I recently called my mother to share some exciting news. I was elated, and my mother and brother are usually the first people I contact to share my joys and challenges. But I was a bit thrown off by my mother’s response. She said, ”Be humble, beta” (an endearing term meaning “my child”). I didn’t really think I was being arrogant! I thought, Mama, can you just be happy for me and share in my elation? After I got off the phone, I thought about her response and it occurred to me that my mother was teaching me a lesson in equanimity.
She was excited for me, of course, but was reminding me that humility is the most harmonious state and a worthy endeavor to strive for, especially in moments of intense emotion. No matter what is going on, I must maintain humility. The higher I go or the lower I allow myself to fall, the harder the return journey to what is called samata, or equanimity. In yoga, we practice samata because it mitigates future pain. I am one of those very lucky children who is blessed with a tremendous force of a mother. On a regular basis I wonder how I attracted such a graceful, kind, and humble person to guide me through life. My aspiration is to continue to receive her teachings and the gems that she drops, and not block them due to my stubbornness or sense of self-importance. I know many feel a deep gratitude for their mothers. What amazing gifts they are.
This Friday night’s restorative class is dedicated to my mother. I will read the chapter on 'Love' from Aadil Palkhivala's book Fire of Love. All the chapters in Fire of Love are profound, but this one is pretty special. Bring your mama!
Friday, May 6th, 2016 6:30-8:30PM Cost $15 Register here
We've added new classes!
Wednesday 6:30-7:30PM with Narin
Thursday 6:30-7:30PM with Michelle
Friday 10:00-11:00AM with Ashley
Sunday 5:30-6:30PM with Myka
New classes start at $0 to priceless. Contribute what you can.
Please welcome our new teachers Myka, Michelle, and Ashley who are teaching contribution classes at the studio, beginning this week. These classes give you, the student, an opportunity to contribute an honest value for what you receive, rather than pay a flat rate like most of our other classes. Our intention with this transition is to create more access to yoga for those who struggle with financial barriers. I'd love to see existing students practicing more, and contributing generously to give new students the ability to practice this beautiful work. I welcome you to participate in our new direction and support the potential for others to experience the healing, transformative power of Purna Yoga.