Wanderlust Spirit

And so it continued . . .

Graduation Bliss

Finishing the final week at Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh, and realizing it had been four whole weeks. When I first arrived the days and weeks stretched out before me endlessly, a long time to be away from my family and the life I know. I had jumped feet-first into the luring fire of passion to pursue a path of yoga, self-discovery and eastern teachings. I was swallowed up and swept away to another time, another place, another culture. Now the Universe is ready to spit me back out on the other side—back into my comfortable womb of existence—to practice what I have learned; to apply the asanas and pranayamas to everyday life. Exhausted—I have never worked this hard for this long, physically or mentally—yet I am unharmed, sated and full of new ways of thinking, new ways of being, and still more questions. I have changed, but realize life is constantly changing minute by minute. I have grown during the process of this journey, and have evolved further by embracing the fear that lead me to an unforgettable adventure of the body, mind and spirit. 

My Bed for a Time

Time is always a mystery, the days and weeks meld together and now there is only a 22-hour flight to get back where I came from, a place where all of this will feel like a dream. I have adjusted to life at the Ashram, it only takes 21-days to change a habit and by the time I get home it will be closer to 30. My life as I know will appear the same, but I am different inside. Eating meat is questionable, but again after 21-days home I can’t say for sure how I will feel. I could never eat meat here in India, the animals are too close. I buy produce and feed the cows daily. I take cow-bags from restaurants and sometimes share with the dogs. The monkeys grab food from anyone they can, and run like hell. They are so mischievous and funny, and the people accept their behavior as it is. There have been some hilarious tales about various experiences with them that I will share later in a blog post called monkey business. 

Waiting for Me

I am thrilled at the thought of once again seeing, touching, hearing and smelling my own dogs. The sound of the mooing cows will soon be replaced with the unforgettable DoDog howl. Stepping back into the routine I left behind will be easy, and after a few days this experience will seem like a dream. That’s how it goes with travel. Being present in the environment that I know so well will slowly move this experience into the archives of amazing, unreal memories. But, I will never forget. The mind has been activated both mentally and physically here, and a full body awareness has been realized. Cultivating the eight limbs of yoga as a way to exist peacefully. Gazing into the flame of a candle without blinking for 10-15 minutes each day. Taking time to be still in a hectic world; turning inward to find peace, clarity and nothingness is the way to enlightenment, and requires a daily practice of being present, forever. I will not accept, I will not reject, I will simply observe, and hold on to (thank you again, Roshen). I know that everything is already perfect and whatever happens to me is for my own good. To find the positive in all things, and know the Universe always takes care of me in the way that is best for my own personal growth. Giving gratitude for those I love, my place in the Universe and the many blessings present in my life.

Magical Clouds

India has taught me things beyond yoga. She has shown me a peaceful way of existence and how to cohabitate with all creatures around me. She has taught me an understanding of all life and just how much animals, plants and humans depend upon each other for survival. She has taught me to respect and covet that connection. I am grateful for this amazing journey and am humbled by the beauty surrounding me daily, no matter where I wake up. 

All of this IS Yoga.

Happy to be Going Home

Sad to be Leaving This Magical Place

Bittersweet. . . 

A Room With A View

Goodbye to Rishikesh room #106 with a view and private bath. I will miss this space and all the wonderful people that shared this experience with me, as well as the ones that provided it. Thanks to the asana gurus: Jeez (“Your legs and arms are going this way, where are YOU going?”), Abby (“Everyone okay? I’m okay, too”), Guru lecturers: Arpit, Deepa (“I love you”) and Roshen (Please do not accept what I say, please do not reject it. . .”). Thanks to all the kitchen staff that fed us exceptional vegetarian food each day, and the front desk guys that always fixed whatever was wrong. Miss all of you already, you rock and I will be back!

Namasté

“Yoga is not to be performed, Yoga is to be lived. . .”

—Ahmber Nichole

Fearless Living

The group scheduled a rafting adventure down the Ganges. I was hoping for a guided trip with someone else paddling so I could sit back, take photographs and enjoy the sun. But, it was not to be. All arms on deck needed to be functional to paddle their way down the holy river, and that left me out for the moment. Another reason to plan a trip back. . . 

