Tonight is the brightest full moon of the year. The full moon of Guru Purnima is the moon under which we honor our teachers. As I sit and remember all that I have learned and continue to learn from my family, friends, yoga instructors and students, and nature I am steeped in appreciation and love.
My 3 year old daughter who has taught me about unconditional love, my husband who teaches me about being grounded in all circumstances, my mom who teaches me about giving from the heart. My father who teaches me about being calm in all situations, my brother who teaches me about faith and courage, and my sister who teaches me about making the best out of all situations.
My yoga teachers include Behnje Masson, of whom was my first Anusara® yoga instructor, Desiree Rumbaugh, Sianna Sherman and the founder of Anusara® yoga, John Friend. All of these people bring a unique flavor into their teaching style, and I remember their offerings each time I am on the mat.
From Our Back Body Into Our Front Body
In our practice of Anusara® yoga our back body represents our universal self, and our front body represents our individual self.
We learn how to move from our back body, into our front body. Remembering that the universe supports us as individuals, remembering that we are held in support and love. Connecting to this truth, we are able to let the uniqueness of who we are shine out in a way that in return supports the whole.
When we invite the breath to expand our back waistline, we are additionally initiating Kidney Loop, one of the 8 loops in our physical body. This refinement of breath helps to keep our adrenals nourished and at the end of our practice we feel calm and relaxed. On the contrary, if we compress our back body, we can agitate our adrenals and leave practice feeling anxious and uprooted.
As we physically practice on our mats, remembering our teachers and moving from the back body to the front body, from the inside to the outside we are nourished. We can delight in the feeling of connection and respect. So fitting really, we align with nature we effortlessly move with grace and strength.
Honoring Our Teachers
Sit in silent mediation today, and honor the teacher within! Be steeped in appreciation and gratitude for the grace that is always with us, always in our hearts.
I am surrounded by beautiful teachers, and so are you. Who do you hold dear in your heart today, everyday? Let them know you love and appreciate them. And of course, enjoy the fullest moon of the year tonight with someone you love. Enjoy the bountiful gifts of nature as you bathe in the gifts of nature! Kauai is such an amazing place to do so. Wherever you may be, how sweet that we all will be bathing in the same full moonlight tonight! Bless.