Breathing In, I Calm My Body

24 April 2010 | By Ngan R. | 1 Comment

“Breathing in, I calm my body.
Breathing out, I smile.
Dwelling in the present moment
I know this is a wonderful moment.”

This week, in her noontime yoga classes, Debbie Steingesser read this passage from Thich Nhat Hanh’s Being Peace and Peace is Every Step. The emphasis on taking one breath at a time and being in the present moment resonated with me because my mind often strays to thoughts of work while I’m practicing. In twenty two words, this prose sums up what I strive for in my yoga practice: still mind, open heart, and joy in the moment.

Debbie’s classes allow me to achieve all these things. First, like a breath of fresh air, Debbie welcomes all with a big smile and kind words. I feel instantly at peace when I practice with such a warm teacher.

Second, with constant flow to an eclectic mix of music, Debbie’s classes are alive with positive energy and surprises. I know Debbie’s classes are challenging, but also moving and fun. Today’s sequence was warrior 1 to devotional warrior to peaceful warrior, with another sequence added on after we were thoroughly warmed up of warrior 1 to warrior 3 towards the front and towards the back of the mat. We were just dancing from one end to the other! I appreciate such a sequence because it keeps the practice active and playful.

Finally, as Debbie always reminds us, and as I have felt every time I go to her class, there is no judgment in this practice. There is only joy to be had when we all take flight together. I look forward to experiencing this flight with anyone out there who has a free lunch hour Monday and Fridays. Namaste!

One Comment on “Breathing In, I Calm My Body”

  1. I second this. Debbie is a friend from African dance classes and it is impossible not to feel alive and happy in her presence. Her enthusiasm for life, movement, music, dance, etc., is completely infectious!

     

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