Today, out of the blue, I got a voicemail from one of my oldest friends, who I haven't spoken to in a few months. As with most things, life becomes busy, we get set in 'our bubbles' of work, family, to-do's, yoga. As I listened to his voicemail, the tears began to well up in my eyes, because as he was struggling to find the right words to leave on the message, he finally surrendered, and said merely, "I just miss you. I love you." And that was it. And that was more than plenty. His words filled me up and let me know that I am loved, regardless of where I am, what I'm doing, what I'm NOT doing. It was unconditional.
And this came to class with me tonite. As I prepared to teach, I reflected on how and why we come together to practice in community. Of course, our yoga is uniquely our own personal journey, and whether we practice alone at home, in our backyard, on a beach, in a gym, or in a sacred space with others, it is still and always OURS, the gift we give ourselves at the start or end of a workday, or day off. But on this day, I reflected on what it is that compels us back to the mat to practice with others.
The obvious thing is that it's a great place for us to connect with friends, or meet new people; it fills a social desire to share this thing we love with people we care about. (And it's better and more meaningful than being in a bar.) But more deeply, and the longer I practice and teach, I am struck by how very powerful and profound this idea of community is. I believe that we are here to make connections with others, share both spoken and unspoken thoughts, feelings and inspiration with our community, and subsequently, to the world we each inhabit. I guess you could call it 'paying it forward'. And when I say 'our community'-- that is an ever-shifting group of individuals who happen to show up on any given day, either by luck, fate, or accident. So it isn't always or necessarily about knowing these people, but more about showing up and being open, and trusting, that you are holding space for them, and they for you. It is being part of a tribe.
I am continuously amazed by the students I'm blessed to serve, and what they teach me about...ME, about life. It is completely a reciprocal relationship. Whether it's someone's first class ever, or someone I've known for years, it's all the same. We are all together, in that moment, on that particular journey, on that particular day. We are a family. And on the most primal level, we are just there, breathing together, the tendrils of our lives briefly intertwining with those who are in the room with us; together we create a tapestry of energy (prana), without having to DO, say or think about any of it. It just happens.
OK, that might sound cliche or corny. But it is based upon a deep appreciation for what this practice of yoga has brought to me, both personally, professionally, and collectively. So I offer you this: take a moment, reflect on someone you hold dear to you, who's sustained you throughout many years on and off the mat, and reach out. Thank them, let them know how much they matter. Believe me, it is as big a gift to yourself as it is for them to receive.
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