As many of you know I spent this Fall working on my 500-hour yoga teacher training certification in NYC with Sri Dharma Mittra at his main temple/yoga center. I did the training to expand my yoga teaching knowledge and propel my personal practice of pranayama, meditation and asana. Of course, I did that. Though unexpectedly, I received so much beyond what I could have ever anticipated. To the point, I don’t think I can fully articulate it but here goes…
I have a huge responsibility ahead of me. The very last thing Dharma said to us on Sunday night 11/20 at the closing/certification ceremony is “you are now part of the greatest army on the planet. and our mission is to save souls.” At first I thought, that’s a cool way to look at it. Within a few hours it hit me: I need to spread the power of yoga -specifically Dharma’s yoga of love and service (aka karma yoga).
I woke up the next morning (Monday) feeling different. Fede, my good friend and Dharma sadhaka, and I enjoyed a long walk with coffee 🙂 in her Brooklyn neighborhood. The air was fresh, the sky open, the city calm and I was at complete peace. My entire skin felt as if it was radiating peace. I felt lighter on the inside and a strong sense I was beaming with Dharma’s compassionate energy.
It’s now Tuesday (just 48 hours since the “saving souls” statement) and I realize I can’t just “hoard” this experience of feeling his compassionate energy (remember: practice aparigraha/non-hoarding at all times). I need to live and share it. I need to be a better version of Melody and allow compassion to shine forth in every single thing I do, say and think. Trickier than it is to write, but it is possible. And I know by doing so I will inspire others to find their light, live their best and be a shining example to all those they in turn encounter.
I am on a mission to help a mini-army of souls that will in turn eventually radiate the same level of passion I currently have for spreading love and service. Honestly, I didn’t think this training would shift me much -some, but not this much! My guess is this is just the first of many shifts to come as a result of spending so much time in the presence of Sri Dharma Mittra. A wave of responsibility has filled me and all I can say is “look out world here I come.” In loving service of Sri Dharma Mittra, Melody
Love your post, Melody!
Congratulations! I found completing my teacher training absolutely overwhelming, and I’ll always remember my teacher saying: “This is not the end. This is the beginning.” Inspiring others is such a huge responsibility but so rewarding! Good luck for your teachings 🙂