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Peacock Pie for Lunch
I had a work day full of things that it would not be hard to find annoying. I recognized that the challenge I was having with being at peace with my day was not unrelated to the morning news of us lurching closer to nuclear holocaust than ever before in my lifetime. I took myself to the museum to refresh myself with art–the place I most readily find nourishment and refuge.
State of the Garden
I went out into the garden right after I sat for meditation this morning. Even at 7 a.m., the air was hot summer thick. I harvested cherry tomatoes, a handful of green beans, a cucumber, a red onion, and some garlic greens, basil, and a jalapeno pepper. Then I went back inside and practiced some asana and cleaned house in anticipation of a guest arriving for lunch. I weeded a little, but did not fully plunge into all that could be done.
I have lots of epazote. Anybody need some for planting or for cooking? I let only a little go to seed many years ago, and it comes back in force every year. I let it grow wild between the bricks of my patio, but keep it out of beds and containers. It could be a real challenge in a more open garden, but in my constricted, urban setting, inviting the useful, invasive plants to grow where nothing else will grow is a good use of space.
Can One Be Shy and a Successful Yoga Teacher?
I have wondered over the years, as I see the emphasis on being buoyant, outgoing, and cheerful as the hallmark of a fun yoga teacher, whether it is possible to be a successful yoga teacher in today’s society if one (like me) tends toward introversion and shyness. I recently heard an internationally recognized teacher say that the way to know if you are a successful teacher is if your classes are consistently doubling in size. Ever-growing classes are certainly important to help the teacher and the studio pay the rent, but is that the key measure of individual success? I think part of the sense that the measure of success is a burgeoning group of people attracted to the teacher is our societal premium on extroversion. A more introverted teacher may not seem as cuddly and fun outside of class, but may have other things to offer that in fact grow from his or her tendency towards introversion.
Check out this article for some perspective on introversion in today’s society. What are your thoughts about this in the context of yoga?













