Interesting conversation today. With a student. On the subject of Anusara yoga. Hmmmm. Student had read the recent NYT article about John and wasn't enthusiastic about practicing a method of yoga that he interpreted as highly "commercialized." Hmmmm. I found my temperature rising a bit...(being the firey girl that I am...) but, I took several deep breaths as I nodded and "hmmmm'd" along with his explanation. Yes, I'd read the article too. Yes, John Friend is my teacher. Yes, I do my best to align my classes with the Anusara method. Yes, Anusara is growing. No, it certainly is NOT about the money or fame. Is John a mogul? Hell if I know...I don't really know what that word means, but what I do know is that John is a VERY astute business man. And, well yeah...he's an American. And, yeah...he's really good at marketing. Yeah...he's REALLY brilliant at yoga. And yeah, he's one of the scant minority who has developed a way to support himself through doing what he loves...yoga. Wow. So. While I initially felt a bit defensive of John...instead of going to that place...I asked "Bob", "So, have you enjoyed my classes?" Bob, "Yes. Very Much. But, if I would have read this article before attending one of your classes I don't think I would have given Anusara a chance." By the way, let me just add that "Bob" has been traveling well out of his way at least once a week to attend my classes (...taking the place of a more convenient location and class) to receive the teachings that have been put in place, by none other than John himself (and, yes, I OFTEN refer to my teachers by name...)
I didn't
need to defend Anusara (so I didn't.) Or John (so I didn't.) The teachings and the method speak for themselves. So, us John "groupies" ...well...we'll just keep on doin' what we do...shining our light with an open heart...and, well...y'all know the rest :D ...
...We'll just SHAKTIFY THE HOUSE!
