Monday, November 30, 2009

My Return to Mysore (class)

Back on track. What a relief to know that it wasn't as troublesome to resume my Ashtanga yoga practice. It certainly helped that I attended a Mysore class at Chi last Saturday, my first in almost 3 months. I got cold feet and was worried my memory would fail me, true enough I forgot probably 4 asanas including Navasana (and that's why my abs didn't hurt the next day). I rocked around more than 9 times in Garbha Pindasana and went straight to walking the wall after Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana. I was worn out taking so many vinyasas but at least I kept my hands flat in trini and ashtau throughout the series. Felt a little spoiled after being adjusted by my teachers. I had gotten used to getting into problem poses on my own during self-practise. And boy, was it magical to perspire so much and hear that collective, sibilant ujayii breathing again. ONE breath, together as Becky would say.

To re-connect with my teachers, friends and familiar faces at Yoga Manila was sooo comforting. I soon felt like I was back to my old self. Had a delicious lunch of Salmon sa Miso and Okoy with Lyn and Sash at nearby Heat at the Shang. Then checked out the new Certified Calm merchandise. By bedtime I still had leftover adrenaline that kept me awake. My mind was filled with familiar feelings: contentment, gratitude, some relaxation, a lot of mentally dissecting asanas. I don't have that feeling of being "gone" just yet. But I am definitely looking forward to it. Om gate gate, para gate, parasam gate, Bodhi svaha.