Now what? Deep breath, no worries.

Over and done and just begun–that’s how I feel about the conclusion of teacher training, which really just marked the start of a lifelong journey of learning, healing, and sharing.

I can’t quite bring myself to say something ended, even though I know it did. I know that next weekend, I won’t be spending nineteen hours inside a yoga studio. Next weekend, I won’t be constantly surrounded by a group of fellow trainees who continously challenge and inspire me to be my best self. In fact, I don’t even have fellow trainees anymore–I have colleagues. Because we are teachers now.

I am a teacher now! And more of a student than ever before. One of the wise mentor-yogis I’ve connected with during training pointed out in his commencement speech that becoming teachers means recognizing all we’ve yet to realize, and I couldn’t agree more.

I have so much more to discover, and so much more to give! I’ve scarcely scratched the surface of all that yoga has to offer, and I’m nowhere near finished sharing what I find. And while I’m still not sure exactly how and what I’ll contribute to my community of fellow humans in need of healing, I have some goals and ideas.

I’m going to keep teaching–at my training studio as scheduling permits, and to friends and associates as often as they’ll let me. I’m officially certified now, but there are still steps to take: I need to figure out what kind of instructor I want to be, to register with the Yoga Alliance, to get insured, to coordinate classes and clients and continue honing my voice as a teacher.

I’m going to keep learning–in a week I’m starting a training program to get my kids’ certification, and over the summer I’m getting educated in the therapeutic applications of yoga. I’m thrilled to explore these areas of specialization and discover what opportunities exist, how my life might further change. I’m also in the slow-but-steady process of reading the Yoga-Sutra, The Bhagavad Gita, Light on Yoga, The Sivananda Companion to Yoga, and an ever-growing list of other books that deserve my attention.

And I’m going to keep writing. I started this blog because I wanted to challenge myself to honesty, to make myself vulnerable, and to document anticipated transformation. All of those personal motivations are still present and valuable, so I see no reason to stop communicating.

Because I believe my words matter. They’re only mine, of course, and I offer them with humility. But by choosing to express myself publicly rather than privately, I allow for the possibility of affecting others, for the chance to be of service. Because if there’s one assertion that’s nestled into my heart over the last few months, it’s that we are all connected, that we will always benefit from considering different perspectives as we seek out universal truth.

So sincere thanks to all of you who have traveled with me thus far, who have supported and encouraged me both in my commitment to yoga and in my writing. I’m so grateful for growth, and for the ability to spread the word about breathing, being, and letting light shine. Namaste to the max!