No beef, no pork, no chicken, no fish, no soda, no booze and limited caffeine for the last 4-weeks. Just a bum arm—but it is temporary.  Surprisingly I have not missed anything during my time here but feel a bit nervous about returning to life as I know it. Being in the presence of the cows and feeling their peaceful energy around me, makes me wonder how I can possibly eat another steak. 

Hangin' On

I decided to see a doctor about my arm. I was going to wait until I got home and then the light bulb went off. . . In India, surrounded by the traditional ancient medical practice of Ayurveda—a more natural approach—why wait? Transportation arrangements were made by the front desk. This early morning ride on the back of a scooter was simply going to add to the experience of being in Rishikesh, and living like a local. It is the mode of transportation here. We raced through the streets weaving in and out of people, scooters, bikes, trucks, graders, dogs, cows and monkeys—the driver was a pro. If driving was laid back here, no one would get anywhere. The horn was blaring and we managed to miss everything in our path, although sometimes it appeared doubtful. After a 20-minute ride across the bridge and through the market place, we arrived safely at the clinic. “Where did you learn to drive like that,” I asked the driver; he only smiled. A video of this incredible ride is posted on my Facebook page.

Good Morning

There were 3 other people waiting outside. Dr. Das came out and greeted us, taking me as the first patient. The driver was content to read the newspaper and wait. I was escorted back to his office for a consultation, and told him that my arm was tingling, had little strength and hurt when I tried to rotate it back. “Ahhh,” he said, “the rotator cuff.” He came around the desk and tested my rotation and pressed on my arm to confirm his diagnosis, adding, “But, it’s no problem.” 

Waiting Room

“Surgery?” I wondered, after hearing several horror stories about rotator cuff problems from friends. He shook his head,  “This is only inflammation, not a tear. If it were a tear, your shoulder would be drooping.” Whew, that was a relief! His remedy was RICE. My thought? I’m already eating it 3 times a day! Dr. Das explained further—Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation, and no asanas for at least two weeks! I finally relaxed. He is an orthopedic surgeon that practices Ayurveda medicine, explaining in detail how the herbs in our individual surroundings are there to heal us. Since I am from Alaska all the herbs I need are there for me.

The Herbal Pack

There are obviously no Alaska herbs in India, so he took me to another room and had his assistant mix up some local herbs and pack the warm mixture on the afflicted area of my arm, leaving it to penetrate for 10 minutes. It was delicious. They then made a sling for me and sent me on my way. The bill was 600 rupees: not even $10.  And, the fact that I can’t do asanas is okay. We are going into the final week of training and it will consist of individual teaching time, not practice. The timing was perfect for rotator cuff inflammation. We returned to the scooter for the ride back to the Ashram. I could now only use one arm to hold on, but I was able to lean with the bike from side-to-side without even a flinch. 

Sporting My Hand-Made Sling

Dr. Das recently spent three months in Alaska researching spiders that live in the far north region surviving the extreme cold, and scientists cannot figure out how that is possible. “The XNA project, X factor stands for: we don’t know yet,” he said. He was in awe of the natural beauty of Alaska, and I am equally taken with his country. He described India perfectly to me: chaos on the outside with a deep serenity just beneath the surface.

I have adjusted to the rhythm of life here where being fearless is the norm. On our list of recommended reading is a book called: “Fearless Living, Yoga and Faith,” by Swami Rama. A must read for anyone struggling with fear issues. Most of us have at one time or another and reading this book helps put things in perspective. 

I remain in awe of this magical place. The locals notice my sling and immediately ask what happened and if I am okay. They approach me from all directions—on the street, at the Ashram, in the restaurant, in the shops—they are genuinely concerned. One of the instructors offered me acupressure during class. An Panchakarma treatment would be amazing but it takes 21-days, preferably 45-days with an Ayurveda practitioner nearby administering the treatment. Next time—I must come back to India, there is so much more to see and do—after all, it is eight-times larger than Alaska and should be a continent!

https://sites.google.com/a/panchangnaturopathy.com/panchangnaturopathy/arurvedic-panchkram

A thought to ponder. . .

