Things I Learned from an 8-Year-Old

Hello Dear Ones! I have returned from my trip to the Finger Lakes, NY where I was studying with Douglas Brooks PhD in Eastern religions and languages. The lessons from Douglas were rich and, as usual, it will take me some time to digest what I learned and transmit it to you.

My dear Douglas was not the only teacher that I learned from over the past weekend. The guru that I wasn't expecting was the one that I needed most and it came in the form of an eight-year-old girl called Ari. Here is what she taught me:

1. Ask for what you want. How did an eight-year-old join our class? She simply asked her mother if she could come and learn with us. How many things have you missed out on simply because you weren't brave enough to ask for it?
2. Appreciate good stories. My little roommate was reading one book and listening to another. The girl appreciates good stories that expand the imagination. When was the last time you stepped away from news or social media and allowed yourself to be totally immersed in a good story?
3. Share your talent with your friends. On one special morning I began my day being serenaded by flute song and doing errands while being sung to in Spanish. Ari was not at all shy about sharing her musical talents. Do you share your artistry with the world or do you keep it to yourself? How can the world benefit if you were willing to share your talents?
4. Remind others of the magic around all of us. During a hike to the waterfalls in Naples, NY Ari took us on an adventure through the forest as we "chased Artemis" in order to stop her from destroying the world. Being immersed in adventure and led by a young, fearless girl was one of the highlights of the trip and allowed us to be reintroduced to our inner child. When was the last time you allowed yourself to play?
5. Be curious. Ask when you don't have the answer. Interrogate the world around you. Don't stop at one source! Children have an insatiable desire for knowledge and if we want to stay young at heart, neither should we. What were you curious about today? How many sources did you turn to to find the answer?

Hopefully, Ari will want to spend time with us again next year so that I can continue learning from her.

In other news, I want to announce a change in the schedule, hopefully it will work out for most of you. If not, please remember that over 50 recordings are available for rent. Instead of a Monday 12:30 class, live classes will be offered at 9:00 AM on Tuesdays and Thursdays. To register, please go here: https://www.toembodyyoga.com/offerings

To watch class replays, please go here:

https://www.toembodyyoga.com/online_store

I look forward to seeing you!

Julie