soulshine

ho ho hugs

2009-12-01T14:13:00.000-08:00

Looking back over my Christmas experience, the prevailing experience has been one of endurance. The grand expectations placed on us all to enjoy and look forward to the event are enormous. From what I can tell (a survey of my friends and colleagues over the years), for many people Christmas does not live up to the ideal that is is supposed to represent. More commonly it serves to highlight the presence of dysfunctional families, pressure to consume and gift "those special items", and makes us feel just a bit under the pump. It magnifies our relationships and circumstances, good or bad.

I personally have some painful associations with Christmas that seemed to have had a hold of me far beyond the time it serves as a use. So this year I have decided to embrace the festival of Christmas, and bring to it my own meaning and ritual. We are expecting the birth of our first baby, and in many ways I view this advent as an opportunity to re-invent what Christmas means to me, and my new family in this next part of my life's journey. So we are getting a tree - I am strongly lobbying for a potted pine, however my choice is looking to be overthrown by the overwhelming vote for "the Christmas aroma that comes with a real tree". It is a shared experience after all, so whilst I might not get the potted pine, I am making my own decorations in a not so traditional style....so far paper garlands, and stuffed pink love hearts. What? It's my version of Christmas.

As far as all that consumerism polova goes, I have a few remedies (that have been in place for a while). I'm lucky enough to have most things I need for a comfortable life, so if anyone feels the need to spend - buy me an oxfam gift certificate (and say a massage?). Experiential presents are great to share with someone, tickets to an event of some sort - you don't need to buy "stuff". As the craft bug has taken up close to permanent residence in my home, my family will undoubtedly be showered by some hand made something - something useful of course! I love to sit and make something for someone, with every stitch thinking of them.

So ho ho hugs all round for Christmas, make it into something that means something for you.

A new life

2009-10-16T03:43:00.000-07:00

We're having a baby.

I can't think of a more life changing, challenging, inspiring, confusing, exciting journey to undertake than that into motherhood. I am now just over 4 months pregnant and we expecting the arrival of our little baby in late February. Just had the mid way scan this week, so incredible to have the ability to watch the babies movements in utero, moving it's tiny hands and legs, seeing all of it's vital organs growing, heart beating fast. Just incredible.

So needless to say my yoga practice has been modified quite dramatically. In many ways, my relationship to it has softened in a way I am happy with. I face with this the new challenge of learning to let go of the attachment of where my body can physically take me, and instead look into the more subtle elements of the practice. I am very grateful for my yoga practice, but have been able to come to a new more gentle approach to how it integrates into my life at this stage. Asana takes on a whole new set of learnings, really tuning into my body, and listening for it communicating its limits, feeling safe and nurturing what my body needs at this time. And every practice is different, and such a fantastic way to stay in touch with the changes taking place. Everyday my forward bends are less and less deep, my back bends less intense, a little slower in the salutations. I've had to slow down, and feel the practice on another level. Also learning to let go of any feeling of control over the body, it takes it's own form, grows the life the way it needs too and it's not a matter of being able to second judge what it needs to do. Quite a lesson.

Preparing for the arrival of a child certainly brings about the notion of "know thy self', yet again. All the feelings I thought I would go through with the advent of this news in my life have been challenged, and I am learning even still more about myself and the way that life can continually present itself in a whole new light, time and time again. Mentally challenges, a rage of hormones and new thoughts and feelings are confronted, I feel more sensitive, softer and feel the need to conserve energy, slow done, do one thing at a time. And also an overwhelming need to nest! Might explain my vegie garden antics, and making a quilt top in just 48 hours. I am channelling my creative energies into nurturing activities trying to pour love into these pursuits.

I so look forward to the journey into motherhood, and feel very grateful to have the opportunity to experience it. I also know that the arrival of our baby will be such an exciting time for many friends and family anticipating its arrival.

