Autobiography of a Beginner Yoga Teacher
Yoga teachers are arguably some of the most judged people in our day-to-day lives. Deciding to be one sounds fun in theory, with printed spandex and unlimited flexibility, but the actual work is surprisingly challenging on multiple levels.
The Same Old Story
I remember the day I learned about samskaras and avidya. I felt completely overwhelmed and a bit freaked out. Am I really the cause of my own suffering? How can liking something be bad? Have I let my fears influence my life?
Dear Claudia
I have decided to take a trial separation from my ego. This will be a first for us after 31 years together.
The Art of Touch
A physical touch has immense power. It is a form of communication with so many subtleties. With essentially the same touch, one person can assert power over another, while someone else can use it to show their love.
Failure Demand
There are numerous areas we stuff full of failure demands, rather than being proactive about designing our daily lives better.
The Cost of Karma
I love the concept of karma. I feel that it captures the blips of the tiniest micro-actions as well as the huge impacts of major decisions. It means that there is always a chance to take the high road and that all you need to do is listen to your sense of right and wrong.
Washing Your Brain
We are so quick to adopt mantras that label us, limit us, or make us compete against each other. We repeat them to others and in our own heads until they become beliefs. And we believe them so deeply that they feel like the Truth (that’s right, I used a capital T).
Nonstealing
Niyamas from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras). It’s the yogi’s version of the Ten Commandments, except that they are not as black and white. They are practices that might fit into each person’s life a little bit differently, but are there as a means of freeing yourself from the common reasons we experience suffering.
One of the five Yamas is called Asteya, which translates to “nonstealing.” The idea can be read quite literally – a person shouldn’t take something that isn’t theirs. However, it can also be viewed in less tangible terms: don’t take what isn’t freely given. Don’t steal people’s time, don’t steal their energy, don’t steal someone’s idea.