Prosperity:

Uncomfortably comfortable (have nots)

Comfortably uncomfortable (haves)

Namasté

One Pranayama at a Time. . .

No! No! No! Please, not another Warrior II Flow, as she kicked and screamed her way up 4 flights of stairs to the studio. I can't do it!

"Ahh," said the 20-year old guru. "Use your mind. Control your mind. Asanas are 10% body and 90% mind.”

And so it was. . . Another day closer to graduation. 🙏🏻

After beating myself up for over a week, I finally gave up. The first week of class I was working with a short strap, pulling it overhead and down the back with straight arms. The strap was apparently too short and I heard my right arm make a popping sound before I adjusted it to a larger width. I didn’t really notice any pain because it happened during Saturday evening asana class, and Sunday was our day off. 

Monday morning the arm was aching but I continued on with practice. As the week progressed, the pain got worse and the instructor offered some acupressure that was indeed painful on the forearm pressure points, but nevertheless seemed to help—onward and upward was the plan. The teacher training is rigorous with 4.5 hours of daily asana classes, spilt into two sessions. Some days were better than others for me, depending on the required poses but the catarunga flow transition was a killer but I continued, often skipping over that part—feeling like a wimp. My theory was if I ignored the pain, it would go away. I refused to acknowledge it although it would often wake me up at night if I laid in a particular position.

Yesterday in early morning astanga class my arm totally gave out, screaming at me: NO MORE! I had no choice but to acknowledge the tingling feeling followed by a weakness of barely being able to raise my arm. Shit, I can’t believe this, was my first thought. How can I be at yoga training and have an arm injury that will keep me from doing most poses? The message here was loud and clear, but I had been denying it for nearly 10 days: Pay Attention to Your Body—the mantra stressed daily in our training. 

And then it occurred to me, our discussion in philosophy class—remain impartial and merely observe a situation without judgment. I had been feeling inadequate as a yogi and had ignored what my body was telling me. I had been reacting with my ego and the pain was not going away, it was getting worse. By impartially observing and accepting it as what is, I was able to understand that my body had been sending me a message but, I was not listening so it was speaking louder. It was time to honor this unique body and rest the arm. Accepting without a judgement of being a weaker or lesser person, was a lesson learned.  

Understanding came at a time it was needed. I took the night off, explaining to my instructor that I may wish to see a doctor, and it was okay. I have spent the day attending my philosophy, anatomy and teaching methodology classes, and resting my body, guilt-free, during asana classes. My arm is feeling much better but still can’t be rotated without pain. I understand that rest needs to continue for a few days, and I may see a doctor for an evaluation or healing treatments. Once I acknowledged this, I am once again feeling good. 

The training is a flow of peaks and valleys—one day of feeling great and the next day feeling totally inadequate. This is all part of the transformational process. Again, it is important to view situations from an impartial place. “Please don’t accept what I say, please don’t reject what I say. Hold on to it, Observe it,” a mantra from philosophy class that is now a part of me. This truly incredible journey is transforming my life forever—one pranayama at a time. 

"Real knowledge is found not in knowing, but rather in being!”

Namasté

What Is Yoga?

The union between you and you—what you think you are, and what you really are.

Yoga is the journey from misunderstanding to understanding.

Understanding is an exact evaluation. 

Misunderstanding is an over/under evaluation, or an opposite.

Yoga is the optimum function of a human organism.

Monkey Family

My body and mind are totally exhausted but I feel internal peace. Every muscle in my body has an acute awareness; a reminder of being alive. Life is always moving, changing, evolving. This training offers so much information both physically and mentally, that it is not possible to understand it all at the moment. This experience will take time to evaluate—the ideas, the philosophy, the anatomy, and the strenuous asanas—some more difficult than others; all taught with a gentle understanding. All bodies are different and it is important to let go of ego when trying to get my body to response, knowing that I may not look like the next person and that is okay. Yoga is personal, it is not about how far, how long, or how limber you are, or how you compare to another yogi. It’s about knowing your limits and going beyond them as best you can. 

