Hanuman

On Saturday, Sarah Darval and I headed to Telluride to take a workshop with Tim Miller at Telluride Yoga Center. One of the owners, Sharon Caplan had taught some classes for me last May while I was teaching my retreat in Colombia. I had not gotten to meet her before I left but she stayed here with my mom and just became part of our yoga family. So, this was a chance to study with a great Ashtanga master, meet Sharon, get to know the Telluride Yoga Center, and even see my cousins who live there. I had a lot going on in CB and considered cancelling the trip, but knew there was some reason, even beyond all that, that I was supposed to go. 
Sarah and I pull into town and I call my cousin while we cross the street. He says, “Hey, are you wearing pink pants?” So he is the first person we see when we pull in and he walks us to the studio.  We came just in time for the Kirtan (call and response chanting the names of God), which is my favorite thing ever (besides surfing and lovemaking, teaching, and being with my kids, not necessarily in that order). Now there are hundreds of chants out there, but Tim just happens to chant all my favorites. We talked about Hanuman and Neem Karoli Baba (my guru) the whole time, and even chanted the Hanuman Chaleesa. That might not make sense to all of you, but it was very auspicious for me. I knew it was my guru’s way of saying, “I got your back Monica, and you’re on the right track…”  
Knowing that Tim is a bhakti (devotional yogi) like me really made his teaching special. My teacher Shiva Rea will always be my living guru and teaches what I am most connected with, so sometimes I don’t get that much from other teachers. This was very special though and his class was infused with more stories of Hanuman, (strength, courage, fighting for justice, accomplishing great feats and miracles due to his faith and devotion) and a soulful class that was inspiring in a way that only a bhakti and yoga master can convey. 
I got to know Sharon in 2 days and know that she is a soul sister and friend for life. I got to see my cousin and his wife in a stage of their life requiring great courage, strength, faith, and devotion, (sound familiar?) and know that I am a part of this beautiful tapestry as well. I know YOGA FOR THE PEACEFUL will begin a beautiful relationship with TYC and many good things will come of our studios collaborating.
Synchronicity at it’s best.  
We left Sunday, feeling full and had great conversation on the way back home. Wise twenty something year old Sarah and me. Full of Hanuman strength, courage, devotion, and faith. Knowing I can accomplish feats and miracles for love, justice, and peace.  
We all can.