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I did something I'd never done before this past week. I baked cookies for my students, spice cookies to be exact. For some reason it was a nerve-wracking experience. (what if nobody liked them? what if they found a dog hair in one? what if?) It brought back memories of that same nervous feeling I had before my first class, and just like that first class everything turned out fine. (This week one woman took extra cookies home for her husband... and people have been coming back to class for years now). Sharing wasn't so bad after all, whether it be cookies or yoga. Now the only question is what would they like better next week: brownies or cupcakes?

Speaking of cookies, here's the recipe for the cinnamon cookies Brooke made last class...


Sugar Crinkles

1 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 to 1 tsp. cinnamon

Beat shortening and 1 1/2 cups sugar at medium speed until fluffy. Add eggs and extract, beating until blended.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to shortening mixture, beating well. Cover and chill dough.
Shape dough into 1" balls. Combine 1/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Roll cookie dough balls in sugar mixture. Place on ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 9 minutes or until barely golden. Let cool 2 minutes on cookie sheet, then transfer to wire racks to cool completely.

Making Spaces

Looking through an old journal I came to this, which I had coppied in with a note to myself.

"Beneath the veneer of civilization… lies not the barbarian and the animal, but the human in us who knows what is right and necessary for becoming fully human: birth in gentle surroundings, a rich nonhuman environment, juvenile tasks with simple tools,… play at being animals,… clan membership and small group life and the profound claims of liberation of ritual initiation and the subsequent stages of adult mentorship. There is a secret person undamaged in each of us, aware of the validity of these conditions, sensitive to their right moments in our lives." Paul Shepard

How might I make some of this possible, in some small way, during the time my students are with me?

Mike

My First Public Class

I have had a few days to reflect on my first public yoga class. Though I felt a little anxious, it felt very natural to me. I have to thank three of my close friends for being my guinea pigs. They came to my house to do yoga with me for the past four months and we got our routine down, with some room for throwing new things into the program. My 20+ years of teaching skiing helped me more than I had realized. I am patient, reassuring, and folks said my instructions were clear and logical. I probably could have started teaching yoga without a lot of formal instructor training. But what I have gained from Kathy over the past year is far deeper than just a yoga class.

I am a much better person. I think some of it has come with age. I am more accepting of people and their differences than I was as a young woman. And I am not just talking about physical differences or inabilities. I am talking about being able to step back, observe, and say "who cares if they think differently than the rest of us." I am more able to accept criticism and let it roll off my back and rack it up to someone else’s bad day. They are not going to ruin my good day. I have learned to prioritize and not sweat the small stuff that doesn’t get attended to. I make time each day for me, whether it is sneaking in a yoga practice or an extra long walk with my four legged friend. I don’t worry about the dust in the corner or the dishes in the sink. I used to let my job get in the way of life itself but now, I am making sure I get enjoyment and fulfillment each and every day. If I die tomorrow, there will be no regrets. I tell more than one person I love them each day. That was not easy for me to do. Of course I told my kids and husband, but I am filled with thanks and gratitude each and every day for even the silliest things.

Thank you Kathy for helping me realize so many wonderful things about life. I can see why people who complete their 200 hours come back for more. It’s worth the 2 ½ hour drive to get to the studio. I feel very lucky to spend time in a room with so many cool people and I can’t wait until our next class!

Namaste
Roberta O’Donnell