Until My Next Trip

So long until my next Mysore trip. Saving this blog for my future Mysore trips. I have started another blog - Crazy Cacat in the City. Feel free to drop in. It is not a yoga blog - just anything that comes into my scattered mind. But it will contain updates/progress in my yoga journey. Happy practicing, everyone!

Saraswathi's Birthday - 11 Sept

How fitting that my last practice in Mysore should fall on Saraswathi's birthday. How I missed it last year is a good indication of how spaced out a person I am. Was early at the shala, and noticed the senior (senior not in age but in practice) aspirants bringing some flowers to the changing room. I went through a mental checklist - is it some festival? is it Guruji's birthday? is it Friday's prayers? All wrong. The answer came after class ended. A birthday cake was presented to Saraswathi at the stage, and then the senior aspirants went to give Saraswathi the flowers. After that, we all sang Happy Birthday. It was really nice to see the respect and love shown to this great teacher.

I was very lucky as I had planned to give Saraswathi a gift after my last class. After the cake cutting, I got changed and went to the office to say my thanks and goodbye. But not before offering the gift as a birthday present. What an opportunist I am - shameful! I took it further and ask for permission for a photo with Saraswathi. Digital camera nowadays come with many features - and one of them is that you can customise the camera in such a way that when a picture is taken, you will hear a dog barking instead of a click. Of course I had change the settings (for the kids!). Anyway, Sharath was in the office at that time and I ask whether he could take the picture of me with Saraswathi. To my horror, I heard a dog bark as he took the picture. He gave a quizzical look at the camera and then at me. At which point, I was completely mortified. Stripped of any dignity, I went for broke and ask for a photo with Sharath! Saraswathi also gave me the same look as Sharath when she took the photo. But it was worth it!

What a great two weeks it has been. It has been both enjoyable and inspiring. Now I must remember to change my camera settings back to normal settings.

Last Self-Practice Class - 10 Sept

Mixed feelings about today's practice. Today is the last of Mysore styled classes for me. One part of me wish I could stay on for another 2 weeks, but the other part is already looking forward to seeing family again. Two weeks is a short time, but at this stage in my life, it seems like the right duration. Maybe in years to come, I'll stay for one month, or even two!

These two weeks have been really memorable. Starting practice at 5am (4.45am in real time) was something I did not expect, but turned out to be such a blessing. After practice, the outside temperature is still cool and having a coconut after practice, perfect! Imran (I hope I spelt right) always serve the coconuts out with a quiet smile. And then, breakfast at my hotel's rooftop - really nice. But don't leave your plate unattended for a minute or the birds will be your breakfast friends.

So, only tomorrow's led class left, which I am really looking forward to. I wish there is someway adequate to describe the first opening inhale, but it's probably best to experience first hand.

Practice - 9 Sept

It's funny how natural it has become to start getting ready for bed when it's still light outside. At first it took some getting used to; but now 7.30pm felt like bedtime. Last night I was woken up by a knock on my door in the middle of the night. Well, I say in the middle of the night; it was really around 9. He asked whether I was ready to go some place. He only realised he had the wrong room when his friend told him. After that, I was wide awake and quietly cursing him, planning ways to steal his sleep. The thought of knocking on his door when I'm leaving for yoga the next morning (this morning) came to mind. "Are you ready to go to class? Oops, sorry, got the wrong room." Soon as "yoga" flashed into my mind, I quickly admonished myself for entertaining such thoughts.

Nevertheless, practice continues to be enjoyable. There is something about practicing together with such dedicated aspirants (I picked up this word from Yoga Mala). In football, the standard of play generally goes up when you are up against a really good team. I think it is the same practicing here. Not that I'm up against anybody; I hope you know what I mean. Binding continues to be easier - well, incrementally - but at least it is not going backwards. What I really enjoy is the energy in the shala and Saraswathi's presence - always watchful and always there when needed.

This morning I caught sight of Sharath! He was with his son. Nice surprise as I thought he was away on a world tour. I don't think he will teach, but how nice it would be if he did for my last 2 practices to come!

Practice - 8 Sept

Beginning to feel more and more settled practicing in this famous shala. Was able to remember the alignment that I've been trying to get into for Mari D, and applied the same alignment for Mari C. It certainly felt different, and the binds were deeper. On one side, I'm almost reaching my wrist! And doing this for Mari C seemed to help for Mari D. It was quicker to bind, and I hope less work for Saraswathi this week than last.

Last week in Mysore. Time has flown! Going to savour the next few practices till I leave.

7 Sept - First Use Of ATM In Mysore

Took me all of 3 weeks before I found an ATM that I could use in Mysore. If your ATM has an icon with the word "PLUS" on it, there's an ATM machine next to Barista (coffee outlet like a Starbucks) that will work. It is an Axis Bank ATM, and it's on Temple Road. Sorry, just a reference point for future use, plus it is a big relief to know I have access to my bank account in Malaysia.

Back to my practice. Mysore style today. Was taking it easy as I was feeling tired when I woke up. Somehow, found some energy midway through standing. Was able to stay steady during Utthita Hasta Padangushtasana but I had help - plus the counts are faster when there's help during self practice classes. Yay! But she stayed to make sure the leg stayed parallel to the floor when hands are back at the waist. So, can't let go of focus.

Marichyasana D seemed easier to bind today - well, I hope Saraswathi think so too. I think I'm getting an idea of the alignment she wanted during Marichyasana D. It makes it harder to bind as it requires more twist in the body. In the long run, it will be good for me.

I'm still quite pleased I found out about the ATM. Next time I don't have to lug around a money belt with me all the time!

Sunday Led Class - 6 Sept

Had been looking forward to today's led class. Having Friday and Saturday off felt like a weekend - so much so, yesterday I had a mild panic attack and thought I missed Sunday's led class. Talk about spaced out yogi!

As expected, the shala came to life with the first resonating inhale as the hands go up in unison. Managed not to dance so much in Utthita Hasta Padangushtasana, although my breathing has none of the serenity associated with yoga. Was really grateful to Saraswathi when she came to adjust me in Mari D. Even though I was bit stiff, she gave me two goes on the right side, and then stayed to help with the left. By Navasana, I was trying to catch my breath from my efforts in Mari D. But then, with the slow counting during Navasana, I lost my breath again and by the fifth Navasana, I was a shaking wreck. So, haha, made it through Navasana. Now, I could relax and watch the rest sweat. Just as I got comfortable, Saraswathi smiled and ask me to do Bhujapidasana. So much for resting, but I was like the dog I met this morning, happy for any attention.

After class, rushed back to clean up and made it to Mass at Sacred Heart Church at Yadav Giri. Made good time and was even early. All of a sudden, I was asked by one of the church helpers to read the first reading. I wanted to say I can't but somehow "sure" came out. Was so nervous that I nearly read the wrong reading. Thank goodness, someone came to help with the microphone and I discretely pointed at the section I was supposed to read and got a discrete nod back.

Well, considering the last two days of not doing much, except read, eat, and walk into shops, I felt really productive this morning and it's not even half past ten!