Although much of my teaching time, I find myself repeatedly reminding students to focus on the breath, let outside thoughts go and be present, while driving around town, I go over check lists in my mind or do a self review of the class I just taught or wonder why a student was giving me a funny look and on and on....
Not being present in my daily life. Not being present just driving down the road or walking the dog or even at the grocery store. I've noticed this more recently as I have caught myself slamming on my brakes or almost missing an exit, or not noticing the 2 dogs on my neighbor's f lawns as George (my beloved black lab) and I trot right up to them or the many times that I've forgotten why I went to the store in the first place.
Even in class. It does happen. There are those days when I'm more distracted than others-taking class and teaching class. But those days when I let the mind be free and focus on the breath, just enjoying being there, those are always the most fulfilling.
Since the last time I slammed on my brakes, I have made a pact with myself to become more present in my life. In yoga class and not in yoga class. And...it works!
One of my favorite feelings after teaching a class is wondering where the time went, feeling like, even as the teacher, I got a break from my outside concerns. When I get that feeling after a class, it's my way of recognizing and knowing that I was present with my students. Believe me, the students can feel that too and it definitely feels better to them!
Today while walking George, right on my neighbor's lawn, right here in Cleveland Heights, there was a deer. Just hanging out and I am so glad that I was present enough to notice.
So, my advice is to soak it all in. Enjoy & celebrate each moment. We can't change the past and the future is unknown, and the present, well, it is a gift. Breathe it in and enjoy, it's one thing that we can know for sure.
No comments:
Post a Comment