Playing Teacher

Wow. What a day. It?s quite hot and humid here in Florida but being the true Floridian that I am, I?m not complaining. I?d much rather be warm than freezing. Plus it?s the perfect excuse to wear a sundress

After running around town all morning I came home to whip up a big salad to take to a little yoga and dinner get together tonight. We are going to practice yoga for a bit, then eat some yummy food including this salad?

Just some arugula with radish, cucumber, green apple, corn (blanched in boiling water), mint and basil. Mmm, vegetables. I love you.

Let?s back track a little though, shall we?  This morning I had the wonderful opportunity to play yoga teacher with Jenna from Eat, Live, Run.

Jenna is such a sweetheart, and is actually the reason I started blogging in the first place! We met in early January at a Yoga and Ayurveda workshop at our yoga studio, Yogani. I had, of course, recognized her from her blog in class but hesitated to introduce myself. I didn?t want to be THAT girl. You know the one? the creepy blog stalker.

Anyway.

After getting to know each other over lunch, Jenna encouraged me to start a blog. I had considered the idea before and had actually made a failed attempt?but we won?t go there. The timing was right though that day at lunch, and the idea came to me?.The Hungry Yogini was born and the rest is history. So thanks Jenna, for the inspiration and encouragement.

I was so excited to get a text from Jenna this morning? ?Have time for a yoga session today?? OF COURSE!!! I had just finished a nice long walk on Bayshore and was right in her area?hello, spontaneity. No mat, no yoga clothes?just my ipod and off to Jenna?s I went.

We practiced right in the living room at Jenna?s condo for about an hour complete with lots of twists and balance poses. We talked a lot about how different each side of our bodies are in so many poses and the various reasons behind it. I imparted my yogic wisdom (I hope you are chuckling right now?) and encouraged her to focus on breathing into those tight places we often hold on to, and just let them be, going along with my latest favorite intention: surrender.

I think Jenna enjoyed her session, but I know that I LOVED sharing yoga with her. My passion has been ignited, especially after this past weekend?s teacher training session and all the time I am spending here in Tampa talking, learning, and practicing with my favorite yogis and yoginis. Teaching and sharing with others just fuels that passion, and even teaches me in the process!

As I left Jenna?s I felt a huge wave of gratitude and calm wash over me. I?m in the right place. I know it.

And one for the road today?

??I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own; if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful, be realistic, remember the limitations of being human…?

                                 - from The Invitation by Oriah Mountain Dreamer