So I did something that most would consider totally insane. I even thought so while I was doing it and it made me have a huge grin on my face the whole time.
You see, I have a job in the afternoon across town. It is about a mile and a half/2 km from the train that I take from NJ and there is only a bus which costs $2 each way. So I decided that I didn't want to pay almost $8 a day in transportation fees. So I chose to Rollerblade across town. Yes, Rollerblade across NYC at Rush hour, in the dark. Simply insane. I am home now after my first endeavour and can say that it wasn't that bad. I didn't kill myself or fall or get killed by a big truck. It totally cut down on time and made the 3 mile walk round trip take only 10 min. Very cool.
However, I think a bike might be better. Just waiting to get a new lock for the cheapy bike I purchased yesterday.
Crazy in NY!
Samantha
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
I have so much to say about this last week I don't even know where to start. Coming back from Mysore was a huge adjustment. I was super antsy the whole first week. I was not sure what to do or where to start. The first thing I did do was get to practice. Which was a good thing. I decided to stick with what I know and headed to Guy Donahaye's studio. In all actuality I really like the studio. It is quiet, peaceful and full of dedicated practitioners. I also think Guy is in a better place now. He seems so much more focused and into teaching then he was last year. I still don't agree with him on his solution to Mari D. As I am the same weight now that I was last year when I was struggling with that pose and I can get it relatively easily now. It is all about the twist, work on parivrita parsvakonasana and all other twisting poses and Mari D will come even if you have a belly!
Jeff and I headed up to the Catskills for a romantic weekend and a workshop with Paul Dallaghan. The workshop was fantastic and very telling at the same time. What I mean is that in Mysore, while it is an amazing place to practice and focus on your dristi, it is also a place where your practice gets a bit sloppy. Paul called me out on it. In Pachimotanasana, I was totally letting my feet sag, forgetting samasthitih, quads not engaged. Shame on me. So after 2 days with Paul, boy, was I sore. This is after being in Mysore for 3 months where I thought I was working my butt off. I guess when your teacher doesn't call you out all the time then one can get lazy.
Then this week getting back into the swing of things at Guys, I have been so sore. Yesterday I was exhausted during practice. I have been focusing more on form and when there are only approx 10 students in the room with one teaacher vs. 60 people the teacher tends to call you out more. Thus making me work harder. Really working on my form. I like it but I am so tired this week.
Guy did stop me at Supta Kormasana for the first few days and we chatted after practice one day. I told him I had just been in Mysore and that I Sharath had given me full primary. Guy was surprised as he felt that my Budja and navasana was not strong enough. The day after I bound in Supta K and got both feet behind my head. So he told me to go back to doing what I had been doing in Mysore but to focus on the lift in Navassana, not putting my feet down and not taking any extra breaths. WHEW! I have to step it up a bit.
Anyway, now that I have bored you to tears. The thing I have learned is that I do much better in a smaller group situation. I like having a teacher calling me out. It is good for me and my practice.
Other things going on here in NY. Jeff and I are looking for an apartment. I think we have found one but have yet to see the place. I guess that is how it goes in these places. You only get to see the floor plan until you are really serious about renting. Then they make arrangements with the tenant who is moving out to let you see it. All very complicated. Also having to com up with over $5000 for move in fees is a pain. Especially since we have to pay it this week when we are not even moving in until December 1st. Yikes.
I also met a lovely kitty at a hippy dippy pet store. Her name is Florance, she is a rescue kitty. I walk by the shop every day on my way to practice and stop to say hi. Yesterday, I put my hand up to the window and she put up her paw to my hand. I fell in love with her instantly. I am trying to convince Jeff that we have to go and meet her this weekend. ;). KITTIES!!!!!
I have a friend coming next week to visit, so we will be in tourist mode. It should be fun.
Jeff and I headed up to the Catskills for a romantic weekend and a workshop with Paul Dallaghan. The workshop was fantastic and very telling at the same time. What I mean is that in Mysore, while it is an amazing place to practice and focus on your dristi, it is also a place where your practice gets a bit sloppy. Paul called me out on it. In Pachimotanasana, I was totally letting my feet sag, forgetting samasthitih, quads not engaged. Shame on me. So after 2 days with Paul, boy, was I sore. This is after being in Mysore for 3 months where I thought I was working my butt off. I guess when your teacher doesn't call you out all the time then one can get lazy.
Then this week getting back into the swing of things at Guys, I have been so sore. Yesterday I was exhausted during practice. I have been focusing more on form and when there are only approx 10 students in the room with one teaacher vs. 60 people the teacher tends to call you out more. Thus making me work harder. Really working on my form. I like it but I am so tired this week.
Guy did stop me at Supta Kormasana for the first few days and we chatted after practice one day. I told him I had just been in Mysore and that I Sharath had given me full primary. Guy was surprised as he felt that my Budja and navasana was not strong enough. The day after I bound in Supta K and got both feet behind my head. So he told me to go back to doing what I had been doing in Mysore but to focus on the lift in Navassana, not putting my feet down and not taking any extra breaths. WHEW! I have to step it up a bit.
Anyway, now that I have bored you to tears. The thing I have learned is that I do much better in a smaller group situation. I like having a teacher calling me out. It is good for me and my practice.
Other things going on here in NY. Jeff and I are looking for an apartment. I think we have found one but have yet to see the place. I guess that is how it goes in these places. You only get to see the floor plan until you are really serious about renting. Then they make arrangements with the tenant who is moving out to let you see it. All very complicated. Also having to com up with over $5000 for move in fees is a pain. Especially since we have to pay it this week when we are not even moving in until December 1st. Yikes.
I also met a lovely kitty at a hippy dippy pet store. Her name is Florance, she is a rescue kitty. I walk by the shop every day on my way to practice and stop to say hi. Yesterday, I put my hand up to the window and she put up her paw to my hand. I fell in love with her instantly. I am trying to convince Jeff that we have to go and meet her this weekend. ;). KITTIES!!!!!
I have a friend coming next week to visit, so we will be in tourist mode. It should be fun.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Some important hints for coming to Mysore
These are in no particular order, just the way they have some to mind.
1. Bring herbal tea if you don't drink Caffeine. There is none here.
2. If you are into fashion and clothing, bring pictures or things that you love to be copied here. They prices are so cheap and Manju (Saraswati's tailor), Lokesh at Krishna tailor are both great. Also Nissar is fantastic!! HE is the best but most expensive. I have had my wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses made by him and he really has an amazing eye for design and fit.
3. The cheap book shipping deal has stopped. SO don't buy too many books even though they are so cheap. (I am struggling with that problem now).
3. Bring good comfy walking shoes. Not just flip flops. I found that my feet were hurting so much as I walk a lot here. You can get rickshaws everywhere but I felt guilty taking them too much.
4. Be conservative in the clothing you bring. Or just bring yoga clothes and buy stuff here. Having a scarf cover you front is really optimal.
5. Bring at least one jacket/fleece/sweater. It was chilly some nights.
6. Bring grapefruit seed extract.
7. Bring sea salt. I looked everywhere and couldn't find any.
8. If you study Sanskrit seriously, bring index cards. A must!
9. Know that you will probably have to buy bedding when you get here. I slept with sheets as hard as cardboard for a couple weeks. Yuck. Then Cathryn and I found a nice shop on Deveraja road that has really nice soft sheets!!! They were not too expensive but worth every penny.
10. Beware of the dogs here. I have heard of so many people getting bitten. Just stay away from them.
11. Be selective about your place. Stay in a hotel or just pay for one week the first week while you have time to look for a better place. Your first week here is crazy. There is a vast selection from a moldy room with a mattress on the floor to really nice places. You have to be selective. Also try to find a place with electric heated water. I stayed at a place with solar heated water and I never got a hot shower once.
12. If you get Internet at your place make sure you keep track of the time you last paid the bill. I had the guy come earlier and earlier every month and then charge more and more. Just keep receipts.
That's all for now.
1. Bring herbal tea if you don't drink Caffeine. There is none here.
2. If you are into fashion and clothing, bring pictures or things that you love to be copied here. They prices are so cheap and Manju (Saraswati's tailor), Lokesh at Krishna tailor are both great. Also Nissar is fantastic!! HE is the best but most expensive. I have had my wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses made by him and he really has an amazing eye for design and fit.
3. The cheap book shipping deal has stopped. SO don't buy too many books even though they are so cheap. (I am struggling with that problem now).
3. Bring good comfy walking shoes. Not just flip flops. I found that my feet were hurting so much as I walk a lot here. You can get rickshaws everywhere but I felt guilty taking them too much.
4. Be conservative in the clothing you bring. Or just bring yoga clothes and buy stuff here. Having a scarf cover you front is really optimal.
5. Bring at least one jacket/fleece/sweater. It was chilly some nights.
6. Bring grapefruit seed extract.
7. Bring sea salt. I looked everywhere and couldn't find any.
8. If you study Sanskrit seriously, bring index cards. A must!
9. Know that you will probably have to buy bedding when you get here. I slept with sheets as hard as cardboard for a couple weeks. Yuck. Then Cathryn and I found a nice shop on Deveraja road that has really nice soft sheets!!! They were not too expensive but worth every penny.