Finally a vegie patch - urban style

2009-10-13T01:58:00.000-07:00

I have decided to stop putting off growing vegetables "until I have a backyard". Even I got tired of that excuse myself. So I trundled off to C.E.R.E.S (god I love that place) and got me some seedlings and some planters. Ingeniously I converted some polystyrene boxes into planters, re-use, re-cycle mantra. So if only now the Melbourne weather could stop being so all over the place (not likely).

return to silence - meditation retreat

2008-12-17T02:45:00.000-08:00

5 days of silence, teachings from revered Buddhist Monk, and an existential and spiritual crisis unfolded, solved and unfolded again. Silence is golden, as they say.

soulshine @ the pink ribbon breakfast

2008-11-01T21:47:00.000-07:00

Pink ribbon breakfast to raise funds for Breast Cancer awareness and research. Funds going to a very important cause that still effects so many of us and our community.

Soulshine was very pleased to be one of the sponsors of this annual event. A little bit of pink never goes astray in my book. (As my art folio of 2nd year uni back in the day would have attested). Thanks also to Kinart for creating the flyers for the goodie packs. And thanks to wonderful Miss Walker for inviting soulshine to help out.

mind body soul away day - with those PWC folk

2008-10-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous spring sunny day at Ripponlea Estate, upon it descended some 140 "very content to be away from the office" folk to start their day away from the Price Waterhouse Coopers city tower. The grounds were gorgeous, and the day perfect to start proceedings with an invigorating and for some a little challenging yoga class. Purple mat's lined up on the lawn, apprehensively bare feet were revealed to the open air and a round of surya namaskara's commenced. Hamstrings awakened, hips saying hello, and before you know it a wonderful group in unison, saluting the sun - (quite literally). So lovely to see a group of mostly beginner yoga's being introduced to the practice amongst work colleagues with whom they deal with each other on such a different level on a daily basis. Cohesion and communication in a new setting and medium is a great way to reinvigorate a team. Team sun salutes, wonderful!

world vegan day - should have summoned the courage to do vegan speed dating!

2008-10-26T00:15:00.000-07:00

What an fantastic day at the Abbotsford Convent today. So inspiring to see so many people come out in support of the great World Vegan Day fair. Since becoming a Vegan, have done a lot of my research online and in books, which has been great in the virtual sense, but actually attending the event today was just great, seeing that indeed there is a real community of people out there with the same values.

I went along to the event with my friend Jon who is lucky enough to have a great place just near the Merri creek and a hop skip and jump to the Convent. Must say we both left the event kicking ourselves for not having the timing right to do the Veg speed dating, of course walking away from the World Vegan Event with a fist full of numbers was not the anticipated outcome, but could have been a little bonus! However, I do I have a head full of inspiration and renewed energy for the lifestyle and many new websites to frequent. Of course the day would not have been complete with a bit of impromptu yoga photo opportunities, shockingly bent back leg though, I am blaming my jeans and the uneven surface. Right, will be at the speed dating...next year!

World Vegan Day
www.wvd.org.au

Feel the joy, and do it anyway! Graheme & Leonie Northfeild, Ashtanga worshop.

2008-10-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

Feeling very inspired in my practice at the moment. Following a 5 day intensive. Graehme and Leonie Northfeild descended upon the Melbourne Ashtanga Yoga Centre to take at 5 day intensive workshop of 5 led morning classes and weekend afternoon workshops. Having heard much about the duo, (as my teacher Eoin was the apprentice to Graehme for some 5 years), I was very keen to experience the teachings of these Mysore veterans. I was certainly challenged, and my experience of the practice was enlightened with new information and concepts on not only keeping the element of joy to the practice, but also ways in which complimentary activities can enhance the strength of ones body once again to "lift" the physical element of the eight limbs.

Back back to that all important joy aspect. I have been coming back to this notion time and again over the past month or so. Now well into the rhythm of my apprenticeship at the yoga school, I must say I did loose sight a little of the joy and the healing of the practice for a time. But now again, I am reminded, come back to the breath, and be in the present moment with the movement and acceptance of the physical limitations of my own condition. It's easy to forget just how amazing the body is, and all that is supports us in day to day. It and the way it works with our minds is to be taken care of and cherished, not punished with our judgment of it.

