I learned in my first teacher training with the beautiful Marni Task, that you will never be EVERYONE'S CUP OF TEA.
People have told me things like-
You're overly dramatic.
Your music is to loud.
I can't believe you play rap music in your class. There was a curse word in it!
I don't like those bowls you play. They hurt my ears.
I won't sing that chant because I don't believe in that voodoo stuff.
Yes, I play music (classical to rap) and sing chants that move me so I can tap into a specific place within YOU and ME. Its from there I find my prayers. Every song in my playlist, every chant I sing was chosen for a reason. It moves, inspires and helps me so that I can lead us on a journey TOGETHER. The music and sounds are there deliberately, in a specific order for a reason. Even the bowls i choose for class are chosen for a reason.
It is with this intensity, with this dedication that I show up to teach EVERY class as powerfully as I can. I love what I do but I understand that I am not for everyone.
Today after class
One student told me he hated the bowls. They gave him a headache. While another student handed me this beautiful hand written thank you note explaining that she felt safe in my class to do things in her life that she would never have tried six months ago. That she has learned how to pray and gained clarity about her hopes and dreams.
It's ok to always be YOU.
UN-apologetically YOU.
Not everyone will get you but many will love you.
Show yourself so your tribe can find you.