Rolfing cost back home

Just emailed a rolfer and found out the cost is $100 per session...wow $1000 for the 10 minimum sessions... better see if I can do the rest here before I return...

Rolfing

So I have been going to the local Rolfer (should it be capitalized?) for the minimum 3 sessions (last one today, maybe try to get the other minimum, 10, in before I leave) with the last one today...

It is very interesting bodywork... they basically use their elbow to get into deep connective tissue... well you can read a bit about it here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rolfing
and here:
http://www.rolf.org/

I am pretty sure it has made a difference, I seem to stand taller and feel lighter... it is too early to tell if the Yoga is better because I have been taking it easy after pulling a muscle in my side...

Anyway the rolfer I have been going to (Ken) uses a scale from 1-10 for pain... where 10 is excrutiating (actually he defined it differently, but I can't remember it so this is the gist)... I usually hope he stops at 9....
It is all a personal tolerance thing, and he says that you can relax into it... or even breath into it...

Anyway, the other day as I tell him it is at 9 and 9 1/2, I realize he hasn't eased off (ok at 9 1/2 he may have, just a bit) so I asked him what was the point of the 1-10 scale if he doesn't listen anyway? He said he noticed that I tolerate 9 for ten seconds, so he keeps going that long!

Today I was really late for a session... took a nap and then he called asking me if I was coming or not! I ended up receiving a 40 minute session (not sure how long it is normally, probably an hour) and basically suffered the pain... I got the idea that if I didn't the session would not have been 'complete' due to time constraints... I did ask if he wanted me to do another session to make up the lost time, but he said no need... :)

He told me to do some * 1/2 Sun Salutations (both A and B) to help the nervous system since he didn't have time to do the 'finishing' stuff.. fair enough... I do so enjoy the mini Sun Salutations, so I went home and completed 5 of each... nice :)


* 1/2 Sun Salutations are just the standing parts of the salutation without jumping back...

Sitting in the corner Part 2 (agreements)

(post snipped to protect the innocent :) )

It's about agreements and energy exchange. I love to help people.. I do! :)
Just need to find a balance with this, and people need to hold up their side of the bargain!

At this point I am seriously considering getting out of Mysore for a bit, my Yoga month is over tomorrow so I will not be losing money by taking off somewhere... But wait! I hear you say "solitude can only be found from within"...I agree.

Most of it is just 5 breaths

People complain about how smelly it is here, how it hurts to stay in an Asana... my answer mostly is that it is only for 5 breaths anyway... you walk past a "stench" in the street (maybe it is a person you don't like to talk to, maybe it is trash lying scattered all over) it usually is gone by the 5th breath anyway... so whats it matter? With the asanas it is not like we are holding them for Iyengar periods of time is it? Mind you with that attitude I did manage in the first breath of an asana to pull my side muscles... so there goes that theory...

A number of weeks ago (probably a month ago) I was walking down an alley with a friend.. oops we picked the wrong alley... and now name it piss alley... and ok it took more than 5 breaths, but it did end.....

Well I am not sure the point of the post, but it has been running through my mind the past few days...

Sitting in a corner

(modified to protect the innocent ;) )

It is all a mind game isn't it? Really it is better to have silence and solitude sometimes, it is only when we are seeking to mingle with the crowd (so to speak) when what we want doesn't match the reality... and at those times it is hard to be satisfied with silence and solitude...

They say that there is more Yoga being done off the mat than on the mat... I would have to agree with that...

Updates

November 21st - 24th (inclusive) -- info. for these days added (blank before)

Hot Badam milk and weight gain

So the question is, am I putting on weight? I think the answer is no (maybe I am losing weight).

I am eating like a well fed pig who has been given shots to improve their appetite... or atleast I was until my diet was given to me by an Ayurvedic Dr. (the post is somewhere in this blog, I guess you could press Ctrl (key) + F and type in Ayurveda and it will show you the post... anyway... the Dr. told me today that my physical constitution is Pitta / Vata so that explains quite a bit (why I can eat and eat and eat for one thing...)

So I really don't think I am putting on weight, the combination of the new diet (not that the old diet did anything for my weight), Ashtanga Yoga (which has to contribute to keeping the weight off)... plus I have a high metabolism... (the pitta constitution)... and there isn't much chance of weight gain...
The badam milk doesn't have anything to do with much, but I hope it makes someone laugh ;)

Locked out again!

Would you believe it? Last night I was locked out once again... hopefully this will be the last. I left Anu's cafe at 10:15pm or so and reached home a few minutes later.

Anyway I did manage to get in (had to wake a roommate) and the person who locked it didn't know I wasn't in the house... so no problems...

I am just glad it happened last night and not the night I came back from Bangalore at 2am...

Moon day is this Thursday

I think it is a new moon... either way it will be a day off...

Beggars

So I heard the best way to handle the beggars of Mysore... simply touch their feet... it supposedly really throws them a spanner (wrench).. I haven't tried it yet though I did bow to one (pseudo Japanese style) today and they didn't know what to make of it...

If your not clicking....

on the images, then you are missing out! Go back and click on all those images, they are quite good resolution and better than the small thumbnails you see in the regular view...

Addendum: Chamundi Hill Sadhu

I forgot to mention: When our party left the cave there was mention about the Sadhu and how when you look in his eyes you see a light... I hadn't looked myself, but I asked if it was his cataracts they were seeing...

Anyway....

3 Cows, 3 pigs, or was it 2?

Looking out from the balcony today, I saw 3 pigs walking in a procession down the street... there was a lead pig and then 2 others behind (they were in formation)... then I saw the cows... I peeked over the balcony and counted three and announced this to the roommates (who I also told about the pigs), no wait, I think there are only two (the other must have been a ghost)... time passed... there was the third "three cows!" ... My roommate said it must be auspicious...

Bangalore Trip!

A friend and I decided to take the 11am train to Bangalore (actually to be frank, it was her idea)...

I rushed to make it to the train station after practice... and then found that she was running late anyway!....

I hadn't eaten breakfast so I grabbed some nuts (hey now I don't mean it that way) and boarded the train...
On the train, the 'conductor' saw a drunk boarding the train... pretty quickly he told him to get off... the drunk begged and pleaded with him, to which the conductor physically slapped him and pushed him off the train! OK the train was at the station so it was not so bad... but for me this was the first physical violence I had seen since, well atleast the beginning of October, so it was quite shocking really...
There were several vendors on the train (ok people walking up and down the carriages) I waited too long to buy the Samosa (wasn't sure of train food) but then gave in and bought some fried fritter thing for 8rs for 2).

