This is Christopher.

Just Christopher.

I met Christopher at Martha’s Vineyard this year leading yoga on Inkwell Beach. I find that Yoga helps my riding because of the stretching and Bikram, in particular because of the breathing.

But Christopher helped me engage the inner reflection of yoga. Cue yoga music in the background…For real, I thought I would get a good stretch but Christopher had other plans.

Can I say it was not what I expected! I mean, it’s yoga on the beach, on sand to be clear. I just wanted a good stretch because I had plans for a 25 mile ride on the day we met. The class started as many yoga classes do with breathing and sun salutations, all to be expected, except for the sand.

And, except that this was yogi Christopher. He said, as he moved us through the postures, “You are not competing with anyone.” He said, “You are not competing with the you from 10 years ago.” He added, “Make a commitment to your practice that is honest, even sacred.” Okay, this was not my Columbia, Maryland yoga class.

Then came Warrior 1. Christopher said “See what you are waring with.” I was done.

Sobbing in Warrior 1 on Inkwell beach at 8 am.

I wish I could say where it came from, but I honestly do not know. Later I thought that maybe it was my usual mommy, wife, person, thoughts of what holds me back. What is it that keeps me from pursuing whatever?

Went back to yoga everyday with Christopher. So much more than a good stretch.

If you are on the Vineyard go see him. He teaches everyday in August on Inkwell beach.