易經- I Ching. The Book of Change, is one of the oldest Chinese classics and contains thousands of years of wisdom, and it is a gift for humanity. The word “I” encompasses many meanings and teachings, including Simplicity, Change, and original intention. If you look at the Chinese character of “ 易”, the character on the top (日) signifies the sun, and the (月 )on the bottom represents the moon in ancient Chinese writing. The presence of the sun and moon creates time, leading to seasons. With seasons come changes. In the old days, our ancestors had to adapt to these changes to survive. However, we are here not just to survive but to live and thrive. Life has its ups and downs and unexpected turns. Learning how to adapt through the river of life like the water is important to realize. This is the first wisdom passed down from ancient Chinese future generations. The power of the sun translated to yang 陽, and the force of moon energy translated to yin 陰, those two energy can be separated, nor should they be. Imagine if dynamic yoga is Yang (the sun), then static meditation is Yin (the moon). Both practices are a part of you. Both qualities and abilities are within you. You are both Yin and Yang. You are not practicing yoga, you are yoga.

Through my teaching in the past 10 years, I deeply feel that most people carry tension both in their body and mind. The tightness that they feel in their joints and the endless thoughts in their mind that keep them in the loop, and contribute to restricting them from moving freely, both in the class and in their life. It is very often that one or two students would stay after the class, and share what happening in their lives with me. These conversations are so precious, and our interactions help me understand them better. Dynamic yoga practice can make a student feel stronger and more energetic, but having a great conversation with someone, especially during challenging times, is truly liberating!

Most people live a busy life, and many read self-help books or speak to specialists when they are going through some challenges in their life. Many of our students come across Eastern philosophy and Zen teaching, and develop great interest in them and often come to class with their books and questions! Their eagerness for self-growth and overcoming their own limitations is truly inspiring! However, I often found that many Eastern thought books, when translated into English, are either interpreted differently, misleading, or become further confuse the reader. However, reading books can definitely help us, but life itself has its own energy, and is always changing and evolving, how to adapt to the change in our life is what we are going to explore together.

My deepest desire is to create opportunities for social interaction, conversation, and learning with people on a similar path. I want to learn new perspectives for old problems and live beyond the thinking mind. Our meeting reminded us that we are social beings and don't have to solve all our problems alone! Together, we will cultivate strength and peace in a changing world. It brings me great joy to share my Eastern background of study and work with you; all my teaching is inspired from my study of the Book of Change .

The 6 Foundation Pillars for Changes is dedicated to everyone who is willing to persevere and strive for life!

Christy Lin