The Alchemy of Yoga

I cannot believe we're past the midway of April! Where has the time gone?! And of course, when I realised this, I also realised that I promised another post about my subsequent tete-a-tete with John Scott.

Tea with John Scott, unlike dinner, was a rather subdued affair. But considering that he was at the tail-end of a five-day teacher training workshop, I was grateful that he even agreed to a quick chat.

"I'm getting there," he said with a wry smile, when I asked him if he was tired. "But I get so much back when I teach, that feeling tired is a small price to pay."

I watched him pouring the tea and wondered where to begin with all the questions that were almost bursting out of me. He reached for a chocolate chip cookie and leaned back, his blonde hair catching the last rays of the evening sun.

"When you first started teaching, did you have any insecurities? I blurted out.

"Yes," he replied easily. "But if you hide behind just learning, then you will one day find that you can't absorb anymore because you're too full. So the only way to create space for more learning is to teach."

Then The Elder joined us and the two of them launched into a passionate conversation about the workshop. I watched by the sidelines, struck by the fire in their souls that was reflected in their eyes. Their love for their art was pure and whole.

The rest of the evening went by, the topic of conversation slipped this way and that, and when the sky finally shrugged on its lovely lavendar shawl, I rose to bid adieu.

"I'll see you again someday...perhaps in Still Point," I said, hugging him. (Still Point is John and Lucy's retreat centre in New Zealand)

"Yes," he smiled.

I left The Elder's house, feeling the embers of the conversation glowing within. John Scott had - whether knowingly or not - stoked my fire to return to teaching again soon.