10. Beware of the dogs here. I have heard of so many people getting bitten. Just stay away from them.
11. Be selective about your place. Stay in a hotel or just pay for one week the first week while you have time to look for a better place. Your first week here is crazy. There is a vast selection from a moldy room with a mattress on the floor to really nice places. You have to be selective. Also try to find a place with electric heated water. I stayed at a place with solar heated water and I never got a hot shower once.
12. If you get Internet at your place make sure you keep track of the time you last paid the bill. I had the guy come earlier and earlier every month and then charge more and more. Just keep receipts.
That's all for now.
Only 2 practices left. BOO HOO! Things are finishing up. I am ready to go home. I finished my last Sanskrit class yesterday and an amazing Transcendental meditation workshop with Narasima. It was really fantastic. Now I have to figure out how to add one more hour to my already 3 hour long practice. ????
A momentous week this week too. I started drop backs. They were so much fun. Granted, Sharath had me held so securly that I felt totally safe. I just fell right back on my hands softly. It was so nice. We will see how long it takes me to do that on my own. I am not standing up yet either but the thought is there. I contemplate/visualize it while in Urdhva Dhanurasasa. It will take time. It just feels great to be doing the whole practice. I love it. We have a moon day on Monday. I used to look forward to them but I am totally in the groove now and don't really want to take it off. Oh well, SURRENDER!!!
Super excited to see Jeff. HE is a saint, really! It is easier for me to be away here because I am doing something I totally love. I am surround by amazing people and even though I am working my butt off it is still what I love. He on the other hand is stuck in NY doing the day to day drudge of going to a job that he really isn't into and having an empty apartment to come home to. I will be there soon. I miss him. Hopefully, at some point we can spend some time in India here together.
I will be back in the States probably the next time I write. Going through Gokulam withdrawls.
Things I am looking forward to:
A real shower
A real bath
A washing machine
A bed that is soft
No bugs
Most of all Jeff! Waking up next to him. Snuggling. Feeling him next to me when I sleep. I miss that the most.
A momentous week this week too. I started drop backs. They were so much fun. Granted, Sharath had me held so securly that I felt totally safe. I just fell right back on my hands softly. It was so nice. We will see how long it takes me to do that on my own. I am not standing up yet either but the thought is there. I contemplate/visualize it while in Urdhva Dhanurasasa. It will take time. It just feels great to be doing the whole practice. I love it. We have a moon day on Monday. I used to look forward to them but I am totally in the groove now and don't really want to take it off. Oh well, SURRENDER!!!
Super excited to see Jeff. HE is a saint, really! It is easier for me to be away here because I am doing something I totally love. I am surround by amazing people and even though I am working my butt off it is still what I love. He on the other hand is stuck in NY doing the day to day drudge of going to a job that he really isn't into and having an empty apartment to come home to. I will be there soon. I miss him. Hopefully, at some point we can spend some time in India here together.
I will be back in the States probably the next time I write. Going through Gokulam withdrawls.
Things I am looking forward to:
A real shower
A real bath
A washing machine
A bed that is soft
No bugs
Most of all Jeff! Waking up next to him. Snuggling. Feeling him next to me when I sleep. I miss that the most.
Friday, September 19, 2008
starting to tie things up
Well the days in Mysore are dwindling and I am starting the task of trying to figure out how to get all of my stuff home. Yikes, I swear the problem with being in a place for 3 months is that you accumulate so much stuff. Especially since things are so much cheaper here. I think my solution to the dilemma is to just leave a trunk in storage here. It is the only way. Plus I do intend to come back rather regularly as I feel I do grow so much here.
It is a funny thing actually. You don't get adjusted much, nor pushed, only subtly but my practice has grown so much. Maybe it is knowing that Sherath has eyes in the back of his head and doesn't miss much. Maybe it is just me trying to respect the practice and work as hard as so many others do here. Maybe it is just the energy in the shala. Whatever it is, I simply love it and I will miss it terribly. I am now doing all of primary except 'satan bhandasana', what I call setu bhandasana. I am still totally frightened of that pose, have never even attempted it. Look it up for those of you that are not yogis. Scary bending of the neck. Anyway, I am happy at the progress I have made. I got one leg behind my head the other day and my back bends are getting there. More importantly then anything else is that I feel emotionally strong.
I still am sensitive, I think it is something that I have just fought for so long but now I am just going to be with it. I get my feelings hurt easily and let small things bother me too much sometimes and I need to stand up for myself more. All things to work on in the future. It is OK to be sensitive, to have feelings! The thing we always do and are taught is to control our feelings, not show too much emotion, hide what we truly feel, take the brunt of whatever it is. I think if we were better at expressing our emotions in a positive way rather then in a very passive aggressive way (like I do all the time) we would be so much more healthy and emotionally strong. It is a battle I face. Telling people what I really think instead of just bitching about it later. Worst of all, to someone else. I have to stop doing that.
Solutions???? maybe, love yourself, be good to yourself then and only then can you do the same for others. !!!!!
Goodnight, I have to sleep.
It is a funny thing actually. You don't get adjusted much, nor pushed, only subtly but my practice has grown so much. Maybe it is knowing that Sherath has eyes in the back of his head and doesn't miss much. Maybe it is just me trying to respect the practice and work as hard as so many others do here. Maybe it is just the energy in the shala. Whatever it is, I simply love it and I will miss it terribly. I am now doing all of primary except 'satan bhandasana', what I call setu bhandasana. I am still totally frightened of that pose, have never even attempted it. Look it up for those of you that are not yogis. Scary bending of the neck. Anyway, I am happy at the progress I have made. I got one leg behind my head the other day and my back bends are getting there. More importantly then anything else is that I feel emotionally strong.
I still am sensitive, I think it is something that I have just fought for so long but now I am just going to be with it. I get my feelings hurt easily and let small things bother me too much sometimes and I need to stand up for myself more. All things to work on in the future. It is OK to be sensitive, to have feelings! The thing we always do and are taught is to control our feelings, not show too much emotion, hide what we truly feel, take the brunt of whatever it is. I think if we were better at expressing our emotions in a positive way rather then in a very passive aggressive way (like I do all the time) we would be so much more healthy and emotionally strong. It is a battle I face. Telling people what I really think instead of just bitching about it later. Worst of all, to someone else. I have to stop doing that.
Solutions???? maybe, love yourself, be good to yourself then and only then can you do the same for others. !!!!!
Goodnight, I have to sleep.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
such a busy week!
Wow, time just flies here. I can't believe that I only have 2 weeks left. I have a great routine here; practice in the morning, breakfast, study/read a bit, then have lunch either at home or out. I have been eating at home a lot more lately to get some more personal time. Then I have class every afternoon, either chanting or Sanskrit. I enjoy the life here. I am torn about leaving. I am very excited to start figuring out things with Jeff, i.e marriage and future, where we are going to live, what job am I going to get, how I am going to make yoga land happen at home? All things that cause me great fear and excitement.
I also am going to miss my friends here so much. I have met some, simply amazing people here all with this common thread, yoga. How lucky am I!
Feeling kind of down lately. I hope it is just the moon. I am tired and feel listless. Maybe it is the sadness that I am leaving soon. The now countable days tick away. I hope Sherath will come to NY sometime soon to practice again. So many things to ponder and decide this next month. Very scary. I know that the yoga has made me so much stronger and has enabled me to decide so many things.
I am just rambling this morning, nothing too coherent to say.
Ciao.
I also am going to miss my friends here so much. I have met some, simply amazing people here all with this common thread, yoga. How lucky am I!
Feeling kind of down lately. I hope it is just the moon. I am tired and feel listless. Maybe it is the sadness that I am leaving soon. The now countable days tick away. I hope Sherath will come to NY sometime soon to practice again. So many things to ponder and decide this next month. Very scary. I know that the yoga has made me so much stronger and has enabled me to decide so many things.
I am just rambling this morning, nothing too coherent to say.
Ciao.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
friends leaving.
Tired today even though I did not go to practice. I rebelled and decided not to as it is at 4:30 in the morning and I just have something against practicing that early. I will have to next Sunday but I am not going to think about that until then. There is just something wrong with getting up at 3 AM to practice. 4:30 is early enough for me.
Cathryn left today and I feel that we are missing someone now. She really brightened our days here and always made me laugh. I will miss her. I hope to get to England some time soon to visit, or even better she comes to NY to visit us. I will keep my fingers crossed.
Getting ready for Kirtan tonight. I am very excited. It should be a blast. We, Ganesh, Mike, Alana, Zoie, Peter and myself prepped a bit last night. It was fantastic. It should be equally fun with an audience tonight.
Cathryn left today and I feel that we are missing someone now. She really brightened our days here and always made me laugh. I will miss her. I hope to get to England some time soon to visit, or even better she comes to NY to visit us. I will keep my fingers crossed.
