Spring is here! It’s a time of new beginnings. The gestation of winter has ended and an outward manifestation of life starting anew is evidenced as buds on trees start to appear, grow and open. Trees, for me, most embody the cyclical nature of life. While the tree seems to die and be reborn, it also maintains the knowledge of the previous years of life which it has cycled through. It is a spiral of evolution as seen in the year rings of its trunk.

Spring also signifies change; it is a turning point on that cyclical wheel. It’s a great time to embrace newness and the excitement of awakening to longer days. At this time of year, I experience renewed energy to participate in the outer world after the hibernation and reflection period of winter.

What this new cycle is manifesting for me is a desire to take it back to the beginning in my yoga practice. I have stepped away from teaching and am embracing being a student and working to cultivate my personal practice more. After completing the Hatha Yoga Teacher Training program at the Temple of Kriya Yoga  in 2002, I began teaching a community donation class once a week. Five years ago, I started building more classes into my schedule and was until recently teaching about 6-7 classes a week.

I love teaching yoga. Even on days when I don’t feel up to it, after an hour of shared energy and the unison chant of OM at the end of class, my spirit fills up with an inner joy. There is an immediate reward in offering and receiving this practice, and I am grateful for being able to do this for a living. And I have so much gratitude for those who show up to my classes and appreciate what I have to offer. Thank you!

It is also nice to step away for awhile, to seek new teachers, and to re-dedicate myself to my practice with the intention that I too may expand so that my personal “year rings” will indicate growth.

Happy Equinox!