Teacher Training Begins

Yoga teacher training began last Friday. The weekend was charged with positive energy that kept me feeling strong and engaged the whole way through despite the long hours. Friday began with a two hour practice. I felt a bit stiff and cloudy, probably because I was unsure of where the weekend was heading and was feeling apprehensive. Despite initial concerns, the evening was wonderful, culminating in sharing circle where we all had some time to speak. Who are you...why are you here...what do you hope to get from the training...what are your fears regarding it. The group ranges in age from 18 to late 60s. All different life experiences and perspectives, but with a common thread bringing us together--the desire to learn, grow, and open ourselves to new healthier, more whole lives. Saturday and Sunday I felt more receptive to practice, coming out of two more lengthy, strong sessions feeling invigorated and centered. I'm realizing how much I've gained from consistent, vigorous practice. If I weren't going to the studio nearly everyday the toll on my body would have been great. But I felt genuinely good. I don't know when it began, but I've noticed that I am doing much more of the practice with my eyes closed. It feels good to move inward, focusing of breath, movement, and stillness. I can't help but feel proud of myself for no longer feeling the urge to look around the room to see who's there, what they're doing, and thinking about how I compare.

The training offers much more in addition to the yoga and learning to teach. We're learning about intuition, meditation, whole foods nutrition. There's so much I want to know, and I find myself itching to have it all at my finger tips now. So, I remind myself not to get my wheels spinning, and to approach it piece by piece. And so the week has gone, and I've made my work a priority. I'm keeping a food journal, meditating, and working on the reading. Today I made winter root vegetable soup, one of the numerous recipes I want to try.

I'm still not sure what will come of all this. My hopes are high, but I can't attach any expectation to it. There's a lot of work to be done on a lot of levels. But I'm excited about the journey and where it may lead.