Dear Yoginis in front of me,
I was SUPER excited when I realized I could make it to yoga tonight! Stepping off the bus from work with 10 minutes to get to my apartment, frantically change, grab my mat, buy water and run to the studio in my flip flops. I made it!!!! And there you were right in front. Your matching yoga outfits were carefully chosen, your bodies were carved perfectly, and WOW what a headstand. You both were READY!
The only available space left was behind you.... I saw you notice me place my mat so tightly that it curved up the wall; and I saw you look to the 3.5 feet of space in front of you to the mirror. In the spirit of Buddha, I knew you'd move up just a few inches to help me. But you chose not to. I also saw the look of cold annoyance you shot at me with your eyes like I had ruined your entire day, which is unfortunate for you, because an hour of yoga is often the highlight of mine.
Beautiful girls, can I just take a moment to remind all of us about why we go to the mat? For one, it's not about your outfit or how awesome it looks on your body -- although you both really did look great. Secondly, our whole practice is about creating space. You had a perfect 3.5 foot opportunity. Thirdly, yoga is about introspection and your inner voice. Bring that look you shot me to a mirror and figure out what is going on inside of yourself. And finally, we were practicing vulnerability and openness to new relationships tonight. Your actions prevented you from knowing a really cool girl practicing right behind you.
My friends, I really try hard to reshape unkindness with love, both in and outside of the studio. And although I've been working on using my voice and standing in my truth... notice that I didn't say one word in retaliation. I also didn't return your looks of disgust. And you know why? Because yoga is my happy place and your issues can't take that away from me.
When the situation in front of me wasn't going to change, I realized that I needed to. So I created new space for myself by simply moving my mat perpendicular to the rest of the class for my practice. Which (A) prevented you from kicking me in the face and (B) gave me a lot of peace. You see ladies, I don't care what direction I stand in during my practice. Even if it's completely opposite from the rest of the class. Wherever my heart is pointing forward is my compass.
You both have a beautiful, strong practice and I'm sure you are wonderful people. It just didn't translate well tonight. But that's okay... tomorrow is a new day and another chance to practice again! Just like all of the more difficult poses, I have confidence that, eventually, you'll get this too.
Namaste, Katie
© 2018 Katie Riley
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