There is a strong tradition among women giving chocolates to men on
Valentine’s Day in Japan. When my husband was alive, he was often given
expensive chocolates by his female co-workers. Of course, I would give him
expensive ones, too. We enjoyed eating expensive chocolates together on
Valentine’s Day, which we never did on ordinary days.
After my husband passed away, I felt extremely lonely, especially
on this day. I would always hope that it would pass quickly. I suffered all the
time during those days.
One day I started yoga, and then it restored my peace of mind
gradually. This activity also introduced a trustworthy yoga teacher and many
yoga friends. They helped me to reduce what I felt.
One time, when Valentine's Day was coming soon, my yoga teacher
planned to hold a tea party after the lesson. It would be held on Valentine’s
Day. I came up with crocheting bookmarks as Valentine presents for them. I felt
very happy that I could enjoy preparing for this special day.
I finished crocheting them by Valentine's Eve. I attached message
cards to each of them.
When I gave them my crocheted presents, they liked them very much.
Their smiles were so memorable, and made me happy. I was able to overcome my
loneliness knowing that I had some people to celebrate that Valentine’s Day
with me. It was a very unforgettable day.
I think from the bottom of my heart, it is very nice that we can
celebrate Valentine’s Day with people whom we love. On this day, we give love
and share the love we have to those who are in need of it.
For 26 years, I had been an English teacher of a junior high
school. Because of overwork and stress, I developed depression 12 years ago.
Moreover, my husband suddenly died 5 years ago. Since my husband’s death made
my sickness worse, I couldn’t teach anymore. I wasn’t able to teach English
after that because I completely lost my self confidence. I shut off my mind
from everything.
I thought my life had already ended. I lived without hope, purpose
and pleasure from then on. I had lived a hopeless life for three years. However,
I hated that I couldn’t stop living hopelessly. Finally, one day, I decided to
stop it by making major changes and doing something new.
That something new was just Iyengar Yoga.
Before, I only knew vaguely that yoga is very good for the body and
mind, I wasn’t even aware of Iyengar Yoga at all. By coincidence, the nearest
yoga class from my place was Iyengar Yoga.
I had a trial lesson. It was hard for me at first but I felt
comfortable as the class ended. My yoga teacher listened to my problems kindly
and advised me sincerely after the trial lesson. After that, I decided to join
his yoga class.
Before I started yoga, I had suffered from depression, weight gain
and stiff body due to lack of exercise but the lessons gradually improved me. I
began to look forward to yoga lessons every time. In only 3 months, it changed
me dramatically. I began to lose weight and became more flexible; moreover my
mind felt more calm.
One day, a Russian friend of my teacher’s joined our yoga class.
She is also a very good Iyengar Yoga teacher and we had to speak English to
communicate with her. We hesitated to speak to her at first but I tried to talk
to her. Luckily, she advised me during the class and I was very glad we could
communicate in English.
Since Iyengar Yoga is international, many foreign visitors would also
visit our yoga class. I had good opportunities to communicate with them in
English.
These experiences inspired me. I decided to continue learning
English again and I started international communication volunteer work, too.
Likewise, I resumed to teaching as a volunteer English teacher once a week. Gradually I regained my self-confidence.
I believe Iyengar Yoga revived my life.
Unfortunately, Mr. Iyengar, the founder of Iyengar Yoga, passed
away on August 20th, 2014. Mr. Iyengar is a worldwide yoga leader,
and he’s especially well-known in India, Europe and America. However, his
achievement isn’t well-known in Japan.
Famous foreign media
reported his death widely. His close students and friends wrote about their
memories of him. I translated four of their articles into Japanese and posted
them online. I wanted to share these with my fellow Japanese who are also learning
Iyengar Yoga. Even though my translation wasn’t really good, I am honored that I
can contribute in informing people of Mr. Iyengar’s achievement.
Iyengar Yoga inspired and encouraged me to learn English again and
in return, English helps me to inform people of Mr. Iyengar’s achievement. I’m
happy that Iyengar Yoga and English both complement and work well with each
other. Now I consider both Iyengar Yoga and English as my lifework.
