The doors are opening. I will be assisting and/or teaching on these days.
I hope my dreams are blessed to be fulfilled in 2011.
Here are my schedules for the next 2 months:
Oct 9 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
11:00 a.m. Slow Flow
Oct 16 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Oct 26 (Tuesday)
6:30 Led Ashtanga
Oct 30 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Nov 6 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Nov 13 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
11:00 a.m. Slow Flow
Nov 16 (Tuesday)
6:30 Led Ashtanga
Nov 20 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Nov 27 (Saturday)
9:00 a.m. Mysore
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Saturday Mornings and Thursday Night Dharma
I wrote this entry some Saturdays back. As I end this tiring day, feeling somewhat feverish and thinking about my dharma, let me post this unedited note...
I look forward to Saturday mornings. I wake up early so I can practice and assist Jon in his Mysore class. I love that I am slowly working my way towards my dharma and I can feel pieces of me shine at the thought of doing something I love.
I will begin to teach in the office too and I am thinking of whether to go for an Ashtanga introduction or a more restorative flow for the coming Thursday nights.
Soon enough, I will be teaching kid's yoga and pre-natal, as well. But my dream is to help the breast cancer survivors heal their broken hearts... I remember raising my hands in prayer for the first time, weeks after the surgery.
Now, all I need is faith and time.
I look forward to Saturday mornings. I wake up early so I can practice and assist Jon in his Mysore class. I love that I am slowly working my way towards my dharma and I can feel pieces of me shine at the thought of doing something I love.
I will begin to teach in the office too and I am thinking of whether to go for an Ashtanga introduction or a more restorative flow for the coming Thursday nights.
Soon enough, I will be teaching kid's yoga and pre-natal, as well. But my dream is to help the breast cancer survivors heal their broken hearts... I remember raising my hands in prayer for the first time, weeks after the surgery.
Now, all I need is faith and time.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Blessings, blessings..
My heart has learned to sing louder. The next morning after coming home from YT, I woke up with mantras in my heart and went to the terrace for gratitude, forgiveness and guidance. I got my first pleasant surprise for the day when I got to the office.
Today, I went to the terrace again to be thankful, forgiving and humble in asking for help. In the middle of my 3rd meeting, I checked my other phone and saw a text from Jon (which he sent at 8:30 a.m.!) He asked if I can sub for Connie. I replied hoping it was not too late. When we are called, we say yes and so I did. Without my change of clothes and much mental preparation, I said yes. Trust that things will work out. I was able to leave by 5 p.m., hail a cab, get the last shirt and shorts from the little sports shop in Shang (mismatched prints, as they are).
This is another dream come true for me...to teach a class in Yoga Manila. I had nine students. I thought quietly, 108 = 1 + 8 = 9 (they were 8 initially, one came in late).... I had the most amazing time of quiet recognition.
The fish is finally in the water.
Today, I went to the terrace again to be thankful, forgiving and humble in asking for help. In the middle of my 3rd meeting, I checked my other phone and saw a text from Jon (which he sent at 8:30 a.m.!) He asked if I can sub for Connie. I replied hoping it was not too late. When we are called, we say yes and so I did. Without my change of clothes and much mental preparation, I said yes. Trust that things will work out. I was able to leave by 5 p.m., hail a cab, get the last shirt and shorts from the little sports shop in Shang (mismatched prints, as they are).
This is another dream come true for me...to teach a class in Yoga Manila. I had nine students. I thought quietly, 108 = 1 + 8 = 9 (they were 8 initially, one came in late).... I had the most amazing time of quiet recognition.
The fish is finally in the water.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Day 17 (Sept 6)
My last fire ceremony for these 2 weeks. Paul put in extra milk and herbs. He said he would make it extra special. I dressed in all white. It was difficult to leave. It is always difficult to leave YT. I embraced my teacher with questions on what to do next and how. I did not ask them. I will see him in December. By then, I may tell him about the beautiful answers handed to me. At this point, I trust the Divine absolutely. I know the road will lead me to teach, travel, write. I said thank you (profusely but I feel, still, not sufficiently).
I am in an eternal state of thankfulness.
I queued to check-in my bag at Samui airport, running somewhat late. I love the Samui Airport. Wooden bridges, quaint shops, lotus ponds, free danish pastries and coffee. It was a short flight to Bangkok. I was going to wait there a while. I shopped for gifts to bring home and ate my vegetarian meal by myself with a yoga book while waiting for my flight. To remind me of this journey, I got an OM necklace.
As I neared the gate, I was reminded one last time of what the 2 weeks were about. Narasimha recounted this story.
The Churning of the Milk Ocean
It was the Asuras vs. Devas (not Chanel vs. Gucci)
When Allan picked me up, guess who he surprised me with... My beautiful Lakshmi present. A sign of beautiful things to come.
I am in an eternal state of thankfulness.
