Went to a class at the Downward Dog tonight. Finally broke the emotional distance I was having with the yoga. Felt tingles and shivers through my energy body at the ending chant of “om shanti shanti”

Sitting in half lotus, I could feel the sweat dripping down my face. Sweat. Tears. It’s all detox.

It was an ashtanga prep class, which is much more of a beginner class than I am used to taking. I find this teacher (Dave) is so good though, that no matter how novice or advanced the poses, I am challenged and consistently reminded to breathe in flow, to lengthen my spine, to keep my alignment, and to stay close to my edge. I hope when I become a yoga teacher, I master this skill of inspiring my students into really feeling that all poses matter, and are challenging if we take the time to really do them right. With breath. With focus. Because really, the simplest of poses are deeply challenging, when you pay attention, and focus deeply on your body, and it’s form.

During shavasana, he reminded us to relax our jaws. I have commented before that I find that reminder helpful, but I am always so surprised at how tense my jaw can be. Even in meditation.

How is your jaw right now? Relax it. Ahhh, much better.