Today on Facebook one of my friends, Laura, asked about the closing of City Yoga. Below was my response. I just felt like saying it out loud.

"Thanks for asking, Laura. First, let me state that I am speaking on my own and my views are just that. I am not speaking for Angela or City Yoga, but I am taking advantage of this opportunity to say something publicly that I've been keeping to myself for quite some time. The business of Yoga is difficult and almost oxymoronic. Most teachers of Yoga, like Angela, become teachers and open studios because of a deep inner calling to share the wisdom. In this country to have a space to teach cost money. If a teacher is teaching that means he/she's not available to work doing anything else during that time. Time is also money. So, what to do? Right off the bat, it takes money and time to teach a yoga class. Sounds simple that if students appreciate the teaching they will support the teacher(s) and the studio where they gather to practice. Sounds like it would work. When Angela decided to go with a donation based studio, at first I thought, "uh-oh, I hope you can get your bills paid, honey." It has been my experience in St. Augustine that when a love offering is asked for, people don't feel much love. My second, third and fourth thoughts were of hope, inspiration and encouragement. I thought maybe people were ready for a deeper experience of Yoga... that maybe that sense of connection and unification would happen instead of just going to an exercise class. In India there's an incredible amount of support for teachers, centers, ashrams and just about any true spiritual seeking. It's not just lip service. People put their money where their mouth is and monetarily support spirituality... even if its a rich Swami sitting under a 24K gold umbrella or Swami under a tree carrying everything he owns on his back, a prophesying schizophrenic on the street corner or the yoga teacher that lives next door. I still have faith that the deeper teachings of Yoga will penetrate our very thick culture, but it is taking some time. It took guts to do what Angela did, and I am proud of her for doing so. Like most of us, Angela has to make a living. She has a family and responsibilities like everyone else. If we, as a community of yoga students and teachers, would have supported her a little more then maybe City Yoga would not be closing. Angela is taking work that she really enjoys and brings her money instead of costing her money. Of course, who wouldn't? I think she opened the doors for a new way of approaching the "business" of yoga here in St. Augustine, and great good will come it. When I see the restaurants full with yoga students every weekend that cry how much they miss Yoga but cannot afford it anymore, I know why the studios are struggling. So, if you love your yoga class, support it. It can't continue without its students. The only thing one may loose going to Yoga class is some mind chatter and a few extra pounds." Hari Om Tat Sat.

Kumbh Mela 2010 "The Grand Celebration of God"

The spring equinox is a most auspicious day for new beginnings. Shantji and I will leave the very worn, yet peaceful, city of Haridwar, India at 4:30 tomorrow morning for the Himalayas. We arrived to a fresh, polished up Haridwar just 6 weeks prior. No longer shiny and clean, Haridwar looks a bit worn for the wear. Kumbh Mela, the largest spiritual gathering on the planet, has been going on for almost 3 months... the height of which we were in attendance. I breathe in my last impressions of this holy city.

Dust blows over a sleeping dog lying in the hot Indian sun on a lazy afternoon in Haridwar. The Kumbh Mela has now ended. The pilgrims have moved on to higher elevations and cooler temperatures. Huge trucks filled to the brim with brightly colored futons and blankets clutter the path that follows along the Ganges beeping their horns scattering pedestrians out their way. For months pilgrims arrived by the droves, and now everyone seems to be heading elsewhere. The twinkling lights are gone, and tents are coming down one after the other. The party is over.

Everyone seems exhausted and reflective from their experiences had at this most intense and celebratory festival for God. So much energy, time, money, blood, sweat and tears has been exchanged. So much service, love, kindness and devotion has been given. So much mystery, intrigue, deceit, lust and greed has been seen. Its seems all of life's dramas have been played out somewhere by someone, and over and over again, at this grand, cosmic play called the Kumbh Mela.

I take it all in one last time, and I notice the perpetual cycle of good and evil, of death and rebirth, of the sun and the moon. Everything has a never ending cycle of beginning to end... and then just starts all over again. Rawness and sweetness are displayed in the drama of life, but only world changes, only form changes, only desire changes. The underlying source, the essence of everything, always remains ever the same, ever still.

Yes, before the millions of people came, the hundreds of millions meals served, and the zillions of prayers prayed and songs sung, Haridwar seemed shinier and newer. I, myself, arrived much cleaner, more energetic and innocent, but today I leave this holy city much wiser, much stronger and more humble. Just like this city, I am grateful for the incredible ride this Kumbh has given me.

The trash has piled high, dust has covered the freshly painted buildings, and cracks have appeared in the newly paved roads. It will take months to restore this place, and it will never be the same again. My head is full of experience not yet integrated, some of my ideals have been shattered, and my digestive system ravaged. It will take time me time to re-organize, renew and revitalize. However, my heart, is filled with more gratitude, love and inspiration. My eyes sparkle with the light from the core of my being that shines brighter than ever before. I am happy to report Uma will never be the same again, but my essence remains ever the same, ever still.