My Yoga Heroes

This seems to be my month for witnessing the power of small town teachers in action.  Last week I went over to observe Amy Huggins, an Anusara teacher on Vashon Island, to give her feedback on her teaching.  Vashon is a gorgeous gem of a place, nestled in Puget Sound, and accessible only by ferry.  Amy's class was held at the Vashon Athletic Club, a modest establishment permeated by the not unpleasant scent of chlorine from the pool.  We walked through the weight room, where a few guys were pumping iron, and into a small side room that faced onto the street, with glass windows all around.  People began to gather, and gather, and gather, until the small room was packed mat to mat for Amy's class.  The class leaned toward older women (the largest demographic practicing yoga, by the way), but there were people of all ages.  Amy greeted and laughed with everyone, and the vibe in the room was relaxed and welcoming.

As the class began, the friendliness of the students became apparent.  They would often giggle and joke with each other when Amy announced the next pose, and this was clearly their way of supporting each other through the practice.  Their practice stunned me and brought tears to my eyes.  I've watched many uber capable yogis display their talents, but for some reason, sitting in this humble space, with these older women, and seeing the complete trust they had in Amy, and the way they did their very best with every pose, was one of the most touching things I've ever witnessed in a yoga class.

Quite a few of the students had challenging physical issues.  But they TRIED...they tried everything.  They were good-natured about their weaknesses.  They were heroes, facing their own limitations with grace and humor, and also amazing me with what they COULD do.

At the end of the class, one woman said, "Can I say something to Denise?" and Amy said of course.  This woman told me all the things she loved about Amy's teaching: she addresses everyone by name, she teaches a practice that is both challenging and accessible, she inspires us, she creates a space where everyone feels welcome and safe.

One woman, with ephysema, put her breathing apparatus back on, and walked, glowing, out into the drizzly day.