It is a fact of the universe that things change. One perspective shared by many physicists and philosophers is that our existence is in an ever-changing state of flux from a subatomic to a galactic level all that exists is transformation. So why do we struggle so much with change? It’s inevitable, it’s always a truth of reality, but we resist and hold on and we fight it every step of our lives. I have recently encountered my own resistance to change, and what it created is both terrifying and most elating. Though I love holding the space of a weekly yoga class and creating intentions that inspire my students to grow in their practice, I am called to strive for more. Yoga is a practice that goes much deeper, one that develops peace, grace and bliss through all the evolving and transforming STUFF. And the best way I can be a teacher, as I have found, is not by teaching a sequence of postures every week, but by finding that grace and peace in my own transformation. It is the bliss that I connect with in yoga, and that is what I aim to share.
Pardon the interruption for any students that may have noticed I am no longer teaching at the Chicago Athletic Clubs. It was a completely amazing company to work for as a yoga instructor, and I will always be grateful for the support I found there in the staff and from my students. However, the winds of change were blowing, and through an unfortunate set of circumstances, I had to move on from teaching with this company. In this ending I felt no sadness, only a knowing that I was holding on to the security of something comfortable and easy. And that I needed to let it go to find something bigger. I wish to fly but am often too afraid to spread my own wings. And the Universe, having wisdom, gave me a stern kick of the cliff to get me going this time. So here I am! Ready to transform, to create something new. I want to share the bliss of this trust in surrender to all of you along the way.
A Space for Yoga
My lineage is small but runs deep and its roots are Chicago. I was trained by Jim Kulackoski, a teacher who possesses an understanding seemingly beyond limits. I was blessed with the wisdom of his yoga teachings, and with a few other amazing yogis we began to share our understanding of the Vedas, Tantra, Samkhya and Karma Yoga to those around us. The Darshan Center is one of the many inspired creations that has grown from these roots. A beautiful and quaint studio right off the Highway on 18th in East Pilsen, this space is literally vibrating with the pure energy of Yoga. This is where I learn all my good stuff, and now where I hope to teach all this good stuff to others!
This Summer, join me at the Darshan Center on the weekends (time tbd), twice a month for a community Yoga class. In addition, those students that are interested in going deeper into the wisdom of Yoga and Ayurveda, I will be hosting workshops, talks, and other events at this space in the upcoming months! And teachers of movement, yoga, fitness and health can join me as I share my depths of knowledge in the functional anatomy, posture, body reading, biomechanics, energetics, philosophy and so much more! No restrictions, navigating the marketing constraints of other businesses… If I want to teach it, I’m gonna share it with you all. You want to learn something, tell me and I will find a way to bring that knowledge to you. I live to teach and feel so free and unrestricted in what I can now offer you. Plus, there is always the post-class tacos that will likely be a regular occurrence… When in Pilsen, right?
What Else?
I have access to time and energy that was once flowing into my class schedule, subbing and running from studio to studio feeling ungrounded. Now I can become centered in who and what I am meant to be. In this space, I have reconnected with daily meditation and with an Ayurvedic routine that helps me to feel supported and balanced in the work that I am doing. It might not seem like it but teaching yoga classes can become easy and mindless work just like any other job when inspiration is lacking.… and I did not want to get to that place. So life said, “Let’s try something different. Time to be inspired again!”
I am healing myself every day through the practice of connecting to a space of awareness that brings peace. Meditation takes us to this space and allows us to radiate that pure quality of Being out to other aspects of ourselves and the Universe around us. Finding an awareness within my diet is also a part of my everyday healing. What things do I bring into my body (and mind and spirit) that really nourishes me? What things do I bring in that create discord? My own path of Yoga and my daily practice to understand myself now supports the development and health of my body, mind and spirit. I now have space to practice these techniques, find these answers, and help others find them too!
Finding peace in the apparent chaos of Chicago might seem near impossible. But peace is everywhere, within each of us we can find a space of perfect center, unbound and unlimited energy, and liberation from any ties that bind us to suffering. Through meditation, self-awareness, and by practicing Karma Yoga, we can find that our expression of life reflects this perfect bliss in any moment. Through a wide range of approaches, I seek to guide others in finding a peaceful acceptance of the circumstances of daily life. More importantly, I seek to help others become present to the creation of their own ideal potential within this human life. Whether it is getting into a handstand, or getting rid of back pain, finding your feet with your fingers, or finding a new career path, what I now offer through my Yoga program can help!
I am stepping away from the comforts and conventions of reactionary/habitual living. By getting grounded in myself, my true Self, I am now fully open to the true depths of my spirit. And the gifts that I have experienced through this shedding, dying, and rising I will be able to share with whoever is ready. I’m ready to connect with all that this ever-changing field of energy has to offer, because I know underneath all of it there is only bliss. That which I will practice seeing in every other soul I meet. In Yoga, there is nothing else but Bliss.
Namaste