- Take your yoga mat outside - Fort Wayne Journal GazetteTake your yoga mat outsideFort Wayne Journal GazetteIn an ideal world, every yoga class would take place on a Costa Rican beach. The birds would sing, […]
- Grand show by yoga enthusiasts - Times of OmanTimes of OmanGrand show by yoga enthusiastsTimes of OmanMuscat: Dressed in white shirts and carrying beautiful mats, yoga enthusiasts put up a grand s […]
- Book Review: Journey To A Life Of Bliss: 30 Days Of Yoga: 30 Minutes A Day by ... - Blogcritics.org (blog)Book Review: Journey To A Life Of Bliss: 30 Days Of Yoga: 30 Minutes A Day by ...Blogcritics.org (blog)Journey To A Life Of Bliss: 30 Days Of Yoga - 3 […]
- Entrepreneur Mixes Up Yoga, Cyndi Lauper and Kids - Fox BusinessEntrepreneur Mixes Up Yoga, Cyndi Lauper and KidsFox BusinessBy Kate Rogers You wouldn't expect Lady Gaga or Cyndi Lauper music to be pumping thr […]
- Woman, 93, is named the world's oldest yoga teacher - New York Daily Newsmsnbc.comWoman, 93, is named the world's oldest yoga teacherNew York Daily NewsA 93 year old woman from Pondicherry has been named the world […]
Working In the Workings of the World Around Me
I joke (but I know there are those out there who agree) that living in New York City is like staying in a bad relationship. A quick link to anxiety, stress, depression, self-destruction and hysteria; You fight to leave then leave and fight to come back for more. This city really is a gritty, pounding place to be and if for one moment you forget to live with wild curiosity, lightheartedness, and deep, deep breath, then you’re a gonner. Done for. Called for dead. And no one cares. No one. They cant because they cant feel you. Well, they can, but they don’t know how. That is where I come in. It is my mission to develop the attentiveness of others.
The more responsible you become for yourself, the more responsible you become for other people. And if you can, its your duty to help them. It’s a burden we bear on this path, weather you like it or not; Its just that way. But when there are startling numbers of distraught and devastated and broken people around you, sometimes you think that you should be broken too. So you break yourself. The only difference is you know what it’s like to be unbroken, so you piece yourself back together and start all over.
Its these feelings that drive me to look for guidance. for more teachings. I know its out there for me to tap into whenever I want it, but I have been relying on catalysts – fasting, psychedelics, retreats, asana even, to induce this awareness into me. And sometimes the strong side effects last pretty long, but never are they lasting. There is a permanent source, and I realized that this is the well that I have been digging.
This is my well. I can smell the water and its driving me mad. I’ve tasted it and its driving me even more mad – insane sometimes. Its exhausted me so I sleep. Its enlivened me and I dig harder. Its made my body weak, so I sit – shovel in my hand and dirt on my face, heart pounding; I want to keep going but I cant so I just sit. Its made my mind weak so I turn around to climb back out. Then again my imagination, my remembering of the taste carries me on again.
This ride makes me so desperate sometimes to find someone that can be a fixture of inspiration. Someone who knows first hand this source, this drink, this drug of all drugs – not so I can be told a story of how it has changed their lives, but rather so I can extract from them, through their energy, an understanding of this source. So I may cultivate a sustained peace and teach equanimity from an experiential place.
One of the most inspirational teachers I have had the good fortune to know is Katite Gumucio, who lives maximum capacity in every moment, relentlessly. Wether exercising compassion, or discipline, or silence, or whatever it may be, her ability to move from moment to moment and understanding of what should be done or said in any given circumstance to maximize the potential lesson learned is astounding to me, and burns my curiosity to connect deeper to my own mind body connection, so that I may be more sensitive to the intricate workings of the world around me.
In order to do this, I need the structure, outline, discipline and high standards like those set at Agama to accomplish my next goals as a yoga teacher, so that I may communicate better with my students. I am a volunteer yoga teacher at Hosh Yoga in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Although I am involved with other studios, this space has been vital to my understanding of selfless service. The deep and genuine gratitude that comes from these practitioners is moving in a way that I can’t quite break into words and because of this I am driven to learn more so I can give them more. The space and students and community deserve well rounded, versed, and knowledgeable teachers. The more that I can develop my own person, the more I can share with those who choose to participate in an entirely self sustained space.
These are students that show up on the mat because they want to commit to regular practice and now have a place where they can do that freely. Agama is an all encompassing program that focuses on terminology and practices linking to the energetic and spiritual body, which is the next step for me. To place concepts that I know now from an experiential place into language and techniques that can be easily understood by others is my goal.
