Category: Beautiful People

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern.

Beautiful people do not just happen.

~Elizabeth Kubler Ross

I am filled with gratitude for the beautiful people I have come across on my path; some I travel with as fellow travel companions, some I have the honor to guide, some kindly guide me – for this journey goes on and on.

Speaking of the ritual of circling your calender…

I will be subbing for my lovely yogini friend Nancy I admire so much, next Tuesday morning at Bay Club, Redwood Shores – Come join me for Morning Yoga Level 2/3 practice  – I love Nancy – when I asked her what kind of class should it look like, she replied – whatever you want – just make it at least level 2-ish. Her words are so comforting – “You teach whatever you’d like… the students are all very nice and I know they will like you.” When someone entrusts you a class like that you are compelled to just rise to the occasion. Thank you Nancy for your vote of confidence –  your trust and yes, I will be sure to take good care of the students ! I will dutifully comply to your words and produce a level 2-3-ish class:)

Oh, by the way,

This level 2/3 thing – although I assume I do not have to rehash down-dog how to’s, wondering what does it mean?  More I delve into yoga, more I feel like I just began – Humbled, I am forever a beginner, basic student… “Zen Mind; Beginner’s Mind” to quote Suzuki Roshi’s Classic book.  Putting ego aside and forever a beginner, I can be found taking a basic class or just breathing in restful Child Pose in advance class when I am not teaching…  so really, it’s yoga for everyone I hope to teach.  Anyway, that’s my intention:)

I will be subbing at Bay Club, Redwood Shores Thursday morning so look me up if you are a member there or trying out the place.  The people there are very warm and whenever I step into the Club, I feel this positive energy and joyful vibes – thank you in advance for joining me as I cover for a fellow yogini and a beautiful soul, Myra.

Speaking of teaching, reading these words of the revered master, the late,  B.K.S. Iyengar and so humbled:  “Each pupil who comes to you comes with some new problems.  No two persons are alike.  Therefore, teaching cannot be parrot teaching.  Each pupil has to be studied….Do not differentiate between yourself and the pupil. … If there is a gap between teacher and student, it creates egoism in  the teacher and a communication gap between them.”

“When students come to me to learn, I treat them as God, as we are all children of God.  As a teacher, one must be a pupil within.”

Then this gem:

“So please do not practice yoga with the sole motive to become a teacher.  If occasion arises, accept to teach.  While learning, I never thought that I might have to teach.  The circumstances forced me to become a teacher.  If pupils did not come to me, I said that it was God’s wish that I devote my time to more practice.  And when pupils came, I would say to myself that it is God’s wish to serve them.  In both ways I took it as God’s grace.”

I am awe of this legendary guru’s teachings.. and that my teacher Judith learned directly from this legend gives me the goose bumps.  She imbues the guru’s wisdom, shining with her own passion and love for yoga.  I am so lucky to have had so many great teachers in my life, starting off with my parents and grandparents, the first teachers, then all the mentors yoga related and not… We learn so much from each other.  I love this human race:)