To my friends, students, colleagues and teachers,
In the fall of 1999, after many years of study in the Iyengar Yoga school, I met Desiree Rumbaugh in her studio in Scottsdale, Arizona. A few months later I had the great fortune to meet John Friend and to formally step onto the path of Anusara Yoga. I was certified to teach Anusara Yoga in 2003. Since that time I have had the opportunity to meet some of my favorite people on the planet, to make some of the best friends of my life and to serve this family of the heart as a member of the Anusara Yoga Ethics Committee, the Anusara Yoga Certification Assessment Committee and the Anusara Yoga Curriculum Development Committee.
Many of you know that I am part of a spiritual community and practice tantra in the lineage of the great Indian Saint Yogi Ramsuratkumar and his spiritual son, my guru, Lee Lozowick. For many years, the valuable insights I gained in my studies with John Friend and Anusara Yoga lived harmoniously within my heart and teaching work alongside Lee’s teachings. As time passed and as both streams of teaching evolved in unforeseen ways, I realized the dharmic choice for me was to continue to teach asana with the brilliant alignment principles I learned from John Friend while giving direct acknowledgement to the spiritual lineage which informs the darshan of my heart.
On October 24, 2011 I formally resigned my certification with Anusara Yoga. I will continue teaching the way I always have- with passion, clarity and integrity- with the sincere intention that my future work reflect only the Highest and best of what I gained from John Friend, Anusara Yoga and my many generous teachers.
Please know that I am not leaving Anusara Yoga, turning my back on anyone or severing the profound connections that have sustained me over the years. I am simply resigning my formal certification. Friendship, such as I have found in this community, is stronger than a piece of paper and what is most sacred, as we know, can never be destroyed.
In the Name of all that endures,
Christina Sell
27 comments:
how lovely. thank you.
love and light to you! xo
@Tanya- you are very welcome.
@Emily- love and light to you as well.
Hey Christina - I'm excited for you and proud that you are forging your own new path. I can imagine that it was not an easy decision to make and that you will have delicate waters to navigate in the ensuing months. In my years of knowing you, you have always spoken your truth and I hope that the strength of your voice and the conviction of your dedication to practice and self study continue to carry you. I'm looking forward to being your student again soon. Onward.
I love you my dear.
@Jenn- Thanks so much. It is an exciting time and yes, mindful navigation is key. Thanks for the support.
@Emma- it is, for sure, a mutual admiration society. I am honored to be your friend.
Bright blessings of love to you Christina! You have illuminated my path since I picked up Yoga from the Inside Out in 2003, long before we actually met. Your integrity shines! Blessings, Jane
I am proud to call you my teacher.
So many blessings to you in following your heart, I have always valued your commitment to your truth and being 100% authentically you. SO MUCH LOVE!
Josie Houpt, Toronto
Christina, your teachings will always inspire me. Best wishes.
Christina,
you are an inspiring talented woman and a great teacher. I appreciate your openness with all of us and wish you continued success!
xo Kathryn DeKeyser
Beautiful and courageous, light it up!
Elequently put. You will always be my teacher.
blessings and love.
Like I just texted you - this is an outrageously beautiful..."Jai Guru" letter. I love you. (Not to mention that I am proud to be your friend).
Anusara will be poorer for the loss of you and your always interesting and thoughtful reflections.
You live by example and stay strong to your thruths. thank you for being an inspiration to so many and holding the seat of the teacher with such integrity.
Christina, You are an original and this action lays claim to the the truth of your unique path. It gives you greater freedom to speak authentically in line with your soul and continue to bring forth the highest vibration and wisdom that arises from your devotion, inner knowing, connection, and practice. You are a clear, strong and mighty transmitter of the vedas -- I rejoice in the spark of spirit that is stepping out confidently in this way. Hari om tat sat.
Coming from someone who has to stand up for her spiritual beliefs often, I can imagine this letter was not easy to write! I am proud to be your student, anusara certification or not. You are an inspiration on the mat and off! I'm excited to see what is to come!
You walking your path with such integrity and courage is refreshing, inspiring, and empowering.
Continue Shinning Brightly. The world needs you.
Much Love and Gratitude.
Christina- what can I say? Words can't express the gratitude for the years I studied with you, let alone for our friendship. I am proud of you and grateful for your commitment to integrity and authenticity.
This news is so liberating!!!!!
You're awesome.
Each one of you has blessed me in so many ways. My heart is full of gratitude and love and I am thrilled and honored to be walking the path with you. May we live fully in the Light of the Teaching and in the joy of the practice.
You are, as always, my hero :-).
It just all about the love....everything else?? eh! distractions! LOLOLOL LOVE
Dear Christina, I respect your decision because you made the right choice for you after reflection and contemplation. Your candor and openness are a testatment to the depth of your character.
While recognizing you do not owe anyone an explanation, and that I have no particular personal entitlement to answers, I wanted to let you know that I have two questions that I am sure others must have too. So I thought I would share them with you.
First, what is the conflict in teachings from your guru and the philosophy that informs Anusara? It seems like it has to be something deep and core and serious to prompt this shift, yet knowing certified Anusara instructors who come from different faiths (Buddhism comes to mind immediately), I'm puzzled as to what it could be,
Second, if you are not exactly "leaving" Anusara, why resign Anusara certification? I know that teachers resign certifications for different reasons, often out of respect for their teachers. But I also know yoga teachers who are certified in Anusara and something else, and teachers who are certified (or inspired) in Anusara but do not call their classes Anusara (or inspired). Were you afraid people would be confused or assume you were representing Anusara (because you are known as a certified teacher) when you shared your guru's teachings?
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to seeing you in the yoga world in the future. I wish you love and blessings and radiant success as you travel on your path.
Also, if you feel this comment is in any way inappropriate or anything else, I apologize and respectfully invite you to delete/remove it. ('Tis your blog!)
With gratitude,
Elizabeth
Welcome to the next ' plateau' !
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