When I started with yoga I just jumped in. Literally. When the teacher said: „step or jump forward“ – I would just jump. I just did and tried EVERYTHING the teacher would suggest, without fear or thinking too much about what could happen. I was very young and I loved doing sports. When I remember those days it always gives me a good laugh. On the one hand today I miss this fearless me (because this changed… – oh hello, thinking mind!!), on the other hand I’m very happy I didn’t get any serious injuries. Oh my, this beginning time has so much magic, doesn’t it?
I started practicing yoga on a daily basis when I was living in New York. I had done yoga classes before, but because I never ever had any money those days (I was a student and traveled looooaads between my studies) I practiced yoga mostly with DVD’s. So that’s also why my first „teachers“ could never stop me from jumping – they just couldn’t see me 😉
In New York I went to the Jivamukti Yoga studio for a book presentation from Sharon Gannon. So I went there only for the book presentation, not even thinking about taking a yoga class there. I was hooked, immediately. Since then not a day would pass without me practicing at this Jivamukti Studio. I fell in love with yoga, for sure. But even more: I fell in love with the BEGINNING of a new practice, a thing I loved, planning my day in a new way, listening to new things, getting to know new teachers, really beginning to practice with myself.
Needless to say I left all my (credit card) money there. But also – needless to say – I received so much in return. Right after those three months in New York, I knew what I wanted: to become a yoga teacher. I knew so clearly that this would be my path. I remember lying in the bed of one of my best girlfriends worrying about the application I sent in to work & learn at Lord Vishnus Couch (spoiler: where I’m working now ;)) – and waiting to hear if they accepted me. I couldn’t afford the entire fee for the tt so I NEEDED the work & learn to make that ‚yoga teacher thing‘ happen.
So I lay in my friends bed and she started worry also. She said, but what if they say no? I didn’t know what to do in that case, so I took a positive approach: If this will gonna work out, -I said, then this it is. And yes, you guessed it already; it worked out.
But I’m still so sure I wouldn’t have been so clear about what I wanted if I didn’t have this intense time in New York. This jumping in and getting it all. Because of this memory I still love so much to teach beginner courses. Because I know that this magic of beginning exists – you just have to begin and stick with it. You need this „jumping in“ experience.
I am absolutely convinced through your yoga practice, you will find out what is meaningful to you. And what it is what you are really longing for.
That’s why I teach a yoga introduction class every week. And I give a lot of Absolute Beginner Workshops. Because I want every yoga practitioner that starts their practice, to enjoy the same magic I did. If that happens, you just go with it. You stick to it. Even if some day in the future it is not your beginner state anymore that kicks you – but your practice by itself.
Nicole and me will teach a retreat on Mallorca, 9- 16 April 2016, with a focus on how to keep a beginner’s mind. That does not mean you have to be a beginner in yoga to come with us, but we invite you cordially if you! If you are not a beginner we invite you to open up to your beginner’s mind again and have a fresh look at your (yoga) fundamentals (again) and to come with an empty mind and an open heart to experience what yoga can really be in your life.
