Cum on Feel the Noise: December 07th, 2012

    Ease of parking, lax security, and cozy buildings are just a short list among the vast array of reasons to express gratitude for Legacy Place. For those unfamiliar or unable to detect a hint of sarcasm,there is nothing overtly glamorous about Legacy Place. Those unable to detect solace in the midst of seasonal chaos or who have yet to enter the sanctuary of Stil Studio may want venture to the other side of Legal C Bar. 
            Entering reluctantly after being dragged by a friend I took my first yoga class in which my friend failed to mention was an advanced class. I was taken aback by the artistry in which I experienced the graceful manipulation of the human body into positions I could hardly fathom, but more so I was fascinated by the methodology. Not only were these things I did not know humans could do, but the way in which these positions were attained was too calm and collected for me to feel comfortable with. I spent my next few weeks at the studio trying to "win yoga", for those of you familiar with the practice I don't know if you have ever tried to win yoga but there is a reason yoga is not an olympic sport. The more I tried to win, the more I failed. If you have ever been to a yoga class and are working on a balance its always either the second you start congratulating yourself too early or the minute you look at someone else when you fall. It is through the past few years of practice that I have experienced the true meaning of yoga. By this I do not mean a singular prevailing definition, I mean I have realized what yoga means to me. 
         The true amazement of yoga is not the asana but the sangha (community). It is here that I experienced the genuineness of human compassion. Being a graduate student studying International Relations, it can wear you down a little reading day and night (literally...day and night) that we are essentially trekking to a slow doom.  
        Once I park my car (not as easy as it may sound) and slide open the beautiful wooden barn door, I am home. Not because I won yoga but because I am surrounded by the most amazing Sangha at Stil Studio I could ask for. 
         Stil has given me the gift of yoga and this has inspired me and led me to their teacher training program. I want nothing but to share the wisdom they have given to me with anyone willing to learn. What makes a practice beautiful is precisely the fact that you can't win, that is why many refer to yoga as a lifelong practice. It's all about the journey.
        Also, I cannot picture another Sangha that could have created the day encapsulated beautifully by this picture on the top of the Legacy Place Parking Garage before being practically gunned down by security.