Awareness

Teaching a powerful hot vinyasa class to the sounds of rock -n-roll music is an experience I have loved from the very first time I was in Down Dog. Listening to U2 or Bruce Springsteen while engaged in a Sun Salutation flow enhances my connection to spirit and inspires me to go deeper into my practice.

Last night the sound system at the studio I teach in was being upgraded and as a result there was no music for the class. My students first reaction was the same as mine, "what...no music, but we love to flow with music." Before the class started, I felt the low energy of a room filled with breathless mind chatter.

The stage was set. The opportunity to transform was there for all of us to take.... and take it we did. Bringing focus and mindfulness to every movement we made was facilitated by our loud ujjayi breath. Throughout the entire class we focused on paying attention, reminding ourselves over and over again to breath and feel, to look and feel, to simply be. The class was transformational. On her way out one student had shared that it was the best class she had every experienced.

Awareness will enhance your connection to spirit and inspire you to go deeper into your practice. The class, the teacher,having or not having music, are all outside of our control. What is in our control and what we can learn through practice is to cultivate minfulness. Mindfulness is being awake, being aware. Bringing awareness to the present moment and reminding ourselves to be ourselves. Feel everything and simply be. Awareness will enhance your connection to spirit and inspire you to go deeper into your practice.

Only the day dawns to which we are awake.
---HENRY DAVID THOREAU

Namaste,

Isauro