That’s what they said.

After attending enough yoga classes, you begin to memorize what your teachers say to you day after day.

Although I know I won’t capture them all here, I want to jot down just a couple of my most favorites, the ones that have stuck with me these many long months.

“FAITH. Finally. Allowing. It. To. Happen.” — Cheesy, I know, but what a great little phrase, and how true, how easy to remember in times where you feel nothing will ever happen, no matter how hard you try.

“To fall out is human. To get back in is yogi.” — Of course, literally, this refers to falling out of a posture. But, I think it transcends the yoga studio. Falling out or off of anything and pulling yourself back on or back upright requires an extra slice of courage, discipline and self-devotion.

“You are here, right now, in the room, nothing else matters except your breath. Listen to your heart.” — This is one of my favorites. I especially like when my teacher tacks on the last bit about your heart. If we were able to strip things down this cleanly in all areas of life, ohhh, how much easier a journey it would be!

“Release and receive.” — My teachers have many ways of reminding us to let go, and this is one of them.  Such simple words, and yet so many, many meanings, in and out of the studio. The act of letting go—of anything, mental, physical or emotional—is one of my greatest challenges and one of my greatest triumphs since my practice began.

“Shake it like a polaroid picture.” — Only one of my teachers says this, during a specific posture where you’re supposed to move/shake/shimmy/bounce your hips to loosen up your lower back. I’ve heard him say it dozens of times, but I always giggle anyway, and then I thank him silently for helping me remember to relax and enjoy myself. It’s just yoga, remember?

“You are supposed to feel whatever you are feeling. Send your breath to where it hurts.” — It took me a long time to appreciate and understand this saying fully. What it comes down to is acceptance. Allowing the sensations you feel to be your body’s unique voice and then listening, carefully, respectfully. No judgment. No criticism. No anger. Just acceptance. Now, any time I start to feel overwhelmed or panicked in a posture, I simply remind myself that everything I’m feeling is fine, normal, who cares, and before I know it, I’m already moving into the next pose.

“Look into the mirror and greet the eyes of your greatest teacher—yourself.” — Do I really need to explain this one? 

The best, simplest and most profound of all, though, is: “Namaste.”