WHERE EVERYBODY KNOWS YOUR NAME
Most people see Yoga as just another form of exercise or relaxation. Where going to a Yoga studio is like going to a new age gym. In my opinion, Pacific Ashtanga is much more than that.
Now let me allay any fears by saying that we’re not talking about a commune or something where we share cool aid, play tambourines, or chant Hare Krishna’s. We’re not lighting up joints, having “trips”, or singing Kumbaya together. Nor are we some cult or special clique, with secret handshakes or passwords.
We’re more like Cheers. You remember the TV sitcom, right? I know, I’ve just dated myself. (Aren’t there still reruns?) Like the show, where Norm is greeted with enthusiasm each time he steps through the door, every time you show up for class, someone, and not just the teacher or counter person, will greet you with sincerity. Sometimes it could be a very excited greeting, or it could be as simple as a wink, a smile, a tap on your shoulder, a tug on your ponytail, or a punch in the shoulder (for you manly types). All of which you know is sincere, unlike the polite “How are you”, “I’m fine, thank you” ritual exchanges. If you haven’t been coming for a while, and you return to the Shala (school), more often than not you’ll be greeted like a long lost friend.
People even have their favorite spots like Cliff and Norm have their barstools.
(Just so we’re clear, I’m not saying we’re boozing it up either. We are doing Yoga here.)
Students congratulating Diana, our teacher during 4th Anniversary Celebration
“So?” You say. Remember those occasions where you skipped the gym, the yoga class, the run, the Pilates class, because you just can’t convince yourself to go? Everyone says the hardest part is the “going” part. Hey, I’ve been there. But for many of us, the reverse has become true. Honestly, wouldn’t you want to see your friends, or go somewhere you know you’ll be warmly welcomed? There are times when our teacher has to tell students they should take a day of rest and go home. Imagine that.
Here’s the theme song to Cheers, it describes us to the tee.
Makin’ your way in the world today
Takes everything you’ve got
Taking a break from all your worries
Sure would help a lot
Wouldn’t you like to get away?
Sometimes you wanna go
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
And they’re always glad you came
You wanna be where you can see
Our troubles are all the same
You wanna be Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Be glad there’s one place in the world
Where Everybody Knows Your Name
And they’re always glad you came
You wanna go where people know
People are all the same
You wanna go Where Everybody Knows Your Name
Everyone is welcomed by the students to our Shala. (Well, if you’re raving lunatic brandishing a knife, not so much.) We don’t care if you’re brand new or an old pro. Can’t touch your toes? No problem. The students are so diverse you almost won’t believe it. Folks from their 20’s all the way to the 70’s. Male and female, from all walks of life, beliefs and political outlooks. Some who’re super fit triathlon addicts, and some who’re working on getting fit. Many good friends I would otherwise have never met.
We don’t leer or scoff at you critically if you can’t quite stay balanced, bend so far forward, or even if you sweat like the Niagara Falls. (If you smell like a manure pile, we might ask you to take a shower, politely.) We would instead support you in your efforts. We do because we’ve all been there. People get encouragement often from their fellow classmates, and when you have a break through, you will hear cheers and clapping from us.
We know people are all the same.
So, to stop my rambling, I’m going to borrow a phrase from our beloved Guruji, (read it with a thick Indian accent) “No Fear! You Come!”
