Reflections from Cyndi

The end of October we made our annual pilgrimage to the NC mountains for retreat. It was a wonderful weekend of Yoga Immersion, a chance to relax, go deeper in to practice. We had a lot of laughs, deepened friendships, and enjoyed absolutely perfect weather.
I find myself stretching my own limits as a teacher each time I host a retreat and hold the space for folks to go deep inside themselves, and it always takes me deeper in as well.
Each day we had sunrise meditation, long luxurious yoga practices, wonderful shared meals, long walks and talks, and what has come to be a tradition now, our kirtan and bonfire. It is so inspiring to watch the day come in to being on top of a mountain. To see the moon and stars so clearly at night. The air feels lighter there and my lungs seem to open so easily to it. It truly is a special place and time.
I watch my students with different eyes there...some seem to drop in so easily, eager to unfold and fearless. Others seem to remain fixed in thier familiar patterns, guarded with fear of what may lie underneath. I see only what I've known in myself.
Opening to the heart comes in layers and stages. An experience like retreat is a gift, but not all will easily accept. I hope to gently coax the opening, and honor the presence of fear for what it is...just an old well-worn cloak that needs to be discarded but cannot be shorn until the heart and soul feel sure of warmth.
It takes courage to step across the threshold of change and transformation. It's like standing on the edge of a cliff with a fire behind you. The smoke blinds what lies ahead, but to stay is to surely be scorched. It really is simply a leap of faith. Faith in your own capacity for love and joy, no matter how hard the initial landing might be. Breathe deeply, and your lungs act like wings, easing the shock of finding new ground, which indeed may feel rocky at first footing. The leap can be daunting, but in order to take flight, we must be willing to shed the ties that bind us. I know well the feeling of being bound by fear and attachment. I also know well how trustworthy this practice and path of Yoga is. To really thrive on this journey requires a passion for practice and the ability to be compassionate with oneself along the way. Having jumped off the fiery cliff a thousand times (and I'm sure at least a thousand more to come!), I wouldn't trade a single launch. Yoga as my foundation always softens the impact of landing in new and unknown terrain.
Namaste

Many Blessings

Cyndi