To embrace the future loosely has been my acceptance. I am not in control of the outcome. I can only set an intention in bringing the focus of my mind into a quiet inner space of stillness. With that arises the possibility of clarity in what the next right action might be. To move in that direction and surrender the outcome is the key to developing the quality of “sraddha” or confidence in the chosen decision.
This “knowing” of unfolding is the pure grace of something felt. I call this experience my “truth meter”; when my entire body is embodied with goosebumps. I have no doubt at this point but to accept even my small mind has no clear way of understanding. Life is just a series of these remarkable moments as we journey through the heart.
I am sitting in patience as I listen to what might be the next path. YAF celebrated our anniversary on April 1st. and once again I am in disbelief that we have maintained our small studio for 24 years. How did that happen?The life that has been experienced within these walls and now beyond has been pure joy. The hiccups of frustration, the exhaustion of daily confusions, the obstacles of life have not stopped the commitment of service to our wonderful community. The joys of sharing in the teachings and offering safety to grow continues to be the motivation to forward on.
J. Michael Taylor
However, April marks the beginning of a new path without our beloved Michael Taylor. In 1995, I had the great pleasure of meeting Michael and Doris, his wife, when I had just arrived from CA without any idea of where to begin my teachings.
I had been a yoga teacher in LA for many years but came out here to find a wasteland of healing arts. I first began my teachings by offering yoga classes in a small chiropractic office in Lisle. From there, I rented space on main street in Downers Grove in what was an Hapkito academy. I will forever be gratef ul for those moments of faith and the early friendships that inspired the seeds for YAF.
When I met Doris, she quickly shared that her husband was a yoga teacher as well. Michael then came to my classes and over the next couple of years a valuable friendship was established. And when I wanted to open up a studio in 1997, Micheal was on board. From the moment I signed that lease, I knew I had a loyal and trusted friend to share the adventure. The bond that developed over the years is filled with unspoken love and gratitude. He has been the steady rock of this studio. I often think of him as my “yoga husband”.
Yes, nothing is ever done alone. His amazing humor, dedication and incredible gifts as a teacher, has been a guiding force behind our community. Sometimes we just know that destiny is playing her hand and we just need to respond. Yoga Among Friends has been that siren call from the soul. Sometimes, the truth meter sounds the bell that resonates for a lifetime.
Today as we renew our intention, I want us to hold the space of vigil for his complete health to be restored. This anniversary, as we move into our next year, Michael will be on a huge spiritual and physical pilgrimage of his own as he undergoes his bone barrow transplant for a rare blood disorder. His yoga practice is a testament to his overall wellbeing, and we commit to keep our studio active and vibrant as he takes the months away to nourish his new immune system. We are family, and as we take our next spin around the sun, let us continue to commit to our practice of mind and body through the yogic tools.
I am so grateful for all our teachers who serve in sharing these much needed practices. Keep supporting our studio so we can continue to meet within our space for that much needed hug. Let us also continue to chant for the world while we send courage and love to Michael and Doris.
In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
Te beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.Though your destination is not et clear
You can trust the promos of this opening.
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with our life’s desire.Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.—JOHN O’DONOHUE
Blessings of the heart,
Laura Jane