I briefly thought about skipping class tonight but drug my tired butt up the three flights of stairs to the studio in spite of myself, wondering if it was even worth the attempt being as tired as I felt. Jeez informed the class that it was a full moon and not a healthy time to do strenuous asanas, so we were blessed with a restorative practice. It was still tougher than my own restorative class, but a much needed break from the usual Astanga flow. Talking to my spirit guides each night, asking for guidance, strength and perseverance to get me through this month has definitely helped.

I am humbled by how little I know about the science of yoga. I am also aware I have not been teaching yoga, but rather asana class. It would take years of studying the science to actually teach it. When I leave here I will  definitely teach a better asana class with some added  knowledge, but will still question the title ‘yoga teacher.' Yoga is so much more than performing postures—philosophy, anatomy, breathing, and a conscious approach to healthy living are equally important. Yoga is a way of being, it is pure consciousness, it is understanding, it is questioning, it is examining life. To quote the philosophy instructor: “Please don’t accept what I am saying, please do not reject what I am saying. Hold on to it. Remain impartial, investigate, meditate and reach your own conclusion.” We have all the answers inside ourselves; by meditating we can access everything we need to evolve in this life. 

Sharing Lunch

Besides having this in-depth training, being in this magical country where life flows to the rhythm of the natural cycle, is humbling. We are walking with the cows, dogs, and monkeys on the village streets. I went to pet a calf today but the momma cow was having none of it. She bowed her head and ever so gently pushed her horns into me to let me know it was not okay. At that precise moment we spoke a universal language without exchanging any words.

I hand-wash my clothes in a large bucket in the bathroom with organic, chemical free soap and rinse them in water scented with lime essential oil. The oils are made at a local herb farm. I had a stuffy nose and was prescribed turmeric oil by the herbalist, one drop on the tongue every 4 days. Like magic, my nose is clear. I leave my clothes to dry in the sun and hope the monkeys don’t decide to take off with a shirt, sock or whatever strikes their fancy. They usually drop their treasure after the escape, unless it is food. I was missing my favorite out-of-shape sweater, my walking-the-dog wool one that is so old and really should be thrown away, but I can’t bear to part with it yet.  I found it in a palm tree in front of the Ashram. I saw a monkey at the market jump out of a tree onto a fruit stand, grabbing a banana and running back up the tree. This is normal, and no one reacts. Living close to the earth with the animals is just the way of life in India, and it feels natural. Life is simple with few distractions. I have not listened to the world news, and refuse to read the political posts on Facebook—it took a week to ween myself. I am taking a break and bet when I return to the US not much will have changed, just more negative rhetoric that we allow our minds to consume daily. It is the norm I know, and am seriously questioning. I have been introduced to a much more peaceful way of existence.

Dancing in the Streets

My shower is a bucket of steaming water and a cup with a spout used for scooping up the water and pouring it over my body in the tiled bathroom. The drain is under the sink and there is a squeegee to dry the floor. I purchased a bar of natural soap at the herbal store for less than 60¢. There is no TV anywhere and it is common to hear dogs barking and cows mooing into the night, along with spiritual music. All of this is the accepted norm in Rishikesh. I am eating a vegetarian diet of mung beans, lentils, spinach, rice, peas, potatoes, and fresh fruit. I haven’t missed life as I know it. We went out for a cheese pizza last night and I now understand why we are fed what we are at the Ashram. The pizza was too heavy and left me feeling bloated, something I haven’t felt on the vegetarian diet.

After beating myself up for being so exhausted today, I learned that the younger students are feeling the same. The training is demanding and strenuous. So many people are sick with colds and flu like symptoms. My immune system has been exposed to so much in my years on this planet, that I am happy to say nothing has effected me other than sheer exhaustion. We are approaching the end of our second week, the half-way mark, and instead of morning asana class tomorrow we are going for a hike, and instead of lectures we are seeing a movie called “The History of Yoga.” Sunday is our day of rest and we have a scheduled trip to the new Ashram that will serve as a retreat for Living Yoga in the coming months. After 14-years, Yog Peeth is closing their doors to yoga teacher training in March. We will be one of the last graduating classes. 

