48 Hours with an Iyengar Yoga Teacher

“A birthday is the date on which a person is born. It is customary in many cultures to celebrate the anniversary of one’s birthday, for example by having a birthday party with family and/or friends. Gifts are often given to the person celebrating the birthday. It is also customary to treat people especially on their birthday, either generally acceding to their wishes, or subjecting them to a rite of transition.” – Birthdays – Answers.com

Yet on 26 October, 2006, I chose to walk through the day as if it was “any other day.” I chose to focus on being in the present – not attaching to the “Hallmark traditions of my past experiences.” I chose to just go with my normal flow. I chose to “just pay attention.”

At 2:00pm., I visited a good friend, Peter Lakis. After viewing his clean, state of the art, facility. We shared conversation and food at a local Italian Cafe.

As we spoke, I noticed how perseverance, discipline, and a commitment to Buddhism, has created and sculpted a beautiful life for Peter.

After experiencing an injury to his lumbar spine, Peter Lakis began a journey. From there, he was introduced to holistic medicine and bodywork. From there, he became a Pilates Instructor. And after teaching in various Pilates studios, he now runs his own Pilates Studio.

Dharma Space is a Pilates studio in the heart of the financial district that provides rehabilitative based & fitness based Pilates classes and education.

After leaving Peter Lakis, I proceeded to a second establishment that “delivers quality fitness and wellness solutions that support meaningful change in people’s lives” – Club One – Yerba Buena

After my 15 minute steam sauna, I entered the Group Exercise Studio. And as I looked around, again, I saw years of perseverance, discipline, and a long standing community of individuals (my yoga students of Club One).

Over the last year, I have seen these individuals laugh, sweat, and totally break down in tears. Yet through their commitment to improving their personal well being (physically, physiologically, or mentally) they continue to walk the yogic path. Again, I see perseverance and discipline.

At 8:30pm. I left Club One and proceeded to a local bar to have a cocktail. And there, I was greeted by my friend – Yoga Teacher – Jamie Lindsay.

Jamie Lindsay showed up for his first yoga class in jeans with pockets full of coins (to make change at his bartending job) which rolled out everywhere during Salamba Sarvangasana, striking upside-down yogis & yoginis all around him. And since that time, Jamie Lindsay has become a well established yoga teacher.

Again, I saw perseverance and discipline.

People sometimes say “oh, I wish could be like you.”
People sometimes say, “Oh, I’m too old to change.”
People sometimes say, “Oh, I’m TRYING to develop a better life”

Well it’s not about living vicariously through others.
It’s not about your age.
It’s not about trying.
It’s about doing.

So the next morning, I made a change. I phoned up my good friend, Ashkan.

And, we proceeded to Mission Cliffs. I choose to challenge my fear of heights. And, I went “rock climbing.”

So as you go through your daily lives, don’t be focused on the hallmark holidays, or the ideals of society. Go with your heart. Use perseverance and discipline. And “DO!”

A wonderful 44th birthday it was ..

Wishing the best of all possible worlds,
Yoga Teacher,
AIDS Lifecycle Cyclist,
tony

P.s.
Check out my invitation to: Oprah Winfrey & Harpo Productions