Sweet Surrender

I had the honour of taking a few classes with Kelly Morris at Wanderlust, VT last spring. A (pardon my french!) no-bullshit Buddhist teacher, she spoke to us about the importance of setting intentions for our practice, and always sending them out to someone in need. I always had a problem with this, because if I was doing yoga FOR myself, why would I want to set my practice to someone else? I had trouble connecting with it, and began to feel selfish, always taking this powerful practice and keeping it for myself. If I would try and reach it out to someone, but it would always come back to me during meditation and savasana - based on what I needed or how I felt.

This week, I found out some disheartening news about the family of a dear friend and teacher of mine before stepping into a class. My heart immediately shattered into pieces, and I was unsure about how I was going to get through this class without crying, and was partly tempted to just go home and feel the pain. But, taking what Kelly taught me, I walked into the class, rolled out my mat, and set my intention for my friend. All during class, I truly FELT my practice. I worked harder and gave it my all - rather then just doing it. I felt each warrior two extend from my fingertips out to my friend and his family. I felt the divine lift something from me, and send it miles away to a family in need. I felt connected with myself, my practice and the individuals I set in my intention.


During meditation, an image of my friend came to me. A man who gives so much of himself, was now the center of my thoughts. As I meditated on this image, I realized it was the image of him meditating back to me. I focused on him, on his love, on his life, and sat with it. It was one of those moments where I felt so connected, and when it was time to open my eyes, I felt a true shift in my mind, body, soul and where my energy was being placed.

Sure, we can all have a yoga practice and a seated practice, but when we see it come to life, and can feel it from out of our bodies, that's a wild experience - an experience some of us strive to achieve. The rest of the week, my morning sadhana and evening classes were set for my friend. I moved so willingly and effortlessly. When I taught, I was so present and aware of the students I was teaching that I REALLY listened to their bodies. Every word I said had a purpose. There was an evening class where my teacher had us extend our arms to the sky, and send the OM's out, where my tears came down so naturally, knowing my love was being sent across the country, into a hospital, where it was needed.

It's not easy to take the practice off the mat, but this week, my practice has shifted. My perspective has shifted. I learned to let go. To surrender. To be.

Blessings,
M

PS: As a side note, my darling friend flew back to NYC this weekend for our training. When I told him about my experience, he assured me that he felt the love, the OM's and the energy. We are all connected. Always remember that. Regardless of what you believe - sending the cosmic love from your soul gets to those you send it to. They feel it. They embrace it. They know. Trust me. XO.