As I started practicing regularly, my body was getting stronger and my mind was as well. There were times I wanted to give up. There were times when I didn't want to practice. There were times when a piece of chocolate cake was more important than progress on my body weight. The guilt was subsiding and the determination started to shine.
It wasn't until March of 2018 that I felt comfortable in teaching a room full of people. So, I got the privilege of teaching at Nancy Goode’s space next to the Pony Espresso and taught a workshop with Miranda Huffman at Veronica Hupp’s IMYOGA. I taught a class and lead a pranayama workshop for freshman athletes at Missouri Western State University as well. I taught office yoga for the Chamber of Commerce in St Joseph, MO. I felt completely in my element like the universe and my being aligned. I helped students of all types be present to their breath and mind. We took an approach to yoga several hadn't taken before. They all welcomed me with open arms just as the universe had.
I was still trying to figure out teaching and was shedding all of my insecuries of my body and my skill level. Secretly, I'm terrified to be in front of people but I love it. So many thoughts ran through my head but I was able to be present, let them go and lead a successful series of classes. I had studied to be a teacher but had never been in front of an entire class of minds ready to learn from me.
When I first started college, I wanted nothing more than to be a music educator. Several life lessons and many wrong decisions later, I was discouraged from doing that but I never gave up on being a leader. It was like I had a constant reminder that I was put on this planet for a higher purpose. This has been a downfall and a blessing at times. Even now, I have moments of doubt but they don't last too long before those thoughts are washed away like sand after a wave on the beach. I don't regret the wrong choices made because regardless of them being right or wrong, they lead me to other lessons that I would not have received otherwise.
After a month of getting to taste the potential and opportunity that was to come, I returned to India and started to practice again. I learned that continuing my practice is just as, if not more, important than teaching itself. I met a Andrea who afforded me the opportunity of teaching for her on the Marriott property while she was away in Brazil. She is a very kind and generous lady. She even speaks with a tone of kindness in her voice. This is what started my teaching journey within Mumbai.
To be continued....