I could exhaust a novel of reasons why Yoga is vital to my development and how the practice has shifted my person in physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual ways. I could go on and on about my practice and how from my own experience I am wanting and able to pass pieces of this lineage on. But this really isn’t about me…
2012 Yoga Scholarship Essay
By: Robyn Polo
If you liked this article and want them to win a free yoga teacher training, then make sure to vote for her by leaving a comment (scroll all the way to the bottom), and sharing this article on Facebook or Twitter. Each comment, Facebook, and Twitter share counts as one vote and you can do all three!
Are you interested in becoming a yoga teacher? Then visit our Yoga School Directory to find the right teacher training. Or, visit our Yoga Retreats page to explore beautiful yoga vacations from around the world.
Twitter
Facebook
RSS
Robyn, you are awesome. No other words are necessary! Best of luck.
Robyn!!! I had by far THE absolute best class with you yesterday! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us!!!!!!!!!!!
Very cool Robyn! Good luck!
Go, Robyn!
Awesome job, Robyn!
I can’t think of anyone better suited for this than you, Robyn. Well written, love! xoxo
Awww sucks…i heart you. I heart you and i miss you…and i heart you.
I can think of no one more deserving of this reward than Robyn. Not only is Robyn an amazing friend, her positive energy and strength of spirit continuously astound me. Best of luck to you, Robyn!
Robyn you are an amazing person, and there was such passion in your essay. You definitely deserve this opportunity!
Sounds great Robyn! Good luck!
ROBYN! Mad love! <3
this lady is a sister and deserves the best, love you girl good luck xx
this is so beautiful, robyn. your heart comes through your writing as much as it does through your yoga teaching and your day to day interactions with people. i already see you as one of my inspirational teachers, i look forward to seeing you radiate in greater capacities! Best of luck
Oh my dear Robyn! I am so glad that you are still as passionate as I last saw you!
Keep listening to the rhythm of the universe!
xoxo
ash
Wow robyn you seem very dedicated best of luck!!!:-)
Good luck Robyn. Let us know how it goes. <3
Robyn – you are magical.
Powers that be – please give this amazing person the chance to spread her light throughout the world around her : )
xoxo
You’re great robyn. I know you will make me proud baby
Awesome! =)
You’re amazing!
Go, Robyn! Good luck!
Go Robyn!
keep digging, ruby. you inspire me. please write more often!! xoxo
Robyn your amazing!!!! I love you much! Can’t wait to see your beautiful face!
You’re awesome Robyn!
Robyn, Blessings to you. Dedication, life’s passion and true love for what you believe in is beatiful. It’s what life is about.
Robyn Rox!
Keep yearning and learning, and life will continue to open up its treasures to you.
You rule, Robyn! So proud of you!
Robyn you are the best. Can’t wait to go to your next class!!!!
Good luck to you, Robyn! I share the yoga love
Good luck Robyn! This is awesome!
Go Robyn — You rock!
Go Robyn! Best of luck
Go Robyn!!!!
Good Luck Robyn!!! You deserve this! So beautifully spoken! I love it
Go Robyn!!!
I’ve always loved your writing and your poems you shared with me.
Love you Robbie!
Robyn, as always you are brilliant and inspiring!!
Gingerbread
this is awesome robyn! good luck!
Beautiful essay! Good luck!
Robyn, you are such a great teacher! Thank you!
Good luck, Robyn!
Good Luck!
This is awesome!
So cool, Robyn! Good luck!
Go Robyn!:)
I like it! Namaste.
Go Robyn!
Congrats Robyn for finding your passion!!
Robyn is great!
Robin you are the Best
Robyn is a ray of light. We’re very happy to have her around and wish her the best of luck!
Good luck , Robyn!
Robyn you’re awesome! don’t stop dancing too!
Robyn you inspire the raw humaness of truth in your awe inspiring words! Knock them dead girl…you’ll get thru. Your time is now. In light & love xxx
This is beautiful. You are an inspiration, Robyn! Keep shining your radiant spirit into the darkness. Eventually, it will create a spark that will light the world. <3
Good luck Robyn!!
Good luck Robyn!!!!
Hope you win!!! Great job!
Beautifully written, Good luck Robyn!
you got this, girrrl!
Good luck Robin! Way to go… So happy for your journey…luv ya ~ jami
Love this!!
Beautiful!
I’m rooting for you Robyn (and in association Hosh)!
Yay!
Great Job!
Awesome! Good Luck! XOXO Dom
Love Robyn! She’s the best! Best of luck!
Well clearly this scholarship would be as lucky to have you as is everyone that your life touches. Grateful to be among them…
much love,
faith
Beautifully said, Robyn! I can’t wait to see you reach this goal
Hi Robyn
I am happy for yu try your best teacher
Love this! Good luck lady!
Yay, Robin!
Good luck!
thank you for being my teacher and friend, my soul sister.
Good luck!
Go Robyn! No one with dance moves like you should live without being able to fulfill her wildest dreams!
