the things I can do and be ok with the things I can't."  Simply put, beautifully said.  A very important lesson for me to keep in mind.  I left her alone. I stepped aside and let her have her own experience.  I don't call my business "This is Your Yoga" for nothing.  I need to keep in mind that each student comes to class during any given moment to have an experience.  Sometimes it is appropriate for me to offer assistance, but other times it is not.

Thinking that I was doing this student a favor by offering her all these things was a misconception.  Allowing students to experience their practice as an unfolding, un-forced and totally individualized gift is something that I cannot and should not take away from them because of my own ego or my own desire to help or 'fix.'


Letting go is a theme that keeps creeping up in my life these days.  I find myself in limbo between being totally and completely spacious and allowing and being a bit ego-driven and caught up in the what ifs.  The best way to achieve inner peace is to allow.  Allow for the good, the bad and the imperfect to occur without trying to force things.  My student brought to light these important lessons for me and I will try to work on this ever present balance.