Today was filled with learning, laughter, comradery and creativity. I love being a part of this particular classmates. We alla bring various yoga experience and spirituality.
A few of us have begun meeting after dinner and showers in the Yoga tent to work on cueing up poses. It is here that I realize I have already lost my mala. We made them today out of Rudraksha seeds that have fallen to the ground on the Ashram land. So far, I have lost my mala, my lip balm, 2 pens, and the paper I was given which my chore instructions were written.
Plopping down in my tent, I am grateful that it is dark so I cannot see the mess in there. I have very little time to make it to each session every day, let alone clean my personal living space. We get Sundays off so I plan to take a few minutes to straighten up.
6:10 PM and we yoga teachers-in-training are totally spent. We learned 5 poses today and none of us had energy after dinner to do any homework sessions. Everyone else has gone to shower, then bed. I feel I must write now while I have a clear mind.
If I had a chalkboard right now, I would write the following words on it 200 times:
Inhale, press through feet to lift heart. Exhale as you hinge at hips.
Inhale, press through feet to lift heart. Exhale as you hinge at hips.
Inhale, press through feet to lift heart. Exhale as you bend knee.
Inhale, press through feet to lift heart. Exhale as you bend knee and hips.
Inhale, press through sit bones and feet to lift heart. Exhale as you hinge at hips.
Inhale, press through sit bones to lift heart. Exhale as you lean back and work legs together.
Inhale, press through floor to lift heart. Exhale as you tilt the hips and bend to side.
This is our new language…If it were possible to tattoo it on our brains, it would already be done.
It is very humid and by the end of each day, I totally smell like ass, which makes the shower all that more enjoyable. It was raining tonight as I was showering under the Bamboo tree. The rain out here is nice. Not cold and frigid like home, which makes me cranky. This Kona rain brings me into a state of blissfulness. It felt like I was getting a much needed double cleansing. I felt so lovely and peaceful. Surely, I smelled better afterward…
Today is the longest day of the year! Summer Solstice. We awoke to the most beautiful moonlit ocean view.
As I had hoped, our Yoga class was focused on Sun Salutations. It was a lovely practice, honoring the Sun and all the energy it provides creation.
The back was kind enough to let me partake in this Yoga celebration. At the end of class, I gave myself a big hug and thanked my body for all it does for me.
Though it was hot and humid, making me sleepy, I took my break over at the grassy slope under the Bodhi tree and laid down inverted. A wonderful sensation flowed through my back and I even got in a nice snooze!
My biggest challenge for the week is staying awake during meditation.
From my creative writing challenge “40 Days and 40 Nights”
Leaf flickering as it falls from the tree.
It is red as fire and smaller than a bird’s feather.
Arriving to the ground, it has found it’s new purpose – to feed the hungry ants, who will feed the hungry gecko.
As demanding as this schedule is, I know I will miss it when it is over. So I choose to remain present in each moment, remembering to keep a soft bend in my knees while standing. I have been told that doing so honors the intention.
Stay Blissful my friends! – E
Living Elysian 