Whilst it is easy to get caught in the external development of the practice, its so important to remember Yoga is a healing art, and a gift that is available for everyone to use throughout their life. Thanks for that India. And thanks to Graehme and Leonie, I think a trip up to Stradbroke island for the two week could be in order for next year. Dream, dream dream.

Namaste

Vegan Freak

2008-10-21T00:08:00.000-07:00

My oh my, how we use the poor little creatures of the animal world for our convenience. I have recently (about 3 months now) decided to turn to the vegan diet, and in doing so have labeled myself “vegan”. As I have done so, I am realizing more and more the implications of this label, it certainly is not a diet, but really more of a lifestyle, and in some ways a choice to be an educator and activist. A bit of an extra bit of energy to speak to those who are perplexed about what in fact you do eat, and why the hell would you want to punish yourself with removing the guilty sins like pastries, cheeses, and other animal inspired delicacies? The answer to which is a complex one, but it’s also quite simple. An ethical decision that removes me from the cycle of cruelty inflicted on animals for our simple pleasures. A decision not only for the safety of beings, but to our precious environment that is punished over and again so that we can maintain outdated farming practices that over use resources with so little respect to what that will mean down the line. There are alternatives, and they don’t have to be cruel or costly to the earth.

Besides the obvious dietary omissions such as animal flesh, milk, cheese, eggs and honey. Oh yes and many beers and wines. We also covet the by products of animals for the comfort of our lifestyle. Wool, cosmetics, shampoo, soaps, toothpaste, footwear, fashion, pharmaceuticals, condoms! Many of which can so easily be replaced with cruelty free alternatives, sometimes I just don’t understand.

I’ve recently been inspired by the writings of Peter Singer, “The ethics of what we eat”, and this crew long term vegans with Ph.D’s Bob and Jenna Torres “Vegan Freak”. Both worth a read for vegans and omnivores alike. Awareness to what we are consuming and how it comes to us.

O.K, I’ll just jump down from the soapbox now. Just felt like sharing.

And, some more food for thought (pardon the pun) http://www.peta.org/

Spring Clean - Spring Fast

2008-09-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

Finally the wonderful spring season has emerged and the skies have turned blue, the buds on naked trees are turning into gorgeous pink and white cherry blossoms. Each year without fail, I am delighted by this simple act of nature. The endurance of our environment to undergo the harshness of the winter months, and then an emergence of such beauty. I really need to go to Japan in cherry Blossom season, please remind me next time I talk about booking a trip to another destination! I digress.... Yes it's true spring has finally arrived. Although I feel most fortunate to have missed the majority of the winter harshness, my body and my spirit still found the chill that it has experienced this year to a challenge to it's buoyancy and optimism. Perhaps also due to my readjusting to Australia, post India.

Somehow subconsciously inspired by the spring clean act I decided to take on an internal spring clean, with a simple juice detox. Nothing but fruit juice for 3 days, just as I did a few months back in India. This time around, I did have much more to distract me. Life, reality, and yes I will admit to it, a Television. AND, a juicer of my own. It's such a psychological journey to deprive yourself of the habits we undergo daily, eating and the food preparation rituals being part of these. A fast allows you no food to mask boredom, anxiety, or to aid procrastination. Food is an amazing part of our lives, but taking it out can also help with not only a bodily detox, but a mental one. It seems I am in good company, as my quarterly fast has fallen upon the month of the Islamic faiths Ramadan. I also see a fast and detox as part of my own "Tapas" practice, and extension of my yoga. Mental austerity, and bodily "Saucha" (cleanliness). Now it is over, and my reward was an incredible flowing and light yoga practice this morning. A treat worth the fast.

Welcome Spring, we've been waiting for you!

Green Web Browsing - Love it!

2008-09-15T06:02:00.000-07:00

http://browser.flock.com/eco/

"Flock Eco-Edition browser comes pre-loaded with fresh content from the best sources from across the web. Open your Eco-Edition browser daily for updated news, content, and media to feed your interest in global matters affecting our planet."

