yoga has been an incredible teacher for me over the last few years. the way i approach yoga, practice yoga, has gone through intresting stages that reflect changes in my thinking and being. i guess that’s what it’s all about, no?

even though my buddhist yoga teacher said repeatedly to the class in general “this is your yoga, not mine. just do what you can. everything is optional.” i didn’t really hear her, i was too much absorbed in my own thinking, trying to “get it right”, and becoming furious when my body wouldn’t do it.

now i am able to be far more present during class. i am learning to inhabit my body. there’s a lot i don’t do, when i’m not well. but i see the effect i have had on others in the class. my presence, my humility, my occassional tears have sort of brought an openness to the group, and others now feel freer to listen to their own bodies and refrain from pushing themselves past the point the body says “no”.

we are a gift to the class, i think.

A truly inspirational soul you are.

One of my greatest fears with RA was “deformed” hands and feet. But, as time has gone on I have also seen that these things can have beauty. RA causes us to think deeper and see what beautiful people we are, even with RA. Your life with RA is making a difference for so many and that in itself is beautiful. Thank you for seeing the beauty in life.

I went to my yogi the first day of class and I said, but I can’t do even the poses of a sun salutation! He said to me that yoga can be infinitely modified to suit the body, as long as the mind and spirit are there. I do so very much miss that yogi; I’ve never had another teacher like him.

~Kali