Here’s to my teachers

 

In light of this being my last post and with it being hours (!!) away till the end of the
beautiful journey we call YTT, my mind went to the wonderful people who have been
pivotal in my journey as a student in yoga.
In the 10 years I’ve been in and out of studios learning more of the craft, its always been
incredibly intimidating to speak my truth to my teachers, but there are just some things that
you never seem to forget…
Thank you for reminding me to laugh
By allowing me to let go, and not take myself too seriously, you’ve reminded me why I loved
yoga to begin with – a mixture of calisthenics, gymnastics and a sprinkle of spirituality.
Whenever I feel as if I need a break from the world, the mat is the first place I think of, and
as soon as I am on the mat, the outside stresses of the world leaves my mind and I can be a
kid again. You've allowed me an escape that I will be forever thankful for.
Thank you for showing me my true strength.
Not only physical strength, but more importantly mental strength. You've shown me that I
am more than what others may think of me, and that I can rise above any obstacle that
comes through my path.
Thank you for speaking to me like a person
I am not a calm person, I detect inflections and microagressions to a tee and it chafes me
beyond the extreme when learning prevented by the ego. To all my teachers, thank you for
speaking to me like a student, but also without BS. Here's the thing – you speak normally. In
your regular voice, no velveteen, no dumb metaphors that make no sense, no fake sing song
manner that I know you don’t have. Drives me nuts. I love all bits of you!
Thank you for being patient with my questions and practice
I am a slow learner. Admittedly, I stew and mince the teachings in my head and figure my
way till it makes sense to me. But sometimes, I get the guts to ask questions and I recall
embarrassingly looking at all my teachers as they patiently wait while I stumble through the
ask. The thing is all the teachers I know most teachers are encouraging of their students but
to dispel judgement for a few moments while my brain struggles to start…that ahimsa I
need to learn, and for that Im eternally thankful.
Thank you for introducing me to myself
Having mindfulness is harder than it seems, especially in today's society and my line of work.
Over the past couple years, I have learnt to listen closer to my gut, become aware of the
thoughts and feelings in my body and hence, become more mindful to the world around
me. Yoga and the teachers have always felt welcoming to the true me, and that’s pretty
amazing.
And lastly, thank you for allowing me to breathe.
As simple as it sounds, breathing is the one thing that I carry around most with me
off the mat. Deep breaths are what get me through the day. Throughout tough
situations, emotional battles, and stressful times, I always know to come back to my
yoga, to come back to my breath.

 

Nurul
200 Hour YTT Feb-May’21