If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, perhaps you remember my post from 9 months ago (July 15), where I wrote about the value of one comment.

I am often heard to say ‘it is the little things’ that bring meaning to my yoga practice. Since then and recently, I’ve received a few more that have brought a smile to my face. These aren’t BIG things (not like clasping your foot with both hands in Natarajasana (dancer pose)); these are - to me - more meaningful things.

Since I am struggling to find topics to write about (my last post was Jan 15), I thought I’d take a moment to point out what I hope others may be experiencing from their yoga practice. Here goes:

1. About a month ago, a student mentioned that she had been doing yoga over the years yet never felt the energy in her legs / body as she has since working with me. She continued to tell me that this has changed her approach to yoga in a positive way.

2. The simple action of inner spiraling the forearms, then topping it off with shoulder blade engagement (to create a slight outer spiral of the biceps) has - to another student - ‘changed her life’. While I thought ‘how could that change one’s life’, she went on to tell me that her hyperextended elbows have shifted into a more stable position using the above work. She told me that she even applies this to everyday tasks like mopping her kitchen floor.

3. After reading Donna Farhi and Leila Stuarts’ book, “Pathways to a Centered Body”, I have been talking a bunch to students about the psoas muscle, in particular moving from the core instead of simply using leg muscles to walk (imagine a puppet’s legs). This creates more of a glide instead of a ‘flop, flop, flop’ of the feet. One student’s reaction was to tell me that this was ‘life changing’ since her chronic condition has led her to feel that she walks clumsily (her words). Since focusing on the psoas + other core movers, her walk has become more of a glide.

I might go on, but am feeling a bit self-conscious about writing down the things I’ve taught. They aren't life-changing unless the student does the work. The three examples above are students who have embraced the teachings I’ve offered, are using them in everyday life, and it is making a difference for them.

My hope is that every yoga teacher strives to teach the ‘little things’ — the ‘things’ that may shift a person’s perspective about their body and the benefits of ‘little things’.

That’s it for now; need to get on with the day. We face another day of rain - one of many lately. When it’s hot and dry, I will regret grumbling about the rain.

Have a great day / week / month !!!