Yoga Bites: Dear Martha's Vineyard Yoga Student

Dear Martha’s Vineyard Yoga Student,

While I deeply appreciate your loyalty by coming to my classes all these years,  I’ve wanted to write you for some time to remind you that it’s okay to leave me.

No longer do you need to explain to me in Cronigs Market why you missed class last Thursday and felt guilty all week for skipping a day from yoga and how you ended up stretching at home to the new DVD that your sister gave you for Christmas.

I actually think it’s healthy to take days off… I encourage it!

And when you see me at outside our kid’s school at pick-up time, please don’t feel the need to explain that your younger child is now in daycare and the older one has tennis and the morning class time slot no longer fits your schedule on wednesday mornings so you’ve decided to run instead outside and then go to kickboxing on fridays when the babysitter can come every other week on the days that your husband is not in town.

I’m simply thrilled for you that you are able to move your body when you can!

And really, when I lay my mat next to yours at the other teacher’s class at the other studio, you do not need to whisper across the room how much you still love my classes but because you hurt your knee you had to start taking this class because the heat works well for your body during the colder months but as soon as spring rolls around you’ll be ready to take classes with me again.

I’m so happy you have found a teacher who serves your needs at this time in your life!

Sutras 2:39: APARIGRAHA STHAIRYE JANMAKATHAMTA SAMBODHAH.

Translation: One who is not greedy is secure. He/She has time to think deeply. His/Her understanding of himself/herself is complete.

Better Translation: as yoga teachers it is our job to practice Aparigraha, or non-attachment to possessions, circumstances, conditions of life and most of all, within our relationships to our students!

So, I’m here to tell you to please leave me!  Oh, my dear student, Skip Class! Find a new exercise routine! Love another teacher!

You are helping me be a better teacher and yoga practitioner when you do.

And at the end of the day, always remember, your greatest teacher has been with you all along–because she’s within you.

With Love,
Sherry

PS- For the record, that time in Cronigs I too was wearing pajamas under my coat…and outside the school that day I was late getting my son to basketball practice for the third week in a row…and at that other teacher’s yoga class, I was playing hooky from teaching my own class that day.

(We are all spirits having a human experience!)