Volume 4 Issue 1

January, 2003

It’s so hard to believe that this is Volume 4 of Yoga!  Since beginning to compile this in June, 2000 the work on the newsletter has helped me to bring focus and direction to my life.  The newsletter has been a part of my practice.  Its appreciation by others has been a bonus.  Some who read these pages have known me for 20 years, some for as little as a month.  You have all contributed greatly to my having the sense of home even as I have moved from place to place.  Thank you.

At the end of this year, 2002, I would like to thank all of those in my new community of Fayetteville for their overwhelming support.  Mollie Tribell, Joy Caffrey, and Cindi Cartwright all played major roles in the success of The Yoga Room and the Judith Lasater workshop that we sponsored in December.  Both endeavors revealed to me just how supportive our community can be.  Though I have never been a business owner before, the Yoga Room came together like magic.  Of course much of the magic is due to the efforts of my co-owner of the Yoga Room, Mollie Tribell.  It was merely an idea, a mist, when a wonderful little room became available to us.  When that room became too small, Mollie was offered another space.  We have Mollie to blame for the expansion in the Yoga Room syllabus by bringing Joy Caffrey into our space.  Three very different yoga teachers welcomed students, both new to us and those who had been dear to us for some time.  The Yoga Room has a cozy, welcome feeling that has its basis in the students and the practice they embrace there.   

This year I spread my yoga teacher wings to Rogers to teach a lovely group of women at the Methodist Church.  Being in that hallowed space weekly with such wonderful women gave me peace and comfort during the critical family events I lived through this year. 

And, I am looking forward to an even wider wingspread when I begin teaching at the Accents Salon and Day Spa in Bentonville this coming January.  To Mollie, Joy and me, this is Yoga Room, too.

Judith Lasater was the very first instructor that I have asked to come present a workshop.  Its success was an easy one.  I have attended many workshops in the past and helped a bit with a few.  I have heard of the effort, the disappointments, the frustrations, and the fears that sponsors can experience.  This event was not one of apprehension.  It came together very well with no nasty little insecurities to hide the joy.  Cindi Cartwright calmly presented miracle after miracle.  My job was not to rush.  I didn’t rush into a venue, didn’t rush into plans, didn’t ask for assurance.  Cindi’s network opened new doors and brought success to a workshop that, up until the very day of the workshop, turned no one away.  As it happened, that was the greatest challenge, the room was quite full.  And, as the Arkansas yogis know, very close yoga rooms are not our style here in the Ozarks.  But, most found comfort and  were pleased that Judith came to visit our part of the country.  We look forward to her return to Fayetteville in 2004. 

At the end of 2001 I was just returning from my long awaited trip to India.  There were so many reasons I had delayed this trip for 15 years.  But, now my family and the places where I worked not only allowed me to leave for 10 weeks, but gave their whole hearted blessing and support.  Andrea Fournet not only kept a spot for me on her schedule at the Arkansas Yoga Center, she held a party for me that brought quite a bit of money into my traveling kitty.  Carol Earhart, manager of Washington Regional's Exercise Center, said, “Go, go, we will be here when you come back.” 

When I was a teenager and dissatisfied with the direction of my church my grandparents quite firmly reminded me that fellowship was an integral part of worship and if I didn’t go to their church, I must go to some church.  Once a Mahayana Buddhist student has committed to seeking enlightenment he/she takes refuge:

I go for refuge in the Buddha, the enlightened teacher; I commit to enlightenment.

I go for refuge in the Dharma, the spiritual teachings;  I commit to the truth as it is.

I go for refuge in the Sangha, the spiritual community; I commit to living the enlightened life.

Once you commit to the path of enlightenment there is no turning back, there are only obstacles.  Each obstacle that we meet leads to growth not only for ourselves, but many others.    One reason I am drawn to Iyengar’s style of teaching is because he stresses the importance of working in the world, living with a family.  I am truly grateful the Fayetteville community has opened its arms to me and let me know, in no uncertain terms, that I am a welcome and loving member of this Ozark family.

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What we are today comes from our thoughts of yesterday, and our present thoughts build our life of tomorrow:  our life is the creation of our mind.

- Dhammapada

Sthira Sukhum Asanam

- Patanjali’s Sutras 2.46

The intention that Judith Lasater put forth for our practice during the workshop in December was from Patanjali’s sutras.  Book 2, verse 46 can be translated as “Abide in ease in asana.”  If we learn and allow ease in asana, can we not allow this ease to creep into all aspects of our lives?

I suggest that for this month you find a posture you like and abide in ease for a longer duration.  This could be a standing pose, could be seated, could be inversion.  The point is to abide in ease. 

Next, in your practice perform a pose that you are just learning.  One you do not feel is coming very smoothly.  Practice this posture several times looking for the ease. 

The third posture is one that you find to be most difficult, one you may believe will never come to you in this lifetime.  Perform this posture several times.  The first time, attempt the lower body portion of the pose.  The next perform the upper body portion.  In the third, bring the posture together.  You will find you may need props.  Find the ease in this difficult posture.

One of Judith’s lessons in sequencing is to, each day, perform an asana which you feel mastery may come.  This instills confidence.  Perform an asana that you are learning.  You are a student.  Perform a difficult posture to maintain your humility.

Namaste

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