Getting ready for Kirtan tonight. I am very excited. It should be a blast. We, Ganesh, Mike, Alana, Zoie, Peter and myself prepped a bit last night. It was fantastic. It should be equally fun with an audience tonight.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
A sad day in Gokulam
It is truly a sad day today. After practice today, like everyday I came out of the shala to get a coconut from the sweet coconut man named Begg. Well, he was not there today and when I inquired why, I was told that he died suddenly last night of a heart attack.
I will always remember his smiling face, his hard work getting up so early every morning to supply hundreds of ashtangis with coconuts.
I don't know what else to say. It is a sad day for all of us I am sure.
I will always remember his smiling face, his hard work getting up so early every morning to supply hundreds of ashtangis with coconuts.
I don't know what else to say. It is a sad day for all of us I am sure.
Monday, September 8, 2008
I should be in bed
Wow, it's late and I should be sleeping but I am just addicted to this darn internet. So, I thought I would put some thoughts down.
Dissapointed that Lynn is not coming to Mysore and I will not see her. Maybe I will see her in the states though.
I can't figure out why I am not better able to just say no to some people who actually annoy me. People who have a very negative energy that I still work to keep in my life. People who make it clear by their actions that they have no use for me and I still pine for their attention. I don't get it. I hope the latest person that falls into this category will just fall out of my life as they have no left Mysore. Only time will tell.
Maybe I am just looking for connections and I am not astute enough to see early on that there just isn't one.
Maybe I am just feeling sorry for myself and I am looking in the wrong places for those people.
Luckily, there are a number of people here whom I simply adore and I will work to keep them in my life. That is the beauty of yoga land, some people fall away, others who are truly amazing, really stay.
Thanks to those yogis who have truly made an impact on my life; EM, Karen, Lynn, Sara, Cathryn, Lizbeth, Molly, Alana, Kyle, Steve, Zoe, June, Paul, Jutima and Lise.
I am tired and need to go to sleep.
Goodnight.
Dissapointed that Lynn is not coming to Mysore and I will not see her. Maybe I will see her in the states though.
I can't figure out why I am not better able to just say no to some people who actually annoy me. People who have a very negative energy that I still work to keep in my life. People who make it clear by their actions that they have no use for me and I still pine for their attention. I don't get it. I hope the latest person that falls into this category will just fall out of my life as they have no left Mysore. Only time will tell.
Maybe I am just looking for connections and I am not astute enough to see early on that there just isn't one.
Maybe I am just feeling sorry for myself and I am looking in the wrong places for those people.
Luckily, there are a number of people here whom I simply adore and I will work to keep them in my life. That is the beauty of yoga land, some people fall away, others who are truly amazing, really stay.
Thanks to those yogis who have truly made an impact on my life; EM, Karen, Lynn, Sara, Cathryn, Lizbeth, Molly, Alana, Kyle, Steve, Zoe, June, Paul, Jutima and Lise.
I am tired and need to go to sleep.
Goodnight.
Friday, September 5, 2008
home sickness hits
Today is the first day that I am really missing home. I know that I always miss Jeff, that is a given but today it really hit. I have been so busy this week that I feel that there has been no time to stop. This morning there is no practice and I am just sitting in my room pondering the next month. Jeff is not on line and has been out of range for a while. So it makes me miss him more when I don't hear from him daily. Jill, an amazing teacher, friend, that I made here from Philadelphia left last night, which makes me sad. My mum sent me a message that Makayla, my 8 year old sister, started to cry when she signed my birthday card and when my mum asked why she was crying, she said that she missed her big sister.
I guess I don't always realize what an impact people have on other's lives. This morning makes me reflect how important it is to value and cherish the people in our lives. Especially when I am so far away.
The transient nature of yoga land is difficult too. Everyone comes and goes on their own schedules. Not a terrible thing, really, but it gets difficult to meet such amazing people and then they leave, or I leave. Then the cycle starts all over again and you have to meet new people. The same questions and answers are exchanged; What is your name? Where are you from? What do you do? However, the answers are all so different and all so interesting. The people one meets in yoga land are amazing. I love being here and hope I will always get to participate even though it is so difficult to say goodbye so often.
Then I think about going home. Really to start this new life together with the man I love. Trying to create yoga land in New York. At least until Jeff and I decide where to settle down. I love New York, don't get me wrong but both of us want to move somewhere a bit less hectic. AND even though, the yoga in NY is fantastic. I am sure I can create a great place anywhere. This next 6 months is all about recreating my life, getting a job, building a life with Jeff. I am so excited, nervous, confused, happy to start this new adventure and time in my life.
The best thing about all of it is that I am strong. So much stronger then I was 2 years ago. The internal strength that I have gained from this amazing practice is simply incredible. I am so lucky to have fallen into this Ashtanga practice. I give thanks to the divinity in all of us, to Holly Mullaly(my very first yoga teacher), to Kumal (my first ashtanga teacher in Beijing), Paul and Jutima, Guy, and especially, Guruji, Sharath, and Saraswathi for bringing this amazing practice to me.
And finally to all of the amazing people I have met along this path. To those with whom I have lost contact but still think of and hope that we meet again. All of those amazing people that pop in and out of yoga land. I truly cherish their guidance, strength, friendship, support and time.
Have a great day everyone.
More later
I guess I don't always realize what an impact people have on other's lives. This morning makes me reflect how important it is to value and cherish the people in our lives. Especially when I am so far away.
The transient nature of yoga land is difficult too. Everyone comes and goes on their own schedules. Not a terrible thing, really, but it gets difficult to meet such amazing people and then they leave, or I leave. Then the cycle starts all over again and you have to meet new people. The same questions and answers are exchanged; What is your name? Where are you from? What do you do? However, the answers are all so different and all so interesting. The people one meets in yoga land are amazing. I love being here and hope I will always get to participate even though it is so difficult to say goodbye so often.
Then I think about going home. Really to start this new life together with the man I love. Trying to create yoga land in New York. At least until Jeff and I decide where to settle down. I love New York, don't get me wrong but both of us want to move somewhere a bit less hectic. AND even though, the yoga in NY is fantastic. I am sure I can create a great place anywhere. This next 6 months is all about recreating my life, getting a job, building a life with Jeff. I am so excited, nervous, confused, happy to start this new adventure and time in my life.
The best thing about all of it is that I am strong. So much stronger then I was 2 years ago. The internal strength that I have gained from this amazing practice is simply incredible. I am so lucky to have fallen into this Ashtanga practice. I give thanks to the divinity in all of us, to Holly Mullaly(my very first yoga teacher), to Kumal (my first ashtanga teacher in Beijing), Paul and Jutima, Guy, and especially, Guruji, Sharath, and Saraswathi for bringing this amazing practice to me.
And finally to all of the amazing people I have met along this path. To those with whom I have lost contact but still think of and hope that we meet again. All of those amazing people that pop in and out of yoga land. I truly cherish their guidance, strength, friendship, support and time.
Have a great day everyone.
More later
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
practice at home
Today we had a holiday from the shala. It is a Ganesh festival where Guruji and family had to do puja. So we were on our own. Luckily my house is very large and has very little furniture. We decided to have everyone come for practice here. It was great actually. We all were able to create a similar energy at home that is created daily in the shala. Of course, not exactly the same but the 10 of us really made it work. I was so happy to see that we all bonded as a group. Fred helped Jill in a second series pose and Jill came over to me and rolled me out of garba. Still a problem for me but getting better. The energy created by a group of like minded individuals is amazing.
Thomas arrived a bit late and he has a much longer practice then the rest of us so he was still tootling along after everyone else had finished. I am sure it was a bit difficult for him to concentrate. Good on him though for finishing properly. I am not sure I would have had the same diligence.
Then we had a grand breakfast, Cathryn, Karen, Lise, Colin, Kyle, Laura, Alana all sat down for a lovely feast. It was such an amazing morning.
Thomas arrived a bit late and he has a much longer practice then the rest of us so he was still tootling along after everyone else had finished. I am sure it was a bit difficult for him to concentrate. Good on him though for finishing properly. I am not sure I would have had the same diligence.
Then we had a grand breakfast, Cathryn, Karen, Lise, Colin, Kyle, Laura, Alana all sat down for a lovely feast. It was such an amazing morning.
Monday, September 1, 2008
Finally!
Finally, my creepy crud has dissipated. I have been sick for some time now, a week I guess. I actually missed practice, I just had no energy and was feeling really crappy. Plus the inability to breath from a stuffy nose. Yesterday was my first real day back to practice after 2 sick feverish days, then Saturday off and finally Sunday off being a moon day. So Monday, I thought would be great with a ton of energy. I was wrong. I slogged through the practice and was dying. I had to keep going though as it was a led practice. I did make it but not happily.
So today I even said a few chants (Gayaatri) to Ganesh the remover of obstacles to help me get through. Amazingly my energy has returned. I was strong throughout and had a great practice. Even got moved on by one pose. However, I am trying not to focus on the poses, it doesn't really matter in the end. Supta Kormasana still is a bit crazy. It will come but I am experimenting with it. Trying to figure out how to connect my hands. I am thinking that my feet are going to get behind my head before my hands are able to link and stay. As Sherath was wrapping me up like a pretzel, my hands came apart and he just asked "WHY?". I just thought, 'I don't know'! I love his ultimate confidence in us. He just says, do it! and magically we are supposed to do it. The reality is that sometimes we just cant. He then said, "OK, now jump back". That is even a bigger joke as I do this little tiny hop from bakasana, when it is supposed to be a jump back. I laughed as he watched me do my pathetic little jump. All is coming, I am sure.
