What a touching read by this guest blogger, Tosha Gorden, who shares the Zen that she has gained from her beloved yoga instructor, Joe.
Be A Seeker (ode to Joe)
My dear, it’s time for you to learn to fly. But no, I don’t want to fly, not yet, maybe not ever. It’s so comfortable here in this nest. You tell me everything I need to know. I’m not ready to fly out on my own!
I am having an emotional reaction to my yoga teacher retiring. I literally feel the tears pool in my eyes when I think about it. This is sort of crazy, right? There are a million yoga teachers out there and some of them are good. Really good maybe, but I have learned so much from this one and I don’t feel nearly ready for him to retire. I take his class at a cancer support facility in my town – a wonderful place with tons of offerings to help those fighting cancer and their families. He has volunteered there for 20 years and, by his estimate, taught 1,400 hours of yoga. Wow! Now that is the epitome of shining a light in the world and I’m so thankful for his generosity.
Why am I telling you this? I just don’t feel that it should be over. He has opened my eyes to so many elements of a healthy life. He is a big believer in dedication and doing things with intention and purpose. He trained in the “old” style of yoga – more Hindu-monk-style rather than Colorado-hippie-style. I don’t know why I chose Colorado…no offense CO! And I love hippies! 🙂
From Joe, I have learned about EFT Tapping, Laugh Yoga/Meditation, the importance of breath, less talk and more quiet. His presence is calming and his words are inspiring. As I process all that I will miss about him and his classes, I think about this blog and the many hours of volunteer work I do to create and share it. If one person learns half as much from reading ZenDitty as I learned from Joe, then it is well worth the time and effort I have put into it.
ZenDitty is my ripple in the water… me flapping my wings and going for flight as I learn to fly.
We all have the ability to inspire, teach, love and nurture. Like Joe, let’s find ways to utilize these gifts we’ve been given.
I will have a void in my practice of inner-peace when Joe leaves, but will continue to seek out practices that fill this void. I will seek out more information on the many healing topics he spoke of. Best of all, I will continue to share them with you!
Be sincere and at peace. Honor yourself and others. Life is pretty simple, if we allow it to be.
OM Shanti Shanti Shanti
(Peace Peace Peace to all).
Namaste,
Tosha
“ZenDitty was created after a deep relaxation detoxed stress and fear from my body and allowed me to move forward in my fight against cancer. My goal is to truly enjoy life and make choices to honor those important to me and I vow to give others this gift as well. I want to support you on your journey by sharing my own and learning to keep my Zen in the process.” ZenDitty.com
