Beyond the walls of the studio

There's formal posture work in a studio and then there's the spontaneous pose that comes out of nowhere. Sometimes I feel like flying... Not all things need to be regimented, forced, or perfectly defined. Yoga's best done in the moment whatever the moment is...

What is

I constantly hear people talk about their yoga teachers.  I hear yoga teacher competitions... as in, my teacher's better than your teacher.   I hear yoga teacher horror stories.  I hear about the early stages of yoga teacher/student infatuation.  

Over the years I have studied with some great teachers Gail Malizia, my first yoga teacher holds a special place in my heart.  Kate Holcome (my current teacher) also has my dedication.  But, what exactly does a good yoga teacher offer.  According to the Yoga Sutras one of the ways to overcome our obstacles is by working with a teacher who has encountered similar difficulties as we have.  One who has overcome his/her desire, a vitaraga.  

Is a yoga teacher someone whom you take a workshop from?  Someone whom you sit in a class with once a week but have no one-on-one contact with?  Someone whom you read about in a magazine.  Probably a yoga teacher is anyone who inspires you to to good so there's more good in the world.  A month ago I was reading Shambhala Sun and came across a piece on Roshi Joan Halifax of Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe.  I let my fingers do the walking on Google, and I found her and her center in Santa Fe.  I read her website.  Last week while working at a garage sale, I met someone who knew Roshi Joan.  She gave her a rave review.  I emailed Upaya and got a response from Roshi Joan... Huh??? I signed up for a workshop in August.  Is she my teacher? Details to follow.

Stacy ....

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