The express train (120 rs for 2 people in reserved class) took about 3 hours to reach Bangalore... once there we took a rikshaw to MG Road... MG Road is a big shopping area where everyone seems to go... we walked up and down the road, checked movie times (one of the big reasons to go to Bangalore was to see a movie) and then ate at a decent restaurant... (ate a veg. biryani & roti if you were wondering)

After that we visited a berister (sp?) outdoor coffee shop where I had one of the worse donuts of my life - luckily the coffee was really good... (first coffee in ages....mmmmm)

Next we went off to the Forum mall to visit the Apple store... checked the prices of iBooks and found them to be a few hundred $ more than the US cost for the basic model and then disproportionately rising from there :(
The mall itself was quite amazing compared to anything I have seen in India (actually it was quite amazing if compared to American malls) - there was a seperate floor for the movie theatre with executive rooms set aside for who knows who... and a store called Landmark that sold DVD's, CD's and VCD's (video cd's) as well as stationary, perfume, books and a whole lot more.. I bought 2 pens to replace the one that leaked (which I did end up getting to work but then ran out of ink or something). I also bought... well never mind... let's see who is reading this and is eager to find out eh? ;)

At the mall I ate a Paneer wrap which was not so good....

Since we wanted to catch the 9pm train home, the movies were all showing too late... we ended up going back to the train station only to find that there was no 9pm train at all!
We caught a bus around 8:45pm and arrived in Mysore @ 12:45am!

Thirty Fourth Ashtanga Practice

Saturday's class begins with a chant, I was a bit late (supposed to get to class @7:30am, of course that is shala time which is atleast 15minutes faster than Mysore time) so missed it :(

Saraswati helped me with Sideways Forward fold/ spread foot extension posture (Prasarita Padottanasa), extended hand foot thumb posture (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana), Marichyasana D (first side), Bhujapindasana, Kumasana (and Supta), Advanced backbending, Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) - to help with balancing Pindasana, + Sirsasana (headstand)

For shoulderstand, Saraswati pulled my lotus'd legs much higher than I had, it did seem it help with balance (that and her legs on my back)

In Headstand, Saraswati left me stay a long time, then helped me lower my legs to the horizontal position (and back up to vertical) and then basically let me stay up there (walking away!).
I am bringing myself up to headstand by pulling the legs into the body (using 'core' strength) and of course without walls to support...

Marichyasana D (1st side) is still painful... I told Saraswati and she said "Rest tomorrow!" Well duh, it is our holiday off anyway!

Saraswati also mentioned I will get a new asana on Monday - but I asked if I could try today - which I was told a firm NO! (I asked because I knew I had managed no problem with this new asana Garbha Pindasana & Kukkutasana --- http://www.ayri.org/primary-asanas.html --- though the rolling 9 times on the floor I haven't achieved without help!)

Next Saturday will be a lead class! (The first Saraswati has done with us)

Today's breath was pretty good... oh and I accidentally skipped Navasana (Boat pose) - something about eagerness to get to the next asana I think ;)

Other things today

A friend and I are planning to visit Bangalore tomorrow. We are looking for others to join us, but since it is last minute it is unlikely many will be up for it.

I backed up my Archos MP3 player to 2 hard drives so that I am pretty sure my photos will survive...

I took 16 pieces of clothes (socks count as 2) to the cleaners today. I think I left my nice walking socks there last time but the cleaners have no knowledge of that :( . I also washed some clothes too (I enjoy handwashing clothes, just not too many ;) )

Thirtythird Ashtanga Practice

Today's practice (Friday's & Saturday's actually) starts with the opening chant, led by Saraswati. This is because there is a led class today which finishes before Saraswati's class starts. Same happens on Saturday. http://www.ayri.org/opening-prayer.html

So overall the practice was quite smooth from seated postures onwards. Savasana was especially deep, I think this is because of the intensity of the practice and the recent introduction of the drop back backbends (referred to as advanced backbending in John Scott's book). I am enjoying practice more and more.

Saraswati helped me with Sideways Forward fold, spread foot extension posture (Prasarita Padottanasa), extended hand foot thumb posture (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana), Marichyasana D (First Side), Bhujapidasana, Kurmasana, Supta Kurmasana, Advanced backbend , Sirsasana.

With Saraswati's help I am able to fall back to the floor with the backbend (have been able to for some time) . Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) I am able to balance supporting my legs in Lotus with my hands (harder than it looks, or maybe it is as hard as it looks, I don't know now!). I am also able to bind Pindasana in Shoulderstand.

Saraswati helped me more than I wanted to with Bhujapidasana, but it was good she did (probably would have fallen otherwise).

Kurmasana I am able to cross the ankles (but not behind head). With Supta Kurmasana I am able to touch my hands (behind back) now... of course this is with Saraswati's help. (but before even with her help I could not touch the hands)

After backbending Saraswati walked away... normally she will adjust in the seated forward fold to help the counter pose... she asked me what I was doing (I just sat around) and I told her that I needed to be folded forward... she came back and laughed saying she forgot! As far as I know that is a first for her...

Sirsasana is coming along, I held it for a minute or two and then Saraswati came along and helped me to lower my legs to the horizontal position. She then helped me to lift them back up and then left me... I stayed up for another minute or so before becoming too unstable.

Saraswati told me I will get another Asana on Monday :) (Badha Konasana, bound angle posture)... yippeeee :) ;)

Thirtysecond Ashtanga Practice

Returned bicycle @ 1pm... was told that it would cost me 50 rupees since he doesn't normally rent for 2 weeks.... I mentioned that this is not what he said when he rented the bicycle to me (he said the minimum is 2 weeks and that is 250 rupees). I told him I wasn't happy...
Immediately the tone of the conversation changed... I was given the money (250 rupees) and told that if I am not happy then it wasn't worth 50 rupees and he would refund it all!

This typifies conversations I have had in India. People try to take whatever they think they can. As soon as you become a bit upset and question them, they usually back down really quickly... this has been my observation anyway... Of course there have been a few people who do not back down as well...

I was very weak for practice today (maybe due to light dinner last night...) I felt this way especially during the beginning of the practice. Even considering this, it was a pretty good practice... It was especially nice when someone behind me remarked "oh that was
beautiful"... I really don't know what the person was referring to (I was completely engrossed in the practice), but it was nice of them so say that (in fact I spent the rest of the practice wondering what part I had done so well... lol)...

I couldn't hold Sirsasana long (because I was weak), I told Saraswati why and she said not to worry, some days are like this...

Saraswati helped with same Asanas as yesterday.

