Letters and feedback from my dear students …

Hi Ali,

Just wanted to say a big thank you to you for making my introduction to yoga so special. I wish you well on your adventure and will be interested to follow what you are up to, though I’m not on facebook.  Id love to go to India but not this year so hopefully more trips will happen next year.

Best wishes

Marie Anstiss

Ali,

Thank you for all you have done for me over the years. I cant believe sometimes how much my body confidence and awareness has grown.

Have a wonderful time away and I look forward to coming back to your classes when you return.

Love Miranda xx

Dear Ali

You are a very important person in my life and I am really going to miss you. You have been a guide, a teacher and a friend. Through your teachings I have grown and developed in so many ways over the past year.  Before coming to yoga and meeting you, I was living a life with my eyes closed. Now I feel I am finally awake and on the right spiritual path.

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for you.  I know that I am now on the path I should be heading, and also know there will be a lot more changes and challenges to come.  You leaving Wellington is just one of these.

The test for those of us left behind will be to continue in our self-development, without you encouraging us along each week. You said to write down how I felt, so here is a thought I had when walking along the ridge …

Logically I know this [departure] is not abandonment, or you are not leaving my life, but emotionally it feels a bit that way.  So I feel sad.

In my long-term vision, I guess I saw you and the yoga studio still in Miramar for many years to come.  I have never been one for joining groups or becoming part of any community. It just has never been my thing. However, at Sadhana yoga it was different.  I felt it was a community I wanted to be part of and going to yoga or attending meditation sessions was something I looked forward to.

I know you are very special to so many people in this yoga community and you will be deeply missed.  I have appreciated every little and big thing you have done for Tahlia and myself, both in NZ and in India.  And for everything you have done I want to say thank you.

However, you have given so much, to so many people over the years and now it is time to look after yourself.  I hope that in India you can rejuvenate and recharge and find peace and balance.  Guruji will be very happy to have you there with him, and that, makes me smile.

Please let me know if there is any way I can help you in your preparations to move over the next few weeks.

Love Kim xxx

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There is no place I would rather be [on Guru Purnima].  I’m looking forward to being able to officially see you off with joyous blessings and be able to spend Guru Purnima with my Guruji.

I’m honoured and excited to be considered a cheli.  My shoulders pull back and my head lifts with pride and reverence when I reflect on that.  Part of repaying and honouring what you have given me is to do my best to grow further along the path you have lit for me, relying more on myself than you as you take your pathway to India again.  If I don’t, I am more a dependant than a true student.  I’d like to think that when you return I have evolved further, honouring you as well as myself.

Warmest thoughts

Srimala Maree

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Dearest my greatest teacher,

I am not surprised to receive this email.  I have felt this coming on since I rejoined earlier this year and I am so happy for you, it’s fantastic news and we will all be here keeping ahi kaa (the home fires burning) until your return.  We will miss you very much but are warmed that you are going to seek wonderful new adventures, information, nourishment.

You have set me up and transformed my life, a debt I will never be able to repay and I am so greatful. I have a stronger clearer mind, body and spirit due to the gifts you have in healing, I cannot imagine there could be any greater calling in life that to serve and heal others.  The yoga challenge created space for a very special whānau of like minded people whom I adore and love a great deal, its brought such richness to my life.

Valentina is a fine replacement, I enjoyed her vibe and energy in a few classes recently, she has a warm and loving heart and will be well supported in your absence … I’ll work on meditation in your absence! xxx T.

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Morning Ali,

So great that you have brought Miramar yoga to a sustainable place where you can trust others to take the reins while you go off yonder to India!

—V