And so here we are, nearly at the end of another year together. How grateful I am to all the beautiful women who turn up, week after week, year after year, in the studio and on retreats, creating a community founded on authenticity, honesty and good humour.
You have all become such advanced yogis. How do I know this? You turn up with a bandaged foot or hand, and say things like 'everything else is working, I'll do what I can'. You turn up knowing that you intend to Savasana for the whole class. You let me know you are running late but still want to come, because 'some is better than none'. You show up wracked with grief and accept the hugs and let your tears flow. You make a choice to stay on your belly when everyone else moves to childs pose. You choose to stay in childs pose when everyone else moves to cat cow. You ask for an extra blanket, another sandbag, completely owning your 'Princess and the Pea' requirements, knowing that they will be met.
You tell me about the balls and discs you take on flights and long drives, and how your husband has started rolling his feet and his little toe reappeared! You become a multi prop experimenter, combining the disc and a ball and block to find a full body release. You do most of the class with your eyes closed, trusting that I will guide you clearly. You embrace the experimentation with dots and sticks and straps and tightrope walking and picking up socks with your toes. You do your best to imagine being limpets on rocks and pushing a broken down car and feeling the imaginary weight of me sitting on your back and pushing your feet up into the top of a bunk bed and putting your shoes on at the beach.
As well as being advanced yogis, the conversations we have during tea after class show me that you are also advanced humans. The kindness, curiosity and empathy you show to each other warms my heart. The ridiculous stories and laughter we share make me smile long after you leave. I can feel the old stone walls of the studio absorbing the beautiful vibes you leave behind, holding them close for the next class.
The practice of our yoga - which is simple, expansive and quieting - acts as a touchstone to stay connected with our deepest selves, in the good times and the hard times. Thank you for showing up, for me but mostly for yourself. You are giving yourself the gift of disconnecting from the external noise and reconnecting with yourself, and everyone around you benefits.
I am so grateful for your continued support, delicious baked goodies, hand-picked flowers, book recommendations, words of encouragement and wisdom. You truly make me a better human just by being you :)
Thank you for a wonderful 2024, and may you move into the festive season and 2025 with love and gratitude for all that you have and all that is to come.
With love and best wishes,
❤️
Amanda xx
PS If you need something to look forward to in 2025, please consider joining me on Retreat in Dwellingup 15-18 May. It will be wonderful! I am so looking forward to spending this time together.
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