I was once talking to a Japanese chef about his days-off and when I joked how lucky for his wife that he’s a chef. Then he said he never cooked at home. Instead his joy was to eat out at different eateries to sample what other chefs were doing for inspirations. Then I recalled my late-father used to say if I wanted to write well, I needed to read a lot in that language. If I wanted to stay bilingual, I needed to read a lot in both languages …. SO… that’s what I did and still do.
On a similar trajectory, whenever we take a vacation, I always find a yoga studio on our trips and take couple of classes. I remain always a student to learn from others. A small studio – literally a “room” – in Tahoe City did not disappoint. I am sure if I lived in the neighborhood, I would frequent this place. The week night restorative yoga had about 12 ladies ranging from 20’s to 60’s. Again, quite different from a restorative class in Vancouver, Tokyo, New York or San Francisco, E. Bay or S. Bay … each class is completely different even though it’s defined “restorative” – It’s just a genre, like a category of a book, each book is completely different even if they are all shelved in same “mystery” or “travel” or “fiction” sections for that type of books. I let go of my tendencies to critique and judge and just took it all in – with an open mind, everything nourishes:) We all learn from each other and in the end … it’s about holding space for the students and allowing them to find their own inner teacher, the ultimate healer if it’s meant to be.
There’s the notion out there that “advance” means “hard” “tough” or “difficult” and therefore better – kind of the bitter the medicine, the better idea of the era I thought past – whereas if it’s gentle, caring and tender – it’s not as good for your self-advancement. Really? Such a brainwashed mindset full of ego and rajasic thinking. It’s not about hard=good or easy=bad, is it ? Is bitter = potent and effective? ; sweet = Not ? I thought it was about tending to the temple altar within… In fact, gritting your teeth and striving for perfection can damage your health – let’s lighten up. Challenge ourselves to journey inward, away from the distractions. It might be quite a bit more challenging than getting your toes to touch the whatever body parts of your choice. If that comes with ease and comfort – our breath is steady and liberating. Then, yoga works.