I rode a friends scooter around a quiet road (side road, not a main one)... it is deceptively easy to ride when going straight... but turning is tricky (if too tight a turn) without using a foot to help... I am kind of thinking about renting a scooter... we will see...

I ran around town a bit (on the back of same scooter, actually I sat on the scooter and didn't run at all).

Lastly, I helped the roommate with Internet stuff...

Thirtyfirst Ashtanga Practice, and day of payment

Around 5pm it was time to pay Saraswati... I was told it is 17000 rupees for the second month (don't ask why it is cheaper the second month, the explanation didn't make sense).

Saraswati told me that Sirsasana (headstand) should be held for between 5 and 15 minutes and that eventually the head should be lifted off the floor just high enough that a piece of paper can slide underneath it. I asked if that is the case for students in the main shala (I didn't think we could stay in an asana that long)... yes indeed 15 minutes in the main shala for Sirsasana.

Quote of the day "I did A+B satisfactorily" when asked by Saraswati if a student (same one as yesterday) had completed the asanas correctly... the people in the room I think almost feel out of their asanas laughing... too funny :)

The practice...
When I walked into the room at about 8:15am my glasses immediately fogged! There were not even many students in the room, the air just had not cleared out... so glad that I do not practice in the earlier sessions (with Guruji) because of this... I do not know if I would be able to breath...

Knee was sore today, barely managed to bind first side of Marichyasana D (with Saraswati's help), in fact I just managed to touch my fingers.
Saraswati moved me to the front of the room when it emptied (you basically take whatever space you can get)

Saraswati told me after class to take more time with Kurmasana... 1st let the legs out and arms to the side, then deepen the asana *before* pulling my arms behind my back (it was as if I was rushing the asana to get to Supta Kurmasana... this makes the final asana less deep...)

Today I was not able to balance with Shoulderstand in the Pindasana postition (hands bind the Lotus posture and pull the legs down towards the head...)

It is raining today...

I left the bicycle that I have been renting at Anu's to be collected by the person who rented it to me... I haven't ridden it other than to fix it (at my expense, but 5 rupees really isn't much money), there really isn't anything wrong with it, I just have been travelling with others using Rikshaws and splitting the cost with them... so I hope to get 2 weeks worth of money back (250 rupees - $5.55, I know it doesn't sound like much but when in India this is a lot of money...)

I picked up the bicycle later when I talked to the rentor because I wouldn't get my 250 rupees back without the receipt, and so I felt it better to meet him personally tomorrow...

I ate another North Indian Thali at Green leaf cafe today (they are that good) (lunch)

A friend cut my hair today... I just can't trust the barbers here I don't think. This is because I have curly hair and barbers may not know what to do with that (since most Indian hair is straight).... The haircut came out pretty well... (same style, just trimmed a bit)

Thirtieth Ashtanga Practice

I have been here for nearly a month and a half, but have only practiced 30 times... still probably more than I would have done back home...

Quote of the day in class (well not every day, but for today)
Saraswati "Did you complete the postures correctly" (not exact quote)
Student "I didn't do A and B professionally, but I did C adequately!"
Everyone in the room burst out laughing...

Saraswati told me (during Marichyasana D first side) that my knee will be painful for a few days but it will be ok, no problem (just use balm)

Saraswati let me balance in Sirsasana then helped me lower my legs to horizontal before bringing them back to vertical again... She then simply walked away and helped someone else! I had no idea how long I was supposed to stay up there... I held the asana for about 25 breaths and then (because I had to) lowered myself to the floor...
This is another of my favorite asanas and it is nice to be able to balance without the wall (even if it is only for a few breaths).

Last asana before finishing postures is Supa Kurmasana.. it is a bit deeper today.

Saraswati helped me with the same asanas as yesterday.

I withdrew about 30000 rupees from the ATM (rate is about 45 rupees to the $) 20000 rupees will be given to Saraswati tomorrow for this month.

I helped the roommate with attaching jpgs to email... in the end I helped him created a Yahoo album and then share that album via email... good stuff :)

I ate lunch with a friend at Green Leaf cafe, a North Indian Thali... this is so much better than the South Indian version (which is much thinner)...

Twentyninth Ashtanga Practice

Overall the practice was pretty good today (bit stiff in the beginning), although there is a definate difference in my left knee after Saturday's practice. The discomfort seems to be underneath the knee (it is tender). Saraswati said the click I heard was something opening and just to use balm to help. All asanas that required bending or twisting the knee were effected today. My favorite asana half bound lotus extension posture (ardha baddha padma uttanasana) was especially stiff... and the left side was never as loose as the right, but atleast I could reach the floor with my hand... now this is not possible (without a great deal of discomfort), I can hardly bend forward now.
Saraswati helped me with spread foot extension posture (Prasarita Padottanasana), leg balance (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana), extended hand foot thumb posture (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana), Marichyasana D (first side only),Bhuja Pindasana, Kurmasana, Supta Kurmasana, Advanced backbending, & Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) (Pindasana... I managed to hold my knees up with my hands, finding the balancing point).

That's a heck of a lot of asanas that I cannot complete on my own... I am pretty surprised I have been allowed to continue adding asanas... (though to be truthful some of the help is minor (like binding the hand for Marichyasana D)

After a few seated asanas the breath is better (vinyasa transitions especially)

All of the asanas are deeper... downward facing dog is to the point where my spine is long (not rounded (too much), atleast I am pretty sure it is ;) ) and my heels are down just about regardless of where my legs are (forward or back of their normal position)

Bhuja Pindasana is a bit easier today, I have more control on how slowly I lower my head and I can nearly unhook my legs and jump back... it is mainly a matter of balance and levers (body levers), one day it will just work...

Today Saraswati told me to just try the next asana in the series... Kurmasana (Tortoise posture)
http://www.ayri.org/primary-asanas.html I didn't ever think I would make it this far... wow! Saraswati postioned my hands and legs then pushed my back towards the floor... huffing and puffing I told myself to hang in for a bit more... I keep telling myself (the first time I am given just about any new asana), only 5 breaths that's all then it will be over... well Kurmasana was over after 5 breaths... Saraswati pulled my hands around my back (they touched my back, not binding) and adjusted my legs in front of my head, crossing one over the other... suddenly I am in Supta Kurmasana (Supine Tortoise Posture)... then once again Saraswati pushed my back down. This was intense! But again I told myself only 5 breaths (not that I can do much about it with my head on the floor, my hands and legs wrapped around myself... not exactly going to get up am I? Even saying anything was out of the question... all I wanted to do was breath... and that is all there was to do...


