It was a great day.  Beautiful weather.  Good hearts everywhere.  I almost cried at the end of the day although I prefer to stay dignified and tearless.  But I felt deeply moved by my experience here.  I feel touched by these students and I do feel that I have touched them in a meaningful way.  

Mayumi-san is very relaxed.

The whole class had a group breakthrough today.   Their work in the morning active asana class was totally different – very mindful and present through every transition.  Anu, my translator, and I were astonished when we saw the very first Surya Namaskar.  Wow!   There was also a breakthrough in the restorative session.   I noticed people being more free and creative.  I tried to communicate to them that Yoga is not a Box.  It is personal.  They want to know what to do if this happens or that happens but until that happens we wont’ know what to do.  So I taught them the overarching principles and encouraged them to be present through their meditation practice and confident that they will see what is needed.  And…it worked!   A very great day today!

OM yoga Restorative Teacher Training, Tokyo, Japan, 2010

And then…it was over.  No Trikonasana left in the room.  No more Supta Baddhakonasanas to put away.  Empty space.  Time to go home. Back to NYC tomorrow.  Thank you to Chama and Kazumi and Emi.  Arrigato gazimashta.

posted on Monday, March 22nd, 2010 at 5:21 am.