A Bruised Ego

Because I missed the last two weeks of practice with my favorite teacher, I was determined to be in class but the way of the world decided otherwise. After teaching my morning classes at MCC, I quickly left campus and needed to make just one very quick stop on the way to my class. I was excited to see my teacher and looking forward to that feeling of "everything is right with the world," after my practice. As things go, my quick errand took more than the time I had allotted. I decided to make a run for it anyway, pushing myself to get to class. You know that feeling? I have decided to do this and I will do it no matter what gets in my way! I will persevere! Along the way, an ambulance passed causing an already overburdened intersection to come to a full stop. There was a very courteous driver in front me who let every other car go in front of her which left me hanging in the middle of the intersection with no place to go. Fearing I would soon become the rumble under someone else's car, I jabbed at my horn impatiently, and more than one time.  My heart was racing and I was growing evermore angry with the situation. It suddenly occurred me I needed to stop this madness. Am I really stressing this much so I can get to my yoga class? What are my own lessons of yoga? The lessons I implore on my students, family and friends. I remember! Stop and breathe. So I did. I pulled over, breathed several deep breaths, and thought through my dilema. Here I am in the middle of Phoenix, 15 minutes away from my class that started 5 minutes ago. I will not make it on time and getting there this late would only aggravate me further. Instead, I decided to call my friend, and fellow yoga teacher, Nan (pictured above). Nan had recently arrived back home after a long summer vacation and I had been wanting to catch up with her and hear all about her summer. I called her and asked her to join me for lunch and low and behold she was available. So, this is what I was supposed to be doing today. Catching up with Nan! We had a delightful lunch and spent more than a couple of hours chatting as we sat outside under the shade of a tree. The weather is changing in Arizona, and it was just cool enough to be outside. As I was jabbering on about my vacation after she had shared with me all her adventures of summer, I suddenly felt something drop on my head. I thought, "No! It can't be." As I reached up and touch it, yes it was ... bird poop! I quickly asked the mom sitting at the next table with her baby if she could spare a baby wipe. I mopped my head to no avail! I was mortified. Wiping poo off your arm is easy but not so much from your hair. EEW! In the bathroom I was able to get it out of my hair but not out of my mind! Nan was ever so gracious to help me and sympathize by not laughing hysterically at my situation. I love her! We said our quick goodbyes as lunch had come to an abrupt end (at least we had finished eating!). Later in the day with clean hair I sat in front of my class telling them the story which was received with chuckles and laughter. It is a funny story and no harm done in the long run. It is even said bird poop on your head is good luck! I centered my class as usual asking them to connect with how their bodies feel. It occurred to me to also tell them to include their state of mind. "Do you feel resistance to sitting, aches and pains, or body soreness? Or perhaps even a bruise to your ego? Notice all of it and we will visit this again at the end of our practice to see what has changed." Looking back, I appreciate that yoga taught me to stop trying so hard when something isn't working. Stop, breathe, and regroup. Thank you my friend Nan for standing by me as my ego was a bit bruised and thank you yoga for teaching me to let it go. It was only an instance in time that has passed. I will go to my teacher's class next week and as for the good luck, I'll keep you posted! Move through your day with ease and find your mat today if only for a five minute sit. Namaste`.
P.S. Remember new classes begin next week at Val Vista Village!

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