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I
love my Kripalu yoga teacher, Debbie George, and her yoga class. Probably
because no matter how regularly or sporadically I show up for class, Debbie
seems to know exactly where I am and what I need at that very moment in time. Probably because she is so connected to her own "inner teacher."
Lately, I have been like most, vulnerable to distraction by the stressful economic news and trying to successfully wear all my hats (mom, certified coach, entrepreneur, friend and volunteer). It is in these moments I am totally aware that I need the support that Debbie and her yoga class offer to mind and body. So, I show up to my favorite yoga studio, Yoga for Life in Dilworth, ready for the journey with Debbie.
She leads with breath
and joy, encouraging us to travel our own paths as we move with and into the
asanas (positions). Today, she reminded us to tap into our, "Wisdom
of the Inner Teacher." Guiding us to breathe deeply and slowly while simply observing what comes up as
we move with our own breath. Reminding us that our body will teach us
what it likes and needs.
Debbie teaches by example, keeping it light while she demonstrates options for the different levels of access to each asana. She creates a safe space, and encourages vulnerability, reassuring us that this is not a competition, that continuous breath is the key. Reminding us to relax, be kind and go only as far as our breath and body will take us.
She instructs us to let each breath be an
"invitation to relax" - observing what shows up in each area of our
body. Inviting us to play with each move, aligning our breath and
body. As we reach into our postures, she speaks of extending our fingers
as a means of ex-tension. I smile and allow the life
metaphors to come clear.
The metaphor that really speaks to me is Debbie's reminder that, "the hardest yoga position is being still." With this, I self-challenge to let go of all thought, breathe the ocean breath and allow myself to be totally present. As I relax out of mind and into my breath a smile possesses me and I become aware of how good it feels to let go. I feel what it means to thrive versus struggle and survive.
Mind you, I am the student, not the teacher, and must practice to get back to this beautiful place. Over time, I have found it easier to be aware of when the moment slips away and can more quickly access my W.I.T.™ , allowing the Wisdom of the Inner Teacher to lead me.
I invite you to let your inner teacher lead you to your wisdom and a life that thrives.
Please take a moment to use the comment section below to share your journey with your inner teacher.
With joy,
Life Coach Karen, ACC
The Conscious Living Coach
p.s. If you are in Charlotte, NC, check out the best-ever Kripalu yoga studio to share in life-changing joy and yoga with Debbie George at Yoga for Life in Dilworth.
P.P.S. If you wish to complement your yoga practice with mind practice, check out our Art of Life Balance with H.E.A.R.T.™ eCourse and other complimentary self-coaching tools on my web site.