I guess I shouldn't always focus on the negative either. My practice has grown leaps and bounds, which makes me very happy. Of course, we focus on the bad before the good sometimes. I guess it is the nature of humans. Well, this human anyway.
All I can say is that things are changing and growing and that, in the end is all that matters to me.
So today I even said a few chants (Gayaatri) to Ganesh the remover of obstacles to help me get through. Amazingly my energy has returned. I was strong throughout and had a great practice. Even got moved on by one pose. However, I am trying not to focus on the poses, it doesn't really matter in the end. Supta Kormasana still is a bit crazy. It will come but I am experimenting with it. Trying to figure out how to connect my hands. I am thinking that my feet are going to get behind my head before my hands are able to link and stay. As Sherath was wrapping me up like a pretzel, my hands came apart and he just asked "WHY?". I just thought, 'I don't know'! I love his ultimate confidence in us. He just says, do it! and magically we are supposed to do it. The reality is that sometimes we just cant. He then said, "OK, now jump back". That is even a bigger joke as I do this little tiny hop from bakasana, when it is supposed to be a jump back. I laughed as he watched me do my pathetic little jump. All is coming, I am sure.
I guess I shouldn't always focus on the negative either. My practice has grown leaps and bounds, which makes me very happy. Of course, we focus on the bad before the good sometimes. I guess it is the nature of humans. Well, this human anyway.
All I can say is that things are changing and growing and that, in the end is all that matters to me.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
still sick
Well, I woke up this morning with less of a stuffy nose but still not great. Fever broke during the night and I am feeling a bit better. However, it is a led practice today, being Friday, and I knew that there was no way I had the energy to get through the whole thing. If it was Mysore practice then there is the opportunity to finish early if you absolutely must but in a led class, no way. You would have to stand up in front of everyone and walk out. No way was I going to risk being that conspicuous. So I opted to stay home and do my own practice. It is a shame really to miss practice because I just don't like doing it and it is a moon day on Sunday so that means 4 days out of the shala. Also Wednesday is Ganesh Festival and there is no practice there then either. I will practice at home though. No reason to miss really.
I just wish that this damn cold/flu would go away. I drank loads of juice and have eaten tonnes of healthy stuff to no avail. I am still sick. YUCK.
I went to a nice dinner at Santosha last night. T, the proprieter, is a chef and I have been told that he is a wonderful cook. SO I was really looking forward to dinner. It was really a waste for me though because I could taste nothing. I should have skipped it but I had put my name on a list and they had cooked for me so I felt that I should still go. I only had some soup and some stir fried veggies but it was all so tastless because of my cold. I will go back again as they do the dinners rather frequently. Maybe then I will actually be able to taste something.
Certainly, a disappointing few days on my end.
Level 2 Sanskrit starts tomorrow. Looking forward to that.
Ciao!
I just wish that this damn cold/flu would go away. I drank loads of juice and have eaten tonnes of healthy stuff to no avail. I am still sick. YUCK.
I went to a nice dinner at Santosha last night. T, the proprieter, is a chef and I have been told that he is a wonderful cook. SO I was really looking forward to dinner. It was really a waste for me though because I could taste nothing. I should have skipped it but I had put my name on a list and they had cooked for me so I felt that I should still go. I only had some soup and some stir fried veggies but it was all so tastless because of my cold. I will go back again as they do the dinners rather frequently. Maybe then I will actually be able to taste something.
Certainly, a disappointing few days on my end.
Level 2 Sanskrit starts tomorrow. Looking forward to that.
Ciao!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Sick!
Yes, it is true. I am sick. I am trying to feign a fever which would get me out of practice tomorrow. Maybe I will just not go. I have only missed one day in the last 2 months. We will see how i feel in the AM. I drank a ton of OJ today. I hope that will help.
Other things I am pondering. I miss Jeff. A LOT. I am in happy yoga land but wow it is difficult to be away for so long. Especially when there are so many fun things to discuss, like wedding stuff. So much fun. Actually, he probably doesn't care much about the details but it is fun to make decisions on things together.
I am still working on the bridesmaids dresses. I can't find a good picture that I can take to the tailor to copy. I am looking.
Other things I am pondering. I miss Jeff. A LOT. I am in happy yoga land but wow it is difficult to be away for so long. Especially when there are so many fun things to discuss, like wedding stuff. So much fun. Actually, he probably doesn't care much about the details but it is fun to make decisions on things together.
I am still working on the bridesmaids dresses. I can't find a good picture that I can take to the tailor to copy. I am looking.
I think I am getting a cold. Please let it not be true. Argggg! NO break until Saturday. Not sure I can make it until then. It took all my willpower to get to practice today. I did make it but I missed some poses accidentally. Didn't even notice until I was walking out of the shala. I felt that there was something wrong but couldn't figure it out. Silly me, I guess I was not totally with it today.
I am taking a nap. I am missing a big lunch gathering too because of my extreme fatigue. I don't even have enough energy to go and buy orange juice. I am pathetic but so tired. Please make it stop.
Nap time!
I am taking a nap. I am missing a big lunch gathering too because of my extreme fatigue. I don't even have enough energy to go and buy orange juice. I am pathetic but so tired. Please make it stop.
Nap time!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
approaching 7PM
So it is approaching 7 PM and I am really contemplating going to bed. Wow, what has happened to me. I did go and have a really great massage with Cat. I am just so drained today.
Maybe I will stay up a bit longer, but not much. Early practice again tomorrow.
Maybe I will stay up a bit longer, but not much. Early practice again tomorrow.
Monday, August 25, 2008
I think I have caught the tiredness bug from Cathryn
Woke up this morning at the usual time, 4:30 AM, feeling quite good. I got to practice and only had to wait a few minutes until I started. I actually like a bit of a wait time. I feel it lets me get into the mood, ready, time to prepare. Then I got called in. I was happy because there was enough room between the mats to actually do all the poses without constantly worrying about bumping into your neighbor.
I started out strong, really trying to focus on jump throughs and the proper form for up dog. My wrists have been a bit tender lately. So i am just trying to be more aware. The adjustments I have made are helping and wrist pain has subsided a bit. I actually was doing great until I got to Marichi series. The twists made me feel the not so healthy cookies I ate last night and I got very nauseous. Yuck.
I then got to Budja pidasana, fell on my butt hard. Kind of embarrassing. Kormasana and supta were not too bad did them 2 times. Still can't do the jump back after Budja and kormasana. It will come. Then I got to Garbha pindasana. CRAP! I can get my arms through my legs without too much trouble. Plus today it was hotter, and I was really sweaty so no extra water from the squirt bottle was necessary. The problem does not lay there though. It is with the roll. You have to roll around on your back and I have managed to rub a place on my back raw from doing this. It is so painful. I tried to roll on my back instead of my spine but I just don't have the control. I did it 3 times and only got one or 2 rocks in both times because the roll was just killing my back. I then gave up and did kukutasana and moved on. It was all I could do. I then realized that I had expended all my energy. I had no strength left whatsoever. Trying to do back bends was a joke and then closing. I did however, have a great sivasana. HAHA.
After practice, I could barely lift my arms, I had totally expended all of their energy. I came home and did something I never do. I went back to bed. I actually slept for another 2 hours. I was worried because I never do this. Cathryn, a lovely Irish woman that I have met here had the same experience yesterday and could barely get around and slept most of the day. I believe her sleeping malady has rubbed off on me today. It is not the end of the world. I don't have much going today anyway. Will stay in and relax.
Ciao,
Samantha
I started out strong, really trying to focus on jump throughs and the proper form for up dog. My wrists have been a bit tender lately. So i am just trying to be more aware. The adjustments I have made are helping and wrist pain has subsided a bit. I actually was doing great until I got to Marichi series. The twists made me feel the not so healthy cookies I ate last night and I got very nauseous. Yuck.
I then got to Budja pidasana, fell on my butt hard. Kind of embarrassing. Kormasana and supta were not too bad did them 2 times. Still can't do the jump back after Budja and kormasana. It will come. Then I got to Garbha pindasana. CRAP! I can get my arms through my legs without too much trouble. Plus today it was hotter, and I was really sweaty so no extra water from the squirt bottle was necessary. The problem does not lay there though. It is with the roll. You have to roll around on your back and I have managed to rub a place on my back raw from doing this. It is so painful. I tried to roll on my back instead of my spine but I just don't have the control. I did it 3 times and only got one or 2 rocks in both times because the roll was just killing my back. I then gave up and did kukutasana and moved on. It was all I could do. I then realized that I had expended all my energy. I had no strength left whatsoever. Trying to do back bends was a joke and then closing. I did however, have a great sivasana. HAHA.
