Happy Spring/Summer and welcome to Lifesong!
This year I celebrate my 15th year of teaching yoga. There have been many changes along the way. From starting with a few "age and stage appropriate" group classes, to leading the way in Fredericton with the first holistic yoga and wellness centre, to yoga therapy certification, to stepping out of "management" and into the desire to pass on the unique Viniyoga tradition to other teachers with 200 and 500 hr teacher trainings, to beginning to offer "mindfulness counselling", and in the last few years, to taking steps toward "a call" to serve in end-of-life care, and grief and trauma work with a degree in social work and a (part-time) movement into the medical system....
Where is the money going to come from? Who will come? How will I know how to take the next steps? Who will help? It's a good thing we just can't see that far ahead because I can very clearly remember being overwhelmed with fears and concerns at each stage, let alone the burden of being able to see it all in a swoop!
The one thing that has kept me sane along this path is yoga, and by that you know I mean the "big" yoga - all of the practical tools and techniques - the postures, the breathwork, the meditation, the life philosophy - that makes it possible to stay as true as possible to that inner voice that is always whispering (if we would only slow down, quiet down enought to hear!) - "It's ok. It's going to be ok. Just one breath at a time. Just one step at a time. Pay attention. I'll help..." Stepping out of the worry and into that place I've come to think of as the "sweet spot" over the years. Maybe nothing has really changed but one's perspective. But that's all it takes to get the ball rolling.
I'm hoping if you've found this site, there will be something here to help you just settle back into your "sweet spot". Maybe there's a spring workshop that appeals. Maybe you've been thinking about teacher training for awhile - either because you've got a call to teach (and we do need many more teachers who teach to their call/niche) or because you're at the point where you'd like to go deeper into the philosophy and practice in a methodical way, deeper than you'll ever be able to go with a class once a week. Maybe you've trained in another tradition and would like to balance and expand what you know with Viniyoga's unique depth perspective. Maybe it's time to book an appointment for counselling where you know your whole person, your whole life, will be considered, not just your "head". Maybe it's time for a "tune-up" or a life change and you'd like to explore yoga therapy. Maybe you're shopping for a class next fall. Maybe something else.
Whatever brought you, peace to you and well wishes on your journey,
Namaste.
Kathryn Downton
Lifesong Yoga/Mindful Way Counselling
Atlantic Viniyoga Teacher Trainings
Real strength is not in power, money or weapons, but in deep, inner peace. Thich Nhat Hanh, Peace is Every Step |
