Thursday and Friday

That time has come again, the time to say good-bye to Rishikesh. Like last year, the only thing that makes it bearable is the certainty that I'll be back. I'm off on an early train to Delhi tomorrow morning.

Backtrack to Thursday. Up at 6:40 after decent sleep, but mosquitoes still a pain. Trika for meditation then morning class. Krishna Cottage for web, then met Shona for lunch at Madras - she was leaving Saturday for Delhi then Mumbai (jealous about Mumbai!). Room break then pm Trika class, followed by my second visit to Children of the Ganges, where I had dinner with the kids. Walked to Krishna Cottage to thief some rice pudding dessert and chat with some friends I did the training with (who signed on for the next level, 300 hours, so 12 weeks of training straight; I couldn't do it). Over to Oasis for some Nutella banana fritters (had to have them at least once this year!). Home to bed, early night.

Friday. Up at 6:40, great sleep, no mosquitoes! Trika meditation and morning class. Quick clothing change in room, then walk to Laxmanjula for my last satsang with Prem Baba. It was a beautiful walk. Even though I was already a bit late and had a busy, busy day ahead, I walked calmly and peacefully, under the overcast sky. Such a nice reprieve from the scorching sun. Satsang was fantastic, and as always, Prem Baba ended with these words: "Blessed be each one of us; until we meet again." And indeed we will. Walked up the hill to the Honey Hut for a tiny honey espresso and small honey chocolate walnut tart. (I semi-fasted again on Friday, just a chai for breakfast, this snack for lunch, and later plain biscuits and water for dinner.) Across the street to Fabindia for some jewellery purchases, then quick stop at a bookshop. Over the bridge to Prateek, my astrologer from last year. The similar reading confirmed his validity, and some new info gave me plenty to ponder. A few shops over, stopped in for a chat and chai with Scott's rock man. Walked back home, still cloudy and cool, such a treat (yes, in Rishikesh we wish for a few cloudy days, as the sun constantly shines down on this town). Room break, then pm Trika class followed by the lecture on Shanka Prakshalana (the salt water intestinal cleanse I did last year... at least I could convince those who were doing level 1 for the first time that it really wasn't as bad as it sounds). Quick web break between the lecture and my second Friday night Anahata (heart chakra) music meditation. It was even better than the last. So intimate and intense. Can't wait to share.

I'll blog about my Easter weekend tomorrow, from Delhi.    

Holi - Take 2

Holi, for real this time! After Prem Baba's satsang on Tuesday evening, I walked back to Ramjulah, where I was expected for dinner at Swati's at 8pm. The eve of Holi is called mini-Holi, and is when people have celebratory family dinners. Swati and her mother-in-law prepared a delicious thali and lots of yummy sweets. I was so grateful to be invited for this meal. Snapped a few pics, then Swati's mother-in-law brought me down to the Ganga, where a gigantic bonfire was getting ready for lighting, and people were getting ready for dancing. The fire, when lit, created such intense heat that the crowds had to back away significantly. And when the festive music was turned up real loud, the dancing got out of control. Indian men love to dance. There was jumping and clapping and colored powder throwing galore. I sat with Swati's mother-in-law, watching, absorbing, taking it all in, marvelling at the fact that I was there, experiencing it all.

On the day of Holi, the 27th, the festivities take place mostly between 9am and noon. So Trika classes were cancelled that morning. Slept in until 8:30! Felt so good after going to bed exhausted the night before. At 9, I headed out into the streets (a risky and stressful thing to do on the morning of Holi - as I mentioned in the last blog, Holi is a nation-wide powder-throwing and water-fight war). I made sure to dress in scruffy clothes, and was almost running on my way to Swati's. Phew, made it there un-attacked, only about 3 minutes away. I was going to spend the morning with Swati and her family, in the safety of their rooftop. Great vantage point to watch all the craziness happening below, and great place to attack from! We filled a few water balloons to be launched onto unsuspecting victims, Amit and Arnav even equipped with heavy-duty water guns. We had our own little bags of fluorescent powder, which we playfully covered each other with. (In the streets, the powder throwing can get pretty aggressive, as Blaire and I experienced in Goa last year.) Lots of great photos and videos were taken from the rooftop, special Holi treats were eaten, and it was a fun, fantastic morning. Around noon, as the Holi war began losing momentum, it was time to head out for some blogging, then back to my room for a thorough shower scrub before my last massage class at 2. As I was heading out from Swati's a couple of the kids I had been filming below were just behind me. They followed me quietly as I walked out the entranceway, but as soon as I stepped out into the street, they giggled, yelled out in excitement, and poured a whole bucket of water onto me. Drenched and laughing, I made my way to Krishna Cottage internet to write the previous blog, dripping onto the floor.

Home for shower, then massage day 7 to learn how to do facials. Lady friends back home, you're in for a treat! Trika pm class at 4, followed by an excellent Karma Yoga lecture from 6-8. And up to my room for a much needed sleep after another busy day.

