The Journey Begins – 1

A million emotions flood my mind as I graduate to become “Prana Yoga Teacher” today.

It took almost all day for me to soak it all in, through cries , squeals and finally passing out in a deep sleep right on my yoga blanket under the sun.

A Little under a year ago, I walked into the doors of this Yoga studio in Montgomery, NJ. I was following the facebook page for more than three years by then but never visited the place. One fine afternoon, as I was crumbling and recovering through whatever life presented I shared my desire to sign up for a yoga class with close family members. The immediate welcome to the idea, was reassuring.

May be it was finally time.

I scrolled through the page and noticed the free intro session for “200 hours Prana Yoga teachers training” posted on the home page. I signed myself up, although forgot about the date the session was.

But the universe doesn’t forget you. I received a call from the center to remind me to attend. I vividly remember the moment when that reminder call came from Deborah. I was attending yet another party with many familiar faces, on a hot humid summer day. Where I chugged down wine and smiled at people who only saw me for that smile. While I constantly struggled to contain that tear in the corner of my eyes or burst out that thought which (not necessarily) resonated with everyone else in the room. I choked for words and finally walked out on deck for some air. I watched all the kids kids jumping in the pool, laughing and giggling. The sight was peaceful and joyous as if my heart leapt with them, and phone rang. It felt like a call straight from ‘hope’ and I confirmed.

when I walked in for that intro session, I had no expectation or any ideas about Prana Yoga. I heard Deva Premal’s voice for first time chanting Gayatri mantra as I waited anxiously for class to begin worrying if I will need to know how to do a headstand to get certified.

The Prana Yoga is a unique methodology and I did feel a little exposed doing poses while chanting beej sounds. The immediate sense of vulnerability washed over me as I watched the class and my teacher. The teacher, who was completely submerged in the experience, while also being present with each one of us right at the corner of the mat.

I knew, this was home.

It did not take me long to apply and get an acceptance into program, under one condition though. I had to find a teacher to practice prior to the course as I had no other formal training on Yoga before. I did. I started an early morning practice with a teacher in town. Every practice, every posture and every breath I took while she was teaching, just cemented my decision further.