I have noticed that those people who are drawn to professions like teaching yoga, are often very good when it comes to giving of themselves, but uncomfortable when on the receiving end of a compliment or favor. I certainly fell into this category when I first started teaching yoga. My unwillingness to accept help from others, deprived them of the satisfaction of giving it. Once I realized this, I knew I had to change, but still found it difficult.
At the time I was leading several weekend yoga & meditation retreats a year. I would set up the retreat center, cook all of the meals, teach all of the classes, give all of the lectures, facilitate all of the activities, and after everyone went to bed, cleanup the kitchen. I was lucky to get 4 hours of sleep a night.
One day I took a phone call from a musician who offered to help me with the retreat in exchange for a discount. I recognized this as an opportunity for me to grow, and said yes. JP was a talented musician, so I asked him if he could organize and facilitate a bonfire sing along on Saturday night. The weekend was a resounding success. However, as the last of the participants pulled out of the parking lot, my energy crashed and a splitting headache took up residence.
I left the kitchen cleanup till last, in part because I knew what was waiting for me… three frying pans with burnt food left over from Friday night. I found some steel wool and was starting in on the first pan, when I heard a voice from behind me. It was JP. “Would you like some help?” he asked. All weekend I had turned down offers of help from participants who could see that I needed it. I recognized that this was an important moment for me. “Yes” I replied with conviction.
I was expecting JP to pick up a mop, or stack chairs in the dining room. Instead, he pulled out his harmonica and began to play a lively tune. After a moment of confusion, I resumed my scrubbing, but this time in rhythm with the music. Soon the sounds of banging pots, and clinking glasses and JP’s harmonica filled the kitchen. Before I knew it, the kitchen was finished, my headache a distant memory.
Sometimes the universe does not give us what we ask for, but occasionally, if we are lucky, it will give us what we need instead. Thank you JP!