A few Google images to give you a taste of Holi:

   

Holi!

One of the most beloved days in India, the festival of bright colors and nationwide water-fight: Holi. At Prem Baba's satsang on Tuesday evening, eve of Holi, an Indian swami told the story of the origin of Holi, only about half of which I understood, but it is related to Krishna and Radha and the victory of good over evil. Prem Baba spoke a little after the swami, and ended with these words: Tonight and tomorrow, it is time for us to renew our vows with the Truth.

A little backtrack to Monday morning. Up shortly after 6 after another interrupted sleep. Mostly the mosquitoes this time, and some festive music coming from the ashram at various times during the night, in celebration of some elder's birthday. This week, I added another block to my schedule, the morning meditations at Trika. They are optional, led by Nic, who starts with about 15 minutes of talking about a different meditation technique or aspect, mostly from Ramana Maharshi, and always related to the biggest question humans can have: Who Am I? This is followed by 45 minutes of silent meditation, then the regular morning class goes from 8:30-10:45 (or usually 11 for me, since I always have questions). So every morning this week, I'm in the Trika hall from 7-11.

After class, I walked over to Swati's, but she wasn't home (she had gone into town to Arnav's school to get the results of his exams... he's in kindergarten!). Her mother-in-law insisted I still stay for a bit, and fed me breakfast: sweet chai with parantha and a vegetable-curd mix. Then she brought out a box of sweets they had been preparing for Holi and had me sample a few. Yum!

Walked over to Krishna Cottage for some internet, and when Roshan walked in, I finally asked him about the possibility of taking home a few of my drawings. (We never burned them as planned, and he told me that he had decided against it because of my drawings and those of another girl. He felt it wouldn't have been right.) So he said I could choose some to take with me, but also leave a few behind to leave some of my energy with Yog Peeth. Alright, I'm ok with that. More shopping and bargaining, some fruit salad from the fruit cart, then back to my room. Had my first cold bucket shower (water heater not working) and did my last load of laundry. Hooray! (How nice it will be to go home to a washing machine after 2 months of doing laundry by hand.) Then it was time for the afternoon Trika class from 4-6, followed by the lecture on vegetarianism from 6-7. Ended the day with a delicious moussaka (Israeli dish: baked aubergine with cheese sauce, rosemary potatoes and salad) at Oasis, then home for what would be my first good sleep in 3 days (only one mosquito, which I managed to kill; quiet ashram, quiet animals).

My alarm actually woke me up Tuesday morning, which hadn't happened in a long time. It went off at 6:30, and I got up feeling rested and rejuvenated, ready for meditation at 7:15. I actually managed to stay seated cross-legged, without having to stretch out my legs, for the full 45 minutes. Longest still-sit I've done in my short history of meditation. And then at the end of the morning class, held my longest steady headstand, about 6 minutes. Progress continues! After class, bonded with my neighbor, Ralph, from Sweden, over books (until then having only said hi in passing). I gave him one on yoga, and he gave me one of science fiction short stories by his favorite author (whose name I've already forgotten). Went to the the bakery, then internet, then day 5 of massage course (Sunday and Monday were off). I practised the back massage, then saw the demo of Nasya, oil drops in the nostrils to relieve cough, cold, congestion and sinus problems.

At 3, walked to Laxmanjula, went up the hill to Pyramid Cafe (one of my dad's favorite spots from last year), where I drank a delicious kombucha and had the Pryramid salad - fresh veg from the onsite organic garden, fresh sprouts, and spirulina on top. Delicious. Back down onto the main path, stopped into Scott's rock vendor to pick up a set of 7 essential oils, one for each chakra, and put aside a beautiful emerald ring, which I'll go back and pick up tomorrow. It was then time for Prem Baba, at 5, where this blog started.

I seem to be getting more carried away with my blogs as this trip comes to an end, so I'll wrap this one up here, even though I haven't even gotten to the title of it! All about Holi celebrations in the next post.

Sunday

Despite the good mattress, great pillow and fresh air, I did not have a very good sleep my first night in my new room. There was chanting coming from the ashram all night. It was lovely, don't get me wrong, but when combined with a couple mosquitoes buzzing around my head and biting me several times, and the bulls in the nearby fields making deep, loud moaning-like sounds in the wee hours of the morning, it made for a very interrupted sleep. I had been hoping to sleep in a little since it was Sunday, day off, and since I had had such a hectic last few days, but I was up with the sun. Though my eyes were heavy, they were thrilled to soak in the rays of the bright sun rising over the mountains, coming through my open bathroom window (the rays, not the mountains). Made me forget about the restless night, and rise in love with my room.

