A Fire Burning In Austin!!

I just returned from Level 2 Teacher Training: The Sannyasin’s Journey with Baron Baptiste in Austin, TX. I can’t even begin to describe the many insights and breakthroughs I experienced there, so will sum it up with two words:  WOW and FUN!!

Level 2 Yogis & Baron Baptiste in full expression!

Level 2 was about exploring who I am being in my communities and who I am for others. Through inquiry, acceptance, and the support of the amazing Baptiste community, I was able to see my blind spots (beliefs or habits I have that disempower me and others).

I realize where in my life I am not being fully present with others, and how often it occurs. I notice times in my conversations when my head is filled with judgment, anticipation, or clouded by my previous experiences, instead of just being with who is speaking with me. I recognize when I give one person my full attention but disregard others.

Perhaps one of the most important blind spots I uncovered is that I was a hider. Way back in grade school my classmates made fun of me for being the teacher’s pet so I stopped raising my hand in class, even though I knew the answer or had something important to say. This hiding continued through my life as I kept covering up things I did not think people would like about me, and started responding to challenging situations with an ongoing mantra that “it doesn’t matter.” I believed that someone else would ask the question or stand up for someone and what is right. I did not want to ruffle any feathers.

I now understand how disempowering being a hider is to my communities and myself. When I fully express myself – whether that is giving honest feedback, making a difficult request, or singing my heart out in savasana – our community becomes stronger, connected, filled with vitality, and moves on to bigger and better things. Life also is so much more FUN in full authentic self-expression!!

I got a glimpse of what my life would be like if I held on to the same disempowering patterns that I uncovered at Level 2. I would be OK, but who wants to live an OK life? Not me, and I’m sure not you! Through my Level 2 participants I learned what greatness looks like, and that we all have it! A GREAT life is available for me if I choose to be seen, get real, and connect with others.

Right now I am present to the experience of vitality, possibility, contagious power and enthusiasm, and most importantly:  connection. I could not have found these things within myself if not for the full support and presence of my fellow Level 2 participants, Baron, and the Baptiste staff. I am so excited to keep sharing this bright fire we started in Austin with all of you and the rest of the world!