I’m currently reading Rod Stryker’s book The Four Desires (http://www.parayoga.com/learn/thefourdesires.html). It’s taking me a while. Not because it isn’t interesting – far from that - but because I’m taking the time to do each exercise. And an extended period of time is something I don’t normally have. But for some reason I feel called to follow his instructions. I’ve spent this morning working on one particular exercise in which you think toward a monumental birthday toward the later years of your life and have 4 people talk about how you lived the four desires or aims. I chose my sister, my right and left arm yoga buds Max and Laura, and my mom. I didn’t find this exercise easy – probably because I haven’t lived that long yet. Rod’s instructions warned that I might feel distracted and want some munchie food – all that happened. (I’m happy to say I got a load of laundry done but didn’t fall for the snacking.) But it is a fascinating exercise and I’m choosing to share what I wrote. It’s a bit lengthy but it reads fast.
Damali, my baby sister on my accomplishments
Who knew my sister would become a yoga teacher? Clearly, I’ve known Dara my whole life. In my family we were always grouped together as “the girls.” (For some reason our oldest sister was always referred to by her actual name –lucky her.) Dara was always a creative problem solver – finding her way out of *some* situations with our parents.
I was a bit surprised when she started writing short stories in 8th grade. Everyone loved them. She continued writing throughout high school as a means of dealing with tough family times. Going to college a year early wasn’t easy for her but she pulled through – maintaining a part time job and her full scholarship all the way through. It was during those college years that Dara attended her first yoga classes, got hooked, and sought after her first teacher training (a certificate that I think she still holds on to). In graduate school, she not only earned a degree, landed a job before she graduated and bought a house, but she also spent 5 years travelling the east coast and Midwest sharing herself and yoga. Dedicating her career to the health and wellness of others, Dara ran a corporate wellness center, started a yoga mentoring program, and volunteered tremendously. In 2011, she became the first African-American certified Anusara yoga instructor. And form 2012 on, left the desk job scene to fully dedicate herself to sharing yoga and health more fully.
PS – and she’s still writing.
Laura, on my means of achieving my accomplishments
Yea, I’ve knows Dara while. I first met her when I moved to South Carolina and I showed up in one of her yoga classes at the gym. We quickly found out we had a ton in common and soon became co-workers. I’ve watched Dara over the years not sit on her ass, well, at least for not too long. We actually helped kick each other’s butts. We became co-workers when she picked up a temporary part-time job in my department which she later turned into a full time position. Even when that job was ending, by the time the contract ended, Dara had figured out a way to bring in income in three month intervals and was able to keep her house. I’ve watched her make some tough financial decisions and lessen her material needs so that she lived more with less. Dara was great about making contacts and voicing her needs which also made it easier for her to get the funds she needed for projects that meant so much to her. And by golly when she made up her mind about something, you just needed to step out of the way. Her stubbornness was both a strength because it was part of her drive…and a weakness because it was part of her drive. I’m proud to call Dara a friend and that I could be there to support her over the years. Looking forward to the next yoga road trip, my friend!
Max, on my life’s pleasures
I first met Dara in either a yoga class or at a yoga workshop, neither one of us really remember. She didn’t pay me too much attention in those early days and then something clicked and we became fast friends. Dara’s always been a flirt. There’s no denying that fact. But really she just enjoyed the company of really good people and in return was always happy to be there for her friends, family and students. She could go out drinks or dancing, or be outside hiking or entertaining people in her backyard, sharing a cup a chai, a meal, or meditation – being with people brought her joy and was how she refueled for the work she was so called to do. She also enjoyed supporting other peoples’ dreams and desires. If she could lend a supportive ear or word, she would. It only fueled her fire more and she never wanted anything in return except for maybe a hug. Dara got most of her pleasure from children. Didn’t really matter their age, she found a way to connect. In the eyes of children, she saw hope and potential. She also took time to see the world through their eyes and it would bring her fresh perspective. Yea, I’d say there are two main things that keep Dara happy -1) a good looking guy 2) a baby. Funny how those two things go hand in hand J. I’m so happy her life’s work has afforded her the opportunity for both.
Dara’s always been special. This is the child I thought may grow up to become a nun. Instead she found yoga and different sense of spirituality. I was worried at first because I didn’t understand. But in the end I realized this, whether she went to church weekly or not, Dara was connected to a higher purpose, and has been since she was young. Her sensitivity to her spiritual connection never faded over the years but simply grew stronger as she matured and understood it more. Her connection made her a person of action – her strongest means of expression. Today, I’m proud of the woman she’s become and the actions she took in her life. They allow me to know that she will always prosper in every aspect of her life.
