Abbey's Poem: Assisting Yoga Students at Inner Bliss
Recently we received a beautiful poem written by one our our IBY Share the Love Assistants, Abbey Spiro.
This poem captures the essence of something we believe in so fully at Inner Bliss, the art of assisting.
Upon reading this poem, I was reminded of how meaningful it can be to simply connect with students in a way that is beyond words and messages, how this part of the IBY experience is something that enlivens everyone involved: teacher, student and assistant.
Over the years we have developed an intentional approach to both the art of assisting as well as the program for Assistants.
All of our assistants are 200 hour, Yoga Alliance recognized and certified Yoga Teachers. They go through an audition process after completing a special workshop offered at IBY which teaches IBY assisting best practices.
Teachers and Assistants at IBY come from love when assisting students during a yoga practice. Human touch is a significant and genuine offering to see and support our students. We aim to connect with a student, rather than correct. When assisting, we feel we are there to serve and provide support. Our hands-on assists are designed to move perceived limitations, create space and open up a new range, both physically and emotionally.
We are thankful for all of our teachers and assistants who Share the Love with our students every day!
- Tammy
by: Abbey Spiro
We arrive,
The weight of the day on our shoulders.
Mats unroll
Connect with the ground
Our energies collect, combine, meld.
A collective discomfort,
The same, yet different.
The breath rises
Familiar movement draws us in
Eyes close
Feeling our way through an ocean of breath.
Heat builds
Sweat falls like a cleansing rain
Doubt releases. Insecurities fall away.
Inhale
Exhale
Our bodies take welcome rest
Begin again
Without inertia, a monumental task.
We lift each other
I see you
I see your pose, your pain
I see your conscious choice to elevate
To become the Witness
A whispered thank you
And suddenly, a universe opens
A chorus of thank yous, echoing from the walls
Gratitude and Love fill the space
Overcome
Come back to the ground
Slow down, Listen.
A final rest, a new beginning
Vibrational Om
I feel my voice, your voice
One voice
We are not that different.
Together, we float out
Abbey used to write creatively quite a bit, but hasn't at all for over 10 years. She shared with Marisa, "Yesterday I got the pull to begin again, so I did. This writing is inspired by your class on Tuesday evening that I assisted, so I felt like sharing it with you. So much love to you!"
About Abbey:
My yoga journey began back in high school with a VHS tape and a feeling that I might like the physical practice of yoga. I had no clue then that it was anything more than a way to exercise. Since then yoga has found me again and again, calling me back to my mat in many different ways. Several years ago I began a consistent practice in an effort to find ease as I adjusted to becoming a mother, and this past February I completed my 200 hour yoga teacher training with Inner Bliss. I am constantly amazed by the power of yoga; to transform, to heal, to create awareness, to connect us with the deepest parts of ourselves and others.
As an assistant, it is humbling and so inspiring to have an opportunity to truly see, support, and connect with the students. I believe in the power of touch and the magic of connection, when hearts are open and energy flows it allows us to experience these beautiful full moments. This poem was written as a way to process one of these rich experiences.