Yes, she is
Madam. Chuah who is in her mid-fifty. She
started yoga less than a year ago. But
it took her more than two years to finally come to yoga class, after she gave
me an inquiry call. Her daughter who is
studying journalism in US was my former yoga student. Her name is Jolyn. Jolyn recommended her mother to go for yoga
classes before she leaves. As Madam. Chuah
became an empty-nest mother after her two children gone for oversea studies,
the good daughter Jolie concerned for her mother that she might strain herself with
boredom. But it seems, Madam. Chuah who
appears rather shy and reserved and nice lady, apparently not so confident of
her own body’s flexibility to bend. She
hesitated for two years before she made up her mind.
When she
came to the first class…I became concerned…not because she can’t even sit with
simple crossed leg positions from steep ankles, but because, her seemingly
reserved and self—conscious outlook… Usually, with such expressions wearing in
the face…do not last long in the yoga class.
They soon give up after one or two classes. Though I was very much attentive in her
every move, I hid showing my too-much concern and instead, I just let her be,
asking her not to push herself and do what you can, then, it will improve in
time…
Boy…how
wrong I was… She neither gave up nor missed the classes. She was a quietly disciplined and inwardly
strong lady, and beautiful not only in her appearance but in her heart too… She
was the type who ever so respectful to others while hard working to improve
herself.
She was
improving by the classes, getting younger looking and energy levels also
increased. Her face became more and more
glowing with confidence and the body became much more flexible too. She can do the Boat pose (Navasana) no
problem. It is tremendous improvement
compare few months before when she couldn’t even grasp her ankles lifted in the
air. She can do the Forwarded bending
(Uttanasana) as in the photo, in almost 180 degree!!! Her triangle pose is one of the best looking
among others. Every time when I see her
quietly working on herself steadily, mindfully, she is reminding me of the
typical ‘relentless spirit’ of yogis.
In the
society we are living, everything moves and changes too fast. Thus, the yogis’ lifestyle in where it is
required to work on oneself one step at a time, like how water drops on the
stone to finally penetrate into making holes…do not appeal that much to people,
especially to youngsters. Liposuctions and
diet pills are preferred over healthy diet, yoga and other exercise
regime. Expensive cosmetic surgeries are
preferred over pranayama and meditation practice that brings out not only inner
beauty, but also spiritual blossoming. Everybody
is looking for a quick-fix push button, while Madam. Chuah is relentlessly
working on herself one day, one class at a time, without realizing how much she
is getting younger and more shining by day.
Whenever I praise her, she gives me this shy smile… I just love to peep
at her every now and then during yoga classes and feel proud of her. So I snapped the pictures to share with you
all…!!!
