Why this blog?

First, let me thank the great yoga master Mr. Iyengar for the title for this blog. The words “pose” and “repose” appear in Iyengar’s book The Tree of Yoga in his discussion on asana (the physical practice of yoga), which he refers to as the branches of a tree. He says, “Pose” is the action and “Repose” the reflection. In my own practice, I interpret his words to involve the process of moving into a yoga pose or practice and then getting still for a moment and feeling what is really happening. Then, from a place of deep intelligence and integrity, we make choices: stay where we are; go deeper; change something; get out; or, just completely let go. Most importantly, we reflect on what the experiences teach us about who we are and how we are changing from deep within.

In my day job as a communications professional working in the public health arena, I write and edit a lot. Yet, my work has never offered me the opportunity to write in a structured way about anything personal. In truth, up until now, I have not wanted to write about my life or deep love of yoga. It has felt too personal to do so. Yet, after much “repose,” I realize that my passion for yoga needs a more public venue – a bit more of a voice, if you will. Yoga has been a part of my life for over a decade. In many ways, I feel like one of the lucky few to have found this practice that has nourished, challenged and changed me. So, I’d like to write a bit about it and offer some thoughts here on this blog.

Equally, I want to hear from others whose lives have been irrevocably shaped and changed by yoga, or touched in any way by the practice. One thing yoga has taught me for sure, is that we are all more alike than different. That there is a thread, or “sutra,” that links us all together in the most ordinary and extraordinary ways.

So, let’s begin! I’ll share a little. You share a little. And, we’ll see what happens. If my experiences with yoga are any indication, something magical might just occur.