They say that when the pupil is ready, the teacher will appear. My yoga journey began in 1990. My first teacher Danny (Paradise), walked into my studio in London and asked if I wanted to learn yoga. I had no idea what yoga was but I was intrigued enough to ask him to show me. Which he did. I was impressed by both his quiet confidence and the strength and flexibility that he demonstrated. I was even more impressed after I tried to emulate some of his movements.
I had always thought myself as fit. My job demands it. I was an athlete when I was younger and ran every day. But could I bend forward and lay my palms on the floor with straight legs? No way. Nor could I complete a simple sun salutation without huffing and puffing like an old train. This teacher's breath had been smooth and effortless. I asked him to come to my house the next day and teach me."
Sting, from the Foreword to 'Jivamukti Yoga'
Image via BBC.