Yoga Bits
June 27 - July 3, 2011

Classes for the Week of June 27    

Wed 7:30 p.m.  Thu 7:30 p.m.  Sat 11 a.m.  Sat 3 p.m.

 

Coming End of July:  

Sunday class at Armory Center for the Arts, Pasadena 


Growing Pains
It Only Hurts When I...


 

"In a moment where dynamic growth has just occurred, the lack of familiar patterns will cause considerable angst. Courage is the only way to relax resistance to the unfamiliar."

-- Guru Singh

   

I love this quote. And I hate this quote.

 

It's the kind of yogic wisdom that rings SO true and on some days is SO annoying!  There we are, growing our little hearts out trying to be all we can be, when the anxiety that accompanies change pulls up a chair and starts talking us out of moving ahead. And now I'm supposed to find courage? Help! 

 

Courage can be elusive when fear uses "arguments" that are extremely convincing. After all, if growth is good for us, why does it feel so bad/dangerous/wrong? If this change is positive, why are other people against it?  How come I'm broke? Alone? About to get fired for speaking up? It can be very difficult to discern whether our choices are helpful or harmful when met with resistance or seemingly unfavorable consequences.

 

School BusThat's why we all need teachers (no, not just yoga teachers!). Good teachers help us ask better questions and recognize our progress without letting us off too easy. That combination builds trust between teacher and student, providing the necessary support to face the unfamiliar. Good teachers help us rise to the challenges we face in meeting life on life's terms.

 

Take some time this week to notice and acknowledge the teachers in your life. I'd certainly be lost without mine. 

Sat Nam,

 

Mary