India reading list (incase you've been wondering)

2008-08-07T09:33:00.000-07:00

So I've knocked these ones over whilst I've been away. God it's good to have time to read.

The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
Shantaram - Gregory Roberts
You can heal your life - Louise Hays
A thousand splendid suns - Khaled Hosseini
The heart of yoga - Desickchar
Yoga Mala - Sri K Pattabhi Jois
Ashtanga Yoga - Lino Miele
Fit for life - Harvey Diamond and Marilyn Diamond
Ageless Body, Timeless Mind - Deepak Chopra
Perfect Health - Deepak Chopra

varanassi - i'm too tired to write any words.

2008-08-07T09:07:00.000-07:00

North India whistlestop tour

2008-08-07T00:11:00.000-07:00

Pictured: Me and the Taj and Warrior A.

I've been putting off making a blog entry as the process of uploading pictures from Internet cafes is so arduous that I've been in avoidance. Never the less, I have discovered that some of you are actually reading this blog. And that Dad, you might be a little concerned since there has been no Blog updates for a while. So what have I been up to? Flew to Delhi about 5 days back, and stayed the night there before our first train journey to Jaipur. The Delhi train station was my first witnessing of the mayhem that is the Indian railway system. People everywhere at 5.30 am, bodies sleeping on every conceivable surface. I couldn't quite work out if these people where actually waiting for trains or living there. We boarded the train and the sights of the slums backing on to the railway coming to life early morning swept past the window. It seems the advent of Air Conditioning is something to really behold in India, if they have it, they surely use it. I felt like I was in a cold store for 6 hours. An apple being stored for the winter months.

We spent 3 days in Jaipur (the pink city). It was way more frenetic than I had anticipated. So full on. I noticed a palpable difference between the people of the north and the south of India. In dress (brighter sari's, men now in turbans). On our first night we visited the temple of the monkeys, and fed them and some random cows bananas. Took some yoga photos (stay posted) at the temple at sunset . Next day a visit to the Fort taken by our too good to be true rickshaw driver. He claimed also to be a student of healing, his teacher a "great man". We where fortunate enough that he had time to meet us. How very auspicious, he a yoga student, us too. We went to meet this yoga guru. Turns out he was staying at his brothers who was by amazing coincidence a gem dealer. He'd just let us wait there in the gem shop until he was ready to see us. But the gig was up. Stacey had been the exact same place her last time in Jaipur. The "healer" was a gem healer, and following a session convinced you that you needed a healing Gem of about the value of $400 US dollars. When Stacey revealed the news, our once friendly rickshaw driver, who had earlier in the day bought us a garland of roses each became sheepish and very very quiet. We had him drop us into town and to the wolves of the storekeepers. Jaipur is allegedly shoppers heaven, but hell is bargaining with those store owners.

So out of Jaipur on a 2.00am train to Agra. I was tired and grumpy as we boarded the train, try to lug my suitcase through 3 overly packed and poorly demarcated train carriages. By the time we found our bunks. A man was slowing and meticulously folding his hospital corners on his make do bed, and had all 3 of us wait bags laden, tired, and on the edge. I lost my cool. "There are 3 of us here!". "You wait" he retaliates calmly. His calmness exacerbating my frustration. I begrudgingly went to sleep, and woke at 6.00 am in Agra the home of the Taj Mahal.

Agra was a pleasant suprise. As was the duo of cycle rickshaw drivers that where to be our transport for the next few days. I felt a little guilty as a elderly skeletal man cycled me around town and to the door of the finest hotel in India (the Oberoi), where I preceeded to have a glass of the most expensive french champagne on the menu. Well I saw it as my little reward, for rouging it for a few months and not drinking at all for equal time. Next morning sunrise wake time once more and to see the Taj Mahal. It is every bit worth the journey. I'll post more on it later. For now I am in Varanassi, the best place to experience the holy rituals that take place on the river Ganges. So I best get amongst it.

laxmi complete!