Intro to Ayurveda class started today, it was very good... only myself and one other person (a friend who has been taking asana classes too).

Went for Osho meditation, it wasn't anything of the experience of the first time. This was a passive Nidra type meditation (where you lay down and there is someone guiding the meditation). Normally I sleep during these meditations (and I know it) but this time I am not too sure (probably means I did).

So today was a long day, quite a bit of running around and chatting with many people (about Ayurvedic Constitutions, other teachers of Yoga - especially Venkatesh)
I also helped a friend with their camera (to download pictures to computer) but they didn't have the correct cable and the Internet cafe did not have a suitable memory card reader either...

Missed Practice, did attend a wedding!

It was very sad but it happened... Saraswati took Monday off this week and told us that today (Sunday) will be our 'makeup' day. Of course Sunday to me is my day off and I didn't even remember the class until the afternoon.

I was invited to a wedding by a friend (who was invited by an Indian friend of hers). She was told to arrive around 9:30am, so not knowing if we would be served breakfast or not, we went to Gokul Chats. There I ate two servings of Upma (they were really small scoops) and Idli (giant sized 3 times bigger than normal and there were two of them!) (by the way, Idli over here tastes good (I didn't care for it much in USA) with the side masala thing they serve with it). Since I only shared the Idli I was still hungry but didn't want to eat anything else here.
The morning was cold, we went by scooter to the wedding... on the way we stopped off at Metropoll Hotel (spelling?) for a second breakfast. Metropoll charges about 100 rupees for a buffet breakfast (including coffee) so we both dived in... yummy, very very yummy... now I was full...

We arrived at the wedding a bit late, there were what seemed like hundreds of people... As we arrived we were greeted and thanked over and over again for coming to the wedding. We were shown the breakfast hall (oh no!!!) where we were served the most delicious vegetarian breakfast Thali? (is it still considered a Thali? What does Thali mean?). Each place setting on the table had a large banana leaf, which was rinsed off with water. Item after item was served and re-served until we could barely walk (I did tell them to stop as soon as politely possible).
We were also served delicious chai. So between the chai and the coffee I consumed earlier, my diet was done for (atleast for today).

It was interesting to watch the banana leaf's being cut on the floor outside the dining room. There was a huge pile of leaves there with a man on the floor cutting away (I made a mental note to take a picture later, but later the man had finished and left, and there wasn't much of the banana leaf left, so no photo).

We were escorted from the breakfast table (which became the lunch table only two hours later) to the function room where we were shown to the front of the room; two chairs were placed just to the side of the wedding party and we were again thanked for coming and asked to sit down. Whenever we left the seats I observed that noone took them, they were either empty, or offered once again to us as we returned.

We didn't know exactly what was happening during the wedding (though I was told somethings and worked out some others). The most interesting thing is that we were almost surrounded by people asking us our names and where we are from: So much so that I felt the focus was too much on us and not on the wedding. Many people were personally introduced to us and then for a bit we were left along (not totally, people were observing us etc). We were told we could walk onto the 'stage' and take pictures (so long as we removed our shoes), but we didn't.

All I could think about was how full my belly was and that lunch was to be served very soon... People were continually coming and going to the dining room and we were asked if we wanted to eat lunch now (it was about 11:45am) or an hour later. We said we would like to eat now (as we agreed we would leave at 1pm). With our full bellies we were once again escorted to the dining room and shown our chair (the tables were long, well I have a picture I will post soon and you can see).
Once again we saw the banana leaves and were served masses of food (some ladled with a spoon, some ladled with hands!). Oh the other thing is there were no spoons or forks to eat with, so for the first time I had to eat with my hands (I really don't like to especially in India because I never feel my hands are clean enough). Using the left hand is off limits, so eat we did. More and more food was offered, and all we could do was say no thank you (I wish I was hungry, the food was excellent (did I already say that?)

After lunch we were escorted back to the wedding.

We were escorted to the front of the room to have our pictures taken with the happy couple (who didn't actually look that happy)...

We stayed a bit and then made for our exit. Well not that simple... We said goodbye to the host, who then grabbed our hands (pretty much anyway) and walked us to a room where we received blessings (atleast I am pretty sure that's what it was about). We then were given sweets and escorted to the door. The host didn't return to the wedding until we had left.

For dinner I ate two apples....

Updates November 10th - November 19th

Updated (text only - no pictures) for November 10th through the 19th...

Twentyeighth Ashtanga practice

Something not right today, I fell attempting Bhujapindasana on my own (side of my face head hit, causing the other side of the neck to feel like it was whiplashed - but it wasn't too bad) and then I rolled onto my back during Sirsasana (headstand) luckily I knew to tuck my head, that one was just funny.
The other thing that happened was my knee clicked/'cracked' very loudly when Saraswati helped with Marichyasana D (first side, left knee in half lotus) Afterwards she asked me "What opened" I told her I didn't know about opening, but my left knee mad the sound. She seemed to not be worried about it.
Sometime around this point I also felt an emotional release...

I was really careful with the left knee after that I could tell it was not too happy.

Saraswati helped with most of the asanas I was ok with yesterday (the pindasana of shoulderstand etc)

I went to an Introduction to Ayurveda / Intuition workshop after the Yoga class. I was only a few minutes late. The class was really good, especially the intuition part. We were given a good amount of information regarding Doshas etc and then told that sometimes it is better to listen to our bodies for the answers. We were shown how to use a pendulum and "body rocking" (I think it is my term)

Lunch was at home (I ate toast with Ghee, + an apple, not that exciting but it worked)
I walked to Green leaf cafe (and found a super easy way to get there) and ate Set masala dosa, rava dosa, & hot badam milk.

At home I was shown Yamuna Body rolling... it seems to be really good....

Twentyseventh Ashtanga practice

Practice was at 8:15am. Saraswati lead the chant (I figured out when/why this happens, Friday is a 'Guruji'/Sharath Primary series lead class so it finishes by 8am, and Saturday there is no practice for 'Guruji' students)

Practice was long and slow, no rushing today :) Breath is good halfway through seated asanas.

Someone pointed out that I am touching my knees to the floor during Surya Namaskar, so today I am being careful not to did it. In paying so much attention to this I managed to drop to the knees more heavily than usual! Oh well, but I am doing better (3 times I touched today)
Saraswati helped me with the usual asanas today.

