史密斯家族

I've suffered from back problems for years. My wife told me that I should try Iyengar yoga, a nice, slow, methodical way to get into yoga. She read a book about a Taiwanese that studied and traveled through India, and was now back in Taipei. "We should try to go to one of her classes." Candy says. The next day I meet a stranger on the road in downtown Taipei. We get to talking about yoga and life, and I know that Candy and her would get along great. We exchange numbers, I call Candy to tell her, and it turns out to be the same person she was talking about the night before. Love that kind of stuff.

Xiao Ying's class was exactly how I wanted to learn yoga. It was a slow introduction to the poses and the different parts of my body that I wasn't previously aware of. (You mean my sitting bone isn't just my butt?) As we reviewed previous poses, she listened and watched her students and expanded on what she had taught previously, offering deeper realms of the poses to those who could handle it (not me, except the head and hand stands), and gentler alternatives to those who have injuries to deal with (yeah, that's me, um, can I have two more bricks, another bolster, and an extra blanket please?)


I learned in Xiao Ying's class to slow down and listen to my body. I learned that my body will communicate with me if I am still enough and aware enough to listen to what it has to say. I learned that I can change my body's habits if I'm willing to commit to the discipline of giving my body what it deserves.


I had the opportunity to go to both her English and Chinese classes. It was fun to watch her grow into her role as teacher and facilitator. I think that facilitator is the best title for her, for she can only teach so much, but it's up to us individually to be able to follow the advice and suggestions of others willing to help. If you are another foreigner in Taiwan reading this, there are some great opportunities to go and meet up with Xiao Ying, her husband Andy, and their little lightning bolt, Marlowe down at their Yogi Guest House in Hualian. Trust me, check out her blog, get some friends together, book a couple of rooms, and get the heck out of Taipei for a weekend that's great for you. She may be reserved about her English, but it's great. You won't be disappointed. If you want more information, email her at yogameimei@gmail.com , or check out her blog at http://www.wretch.cc/blog/yingyoga . You can always drop me an email too if you need.


Thanks, Xiao Ying for the guidance and friendship that you have offered. Candy and I are honored to share paths in our lives with you and your family.


Kenn Loewen
http://qmowhite.blogspot.com/