A Beginner's Mind

I love this video of Anusara teachers Elena Brower and Ally Hamilton in practice with their yogamunchkins.

These yoginis are having fun together in yoga and the yoga is beautiful.  How cool is that awesome handstand and drop back or the little effortless jump forward from plank?  These moms, both respected teachers, have practiced a long time and their practices are beautiful to behold.

How cool is it that their kids are jumping in and on, whenever the opportunity arises? They are so playful and willing to do what they can and so open to possibility.

My sister Helen, who had never done yoga before, went on a yoga retreat in Tuscany with me.   It was our first trip alone, together, and an adventure I will always treasure.  Helen wanted to share yoga with me and she was happy to begin something new.

True, Kripalu style teacher Priti Robin Ross was not teaching handstands and drop backs.  Her yoga is gentle, engaging, challenging, healing and fun. Her teaching is to always be present in your breath, listen to your body and ask yourself, "What is the loving thing to do, in this moment?"  There's lots of inner work to do when you practice any yoga or learn any new thing.

Priti teaching morning yoga at Castello Melito

Helen & Me, 2nd & 3rd in the first row, in savasana at the end of an amazing yoga class

This picture shows me doing yoga with my sister.  A video would look pretty much the same as this picture does.  We were resting in Savasana, Corpse Pose, after practice.

I love that the yogamunchkins are game to do what they can and enjoy their moms to the max.  I love Helen's fierce bravery trying something new so we could too.  It takes confidence, compassion, trust and mindfulness,  which can be practiced, just like the yoga postures.  As you live an expansive life, talk to yourself like the kindest most fun mom would.  Some of the most important learning may be about attitude and taking chances; invisible to others and life changing. 


Mahatma Gandhi said Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. 


Try developing your relationships doing the things you each love to do, together.
Live an expansive life by having a beginner's mind.  Practice being playful, confident, patient compassionate and aware.
                                  
To share Priti's upcoming retreat, Refilling Your Well, this June at Kripalu with someone you love  go to www.kripalu.org/program/view/yogamed/ROW-111

lifeasyoga.com                                            Priti Robyn Ross

virayoga.com                                              Elena Brower, NYC

yogisanonymous.com                                Ally Hamilton, Santa Monica