Thursday, November 5, 2009

Day 0 (Nov 4)

So here it is. The beginning of my month-long journey. It was not easy
to get here and I mean that in so many ways. I started this dream so
long ago, amidst other dreams and a few nightmares. When an old friend
wished that I find that which I seek, it dawned on me so naturally and
ever so peacefully that I wasn't seeking. I am merely fulfilling, or
beginning to fulfill a dream I set aside to make way for the best
parts of my life, bigger dreams - true love with a happy ending,
beautiful and healthy children, seeing the world, a satisfying career...
I have been blessed though my life is far from charmed. Everyday, I
work for the sustenance of my dreams come true, with love, gratitude
and faith in God.

Today is another leap of faith. It was hardest to take the first step:
to leave. To leave those that matter most to me for a month, to trust
that all will be well in my absence, to trust that my heart is in its
right place. Dreams are earned mostly through so much trust.

After the tears and breathing through thoughts of cowardice, we drove
to the airport. It's funny how this journey is downplayed with the
objective of becoming a yoga instructor. It's not like I'm going to be
the semi-spiritual Jane Fonda of the new millennium, not that there's
anything wrong with that. I am learning so that I may teach. Yoga
helped me through tough times. It is a whole philosophy and asanas is
a part of it. I want to deepen and be able to share the beauty of a
practice that has strengthened and balanced me.

This month is also my way of rejuvinating. It has been quite a decade
and I am giving this month to allow me time to just be centered and
away from the flurry of my own self importance. I compressed in ten
years, events that normal people stretch over a lifetime. I need to
decompress and accept that everything and everyone will be fine
without me. I should be fine knowing that. When I return, I hope I am
able to love and serve better, more grounded, more humble, less self-
conscious/flagellating/deprecating, with quiet confidence in my worth,
knowing the worth doesn't come from me.
I admit I have been broken to pieces but my pride held me up so
strongly over the years. I need to rest these pieces and allow them
to fall. It's okay now.

So, then...the airport and my myriad of memories. I hate commuting in
Manila but I love commuting around the world. There is a sense of
liberation in travelling the world alone. A lot of trust there and
humbling too. I've missed this so much. Being in airports, getting a
few hours of work done, that magical lull when the plane starts to
move that puts me instantly to sleep...

Side story - the guy from immigration asked in a very strange
condescending tone "San ka pupunta, Ineng." I had to kick my ego so it
could back down. It was about to give a lecture on how not to be rude.
I answered "Koh Samui." What will I do there? Study. Where do I work?
Globe. What do I do in Globe? Good one. Customer Service? Yes,
essentially that's I do. (I don't think execution support and strat
process means much to him) Ah, customer service. Yup.
And then I did a shameless plug on Super DUO and Sarah Geronimo.

Anyway.

I got a good seat in economy. Right behind business class. Aisle seat
and no one beside me so I had the window view too. It was a nice
night. Manila city lights from the sky looks so...sophisticated.
Bangkok too on the way down.

This is my fist time in this new airport. It's been almost 10 years
since I've been to Thailand, same time in 2001. Sawasdee.

As they were checking my bags, they found my Rasberry Vanilla Body
Mist (Beets, I'm sorry!) to be over 100ml and confiscated it. I was
too sleepy to argue.

I'm here now in Louis' Tavern, the only airport hotel. My kris flyer
(regular blue) cannot afford me a nice lounge. But I'm in a good place
for 6 hours (3,500 baht). And I really need to sleep because in 4
hours, I'll need to wake up.

To day 1.

Monday, November 2, 2009

Pre-Course Assignment # 10 : The Yoga Sutras

The Yoga Sutras has re-enforced my beliefs on giving and surrender to God, has echoed humility and service. In its beautiful threads, I found compassion even as I struggle to be liberated. I love how the advocacies of the sacred scriptures are interwoven, with the promise of freedom, heaven, meeting God, Self, becoming One. This is the true essence of our practice - a prayer in motion, the yoga mala. I am most willing to put this in my own practice. It is not always easy, even with the "handbooks" already written for us, teaching the ways to be truly happy and free, even with the willingness. I guess this is what it means by "1% theory, 99% practice" As in one of the stories in Greek mythology, maybe we need to be hold on to these threads, these Words, these sutras to help us navigate through our own labyrinth. All the while enjoying the playfulness of this journey, full of hope that liberation is indeed a beautiful possibility.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Bahay Kubo Diet

On this stormy weekend, I have a long list of To-Dos. I'm reading
Bahay Kubo Diet now, written by my first ashtanga yoga teacher Sandy.
I am going to attempt to go back to my less carnivorous ways.

After my mastectomy in 2002, I quit beef and pork altogether. I
resumed my carnivorous ways in 2005 and now, I will try again. Because
I actually have to consciously shut off thoughts that the food I am
about to munch on was tortured and slaughtered.

I also noticed how my asanas are much much better on meatless days.

I may decide to eat less meat or just literally quit cold turkey (and
beef and pork and chicken...)

It's a good thing I won't have anything but veggies in Koh Samui. That
makes the decision easy for a month.

Back to reading...

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Before October ends...

I had such a beautiful practice today. It must be the energy of Tessa
and Tobey combined. Beautiful teachers practicing, and I, honored to
be sharing the moments with them.

I was at peace with the tail end poses today and took a step forward
in Bhujapidasana and Garbha Pindasana. And it is almost certain, I
will be better friends with Shirsasana.

I am so thankful and happy. There is hope for wobbly beginnings.

6 more days...

Well, I am pretty much set for my month long journey. Actually, if you
just let me pick up my razor, a few pairs of undies and my mobile
phone, I'm good to go. Except that since I've been thinking about this
trip, I have a longer list of things to stuff in my little red
samsonite (not the big red barge I used to bring with me in ferries to
China or in three-city Australian trips. Stop laughing, Katzy.)
I am so very excited!
This is the break I've been putting off for almost ten years because
back then maybe I didn't deserve it. Now, after taking my life apart
and rebuilding it, I am doing what I've been meaning to do.
I am so very excited!
I have Sanskrit words swimming in my head. My body is relearning and
my mind's mouth has been duct taped.

Moreso, my bandhas are engaged. My heart is lifted, I have my
blessings to pursue this journey.

I am so very happy.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Finally Using My Head

A miracle happened last Thursday. For the first time in years, I finally did headstands again. No walls, no one waiting to catch me. Never mind if I fell back. I took this as a sign and propped by wavering faith up with uddhiyana bandha. I got my ticket yesterday.
Yes, I am off to train for a month. My breath, body, heart, soul, and head (finally, my head!) are in it.

Mind, you should just follow.


Monday, October 5, 2009

October 5, Monday

I felt good about my practice today. One more month! I feel I have still so so much to deepen, to lift, to offer...

I woke up at 6.00 today and spent 11 hours at work.

Food for the day:
Milk Tea for Breakfast
Green Tea Soy Latte and Tomato, Basil, Mozarella Sandwich for lunch
Crackers for snacks

It's 10.10 p.m. I will be in bed by 10.30

Do your practice....

Deva Premal in the background. An ocean refuses no river...

Inspirational Lotus Pond

Singing Bowls