Between Body and Mind, Part 1
Some thoughts about Iyengar yoga, personal commitment and prospects for the short (and long) run
Yoga found its way into my life on the roof of a rickety building, somewhere in Dharamsalah, India, at 5 am. As the sun slowly rose up, we were faced by an instructor demonstrating outstanding flexibility; he was able to roll his stomach wherever he wanted. His body movements were almost breathtaking. It was there and then that I realized an almost basic thing – the uniqueness concealed in our ability to teach the body how to break the boundaries we set for it. 
In the most distant place possible from India - Northern Tel Aviv - a yoga course opened underneath my house; almost twelve years ago. I knew almost nothing about the method or of the course, for that matter. I enrolled in a moment’s decision and the connection I felt, of course, was immediate.
Throughout the years, I insisted on maintaining an exercise routing and realized I feel right at home when practicing Iyengar yoga. My ex-partner helped me realize that when I devote myself to yoga, I become more balanced and calm as a person.
It slowly became clear to me that yoga becomes more and more important in my life and that I want to further investigate the body and mind connection through Iyengar.
So, encouraged by my yoga instructor, I found myself on the path to yoga teachers’ course. Making a commitment to take this track extends well beyond merely obtaining an official diploma. It is a commitment to a prolonged process that lasts four years.
Today, I'm a few months away from my final exams (with the help of Gaby Doron), after stumbling upon several meaningful stops along the way; with the help of several teachers and instructors. Among them are Dr. Eyal Shiforni, Sarah Tal, Rachel Chaney and Rina Tawil.
The first meaningful landmark actually came along on the first day. When I was told that I need a preliminary course, I snorted and declared that I am already at the top of my game and that I don’t need any additional preparation.
Three hours of practice later, as I crawled out on my hands and knees, I realized that I’m not in Kansas anymore. I’d better get with the program, so to speak, if I want to reach anything.
Today, as I am about to finish the course, I’m so glad that I have the opportunity to look ahead and know that the road I chose is still long, not to mention filled with challenges.
I fill blessed and content that I can decide, with each new day, to accept Iyengar yoga to my life. Furthermore, I feel enriched by the possibility to share this amazing abundance with those who surround me.