…have yoga mat will travel

Yogiman enters Yoga Kula

A simple banner reading “Yoga Kula” hangs over an iron gate on the jam packed streets vibrating with its diverse community in the colorful neighborhood known in San Francisco as “The Mission”. Climbing steep stairs, we were elevated to the stunning studio that overlooked the non-stop energy of the city streets below.

Katchie Ananda

Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n Roll was the opening theme of today’s Anusara, all levels class. The confused YoYo’s thought we were here to do a little stretchin’ & flowin’ with Katchie Ananda, the Anusara teacher that was named one of the Five Top Yoga Teachers Making Change in the World by Yoga Journal Magazine and the East Bay Express pick as Best Yoga Teacher in ’08, but, it appeared this spirited leader prefers to take willing yogis on a mind expandin’ ride. Katchie seemed convinced that most of us had likely worked our way through all the usual hedonistic pursuits, and through it all, found ourselves here, in this dazzlin’ space, all geared up and ready for a “most excellent” yogi adventure.

Yoga Kula

Takin’ out all judgment, comical Katchie laid out an invitation to mentally “come clean” about why we came to our mat as she explained that a yogi’s intent is either driven from their “Little Sva” (small self, ego-teensy things that run us ragged- like a slightly saggin’ tush) or “Big Sva” (big self, somewhat larger in nature- like changin’ the world) . Tonight, the YoYos felt themselves hoverin’ at about a medium size Sva, as the thought of lettin’ unknowing yogis know about this remarkable, spiritual teacher that could possibly change their life was kinda, Big Sva-ish…but, the thought of lookin’ cool in our yoga pants knocked us down a notch….or two.

Openin' the Heart

Katchie’s continual reminder to tune into what Sva was runnin’ our yogi show, was at the forefront of every beautifully sequenced asana as she gently reminded these yogis to quiet the mind and listen intently to the Big Sva, because… that Little Sva was standin’ by, ready to keep on doin’ the same ol’ same ol’.

Tonight and every night from this day forward, familiar postures take on a whole new meaning. Bringing Big Sva into our practice – brings endless possibilities to the world and to this wonderful gift we call- yoga!

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