I did try to balance myself for Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana (extended hand foot thumb posture), the right side is pretty good (though I still need help), but the left side I definately need help with.
For shoulderstand I found the balance point to enable me to hold my legs when they are in Lotus. I did also manage to hold Pindasana (where the hands are wrapped around the legs) for several breaths (Saraswati wasn't around to help).
Headstand: I was able to hold the asana for 25 breaths on my own! Saraswati came over and helped me to lower my legs to horizontal and then brought them back up

Oh I also managed to skip Navasana, attempted Bhujapindasana twice, then realised my mistake and completed Navasana(/lolasana series)! :)
(Saraswati did help me with Bhujapindasana btw (by the way))

Breakfast: Porridge + Milk (I wonder if this is aggravating my condition... or maybe helping, don't know)
Lunch: @ Anu's (it is a buffet Monday - Friday (Thursday is a holiday), that is why I do not say what I eat - unless it is weekend when they serve breakfast and dinner)
Dinner: Went to Hotel Ritz for going away party. The food was a mixed bag really. Palaak Paneer was served in a cold dish (contents were barely warm) but they did serve a delicious Spring roll that I couldn't eat enough of) I also ate butter romali? which is a light bread/naan with butter, also really tasty. Others in the party had chips and other things...

Twentysixth Ashtanga practice

The gas ran out for the 'shower' (it is really a bucket bath, the water is not heated when the shower is used, but it is when the regular faucet is on... to fix it the owner would probably have to break the stone wall... not going to happen) so I washed my hair and left for practice (no matter I will need a shower afterwards anyway!)

I took my time in the beginning of practice, it was really good... then I rushed a bit (this is ridiculous, I came for Ashtanga and here I am rushing off to do other things, consider this pattern over)
Saraswati helped me with the usual asanas + headstand where she just had me balance (non of the leg lifting stuff (Sirsasana A - http://ashtangayoga.info/asana-vinyasa/finishing-positions/index.html))

The other class is going well, only 9 Sutras left... I talked to the person running the office about the Intro to Ayurveda course (10 hours 4500 rupees, same Ayurvedic doctor teaching... sign me up!)

I didn't eat lunch at midday, I wasn't hungry. I met a friend around 3:30pm and walked to Green leaf cafe. They were closed, so we took a Rikshaw to Gokul Chats (really hungry now!). Ate Set Masala Dosa (the best here, I will miss them) and shared a Ravi Onion Dosa (this too was great, had never eaten one before). I also tasted a plain Dosa (which is like a pancake, but different) and I had a large hot badam milk.
We were met by other friends and talked about travel and burningman festival which I hadn't heard about until this trip, sounds interesting. ( www.burningman.com/ )

In the evening I walked to Gokul Chats with a roommate and chatted (too full to eat again), walked back to Anu's for the Internet cafe (also briefly used an Internet cafe close to Gokul chats but it had a lot of spyware junk on it) and ate a Chocolate Pie.

Oh, breakfast was Porridge + toast (+ butter) yes, the combination works!

Twentyfifth Ashtanga practice

Overall I think that the days off have helped with my practice, today I took the practice much slower (I have been rushing off for other class), my practice has become extremely enjoyable :)

Same asanas, same assistance... at the end of practice Saraswati said "headstand tomorrow..." and "arrive at 8:30am, it is too busy" (not literal quote, even though I put it in " )

For breakfast I ate fruit salad (does anyone really care what I eat every day? ;) )

Lunch was at "Hotel RRR" where a friend and I ate Thali meals on a banana leaf. The leaf was sitting on the table without a plate (traditional way to serve Thali?), a bit of water wiped over the surface and we were ready... item after item was placed on the leaf, to the point I didn't know what to eat next... free refills came as soon as items were eaten, so it was pretty hard to stop... darn was it good food...

I went to Kumars for Osho meditation and then to Anu's for dinner and to use the Internet

Moon Day

A dog was barking until 4am, woke up very tired.

Went to Kevinn, oops, they follow the shala schedule of no service on moon days. Walked down to Tina's (a 10-15 minute walk) where I ate Porridge. Met some friends and chatted.

Ate lunch with a friend at Anu's. Talked to someone there about their laptop. They bought an Acer model from the computer technician who services the Internet cafe's computers. I found out that Acer makes similar priced laptops to the ones in America by cutting down on the feature set. I do not want a laptop that is inferior to one I could buy in America.

I had the bicycle fixed (haven't been able to ride it with insufficient air in tire) today. I was told the bike shop across from the coconut stands (which is 5 minutes from where I live) is the place to take the bicycle. Of course this wasn't the case (this shop fixes scooters and motorbikes), I had to cycle down the road to the bicycle shop. They oiled the moving parts, adjusted the brakes for 5 rupees (it would have been cheaper I am sure (I think 1 rupee), but I handed him 5 rupees and suddenly that was the charge... no matter, it was ridiculously cheap either way)

I finished reading The Alchemist last night - it has a nice message, but it is in too much of a dream/fantasy world for me to take anything from it... shame really...
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0062502182/002-5641431-8562443?v=glance&n=283155&v=glance
http://www.paulocoelho.com.br/engl/

Oh I brought toothpaste from America (last minute purchase) Aquafresh Extreme clean with empowermint (158.7g) (try saying that with a mouthful of this toothpaste)... it is a mega large tube of paste and only a small sliver is required, so it will last the whole trip and maybe even the next year too! (assuming you don't want the sink to be cleaned too) ( http://www.dentist.net/aquafresh-extreme-empowermint.asp )and it really does seem to whiten the teeth... possible negative, it has fluoride...

Mysore Palace

The entry fee for this is 20 rupees, shoe deposit is 1 rupee. No cameras allowed.

So I brought my camera but didn't want to leave it around anywhere... hmmm what to do... Luckily there were two entrances to the palace, one had a security system (like the ones you walk through at the airport) and the other didn't! So after dropping off my shoes I went to the other entrance... only problem was the shoe place was quite a distance from the other entrance and there were some stones and other unpleasant things between the two. Oh well that is the cost of keeping my camera with me (I didn't take it out of the bag, I did respect the no photography rule)

Inside there are many paintings and incredibly detailed work in the structure of building itself (the pillars, doors, ceilings, etc). It is possible to pay a guide who will tell you a lot about the displays, but we didn't. Also there were tons of school children and it became a bit too much of a distraction to allow us to appreciate the displays.

There were two or three temples connected to the palace, of which we went into two. The first was pretty easy to figure out what was going on, the second we left after a few minutes.

No practice today

My hamstrings are sore (right leg) so I am not going to do any self practice (it is a bit of an excuse, but give me a break ok?) while Saraswati is away.

I went to Tina's for breakfast since my stomach is feeling a bit better. I ate a small fruit salad (which I question now whether it was advisable)

My other class was still on so I went at the usual time. I did forget my notebook (Moleskine small squared paper http://www.moleskine.com/) so borrowed paper (which I will want to transcribe to the notebook after class) The class seems quite straight forward so I haven't asked too many questions. Also the other students are missing today so that limited the discussion for sure.

