Wholistic Fitness

“Dear Steve,

Ahhh.  My back (along with the rest of my mind, body and soul) thanks you wholeheartedly for composing such a graceful, yet challenging, class.  Throughout the various expansions of each pose my thoughts and my breath continuously harkened back to words that you were very fond of using a long time ago:

They were something similar in nature to the following: “the body releases / lets go every seven seconds.  Use the inhale to lengthen and the exhale to extend / or to go deeper.” 

On the occasions when I’ve practiced yoga over the past seven years, I’ve always kept this idea in my mind.  It has always been a pivotal factor in maintaining my motivation.  Believing in and visualizing the possibility of infinite openings, despite initial difficulties or reluctancies, is very inspiring.  At the beginning of class this evening you asked us to formulate a dedication for our current state of practice and to remember our teachers.  I’ve had many teachers from many disciplines and I have always been one to incorporate the “best” qualities from a multitude of philosophies into my own praxis, discarding aspects of lesser integrity.  Steve, you remain a revered figure in my hall of teachers because of your dedication and your earnest investment in cultivating (in others) a life-altering passion for vitality. It was your style, your patience, and your ability to capture my curiosity and interest in yoga (when I was previously unexposed to the discipline) that provided an alternate avenue of expression for many of my future epiphanies–realizations that, up to that point, I sensed but did not possess the vocabulary, or the experience, to describe.  

Talented yogi’s are not always talented teachers and I believe that the inverse of this is also true.  As an athlete you are incredible to observe.  But for me, your gift for being able to share knowledge in an interesting and creative way is more impressive.  It is only doubly impressive that you can actually execute the elegance of mind and body that you choreograph. 

As a chronically optimistic skeptic, trust is a rare privilege that I enjoy bestowing once it has been well earned.  There are a very limited number of people with whom I share my honest thoughts and intellectual pursuits (after 23 years they still number less than five and are therefore extraordinarily precious).  These brilliant lights of personality serve as my foundation when I find myself unable to fully contend with or articulate my own insights.  In the name of analyses that are often misread or interpreted outside of their intended context, I decided to dedicate tonight’s practice–and all of the other areas of practice in my life which unite both mental and physical forms of reflection, opening and contemplation–to you. 

I believe that you have earned my trust and admiration because you have demonstrated your ability to dialogue enthusiastically and straightforwardly with me.  It is clear that you are intelligent and that you appreciate the value of a critical consciousness.  These are the reasons why I so genuinely enjoy our exchanges.  As a friend, a teacher, and a brother you keep my talents engaged, my heart compassionate, and my sense of humor soaring.  Thank you for being such a wonderful part of my life in every sense.  I love and appreciate you greatly and I hope you feel confident that the willingness with which you have articulated your loyalty will be forever reciprocated. 

Bread and roses,

Jessica”