My Most Recent Joy

A couple of years ago I went on a search for a yoga class, in a convenient location, that fit into my schedule and budget, and had a teacher that I liked. I felt like I was on a search for the Holy Grail it was proving so difficult. Living where I do, in such a rural community it was nearly impossible to find everything that I wanted. In April I finally happened across a new studio in Windham. I emailed the owner and was preparing to take my first class at this studio. Very soon after this decision I was taking my son to an appointment in Bridgton and saw a sign for the Yoga House, and they were having an Open House! I have driven past this place before and it was NOT a yoga studio! I went home and looked it up online and went to my first class there that very night! What a feeling. It was safe, fun, exhilarating and perfect!

Back in November I started a yoga teacher training at the Shala Institute of Yoga which is part of the Yoga House. This has proven to be an amazing journey, one that I never could have imagined. Firstly, the teacher is great. She is funny (in a "I'm not funny" kind of way), compassionate and most importantly, real. She is extremely knowledgeable and if she doesn't know the answer will help you find it. I am so grateful that she was put in my path. I think perhaps yoga teachers are like spiritual teachers, you will find the right one when you are ready and open to it.

My first thoughts way back in November were absolutely terrifying. I was anxious and on the verge of vomiting at the thought of doing something so huge. It was such a relief to realize that everyone else was feeling the same way. We are all in different places in our practice and different places in our lives but also so similar in many ways. The one being that we all absolutely love yoga. Passionately adore it. The same is true for Amy, our teacher. Her enthusiasm is infectious. After having spent so much time with these wonderful people I must say that I am going to be quite sad when the training comes to an end.

I knew in the beginning, that during this training I would learn a lot about yoga...obviously. But I have learned so much about myself. Since becoming an adult and taking many classes in various subjects I know that I want to learn everything...I want an "A", so to speak. I am actually neurotic about it. In this program I am not the "best." Not even close. But it doesn't matter. Yoga is so different than other things I have studied. It is absolutely not about being the best or about being perfect. It is about being your own truth, doing YOUR best and feeling every single moment of it, being mindful and living it, good bad or otherwise. I try. I go so far out of my comfort zone and allow the other students to see me there. It is amazing. I know that I am strong, capable and being true to who I am. The fact that I can feel safe in such a vulnerable place is a testament to the teacher and the other students in this program. I came home this weekend with such joy in my heart.

On a personal level, yoga (and this program) is joy, frustration, love, compassion, tenderness, determination, strength, boldness, caring and love. A huge heart full of love! I am so truly glad that I "dared" to take this step in my life. To also realize that I will not die from wandering so far outside of my comfort zone. That I am worthy of it all. So far this has been an incredible journey that I have been able to share with incredible people. I am so blessed and extremely thankful.


I would recommend Amy and the Yoga House and Shala Institute of Yoga to anyone interested in taking classes, deepening their practice or becoming a yoga teacher.



As a side note...I may be teaching some vegan cooking classes there soon so stay tuned.
: )