Last night was Prashant's class. We focused on backbends. It was a tough class with the only pauses coming when we switched “stations”. We went from rope headstand to backback on the chair to more rope work. Prashant was giving strong individual adjustments to every student to help us understand where we needed to open. He said “Don't go for all out effort, go for all out effect”! This actually helped me stay in the more difficult poses longer. Backbends are tough for me but I managed to make it through class, feeling just a little grumpy after class was over.
This morning in Geeta's class we had a long stay in both headstand and shoulderstand. Geeta told us that we shouldn't be concerned with how long we were going to stay in shoulderstand, so I knew were were in for a long stay indeed. She did not disappoint and Karen and I figured we were there (with variations) for 20 minutes. It was helpful to talk to the other women after class and learn that everyone was ready to hear the longed for words in headstand – now inhale and come down!
It has been raining hard for the last four days, and there is much flooding around the region. We haven't seen blue sky for days. Karen and I have taken it easy the last two days – no rickshaw rides. We are planning a shopping trip and a trip to the German bakery (where I have told there is chocolate cake!), as well as visiting a temple in the next few days.
Thanks for all the Princess Bride jokes! They made my day. And EWW - thanks for reminding me of my actuarial past. KA - I would think the average age is around my age (45 for two more weeks!), maybe a little older. There are plenty of 30 somethings, and many over 60.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Shoulders and Twists
Shoulders and Twists
Yesterday two people helped me with my “unintelligent” shoulders. First Glennis (rhymes with menace, according to her) saw me in Savasana (relaxation pose for you non yoga readers). She looked down at me and said “Would you like some help with your shoulders”? She gave me a great adjustment, so that my chest felt opened and I could relax. Thanks Glennis!
The evening class with Geeta was intense. Geeta was focused like a Olympic coach, intent on helping us to “reach the remote edges of the abdomen” in seated twisting poses. First she got us heated up with handstands, forearm balance, and a long stay in headstand with variations. Then we worked so relentlessly in the twists that my legs were slippery with sweat. To end class we worked on the twisting variations of sarvangasana (shoulderstand). This is where I got my second adjustment. I was near the front and I heard Geeta say “you in the blue tee-shirt, take your shoulder back”. I knew she was talking to me because things weren't going so well in my pose. Next thing I knew there she was next to me. She adjusted my arms, legs, head and hips so quickly I am not sure what she did. But I understood now what she was trying to make me do with my shoulders. After class I thanked her and she simply nodded her head in reply.
Lost in Translation
Having a flatmate from Spain has been great. He reminds us of Mandy Patinkin's character in The Princess Bride (Inigo Montoya) in his gentle, polite demeanor. Oscar was telling us how he felt lucky to have scored such a great living arrangement. (we heard about a couple of people who didn't have water for two days). He said “I have the luck of the newbie”. Karen figured out he meant beginner's luck!
Thanks for your posts, keep them coming! Nitin, I will get the things you asked for.
Yesterday two people helped me with my “unintelligent” shoulders. First Glennis (rhymes with menace, according to her) saw me in Savasana (relaxation pose for you non yoga readers). She looked down at me and said “Would you like some help with your shoulders”? She gave me a great adjustment, so that my chest felt opened and I could relax. Thanks Glennis!
The evening class with Geeta was intense. Geeta was focused like a Olympic coach, intent on helping us to “reach the remote edges of the abdomen” in seated twisting poses. First she got us heated up with handstands, forearm balance, and a long stay in headstand with variations. Then we worked so relentlessly in the twists that my legs were slippery with sweat. To end class we worked on the twisting variations of sarvangasana (shoulderstand). This is where I got my second adjustment. I was near the front and I heard Geeta say “you in the blue tee-shirt, take your shoulder back”. I knew she was talking to me because things weren't going so well in my pose. Next thing I knew there she was next to me. She adjusted my arms, legs, head and hips so quickly I am not sure what she did. But I understood now what she was trying to make me do with my shoulders. After class I thanked her and she simply nodded her head in reply.
Lost in Translation
Having a flatmate from Spain has been great. He reminds us of Mandy Patinkin's character in The Princess Bride (Inigo Montoya) in his gentle, polite demeanor. Oscar was telling us how he felt lucky to have scored such a great living arrangement. (we heard about a couple of people who didn't have water for two days). He said “I have the luck of the newbie”. Karen figured out he meant beginner's luck!
