Here we go… Day 1, or rather Day 0, as I dive into the introduction of Meditations from the Mat (“Meditations”). These blog posts will blend excerpts from the book with my own thoughts and comments. So, stick with me—when you see quotes, they’re primarily from the book, though I might sprinkle in some from other sources.
What I love about this project is how familiar it feels, reminiscent of my years in 7th-12th grade English classes, culminating in AP English—the gold standard of high school programs, in my opinion. It was in AP English that I discovered the joy of crafting essays by combing through Bartlett’s Book of Quotes or the OED to find just the right quote or symbolism. Honestly, I adored that process! There’s nothing quite like finding the perfect quote to kick off a paper, alongside words that resonate with its themes.
Reopening Meditations, I was greeted by a similar format: each day begins with a quote. Bingo! So, that’s how I’ll approach these blogs!
The first page of Meditations opens with a quote from John Mellencamp: “Future generations, riding on the highways that we built, I hope they have a better understanding.”
Then the book states: “All of us carry a desire for a better way, a hope that we will somehow leave the world a better place than we found it. Whether we practice yoga or meditation, vote Democratic or Republican, write popular music or computer code, we cherish the notion that things can improve and that our own good life contributes in some way to the good lives of those who will come after us.” I felt a chill reading that—not just because of the divisiveness in our current political climate, but also because I began this blog series on Rosh Hashana, which made me reflect on the current situation in Israel. I truly hope that our efforts can make the world a better and more peaceful place in our lifetime.
As the introduction continues, the authors pose timeless questions: “So how do we make life count? How do we find our way?” They assert that in uncertain times, we seek clarity and answers from our religious, political, and philosophical beliefs. During my teacher training (“TT”), I began to understand how yoga could serve as a framework for finding answers to life’s biggest questions, becoming “a road home to better understanding.”
Starting TT, as I mentioned in a previous post, opened the floodgates to learning, understanding, and intuitive insights along my journey—a path that has seen both smooth stretches and rocky turns, reaching the highest peaks and the lowest valleys. The key is to keep moving forward, trusting that the road ahead is meant for me.
I also relate to Gates’ journey from yoga student to eager teacher, eventually studying with Baron Baptiste. It only takes one or two inspiring teachers to click everything into place. Like Gates, I felt a connection with my body when I found yoga—the harmony of breath and movement brought me back to my days as a dancer and athlete. It’s a mix of focus, intention, and that good kind of exhaustion from hard work. I’ve been fortunate to learn from exceptional teachers in yoga and other disciplines, each inspiring me to forge my own path.
Gates highlights the term “educator,” which comes from the Latin verb educere, meaning to lead forth or draw out. He notes that the term was historically used by midwives, signifying “to be present at the birth of.” Paraphrasing what he learned from Baron, he states that teaching yoga is about drawing forth what’s already within a student—a divine opportunity to witness the birth of an individual’s authentic self every time they step onto the mat and reenter life.
Wow! Yes!! Over the years, I’ve learned that to be the best teacher in front of a class or offering guidance to clients, good teachers teach what they know. They dig deep, educate themselves, and strive to connect with each student, even in a crowded room. Teaching yoga is a two-way street; I always learn from my students and clients, just as I hope they learn from me.
Becoming a yoga teacher set me on a path toward fulfilling my purpose. I had no idea of my soul’s plan when I started classes in 2001 or even during TT in 2012, but I now understand it’s to be the teacher I’m meant to be, however that may evolve.
Lastly, the structure of Meditations is brilliant, and it’s no accident I returned to this book on the first day of the Jewish New Year. I’ve been searching for a framework to guide my writing, and like in AP English, I thrive when given a launching point. Meditations serves as that propeller—familiar and inspiring. For the past eight years, I’ve dedicated each January to teaching through the chakras, the yamas, and the niyamas. Sometimes in traditional order, sometimes not, but always exploring the eight-limb path of yoga. This will be a fun, familiar, and interesting journey, and I hope you enjoy it with me!
Namaste, and thanks for reading!
Lauri
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