Shifts Happen
Change is inevitable, but transformation is by conscious choice. ~ Heather Ash Amara
At the beginning of almost every class I teach, I ask you to observe your starting point: to notice what’s going on in your body, your head, your heart... From there you set an intention for your practice, begin to move, and observe breath by breath how your body and mind respond. At the end of class, I ask you to notice the changes that have occurred in your practice and then ask the larger question of what you’ll take with you off the mat, where the “real yoga” starts.
Heather Ash Amara’s above distinction between change and transformation is the essence of yoga. Shifts happen: bodies age, relationships change, children grow up. But transformation? I agree with Heather. That’s a conscious choice. That’s about taking those inevitable shifts that happen both on and off the mat and transforming them into hope and infinite possibilities.
Personal transformation can and does have global effects. As we go, so goes the world, for the world is us. ~ Marianne Williamson
As a teacher, I get to witness the transformations I see on the mat, through postural changes, increased awareness, fascial expressions and a connected energy that’s clearly evident in the room. What I’m also privileged to witness is the global shifts I observe you engaging in off the mat. To name just a few of you:
Bob Weekley: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Rappahannock
Kae Kindle, Christine Wiggins, Caroline Shifflett, Ally Childress, Jameson Crandall, Amy Maloney, Pamela Witthaus, Suzie Beer, the Ginge: Kekoka Yoga Retreat
If I’ve left you out, I apologize for either lack of space or that I’m simply unaware! Whether or not you’re one of my students, I would love you to shoot me an email or comment below about the good work you’re doing to transform yourself, your relationships, and your community.
Here’s to making shifts happen!