Sunday meant no massage class and no Trika classes... what to do with all this free time?! Started the day with some routine Sunday laundry, then walked over to Swati's for a short visit, where I was fed a sweet cream-of-wheat-like breakfast mushy deliciousness, with a cup of hot, milky, sugary, chai, of course. Went to internet for a bit, then off to the women's meeting. I mentioned we had no Trika class today, but we did have an optional meeting. Like last year, after the brahmacharya lecture, a female teacher offers a meeting for the women, and a male teacher offers a meeting for the men, so that we can more openly and comfortably discuss more personal or gender-sensitive issues. We had a great discussion, and a wonderful opportunity actually came up from it. The teacher, Kamala (from Estonia), has been studying and practicing Tantra for 8 years and is traveling around the world giving workshops. When I mentioned I was form Montreal, she said this was one of the places she was hoping to bring her workshop in the near future. But wherever she goes, she needs a contact to help scout out possible locations, publicize, and help organize (and share profits with). I'll be that gal this August! So if anyone might be interested, let me know. (Let me specify that I'm referring to Tantra in its genuine, traditional, holistic sense, not just related to sex orgies as it has unfortunately come to be misunderstood in the West - and in some Osho retreats. More on that when I get back, but in the meantime, for those interested, have a look at http://www.shambhala.com/tantra.html and http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/761025.The_Serpent_Power)

Finished my laundry after the meeting, then did a little souvenir shopping, putting my growing bargaining skills to good use. Walked down near the river to the best juice stall in town for a mango-orange-mint delight, and an hour of book browsing in the nearby shop (only walked out with 2 books, great control!). Back in my room, I had couple hours to read and relax before heading downstairs to the Trika hall for another optional Sunday activity: 8pm movie. Shortly after 7, a thunderstorm erupted with heavy rain - perfect for movie night! (Though we did have to plug the TV into a generator... no electricity in my room or in the hall. We watched The Shift - Wayne Dyer - lousy acting, but great message and teachings.) 

Speaking of thunder, a new favorite quote from one of the books I bought earlier that afternoon, (Thoughts and Prayers from The Fakir): The One who makes the thunder roar also hears a butterfly sigh.

Friday Fast and Move #2

Fasting one day a week is something that was talked about and recommended during my Trika course last year, and Roshan mentioned it again during an anatomy lecture (to give the hard-working digestive system a weekly break) a few weeks ago. When I heard it for the third time at the Healing Strategies lecture at Trika last week, I thought, Ok, it's time to start doing this. I've chosen Fridays, and will try my best to continue at home. I started the day with some water and had a chai on my way to my morning Trika class. (I've been trying to get a room at the ashram in which the Trika hall is located, but they don't take reservations; you just have pop into the office every day and ask if anyone is checking out. I'd been doing that for a few days, and finally, when I went in after class on Friday, there was lady telling them she would check-out tomorrow. Yay!) Speed-walked to Laxmanjula after class to catch Prem Baba. Great satsang, lots of notes. Then quick room stop before heading to massage day 4 for more note-taking (6 pages to be exact) as I watched my teacher perform a full body massage. By the end of class that day - due to a combination of going on water and chai only, 2 half hours of speed walking (to PB and back), and standing for an hour taking notes as fast as I could - I was feeling weak, tired and cranky. Back in my room, I caved. I had the last 3 Digestive cookies and a handful of raisins left over from yesterday. Got a mini-chai on my way to Trika again, this time for the lecture on vamana dhauti and ayurvedic medecine. It was a short one, only an hour, so I had another hour to kill before the anahata meditation at 8. I stayed in the hall and browsed their library cabinet... fascinating stuff in there. Then Nic arrived (Trika teacher from Ottawa; there are two others teaching here at the moment: Katie from London and Kamala from Estonia) to lead the heart chakra meditation. It was one of the most beautiful things I've experienced, and I can't wait to lead a similar one back home. Back at my guesthouse, I spent a few minutes on the roof, taking in the dark landscape on my last night there.

Saturday, moving day. I got up at 6:40 after a not-so-great sleep. After doing some packing the night before, I only turned my light out at 11:20, and for the next hour, the was a TV blaring obnoxiously loudly a few alleys away. No sleep was to be had. Dozed off around 12:30, but was woken several times during the night by high-pitched and non-stop dog barking. Didn't feel very rested when my alarm went off at 6:30, but was excited about moving to the ashram. I wondered, however, what the room would be like - I booked it without seeing any. My room at Ganga Usha was quite nice, with a great shower head, decent mattress and comfy pillow (so rare here). At the ashram, I didn't even know if I'd have my own bathroom. Packed my things, went to internet for a bit, then to morning Trika class focused on uddiyana bhanda (abdominal suction through void retention for sublimation of energy). Back to guesthouse, packed last things, and lugged them 5 minutes away to Swarg ashram (appeasing puzzled shop keeper faces along the way: No, no, I wasn't leaving without saying good-bye, I was just moving down the road). What a pleasant surprise when I walked into my room! It was spacious with big windows on two walls (looking out onto fields and mountains), comfy mattress, best pillows yet, and my own bathroom... but no shower head. Looks like it'll be bucket showers this week. But I won't complain. Even have a water heater tank available anytime. (And it's only 180 rupees, less than $4, compared to Rs500, $10, at Ganga Usha. Yes, 10 dollars is very expensive for a room around here.)