After practice, I could barely lift my arms, I had totally expended all of their energy. I came home and did something I never do. I went back to bed. I actually slept for another 2 hours. I was worried because I never do this. Cathryn, a lovely Irish woman that I have met here had the same experience yesterday and could barely get around and slept most of the day. I believe her sleeping malady has rubbed off on me today. It is not the end of the world. I don't have much going today anyway. Will stay in and relax.
Ciao,
Samantha
Sunday, August 24, 2008
"Too much Chipati"
Infamous words from Sherath today after I couldn't stay bound in supta Kormasana. The sad part is that he is totally right. They were the staple of my diet yesterday. I will lay off them today and see if that makes a difference. I also ate dinner last night which i never do and I think it made a difference. I am not going to aver analys it though. It is what it is.
Need a shower and breakfast. Ciao.
Need a shower and breakfast. Ciao.
to all of those who've nagged before....
who've filtered in and out my door
I dedicate this blog entry
ehem, sorry bad song, bad lyrics. :-)
Anyway, hello to those fellow temporary Mysorieans who are nagging me to write something here (Jill).
In fact I don't really have a lot to say because I have been far too social while here and not getting nearly as much done as I should.
Practice is practice. I had a total bout of ego and not just accepting that I was stopped at supta kurmasana for ages but bitching and complaining over and over about it. Until, one day when I just shut up about it and resigned myself to always be stuck there. Actually did the pose 3 times in practice and for the first time getting my head to the ground, the next day Sherath told me to move on. So now I am sure I will go through the whole thing again with garbha pindasana. Oh the ego is so strong. Why can't we just learn????
I dedicate this blog entry
ehem, sorry bad song, bad lyrics. :-)
Anyway, hello to those fellow temporary Mysorieans who are nagging me to write something here (Jill).
In fact I don't really have a lot to say because I have been far too social while here and not getting nearly as much done as I should.
Practice is practice. I had a total bout of ego and not just accepting that I was stopped at supta kurmasana for ages but bitching and complaining over and over about it. Until, one day when I just shut up about it and resigned myself to always be stuck there. Actually did the pose 3 times in practice and for the first time getting my head to the ground, the next day Sherath told me to move on. So now I am sure I will go through the whole thing again with garbha pindasana. Oh the ego is so strong. Why can't we just learn????
Thursday, August 7, 2008
I have not blogged in a few days because things have just taken off and I am so busy all the time. I started another chanting class and then Sanskrit too. The classes are all good. I guess I am so happy that yet again I get to start studying another language. I love studying them, even though I am not the best at it and have to study a lot. I still love the journey. I will return to Chinese, probably when I get back to New York, but I just love having the new adventure upon me.
I have been lucky enough in the last month to really speak Italian a lot too. In Italy of course, but then here too. There are a few Italians which makes it fun to speak in multiple languages and keep things fresh in my head.
My roommate last month was from Chile and I really thought that my Spanish had gone out the window because I could not understand anything she said. I always had to switch to English with her. Today, however, I was chatting with a guy from Mexico and I could understand all that he was saying. I am not sure that it was just her dialect that I didn't understand. Good thing, because I was about to get upset that I understood nothing.
We have just learned about 2/3rds of the alphabet in Sanskrit class. I need to study them today and get them down. The class is 3 days a week and goes at a good pace. I should have no trouble with it.
Ok, off to 6main for a snack because I am hungry!!!
Ciao, Ciao.
I have been lucky enough in the last month to really speak Italian a lot too. In Italy of course, but then here too. There are a few Italians which makes it fun to speak in multiple languages and keep things fresh in my head.
My roommate last month was from Chile and I really thought that my Spanish had gone out the window because I could not understand anything she said. I always had to switch to English with her. Today, however, I was chatting with a guy from Mexico and I could understand all that he was saying. I am not sure that it was just her dialect that I didn't understand. Good thing, because I was about to get upset that I understood nothing.
We have just learned about 2/3rds of the alphabet in Sanskrit class. I need to study them today and get them down. The class is 3 days a week and goes at a good pace. I should have no trouble with it.
Ok, off to 6main for a snack because I am hungry!!!
Ciao, Ciao.
Friday, August 1, 2008
August 1st 2008, Gokulam, India
Today was a great day. It is a new moon today, which enabled me to sleep in a bit. Then got up did my pranayama practice and had a leisrely breakfast. I moved to my new house yesterday. I am not so find of this house for 2 reasons. 1. My last apartment was really big and nice even with its electricity problems it was still quite nice. This place in in a family's home which lacks privacy and the comforts of walking around in a tank top in the peak of summer in India. Oh well, it is only for 2 weeks so I can survive and it is cheap, $71 for 2 weeks. Then I move into a nicer place with internet and more privacy. So I am happy.
Thomas, a lovely fellow from Nottingham, had the idea of walking around the lake in Mysore today. It was a beautiful day, cloudy with patches of blue sky. Not raining though which it has been doing quite a lot this last 10 days or so. We headed out around 10:30 and walked until 3. It was so nice just to explore.
We stopped for lunch at a wonderful place called the Green Hotel. People say it is expensive, and it is more expensive then other places but the food is simply fantastic. We had Palak curry, dal Palak (palak is spinach), roasted veggie paneer (divine), aloo parath (potato chipati), lime soda (soda water with fresh lime), Briaini and a couple of other things that were equally good. I just can't remember the names. The food is so good here. I have not gotten sick either. I am sure it will happen at some point. It happens to everyone. So far so good for me though.
The Green Hotel is a really nice place, it is a converted palace and all the proceedes go to charity. They are also working to help the plight of the Untouchables here in india. The Hotel trains them new skills like cooking, which is kind of taboo for an Indian to eat food prepared by this caste of people. They are trying to show that they can be trained to do other jobs and nothing bad will happen. The hotel is scheduled to open a coffee shop completely run buy those who were formerly street cleaners. If you are unfamiliar of the plight of these people read Ghandi's Autobiography. It was what was his main objective to change. Still 50 years later it is a problem but there are many groups slowly making progress. Anyway, this hotel is one place doing so. They employ and train them and then put them to work.
The hotel also uses only locally grown fruit and produce and all of the china is made locally too. It is a cool place that I like to go to because I believe that they are at least trying to make changes on how things are done here.
After lunch we went started to walk back to Gokulam. With Thomas as our guide we felt we were in good hands but after a few kilometers we all felt that we were heading in the wrong direction. Except thomas, of course. Finally, Lise asked a passing rickshaw driver the way and we realized that we were quite far away. We had to back track a fair bit. Thomas was convinced that he was going the right way so we just took the leading job out of his hands. We walked through a large field to head back and there were cows there. There are cows everywhere here but today one in particular started to run towards us. Jill totally ran behind me. I said thanks for putting me in front. It was funny, her reaction. It is a bit daunting when a huge cow with horns starts charging you. I don't blame her at all. She was just quicker then me.
We asked another woman who did not speak any English, except to say "go straight" and waved us forward. After about an hour of this, yes we were an hour out of the way our dogs were barking. So we hailed a rickshaw. It cost about $0.70 to get back to Gokulam and it was money well spent.
Then we went over to a friend's place had a light snack for dinner and watched a movie. It is the first TV or video I have watched since being in India. It was nice as I love movies. The movie was "Children of Men". It was very strange and dark but I liked it, I think. I am still pondering that.
I am happily off to bed right now, so very sleepy. It was a great day. I need to walk more often like that. It makes for such a great adventure.
Today was a great day. It is a new moon today, which enabled me to sleep in a bit. Then got up did my pranayama practice and had a leisrely breakfast. I moved to my new house yesterday. I am not so find of this house for 2 reasons. 1. My last apartment was really big and nice even with its electricity problems it was still quite nice. This place in in a family's home which lacks privacy and the comforts of walking around in a tank top in the peak of summer in India. Oh well, it is only for 2 weeks so I can survive and it is cheap, $71 for 2 weeks. Then I move into a nicer place with internet and more privacy. So I am happy.
Thomas, a lovely fellow from Nottingham, had the idea of walking around the lake in Mysore today. It was a beautiful day, cloudy with patches of blue sky. Not raining though which it has been doing quite a lot this last 10 days or so. We headed out around 10:30 and walked until 3. It was so nice just to explore.
We stopped for lunch at a wonderful place called the Green Hotel. People say it is expensive, and it is more expensive then other places but the food is simply fantastic. We had Palak curry, dal Palak (palak is spinach), roasted veggie paneer (divine), aloo parath (potato chipati), lime soda (soda water with fresh lime), Briaini and a couple of other things that were equally good. I just can't remember the names. The food is so good here. I have not gotten sick either. I am sure it will happen at some point. It happens to everyone. So far so good for me though.
The Green Hotel is a really nice place, it is a converted palace and all the proceedes go to charity. They are also working to help the plight of the Untouchables here in india. The Hotel trains them new skills like cooking, which is kind of taboo for an Indian to eat food prepared by this caste of people. They are trying to show that they can be trained to do other jobs and nothing bad will happen. The hotel is scheduled to open a coffee shop completely run buy those who were formerly street cleaners. If you are unfamiliar of the plight of these people read Ghandi's Autobiography. It was what was his main objective to change. Still 50 years later it is a problem but there are many groups slowly making progress. Anyway, this hotel is one place doing so. They employ and train them and then put them to work.
