Top 10 Things I've Learned in Yoga Teacher Training - By Jennifer Stacy

Yesterday was like any other day...

I woke up, did a 3 hour meditation in my Soul Searching Space, took a nice bath, threw on my cute LuLas (you should see this print AND I got matching leggings and a cropped bra top - only $200 for the set!), and sat down with a kombucha and avocado toast on sprouted "bread" and an assortment of raw fruits and veggies.  As I started to ponder how I would shine my light for the day, I realized....

Ok....none of that actually happened.  I get woken up by two small kids every day, nagging me to let them play video games (and I let them because the extra hour of sleep is bliss)....these days, I toss my hair in a messy bun, throw on one of my black leggings and a random top I've probably owned for 20 years, feed us whatever can be conjured from the kitchen (always coffee, usually carbs), and set us all to attempting to work-school-from-home (I'm writing this during a pandemic - my regular routine is a little less sloppy).  

And ultimately, none of this f-king matters.  That ideal image versus my reality....after doing yoga for nearly twenty years and starting teacher training earlier this year, I find myself more comfortable in my yoga skin than ever.  Realizing that you being the best you is about you and not that other person on the mat next to you is pretty damn liberating.  And that applies to everything in your life....after all, yoga literally means "union", so maybe all of this chaotic imperfection is actually a union of everything my life was leading to this moment on my personal path to bliss?  Or maybe I need another coffee and should hold off on philosophy.

Ok, I will hold off on the Socrates and instead channel my inner David Letterman.  I give you "Top Ten Things I've Learned in Yoga Teacher Training."

10.) Other left, I mean right.  Leg up...no not like that....:::rolls with it::::

9.) Be the light (or if you're too tired, just turn on the light for now)

8.) He who washes his feet before class is one step closer to samadhi 

7.) When life throws you lemons, embrace the Rajasic-ness (and eat an apple)

6.) Just because (insert random celebrity guru here)says it's ok, doesn't mean it's ok (so no weird foot massages, ok)

5.) Never forget that any posture you get into you will eventually need to get out of

4.)  Teacher: "And now, find yourself in a nice easy seated position, eyes lightly closed, focus on slowing your breathing and start to focus your mind on...."

Students: "Bananas, eggs, that yogurt that the kids like, waffles......Did I remember to charge my ear buds?  Damn, my mat is dirty..."

3.) All of the crystals, oils, and mantras in the world can't fix a bad attitude.  Check it at the door before you hit the floor.

2.) Ujjayi, Dirga, Nadi, Kapalabhati...when in doubt, JUST BREATHE

1.) As a wise teacher once reminded me, "It's just yoga.  Don't take it so seriously."