Christmas
Dear Friends,
Your presence is the biggest present you can give anybody.
This is what we all love. The feeling that someone is giving you full attention, looking into your eyes, hearing you, being here for you now.
We can give this by falling quiet and returning to our inner quiet space. When we are resting in that open loving place we can truly communicate/be at one.
When in the stillness love and knowledge flow.
I feel truly grateful in live classes, your quiet attention is so powerful. The love and knowledge just flowed between us.
Those who are receiving videos of the live class noticed the difference.
Teachers
How uplifting it is to teach from the heart and not work it out in the head. It is the same when you receive a class that is given with full attention and love.
I was talking to a fellow teacher at a gathering (before the pandemic!) He was talking, we were both quietly communicating when some visitors arrived and I switched my attention and looked over his shoulder to welcome them in . He said “oh your not interested” the communication was gone, it was like a light going out, I was back in my head (being a hostess). The light does not have to go out if we stay open and awake to the present moment. “Whatever is in front of you is your God” BKS Iyengar.
What a pleasure it is to give those so carefully wrapped presents away on Christmas Day. Is it not as joyful or more so to see the recipient unwrap your gift, as it is for you to receive one?
I am learning that giving is the same as receiving. When you give with attention “you give but to yourself“ - Course in Miracles
Do you love your yoga so much that you feel its joy just bubbles over, it would be a natural progression that you would want to share with others.
Its such a pleasure and a privilege to give a class, you don’t have to be “good” at postures to take your yoga further. Its really not about advanced postures, it’s about changing your attitude and where your attention is. Focusing on the stillness that is in your mind and let it expand.
At the end of a yoga retreat we often have a gong session. Dawn would carry her gong on her back, its nearly as tall as her. The vibrations would suffuse our minds and bodies with ease. She told us the name of her gong meant “the warrior who heals to heal himself”.
It is a natural law that whatever you give to the universe will come back to you.
I have had some interesting responses when I have suggested TT to students; “What did you say?”, “I am not ready”, “next year”, “I’m not good enough” - some laughing in disbelief! If you come to weekends or days then think about joining TT.
“Commitment” by Goath 1749
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness.
Concerning acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth that ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans:
That the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too.
All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred.
A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.
Whatever you can do, or dream, you can begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.
Begin it now.
You won’t find any joy and happiness in the physical work, its about how you perceive this transient world. Change your take on it and your whole world changes. Invite more praise, love and gratitude.
Teachers - do you have any students you think would benefit from Teacher Training? It is good for you too, to have a student teacher you can trust to take your classes when you go on holiday ( and I hope that you do give yourselves days off?) Just as you have helped me and I can trust that you teach with Karuna - care and loving kindness.
Classes will restart w/c 4th January and please find attached a list of our yoga days and residentials for 2021.
In the love of yoga
Ruth
May the Peace & Joy of Christmas be with you always