The Secret to Everything

As I was driving into town to teach my yoga class earlier it struck me at how comfortable I felt behind the wheel. Just a couple of months ago I avoided driving at all costs. I was a nervous wreck every time I ventured out. You see, it's my first time ever driving on the left hand side. And I live on a tiny island, with tiny narrow streets and not-so-tiny cars! My heart flip-flopped every time a car whizzed by me....

But yesterday was different. I opened the door, I got in and I drove off. I relaxed and kept my eyes on the road. I followed a few simple rules. And it was easy. Stress-free. And dare I say it - effortless.

And then it hit me - my driving has evolved in exactly the same way as my yoga teaching. About six months ago, I taught my first big group yoga class. I was nervous and kept 'rehearsing' my sequence in my head. I felt that I had to stick to it precisely or everything would fall apart! I was holding on tight, gripping to my 'script' and everything I was going to say and do.

But with every class, that grip has loosened more and more. I breathe, I relax, and I feel completely present. I am able to teach much more in the moment - to tune in and feel the energy of the room and adapt my class accordingly. And I love it. I love teaching. I love sharing my love of yoga and seeing it work its magic on my students...

And so I think I've figured out the secret, the key to success - whether it's driving, teaching yoga or doing anything else worthwhile. And it's this....

Just relax. Let go of the gripping. Let go of the fear. Let things flow. Breath. Be fully present. And enjoy :-)