Namaste

Today was such a beautiful day! The sky was a deep blue, the leaves were an intense auburn and gold, and the air was warm and inviting. The streets were teaming with cyclists and joggers and folks just out for a stroll. I was tempted to join them, but I dutifully went to the yoga studio, and for that, I was richly rewarded.

Today’s instructor was the best instructor I’ve ever had, in any field or discipline, period.

What made Julia such a singularly great instructor? It was the combination of several factors. She has a gentle yet sure voice, clearly speaking in a confirming tone, the exact process of how to form the poses – which muscles to contract and which to relax – and how to gracefully move from one pose to the next. On three occasions, she came and stretched me a bit further, deeper into the pose. Normally, that would have been very intimidating, but Julia was so gentle in her touch, and she didn’t say a word, she simply assisted. Twice, she moved directly in front of me, so I could see her precise body movement, so I could shadow her. But again, she did it in silent grace; it was encouraging, not intimidating.

Afterward, she asked me and the other students a few questions that were specific to our own bodies, questions that she could not have asked if she had not been so very attentive of her students. And she asked her questions in such an assuring manner, and we all answered openly and without hesitation.

I am really looking forward to rearranging my schedule to attend Julia’s classes. With her, I feel confident and sure there isn’t a pose beyond my abilities. Thank you, Julia … Namaste.