Had a little time to unpack before heading to massage day 5. This time, after all my note-taking from yesterday, it was my turn to receive the full body massage. Nice reward for my work! Then, I had to practice. After receiving the massage, I felt very comfortable and confident giving it. On my way home, picked up some fresh fruit at the cart just outside the ashram (where my dad had purchased a bag of fruit last year, but only arrived back at our room with a couple pieces after the monkeys got to him!), went up to my room for a short breather, then downstairs and across the path to the Trika hall (great being so close!). It was my first afternoon asana (posture) class from 4-6, and I don't think I'll go very often at that time... too hot! (And particularly unpleasant since my body was covered in oil from my massage.) Then it was the lecture on Brahmacharya (sexual continence for the sublimation of sexual energy to the higher chakras) from 6-8. Walked over to Moondance cafe for dinner, ordered a plate of momos just after 8, and didn't get them until ten-past 9. The place is notorious for being slow, and this time, I wasn't even too fond of my food. Oh well. Back in my new room by 9:30, a little organizing, then bed.

Today, I took it easy.

What a Day!

Yesterday, after a 5 day rest from yoga classes, I got back on my mat. And what a great return it was! I got up shortly after 6, putzed around my room for a bit, then did a Sally Kempton meditation from 6:30-7. Next it was back to Krishna Cottage to use the internet from 7-8 (the only place that's open that early). Then walked down the road to my favorite chai-wallah for a sweet morning tea, bringing it with me (along with some Digestive cookies I had just bought for breakfast) a few steps away into the Trika hall. It felt so good to be back there - the place of my first love-affair with yoga (in India, that is... for the journey started long before that with my Brossard guru). I had also been the night before for a great lecture on alternative healing methods, but this was my first class there this year. My body responded wonderfully after 5 days off. The pain that had begun to develop in week 5 and 6 of my TTC (mostly elbow and knee joint discomfort), has disappeared. Trika-style yoga remains my favorite among the many I've tried. Yesterday's morning class was focused on Sarvangasana (shoulderstand) and the sublimation of energy (from the lower to the higher chakras).

Quick room stop for a change from yoga clothes and a few more Digestives (all I'd eaten until mid-day) before heading to day 3 of my ayurvedic massage course (1-3 pm). Loving it! And getting a different body part massaged daily as part of training is a fabulous perk. So far, I've learned head, neck, shoulders, face, and today we moved into full body.

Back to my room for a few minutes (change out of oily massage clothes, a few more Digestives), before walking to Laxmanjula (the next little town over, along the Ganga). I made an appointment for next week with Prateek, my astrologer from last year, then, after a few attempts, found Scott's rock man. (Scott is a friend I made during last year's Trika course, whom I met up with for a bite and tea while he was in Montreal this summer. He is a rock-lover and gave me a few pieces that he wanted me to bring to this rock seller in Laxmanjula whom he had met last year and had spent Christmas and New Year's with.) The rocks had been sitting on my night table since I got here, and I finally set out on a search for their recipient. I knew the approximate location of the shop, but there are sooo many little gem/stone vendors around there that I had to pop my head into a few doorways, asking, "Are you Ayush Agrawal?" before being responded to with, "Ah! You from Canada! I have been waiting you for weeks!" I guess Scott had told him to expect my visit, but I hardly ever went over to Lax during my course. I sat with the man and his wife (wonderfully kind and friendly couple), for chai and a chat. Think I'll be back to buy some heavenly-smelling essential oils from them (to be used for aromatherapy treatments on those who are interested back home...)

Next it was time to walk over to Prem Baba's ashram (5 minutes away), for Bhajans (chanting) starting at 4. (So far, this year and last, I had only been there for satsang, but while browsing his website, I found out about lots more free activities at the ashram.) About 50 people there when I arrived (small crowd), that built up to about a hundred by the end, an hour later. I sang my little heart out for the first half hour (which was only one chant, repeating 4 lines over and over, too beautiful to get sick of), and then, as the next chants got a little too high pitched for me, I just sat and swayed and meditated and absorbed all the good vibrations. After the chanting we could stay for an hour of meditation, but my stomach was grumbling (only tea and Digestives so far today), so I went to the nearby Honey Hut Cafe/Boutique that my friend Kelsey introduced me to when we went to Prem Baba together earlier this week. Spent a hefty chunk of change on some souvenirs and a fruit/vanilla-ice-cream/honey shake. Feeling energized, I went back to the ashram for my first Kundalini yoga class from 6:30-8pm. It's not quite what I expected, and I'm still not sure how I feel about it, but I can say that it was by far the most intense yoga class I've ever taken. Far more physically and mentally demanding and exhausting than any hatha or ashtanga I've done. What occurred in my body and in my mind during this class was a whole new terrain for me. I had quite a few burning questions for the teacher at the end. (During satsang, we face Prem Baba and a backdrop of closed curtains, but for yoga - there were only a dozen of us - we face the other direction, towards a wall of windows overlooking the Ganga and the mountains and town across the river, with post-sunset hues coming into the hall. Spectacular.) In town, I picked up a bag of the freshest raisins I've ever had for the half hour walk home along the dark road between Laxmanjula and Ramjula. At the end of the road, back in town, glancing into the open doorways of brightly lit homes, where women were sitting on the floor making chapati, and men and boys sat in front of the television watching cricket.

