Category: Healthy Living

“The teachers who get “burned out” are not the ones who are constantly learning, which can be exhilarating, but those who feel they must stay in control and ahead of the students at all times.”

~ Frank Smith

“To teach is to learn twice.”

~ Joseph Joubert

Love being a student – Rather by returning to being a student, there’s true learning taking place, when you teach. Confession – Lately, I have been feeling like just going away – I told a friend my dream would be to just check into an ashram (NOT asylum:) just about now and take a sabbatical from a daily “schedule” in general. But, real and ordinary life demands my attention and that I’d be super engaged. Be plugged in. I do want to be there for those I care. It’s an important time never to be repeated again. So restorative yoga time and my own yin/yang vinyasa flowish hatha yoga blend of a practice is how I balance – to devise my own “ashram” retreat here … a pilgrimage to my own soul whenever I find the need to attend to Self. With practice, you can transport yourself to any ashram without being confined physically to your own everyday realm.

Teaching on regular basis is nice but in some ways, sometimes I think I am not cut out for it … being too much of an Empath as I was called by a friend. So the whole concept of Ichigo-Ichie I referred to yesterday is what I am working on – it’s a tea ceremony of sorts, or that’s how to approach the class. It’s a tea party and guests come together for that ceremony, for the ritual just once – maybe to never to meet again.

These thoughts came to me because I was surprised myself that I felt this odd, something’s not right – a weird energy or lack of it, when a regular student for a whole year stopped coming first of this year- It is actually very disconcerting especially because he was like a fixture, very consistent, always at a same spot by the mirror every week, quietly sitting. Of course, he’s free to whatever and owes me no explanation – there is no commitment to be there – it’s just free will thing. And yet…So when that spot became empty … We felt the absence. There really was like an invisible “hole” right there on the floor- an emptiness – a hole where the communal energy leaked out a little – that mat space had been reserved by him, so it was hard to let go of the idea that now it’s available – when someone else took up the space, it even felt very weird to me – he was that stabilizing and part of the space.

So when he came back on the full moon day this month, it was nice. (Just when I got used to losing him – aghhh! just kidding – welcome back:) It was like this energy field was reclaimed and the room became … whole again, yes, restored. I really have to just let go of such concerns – just live in the NOW, from moment to moment with no expectation, no ego – no attachments that’s maybe even … gasp …could be – clingy – so uncool. I do get concerned when there’s a no show of someone who routinely showed up though – can’t help but wonder if that student is sick or injured or moved away or this or that when the spell of regularity is broken. So sometimes when a more regular student comes to tell me that she will miss a class next week because of this or that reason, I really appreciate the thoughtfulness. I used to not care and for that reason, it was so much easier being a sub who have no attachment at all. So free. Those who tell me their plans, I have a feeling must be a teacher too and knows what it’s like. Keeping a respectful distance but still caring with absolutely no expectations. Then, sudden no shows will not throw you off – let’s not get complacent with this spell of regularity… e – n – e – r – g – y – ! It’s all about energy.

Ironic to be at this party when I have not seen any of the films being nominated. Last movie I saw must have been “Life of Pi” or was it “Kung Fu Panda”? So out of touch when it comes to current movies – rather do yoga than watch movies but … some exceptions.

Fun still to just vote – luckily it’s multiple choice – playing along clueless with the choices on the ballot. Pure luck – Won a prize even:)

Nice mix of vegan and non-vegan nibbles. Considerate hosts – to give guests the choice.

Very creative hosts – must be film buffs – apparently into their 17th year hosting – such a nice warm family.

Red beats and yellow beats – vegan nibbles. Pretty colors.

Clueless … Who’s who? Help.
Does this help? No, not that kind of help.
What’s in this again? A creative mixologist here.
A great chef, Kerry, catered and he’s available for any kind of gathering ! Happy to refer:)
Here’s his website: www.chefkerry.com
He can customize and work with your budget … nice.