Thanks for your posts, keep them coming! Nitin, I will get the things you asked for.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Puja and another Geeta
Last night our hosts, Sanjeev and Sush Ama invited us to a family event. The family had earlier in the day held a puja (a religious ritual). In the evening was an informal get-together and we were invited to go up to the 7th floor and have some food, desserts and social time.
We met in-laws, nieces, nephews, mothers aunts and uncles. Sush Ama's mother is bedridden but we brought to her room to be introduced and to chat. Even though she was obviously in pain, she had a beautiful smile and told us how Pune used to be.
Today we went to a private residence for an amazing shopping afternoon. We were picked up by car (a big deal after riding in rickshaws for two weeks) by Geeta's husband Sunder. And then we were met at the door by Geeta herself, and even though I hadn't yet met her she hugged me in welcome. We were treated to lunch of mixed veggies, a squash dish, Indian bread and paratha (potato dumplings). It was the best meal we have had since we arrived! Geeta's house was beautiful and quiet. We met her grandsons, daughter and son-in-law.
Then the shopping began. We walked to the back of her yard to a converted garage. This is where Geeta displays all of her wares from her travels around India. Geeta brought us chai tea, which we sipped as we opened drawers, unfolded scarves, and dug through piles of purses. Everything in the store was beautiful and we soon had picked out many gifts - as well as some treasures for ourselves. Ladies of my family, expect gifts! (sorry guys). Geeta gave both us us a gift of a cotton purse/backpack to nicely package what we had selected. She personally drove us home as well, and invited us back for another meal.
I am almost out of dark chocolate and I don't know how I will cope for two weeks. Julie - you were right I needed to bring more!
Finally, Geeta's women's class yesterday was strenuous and informing. We did janu sirsasana (a seated forward bend) five times and I left the class feeling good. Both Karen and I were grateful to sleep in this morning to the sound of monsoon rains.
Personal notes: Catie, thanks for the post and let me know how things go.
We met in-laws, nieces, nephews, mothers aunts and uncles. Sush Ama's mother is bedridden but we brought to her room to be introduced and to chat. Even though she was obviously in pain, she had a beautiful smile and told us how Pune used to be.
Today we went to a private residence for an amazing shopping afternoon. We were picked up by car (a big deal after riding in rickshaws for two weeks) by Geeta's husband Sunder. And then we were met at the door by Geeta herself, and even though I hadn't yet met her she hugged me in welcome. We were treated to lunch of mixed veggies, a squash dish, Indian bread and paratha (potato dumplings). It was the best meal we have had since we arrived! Geeta's house was beautiful and quiet. We met her grandsons, daughter and son-in-law.
Then the shopping began. We walked to the back of her yard to a converted garage. This is where Geeta displays all of her wares from her travels around India. Geeta brought us chai tea, which we sipped as we opened drawers, unfolded scarves, and dug through piles of purses. Everything in the store was beautiful and we soon had picked out many gifts - as well as some treasures for ourselves. Ladies of my family, expect gifts! (sorry guys). Geeta gave both us us a gift of a cotton purse/backpack to nicely package what we had selected. She personally drove us home as well, and invited us back for another meal.
I am almost out of dark chocolate and I don't know how I will cope for two weeks. Julie - you were right I needed to bring more!
Finally, Geeta's women's class yesterday was strenuous and informing. We did janu sirsasana (a seated forward bend) five times and I left the class feeling good. Both Karen and I were grateful to sleep in this morning to the sound of monsoon rains.
Personal notes: Catie, thanks for the post and let me know how things go.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Forward Bends and Massage
We are on to a week of standing poses and forward bends! Our first forward bend class was with Geeta. It was the best forward bend class ever and Geeta's teaching was briliant. My head was acutally in the vicinity of my leg in Maricyasana I - definitely a first! Geeta started class by looking at the people in the front row and declaring that she was tired of seeing the same faces in the front. She made everyone switch places and I ended up second row, center. It was illuminating to be that close to her. She looked me in the eye many times and I couldn't help but repsond in my poses by going deeper. She was in an extremely good mood - telling us jokes about ice cream vs. janu sirsasana. I could feel that she wanted to connect with us so that we understood what she was teaching.