Lunch @ Mandala (Cornish Pasty + Pineapple Juice) visit with kittens (very important) and then a walk around the market and the Mysore palace ( http://www.webindia123.com/monuments/palaces/mysore.htm ) with a friend.

I ate at a new restaurant/hotel, just a snack and then to Gokulum.

In Gokulum I chatted with another friend about Yoga studios, places that she can travel in India, and other such stuff.

At the Internet Cafe I looked at laptops. It seems that Apple has a lower markup in India than IBM systems (around $300 more than USA for an entry level Mac) I am hesitating on what to do, whether to buy a laptop or not... to do, or not to do...

For dinner... Anu's....

No practice quiet day

Saraswati and family are off to Mangalore for a function, so there is no Yoga today (normal day off anyway), Monday (they are gone), and Tuesday (moon day).

I went to Kevinn for breakfast, ate Kevinator (Ragi bread with honey and Ghee), + potatoe scramble (fried potatoe with spices)& honey lemon ginger drink (large, which is really huge!)

I visited a friend who had gone to Bangalor and Pune. He brought with him an Osho CD for me.
I tried to take the bicycle to the 'shop' to be oiled and the tires inflated but they were closed...

My stomach is feeling a bit iffy, I was offered Cipro (I understand a really powerful Antibiotic) and I took it without too much question since it is only 2 tablets for 2 days.
I didn't have any dinner tonight...

Chamundi Hill (2nd visit)

After lunch we went to Chamundi hill (http://www.templenet.com/Karnataka/chamundi.html) using the two Rikshaws that had waited for us at Geetas house (it is really good that drivers here will wait (for a small fee 10 rupees) for quite a long time (if it is a considerable amount of time, then they simply pick up other rides and return at the appointed time, often charging more for the longer wait)

We did get into a small "discussion" with the drivers when they thought that they could wait for us to return. They asked for a lot of money to wait and when we told them not to (it takes 2-4 hours to visit (walk up/down and see temples) Chamundi hill and we didn't know how long this visit would be), they asked us for 1 1/2 times the fare (normally charged at night time) to cover the cost of them returning to Gokulum (a 65 rupee one way fare). We told them we wouldn't pay extra but if they wanted to wait they could. We walked off and saw that they left.

We walked up the stairs and visited the bull (Nandi). Behind the bull is a cave where a Sadhu lives. (Someone else visited here too (I have no idea, it was the result of a google search, but he actually gives information on stuff, not like this blog, that gives information on ummm other stuff) : http://adieu.nu/dispatches7.htm )
We walked to the back of the bull and a kid helped us to find the person to let us in . We were met by the Sadhu (who's name slips my mind, see the other blog on that too) and he invites us in, after a bit of time (I think he had someone there to clean it up a bit)
The cave was a bit on the small side, but not many of the modern luxuries are missing, including Electricity, a TV and a bed! wow! The Sadhu was watching cricket by looking past us as we talked. The others in the group asked some questions, some of which were answered quite vaguely (like my memory of what was asked) and then we were invited for tea... not just any tea.. Yogi tea! We thanked him for his kindness but mentioned we were still walking the hill. Were were then invited to his other cave which is where he sits for Puja/meditation (it is to Shiva, but by now you probably know this having read the other blog, right? :) )
We accepted his offer and were shown to the cave. Entering from the side we found ourselves engulfed in smoke from all the incense that I think they lit when we showed up (the cave doors were closed prior to us entering)
We had to crawl in as the cave entrance was really small. The interior opened up and there we saw electric lights and the room. We sat silently. It was cool, and quiet. Someone remarked (after a few minutes) how great the energy was in the cave for meditation.
After a few more minutes we left through the other door (there were two) which was really small (in fact it looked like a dwarfs door) we hunkered down and squeezed through.

We passed the sugar cane juice sellers and continued the climb. We were soon at the top where we were met by kids and everyone else trying to sell postcards. I quickly dismissed it all and continued to the main temple. We walked around taking pictures. Some of the people in the group interacted with the kids, but after a while I sensed they became wary of all the "Please give me school pens" and "please give me 1 rupee". Two of the party decided to leave after walking around the top of the hill.
So then there were two. We went into the temples, didn't exactly know what was happening (we did understand the request for money and the shoe people were kind to say they would accept whatever we decided was reasonable)
We also visited the Godly Museum which is run by the Brahma Kumaris ( http://www.bkwsu.com/ ) who also happen to run a museum very close to where I live back 'home'. They have very talented artists who create interesting and almost interactive displays.

On the way back we found an open area where buses were stopped so we took one into town (12 rupees for 2 people) and went to the Indra restaurant for dinner (Masala Dosa and a Chana (chick pea) dish with that fluffy oily bread that looks like an oversized Puri + hot badam milk (quite addictive stuff, almond and saffron milk drink)

At the end of the day I relaxed on the balcony back 'home' (the Mysore home). The cleaners sent their kid to deliver clothes (for someone else who lives here) and when he found I was waiting for mine, he went back to the store (15-20 minute roundtrip cycle) to pick them up for me! When he returned I didn't have change, so he asked me if I wanted him to go back to make change! I told him no... hopefully they will remember I have a 30 rupee credit...

Twentyfourth Ashtanga practice

Since it is Saturday I must arrive at the shala @ 7:15am (just remember Shala clock is set 15 minutes fast, so it was really 7:00am)
Saraswati helped with all the usual asanas.
With the advanced backbend, Saraswati let me half way down, then the 3rd time fully to the floor and then asked me to walk my hands in towards my feet.
I found out due to Saraswati counting the breaths for me that the Navasana (boat pose) series requires the body to be held up (with legs crossed) for one breath only ( lolasana http://ashtangayoga.info/asana-vinyasa/primary-series/index.html ), I had been holding lolasana for 5 breaths! So that is Navasana 5 times and then Lolasana 5 times each 5 breaths. This time it was really easy!
I am no nearer to completing Bhujapindasana as I was yesterday... it is hard to keep the feet off the floor for the whole vinyasa.

