Off the mat

I've been wondering if teaching yoga makes a difference in my students' lives. Before my last class I heard a conversation that makes me think it is worth more than most people let you know. Surprisingly these people weren't talking about how great their backbends are or how flexible their hamstrings ...

One of my newest students made a comment about the class being difficult. Another replied that yes it is hard, but now when she drops something at work she doesn't look around for someone else to pick it up for her. Another person started talking about how much easier it is to get out of bed in the morning. And another about how practicing helps to keep her calm. The benefits discussion went on for a few minutes and the reasons they practice are varied.

These are from people I've been teaching for years and I had no idea. I had been thinking about how to convince them to practice yoga even when they aren't on their mats. Now I know that they have each found their own way to use yoga in their lives. It isn't something I need to teach them like assigning homework.
It just happens,
and it's wonderful to be a part of.