present moment practice

I used to write at 5:00 a.m., but not anymore...  Now I have more pressing matters.  I am shocked at how similar having her is to having a  baby...I am shocked by how much we love her...The demands of caring for something small constantly drag me back into the present moment, and I am grateful for the opportunity to practice this selfless service.

healthy kids day, newburgh

Bent on Change has had the honor of participating in several community events this month; here we are at the YMCA's Healthy Kids Day in Newburgh.  Such a joy to share this practice with small people- they are such naturals!

one of my favorites...

Even after 

all this time

the sun never says to the earth,

"You owe me."

Look what happens

with a love like that-

it lights the whole world

Hafiz

if you ever feel sad,

If you ever feel sad, you should come to my house.  I found this magical spot: a big, sloped rock (perfect for reclining) just at the top of a waterfall; an old tree trunk extends from the opposite side, offering a place to rest your feet.  And there you lay, warm sun shining through the trees on your face and the water rushing beneath you, and all but joy and gratitude dissolves.

xo

dear saturday-morning community class,

I have a sinking suspicion that none of you will ever read this, but I am writing it anyway.  I have heard other yoga teachers say that the boundaries should be drawn so as to prevent an attachment between teacher and students.  That the students should come because they are committed to their practice, not because they want to see you, the teacher.  And, likewise, that the teacher maintains a certain distance from his or her students to maintain objectivity and clarity. The truth is, I am completely attached to you; I wait all week to see you again and to share in this community that we are creating together.  Your commitment to coming each and every week inspires me to show up for my own practice; your willingness to try new things with no pretense or ego inspires me to be humble and courageous.  Your voices make the songs sweeter.  And I appreciate your support, whether conscious or not, of this very simple vision that I have dedicated myself to.  The idea that this beautiful practice should not be confined to studios and to communities who have the resources for such things.  This practice is not a luxury, it cannot be owned, and it should not serve as one more thing that causes stratification.  It should be available in all communities, to all people who have the desire to learn.  It has the power to heal and transform and rebuild those things that have been torn down or worn away.  It inspires hope and peace and possibility.  I look at you, different people from different places, each with your own story to tell, who come to together to share in this practice and I think, "what else could bring us together in this way?"  Yoga has saved me more times than I can count, and now I am once more indebted to it because it brought me to you.

Namaste.