I queued to check-in my bag at Samui airport, running somewhat late. I love the Samui Airport. Wooden bridges, quaint shops, lotus ponds, free danish pastries and coffee. It was a short flight to Bangkok. I was going to wait there a while. I shopped for gifts to bring home and ate my vegetarian meal by myself with a yoga book while waiting for my flight. To remind me of this journey, I got an OM necklace.
As I neared the gate, I was reminded one last time of what the 2 weeks were about. Narasimha recounted this story.
The Churning of the Milk Ocean
It was the Asuras vs. Devas (not Chanel vs. Gucci)
When Allan picked me up, guess who he surprised me with... My beautiful Lakshmi present. A sign of beautiful things to come.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Day 16 (Sept 5)
Yoga Thailand in Shades of Blue
I am feeling rather blue on this last afternoon of my two-week journey and so here are my favorite shots of the blues in Yoga Thailand.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Day 15 (Sept 4)
We had our last chanting and lecture today. For the past few days, we've had these in the "outside shala". Saturday breakfast at YT is wonderful --The best buckwheat pancakes. I put butter and honey on them and a siding of jam.
I feel the tugs in my heart as I know it's almost time to go back. I miss my family dearly but I feel the anxiety brewing as I think of the decisions I want to make, and the uncertainty that comes with it but I will leave these thoughts of tomorrow. I still have today.
We went to Radiance Restaurant for lunch.
In the afternoon, Michelle and I had our usual steam and swim and Paul walked over to have a chat with us. I need to make sure I allot more time for practice when I get home. 21 days of 21 Gayatri and Trayambakam mantras will make in a difference.
The sky did not seem to be a brilliant today and the tides have been very low. They must also be a little sad at the thought of not sharing the coming days with us...
We are always in contact with the stable state in us. This produces hope and hope produces the state of Samadhi. Do not be afraid of change. - Narasimha
I feel the tugs in my heart as I know it's almost time to go back. I miss my family dearly but I feel the anxiety brewing as I think of the decisions I want to make, and the uncertainty that comes with it but I will leave these thoughts of tomorrow. I still have today.
We went to Radiance Restaurant for lunch.
In the afternoon, Michelle and I had our usual steam and swim and Paul walked over to have a chat with us. I need to make sure I allot more time for practice when I get home. 21 days of 21 Gayatri and Trayambakam mantras will make in a difference.
The sky did not seem to be a brilliant today and the tides have been very low. They must also be a little sad at the thought of not sharing the coming days with us...
We are always in contact with the stable state in us. This produces hope and hope produces the state of Samadhi. Do not be afraid of change. - Narasimha
Friday, September 3, 2010
Day 14 (Sept 3)
I love how we were given each other to clear the mists...
I few more days and I'll be leaving YT. This journey is something I truly needed. It has given me more clarity for the things I want to accomplish - and that is to pursue this path. I do not know yet how the corporate setting will fit, if at all. As an option, I would like to focus more on people's individual wellness. But I am truly ready to let all of that go so I can teach full time, travel and write. That's my purpose. I've known this even as a child.
Today, we had more people at the fire ceremony. I am happily completing this morning devotion. Paul asked me during one of the ceremonies if I went to church. I said yes. I told him I could not express my love and thankfulness enough to that Great One who we've claimed in various forms, from the view of our own very limited minds. For me, all the beautiful ceremonies, songs, praises, and chants would not be enough to express how deeply I love God.
Ishwara Pranidhana.
In practice today, something new has shifted. I was able to make better Chakrasanas and a longer headstand. I worked my way through the new poses and I feel the shifts are happening faster and faster. I was very energized after practice.
Last night, I dreamed of Paul and this morning he sat with Michelle and me. He asked if we've known each other before. No but it does seem like we've been friends for a very long time. Kindred, he says. Yes. Definitely. Paul knows about connections. He truly connects on the more subtle levels but today he seemed so tangible to us - just sharing everyday stories. We had a lot of laughter. He is a great teacher and his spending time with us outside of the shala for a shared meal is such a wonderful highlight.
I few more days and I'll be leaving YT. This journey is something I truly needed. It has given me more clarity for the things I want to accomplish - and that is to pursue this path. I do not know yet how the corporate setting will fit, if at all. As an option, I would like to focus more on people's individual wellness. But I am truly ready to let all of that go so I can teach full time, travel and write. That's my purpose. I've known this even as a child.
Today, we had more people at the fire ceremony. I am happily completing this morning devotion. Paul asked me during one of the ceremonies if I went to church. I said yes. I told him I could not express my love and thankfulness enough to that Great One who we've claimed in various forms, from the view of our own very limited minds. For me, all the beautiful ceremonies, songs, praises, and chants would not be enough to express how deeply I love God.
Ishwara Pranidhana.
In practice today, something new has shifted. I was able to make better Chakrasanas and a longer headstand. I worked my way through the new poses and I feel the shifts are happening faster and faster. I was very energized after practice.