The hotel also uses only locally grown fruit and produce and all of the china is made locally too. It is a cool place that I like to go to because I believe that they are at least trying to make changes on how things are done here.
After lunch we went started to walk back to Gokulam. With Thomas as our guide we felt we were in good hands but after a few kilometers we all felt that we were heading in the wrong direction. Except thomas, of course. Finally, Lise asked a passing rickshaw driver the way and we realized that we were quite far away. We had to back track a fair bit. Thomas was convinced that he was going the right way so we just took the leading job out of his hands. We walked through a large field to head back and there were cows there. There are cows everywhere here but today one in particular started to run towards us. Jill totally ran behind me. I said thanks for putting me in front. It was funny, her reaction. It is a bit daunting when a huge cow with horns starts charging you. I don't blame her at all. She was just quicker then me.
We asked another woman who did not speak any English, except to say "go straight" and waved us forward. After about an hour of this, yes we were an hour out of the way our dogs were barking. So we hailed a rickshaw. It cost about $0.70 to get back to Gokulam and it was money well spent.
Then we went over to a friend's place had a light snack for dinner and watched a movie. It is the first TV or video I have watched since being in India. It was nice as I love movies. The movie was "Children of Men". It was very strange and dark but I liked it, I think. I am still pondering that.
I am happily off to bed right now, so very sleepy. It was a great day. I need to walk more often like that. It makes for such a great adventure.
Monday, July 21, 2008
pooped!
It is only Tuesday and boy am I pooped. I had a few really great days of practice but today whew! Oh well, I am already seeing changes in my practice even though Mari D is still a pain. Am in the process of getting a new apartment. I think today I might have something lined up. Need to go check later today. I is nice to be here for so long because it really gives me time to enjoy and not stress about getting everything done in 1 month. 3 months is probably the perfect amount of time.
The electricity thing is still a bit of a pain in the booty but you get used to it. My landlords still have not fixed my shower. I have been getting hot water from my housemate's bathroom and bathing with that. It works but I would prefer a shower. Only 10 more days at this apartment. My roommate is great though and I really like the apartment even with the shower not working. Anyway, still have to move because other's are moving in on the 31st.
I went and bought some fabric to have some things made. Turns out cotton and Linen are cheaper at home. Silk is cheaper and I did buy some lovely scarves for cheap. I guess you just have to know what to buy here.
I am still looking for a chipati thing for the stove. I ran out of money yesterday so had to come home and didn't get all that I was looking for. I only carry a little bit of money with me as I don't want to get it stolen. I have figured it out really well. I have a little coin purse that holds small bills, coins and my keys. That can be kept in my pocket. Then I carry another bag, starting out empty, just to put shopping in. It works out well because if someone were to take the bigger bag then nothing would be lost. I was carrying my phone around and then one girl got her bag stolen. That was the end of that. My phone is my life and if it got stolen I would be upset. So I just leave it at home. I don't use it much anyway. It comes in handy to order water, call the landlord, get in touch with friends, etc. And then I learned something from the Indian ladies. They always put a wad of bigger bills in their bra. Very clever and if I am going somewhere where I need more money that is where I put the money.
The things you learn and do are such an adventure but I find that if you just ask and watch the locals you can learn a tremendous amount.
Ciao for now,
Samantha
The electricity thing is still a bit of a pain in the booty but you get used to it. My landlords still have not fixed my shower. I have been getting hot water from my housemate's bathroom and bathing with that. It works but I would prefer a shower. Only 10 more days at this apartment. My roommate is great though and I really like the apartment even with the shower not working. Anyway, still have to move because other's are moving in on the 31st.
I went and bought some fabric to have some things made. Turns out cotton and Linen are cheaper at home. Silk is cheaper and I did buy some lovely scarves for cheap. I guess you just have to know what to buy here.
I am still looking for a chipati thing for the stove. I ran out of money yesterday so had to come home and didn't get all that I was looking for. I only carry a little bit of money with me as I don't want to get it stolen. I have figured it out really well. I have a little coin purse that holds small bills, coins and my keys. That can be kept in my pocket. Then I carry another bag, starting out empty, just to put shopping in. It works out well because if someone were to take the bigger bag then nothing would be lost. I was carrying my phone around and then one girl got her bag stolen. That was the end of that. My phone is my life and if it got stolen I would be upset. So I just leave it at home. I don't use it much anyway. It comes in handy to order water, call the landlord, get in touch with friends, etc. And then I learned something from the Indian ladies. They always put a wad of bigger bills in their bra. Very clever and if I am going somewhere where I need more money that is where I put the money.
The things you learn and do are such an adventure but I find that if you just ask and watch the locals you can learn a tremendous amount.
Ciao for now,
Samantha
Friday, July 18, 2008
Guruji's 93rd Birthday Celebration
Today was a great day. I woke up and got to sleep in a bit because it is a moon day. Had a nice breakfast then started to get ready for the party for Guruji. I went out yesterday and got something simple but appropriate for the occasion.
I got dressed and then went to buy some flowers for my hair. I picked out what I wanted and behind me was a guy that looked just like John Scott. Now, for all of those non yogis out there he is one of the main guys in the Ashtanga world. Everyone buys either his book or David Swenson's book to study. I have his book and HAVE studied it in detail. So he said,"Hi, what is your name"? I said "Samantha, and you"? He of course said " I'm John" (because it was him). I turned into a starstruck teenager. I am so silly. I kind of stammered and said that I was happy to meet him. Then walked off. Not that he was expecting anything different because these top shelf yogis are so humble. I was just totally thrilled.
I walked back to my apartment with a huge smile on my face. It was cool to have such a simple encounter like that.
So then we went to Guruji's gala. It was spectacular. I was a little underdressed but it was wonderful to see all the amazing saris there. You can see some photos at
http://picasaweb.google.com/fionaanew.
I also paid my respects to Guruji and got a nice photo with Sherath. We had a great lunch, I am totally stuffed right now. Even had a less silly conversation with John Scott and his wife. It was a lovely afternoon. One that I will not forget anytime soon.
Yours from Gokulum, India,
Samantha
I got dressed and then went to buy some flowers for my hair. I picked out what I wanted and behind me was a guy that looked just like John Scott. Now, for all of those non yogis out there he is one of the main guys in the Ashtanga world. Everyone buys either his book or David Swenson's book to study. I have his book and HAVE studied it in detail. So he said,"Hi, what is your name"? I said "Samantha, and you"? He of course said " I'm John" (because it was him). I turned into a starstruck teenager. I am so silly. I kind of stammered and said that I was happy to meet him. Then walked off. Not that he was expecting anything different because these top shelf yogis are so humble. I was just totally thrilled.
I walked back to my apartment with a huge smile on my face. It was cool to have such a simple encounter like that.
So then we went to Guruji's gala. It was spectacular. I was a little underdressed but it was wonderful to see all the amazing saris there. You can see some photos at
http://picasaweb.google.com/fionaanew.
I also paid my respects to Guruji and got a nice photo with Sherath. We had a great lunch, I am totally stuffed right now. Even had a less silly conversation with John Scott and his wife. It was a lovely afternoon. One that I will not forget anytime soon.
Yours from Gokulum, India,
Samantha
Monday, July 14, 2008
That's Awesome!
Can I just say India rocks! I just bought 2 avocados, an amazingly delicious and perfectly ripe mango, that I have already eaten, bananas and a packet of dried dates for only $1. Can you believe it? It simply made my day. OK, so it was 50 Rupies so $1.10. It is certainly going to be hard to go back to NY prices after these three months. Maybe I can convince Jeff to move here. Happy Yoga land I am in!
I hope everyone is having as great a day as I am!
I hope everyone is having as great a day as I am!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
pictures
So I just updated and moved some stuff around on Picasa. I think I have most of the US trip up and all of europe, except I ran out of room on fionaanew. Here are the 2 sites. Some motorcycling stuff in on fionalists.
Here are the URLs. Just go and look if I am making no sense.
http://picasaweb.google.com/fionaanew
http://picasaweb.google.com/fionalists
Here are the URLs. Just go and look if I am making no sense.
http://picasaweb.google.com/fionaanew
http://picasaweb.google.com/fionalists
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Saturdays
I am sitting here in Mysore, in the middle of a monsoon rain shower having a lovely rooibus, caramel tea and reading some old email. I have been very nostalgic today reading the first mails Jeff and I exchanged. Wow, I am so lucky. My life is in such a different place now. To be able to pursue those things that bring you joy. It is a gift.
Not much else to say today.
Not much else to say today.
Friday, July 11, 2008
day 2 in Gokulum
The power situation is a bit of a pain in the ass. It goes off and on all day long. Power surges galore. I just have to remember to unplug my computer as much as possible so it doesn't fry my cable. Lynn, a friend that I know from Yoga Thailand, said that is what happened to hers. So I will be careful. Unfortunately, that means I can't really hang out on the computer much. I will have to figure something out.
This morning was the first shower I got to take because there was no hot water. The hot water heater is a mystery to me as I think it is solar. There is a big solar panel on the roof. The power in the bathroom goes off and on separately from the rest of the house. All of these things are very strange. ???? This is India, I guess. These are things one gets used to. I just wish I could figure out why.
