Curiosity
about Rhonda's life is what drove me to trying my first yoga
class on July morning in North Canton, Ohio.
She
had something, Rhonda. Nothing tangible. Nothing I could explicitly
learn, but she had it in her life. saw the evidence in her strong
female nature, her peaceful serene demeanor. Such youth despite
her age. Single. Physically, emotionally, spiritually, she exhibited
such strength.
I
knew these things were all within me, deep inside. Immature,
ready to grow. Ready for life.
Subtle
changes. Fasting. Yamas. Niyamas. "Conversations with God" series.
Astanga.
Up
at 4:30 a.m., before the sun has peeked into the sky. Silence.
Serenity. The most beautiful, blissful time of my day: my morning
yoga session.
Yamas
Why would I want to put meat into my body? Why overeat? Sip
slowly. Taste my food. Why am I running, fighting my body, ignoring
the voice of my soul. All the answers are there, just listen.
Niyamas
Less is better. Minimalism. Simplicity. Bring my own cup, instead
of using disposable. Smile at those I like and those I do not
like. Better yet, like those I do not like. Tell the truth.
...now
Here I am, May, two-thousand-one. Yoga has already become an
integral part of my life, but I am ready. To let it flow, to
allow it to seep into any crevice of my life it can find a place
in. I'm ready; to read it, to learn it, to live it.
Kami L. Rathburn, May 10, 2001