Back in my room, I had a much needed shower. There was cream in my hair from my earlier face massage, and oil on my feet and legs from my, yes, foot and leg massage, mixed with sweat from the hot day and long walks, to which the dust and dirt of India had stuck. I felt quite splendid after showering. Then collapsed onto my bed for a great, deep sleep.

And today was almost as busy.
(But this has been my first long post this year, so I'll save the rest for next time...)

Off to the Trika hall for tonight's lecture on Vamana Dhauti (the daily stomach water cleanse I was doing last year during the course) and ayurvedic medecine. Lecture is from 6-8, followed by the weekly Friday night Anahata (heart chakra) meditation from 8-9. Another great sleep will follow, I'm sure. 

Prem Baba and Moving Day

After six weeks at Krishna Cottage, today was moving day! Loved my time here, but a change of scenery definitely felt nice. Didn't move very far, just around the corner. Can still see KC from my new room. Spent the morning getting ready and packing - after doing a few rounds of sun salutations in my room with the door open, as the sun came up over the mountains... not a bad way to start the day! After having my final lunch here, I brought my last pieces of luggage over to Ganga Usha Guesthouse, then headed to Day 1 of my ayurvedic massage course. No one else signed up this week, so I get private lessons! Learned about the uses and benefits of different ayurvedic oils today, and after watching my teacher demonstrate on someone, it was my turn to perform my first oily head, hair, neck and shoulder massage. Lucky volunteer getting back-to-back treatments! Tomorrow, I get this sequence done on me so I can understand the sensations and motions... can't complain! Also on the agenda for tomorrow, more about the oils, and learning face massage techniques. Quick room break after class, then walked over to Children of the Ganges with my friend Shona (who also came for dinner at Swati's mom's). We set up the projector and tried out some cute cartoony educational videos on DVD that I shopped for with Swati on Sunday. We had dinner with the kids, then Shona and I snuck back into the KC dining hall for some dessert. Might sneak a few meals from here in the next couple weeks if I run out of money ;)

Yesterday, I went to Satsang with Prem Baba (www.prembaba.org/en), who I had also seen here last year. For me, it's a more peaceful and healing place than at Mooji's. The crowd is smaller, only a couple hundred (compared to at least 5 or 6 at Mooji), making it a little more cozy. And the energy in the room pure love. Prem Baba's calm and peaceful voice speaking words of such beauty and wisdom never fails to bring me a sense of healing. And his musicians and singers create the most exquisite sounds I've ever heard. Last year I would break into uncontrollable sobbing every time they played and sang; this year I was a little more composed, just getting teary-eyed. A few words of his to end today's post:

"May the divine light illuminate your heart. May you eliminate from your soul all wounds of exclusion and abandonment. May you remember your true loving nature. May love express itself through you and spread in all directions, without the need to receive anything in return. And may trust illuminate the darkness of attachment, so that you may come to experience the freedom of bliss. I bow myself in reverence towards that Supreme Being that inhabits each one of you. Namaste!"

Graduation and Mooji

I can hardly believe it's already been 6 weeks. Feel like I just got here, and all of a sudden, I have my yoga teacher certificate! We had a beautiful - but long! - ceremony last night. As per custom before a special event in Rishikesh (last year it was attending my first Indian wedding), I plugged Charles Aznavour into my ears, listening to his ballads while getting into my new Indian outfit that Swati helped me shop for last week, painting my nails, and putting on some jewelry and a touch of make-up. (Before getting ready, I treated myself to a wonderful neck and shoulder massage, that almost completely got rid of a pinch I've had since home... feels so good!) The celebratory evening started at 5pm with a one-hour puja (devotional chanting performed by special guests). Then a 15-min break that turned into 45 (Indian time), followed by a superb one-hour music concert (tabla, harmonium and chants). Ten-minute break (for real this time), then the certification ceremony. First, 3 students from our class presented the "Awesome Awards". They had made a personalized award for everyone in the group and gave me a good laugh when calling mine out: The Bakery Connoisseur Award! Then it was time to receive our official YTT-200hr certificates, along with a certificate of freedom, stating that we are the creators of our life, to be signed and dated on the spot. Beautiful. Around quarter-past 9, we finally had dinner. And another chapter ends.

