During my two day business trip to New York City last week, I decided to wake up at the crack of dawn (545am to be exact) and walk down ten blocks to take the Sun Celebrations class with Joy at Laughing Lotus. I grabbed some of the continental breakfast on my way out and ended up having a minor binge. As I walked towards the studio my mind kept going back to my binge trying to figure out what caused it (remember – binges are never about food OR self-will but a way my body communicates to me that something deeper is going on). It could have been fear, loneliness, or any number of things and I couldn’t quite understand it.
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| Laughing Lotus |
After completely missing the studio twice (there was even a huge banner!), I went upstairs, signed in and got myself situated. The teacher was young with bright green jewelry and a beautiful smile. The walls of laughing lotus studio is hot pink and I couldn’t help but smile. She opened the class by reading a passage from the book “The Happiness Project” regarding de-cluttering of the mind. We carry so many thoughts that no longer serve us and she encouraged us to take todays practice and dedicate it to cleaning the mind.
I felt strong during the flow and what came to me as I was practicing is that usually when I have a binge attack, I spend the whole day killing myself for it. Feeling guilty, beating myself up, trying to figure out why I did it. As she was guiding us, I dropped the story line and decided to let it go. Let go of the analysis. Although it is important to understand why I binged, it would come to me when I am receptive to listen.
One of my favorite lines that Joy said during class was “when you are fully content in the
moment; you are free”. Isn’t that what we long for? To be FREE? To break the pattern of the mind and find spaciousness? I allowed her words to melt over me and I felt perfect. Right there in that moment I was perfect. And even now as I type this; I am perfect.
moment; you are free”. Isn’t that what we long for? To be FREE? To break the pattern of the mind and find spaciousness? I allowed her words to melt over me and I felt perfect. Right there in that moment I was perfect. And even now as I type this; I am perfect.
During savasana, Joy rubbed this nice oil in my hair that lingered with me the rest of the day. Every time I caught a whiff of my hair I reminded myself to drop the story line. As Pema Chodron so eloquently says “we cannot be present and run our story line at the same time”.
It was a great flow class but my favorite part was at the end when she pulled out her ukele and sang “Om Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu” which means “May all beings everywhere be happy and free from suffering.” Beautiful class, beautiful studio, beautiful message.
Namaste.
April 28th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
Great post….I definitely need to remember to live in the moment and stop worrying about things. I love the line "it would come to me when I was receptive to listen." Perfect advice that I plan to use myself.Love reading your posts…..keep at it girl!
April 28th, 2011 at 12:52 pm
Sounds like a great studio- too bad you can't go there every day:)
April 28th, 2011 at 1:31 pm
Thais! my lady, you are amazing.. and it is when we push the hardest that struggle… i hate watching those i love struggle, including myself (and you too my little sister from another mister!), but it that 'desire' we have to know.. but like we always say, if we let go just an inch, it'll make all the difference! hugs and loves, great post & keep that heart open!
April 28th, 2011 at 4:14 pm
It sounds like you picked a perfect class to attend!
April 28th, 2011 at 4:25 pm
Sounds like a fantastic class! What kind of oil did you use in your hair? What made this studio different than other yoga studios you have visited?
April 28th, 2011 at 4:30 pm
I have no idea what oil she used but it was just fabulous! Made it really personal you know? Personally though I think it's the teacher that makes the studio – the actual space has little affect on me. All yoga studios tend to have the same vibe so the teacher's are what differentiates them. She was just so energetic and you could tell she loved to teach.AND she had a beautiful singing voice =)
April 28th, 2011 at 7:12 pm
Once again another beautiful post. I really need to attend a class like this because there are things I have to let go of right now… and I know this, but it's still difficult. Good for you for being aware and enjoying the moment. <3
April 29th, 2011 at 2:57 am
What an amazing post – I Loved every word. Especially "We carry so many thoughts that no longer serve us and she encouraged us to take todays practice and dedicate it to cleaning the mind. " I can see these words resonating in my ind repeatedly to keep me grounded as well. I recite "Do I want to LIVE or EXIST." daily to get me through issues and to add another fabulous mantra just adds to the healing. Another favorite is: "“when you are fully content in the moment; you are free”." – She sounds like a wonderful instructor. I will definitely have to go to her studio – what a grand experience. Wonderful YOU. <3
May 4th, 2011 at 8:56 pm
That sounds like a wonderful class! Makes me wish I lived in a bigger city
March 28th, 2012 at 1:56 pm
wish i could be there at "laughing lotus"…