Holy "MA" Phase!

In the continuous, colliding cycle of OM, beginnings, middles and ends are always occurring. As my teacher, Cyndi Lee expressed, life is a series of 'things' arising, abiding and dissolving. There are big beginnings, like weddings, birth, the start of a new school year or the opening of a new business venture. Beginnings often feel exciting and hopeful, ripe with possibility. The 'middle' or 'abiding' part is often where the real energy and effort is invested; it's where we realize success and confront disappointment, and where our mettle is tested and many lessons are learned. The 'middle' can feel tedious or boring, but it's also where we can savor the satisfaction of applying ourselves and making a meaningful contribution to the community and/or the world at large. And, of course, we realize that any 'thing' that has a beginning will eventually have an end. Endings are often sad, and are sometimes quite painful. There might be bitterness, resentment, and even a tendency to look for someone to blame. It has occurred to me, however, that the manner with which we navigate the "MA" phase of the OM cycle, the dissolving/end part, gives us the raw material with which we create the next new beginning. When we attend to the ending with tenderness, compassion and clarity we create the conditions for an inspired, energized and creative new beginning.

Of course, I've been sitting with these thoughts lately following the decision to close Wake Up Yoga West. Many factors have contributed to this ending, and, truthfully, it feels less like a decision and more like the only choice. Even so, those of us who have loved that space and the cOMmUNITY that has been nurtured and growing there for nearly 6 years, feel quite sad that this is the case.

In our efforts to attend to the ending with grace and compassion, we intend to offer classes through the 6 pm class on Tuesday, April 17th. We recognize that many students have invested in class cards specifically because the West studio fit naturally with their daily flow, and that the other Wake Up Yoga studios may be less convenient. If students keep coming, we will keep teaching. If, however, class size drops off dramatically, we may have to close our doors sooner. We hope to go out on a high note, and recognize that any sadness and disappointment that result from this decision only exist because the space has been so special for so many people. Our March schedule is slightly modified, and a few classes toward the end of the month will have to be canceled. I am so grateful to and inspired by the teachers who are committed to continuing to tend to their classes as we ride out this ending. Of course, students who have remaining classes on their class cards are invited to use them at our other two studios. Both Rebecca Hooper and Victoria Ladd will teach a final workshop at Wake Up Yoga West in March and April, which will be beautiful and inspired ways to maximize the positive, life-affirming resource this studio has been.