This morning, I woke up feeling very different. Very free, very relaxed. I didn't think I was stressed during these 6 weeks, but I guess there was a little inner tension based on the sensations I feel today. Two beautiful weeks ahead, time to enjoy all that Rishikesh has to offer, things I've been putting off while focused on the course. I started this morning with going to Mooji's satsang. He's a Jamaican swami/guru who has been here for the last month. Today was his last satsang. I'd say there were at least 500 people in the hall, more than double the gatherings at Prem Baba last year (he has also just arrived in town). The energy created by that many people coming together for teachings on inner peace and spirituality always gets me quite emotional, but I didn't react quite as strongly as at my first satsang with Prem Baba. Here are a few quotes I jotted down from today's talk, which may lose some of their strength when taken out of context, but which I'll share anyway: "The being does not need a history. Only the personality needs a history," and "Sometimes we suffer more on behalf of someone else - due to our perception of what they are going through - than they are suffering themselves." Satsang was closed with a song that sent shivers down my spine and covered my skin with goosebumps. (Mooji's satsangs are filmed and can be watched online: www.mooji.org)

Gorgeous half hour walk along the Ganga to come back to Krishna Cottage, and now it's time to go meet up with Swati. We're heading to the market for a bit of shopping, then going to her mom's for dinner. Fabulous first post-course day!

Yantras, Exams, Love

(Wrote this last night, but web connection went out due to storms and strong wind. Day references will be one day off.)

Homestretch! Exams are done, yantras are finished, and practicum class has been taught. Exams went super well, class was beautiful, and yantras, well, I have to admit I didn't get quite as immersed in my work on the last two since I knew what was to come of them. We're all so different, aren't we? Some people who had yet to even begin their drawings, and weren't planning on getting them done, decided to get cracking on them because they love the idea of burning them afterwards. My resistance shows me that I have something to learn from this lesson...

More about the exams. Yesterday was anatomy, and we were given a hand-out with 16 questions to answer in developed detail. We had the option of using our class notes or attempting without, but had to indicate which we chose on our exam. I chose option 1, and wrote a page at the end of my exam about why. In a nutshell, this course has brought me to a very peaceful and serene inner space, and I didn't want to ruin that by stressing over an exam, cramming 30+ hours of anatomy lectures into my headspace only to forget it all the next day. I have always been a slow-but-sure learner, and will one day be fluent in all this anatomy lingo, but I will learn it at my own pace and in my own time. I was always 100% focused in class and took an obsessive amount of notes, so why not put them to good use. With them, I was able to confidently and fully answer each question, filling 6 blank pages.

Today was philosophy. We had to write an essay explaining, in our own way, the correlation between Pancha Kosha (the 5 bodies/sheaths/layers of existence) and Astanga yoga (not as we know it in the West, but in relation to Patanjali's 8 limbs of yoga). Wrote a 4 page essay on this, which, if anyone would like to chat about, we can meet over tea when I get back! My dad probably won't be surprised to hear that, for both exams, I was the last one to leave the yoga hall. Here again, working in my comfort zone of slowly-but-surely. Roshan suggested we take an hour and half for the anatomy exam - I took two and a half - and people started leaving philosophy after 1/2 an hour - I took almost 2. As the hall gradually emptied out on both days and I was still sitting there (on the ground with blocks and pillows, my pen moving across the page), my mind kept drifting back to school days, when my teachers and I were the only ones left in the classroom long after everyone else had finished their work. This time, though, I was alone. Roshan let us big kids do our tests unsupervised.

Love. It was the theme of the class Nichole and I taught our fellow teachers-in-training last night. We put together a flowing sequence of heart opening movements, postures, and words, taught as the sun was setting over the Himalayas. I won't go into too much detail about the class, as I will be teaching it again at Circle of Grace (Cindy's group) in April. More to come about that... I ended with an short exercise from Sally Kempton's Meditation for the Love of It, and then closed the class with words that Cindy has shared countless times: May each one of us be open to the subtle whisperings of our hearts, May each one of us recognize our divine essence, And may each one of us be an example to others, To move from fear towards love.

The sealing namaste was followed by applause and strong embraces from everyone in attendance. It was a beautiful evening with beautiful people. Faraaz had some very encouraging and constructive feedback, and said something to me that has triggered my strongest self-realization moment since the beginning of the course, affecting me profoundly on and off my yoga mat. Again, more on that over tea  in April with those who want to get a little more personal.  

As you journey through today, give that space at the centre of your chest a little extra attention, letting your awareness shift peacefully from your head down into your heart. Love, love, love.   

