Having beenchosen to be an ambassador for project over Richmond has been nothing short of an honor. It has brought one blessing after another, added to this journey I am on. Through being an ambassador I have had the honor of teaching so many beautiful souls both at the studio and all around the city of Richmond; all different ages and abilities and shapes and sizes. Each and every soul touching my heart in their own unique and individual way. My kids at Brook Road Academy have been some of the most inspiring and impactfull of all....
3 years certainly flew by as I had the honor and opportunity to share practice with a group of high schoolers every Friday at 2 p.m. Never have I experienced such a school that encompassed so beautifully the energy of a family. Not only did I have the honor and privilege of witnessing this; I was embraced into this family with open and loving arms. Every week was completely different pertainingto the particular poses that were done, but always constant was the energy of acceptance and compassion....Metta(loving kindness)
So very often in our Western world, the philosophical side of the practice is overlooked. Emphasis is placed on the poses and for so many, the practice in every time one steps off mat... this is actually where the practice begins and my kids at Brook Road Academy could not be better examples of that.
Self expression is so beautifully embraced among the kids: different hair colors, art in various forms, verbal communication, music, etc. Everyone has a voice and no one is shunned for it. Encouragement voiced and shown towards one another is a daily occurrence. The asana happens for an hour every Friday but the practice continues infinitely on.
At the end of every one of my classes I thank my students for allowing me to teach, but even more importantly, I thank them for teaching me in return. I thank each and every one of my Brook Road Academy students for their dedication to their asana practice, but even more so for their dedication to their practice OFF of the mat. For the Metta and the metamorphosis I have seen as a result....changing this world one smile, one hug, one positive word at a time.... I bow to you...
Namaste.
Becky Eschenroeder