Moving Around In Mysore

This is what I used to get around Mysore -


Some yoga students who are staying for a longer duration, rent scooters or bicycles. It looks a lot of fun -


But look out for wildlife on the roads ...

Mysore Class - 21 Sept

Went to a Mysore class at the yoga studio I go to in Malaysia. Someone complimented me on my breathing after class was over. Wahoo! I take what I can get. Though, I'm not sure whether it was because I was focusing on deep breathes to stretch the muscle that was bothering me in the ribs or whether my breathing has improved because of the regular practice in Mysore. But, hey - for a stiff guy, any compliment you will take.

Manoj (my teacher) managed to bind me quite comfortably in Marichyasana D on the right side. I'm still working on the left side. It's coming. Patience, patience. I think my back bend has improved - I'm not so exhausted after the 3 back bends. Again, I could be just stronger from the regular practice. Feels great to be back and had an enjoyable practice.

Memories of Mysore are still fresh in my mind, which is good. They will help me with my self practice.

My First Practice After Mysore - 18 Sept

It's been 5 days since my last practice in Mysore. So I unrolled my mat for a rare self practice at home. I felt lethargic so I decided to focus on deep slow breathes, rather than getting deep. Besides Malaysia is a lot more humid and hotter than Mysore. As I was doing sun salutations A, I wondered whether I should do 3 instead of 5. I decided to do what I did in Mysore - which is 5 sun A and 3 sun B.

Throughout my practice, I kept the memory of Mysore in my mind. That had somehow helped me get through my practice. In fact, I felt more energy in the middle of my practice and managed to get quite deep in the asanas. I still can't bind in Marichyasana D but I feel I'm progressing in the right direction. Practice, practice and all is coming!

And I still remember Sharath's conference - you do what you can in this lifetime, and continue what you don't finish in your next lifetimes. Also, he mentioned Santosha - be happy and content with what you have (in material things and in other things, such as luxury of time to practice and your own physical limits).

With that, I think I've brought back something from Mysore that I can use anytime.

Last Practice in Mysore - 13 Sept

Today is my last day in Mysore and I had a great led class with Saraswathi. Practice was good - my ribs did not bother me too much. Because it was a led class, I didn't focus on slow breathes, instead I focused on Saraswathi's count. Well, thank goodness, her count was not slow or I would have passed out in Uth Pluthi.

It's has been special coming here to practice. At the same time, I'm looking forward to heading back to Malaysia, and taking back a bit of Mysore with me.

Practice - 12 Sept

Today, when I started, I did not expect anything but just focused on deep breaths and extending my ribs. Somehow or other, when I got to the sitting asanas, I felt much more energy than yesterday, and the ribs did not bother me too much. When it came to Marichyasana D on the right side, I got more of my fingers to interlocked and Saraswathi could even let go of me! Wow, when I least expect it. The left side was also better - I could get the right elbow round the left knee. Saraswathi even asked me to try it again. Still could not touch the fingers - but much improvement from yesterday! Celebrated afterwards with breakfast at Santosha.

One more practice, which is a led class tomorrow. Then it's back to Malaysia. I had an absolutely great time and experience here. But I feel ready and looking forward to going back to Malaysia. Hopefully, I'll bring home new and productive habits when I get back ...

Practice - 11 Sept

Whoops - I think I tried too hard on Monday. The tiny muscle pull I felt in my ribs when I tried binding in Marichyasana D on the right side has increased. So today's practice was a bit more cautious and less deep. Still, I felt good as I concentrated more on breathing deeper.

The rest of the day was spent shopping at Sudha's and Rashinkar's, which are close to the shala. They sell great cotton rugs to put over the mats and some nice gifts to take home. Now the mindset has switched to going back on Saturday - which meant shopping for loved ones at home.

Practice - 10 Sept

I'm getting so comfortable practicing in the shala, that after my headstand, while I was in child's pose, I was thinking of having a Dosa for breakfast. Of course I tried to eliminate the thought. But once it's in, it stayed with me during padmasana and savasana. Needless to say, after practice, I went to the Green Leaf for Dosa.

Got my fingers to lock in Marichyasana D on the left side, of course with Saraswathi's help. We were quite pleased with the right side as she said, "Maybe tomorrow it will bind". Fingers crossed ...