As this year draws to a close, I want to take this opportunity to say a few words.
First of all, thank you. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for your breath, your laughter, your tears and everything in between. Thank you for being open and letting down your shields.
You're probably wondering, why the quotation marks? 'Students' is a term I don't like to use; in fact I often cringe inside when I do. Yoga is the art and practice of living, and therefore I personally don't really believe there is such a thing as a student teacher relationship in yoga. How can we possibly teach someone how to live his or her own life? We can share our experiences, what has or what hasn't worked for us. We can share our knowledge of the body and how the physical practice may give us access to something more, something bigger. Ultimately however, as yoga teachers, what we are doing is holding space for others and being a witness to their transformation.
We are all trying to figure it out, that thing we call life. Some may seem like they have it all figured out, and some may even say that they do, but the truth is (it is of my opinion at least!), that none of us do. That is the beauty of it. We are all together in this. Our hardships and pains, although they may take different shapes, they are the same. There is comfort in knowing: WE ARE NOT ALONE. Life is hard and easy and sad and glorious, all at the same time. If yoga can help us soften the hard times and celebrate the easy times, then bloody fantastic! Let's all continue to share, listen, breathe, move and connect with each other.
As this new year approaches, my wish for you is that your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small. Most of all, what I wish for you is peace of mind. Let's stop comparing ourselves to others, let's stop making assumptions and taking things personally, let's let go of resentment and anger, and choose to forgive (not for them, but for us). Let's commit to change the dialogue and our story.
To conclude, I will leave you with this beautiful quote:
"The purpose of this glorious life is not simply to endure it, but to soar, stumble and flourish as you learn to fall in love with existence. We were born to live my dear, not to merely exist" Becca Lee
Merry Christmas and a Joyous Happy New Year to you all!
Much love,
Nicole
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