The first principle of Anusara® yoga is Open To Grace. On a very basic level, in our yoga practice (and in our lives) we can experience this ‘alignment principle’ simply by being breathed.  Yes, “being breathed.”  Not forcing the breath in or out, but softening and allowing our breath to nurture and nourish all aspects of ourselves.

So when I was recently asked to answer these 3 questions, I was delighted in my process of journaling on them.   What Is Grace?   What is your role as a teacher/student?   How do you remember the “celebration of the heart?”

What great questions to ponder whether you are a yoga student or teacher!  I hope you take a moment, or a few, and ponder these questions also.

Here I share with you my answers to these 3 questions (and I would love to hear your answers too):

What is Grace?

Grace is a gift from God.  
Grace is a current that leads us to our heart.  Grace is always present and ready to be given, if we are ready to receive.
  Grace is goodness.  Grace is love.
    Grace is soft, patient, and expansive.  
Grace surrounds us.  
Grace is alive within us.  Grace is unconditional love.  Grace is compassion.  Grace is my nature, yours too!

What is your role as a teacher/student?

My role as a teacher is to offer my students the best of my ability.  To be authentic and to look at each student as an individual.
  I hope to guide my students to their hearts and help them to feel connected to something grand and beautiful.  My role is also to 
help them find their optimal blueprint and to understand their mind/body connection.  To remind them of their beauty, their potential
 and encourage them to let that shine.  

As a student my role is to honor, respect and stay authentic to my heart.

How do you remember the “celebration of the heart?”

I remember the celebration of the heart each time I dance and laugh with my daughter, each time I kiss my husband.   I remember the celebration of the heart when I am present in the moment, breathing and surprisingly hear the spontaneous click-click of the geckos or the song of a bird.  In my yoga practice, I truly love being able to outwardly offer the gratitude of my heart out.  To celebrate this appreciation of being alive is a blessing.