June
3, 2008 | ISSUE 312

Expect
the Unexpected

Moonlighting as a
yoga teacher can be gratifying, inspiring, and
sometimes exhausting. Heading home from a long
day in the office and then out again to teach
seemed especially challenging for me last week.
I consoled myself that I would show up and
cruise through my all-levels class on autopilot,
then go home and rest.

But alas, an easy
class was not in the cards for me. A first-time
student seemed nervous and restless, unable to
sit comfortably for meditation, pranayama, or
Savasana. I felt like a circus ringleader as I
guided my advanced students, my newer students,
and this latest arrival. The challenge forced me
to stay perfectly present, be hyper-attentive,
and exert more effort than ever before. I had to
stifle a laugh at the contrast between my
expectations and what was presented to me.

While we all harbor
expectations in our lives, the trick seems to be
to tread lightly
and loosely with them. This week, be
prepared to accept
whatever situations present themselves, approach
them with a neutral
mind, and take appropriate
action rather than resist. Also, find out
how releasing your expectations can help you to
maintain your home
practice. Finally, indulge in a new 20-minute
practice video from Jason Crandell.

Namaste,
Andrea Kowalski

IN
THIS ISSUE

The
Tyranny of Expectations

Opening
to possibilities is empowering; falling into
expectations is crippling. Recognize the
difference and free yourself.

http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/1454

A
Road Map to Acceptance

Use
the following practice to work past your initial
reaction of disappointment, anger, or
frustration and into a state of deep acceptance
of yourself—and others.

http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2019

Dyhana

Practice
a mantra meditation to cultivate a neutral mind.

http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/2448

Do
the Right Thing

When
life hands you a difficult choice, try this
time-tested process for discovering your
dharma—the right action for this situation.

http://www.yogajournal.com/wisdom/2238

Home
Stretch

Roll
out your yoga mat at home and you’ll find the
freedom to experiment, to evolve, and to become
your own best teacher.

http://www.yogajournal.com/practice/2591

Weekly
Practice Video with Jason Crandell: Balancing
Poses

Hone
your balance with a 20-minute video practice
taught by YJ Faculty Teacher Jason Crandell.
Download it free to your desktop or your iPod.

http://www.yogajournal.com/podcast/

Protect
Yourself with Benefits Plus Insurance

Yoga
teachers: You’ve been trained to protect your
students, but are you, yourself, protected? Yoga
Journal Benefits Plus is a trusted program that
provides teachers and studios with liability
insurance and benefits—including discounts,
teacher guides, and a subscription to Yoga
Journal. Enroll today.
http://www.yogajournal.com/benefitsplus

IN
THE CURRENT NEWSSTAND ISSUE: June 2008

Read
these stories and more in the latest issue of Yoga
Journal magazine. Better yet… click
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Practice
in Paradise

Are
you ready for a yoga retreat? No matter what
kind of practice you have, a retreat could be
the best vacation you’ll ever take.

By
Lorie A. Parch

Everyday
Ecstasy

See
the Divine in everything when you practice
bhakti, the yoga of devotion.

By
Nora Isaacs

Summer
Sports Guide

Boost
your performance and enjoy your favorite sport
more with poses that complement tennis, running,
cycling, and golf.

By
Catherine Guthrie

NEWSLETTER
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