I picked up the bicycle today, the person told me and can take the bicycle to be oiled! You would think it would be in good working condition but it wasn't. Mind you it wasn't in bad condition either. The bicycle renter also sells books (which he wanted 20 rupees more for "shipping cost" hahaha yeah like I would pay that) so I bought Moola Bandha and Surya Namaskar book (the latter I kind of regret, but it was only 80 rupees)

We (myself and 3 others) took two Rikshaws up the road for Lunch at 'Geetas house', a local who serves delicious homemade food on request (only we didn't let them know and the owner was away, so the person who served us didn't speak very much English and of course this complicated matters). We ate white rice, yellow dal, chapatis, and two other dishes that I didn't recognise but that were delicious... all of this for 60 rupees (~45 rupees = $1).

Credit card fraud

Checking my credit card balances today I noticed that the balance would not update, and there was a note to contact the company. When I did I was told that there was fraudulant activity on my account and that the credit card company will send me a new card via UPS to India! Very nice of them. Apparently there are people in the UK that steal credit card information all the time. They use a magnetic strip reader which is inserted into machines (ATM's, Phones (that accept cards of course) etc) and then they collect the information later.

Twentythird Ashtanga practice

Today (8am) Saraswati didn't let us in until the previous class finished. When it did we started with Saraswati chanting... I am a bit confused as to whether she does this everyday now, since it used to be that she would only chant on Saturday when there is no previous class...hmmm.
I was told today not to jump back to Samastitihi after each standing asana, E.G. I was jumping back after completing Utthita Trikonasana (regular triangle). Saraswati told me to only jump back (to Samastitihi) after completing e.g. Parivritta Trikonasana (revolved Triangle).
Saraswati helped me with the usual asanas today. For advanced backbending she let drop to the floor one time (normally it would be 3 with the last a counted breath): It was just a bit too much strain for me today.

Saraswati showed me a new asana today - Bhuja Pindasana (arm pressure posture) ( http://ashtangayoga.info/asana-vinyasa/primary-series/index.html ) or ( http://www.ayri.org/primary-asanas.html )
I didn't really have much strength by the time I got to this asana. With this asana (the whole thing) you should jump your legs around the arms (from Adho Mukha Svanasana (downward facing dog)) then balance solely with the hands for 5 breaths, followed by slowly rolling the head down to the ground (5 breaths), finally lifting oneself up and jumping back to Chatvari position...

I finally caved in today and decided to rent a 5 speed bicycle (500 rupees a month + 3000 ruppee deposit) I figure I am spending 70-80 rupees a day on a Rikshaw so this should work out quite a bit cheaper. I will pick it up tomorrow if I am happy with it.

So many clothes to wash, my solution is to wash half of them myself and take the other half to the cleaners, that way I am sure to have something to wear for tomorrow.

For breakfast I ate Muesli (with Milk), + Pineapple juice (odd combination but it worked), lunch was @ Anu's, Dinner @ Gokul Chats (Set Masala Dosa, + Hot Badam Milk)

Fluffy and Patanjali

Twentysecond Ashtanga Practice

I arrived at the shala around 8:15am. Saraswati helped with spread foot extension posture (Prasarita Padottanasana) extended hand foot thumb posture (Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana), Marichyasana D (first side only), Advanced backbending, & Sarvangasana (Shoulderstand) (holding Lotus with hands and Pindasana)

I realised that it is necessary to bend the knees when dropping back for the advanced backbend (yesterday I did it with straight legs): Doing this I was able to land with the hands on the floor (still quite a bit of tightness)
With Chakrasana I am still rolling to the left (even though I am trying to engange left arm more) so the left arm/hand collapses.

The Ayurvedic Dr. who teaches the Yoga Sutras gave me advice on my diet to reduce the coughing I am experiencing (paraphrased):
No Chai or Coffee (it is an irritant which causes hunger pangs)
Do not fill the stomach with food, be sure there is room to spare - light meals.
Vegetarian diet (no eggs or fish)
Do not snack between meals (including no juice) - just drink water when thirsty
No saturated fats or curd (Yogurt)
Herbal tea only with meals

Rational is that anything that is not digested will turn into toxins in one way or another, so better not to eat too much or snack... chai & coffee increase the bodies desire to eat when it is not necessary (for nutrition)...

I ate lunch @ the Green Leaf cafe (ginger gobi masala) + naan + water
Dinner was @ Gokul Chats (aloo gobi, rice, spinach paratha) yummmm......

No Patanjali Sutras Today

The teacher was absent...
Instead I went to the Internet cafe @ Yoga Mandala, took pictures of Fluffies kittens (already posted) and walked to BNS Iyengar's Shala with a friend who knows where it is.

I also bought a pen, some paper for 'sketching' (probably scribbling really) and took a look Ashok Bookstore (trying to be careful not to buy more books.

Many Yoga students have been walking around with 'Ganesh' shopping bags, I am planning to buy 10 (when I find good quality versions) and will post pictures of them... maybe someone wants to buy some when I return to US?

For breakfast: Toast+butter (seem to be having toast and butter here, not so in US), 2 boiled eggs, chai and pineapple juice (it's freshly made, might as well take advantage of it)
Lunch: I went to Indra restaurant (there are two in the town (same road!), it is the one that is listed in Lonely Planet and has an upstairs restaurant) and ate Biryani + water.
Dinner: Walked to Green leaf cafe with roommates and ate Set Masala Dosa (Set means two as far as I can figure), and hot badam milk, + Pineapple pastry (yes I over ate)

Twentyfirst Ashtanga Practice

I remembered all of the sequence I have learn't up to now, no need to refer to any 'cheat' sheet! (Not including new asanas given today) This is really great because I do not need to rely on a teacher or DVD to help when neither are available.

I also managed to bind (myself, no help) Marichyasana C and left side (which is the right foot in 1/2 lotus, the left leg drawn in) of Marichyasana D :)

(Saraswati asked me to try myself for Marichyasana D and then said "It's coming see?")

Navasana and the cross legged lift (5 breaths for both) is still pretty hard, but easier than yesterday (really challenging for the abdominals) Urdhva Dhanurasana was very easy, Saraswati stood over me counting the breaths so she could help me with the next part of this which is "advanced backbending".
After completing Urdhva Dhanurasana I lay down: Saraswati asked me to stand up. She held my waist as I (was instructed to) cross my arms in front (kinda holding the shoulders). Saraswati then lowered me backwards towards the ground (I kept my legs straight) three times... but each time I experienced a lot of lower back pressure... Saraswati said "Maybe tomorrow".
I was then told to complete shoulderstand series (http://www.ayri.org/finishing-asanas.html everything up to Uttana Padasana but not Headstand (Sirsasana)) which Saraswati helped me to complete. (not too hard, though Pindasana is tight (hard to bring knees to the head))
Finally the finishing Padmasana series (same weblink as above) and Savasana (interesting that website doesn't show Savasana)

Fluffies Kittens - Photos!!!

