I WANNA GO WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME

I can hear it now, the song from the popular T.V. show Cheers. “You wanna go where everybody knows your name.” Even as I watched the show I felt a sense of community in that bar.  You could feel comfortable enough to tell all your woes, lies, and jokes, without being judged. (that may be pushing it!)

How to be a student

It has been a very long time since I was a full time yoga student.  In the past 12 years in Fernandina, Fl I have been in “front” of the class.  Whether it was a spin, yoga, step, dance, water fitness class, I was the leader.  I made the rules, set the mood, chose the music, and felt a responsibility for my students’ happiness and results. I am comfortable in this space.

Stepping way out of my comfort zone I made a move to the west coast of Florida to live with the man I love.  My husband Michael.  Michael enjoyed my yoga classes the few times he was in Fernandina and knew Debby the yoga teacher and elementary teacher.  Some 300 miles away from Fernandina Michael has met Debby the student.  I am hear to tell you and be the first to admit, I don’t play that part very well at all!

I had the fantasy I would sit back and take all the yoga classes I could.  I would try numerous styles, and teachers.  I would get to experience things I have never experienced before through the eyes of a student.  Well, things weren’t quite that pretty!  Do you know you have to PAY for yoga!  Not a small fee either, in fact, at $15 a class there were some high expectations.

What I have learned is “being a student is hard work.”  It doesn’t matter if you are a veteran or newbie, it’s a gamble.  Studio after studio I hoped to feel, hear, and smell all the things I was used to in Fernandina.  It never happened.  Most instructors in this area don’t even play music which is a mind blower to me since music sends me to a place that makes everything beautiful.  Sounds like a mind altering drug. Class after class I convinced Michael to join me.  We both came to the conclusion “I’m not a good student if I am not in control!”  I need to have and experience a yoga class, not a lecture.

I am however, happy to say that almost 5 months later I have found that studio. (fingers crossed) It looks right, it smells and feels right and they play music. The teachers and students are warm and welcoming. I know more names in one class than my 5 months “wandering.”  I am a student again, and I am paying for yoga and for an experience that so far feels peaceful and inviting.  Kinda like “Cheers” where everybody knows your name.

Wish me luck!

Namaste