Karen and I made it to our massage yesterday at Ayur Jyoti. It was a wonderful oil massage and I felt so relaxed that I didn't mind the rickshaw ride home in rush hour traffic.
I feel acclimated now to the culture, the Institute and our schedule. This has helped my stress level and my practice. A group of five of us are meeting to take notes on the clases. The others in our group are Nancy from NY, Tina from Seattle, Glennis from Englan and our flatmate Oscar. It feels a little like living in the dorm and studying together.
Tonya and Terry - I said hi to Nana. He remembered both of you. Tonya he said "yes, yes, Tonya and Barb"!
Karen and I made it to our massage yesterday at Ayur Jyoti. It was a wonderful oil massage and I felt so relaxed that I didn't mind the rickshaw ride home in rush hour traffic.
I feel acclimated now to the culture, the Institute and our schedule. This has helped my stress level and my practice. A group of five of us are meeting to take notes on the clases. The others in our group are Nancy from NY, Tina from Seattle, Glennis from Englan and our flatmate Oscar. It feels a little like living in the dorm and studying together.
Tonya and Terry - I said hi to Nana. He remembered both of you. Tonya he said "yes, yes, Tonya and Barb"!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Cyber Cafe
Karen and I are sitting in a cyber cafe so we can have high speed internet access, instead of dial up. It is completely filled with teenage boys playing Doom online. They are yelling and shouting in their immersion in what they are doing. The walk was crazy to get here and we crossed the street with a young man who seemed to know what he was doing. It is hot and stuffy despite the open windows. and a real Pune experience. I think I will stick with the slower dial up at home, as I am getting a headache from the heat and noise.
Karen and I wanted a taste of home last night so we watch Star Wars on my laptop. We are both Star Wars nuts, and it was great to watch and relax.
It is interested to practice in the hall and watch everyone use the ropes. I have learned quite a few new ways to work with the ropes and I am excited to share with everyone at home. I feel my body start to open in new ways as I am immersed in this experience. Tonight is our first pranayama class. The students who are new to classes at Pune are to go to a different class than those who are here for the second (or more) time.
Bill - we are on the second floor, not the fourth. Julie, thanks for the iPod speakers - Karen and I are using them a lot! Nitin, I will say hi to Nuvana's relatives, thanks for the tip!
Karen and I wanted a taste of home last night so we watch Star Wars on my laptop. We are both Star Wars nuts, and it was great to watch and relax.
It is interested to practice in the hall and watch everyone use the ropes. I have learned quite a few new ways to work with the ropes and I am excited to share with everyone at home. I feel my body start to open in new ways as I am immersed in this experience. Tonight is our first pranayama class. The students who are new to classes at Pune are to go to a different class than those who are here for the second (or more) time.
Bill - we are on the second floor, not the fourth. Julie, thanks for the iPod speakers - Karen and I are using them a lot! Nitin, I will say hi to Nuvana's relatives, thanks for the tip!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Food and Clothes
Hello again,
Apparently the birds make a ruckus in the evening as well!
Our flatmate moved in yesterday. His name is Oscar and he is from Madrid. He seems like a very kind man and we enjoyed talking to him last night. It is his first time here for classes as well. He has spent some time on the west coast, and even drove from San Francisco to Seattle on Highway 101!
One post asked about food. We are incredibly lucky - we have a cook come to our flat everyday and make lunch for us. For 50 rupees (about a buck and a quarter) she makes dal (a lentil dish soupy or thick), a vegetable of our choice (cauliflower, carrots, beans, squash, okra), chappatis (flat bread kind of like tortillas but not really) and a grain like rice. We come home from practice or class and all we have to do is heat and serve! For dinner we usually have left overs, and for breakfast I have oatmeal or peanut butter bread. I thought I would have to do without ice cream, but I am happy to say I just had some chocolate B&R ice cream.
Had an interesting class with Prashant - all twists. He spoke about quality and quantity in poses. We held each poses for what seemed like an eternity while he tried to get us to connect body mind and breath. One surprise - he was very funny, making jokes several time.
Geeta taught this morning and we worked really hard. I have so much work to do on my basic standing poses. I felt like Geeta was speaking to me with each instruction that both re emphasized previous points, and took us deeper.
