Kula: an intentional community; a group coming together of its own free will.
At the beginning of a class one evening, I asked if anyone had any requests, as I usually do. One student I had never seen before said, “Meditation.” She burst into tears and shared that her father had passed away. It was the first time she had left the house since.
She took my breath away. So open, so honest, so vulnerable. Honestly, I didn’t know how I could lead a class that honored and served her. Then I remembered a quote I had planned to share. The most perfect words. It’s funny how the universe hands you what you need. The quote began with the question, “Why did you come to class today?”
After savasana, this brave soul stood up, unprompted, in a dark room lit by candles, and told us about her father. “His name is…” It was the most beautiful few minutes I have ever witnessed. By the end of class, everyone in the room knew why we had come. We came for her. I can tell you without a doubt: when each of us set our intention for practice, we offered it all up to her.
The most valuable benefit
Your practice will surely bring you positive vibes, flexibility, strength and countless other benefits. But this might be the most valuable: community. Teachers. Students. Friends. Family. There are teachers who become friends, and students who become teachers without even knowing it. I never saw that beautiful woman again, but she taught us more that night than she could ever imagine. I carry her in my heart always.
This community is golden. You step into a room and roll out your mat among like-minded practitioners. Time after time, you give and receive energy. The people you meet are irreplaceable. Be sure to ask the questions and welcome the answers.
In the beginning, asana may seem to set us apart, as the shapes made from mat to mat vary. But when you share your truth and are open to receiving the truths of others, the concept of oneness becomes clear. You begin to realize that every person in the room is working through the same stuff you are.
Offer your practice
This intentional community, this kula, brings us all together. We come to yoga as if we are already part of this family. Next time you set your intention on the mat, perhaps offer your practice to someone else in the room: someone you admire or have been inspired by, the person you parked next to, someone you already know, or maybe someone you haven’t met… yet.