Shivaratri, Drawings, Exams, Economic System

March 10th was Shivaratri, the day honoring Shiva's wedding to Parvati. Last yesr, I went to Prem Baba's Shiva satsang in the morning, and to a temple in the evening, where I was the only foreigner. This year, Swati and I braved the crowds to go into town (Rishikesh market) to shop for an Indian outfit for me to wear to the certification ceremony on Saturday. Usually, Rishikesh town is much busier than this area (RamJhula/Swargashram), but on Shivaratri, there were hoards of Indians pushing and shoving their way along the streets and across the bridge to reach the temples and honor their beloved Shiva. So once Swati and I managed to swerve our way through oncoming pedestrian traffic, and squeeze into an already full tuk-tuk, the arrival in town seemed strangely relaxing. Found a great outfit for Saturday, then went for a delicious lassi, and made our way back to the crazy crowds. I came back to my room to escape the madness, and continued working on my yantra drawings.

About those. On Monday, in philosophy class, Roshan announced the fate of our chakras and yantras. On Saturday, before the certificate ceremony, our drawings will be returned to us. Then, we will choose our favorite one, hand it back in and all the favorites will be... burned!! My heart sank. I thought of my Sahasrara chakra, the one I used my right and left brain for, and which I couldn't wait to take home and frame. But instead, it would go up in flames. It is meant as a lesson in non-attachment, in letting go of the fruits of our labor. And it doesn't end there. After burning our favorite, we choose one that we want to keep, and the remaining 10 are left here to be posted on the walls. Ouf, it's taking me a while to digest this lesson. Average of 3 hours per chakra (x7) and 4 hours per yantra (x5), meticulous measuring and coloring, and I can only keep one. Quite the lesson.

Tomorrow morning we have our anatomy exam, which I am nowhere near ready for (and I'm here taking my sweet time writing a blog at 8:30pm... yoga school has clearly been good for creating a non-stress state!), and the afternoon is when I've been scheduled to teach a yoga class. Then Thursday morning is the philosophy exam. Intense couple of days ahead, but then a big sigh of relief and time to celebrate!

Today, when I stopped by the bakery for 3 chocolate balls (moist and fluffy, not too sweet, cocoa and coconut goodness), the bakery man pointed at me and said, with his jolly chuckle and sparkly eyes: "You good economic system!" Which, I presume, was his broken English meaning that I gave him good business. Hahaha :)

Ashram, Talent Show, Teaching, Yog Fest

This week, Saturday (today) is our day off, as we need 6 straight days, Sunday to Friday, for our teaching evaluations before the ceremony on Sunday. I went on my first weekend outing with the group this morning, the one I've been waiting for: visit to the site of the ashram Roshan is having built, future location of Yog Peeth. We all piled into 3 rickety jeeps, drove about 20 minutes up a winding mountain road, then hiked half an hour up a steep rocky path to where the ashram is under construction. It's a spectacluar site. Up in the coolness of the foresty mountains, but in a clearing that allows a stunning view of the Himalayas. And five minutes away from beautiful, refreshing waterfalls. The construction is still in the very early stages, but I'm already dreaming about going to do my next yoga training there. A secluded sanctuary, away from all the distractions (bakery included!) of Rishikesh.

Last night we had the Talent Show which many of us groaned about when it was sprung on us last week. But it turned into a spectacular evening. As planned, I read from last year's blog, and it was a hit. I chose two posts to share after some minor editing: first, the one about the femininity workshop at Trika, and then, of course, the one about Mogli. There were tears, then there was laughter. Others presented dances, songs, recipes, paintings, poems, personal stories, and it was a whirlwind of emotions for 4 hours. I learned so much about these people who have been my neighbors for over a month, and I learned about myself as well.

During last week's morning classes, we started practice teaching in small groups of about 8. We would take turns teaching each other postures and giving adjustments and feedback. Next week, it's the real deal. We've been paired up and assigned a day and time to team-teach a 2 hours class. Nichole and I are teaching Wednesday's afternoon class, and have started putting some ideas together. Should be fun!

Town has been pretty busy this past week, with two international yoga festivals running from March 1st-7th. Didn't get much of a chance to participate due to our class schedule, but we were invited to join the closing ceremonies of the one Roshan had presented at. Beautiful classical Indian music followed by a delicious dinner buffet at a posh hotel. Quite the change of scenery... and tastes! That was Thursday night, talent show was last night, and the last 5 rythms dance is tonight. Getting pretty pooped. Loving the whole experience, but I'll be glad to have a little more freedom and flexibility after graduation next Saturday night. Big breath, 1 week left!    

Sutra Neti, Bakery, Heat

Yesterday morning, we added one item to our morning routine: sutra neti. Until now, it had been tea followed by neti pot nasal cleansing, but we now have sutra neti in between. If you remember, I did all sorts of weird cleansing practices last year during my Trika course, but never this one. It consists of putting a small rubber tube (about a foot long) into the nostril, gently pushing it down the nasal passage until it reaches the throat, then going into the mouth with two fingers to catch it, pulling it out a little, and making a "flossing" motion, before pulling it back out through the nose. Yes, it's as lovely as it sounds. Actually, I haven't managed the whole sequence yet, only getting the tube down to my throat but not pulling it through. Last year, I brought tongue scrapers home as souvenirs... this year, guess what you'll be getting? Nose tubes!

