Previously On Martinez Yoga…

Winter NYC 2012. Done. Spring! Don’t bring out the bathing suit just yet, but I think it’s pretty safe to put your Uniqlo Heattech in storage. As David Bowie said, “Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes!”

I’ve noticed this past week with some of my students that the change of seasons has presented challenging life state conditions. I can understand that. I’m human, and face challenges just like anybody else. The conversations we had this week before practice and after made it clear to me that this indeed is a challenging time for many of us.

One of my students struck up a conversation with me, and expressed that right now her life is packed with obligations and to do lists for her family, husband, their three year old son, her career, friends, etc…and that her body was in physical pain from the stress of it all. She wanted yoga to provide an immediate fix-it ticket. I thought, “Wow. She must be really going through it.” Again, I can understand that. Living in NYC is tough. She asked for my honest opinion. I shared with her that yoga isn’t an instant fix-it ticket, and that her way of thinking is creating more stress. Yoga is a process and a program to ease any suffering in life, resulting in the acceptance of your reality and receiving self-awareness that you already possess. It’s not about instantly fixing it. It’s about accepting it. It’s about making it manageable. It’s about making it better. It’s about not giving up. It’s about going through any barriers, and marching on. It’s about finding the easiest way possible to receive the greatest benefit. She seemed to be getting it.

I told her, “Yes, I’m your yoga teacher, but I’m also your peer. Even though I’m here supporting and encouraging you, I support and encourage that you allow your breath to be your teacher, whether it is in asana, vinyasa, or trying to dress your three year old and your thirty minutes late.” She smiled, nodded, and said thank you. I thanked her for being open to the teaching, and for being my student and friend.

That’s how it’s done, y’all! It aint easy, but you gotta be there, for others and for yourself, especially in these times. Yoga!

Put that in your incense burner, and spark it up!

Photos by Anna Rose