Little Babe

I am reading the Alchemist and find it to be like our philosophy lessons, all rolled into a book. My mind is spinning with so much to think about. This incredible place called Rishikesh is considered a holy city in India. I am blessed to be here and know this is a life-altering experience. We are constantly changing and evolving in this Universe, and this experience is an intregal part of my own personal journey.

Learn to Listen to The Language of Your Soul

Peace & Love, Namasté

El Toro

Bridge Traffic

The bridge connecting Rajajula with Rishikesh is narrow and packed with people, cows, dogs and scooters. Walking back over it from a shopping trip, I was stuck behind an interesting four-legged couple. The procession continued onto the street once we exited the bridge. She was a gentle brown lady with a soft-white nose; he was a black, shiny and stout bull—the epitome of masculinity. They were obviously together sashaying side by side with her in the lead. As we rounded the corner to a hill that was going straight up, I heard people yelling commands at the couple, but I was oblivious from my position close behind their back sides. I did notice other cows on the left, coming down the hill. 

The Couple

Abruptly the black bull stopped and assumed the posture I recognize from my dog experience—head up, stiff body, bristling coat—high alert, usually not a good thing. I may not be a cow whisperer but some behavior is easy to spot in any animal. A smaller bull approached and sniffed the black male, then continued down the hill without incident. Another male approached and sniffed the female, obviously not a good move. People were scattering and yelling at the animals to move on. I reluctantly followed their lead and scampered down the hill and behind the rock wall just as the fight erupted! I was hoping for up-close photographs but that was not to be. 

Locked Horns

They locked horns even before I got behind the wall. The female stood by quietly and observed, looking bored with the entire situation. The black bull quickly got the smaller one into a lock down on the rock wall, and it looked as if he was going to topple over it. He somehow found the strength to break away and hightail it up the hill, defeated. At this point people jumped between them so the black bull could not chase after the smaller one. Wow! I have now witnessed my first bull fight in the streets. It was quick, thank goodness. The moral to the story: pay attention to the locals and when they start running for cover, do the same!

El Toro!

The next day I saw El Toro roaming the streets proudly, head up, chest out. He was King of the Village, at least until another bull is brave enough to challenge his position. 

Namasté

Travel & Food

The thought for today: Maybe it is time to step out of the insular world we have created. There has never been a better time to travel than now, even if it’s the next state over or the country just across the border. Our own country is in such a state of flux, making it all the more important to experience other cultures, other ways of seeing things, other ways of being. We are isolated as Americans, relying solely on the media to inform us about the rest of the world. The information we receive is often distorted causing our perceptions to be the same. When I lived in Mexico in 2009 and border shootings were taking place, the US released a warning not to travel to Mexico because it was unsafe. Unaware of this warning and loving life in my sweet little casita, I was shocked at the flood of emails I received urging me to come home because I was in danger. Danger, seriously? There was no danger. The information given was only partly true, causing a distorted perception that equated to fear. Yes, there were shootings at various border towns in the middle of the night, but they were isolated incidents and involved only the drug cartels. Listening to the newscasts, Americans were sure Mexico was extremely dangerous and unsafe for travel. 

If there is anything good about our current political situation, exposing the media for what they often are—a lot of public opinion with little facts to back up a story—is a good thing. I’m not saying all reporting is bad, there are some excellent sources that speak the truth out there. But there is massive reporting that is distorted. We, the masses, are inundated with these stories on social media.

By stepping out of what we know, we are able to see just how similar we really are as humans. India has a peaceful feeling of gratitude that permeates the country. They give daily reverence to the things that sustain them as human beings. The cow provides all things dairy as well as fertilizer for their fuel, and the River Ganges provides water for life.  Both are revered. The River has been a symbol of India's age-long culture and civilization, ever-changing, ever-flowing, and yet ever the same Ganga.

