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As the story goes, while still in my mother's womb I would kick the ashtray off
her belly each time she sat down to smoke a cigarette, perhaps sensing early
my keen desire to remove obstacles. I came into this world strong willed and
fiercely independent, eager to meet any challenge life had to offer.Growing up
on Army bases all over the country, I was taught early that by forging forward
I wouldn't have to look back.
My first exposure to Yoga came around 1974. I was 22, a recent college grad with
no plan and no option of returning home. Tucking aside a degree in psychology,
I set out in search of purpose and direction, and moved to Ann Arbor Michigan
following a mime troupe scheduled to teach at the University. Within a couple
months the mime led to contact improvisation. Soon I became immersed in an art
form that kept me present. Feeling at home in the aliveness of my body for the
first time, I could set my mind free. Eventually, co-founding an all women's
dance/theater collective, life was like a playground, steeped in the warmth of
vital community, weekly performances, teaching, traveling and collaborating with
artists and musicians. While taking a Yoga class at the Y in hopes of learning
how to better relax, I heard about a master teacher who was coming to town. I
enrolled, with little idea of what to expect, but unfortunately left discouraged
and more tense. Simply put, it was not the right fit at the time, but a seed
had been planted.
It was 22 years later, two years after the birth of my second son, when my calling
back to Yoga could no longer be ignored. Little did I know that first class with
Suzie Hurley was to eventually change my life. Having suffered four miscarriages
during the five years between my first and second son, extremely sleep deprived
and struggling to keep my head up with the new demands of a spirited, and also
sleep-deprived child, I left breathing sighs of relief. This time I would not
be stepping away. Hidden beneath each tight spot, each struggle, fear, doubt
or darkness in life are the seeds of new possibilities and freedom. As I stood
in that class, gazing down at the vast and seemingly endless distance between
my hands and feet, my body stiff and tight in places I once knew, but had forgotten,
Suzie's famous words “It's not about how far you go, but how you go far,” were
inspiration to my tired and weary heart. A door opened and a spark of light ignited,
inviting me on the journey home to those parts of my self I had spent a lifetime
ignoring.
In its highest aim, all the practices of Yoga ask who we are. To stretch beyond
the boundaries of the pose and embrace the many parts of our self, undesirable
or unwanted as they may be, as precious gifts of our True Nature. Yoga has helped
me see more clearly that who I am and that which I seek to become are all One,
and as I dance through the vastness of this huge unknown, I have the choice to
remember that I do in fact already have everything I need. Even that strong will
and keen desire that had me initially kicking away obstacles and ashtrays, continues
to serve me well.
It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that I give thanks to my beloved teachers
and the many gifted and inspirational instructors and students of Willow Street
Yoga who continue to ignite the flame of spirit in my heart. Life is still a
playground and the journey with you is a delight. |
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