Otherwise, things are going well. The apartment is nice and comfortable. I found a sheet yesterday and had an awesome night's sleep. Which is a bit of a surprise but I am just going with it. Hopefully tonight will be just as good. However, often the second night is worse because some of the fatigue has worn off and you are not so tired.
Yoga practice was good today. I am a bit out of practice. I still bound on one side in Mari D but I got stopped there because he only saw me attempting my bad side. Damn! Oh well, I should get it back this week. I am not that far off and Fridays and Sundays are led so one doesn't get as much time to work into the pose. You have to stay with everyone else. Monday is the first Mysore practice so I am looking forward to that. I think I will practice independently tomorrow as there are no classes traditionally on Saturdays because a) I have been a lazy butt for a while now and b) I think that would help open up some of the blockages (acquiring Mari D) I have right now.
Thats all for now,
Samantha
This morning was the first shower I got to take because there was no hot water. The hot water heater is a mystery to me as I think it is solar. There is a big solar panel on the roof. The power in the bathroom goes off and on separately from the rest of the house. All of these things are very strange. ???? This is India, I guess. These are things one gets used to. I just wish I could figure out why.
Otherwise, things are going well. The apartment is nice and comfortable. I found a sheet yesterday and had an awesome night's sleep. Which is a bit of a surprise but I am just going with it. Hopefully tonight will be just as good. However, often the second night is worse because some of the fatigue has worn off and you are not so tired.
Yoga practice was good today. I am a bit out of practice. I still bound on one side in Mari D but I got stopped there because he only saw me attempting my bad side. Damn! Oh well, I should get it back this week. I am not that far off and Fridays and Sundays are led so one doesn't get as much time to work into the pose. You have to stay with everyone else. Monday is the first Mysore practice so I am looking forward to that. I think I will practice independently tomorrow as there are no classes traditionally on Saturdays because a) I have been a lazy butt for a while now and b) I think that would help open up some of the blockages (acquiring Mari D) I have right now.
Thats all for now,
Samantha
Thursday, July 10, 2008
In Mysore
Hello Everyone,
Well, have finally made it to India. I am embarking on a 3 month journey to further develop in yoga. I can honestly say that this year has been the most spectacular and changing period of my life. I think back to last May when I first went to Yoga Thailand, a hollow shell of a person just hoping to die. I was miserable. However, with the guidance of whomever is watching over me I found Yoga Thailand and the people there; Paul, Jutima, Neil, Tiwariji, Jessica, Lynn and Sara all have been so supportive and helpful on this journey.
My life has truly been renewed and I feel so blessed to have weathered the storm and to be able to be living life so fully again.
I am also blessed that Jeff came into my life. He is a jewel of a man and I am so lucky to have found him and for us to have found each other. We just completed a 3 month journey all over the world. 2 months were spent touring the US on our motorcycles and then the final month seeing a lot of Germany, some of Switzerland and a bit of Italy. In fact, Jeff proposed to me at the top of Passo Dello Stelvio in Italy on June 25th. I said yes. Unfortunately his proposal was just in time for me to venture off into the strange new lands of southern India, leaving him behind for 3 whole months. OOOPS! Well, this is part of my continued growth with yoga hopefully starting to teach at some point. He is a kind, loving and very special man to put up with me leaving for so long. I love him more for it.
I must run out and do some errands now. I arrived in Bangalor (Bangaluru) this morning at 4:00 AM. I was greeted by a pre arranged driver and my bag arrived just fine. I was worried as Mysore is a 3 hour drive from the new airport in Bangalor and if my bag had been lost it would have been problematic. I also was not totally sure where I was going to live. My friend had arranged that I take over her space in a flat while she is doing Vipassana. However, I did not have the address. So I just hoped for the best and, in fact, all worked out well. Life just works that way sometimes.
Now I am getting settled in will go and get a SIM card for my phone, some sheets, go check in at the shala and just get aquainted with Mysore.
As always, an adventure to be had.
I hope to hear from all of you soon.
Namaste,
Samantha
Well, have finally made it to India. I am embarking on a 3 month journey to further develop in yoga. I can honestly say that this year has been the most spectacular and changing period of my life. I think back to last May when I first went to Yoga Thailand, a hollow shell of a person just hoping to die. I was miserable. However, with the guidance of whomever is watching over me I found Yoga Thailand and the people there; Paul, Jutima, Neil, Tiwariji, Jessica, Lynn and Sara all have been so supportive and helpful on this journey.
My life has truly been renewed and I feel so blessed to have weathered the storm and to be able to be living life so fully again.
I am also blessed that Jeff came into my life. He is a jewel of a man and I am so lucky to have found him and for us to have found each other. We just completed a 3 month journey all over the world. 2 months were spent touring the US on our motorcycles and then the final month seeing a lot of Germany, some of Switzerland and a bit of Italy. In fact, Jeff proposed to me at the top of Passo Dello Stelvio in Italy on June 25th. I said yes. Unfortunately his proposal was just in time for me to venture off into the strange new lands of southern India, leaving him behind for 3 whole months. OOOPS! Well, this is part of my continued growth with yoga hopefully starting to teach at some point. He is a kind, loving and very special man to put up with me leaving for so long. I love him more for it.
I must run out and do some errands now. I arrived in Bangalor (Bangaluru) this morning at 4:00 AM. I was greeted by a pre arranged driver and my bag arrived just fine. I was worried as Mysore is a 3 hour drive from the new airport in Bangalor and if my bag had been lost it would have been problematic. I also was not totally sure where I was going to live. My friend had arranged that I take over her space in a flat while she is doing Vipassana. However, I did not have the address. So I just hoped for the best and, in fact, all worked out well. Life just works that way sometimes.
Now I am getting settled in will go and get a SIM card for my phone, some sheets, go check in at the shala and just get aquainted with Mysore.
As always, an adventure to be had.
I hope to hear from all of you soon.
Namaste,
Samantha
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
In California
WOW! This week has been unbelievable. When I last wrote we were leaving Salt Lake City. We had a great day making our way up to Seattle. Through some mountains then some pastures and farming areas then finally through the Yakima Valley where a lot of the grapes are grown for Washington wine. It then started to get a bit chilly, 35 F and my hands were freezing so we decided to stop for the night in Yakima. When we got up in the morning it was cold and the weather report said it was snowing on Snoqualimie pass, the only road to Seattle. We decided to brave it. It was soooooo cold. Maybe I am a wimp but it was cold. At least it was only 100 or so miles to Seattle where we could warm up. It was snowing on the pass but we took it slow and made it. I was happy to be in Seattle where I was to pick up my bike and then head down the pacific coast.
On Thursday we headed out and explored the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park. It was simply fantastic. In fact, I actually saw a bald eagle. It was on the beach with it's baby. So cool. One does not see those very often, even at all. It was truly thrilling. Then the next day as we were exploring Oregon we saw a black bear. He was just hanging out near a river lumbering around. He was so gorgeous! It was a great day.
We tried our hand at camping, Jeff was not enthused. I hope as we get farther south it will get warmer and I can sell Jeff on the joys of camping.
We made it into California and my bum was getting tired of being on a bike. But we decided to camp in a really nice camp site in the redwood forest. It was great. Jeff is still not sold on camping. Oh well. He is going to make a purchase of some things that will make camping a little easier. We rode on highway 36 that Darryl recommended. It was simply fantastic. I was ready for a break so we decided to spend 2 nights in Fort Bragg on the ocean. The view is simply fantastic and it has been a really nice relaxing day.
We are on the road again on Highway 1 to San Francisco to visit friends and go to some of my old haunts. I lived in SF fo 6 years in the 90's. I love that city.
More later
On Thursday we headed out and explored the Olympic Peninsula and Olympic National Park. It was simply fantastic. In fact, I actually saw a bald eagle. It was on the beach with it's baby. So cool. One does not see those very often, even at all. It was truly thrilling. Then the next day as we were exploring Oregon we saw a black bear. He was just hanging out near a river lumbering around. He was so gorgeous! It was a great day.
We tried our hand at camping, Jeff was not enthused. I hope as we get farther south it will get warmer and I can sell Jeff on the joys of camping.
We made it into California and my bum was getting tired of being on a bike. But we decided to camp in a really nice camp site in the redwood forest. It was great. Jeff is still not sold on camping. Oh well. He is going to make a purchase of some things that will make camping a little easier. We rode on highway 36 that Darryl recommended. It was simply fantastic. I was ready for a break so we decided to spend 2 nights in Fort Bragg on the ocean. The view is simply fantastic and it has been a really nice relaxing day.
We are on the road again on Highway 1 to San Francisco to visit friends and go to some of my old haunts. I lived in SF fo 6 years in the 90's. I love that city.
More later
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Leaving Seattle
We are off. We decided to stay in Seattle one day longer but after a bit of an annoying morning trying to get everything organized and some last minute errands done we are out of here. Jeff and I decided to tour the Olympic national Park and the point. We will see how far we get today. The weather report calls for a high of 55 F and cloudy. Hopefully it will not rain. However, now that I have said that I am sure it will. :-(.