You’re classes are great. You deserve whatever training you desire.
Sean Hart
Wow!!!
i like:)
Growing and growing, wonderful!!
Robyn, you are growing and growing, as we all should be, wonderful
You r amazing you have my vote!
Go Robyn! Good luck!
I love yoga this!!
“Voting” for a yoga teacher training seems to be very un-yoga, just saying.
Editors Reply: So is “judging” almost 100 students based on “what” exactly? We had to figure out a fair way to do this and thought this was one way. Thanks!
robyn Is THE BEST YOGA INSTRUCTOR OUT THERE. SHE DESERVES THIS. KEEP VOTING PPL.
Robyn your the best ! go and get em !
Go robyn go!
You’re awesome, Robyn, good luck! All my love. -Tara
I studied Yoga under Robyn in a beautiful hut in Thailand. I highly recommend her!
Go Robin go!
Yes! Do it!
just beautiful, robyn! good luck
What a great read – best of luck Robyn!
GO ROBIN!! You have my vote!
Get it robyn!!!!!
Yes! Good luck!
Good luck Robyn
You are simply the best, Robyn. As always, I want you to achieve EVERYTHING to which you aspire. It humbles me to call you a former student who is now my friend. Look to what heights you have soared.
Rubes (not Robyn), it’s so lovely to see your beautiful face again. I miss seeing it. Good luck! You’ve got the power so you will find your way. Rosie (April Ashtanga girl) xx
Great work!
Go yogi go!
Robyn, youve truly inspired and warmed my soul.
!!!
Hiey sistah! Love you so much!
Rock on Goddess – shankti power! Xox
Shakti! Lovelove
Woop woop
Amazing!! Love it.
Good luck Robyn!
Good Luck girl, hope you get it!!!!
Good Luck!!!
would love to win a yoga teacher training
) in thailand ???? cheers xx
Great job, Robyn!
So wonderful reading Robyn’s work!
Robyn rocks!
Keep up the journey of growing and teaching! I hope you win!!!
I am looking foward to learning from you for as long as possible, there is magic in your teaching.
go for it sheshi
Yogini rising! A wish of prosperity and fortitude on your journey. Om Shanti
its’ been so long! looks like you are doing well for yourself! good luck hun!
AMAZING! <3
Get em girl
Well, this seems obvious.
Lovely young lady – may your dreams come true.
Love you!
Good luck!
Good luck sweetie. Love you.
Craazy girl. Get down dog!
ROBYN I LOVE YOU GOOD LUCK!!
Go Robyn! Do your thang!!
Holla!!
Inspiring commitment! I really appreciated your words about looking externally but knowing the growth comes from inside. Good luck!
Get it girl!
YEAHHHH GIRLLLL!!!!!!!!! GET IT.
You’re the best!
Best of luck!
Robyn has brought flexibilty to a new level and inspired me to name my new dog Downward…it would be unwise to pass her by.
Best of luck! You deserve this!
Robyn should definitely be the one to win this scholarship. Good luck!
Good luck, Robyn!
Robyn definitely understands what it takes to get to and through the dark center
of stress and come to a lighter centered space. I was moved by Robyn’s essay
and her ability to look at herself; only those who are unafraid to face themselves
can lend a hand to others who want to use yoga as a means to become whole.
I think Robyn would be the perfect recipient for the scholarship.
Check it robyn
Best of luck!!!
You rock!
Miss you!
Amazinggg yoggga
Not a stretch to say its great…yes. Pun
Robyn desparately needs and deserves scholarship!
This lady deserves a scholarship because she exudes a sweetness that keeps people coming back!
Anything for the best capp in the village…keep it coming!
Do it to it R! Lots of love!!
I love yoga and i love your santa hat!!!!! Woot woot
Hot yoga. Hot essay.
Get it! She is the best!
Good luck
Good luck!
Good luck!
!!! Do it girl!
I love yoga! And i love you! Win!
Robin is awesome! She is so flexible — she’s the only one i trust for yoga training!
Robyn is a hard worker and very passionate about yoga,she deserves the best.
Keep the shakti power rocking on you gorgeous Goddess! xoxoxoxox
Robyn Rocks! She is the best yoga instructor ever!
Robyn is super duper!
get it!
You are the best Robyn!
You are so wonderful and more than deserving of this opportunity.
Robyn, you rule! You go for it!
Exciting! Good luck!
You should win!
good luck
amazing..
I love Robyn! Best yoga teacher on the planet!
Robyn is so super, love her and wish her many shamin hangouts in the new year!
I second what justin said
Amazing!
best of luck Robyn…Agama is a great school
You most definitely deserve this. When it comes to your practice and teaching others, you show to exude much dedication, commitment, and passion. It is for these reasons you deserve to opportunity to bring your practice to the next level. Best of luck!