The deep peace you find in shoulder stand

Today, I had the good pleasure of enjoying the class of one of our new teachers. He mentioned that shoulderstand not only has many great benefits that I was aware of, but I learned that it also boosts the metabolism. It's soon to become one of my favorite asana ;-)

What it drew me to, however, as I practice it, is the deep peace that one can find in shoulderstand. It's as if your heart becomes louder and every thing else becomes more quiet. Like the flood of blood to the brain is an orchestra of energy that calms the waves of thought that so often render us ineffective when it comes to stillness. How is it that simply reversing the flow of gravity quiets the monkeys? With my new knowledge about metabolism and the fresh appreciation of stillness, I will find myself daily in my shoulderstand, feeling love and appreciation for that first yogi who found this lovely asana.

Yoga is growing in Salem!

I can't help but notice that the studio is regularly fuller. It's easy to notice that our new membership program is affecting this also. And then I wonder, 'will it last'? Will this foster the dedication that is necessary to reap the true benefits of yoga?

As teachers and studio managers, we see the masses flood the studios all decked out in their yoga wear with a neatly rolled up mat under their arms in January. They are full of enthusiasm and confidence that this year will be the year that they master the discipline that it takes to be dedicated to their practice. And, sadly, as the months pass, fewer and fewer students are coming in.

A serious studio offers great teachers and a variety of classes plus fair and affordable programs to encourage a regular and dedicated practice to the student. These less interesting points of the business of yoga get few excited, but thankfully they do put the twinkle in my eye! Many teachers come to their role wanting to help their students grow their practice, and I have that desire also, but on a grander scale. I desire to make yoga accessible and practical to the masses. THAT gets me excited! So, as I work with Zohra to refine the business of yoga, I am renewed by the full classes and feeling that we are making an impact in Salem. YEA for Indigo!

There's days that you just love what you do

Tonight is one of those nights that I go to bed feeling as if all the stars are aligned, all that is in my life is just right and that God is living fully in me. It seems we all have these days, although admittedly, they can seem too rare. However, after a very full studio tonight and pointed and sincere compliments on my teaching skills, my heart is full of joy, knowing that I am making a difference in people's lives. That the time that I take to give to them really matters. And what more could a person ask for in a 'job'?

I've watched myself evolve as a yoga teacher over the three years that I've been at it and I'm excited to see where I will be in ten years. What I projected forward when I began seems to have nothing to do with who I am growing into being. So, tonight, as I express deep love and gratitude to my students for their dedication to their practice, I feel grateful to be their teacher and simply be a part of their journey.