Tuesday, December 25, 2007

for everyone

I know that Christmas isn't everyone's holiday but love and celebration belong to all people, everywhere.

May you be happy.
May you be free from suffering.
May you have light and love in your life.
May there be peace and joy throughout the lands!

Loka Samastha Sukino Bhavantu.



Wednesday, December 12, 2007

apples and oranges

I will not be unkind or speak ill here because I don't like the idea of the internet being an open forum to spew venomous opinions. However, being back to teaching in SF has officially killed the buzz that New York gave me. I can admit it: I'm an addict. Yes, I'm addicted to the warmth and joy and curiosity and excitement that New Yorkers bring to their mat. Frankly I'm not sure why you'd come to the mat without those things. I keep waiting for that "tremendous" feeling that's supposed to behind the letting go... And I know that there's some resistance on my part, but there's plenty coming from the other side. Teaching to love brings out love. Why would I want to teach to anything else? And I don't mean love for me, but love of life and the practice of becoming your best and True Self. I know that nothing will ever keep me from my own practice and my own path but I fear that my new surroundings have the potential to make me step away from sharing the practice I love so much.

Abhyasa Vairagyabhyam Tan-nirodhah (Sutra I.12)

The movements of the mind are stilled through consistent practice and non-attachment to the outcome.

Saturday, December 08, 2007

empty space

I'm staying with friends in my building while I'm back in New York because my apartment is empty and on the market. My friends have a beautiful 8 month old daughter - she's like a little Sita. Since I'm out at Nataraj Yoga in Port Washington today my practice was one of the first orders of the day. I got out of their way and went down to practice in my place. Talk about freaky. Laying my mat in the spot where it lay for years was really the only thing that felt familiar in my empty space. That aprtment is so clearly not where I live anymore. It was almost like today's practice was some sort of farewell: a coda to the final movement of my New York Suite.

Friday, December 07, 2007

yogi on the run

I'm trying to decide if it always felt like this, or if it's just because I've been away for the last few months. Did I run around this much while I was living here? Did it wear me down like this, and I've just blocked it out? Or is it because I'm getting around on foot and carrying so much stuff? I don't know. But being a yogi on the run feels a little less than good right now. That being said, at least every time I stop running I'm in the company of amazing people who make it all worth it.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

surgery

I had my MRI earlier this week. It confirms the suspicions: I have a tear in my right medial meniscus. I'm planning to have surgery early in the year (February or March). Hopefully it won't put me out of commission for too long.

back where it all began

I'm in New York for a few days doing some teaching. It was fantastic to be at LLNYC tonight, sharing class with everyone. There was such an outpouring of love welcoming me back, and it was a real blast to teach the nYc family again. I'm constantly struck by how the community at LLNYC consistently shows up ready, willing and open to everything. This isn't home any more but it's certainly good to be back.