Friday, August 1, 2008

Sleep and Yoga

Finally, some sleep! While I never felt sleepy during the day, I could not sleep at night for the first 3 nights here. But yesterday Karen and I moved into our flat (a huge improvement over the Ambience hotel) and I finally slept like a rock. Life will be pleasant here - we are directly next to the institute, and my room overlooks the courtyard between the Iyengar family home and the Yoga hall. Our host, Sanjeev, is incredibly nice and generous.

On Thursday, I attended my first practice. You are given a practice time everyday to work individually and access all the yoga props the institute has to offer. I was intimidated the moment I walked in. Everyone seemed to know what they were doing, and many of the practices seemed quite advanced. I set up, hoped no one was watching me, and started in. Then, Mr. Iyengar showed up for his practice and also to work with others. It was amazing to watch this almost 90 year old man do his practice and speak about yoga! By the end of the practice session I was feeling better and slightly more confident.

Yesterday was my first class with Geeta. I was terrified when class started. The hall was packed - I thought there were at least 120 people and everyone was working to get a spot for their mat. It was humid and hot, and I didn't know anyone around me. But once we got underway, there was no time to be anxious. Geeta worked us hard, even though we mostly did basic poses - downward dog, tadasana (about 12 times), and the basic standing poses. Geeta was in a good mood and made many jokes. When we first laid down in savasana, she joked "the shouting is over!".

Personal notes:

Julie, Norma from SY says hi. Glennis is not staying in our flat, but will be in our building. She doesn't arrive for a few days. Karen knows Glennis and will point her out to me. Ryan and Lindsey, thanks for the post! Nitin, it was nice to see you. Barb, I had dinner with Anne (from Portland) and we discussed classes in Portland. I also chatted with Jeff from NY (FPR Anne's teacher).

Time to head to my second class!

1 comment:

Theyoginme said...

Nina, Try the coconut juice after the class and ask for malai. If you like coconut - this is the best. Are you taking Prashant's class? I am in Mumbai and I drove this time to see the Kauai views you pointed. You were so right. I have been missing it all these years. My company is going on an overnight trek/trip next weekend out that way near the waterfalls. Next time I am definitly going up that way. If you get a chance or have time please observe the classes on the 2nd floor - the ones I took.

Nitin