Sweet Offerings
Twenty years ago, yoga changed my life, or more importantly, my conception of the possibilities that my life opened to me. In learning to lose my "I", my eyes opened inward and outward. My mothering improved, my relationships shifted. Some friends disappeared, unable to comprehend this stronger yet kinder me. Some thought that I had joined a cult – yogis had not yet made ads for on tv. It mattered little to me, a woman who often chose a path against the current. I met other, fabulous yogis on their paths. Through one, Larry Schultz, Vancouver beckoned. I arrived to teach yoga, and I stayed here, another gift, another lesson of my practice.
For many years, I struggled with body dymorphia and had therapy of all kinds. However, my first yoga class introduced me to a new level of understanding and knowledge about the body and mind connection. Over the years, through study and practice, I have learned the deep implications and powerful awakenings that yoga gives those who ask. Now, as a yogi and art therapist, I gift to others the precious ability to communicate effectively. Our first precept, or Yama, as yogis is to practice kindness/non violence to oneself and others. We learn and teach others to rewire the internal voices that berate or judge or limit us. At the start of a season of peace on earth, may yogis everywhere also find their peace within.
Heidi L. Joffe
M.Ed., A.T
M.Ed., A.T