2008-07-31T02:13:00.000-07:00

Following some intensive sessions of painting at Anands house, to the sounds of his children playing and the Hindi TV soapies in the background my painting is finally finished! Now laxmi, please brining me prosperity!

last day at the shalalala

2008-07-31T02:03:00.000-07:00

So today was my last day at the shala, ending on a led class. Heading off to Dehli tommorow morning first thing. Very excited to be on the move again, but sad to leave Mysore and the folk I have met here. Below are some pics of the typical daily walk to the Shala, the post practice coconut stand frenzy, and breakfast at Aum Cafe. Today was a treat of the pancakes, not with home made peanut butter like Rodhi (pictured). Bye for now Mysore.

gurji's birthday

2008-07-18T20:49:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated date on the Mysore calender is the birthday of Guruji. This year was his 93rd birthday. All the yogi's that have been sweating it out in the Shala together converged to celebrate our Guru's birthday. Women all across Mysore where assisting their western house guests in the fine art of dressing in a sari. Celebrations started at the very Indian hour of 11am, so the preparation started in the same fashion as a wedding. Stacey, Cathy and myself had made a last minute dash to the Devaraja market for all of the obligatory Indian bling, including sari's, glittered bangles and jewelry. The family downstairs where simply adorable in the days proceedings, the grandmother came upstairs to dress us in the saris, she was giving me instructions in her native "kandida" language, some how it translated and I was wrapped up like a big lolly. We made it to the party not exactly in style, our rickshaw sounding as though it would give way at any given minute. There was a number of performances from the yoga students including a slightly dubious interpretative dance number - I just wansnt convinced it was the right setting. We then all lined up to wish Guruji a happy birthday and receive a blessing from the great man. Sadly he looked quite frail, but there was a glow is his face and eyes that was adorable. You'll see from the pics I was pretty excited by the experience to finally meet Guruji. I feel so happy that I have made this trip to mysore and experience his presence even if it was amongst the hype of the celebrations. Following the greetings we were all served to a traditional meal served on Banana leaves, and before we knew it the event was all but over. We had to have one last show of our sari's and headed to the local coffee day, so tacky.

long haul art excursion / villages / boats / swim/ bumby bumby road.

2008-07-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday, the day of rest in Mysore for all yoga students proved to be an eventful "day on" for me and the 12 or so other art class students. After a great sleep in ( a whopping 7.00am) I was charged for a day outside Gokolham for our art excursion. Anand our ever diligent teacher organised a mini bus to take us to visit some temples, some more temples, a few more temples, and of course for a refreshing dip in a popular swimming spot. The ride was bumpy to say the least, but the views of the villages and country side where such a treat, and almost my favourite part of the day. Herds of goats, sheep, pairs of ox's pulling huge loads, all sorts of precariously placed bundles being hauled on the back racks of push bikes. Men, women and children all playing out their small part in the bigger picture of village and agricultural life.

The first temple we visited (Kesvari Tempele) was my favourite, and amazingly constructed the detail was incredible. Such an amazing feat of human endevour to see out such a project, of which there are hundreds similar in India. We followed this visit up with a spot of chai, ( I am slowly becoming addicted). And then onto the next site, but before that lunch. At a shall we say "authentic" Indian eatery. Pictures below of the Oliver-esque dining style. As I ate my humble chapati and sambal meal, I was saying a little prayer that I wouldn't be on the inside of a hospital as a result of my culinary experience. Our waiter / host, insisted he then become our guide for the temples to follow - of which there where five. Reluctantly the group rewarded his persistence with the opportunity to educate us on the finer points of the monuments. Well I am sure he knew so much about the temple, but his handle on the English language was not so well informed. He dragged us from temple to temple, making us stop at pertinent points within the temple, to tell us an elaborate story about a particular detail. We could understand about 2% of his ramblings. This experience is why I will never pay for a guide in India. Bless.

