10 Years - An Inner Journey of Growth and Transformation
Shoshin (初心) is a concept in Zen Buddhism meaning "beginner's mind" or "original intention." 初 (sho) means "first" or "original," and 心 (shin) means "heart" or "mind." It refers to having an attitude of openness, eagerness, humility, and lack of preconceptions when working toward a goal, even when you are at an advanced level. When you have doubt on your path, thinking about why you started in the beginning is a very valuable Zen practice. Return to your shoshin (初心).
十年的我，初心未變. After ten years, my original intention remains unchanged. - Christy
In November, 2014, I walked into a Taekwondo studio and asked a man sitting behind the desk if I could teach yoga in his space. At the same time, I worried about paying the rent because I was a new yoga teacher without any followers. Ted said to me, "Don't worry, just come and teach." Ted's open heart and trust in me became the foundation and the beginning of Yoga In DeMun. Then I began to teach without a formal opening. I thought to myself, "I will celebrate if I could make it to the one-year anniversary." Then we did, then the 2nd year, 5th year... now 10 years.
At first, yoga came into my life to help me regain my health so I could stay in St. Louis, but through having a studio and teaching, I realized it led me down a sacred path of self-growth and transformation, which I only realized 10 years later. - Christy Lin
Dear Beloved Yoga in DeMun Community,
I want to say thank you from the deepest of my heart for trusting me and allowing me to guide you on your journey inward. Growing up, I had many dreams, but I never dreamed that one day I would come to St. Louis, teach yoga, have a yoga studio, and celebrate a 10-year milestone with you!
Yoga in DeMun was born from an intention to invite people from all walks of life to find strength and peace. Although I started as a new teacher without students, I had been a dedicated student before then. While I teach yoga, I feel I'm teaching you beyond yoga, because that is how I feel when yoga came into my life, and it is all happening in St. Louis!
What led me to my first yoga class in 2008? The answer is complex. My first winter in St. Louis struck my respiratory system with lingering acute bronchitis and severe fever. I had moved to St. Louis just 8 months earlier, having sold everything in Taiwan after 5 years of preparation. Despite mentally preparing myself to be here, I never imagined that I would be so sick in my first winter. Outside, the wind chill plummeted to 30 below zero. Having grown up in Taiwan where the four seasons feel like spring, I'd never seen snow in my life. During the daytime, simply stepping outside for a second sent chills to my bones. At night, the heating system was so hot that it caused my nose to bleed. In order to sleep, I need to sitting up against the wall to prevent blood from flowing down my throat. My English was limited, and I regretted not learning how to drive before I came. I was also worried about the cost of seeing a doctor without insurance. Mentally, I was overwhelmed by anxiety and fearful thoughts that I might have to consider returning to Taiwan. However, while I felt like I was spiraling in a winter storm without ground, it also brought me clarity that I needed to figure out a way to live here. This moment shifted my focus to not only getting better but also figuring out what to do. As soon as I felt better, I began my first yoga class in St. Louis. Yes, I had never done yoga in my life until I moved to St. Louis at the age of 28, that is true! My journey of finding yoga is extreme. First, move to a new country. Second, I get very sick and fearful. Then, finally yoga came into my life!
1 year annivesary! December 4th, 2015
"Don't be so attached to who you are in the present that you don't give the future version of yourself a chance."
- Vinh Giang
The winter was over and spring came. I began to take my studies seriously and do everything I could to adapt to my second life in St. Louis, which asked me to dig deeper to exercise potential that I had never thought was possible before. When you start to look after yourself, your future self will start to lead the way. The wisdom of life does not come from reading a book that is filled with wisdom, but by facing your life challenges and growing beyond your past self.
As you step into the next chapter of your inner journey, I encourage you to continue your practice with the curiosity and openness. Yoga isn't about perfection but presence. How we show up internally each day can shape our external experiences. Each time you show up for yourself, you're gifting yourself the opportunity to listen to your inner body, quiet your mind, and connect with your true self.
Thank you for your trust, your energy, and your precious friendship. Let's toast to another decade of health, self-discovery, and exercising your potential. Let's learn to dance with life, allowing our future selves to take the lead.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Christy Lin 林