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Once we are warriors

Almost the middle of the year already - besides being winter and Comrades Marathon time it's also a little more difficult to get out and practice yoga in the cold and wet conditions. Obviously it's not helped by the situation at the studio especially things like our internal water feature when it rains…

I am so tired of dealing with the building situation and this is not the purpose of this email but I am compelled to make a few mentions and updates. First, thank you to those who have complained (please do continue) - I understand that most have not been responded to, but I do quickly want to deal with the disinformation that has been disseminated in a few responses:

1) The court case is to do with the renewal, not the condition of the building and the disruptions from the construction work. Some issues (such as damp and leaks) remain outstanding after almost 5 years.

2) The lease (which is unquestioned) allows for construction but "provided that at all times access to the premises is not compromised and the Tenant (Moksha) is able to carry on business. " In addition another clause reads: "The Landlord undertakes to affect such reconstruction in such a manner as cause least inconvenience as is reasonably possible." Well you can be the judge of that.

3) "The Tenant (Moksha) shall have reasonable use of common areas, toilets and conveniences provided for the general benefits of the Tenants". Pretty self explanatory.

Lastly to assure all members that we have no plans to move and look forward to returning to a semblance of normality once the new owners move in.

Ok, now with the boring, energy-sapping, negative legalese behind us, the construction has also afforded an ideal growth and test of two of the central tenants of a yoga practice - detachment and focus. In many ways we have been spoilt by the extraordinary natural beauty that surrounds us, together with the serene environment. Many city yoga centers are located in noisy, busy and basement (cheap) spaces with mats crowded together on sweaty carpets. Whilst not advocating this approach, it's useful to realize that ultimately the practice takes place at the confluence of you and your mat - it's about maintaining awareness on the mat.

This very simple and yet very difficult process only comes after long hours of discipline and separates yoga from other exercise, turning it into a moving meditation. The key is the breath and as they hammer, drill and angle-grind a few inches away, know that if you can shut it out (whilst still being aware of it), focus and choose not to react, that you are already doing yoga before you do a single posture.

The other day a member laughingly suggested that we tape the noise and sell it to other studios as a way of deepening their practice. It's true, all of life is about challenge and response, action vs reaction, so use this seemingly 'bad' time to learn 'good' things - as another member was saying, compared to trying to practice yoga with young kids around, this is nothing…

Don't get me wrong though - we still apologise for the disruptions and encourage you to register your dissatisfaction with the landlord but also encourage you not to miss an excellent opportunity for growth. Like a warrior hones his/her skills, we are preparing by learning the skills we need to face life as active participants rather than victims. The tougher the training ground, the better prepared we are.

"A person of knowledge lives by acting, not by thinking about acting." Carlos Castaneda