So for our patient efforts, we were treated to a ride in a basket boat across a wide river with an alarmingly fast current. Five us to a boat and one spindly boats man taking us from one side to the other (my camera was out of batteries, but I have a pic of a similar boat below). The ride was rather serene with an undertone of "I sure as hell hope he can get us to resist this current and that I don't end up being sold off as human cargo 100 miles down the river" to it. We made it. Then Stacey and I (my neighbour from the U.S went for a swim, Indian woman style fully clothed. For a woman to show her flesh, well it just ain't the done thing. Many Indian's cannot swim so I made a point of swimming out to deeper waters showing my fish like prowess, away from the insistent eyes of the Indian men. One last chai(my best in India thus far and served by an adorable little 6 year old boy) and we where pothole betrothed homeward bound. Wrapping up our long haul art excursion. Whoa, I did not feel like practice the next day (but I went).

lauren and laxmi - works in progress

2008-07-11T03:32:00.000-07:00

6th Practice day in a row for the week at the Shala was very focused with Sharath. Led class starting at 6.00, meaning a 5.00am wake-up. Some students start their practice at 4.00am, so for them a 3.00am wake-up. This morning I was adjusted in Supta Kurmasana and quite successfully managed a bind and feet crossed, finally this pose is coming to me. He stopped quite a few students in the class, I was pleased that I was allowed to continue through the whole practice, it must be in shape. But as always it remains a work in progress. After all the work we did in Goa, I feel as though the primary sequence is just a breeze, it's quite a welcome reward for the gruelling month. Day of rest tomorrow, and I have an art excursion to the Krishna Temple, and a picnic and swim in a lake. Must say I will be happy to get out of Gokolham toy town for a bit too.

I have also started work on my Laxmi painting, I've done the outline and then gone over it with the first brush work. It's a little not quite what I was hoping, but I have faith it will all come together in the end, with the guidance of Anand. I am happy that I have already learned new techniques for my work when I get home too, so inspired to get back into my art.

Art classes with the children of "Odanadi"

2008-07-07T02:41:00.000-07:00

Anand, my art teacher does a volunteer art class once a week at the Odanandi Women and Girls refuge center.

"Seva Samsthe (or Odanadi Seva Trust) is a social organization based in Mysore (India), which has been working for the Rescue, Rehabilitation, Reintegration and Empowerment of trafficked women and children. Currently, taking care of 75 rescued children with the intention of protecting them from the clutches of the sex-trade. they endevour to provide a decent, dignified childhood to these marginalized children."

Yesterday I went with Anand to assist him in taking the children's art class. We rode there on the back of his motor bike (sans helmet). As we arrived the big gates opened and we where greeted with excited faces when the announcement of the art class. It was quite a moving experience in many ways. On one level the amount of attention and fascination that was directed at me as a Westerner, and as a person to give back in return attention to these children. As I worked with them drawing motif's I'd learned just one week prior myself, it was hard not to think of what hardship these little girls had endured and resulted in their residence at the center. "Sister, sister, look my my work", one and a half hours of joyful drawing. Some of the girls demonstrated real potential with their work. One had her own little sketch book that she had been drawing here own designs in, they where really quite beautiful, she was just 10. Working with children and art, reminds me so much of my own childhood, where my brother Rohan and I would spend hours and hours drawing and spending time together - I really miss that. Would be nice to think that art was a path for some of these girls to a brighter future. I plan to return a few times on my stay here in Mysore.

http://www.geocities.com/odanadisevatrust/

Rangoli - how lovely

2008-07-03T22:33:00.002-07:00

There is a gorgeous custom in India whereby the women of households every morning make a line art drawing at the gate of their homes. As you walk down the residential streets of (quite affluent) Gokolham each morning a range of new patterns can be seen. In India all guests and visitors occupy a very special place, and a rangoli is an expression of this warm hospitality.
Rangoli also has a religious significance, enhancing the beauty of the surroundings and spreading joy and happiness all around. Whilst there is some unsightly sights in India, this is one of the more beautiful sights.

mysore...yoursore

2008-07-02T05:03:00.000-07:00

Goa? Teacher Training? Wha?

