
Maui yoga path
“How are you doing today?” asked Deni Roman, of the woman signing in before me at this morning’s level 1/2 Iyengar class at the beachside Maui Yoga Path.
“Tired, “responded the woman.
“Well, one day when your life is more balanced you’ll answer vibrant,” offered Deni, her smile accentuated by her bright mauve lipstick, pacific sunshine sparkling on her golden nose piercing.
I don’t think I’ve ever answered vibrant to that question, whether it was true or not. Why would I deserve to be vibrant when there is so much suffering? Yet isn’t it true that vibrancy is contagious? Could my vibrancy spark it in others?
This morning’s class was proof. Deni’s lively and playful approach to teaching asana and philosophy ignited a great energy charge in me. Her classic Iyengar approach was coupled with her own wisdom and that borrowed from the Iyengars.
“You’re only as old as your spine is young.” “Life is a series of events that are going to happen no matter what-why not hold your center, stay peaceful and observe it.” (My paraphrase)
The only thing I worried about in the 75 minute class was how much sand I was getting on the mat, and whether I should shake it out during or after class. I decided that since Deni’s studio is on the beach, I probably wasn’t the only student who’s ever gotten sand on her floor. After an exquisite class, which was centered on the pelvis, I stepped outside to give my mat a shake. There right in front of me were two whales breaching. I watched as their tails lift out of the water, water spouted from their blowholes and I gave thanks to all the moments and all the people that weave together to create my truly vibrant life.