Light . Movement . Creation
The spark that ignites desire—one that at times burns and determines action and others times dissipates into the wilderness of thoughts and untamed emotions—is the light that guides our path. Through the shadow that it casts we search for Truth. As pleasure seekers, we know that to let this fire burn is to feel alive.
At the beginning of my journey toward self-discovery and self-realization, I was a daughter, a sister, a friend, an artist, and a dreamer. At different times in my life, these identities have determined my inclinations and been the starting points of my decisions. Early in my life, I was my parent’s daughter above everything else and so I did everything to make my dad proud and to brighten my mom’s day. As I grew enough to fly beyond my parents’ nest the daughter and sister in me dimmed their lights and the dreamer and friend took over. As I dove into my dreams, I saw a world filled with wild, adventurous and not so clear possibilities. This “what if” ignited the fire of freedom, courage, and determination. It also set me on a path of self-love and gave me strength to persevere in pursuit of my dreams and purpose.
As I explored the world, I started stumbling on different paths that offered ways to awaken my fire. At the beginning of this journey, my curiosity led me to the Shaolin temple where I found myself submerged into the flow of the katas and fascinated by the self-cultivation they nourish. I devoted myself to surrender and discipline and became a hatchisimui, first grade black belt. I then started teaching beginners to Shaolin as I studied oriental medicine and the Tao Te King. One day while living in New York City, I decided to go to a Yoga class after being drawn to a book I had found in the temple. Little did I know that this book was to open the door to the essence of my being and embodied existence.
I am grateful for my fearless heart for it led the way from curiosity to intuition, and the faith that how I came to yoga was all part of a divine plan. As I walk my journey and follow my heart I find myself always looking for the experiences I need to keep my light burning. I look for company that stokes my fire and for the support that keeps it burning. Yoga has defined my way of living, and given me the guidelines to constantly redesign and reevaluate my strategies towards fulfilling my dreams. It has allowed me to hold the space for reflection and always offers me the strength to believe in myself and focus on the present. Yoga is an intimate reflection on my relationship with myself. It is my prayer.
Therefore I commit everyday to this prayer and I surrender myself to this path that I have chosen. It is my aspiration that one day, when time and space merge, I will live this Truth fully and savor the nectar of unconditional and compassionate love.