Today I watched the medical class. Each participant has been given an individualized yoga “prescription” to work with their medical issue. These classes are chaotic, not at all like a led class.
Some participants need three assistants to help them set up their yoga props correctly and then to apply leverage, weight or pressure in the right spots. Family members are often present learning how to set up the props for home practice. Both Geeta and Guruji are often present riding herd on the assistants, getting everything just right.
It was heartbreaking to see some of the conditions that are being endured. One woman had an lower back curve so severe it looked like she would break in half. There was an elderly man being helped by his wife who could barely walk and looked frail and unresponsive. There was a little girl whose legs looked permanently turned to the side and some others who were obviously victims of vehicle accidents. There were also many for whom I could not tell what the issue was. But each person was given personal attention and urged to work hard. I am grateful for my good health after seeing what there people are living with.
I have watched several beginning and intermediate classes as well. The beginning classes are one hour, the intermediate classes are 1.5 hours, and the “advanced” classes I attend are 2 hours. These classes are (for the most part) quick paced and demanding. Also, the teachers seem to be using minimal props in the classes. I picked up some good ideas from observing the classes and will watch a few more before I leave.
Bill - thanks for letting me know about Mary's new post. Karen and I are thinking about her everyday. Katherine, I am atonished at how I lost my backbending ability. I guess taking care of two kids in my 20's and actuarial exams will do that do a person. I am slowing making headway and hope to be able to do "drop backs" soon.
to all those who I don't know who have stumbled on my blog and find it useful - I had no idea that I would reach people in this way. How cool!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Backbends and more Backbends
During the third week of the month Geeta teaches backbending classes. Back bends are a personal challenge for me and I have been both looking forward to this work, but also a little apprehensive that it would be too much.
Our first backbending class was Saturday, and it seemed to be a struggle for many of us. But I made it through the class without feeling overwhelmed.
Last night's class Geeta's sequencing was brilliant and she knew just how hard to push us. I have never heard so much groaning and exclaiming in a class before. She gave us occasional rests to recover from our efforts. After we had done what seem like an endless count of Urdhva Dhanurasanas (upward bow pose) and we were resting, she asked us "Are you ready"? in sweet voice. The whole room burst out laughing. I think some of us were hoping we were done with this pose, but we gamely continued on to a variation with one leg pointed to the ceiling. After class I felt exhilarated and excited about the wonderful experience of classes with Geeta.
The weather has cleared up and it has stopped raining for a few days. Karen and I plan to do some more walking to the markets and just enjoy being outdoors.
Thanks for your comments, I look forward to logging in each day and hearing from different people.
Our first backbending class was Saturday, and it seemed to be a struggle for many of us. But I made it through the class without feeling overwhelmed.
Last night's class Geeta's sequencing was brilliant and she knew just how hard to push us. I have never heard so much groaning and exclaiming in a class before. She gave us occasional rests to recover from our efforts. After we had done what seem like an endless count of Urdhva Dhanurasanas (upward bow pose) and we were resting, she asked us "Are you ready"? in sweet voice. The whole room burst out laughing. I think some of us were hoping we were done with this pose, but we gamely continued on to a variation with one leg pointed to the ceiling. After class I felt exhilarated and excited about the wonderful experience of classes with Geeta.
The weather has cleared up and it has stopped raining for a few days. Karen and I plan to do some more walking to the markets and just enjoy being outdoors.
Thanks for your comments, I look forward to logging in each day and hearing from different people.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Three Trips
Karen and I had a fun weekend, exploring Pune.
We went to Vaishaly Friday night – a popular restaurant serving a wide variety of food. It was nice to be in a place that was well kept up and bustling with life. I had something called an uppatta with cheese, tomatoes, onions and butter. It was excellent and a nice change from the veggies and dal we have been existing on every day.
