This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of teaching in the most special of places- The Koi Whisperer Sanctuary in St Charles, owned by MaryEllen Malinowski.I met MaryEllen a while back and we both agreed holding the spiritual practice of yoga in the grounds of her beautiful zen garden and koi sanctuary would be a great combination. True to our expectations, it was. Pranayama (conscious breathing) began the practice with the exhilarating freshness of natural air flow. To breathe, and breathe deeply, took on a new meaning as the cleanliness of natures offerings were drawn deep into the body and soul. The warmth of the sun helped stiff muscles loosen, minds let go and a quiet , serene calm enter the mind and body and enhance the sequences.

As I was leading the class to center, MaryEllen's puppy Akari, who was coming back from a walk, jumped right into my lap while in suppinasana (raised cross leg seated pose) and wanted to stay there! It is a common belief that dogs feel energy hundreds of times more clearly than humans and apparently - she felt drawn in the positive energy present when I am teaching a class!! After a few minutes when I tried to lift her away, she didn't want to go! I am honored to know that I was the lap of choice in this serene situation! I am looking forward to having Akari be my assistant in future classes/events at The Koi Whisperer Sanctuary--with  Akari in yoga class, I feel a bit like the Dog Whisperer!

Future summer events at The Koi Whisperer Sanctuary will be posted!