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