I recently discovered a poet called John Roedel,
Others I knew had heard of him, but for me he’s been a revelation.
From Peace is a Lioness, to my Head and my Heart divorced, I have become addicted.
And I began to think and to wonder, if he would have appealed to me as much when I was younger.
That love for different poets changes, as do the moments in which we read them.
In the right place at the right time and something resonates, it could be with your experience from the past or the present, or it could just be a light bulb moment, lit by the words themselves.
But I know for me, it’s when I find the yoga in them.
When something that’s said reveals an ancient yoga teaching in a modern way.
Nothing to do with the physical practise, but that affirmation of the understanding that yoga has of the way the world is, the acknowledgement of it and the way to live in it with peace.
We follow a practise that gives us the tools to live our lives in the best way we can.
The eight limbs give us a way to behave that allow us to like ourselves, to be healthy and mindful and considerate of others.
Our teachings are passed on by gurus, teachers and students, from one to another. And we hold them as our practise.
And then along comes John Roedel and out of him spills our teachings in a messy, modern, human and glorious way.
So look up the poem Hope by John Roedel it’s in his book Wonderache, then continue exploring he’s got a lot to say, and look at My Head and My Heart divorced, which is in his book Remedy, there is yoga there and not a mat in sight.!
Gill Ansty YHET trustee
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