We will be out of computer range for a few days. I am sure that will drive Jeff totally mad. It will be good for both of us, I think.
Samantha
We will be out of computer range for a few days. I am sure that will drive Jeff totally mad. It will be good for both of us, I think.
Samantha
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
In Seattle
Jeff and I are now in Seattle after riding over Snowqualimie pass in a snow storm. It was crazy but an experience. I was totally frozen when we arrived. Jeff a little less so. A few miles later the snow turned to rain and all was well. I went that night to pick up my bike from a friend who had been taking care of it for me. It was cold but not icy so after dinner I rode it home with Jeff following in a borrowed car just in case. It was cold but so GREAT to have my bike back.
Then on Sunday we had a typical day in Seattle. We awoke to 2 inches of snow and still falling. It was beautiful. I love the snow and being in Thailand pretty much all winter I missed snow this year. It soon all melted and was sunny and beautiful. Then after taking Jeff to Pike's Place, the original Starbucks and a really cool Japanese Dollar store ( I am a sucker for $ stores and these are the best. It is a chain of about 5 stores in Seattle right now). Then we came home and it started to thunder and lightening. So we had all forms of weather that day.
Monday, was a day of errands and I got back on my bike. It was fantastic. I had forgotten how awesome that bike is. I am so excited to have it back. It is a Rockster, R1150R80 (the 80 is a special addition that came out in 2004). For me it is the perfect size and so zippy. Especially after riding the RT. It is so nimble and fun to ride. Plus the weather was fantastic yesterday.
It is Tuesday morning now and the weather here is typical for Seattle, a bit cloudy but I can see the Olympics off in the distance and they are shining white with snow. We are going out for a ride to test out the bike to bike autocom system. Jeff has been agonizing about how to set up all the cables for days. I don't really get what the fuss is all about.
We are leaving Seattle on Thursday to head down south. A few more errands to run today and a few more people to see. Then we head out again. I, of course have too much stuff and am trying to figure out how to pack it all. We are going to camp along the way. So I have to figure out how to pack the added equipment. we will probably will make a trip to REI (the Seattle based sporting equipment store) today. Buy the few additional things we might need for the trip.
We are no longer Snow people, I hope that continues. although I am going to get some under Armor today to keem me a bit more comfortable.
Samantha
Then on Sunday we had a typical day in Seattle. We awoke to 2 inches of snow and still falling. It was beautiful. I love the snow and being in Thailand pretty much all winter I missed snow this year. It soon all melted and was sunny and beautiful. Then after taking Jeff to Pike's Place, the original Starbucks and a really cool Japanese Dollar store ( I am a sucker for $ stores and these are the best. It is a chain of about 5 stores in Seattle right now). Then we came home and it started to thunder and lightening. So we had all forms of weather that day.
Monday, was a day of errands and I got back on my bike. It was fantastic. I had forgotten how awesome that bike is. I am so excited to have it back. It is a Rockster, R1150R80 (the 80 is a special addition that came out in 2004). For me it is the perfect size and so zippy. Especially after riding the RT. It is so nimble and fun to ride. Plus the weather was fantastic yesterday.
It is Tuesday morning now and the weather here is typical for Seattle, a bit cloudy but I can see the Olympics off in the distance and they are shining white with snow. We are going out for a ride to test out the bike to bike autocom system. Jeff has been agonizing about how to set up all the cables for days. I don't really get what the fuss is all about.
We are leaving Seattle on Thursday to head down south. A few more errands to run today and a few more people to see. Then we head out again. I, of course have too much stuff and am trying to figure out how to pack it all. We are going to camp along the way. So I have to figure out how to pack the added equipment. we will probably will make a trip to REI (the Seattle based sporting equipment store) today. Buy the few additional things we might need for the trip.
We are no longer Snow people, I hope that continues. although I am going to get some under Armor today to keem me a bit more comfortable.
Samantha
Friday, April 18, 2008
In Salt Lake City
Hi all,
Jeff and I are near Salt Lake City. It is 41 F degrees this morning but supposed to reach a nice temp later. Unfortunately we are leaving this area into Seattle where it is supposed to snow, IN THE CITY! This is simply insane! I realize now that Jeff and I left too early but it was just the way it had to be because of timing of everything. Anyway, we should have a nice day today though. Hopefully, the forecast is wrong for Seattle.
Yesterday through Wyoming was cold, but beautiful. I just love it there. Wednesday was incredibly windy all through Iowa and we got battered around.
Jeff has a cold and feeling kind of poopy. So yesterday he turned over the driving to me. I was a bit surprised but willing. We both realized that it is much more difficult to ride as a passenger! I think all men who ride with a passenger should be a passenger once in a while or at least once because it IS much harder. The wind is stronger the weather is harder and you can't move much at all. Anyway, After 100 miles, Jeff was ready to rent a truck and put the bike in the back because he couldn't believe how horrible it was in the back. I knew it was difficult but after being in the front not freezing my butt off I realize it is nicer to be the driver.
Needless to say I am excited to get my bike on Saturday! It is all ready to go and has been getting some TLC at Ride West BMW this week.
Another comment I have is that however comfortable the RT is, It is so big. I am getting used to it but I think it is a bit big for my liking. I will stick with the S and the Rockster. :-)
Jeff and I are near Salt Lake City. It is 41 F degrees this morning but supposed to reach a nice temp later. Unfortunately we are leaving this area into Seattle where it is supposed to snow, IN THE CITY! This is simply insane! I realize now that Jeff and I left too early but it was just the way it had to be because of timing of everything. Anyway, we should have a nice day today though. Hopefully, the forecast is wrong for Seattle.
Yesterday through Wyoming was cold, but beautiful. I just love it there. Wednesday was incredibly windy all through Iowa and we got battered around.
Jeff has a cold and feeling kind of poopy. So yesterday he turned over the driving to me. I was a bit surprised but willing. We both realized that it is much more difficult to ride as a passenger! I think all men who ride with a passenger should be a passenger once in a while or at least once because it IS much harder. The wind is stronger the weather is harder and you can't move much at all. Anyway, After 100 miles, Jeff was ready to rent a truck and put the bike in the back because he couldn't believe how horrible it was in the back. I knew it was difficult but after being in the front not freezing my butt off I realize it is nicer to be the driver.
Needless to say I am excited to get my bike on Saturday! It is all ready to go and has been getting some TLC at Ride West BMW this week.
Another comment I have is that however comfortable the RT is, It is so big. I am getting used to it but I think it is a bit big for my liking. I will stick with the S and the Rockster. :-)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
On our way
Well Jeff and I left New York Wednesday morning around 10:30 AM. We made nice progress through New Jersyy, Pennsylvania then to New York. We took some big roads and some small. All in all Wednesday was a nice day. Oh yes, we are riding 2 up on Jeff's RT until we reach Seattle and I can pick up my long stored Rockster and continue on. We stayed at a small off the highway hotel near Buffalo, nothing too remarkable there. Except Jeff being the cautious traveler felt that he needed to check the following day's weather, and yes, we were heading straight into snow.
This was not good news for me as I only have a heated vest that really only works with temperatures above 45-50F. We still decided to continue on up to Michigan as the storm looked like it would meet us in the afternoon as we neared our final destination for the day, Jeff's home town, East Tawas, Mi. We decided to go through Canada and it was a really nice ride, a bit nippy but totally do able until about 3:00 PM when we hit a huge area of cloud cover. For the next 2 hours the temp went down degree by degree and I became more and more frozen as we went. Luckily it was only 2 hours and we arrived at Jeff's parents house around 5:30 ish after a mid point stop at starbucks to warm up and thaw. His parents are totally convinced that we are completely insane but motorcycling is always an adventure.
We are staying in Michigan until Monday. The forecast calls for mid 40's to mid 50's F degreesand then warmer. We will also head south to where there is no ice on the roads. We have to abandon our plan to see Yellowstone as the roads are just too bad but I think we can still see the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore. We should get there by Wednesday and the forecast calls for warmer weather there too. :) That is good to hear!
More details to come later.
This was not good news for me as I only have a heated vest that really only works with temperatures above 45-50F. We still decided to continue on up to Michigan as the storm looked like it would meet us in the afternoon as we neared our final destination for the day, Jeff's home town, East Tawas, Mi. We decided to go through Canada and it was a really nice ride, a bit nippy but totally do able until about 3:00 PM when we hit a huge area of cloud cover. For the next 2 hours the temp went down degree by degree and I became more and more frozen as we went. Luckily it was only 2 hours and we arrived at Jeff's parents house around 5:30 ish after a mid point stop at starbucks to warm up and thaw. His parents are totally convinced that we are completely insane but motorcycling is always an adventure.
We are staying in Michigan until Monday. The forecast calls for mid 40's to mid 50's F degreesand then warmer. We will also head south to where there is no ice on the roads. We have to abandon our plan to see Yellowstone as the roads are just too bad but I think we can still see the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore. We should get there by Wednesday and the forecast calls for warmer weather there too. :) That is good to hear!
More details to come later.
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