I've been really good about not eating out, accepting and trying to enjoy the monotony of our meals. However, mid-afternoon, I always walk to our local bakery. I've become quite chummy with the cute, little,  bright-eyed, wide-grinned bakery man, even noticing and complimenting his recent haircut... eyes got even brighter, grin got even wider. Also getting wider: my waist. Ok, so it's nothing drastic, but seriously, every day I have either a coffee cake, cheesecake, apple crumble, chocolate ball, honey nut pie... I think I've tried everything he makes. Is it a reasonable reward for my meal control, or does it just cancel it out?

Heat. Yup. Last week I complained about the cold, now I'm complaining about the heat. Mornings and evenings are now perfect, but daytime is almost unbearable already. During philosophy class, even when we're not moving, we sit in the yoga hall fanning ourselves and wiping sweat, while Roshan prances around in jeans and a zipped-up turtleneck jacket. Hunh.

Be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe. No less than the trees and the stars. In the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. -Max Ehrmann

1 Month Mark!

Well, just like that, a month has gone by. Just 2 weeks until certification!

Yesterday afternoon, during the last class of month 1 with Narindra, I bent in ways that made me truly wonder whose body I was in. Certainly not mine! In a final variation of the standing forward bend (padahastasana), I had my abdomen and chest pressed firmly against my thighs, my legs were kept straight, and my head was below and between my knees, with my arms wrapped around my legs. I guess that's what a month of yoga 4 hours a day will do!

Last night, I went to my 3rd 5 Rythms dance to kick-off the weekend. It was the best one yet. I was really able to surrender to the music and let my body move freely with the sounds. We weren't allowed to have the windows open this time due to noise complaints the previous week. Because of the electrical wiring, we couldn't turn the fans on without also having lights on. But the atmosphere just wasn't the same with fluorescent lights drowning out the soft glow of the candles. So, it turned into quite the sweat-fest in there! Can't wait to organize this at home when I get back... who's in?

Today, regular Sunday stuff: reading, laundry, chai and postcards by the Ganga (sitting behind an old Indian woman doing her laundry on the river steps and talking loudly to herself). And tonight, to close the weekend, I'm going to the sound journey again. It's the last one.

A beautiful Sunday to all of you :)

Swati, Sahasrara, Talent Show, Astanga

Just back from a little visit with Swati. I drop by to see her at least once a week, always greeted with a smile, some tea and snacks. She often asks about how my family and friends are doing back home, so I wanted to share that with you. She was a bit sick today, sinus and throat problems, but other than she's doing well. She even told me she was thinking about adding a second child to her family soon. A little playmate for 5 year old Arnav. Maybe I'll have a baby to hold next time I come to India!

Yesterday, I finished my Sahasrara (7th, crown, thousand-petal, spiritual) chakra. The outline took 3 hours, the coloring took 2. I think it's the most beautiful thing I've ever produced. For the first 6 chakras, I meticulously calculated and drew every single line and curve with instruments from the geometry kit. They looked quite nice, but were lacking a little something. They were very, almost entirely, left brain. One of the key words in our classes has been balance, so I thought I'd keep that in mind while doing my Sahasrara. Still made some angle calculations, but free-handed the curvy petals, and it made all the difference. Right and left brain working together produced much more appealing results. Now, time get started on the yantras.

Roshan announced, after yesterday's philosophy class, that at the end of next week we would putting on a talent show. We each had to come up with something to present. Hmmm, what is my talent, I wondered? Nothing came to mind right away, so I figured I might just choose a meaningful poem or book passage and read it to the group. Meh, a little boring, I thought. Later in the afternoon, I thought, Well, I did dance for 16 years of my life. Maybe I could put together a little routine. As I was listening to Leonard Cohen (my mom's favorite singer) on my iPod, I tought maybe I'd dance to one of his songs and dedicate it to her. Hmmm, a little too personal. (Though now that that idea has been planted in my head, I'm considering it for a different time... getting teary-eyed just thinking aout it.) Then, as I was finishing up my sahasrara, Prateek (last year's astrologer)'s voice came into my mind: "You are a talented writer. You should share through your writing." That was also the time I was getting very encourging feedback about my blog. So, rather than read someone else's words from a poem or book, I'll share my own. Choose a couple of my favorite posts from last year and bring them back to life.

Last night, in Narindra's class I did my first full astanga vinyasa series, and for the first time since I've been here, broke a sweat during class. It's a very active, fast and strengthening practice. While I don't think I would make this my primary practice style, it felt pretty amazing. After class, I felt so energized that my walk had a little hop to it. But then, as I had expected, I had a very hard time falling asleep. Woke up feeling pretty exhausted this morning, and after tea and neti, decided to skip my second class. Figured two missed classes in a month was pretty reasonable. Wonder what kind of journey Faraaz will take us on tonight...