My Homeless Shamin

     I had lots of time to get ready and prepare for my departure for the second day at the Yoga Conference, lots of time to make sure I didn't forget anything.  I checked and double checked.  I headed to the skytrain feeling confident I had everything I needed.  I get off the train and head up towards the convention centre and just as I get off the escalator I have my moment of realization and moment of panic.  I forgot my conference pass!!  There was a panhandler there and he said something to me that I didn't quite register but something about having or going to be a good day.  My reply was "no, it's not"...because I was in panic mode.  Then he said back "oh, I think it is".  I didn't think he was listening to me.  Somehow his words did sink in and they did calm me, I pulled my phone out of my bag to check the time and see if I could go back home and get it.  I didn't.  Called Bryn to see if I could get some help or input from him, he's always the first person I call when I go into panic mode because he's like a crutch and has a way of problem solving.  He didn't answer.  Breathe, just breathe.  Earlier in the day I checked my facebook and Judith Hanson Lasater's status was "Calmness isn't the opposite of agitation, presence is. Namaste".  I had the homeless man's perspective and Judith's words resonating within me.  I made peace with the inevitable fate that was present in front of me.  Since I read the important information email that the Yoga Conference sends out at the start of the conference, I knew I would be charged $40 for a replacement pass.  They were very nice about it and very apologetic to me as they took my money, he gave me temporary tattoos and told me to get a second complimentary grab bag.  By that point I was so at peace with what I had done that I was able to enjoy the moment with him.  I got my new pass and went to the floor show one last time, did my whirlwind tour and then headed off to my last 2 workshops.  Then my plan was to have a light snack during the half hour break between the workshops and eat my dinner I brought after both workshops, at 6:30pm.  Great idea and I was starving afterward.  So I say good bye to some of the new friends I made and the wonderful teacher and found a quite place to eat before heading home.  I forgot to pack a fork.  Yep, another thing I forgot to pack.  I put everything back in my backpack and headed home.  Still feeling light with all the joy and love I experienced at the Yoga Conference.  I only wish I had the opportunity to thank my homeless shamin or better yet, the mindfulness to do it in the moment.

Today's Workshops:
How to create effective and innovative sequencing -with Maria Garre
A class for all: teaching to all levels -with Maria Garre

Again both workshops were absolutely wonderful!  I can't wait for next year!