Last night, I dreamed of Paul and this morning he sat with Michelle and me. He asked if we've known each other before. No but it does seem like we've been friends for a very long time. Kindred, he says. Yes. Definitely. Paul knows about connections. He truly connects on the more subtle levels but today he seemed so tangible to us - just sharing everyday stories. We had a lot of laughter. He is a great teacher and his spending time with us outside of the shala for a shared meal is such a wonderful highlight. Michelle and I swam in the sea during lunch time and tried to learn a few German phrases from 10-year old Luna, had coconut gelato and then went for our chanting and lecture. Then we had our steam and swim and sharing session with Amra. We got a whole plate of pineapple upside down cake and our Friday night drink - Watermelon juice! We talked of our plans and pains and cities and dreams.
Day 13 (Sept 2)
Fire ceremony. Ustrasana. Summer rolls. Talk with Jack on his last day on the story of the man needing a jack, my improvised Indian dance and a bunch of other things. Meeting Dorien. Swimming in the sea. Scoops of coffee and vanilla gelato. Chanting. Lecture. Friendships.
Amra...
Amra...
Ivana...
Tricia...
Michelle and I...
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Day 12 (Sept 1)
Yet another beautiful day. I enjoy seeing Paul on his motorbike for 2 seconds right before the fire ceremony. Cecille and I were talking about it. I say he looks very "rock star" on the bike (well, not really, but I like to say it. Paul in his Ganesh sando does not look like a Harley boy. At least according to my citta vrtti)
He should ride a really big bike, I say.
With flames, of course, says Cecille.
Like Puja on wheels! we say.
But all that funny conversation disappears like smoke as soon as Paul arrives.
It was Cecille's last day today and I will miss her. I like how her voice shadows Paul's as they chant in the fire ceremony. I like the care she puts in choosing the flowers for the ritual. I like the little conversations we have before Paul arrives - whether its about yoga, the cleverness of mosquitoes, or the case of disappearing dogs, Today, she left me a "vintage" copy of the chants, and for that, among other things (like her helping me in my practice), I am thankful.
I was getting ready to record the ceremony and we had a really good laugh because when I told her, she asked, How's my hair? It was really funny considering it was 6.15 in the morning and the mosquitoes were feasting on us. (Later that day, the file I recorded got corrupted though, much to my dismay. Must not get too upset about it...)
So for my practice, I did not feel the oatmeal tightness, thanks to only three spoons full of lentil soup the night before. My reward - Parsva Dhanurasana. 5 breaths on the right. Inhale up. 5 breaths on the left. Keep my head up. Inhale up. 5 breaths Dhanurasana.
After practice, came the much awaited brunch. I loved the falafel with tahini sauce, loved my coffee, too. Michelle and I decided to go back to the sea but just for a while. We got hungry fairly quickly so I had another serving of falafel and coffee. Then we went to the pool.
We had our usual chanting and lecture in the afternoon and I was able to talk with my boys during dinner time, right before our evening sing-along/bhajan (Jack's last night) and it ended on a high note (I got to play the tambourine! I love that!)
I really like this group of people. Oh. I hear the tone of that sentence. It's almost time to leave YT again. I have been standing for so long in this crossroad and I want to really make that leap of faith THIS YEAR. I feel it's time.
He should ride a really big bike, I say.
With flames, of course, says Cecille.
Like Puja on wheels! we say.
But all that funny conversation disappears like smoke as soon as Paul arrives.
It was Cecille's last day today and I will miss her. I like how her voice shadows Paul's as they chant in the fire ceremony. I like the care she puts in choosing the flowers for the ritual. I like the little conversations we have before Paul arrives - whether its about yoga, the cleverness of mosquitoes, or the case of disappearing dogs, Today, she left me a "vintage" copy of the chants, and for that, among other things (like her helping me in my practice), I am thankful.
I was getting ready to record the ceremony and we had a really good laugh because when I told her, she asked, How's my hair? It was really funny considering it was 6.15 in the morning and the mosquitoes were feasting on us. (Later that day, the file I recorded got corrupted though, much to my dismay. Must not get too upset about it...)
So for my practice, I did not feel the oatmeal tightness, thanks to only three spoons full of lentil soup the night before. My reward - Parsva Dhanurasana. 5 breaths on the right. Inhale up. 5 breaths on the left. Keep my head up. Inhale up. 5 breaths Dhanurasana.
After practice, came the much awaited brunch. I loved the falafel with tahini sauce, loved my coffee, too. Michelle and I decided to go back to the sea but just for a while. We got hungry fairly quickly so I had another serving of falafel and coffee. Then we went to the pool.
We had our usual chanting and lecture in the afternoon and I was able to talk with my boys during dinner time, right before our evening sing-along/bhajan (Jack's last night) and it ended on a high note (I got to play the tambourine! I love that!)
I really like this group of people. Oh. I hear the tone of that sentence. It's almost time to leave YT again. I have been standing for so long in this crossroad and I want to really make that leap of faith THIS YEAR. I feel it's time.