Finally - Karen and I had some great retail therapy yesterday. We went to see Sunita the Tailor, and we both ordered some beautiful salwaar khameezs (pant suits with scarves and I am not sure of the spelling) to be made to our measurements. There was so much beautiful fabric and Sunita was so kind and welcoming that my homesickness was completely gone.
Personal Notes:
Terry, I will say hi for you.
Apparently the birds make a ruckus in the evening as well!
Our flatmate moved in yesterday. His name is Oscar and he is from Madrid. He seems like a very kind man and we enjoyed talking to him last night. It is his first time here for classes as well. He has spent some time on the west coast, and even drove from San Francisco to Seattle on Highway 101!
One post asked about food. We are incredibly lucky - we have a cook come to our flat everyday and make lunch for us. For 50 rupees (about a buck and a quarter) she makes dal (a lentil dish soupy or thick), a vegetable of our choice (cauliflower, carrots, beans, squash, okra), chappatis (flat bread kind of like tortillas but not really) and a grain like rice. We come home from practice or class and all we have to do is heat and serve! For dinner we usually have left overs, and for breakfast I have oatmeal or peanut butter bread. I thought I would have to do without ice cream, but I am happy to say I just had some chocolate B&R ice cream.
Had an interesting class with Prashant - all twists. He spoke about quality and quantity in poses. We held each poses for what seemed like an eternity while he tried to get us to connect body mind and breath. One surprise - he was very funny, making jokes several time.
Geeta taught this morning and we worked really hard. I have so much work to do on my basic standing poses. I felt like Geeta was speaking to me with each instruction that both re emphasized previous points, and took us deeper.
Finally - Karen and I had some great retail therapy yesterday. We went to see Sunita the Tailor, and we both ordered some beautiful salwaar khameezs (pant suits with scarves and I am not sure of the spelling) to be made to our measurements. There was so much beautiful fabric and Sunita was so kind and welcoming that my homesickness was completely gone.
Personal Notes:
Terry, I will say hi for you.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Power Out and a New Friend
First - thanks for all the great posts! I loved reading them! I was a little homesick when I opened my blog, and knowing you are all reading it made me feel better.
Power outages seem to be a fact of life here. I asked our host, Sanjeev what was going on. He said that the monsoon rains have been light this year, creating power shortages. So they have to initiate rolling power outages around the city. So far today, the regular power has gone out twice. Luckily for us, our building has a back up generator, so when the regular power goes out we can still have lights, computers, and refrigeration. But no hot water, we have discovered.
Last night Glennis - a women from England (and Karen's roommate from two years ago) came home with us after class to write down "yoga notes". Yoga notes are what us yoga nerds do after each class - writing down the sequence and then filling in detail about what was taught. Glennis is a hoot! She regaled us with stories of her travels and with her accent I felt like I was sitting next to Eliza Doolittle.
The class last night was taught by Chandra, and was a very good class. We learned an interesting new way to do headstand as well as some standing pose variations.
We have our first class with Prashant tonight. Prashant is Mr. Iyengar's son. I have heard his classes are really interesting so I am looking forward to it.
Personal notes:
Good luck Catie, let me know how it goes. Thanks for the info Bill, we will try again. Kathleen from Thursday night class - thanks again for the lavender/rosemary soap you gave me. I brought it along and it smell lovely.
Power outages seem to be a fact of life here. I asked our host, Sanjeev what was going on. He said that the monsoon rains have been light this year, creating power shortages. So they have to initiate rolling power outages around the city. So far today, the regular power has gone out twice. Luckily for us, our building has a back up generator, so when the regular power goes out we can still have lights, computers, and refrigeration. But no hot water, we have discovered.
Last night Glennis - a women from England (and Karen's roommate from two years ago) came home with us after class to write down "yoga notes". Yoga notes are what us yoga nerds do after each class - writing down the sequence and then filling in detail about what was taught. Glennis is a hoot! She regaled us with stories of her travels and with her accent I felt like I was sitting next to Eliza Doolittle.
The class last night was taught by Chandra, and was a very good class. We learned an interesting new way to do headstand as well as some standing pose variations.
We have our first class with Prashant tonight. Prashant is Mr. Iyengar's son. I have heard his classes are really interesting so I am looking forward to it.
Personal notes:
Good luck Catie, let me know how it goes. Thanks for the info Bill, we will try again. Kathleen from Thursday night class - thanks again for the lavender/rosemary soap you gave me. I brought it along and it smell lovely.
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