People here are grounded, close to the earth and connected to nature in such a solid way. India was in my future at a very young age. When I was 17 my mother insisted I was too young to have an apartment in the big city of Columbus, Ohio. But, she was willing to compromise by allowing me to rent a room close to campus. We found the perfect spot with a landlady that met her approval. Ferosa was 37 at the time, pursuing her PhD at Ohio State. She wore the traditional saris and had the bindi at her third eye chakra. Her father was Prime Minister of India at the time. None of this meant anything to me, not one little bit. I was only interested in drinking beer, chasing boys and feeling my independence for the first time. What a wealth of information Ferosa was had I only been able to see that at the time. All these years later I recognize that as a sign from the Universe that this magical place was in my future, and that was merely a prelude of things to come. And now, here I am. I intuitively knew I would love it—the beauty, the people, but more importantly, the spiritual connection to all life.

Cheese Sticks

I have friends that have asked me to write about the food, so I will tell you what little I know. Monkeys are thieves. One darted into the dining hall, ran into the kitchen, grabbed the first thing he could find and sped up the stairs. We found the wadded up newspaper later. They are funny, mischievous and everywhere. Like the cows and dogs, monkeys live in harmony with the people here.

Masala Chai

I had my first coffee in a week yesterday. I really haven’t missed it, but being in a German bakery and having a chocolate brownie (gluten free), a latte seemed like the thing to order without any forethought, just habit. Five hours later when I was trying to get to sleep I noticed my heart was racing and I felt restless. And then it hit me, caffeine. This is what it does to my body—obviously not a good thing. Back to herbal tea. . . 

We are near 3 surrounding villages: Rajajula, Luc jhula, and Rishikesh. There is no meat , chicken or alcohol allowed in the entire area. I don’t have a good overview of dining in India because well, I’m staying at an Ashram with many other people so it is cafeteria style dining. The food is basic and hardy, and could be considered bland because the spices must be tempered to suit everyone. There are not a lot of choices. But it is good, feels healthy and surprisingly, my system is content and sated. For breakfast there is porridge made of oats, honey and milk, often wheat bread (not toast) with ghee and preserves, and sometimes a rice dish with peanuts and vegetables in delicious spices, and an abundance of fresh fruits such as mango, banana, pomegranate, oranges, and various melons. The drink is hot lemon water with honey and ginger.

Porridge with Fruit, Dates & Nuts

Lunch is often a salad of sprouts with curd and tomatoes, chickpea soup, jasmine rice, and a stew made with soy. There is variety; we don’t eat the same thing each day—often similar ingredients but cooked and combined differently. It’s the many spices that give the food variety. Dinner can be lentils served over rice, sautéed root vegetables, vegetable soup, and a dessert such as carrot cake—always gluten free. Food is for sustaining energy at Yoga training, definitely not fine dining. 

Last Chance Cafe

Paneer with Potatoes

We recently had lunch at the Last Chance Cafe and it was the first real spicy food I’ve had—paneer (spinach) with potatoes. Coming back for asana class I realized it was not the best idea to eat spicy food before a workout. My stomach grumbled the entire time. We also had breakfast at a nearby cafe and because I love it so much, I ordered porridge with fresh fruits, nuts, and dates along with a masala chai. We later stopped for a Lassi, a traditional drink made with yogurt and milk—sometimes fruit. 

At anatomy class we were given some Ayurvedic information on a proper diet that may be of interest. There are six tastes buds: sweet, sour, pungent, bitter astringent and salty. To keep the taste buds working well, they should all be activated at least once a day. And, there should also be 7-8 colors on your plate. 

Quality of food is important. Buy local or organic. Be mindful and your body will tell you what you need and what is good for your constitution.

Quantity of food:

1/2 stomach solids

1/4 stomach liquids

1/4 stomach empty

Amount of food at any one meal by age groups:

50+ - 16 mouthfuls

30-50 - 32 mouthfuls

Under 30 - According to need

Chew each mouthful 32 times (same number of teeth in your mouth) as the digestive system is activated in the mouth. Have a straight spine while eating to allow the food to move easily through the digestive track.

Eat only when you feel hungry, not when the clock dictates it is time.

Mental attitude when preparing food is important. The food you are cooking absorbs your love and your energy. If you are experiencing negative emotions at that time, your food will reflect these emotions and spread them to others consuming your food. Serve with love, sustaining the positive energy. Express gratitude for your food before consuming it. 