2008-07-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

OK, so my blog went decidedly quiet for a few weeks. But it's all ok, I was buy enduring the last few weeks of the grueling bootcamp style few weeks of the teacher training. And you will all be happy to hear I now have the golden certificate, and was "awarded" an honorary mention of the student with the most potential. Hmm, not quite sure how to take that, but I think it's a positive thing. So what went down in the last few weeks? Well, lets see, I was dropped on my head - that was trying. We all got a bit grumpy with the downpours not letting up for a week solid. Then we all went a little happy when the sun came out and we got to soak up the sun in our teeny tiny breaks. There where many challenges shall we say, but we got through.

And now I am in Mysore after a 1 hour bus ride and 4 hour drive down busy busy Mysore Rd. Mysore is the home of Ashtanga Guruji Pattabhi Jois. A town full of yogi's and many more descending for his birthday celebrations. I registered at the Shala ready for my first day of practice on the 1st of July. Saraswati (Guruji's daughter) was forgiving enough to allow the registration of the form even if it was filled out in pink ink! As I handed my form with the big stack of rupees to be counted in the big money counting machine I looked around the little office that I had visualised coming to for so long. So strange to be finally actually in the Shala of Guruji. We were given our start time of 7.15 am in the morning, and advised of the upcoming led class at 4.30 am! Eek!

Cathy (my room mate and I) headed off the the Shala for our first day of practice. There was an air of first day back to school about it all. I had butterflies as we approached the Shala, sitting in the waiting room Saraswati called "one more", and I was summoned to the room. Gingerly rolling out my matt for the first time in 4 days I was worried my body might forget what it needed to do. I was so thrilled to find that this practice was perhaps the best I had ever done. I was light and flexible, bound easily in all the marichiyasanas, and felt like I was floating through the practice. The energy of the room, and actually being in Guruji's Shala seemed to propel me through the practice like no other. Crammed into the space at such close quaters, so many students here to learn and experience the teachings. I felt very lucky to have made it here. I was warned there would be few adjustments (which was a relief, given the adjustment overkill on the teacher training), but I did get adjusted in Supta Kurmansana (my nemisis asana), and I got further in it than I ever had. Sharath (Guruji's grandson is back next week, so I am looking forward to practicing with him). I will start my dropbacks again then.

So we are staying in a little apartment in Gokolham above an Indian family, they own the apartment, and are of the fortunate few who happen to live in Mysore where accommodation from Western Students is highly sought after (especially at this time of year). The fathers name is Ganesh, he has a little pot belling and skinny legs and a big wide smile. The place is quite sparse, we pretty much have to furnish the whole thing, makes sense if you are staying longer than a month (which many do).

Mysore is such a scene, there are so many yogic experiences and teachings to be had here. Every course under the sun is available from Tabla, Harmonium, Chakra Meditations, Pranayamana, Sanskrit Studies, of course Yoga, and I feel very lucky to have found art classes with a Traditional Mysore Style Painter. I am in heaven, art and yoga and guru's in both. I am almost more excited about the art classes than I am the yoga. The style is amazing, detailed, detailed brush work with gold finishing. It's simply amazing and is already generating many ideas for my own work back home. The teacher has a gentle and warm energy, I feel very privileged once again to have this experience. Speaking of which I am off to art class now. More updates and Mysore pics soon (including a great one of Sharath's daughter, with whom I was playing wrting and drawing with yesterday).

come see my store - our day out in ajuna

2008-06-12T07:35:00.000-07:00

i heart purple valley

2008-06-11T21:52:00.000-07:00

josh

2008-06-11T21:31:00.000-07:00

need i say more?

study time in the shala

2008-06-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

Demonstrating Virabradassana, learning the fine art of adjustments.

