"Your life is a sacred journey. It is about change, growth, discovery, movement, transformation, continuously expanding your vision of what is possible, stretching your soul, learning to see clearly and deeply, listening to your intuition, taking courageous challenges t every step along the way. You are on the path . . . exactly where you are meant to be right now . . . And from here, you can only go forward, shaping your life story into a magnificent tale of triumph, of healing, of courage, of beauty, of wisdom, of power, of dignity, and of love" - by Caroline Adams.
This poem resonates to why I'm here right now, in India; a place I've wanted to be for decades.
This morning after our Ashtanga practice we had our second Kriya session with Upendra with the intent of practicing Sutra Neti, which is the insertion of a catheter into your nostril, placing your fingers in your mouth to try grab it from the back of your throat which allows you to pull it from both ends; the part sticking out of your nose and the part coming from from your mouth - yes, you've seen this trick at the circus. Well it clears your nasal passages of mucous and you are meant to perform it after the Jala Neti, to clear your passages in preparation for Pranayama "breathing" exercises.
I opted NOT to attempt this as I have a very strong gag reflex and the idea of vomiting is revolting to me. Today I chose to practice AHIMSA - not violence on my body and comfort level. Line managed to be successful in this and she felt quite pleased with herself. She's been having lots of great moments in the last few days (she's from Norway). She should be proud.
Today Faye led half of our group through an Ashtanga based flow. I have loved both classed led by Faye thusfar. Today we were told to really pay attention in her class as she was leading in such a way that we could take cues to how we could lead a class for our assessment, and in our teaching practice after we leave here.
The intention she set for class today was to open our hearts. In yoga our teachers often say to open our hearts in chest opening poses . . . but it really has a bigger meaning behind it, doesn't it? It is a lovely way to remind us to open up our chest or lead with our chest or collar bone. But while we are on the mat, as Faye's intention intended, in those poses, and many more, the love and light you may feel when you come to your mat, while performing your asanas, or while laying in Shavasana we can send to everyone sharing space with us in that moment, to our family or friends, or even to ourselves if we're feeling like we could use a little extra love. That reminder from our teachers can then also remind us to let the positivity of our hearts shine outwards to anyone touched by our presence or thoughts. How beautiful.
Just as we finished our practice a storm was brewing and the sky over the ocean had a shelf of exotic darkness that was absolutely magestic. It did not rain but it was a beautiful site that the Universe gifted us in that moment; thunder, lightening and all.
Tonight is movie night. We watched "Yoga Unveiled". It was an interesting documentary that ties in teaching yoga, the history of yoga and how the idea of it has changed in modern times to there being less of a connection to the true roots of yoga and more of a focus on what it can do for your physical body. Before I left for India, John had been taking some Yin Yoga and Hatha Yoga classes with me. He, like myself, used to look at yoga as a workout, and through these classes he has been blessed to feel a different and deeper connection to the deeper, spiritual connection to yoga.
Patanjali's definition of yoga is "Union" - and it really is a union of body, mind and spirit. That is the true essence of yoga.
I look so forward to practicing yoga on a more regular basis with John when I get home. But for now, I don't want to take a single moment here for granted and am looking for blessings in each and every day that I'm here so that I can take this incredible journey with me and let it come through my HEART OPENING postures and my soul shining on everyone around me.
Namaste
J
This poem resonates to why I'm here right now, in India; a place I've wanted to be for decades.
This morning after our Ashtanga practice we had our second Kriya session with Upendra with the intent of practicing Sutra Neti, which is the insertion of a catheter into your nostril, placing your fingers in your mouth to try grab it from the back of your throat which allows you to pull it from both ends; the part sticking out of your nose and the part coming from from your mouth - yes, you've seen this trick at the circus. Well it clears your nasal passages of mucous and you are meant to perform it after the Jala Neti, to clear your passages in preparation for Pranayama "breathing" exercises.
I opted NOT to attempt this as I have a very strong gag reflex and the idea of vomiting is revolting to me. Today I chose to practice AHIMSA - not violence on my body and comfort level. Line managed to be successful in this and she felt quite pleased with herself. She's been having lots of great moments in the last few days (she's from Norway). She should be proud.
 |
| Bex was also successful |
 |
| Upendra bringing the warm saline water for cleansing . . . |
Today Faye led half of our group through an Ashtanga based flow. I have loved both classed led by Faye thusfar. Today we were told to really pay attention in her class as she was leading in such a way that we could take cues to how we could lead a class for our assessment, and in our teaching practice after we leave here.
The intention she set for class today was to open our hearts. In yoga our teachers often say to open our hearts in chest opening poses . . . but it really has a bigger meaning behind it, doesn't it? It is a lovely way to remind us to open up our chest or lead with our chest or collar bone. But while we are on the mat, as Faye's intention intended, in those poses, and many more, the love and light you may feel when you come to your mat, while performing your asanas, or while laying in Shavasana we can send to everyone sharing space with us in that moment, to our family or friends, or even to ourselves if we're feeling like we could use a little extra love. That reminder from our teachers can then also remind us to let the positivity of our hearts shine outwards to anyone touched by our presence or thoughts. How beautiful.
Just as we finished our practice a storm was brewing and the sky over the ocean had a shelf of exotic darkness that was absolutely magestic. It did not rain but it was a beautiful site that the Universe gifted us in that moment; thunder, lightening and all.
 |
| Our regular gathering around the snack bowl after our 5:15 class/workshop . . . what could it have been in this shot? Perhaps Nitesh's yummy samosas, pakoras, the fries??? |
Patanjali's definition of yoga is "Union" - and it really is a union of body, mind and spirit. That is the true essence of yoga.
I look so forward to practicing yoga on a more regular basis with John when I get home. But for now, I don't want to take a single moment here for granted and am looking for blessings in each and every day that I'm here so that I can take this incredible journey with me and let it come through my HEART OPENING postures and my soul shining on everyone around me.
Namaste
J
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