Sunday mornings: Hatha Master Class with Yogi Charu at Bhakti Center.
July 21st, 2013, 9am
It was 26.1°C. The breeze was gentle.
I was introduced to Guru Charu when I stumbled into a new studio on the UES. While chatting with one of the advisors there, I mentioned that I focused on a spiritual practice along with my asana practice and she spoke of Charu who teaches Hatha yoga, Pranayama (the practice of learning breath techniques), Meditation and Yoga Nidra (psychic sleeping/ conscious relaxation).
I don’t use the word Guru lightly because it’s a title that many in the western culture abuse but when you listen to him in class, you realize how passionate and humbling he is.
I’ve only been practicing with him for two weeks (10 classes) but within that time, my practice has grown more than all the years I’ve stepped onto the mat.
He invited me to shoot a yoga graduation ceremony on Sunday after class and during the closing he passed down a bit of wisdom a teacher of his said to him:
You should listen and respect your guru because he is your teacher but the role of the guru is to be of service. Your guru is here to serve you, someone who helps you discover your better self.
Reflecting back on each practice after class, I am in awe and deeply humbled to see how it is changing me physically and emotionally. Each time I step off the mat I sense a transition, shedding a layer of my previous self. A bit closer to a constant flow of equanimity.
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