I’ve said before that sharing is caring. But in order to share you have to let your own walls down, to be willing to give before you receive. I find this challenging. Not so much the willing to give part–I’m pretty skilled with that. But letting my walls down? That scares the crap out of me, and yet, it is absolutely necessary if I am to teach from my heart. But I am getting better, and it has to do with light and energy.
Cities have energy. I am most familiar with New York‘s, but also know Chicago and L.A. and Dallas and a few others. This past week I experienced Denver, and with it, a curious sense of openness. It’s hard to describe how vibrant the air felt there. The sun was literally brighter, clearer, and I could feel it in my bones.
I love the sun so much, am deeply drawn to its relentless light and warmth. And whether my desire is because I am a spiritual being who is attracted to a source of divine radiant energy or because I am a biological organism who is programmed to gravitate toward a source of vitamin D—or both—I know that the fulfillment feels real. So being in a place where the sun was bold and clear as opposed to dulled and blurred was thrilling.
But it wasn’t just the brilliant sunshine that was different energetically in Denver. Something about the way citizens interacted–less hustle, more smiles–was calming and reassuring. I especially noticed this in the yoga room. I should clarify that I have never, ever, felt mistreated or unwelcome in a New York City yoga studio. But I have definitely felt intimidated. And for whatever reason, that wasn’t the case in Denver, even though the place I practiced certainly had the hallmarks of intimidation: Sanskrit words painted on the walls, a shrine featuring framed photos of gurus, the smell of incense, etc.
As my teacher for the morning led our class, I found myself envying his spirit. His teaching style was not mine, but I very much admired his attitude. He was entirely at ease, informal, and practically glowing with love. His light was shining full and strong–a young, joyous presence that I know is also inside me.
And by recognizing our common core, I realized there is nothing stopping me from sharing myself the way he did. No reason I can’t be as open, kind, and loving in New York. No need to be intimidated by any surroundings if I’m confident with what’s within.
I’m sure I brought some of Denver’s light with me back to Manhattan, but I’m even surer that I can shine wherever I go. Feeling connected to the universe and being in tune with the energy around me makes it much easier to lower my guard, to let down my walls, and to teach with my true spirit.
Comments are closed.