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Yogi of September 2005 ─ Lisa |
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My introduction to yoga took place 4 years ago when I was working in Tokyo. Working 15-hour days surrounded by similarly miserable expatriates left more than a little to be desired. I needed to find my center again. I found my way when I came across an Ashtanga yoga sanctuary (the only studio with instruction in English and Japanese) in the middle of the bustling city. Through yoga, I learned that one does not have to look to others for happiness. One can find peace by looking inward.
For me, yoga has been about the process rather than the results. My first led primary series class was the hardest I've ever been to. After the second suryanamaskara B, I was ready to keel over while others around me were hardly breaking a sweat. Naturally predisposed to being competitive, I was extremely frustrated with my inabilities. Seeing the frustration on my face, my teacher walked over and repeated his favorite Sri Pattabhi Jois saying, "Do your practice and all is coming." I didn't believe him the first time but I stuck with it. Through time, how much I could "achieve" on the mat became less important, practice became a moving meditation and the rigors of Ashtanga became a way to force me out of my head.
Since I started practicing yoga, I've consistently rediscovered my center on the mat. Prior to my arrival in Taipei, I had my doubts about finding a place to practice. Previous visits to Taipei proved options to be scarce. This time, however, I found SPACE. I'm greeted with friendly faces every time the doors open. The lightness of the studio lifts one's spirits almost immediately. I will never forget the day headstand finally came to me in Bree's class. It had been elusive for 4 years but I'm sure it would have been a much longer journey had it not been for the excellent teachers at SPACE: Bree's constant encouragement and challenge to come to "your edge", Marc's focus on the core, Heather's focus on the breath, and Felina's carefully detailed instructions.
So to my fellow yogis and yoginis, whatever you are seeking on the mat, embrace your practice and enjoy the journey.
Namaste, Lisa |
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| Each month we will honor a SPACE student for his or her passion and dedication to the practice of Yoga. May their stories serve as inspiration to us all! |
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| Asana of the Month |
| We will focus on a different Asana every month and delve deep into and explore all its inherent possibilities! |
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