Inspired by the need to Express and Share
There were two main catalysts to the creation of Elsie’s Yoga Kula and Elsie’s Yoga Class: Live and Unplugged Podcast. One was my desire to offer my students greater accessibility to practice yoga asana classes without having to go to a studio, either because they were out of town or unable to afford a class. The other was my own need to express myself and have my own ‘way’ of presenting myself to the world as a yoga teacher.
The greatest reason I teach is because of my students. It’s because of y’all people! You all offer so much back to me, simply by your dedication and your desire to become more of yourselves. There have been countless times that I may not have been inspired to go teach a yoga class, but as soon as I saw one of your faces all fired up and committed to the class, it lit me up 🙂 There have also been times when I question whether or not I should continue to record my live classes and continue to podcast them, and sure enough, the moment that thought comes into my head, one of you fabulous virtual kula members will write to me and share some powerful way in which the classes have helped you, once again lighting up my heart.
Beginning this yoga site as way to express myself, sprinkled with information and a podcast was absolutely self serving at first, and as I delved into it I realized how much more it had become. I’ve gotten the chance to connect with many of you in such incredible ways. I’ve been able to step into the creation of a new way to take the practice of yoga to folks who may or may not have a class nor a teacher available. It’s also kept me accountable as a yoga teacher. I’ve had to stay mindful and true to myself every step of the way.
During the past three and a half years of Elsie’s Yoga Kula, there have been times when I had the desire to write and post and be connected almost daily and there have been times when I haven’t even been able nor willing to log on to the site. At first I reprimanded myself for not keeping up with some predefined way in which you are supposed to run a podcast/blog, and then I realized that every word that I put up, every time that I choose to post something it comes from a deep truth, which honors all of you and myself.
Act From Your Highest Always
If I were to inspire you to commit to something in 2010 it would be to let go of any predefined expectations or limitations in whatever you choose to endeavor. Who says anyhow? Take action from your highest self, choose to engage from your most authentic place, even if it takes longer than you thought, even if it’s not the way you thought it would be, even if it’s not ‘perfect’. Again, who says anyhow? Do it your way, and do it truthfully. Remember that every action that you take will at once serve to fuel you and those that happen to come in contact with your expression. Everything that you do matters, and it matters greatly, so be your best and be yourself 😀
This whole post came about because of a recent humbling post featuring me in one of my most favorite sites, written by a magical woman that I ‘met’ via social media (twitter/my podcast/facebook). It’s all about resolutions, (what with the new year and all that jazz 😉 and well, we do take stock of what we desire, what we want to do and be, become, etc.) and so my podcast was offered as a way to step into your ‘yoga resolutions’. This just made me realize how important it is to adhere to your own authenticity and truth, so that whatever you put out into the world is truly a reflection of the best that you can be at any given moment.
Thank you to all my students for keeping me accountable and always striving to be the best teacher/student/mother/human that I can be! And an extra special thanks to my beloved The Green Ox for nurturing me by FIRE 😀
Happy New Decade! and say hello if you get a chance 🙂
What do you think of the EYK logo at the top of the page?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
The new logo is fab! And that’s one heck of a resolution challenge–if everyone in the world did it, what a transformation we would see! xo
Love you Elsie and I hope you know that so much of what you put out there inspires me on a regular basis. Funny enough, my resolution this year is to get on my mat every day, even if it is only for child’s pose. I am trying to give up the idea of a “perfect” yoga practice and do what I have the time and energy for on that day. Thank you for your authenticity, I look forward to another year of Elsie!
Thanks, Elsie, for this post! I can totally relate. I started my yoga blog for many of the same reasons and it has opened up a whole new world to me. I love social media and the supportive community it creates. Your thoughts here are most inspiring and your logo looks great! Thanks Again!
Happy New Decade!
-Lindsay
When I look back a year, much has changed. A year ago, I was in a hospital, paralyzed on my left side. 30-years old. Learning to walk. Learning everything again. Everything had changed.
In spring I got back home. And I found Elsie! Via her pods a grew stronger and stronger, both mentally and physically. I´ve practiced yoga everyday since then. So thank you Elsie!
Some days I don´t want to practice yoga. And I know why. Some days, I´m afraid to step deeper into myself. Cause so much is different now.
But still, I find the strength to go on. So THANK YOU ELSIE!
Love, Onnenpuu (Fia E)
Elsie I love your yoga class because it challenges me like no other yoga class. This is because you take yoga to a different level than any other podcast I have tried. Most yoga teachers teach for the physical effects of yoga, and they are great, but your classes focus on the spiritual aspect which is yoga’s true self. The fact that you place conscious intention in each class makes them that much more powerful! Never forget that you are a magical being yourself and you are fulfilling your life’s work today! May this year bring you many blessings, much love and thanks ~ amy
Your logo is so cool. I love it! I wish you a wonderful 2010
Oops, I submitted before I’d finished! I love this idea of a resolution “challenge”. I think that, for this year, I’d love to let go of my preconceived notions when it comes to my yoga practice. Who cares that I’m obese, am uncomfortable sitting with crossed legs, am super-inflexible, and have no time to speak of?! I will embrace this year as a time to use yoga to learn more about myself and body and learn to love it just as it is as I grow in strength. Happy 2010!
My family members always say that I am killing my time here at net,
however I know I am getting know-how all the time by reading such pleasant
articles or reviews.
yoga ladies tee recently posted..yoga ladies tee
{ 1 trackback }