Today we went on a trip to a part of Pune I hadn't visited yet. Our first stop was the German Bakery. This is where people staying at Osho hang out. There were several people wearing the burgundy clothes required of the followers. The cafe had a strange vibe – there were many hippy types smoking away. Both Karen and I felt overly scrutinized there. The bread and cake I bought were delicious however!
Next Nana drove us around the Osho campus so that we could peek in. The campus looked really nice and beautifully landscaped. We saw a couple of boys leading camels down the street, offering rides to people. We asked Nana to drive us past Bund Garden thinking we could go in. But Nana advised us not to go in because of the crazy people. We asked him if they ever compel the crazy people to leave and he said “No, no, such parks are meant for the crazy people.”
We then drove over a new bridge and Nana showed us the incredible development that had sprung up because of the bridge. He said that before the bridge, there was nothing there.
Our final stop was at the Aga Khan Palace, where Mahatma Ghandi was interned for several years and where his ashes have been put to rest. The palace was beautiful, the grounds pleasant (no honking!) and the displays interesting. It was sad to note how poorly the displays were being maintained, some of the descriptions were barely readable.
Also, we picked up our tailored clothes. They turned out beyond our expectations! We both look great (if you don't mind a little bragging) in our new salwaar kameezes.
I feel a bit under the weather today, and hope that it is only temporary.
I have observed the beginning, intermediate and therapeutic classes. All extremely interesting and I will share more about them later.
We went to Vaishaly Friday night – a popular restaurant serving a wide variety of food. It was nice to be in a place that was well kept up and bustling with life. I had something called an uppatta with cheese, tomatoes, onions and butter. It was excellent and a nice change from the veggies and dal we have been existing on every day.
Today we went on a trip to a part of Pune I hadn't visited yet. Our first stop was the German Bakery. This is where people staying at Osho hang out. There were several people wearing the burgundy clothes required of the followers. The cafe had a strange vibe – there were many hippy types smoking away. Both Karen and I felt overly scrutinized there. The bread and cake I bought were delicious however!
Next Nana drove us around the Osho campus so that we could peek in. The campus looked really nice and beautifully landscaped. We saw a couple of boys leading camels down the street, offering rides to people. We asked Nana to drive us past Bund Garden thinking we could go in. But Nana advised us not to go in because of the crazy people. We asked him if they ever compel the crazy people to leave and he said “No, no, such parks are meant for the crazy people.”
We then drove over a new bridge and Nana showed us the incredible development that had sprung up because of the bridge. He said that before the bridge, there was nothing there.
Our final stop was at the Aga Khan Palace, where Mahatma Ghandi was interned for several years and where his ashes have been put to rest. The palace was beautiful, the grounds pleasant (no honking!) and the displays interesting. It was sad to note how poorly the displays were being maintained, some of the descriptions were barely readable.
Also, we picked up our tailored clothes. They turned out beyond our expectations! We both look great (if you don't mind a little bragging) in our new salwaar kameezes.
I feel a bit under the weather today, and hope that it is only temporary.
I have observed the beginning, intermediate and therapeutic classes. All extremely interesting and I will share more about them later.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Independence Day
Today, August 15th, is India's Independence Day, celebrating 61 years of independence. The Institute is closed, so Karen and I decided to have a day with no agenda. We are simply resting, practicing, and planning to watch "The Return of the Jedi" while eating cookies and gelato.
We are planning a trip to the German Bakery which is located near Osho. For you Portlanders' who don't know Osho is the retreat center founded by the Bhagwan Shri Rajneesh, of Antelope fame. We won't be going in, just taking a peek.
I am personally happy to be past the halfway point of our trip. It has been challenging to say the least!
We are planning a trip to the German Bakery which is located near Osho. For you Portlanders' who don't know Osho is the retreat center founded by the Bhagwan Shri Rajneesh, of Antelope fame. We won't be going in, just taking a peek.
I am personally happy to be past the halfway point of our trip. It has been challenging to say the least!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Two Tough Classes
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.
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.
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.
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