Always Learning...Always Growing...

My new favourite lunchtime passion is yoga. During training season I actually never took lunches as I had to get home in time to workout and with my commute, that meant grabbing time wherever I could.

I'm having an absolute blast in my yoga classes! Not only am I becoming stronger and more flexible, ever so slowly I should add, but I am also learning and growing in other ways...

I went to class on Tuesday expecting a pretty tough workout based on who was teaching. When I arrived there was another yogini. I was soon to discover that she is new to teaching yoga.

Although the moves were the same as most classes, the flow wasn't quite there. As well, she would falter in telling us what she would like us to do. I'm embarassed to admit this, but for a little bit I could feel frustration bubble up within me. I couldn't get into the workout as the flow wasn't there and my movements were choppy. Thankfully, I came to my senses quickly. When I realized that I was getting frustrated when this poor girl was doing her best, I felt horrible!

I quickly reminded myself that everyone has to start somewhere. How many times have I taken up something new and people were patient with me! I decided right then and there I would acknowledge what I felt and then turn it around. From then on I made sure I sent her positive energy. With every move I would silently tell her she was doing great. Honestly, she really did have great moves planned and she changed things up which was refreshing. She just needs to work on the flow of the movements. I bet once she has a few more classes under her belt that she'll have the routine all polished up and it will be brilliant!

The yogini teaching class today was the total opposite. Kim became my favourite teacher from the moment I took her first class. Unfortunately, she then went on vacation for three weeks. She's back now and I'm ecstatic. I even managed to catch two of her classes this week as she filled in for another teacher.

I think what I love most about her is she really encourages bringing gratitude, peace and love into your practice. She reminds us to set our intention for the class. Then she gives us a killer workout. My entire body was shaking with some of the moves! It was awesome. I do not know how I used to believe yoga was easy?!

Whenever I'm in her class it's like nothing else matters but my breath and my movement. It's my time to feel inner peace. It's glorious! Eventually I will learn how to create that inner peace whenever and whereever.

At the end of todays class, while we were resting, she told a wonderful story. It was about a class asked to name the seven wonders of the world. A survey of the class showed that most of the students listed the 'known' seven wonders. All but one girl. She said she was having some difficulty with her list. When her teacher asked her what the seven wonders were she listed the following...

Our ability to
see,
hear,
smell,
taste,
touch,
laugh, and
love.

The story really struck me. I'm not sure why. Perhaps it's because I've been realizing lately that life really is simple. Focus on the present moment. Give unconditional love, even to those who you find rather challenging at times. Respect each other. And don't forget to laugh. A lot. It creates a lot of positive energy.

Peace out my fabulous friends!