So that’s it, my travel and food report for the day. Sorry it’s not more of a dynamic overview of Indian cuisine, but it’s not about the food here at the Ashram. It's about the connection of body, mind and spirit. 

Bon Appétit & Namasté

May the Force Be With Me

“Yoga teacher training is not for sissies! Just when I think I can’t possibly do another asana, I somehow do.”— Me

Asanas: Any Yoga Posture

Pranayama: Breathing Techniques

Nettie Pot: An Ayurvedic device used to cleanse nasal passages. Combine one liter water with 2 teaspoons of Himalaya sea salt, or any organic sea salt. Keep at room temperature; amount will last a few days. Be sure and stir each time before filling pot. 

Fill pot with salt water. Be sure and have a towel handy. Sit in a forward squat position, no need to go all the way down just have your head in front of your body. Insert spout of nettie pot into your right nostril, tilt your head slightly to the left and open your mouth. Allow the water to run into your nose and out your left nostril (right side is sun side; left side is moon side). When pot is empty blow out your left nostril at least ten times to remove any residual water. Repeat on other side. 

Our Classroom for a Month

Introductions were made with 44 other yogis on the first morning. Only 5 people are from the US and the others are from all over the world: Russian, Belgian, South Africa, Canada, Austria, Mexico, Luxenbourg, Brazil, Sweden, New Zealand, Australia, France, Germany, Romania, the UK, etc. I find myself apologizing to everyone about the President of the United States, especially the people from Mexico for his proposal to build a  ridiculous wall meant to divide us. I am embarrassed about what is happening in my own country, but the people are gracious, knowing the popular voters do not support the wall, or any other insane idea. My goal is to remove myself from the media while I am here, but it is difficult with social media. I am managing to keep it to a minimum. A yogi from Atlanta finally arrived today. She was late because of the protests at the various US airports over the immigration issue—I was unaware of this until she arrived. I am very proud that the Resistance is in full-force and people are standing up to this clown. I continue to wear my RESIST badge of honor from the Women’s March in D.C.

A few yogis

Back to the introductions. . . It was amazing to hear how many people here have quit their jobs because of unhappiness and stress (maybe 30%), and have come to yoga training in search of a new way of living. Stress is obviously a factor all over the world. Most of these yogis are currently travelers, having no idea what they will do next, or caring. We are all so happy to be in this loving, peaceful community. Currently the energy in the Universe is causing major changes and upheavals no matter where you are. Many of these changes can be explained by astrologers and the alignment of the planets. Change is always a good thing, bringing growth to all of us. “The Biology of Life,” a book  by Dr. Bruce Lipton explains how we are in charge of our perception and our choices. Choosing love is positive and allows growth to a human being;  conversely, choosing fear is a negative emotion where growth can’t occur, only stress and unhappiness. We are surrounded by things that make us fearful—reading the newspaper, magazines, or listening to the news, for example. We are in charge of our own perception, and in turn our perception is directly related to our health and well being. It has been scientifically proven that genes are not a factor. Just a little thought to ponder. . . Dr. Lipton’s lectures are online—a gifted scientist and speaker.

A Cow Waiting for Us

At break time, we made a quick trip to the village to get oriented and visit with the cows, dogs and people. A power converter was $4—someone paid $30 at Target for one that doesn’t even work. Things are so inexpensive in India. Almost anything you could possible want is in the village. So much yoga and Ayurvedic training, along with massage, reiki and various treatments, most of them under $10. 

A warm sunny day in the Himalayas, and a major crash day for me. The temperature drops at night and heat in the room is not an option. I got another blanket from the front desk. My body has been severely violated and is screaming to please STOP. The first day was a killer—every muscle aches and my head is spinning. So much information including philosophy, teaching methodology, anatomy, meditation, pranayama, plus two-hour asana practices twice a day.  Astanga Yoga is preparing us for handstands, headstands, and other body contortions that are unimaginable. I was barely able to persevere the pace, but managed to finish and fall into my bed without dinner. I am humbled by just how little I know. 

