Giving Thanks

I've decided to leave my 20-hr a week job as an Office Manager. Income won't be a problem, thanks to a supportive MSH who's been encouraging me to quit for some time, to focus on my yoga teaching. It has really been a challenge to fit in 20 hours a week, the office work has been interfering with my regular personal yoga practice, which we've all learned is VERY important to one's well-being as well as the quality of one's teaching. Not to mention I've been trying to do a 40-hr a week job in 20 hours, and that doesn't work for me, and especially not for my boss and my coworkers. I am really, really looking forward to the change, and we've put out an offer to an outstanding candidate so if he agrees to work for us, I'll be confidently leaving the office in good hands.

I knew this had to happen for a while, but I've had control issues over letting go, and it took the intense stress I've been feeling over the last month or so to get me over that, and the fact that I'll miss the people... But I'm so excited for January 1 (I told them my last day would be Dec. 31) when I can start a regular practice (maybe even daily!!!) and perhaps PERHAPS get around to cleaning off my desk.

I taught my last class tonight before taking off tomorrow to visit family for five days. I feel like I'm really starting to project my voice better (although how would I know?) and tonight I tried chanting a bit in the car to "warm up" like a professional singer does. My timing problems are behind me for the most part, and I am loving the students, at all three studios. At one studio, it has NOT been getting hot, but that is another story, one which will have a swift and happy ending, I hope!

I know it sounds corny, but I love teaching more every single class. I've been feeling stressed out in other areas of my life, but teaching is my refuge, my center; I feel this palpable sense of calm and purpose when I step into the studio. I am so grateful that I get to teach yoga.

So, during this time of Thanks-Giving, I'd like to thank MSH, for being so supportive throughout this journey. Get a partner who really believes in you and your dream and the rest is butter. To my dear friends, who came to the first late-evening classes when I got back from training, when they were one of two or three students and I was making a complete boob of myself. To my family, for being supportive even when they thought the idea of doing yoga in 105 degree room was a little crazy if not dangerous! To my sweet A1A, my roommate in training, not sure if I could have made it through without you and SURELY wouldn't have had such a kick-a** time! To Jimmy, for teaching me to find my authentic voice as a teacher, while passing on this yoga lineage with passion and precision, to Tomas for giving me a boost when I needed it, to my studio owners for having faith in me, and last but certainly not least! I thank each and every student I've had in my classes--you are all my teacher. I like to imagine you around me, an ever-widening circle of beings to which I hope I've brought benefit, before which I am humble.