whats with all the tears? oh, that'd be the toxins releasing

2008-06-06T08:15:00.000-07:00

So I cried again in yoga this morning. It's OK, I'm cool with it - just must have to get it all out. May have something to do with it being the 7th day straight of practice? Again some yoga breakthroughs, I proved my back bends where not a fluke (did it twice again). AND I got into Marichyasana D bound, on my own! I do apologise to all the non yogi's reading this blog, I appreciate it could be quite tiresome - alright already with the yoga speak. So for you, something else....
This afternoon's activity was the preparation of whats known as a Temescal (sweat lodge), an ancient native American spiritual practice. That involves a lot of heat, small space and communing with nature. Its a physical and spiriitual cleansing practice also, a place for healing. All of us little yogi bodies will be sitting in close quarters sweating it out together, led by "Eagleheart". Jon (EH) also an ashtanga practitioner will lead the practice and guard the energy. Looking like 2 hours we will all sweat it out in the dark all together. So this afternoon we prepared the Lodge with native mahogany sapling and twine, Eagleheart collected some rocks for heating and various other sacred tools including prayer fans. We have been advised to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. I am guessing there might be some more tears...so be it.

Standing to backbend!

2008-06-05T07:45:00.000-07:00

5th day practicing with the group, and 2nd day into Mysore classes with Micheal. I experienced a yoga break through, back bend from standing for the first time! Surrendering to the fall trusting the ground will be beneath you to support you. All that pressing on my back from my teachers in Melbourne lay the perfect foundation for this experience. Little triumphs like that are a brilliant way that the system is peppered with little rewards for those with patience and commitment, I did the best headstand following that drop back, I felt like I could achieve anything in the practice.

So it's a bit much to ask to have a totally amazing day all day, and of course I am suffering from a very irresponsible bout of sunburn. The ayuervedic doctors remedy was not quite what I had in mind, a red paste (made up of sandlewood and other special oils). I lay there covered in a grainy sandy paste the color of blood, trusting this would be THE cure for my red and stinging skin. But alas no, the removal of the paste was facilitated by a scraping of the skin with leaves that felt like knives and then a DRY cloth wiping off the remaining paste. As I shelled over the 700 rupees for the excruciating experience, I was close to tears. Back to my room for a full blown teary, maybe that had something to do with what was being released by my back bend. Perhaps, perhaps not, the Indian head wobble would suffice as an answer to that question.

This is now the 4th day working with breaking down the Ashtanga asanas I am growing more and more to appreciate and respect this amazing ancient system. Not quite so sold on the age old ayuervedic system just yet.

low season Goa - high season yogis

2008-06-03T02:16:00.000-07:00

There is no question as to my whereabouts, when I am escorted back to my room with flash light and somewhat redundant umbrella by one of the Indian staff at Purple Valley Yoga Retreat. Early June monsoonal downpourings had left me stranded in the dinner area, of course no power either. Happily though I tucked up in bed early listening to the thunderstorm keen to get a good rest for our first Mysore practice together with the group I am studying the teacher training with. It's low season in Goa, but a group of keen students from all around the world have converged here for a month to get teachings from our Guru for the month Michael Gannon. Tourist stalls closed, crazy backpackers have moved on, and the only westerners to be seen on the beach was a bunch of us revising our mangala mantra and ashtanga yoga limbs. We have been warned of an intense month ahead of us, and little time for rest (slight exaggeration, as the pool is ever so close). I am so looking forward to practicing and learning from a wonderful and diverse group yogis. Best thing is I can talk yoga pretty much all day and no one will get bored! What a treat, as is the amazing vegetarian food fare put on for us daily. Yum.

Dear Guruji

2008-05-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

"13/05/08

Dear Guruji,

I would like to come study with you on the dates of the 4^th of July till the 4^th of August 2008. One month.

I am a student of Ashtanga Yoga and practice in Melbourne, Australia I am also in India to study with Michael Gannon for all of June, but would like to study with you also for my first time to India.

I look forward to the opportunity to practice with you.

Namaste,

Lauren Burns"

I wrote this letter to Guriji Pattabhi Jois much earlier into my practice than I would ever had imagined. The chance to study with a living Guru of the art was something I could not overlook. Many say there is no point going to Mysore these days, "it was better 10 years ago". I figure in 10 years time, the same will be said. Nothing stays as it is, and this is the time I am given.

Just 2 weeks and I will be in India.