A 23-year old yogi from Austria said to me: “How many years?” I said: “That I have been practicing yoga?” thinking that’s what she meant. “No,” she said, “I don’t know how to ask how old you are.” She was impressed that someone older was taking the training. “Well, I’m probably older than your parents,” was my response. Another yogi from Luxonberg is just out of high school. I am definitely the matriarch here but it doesn’t really matter. I remember a time not so terribly long ago when I was always the youngest. I am just grateful for this opportunity and am not worried about the number of years I have existed in this Universe. After all, it is only a number.

Totally spent and wiped out, but smilin’. Tomorrow will be better.

Namasté and Goodnight 

Checking-in at the Ashram

Checking out of the La Sapphire at 5:45 AM and waiting for my ride, I asked if coffee was available. I was brought a steaming cup  with both milk and sugar. It was so delicious that I requested another. The coffee arrived just as the driver did. He assured me it was no problem to wait in the taxi while I finished it. The people are so accommodating. I kissed my final cup of java goodbye for a month, savoring the last drop. There is obviously no caffeine offered at the Ashram, along with no wine, no meat, no soda, etc. 

View from the Front Seat

The taxi ride was more of the same terrifying ride as from the airport. But this time, it was for seven long, hair-raising hours. I had assumed wrongly that we would be driving through the countryside. There was town after town on the journey. People, cows, dogs, trucks and carts crowded the roads as the driver weaved in and out, barely missing them all. People in India would not be able to drive without a horn. It’s not an aggressive beep, more like a ‘get out of my way’ beep, in a friendly manner. No one appears pissed off or stressed. There was another yogi from Mexico in the backseat, but the driver had opened the front door for me so I was up front and center—not sure which seat was better. If you didn’t look at the road, vertigo was a definite. Driving in India is like the UK, on the left side of the road. Language was a problem with the driver so after the basic introductions with the other yogi, we fell into a quiet solitude willing ourselves to get to Rishikesh alive and in one piece. We stopped for a yummy breakfast of buttered naan, dal and yogurt at a local cafe about two hours into the journey. The price was less than a dollar.

Breakfast

The last few miles of our trip took us into beautiful Rajaji National Park, a tiger reserve—where Rishikesh is located. The road was narrow and extremely windy but the driver didn’t slow down one iota. Fortunately we met few cars on this road, and as we approached the continuous curves, the horn was always blaring to let the tigers, monkeys, elephants and ongoing cars know that we were approaching. I am convinced these drivers are skilled professionals. We never witnessed one accident along the way, not even a fender-bender. 

Lane to the Ashram

We made our way into the village and to the bright green Ashram, where we were welcomed. I was truly delighted to find we all have single rooms. They are sparsely  furnished, with a king-sized futon mattress, along with the basic necessities, minus—you guessed it again—TP. So happy I have wads left from SeaTac. Hot water is available from 6-9 AM, and 7-9 PM only. It is sustainable living here. The people are conscious of their resources and know how to preserve them. We are requested to turn off the electricity when we leave our room.

Street View

The sun was shining in the Himalayas when we arrived and the temperature felt perfect. Monkey, dogs and cows populate the streets in the village and the people live in beautiful harmony with the animals. Lunch was served and then there was time to unpack and settle into my room before opening ceremonies. We were given a yoga mat and a nettie pot to get started tomorrow morning. The  bell goes off at 6 AM signaling wake-up time. We meet in the dining hall at 6:30 for herbal tea, proceed to the courtyard to use the nettie, and on to our first asana and pranayama practice, followed by breakfast. Classes of philosophy and anatomy are next before breaking for lunch and library time. Returning to the Ashram for teaching methodology class and then yoga practice #2. A 30-minute meditation ends the day at 6:30 PM, in time to wash up and have dinner at 7. That’s our schedule for this week. 

I was totally spent—hit the wall kind of tired—passing out by 8 o’clock. I  have arrived safe and sound, ready to start a month of immersing my body, mind and spirit in my passion of yoga and eastern thought. This is where the practice of yoga began, and I am fortunate enough to be practicing here. I have once again followed my bliss and this is where the yoga journey has taken me. I still can’t believe I am actually in this magical place.

Namasté