Here they are!

Patanjali Yoga Sutras

We are progressing rapidly through Chapter 1 of the sutras, we have been taught up to Sutra 34 today. The concepts seem pretty easy. I can't say I am remembering all of the Sutras, but when I look back in my book, it is still making sense to me.

I told the Ayurvedic Dr. who is teaching this class about my Asthma condition. He said he will provide me with help/information during the Ayurvedic course that I will be attending after this (Sutra) course.

Twentieth Ashtanga Practice

"What's wrong today?" Saraswati asked as I skipped a few of the final standing asanas by mistake. Pretty good considering Saraswati noticed this while assisting other students.
(I do not know why I was off today...)
The last seated asana was Marichyasana D (to bind). I then moved to Navasana, Bow (Urdhva Dhanurasana) and Chakrasana (with the usual rolling to the left side)
Today Saraswati helped me with Leg balancing, sideways forward fold, Marichyasana C&D (both sides) that's it!

Saraswati told me that tomorrow I will stand up after Urdhva Dhanurasana so she can support me for advanced backbending version of Urdhva Dhanurasana.

Updates

November 1st
: Picture posted for "Yoga Mandala Puja"

November 3rd
: Picture posted for "Kittens @ Yoga Mandala"

Posts created for November 4th-8th...

Fluffies Kittens

I just came from Yoga Mandala where Fluffy (the Yoga Mandala cat) lives. Yesterday I didn't see her and was wondering what was up. Today I found out that her kittens were born the other day! Three little ones having their eyes still closed. I was able to handle one and fluffy even allowed her kittens to be taken outside!

Well I didn't have my camera with me, so I will have to take pictures tomorrow, I will post them asap afterwards (that's another reminder to me to keep my camera with me at all times)

Banks

I just took money out at an ATM maybe 20 minutes ago; here I am sitting at an Internet Cafe checking my bank balance online... Would you know the bank shows the transaction already! I remember not too long ago when a foreign transaction would take weeks to show up on the account, not any more.

The other great thing is that the bank seems to be giving a good rate - 45.3 rupees to the $ (xe.com shows the rate as 45.8 not bad) and presumably not charging a fee...

Breakfast & Lunch

I ate both at Yoga Mandala.
Breakfast: Toast & butter + pineapple juice.
Lunch: "Cornish Pastie" still tastes really good (even if it doesn't quite taste like the real thing.

Patanjali Yoga Sutras

The class is progressing very well, I am learning a great deal and the teacher is very clear and detailed with his information.
I was a bit concerned about the cost of the course (5000rs) but now I see it is well worth it. I also thought it was only for five days, but I found out it is much longer, maybe two weeks (however long it takes for him to cover the material!)

Mysore Rug

Well I used it for the first time today (over my regular mat)

Honestly I don't get why people use these (except for absorbing perspiration), these things are slippery! It is actually great for sliding from Chaturanga to Urdhva Mukah Svanasana (http://ashtangayoga.info/asana-vinyasa/surya-namaskara-a/index.html), but other than that much care is needed!

Nineteenth Ashtanga Practice

All the things I have said for the previous practice hold for this one.

After completing Navasana and the cross legged lifting of two days ago, I was told to lie down and complete Bow pose (Urdhva Dhanurasana), Chakrasana, & then Paschimottanasana
http://ashtangayoga.info/asana-vinyasa/primary-series/index.html for which Saraswati took a mat and pushed me down to the floor telling me it was an important counterpose to Urdhva Dhanurasana (after telling me "do Paschimottanasana now..." and me looking at her blankly: I really need to learn the Sanskrit names soon...)
During Chakrasana I rolled on the side of my head... I don't think I have tried this roll since I was a kid, and I doubt I got it right back then either!

The backbend was really well timed after all these forward folds (I know, I know, I said I would practice backbends at home... hahaha that never happened)

Savasana was especially good, very soft breath, first time I have had such a good Savasana since arriving in Mysore.

Where I lived

Here are pictures from the house where I lived (unfortunately neighbor noise was the main reason for moving...): (notice my shoes :) )

Talk at Shala today

I went to a talk at the shala today. Pattabhi Jois gave a lecture on what Ashtanga is, the eight limbs of Yoga and told us not to waste our lives - we are given so many years (90 or 100 etc)... it was a bit hard to hear him due to his English.

There must have been 80-100 people in attendance...

A line formed after the talk so people could thank him.

No practice today - adventures of moving...

It's Sunday, so no practice.

I completed the move today, and paid the owner for 2 of the 3 months rent.

I had the best nights sleep last night, there isn't much noise here compared to where I was...

The landlord had given me 2 out of 3 keys (one for the padlock/chained fence, one for my room, missing one for the house!) so of course I was locked out today when someone left the house and padlocked it. This happened when I brought the heaviest load of stuff from the old house, so I had to leave my backpack on the roof (in a corner where it was fairly safe) - I did manage to get in later, and I was given a key.

Strangely enough, another roommate was locked in the house! Someone pushed the bolt across the door outside when they left!

New house!

With the help of a Yoga student I found a new house to stay in. Funnily enough I had seen this house many times before and really admired it for its uniqueness. The house is situated opposite to a park and is faced with marble/granite both inside and out!

I went back and forth deciding on a basement room or an upstairs room (basement is 2500rupees - $54, upstairs is 4500rupees - $98 (prices are based on payment of 3 months rent) )
Finally I decided that the upstairs room had a bit more light and so that is where I stayed, but the 2500rupee option was financially very tempting :)

Although the house is slightly further away from the shala (about 7 minutes walk instead of 5 minutes), it is closer to Anu's cafe and to a number of friends I know.

I partially moved today, I have bought a number of heavy books so I decided to take it easy (besides the walk was nice)

Eighteenth Ashtanga Practice

Breath is improving for Surya A+B. I attempted Janu Sirsasana C with no assistance again today, I am still at about the same place... Just trying to be careful not to tweak my knee (since I am pretty sure it is the hip that is tight)
Marichyasana A was the same as last time.
Saraswati asked me to complete Marichyasana B & C, so I did! Saraswati helped me fold forward for B and I managed to bind C (which is a twist, not a forward fold) without too much of a problem.
I then tried Marichyasana D, for which Saraswati commented "Oh you want to try D?" to which I (of course) responded yes! She had to help me bind on both sides but I managed it...
Finally, finishing Padmasana series...

Computer help

I am helping people with their computer needs (pretty minor stuff). Today I helped someone with FTP ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FTP ) for their photography business.

Mysore Rug

Today I bought a Mysore Rug from Ashtanga Yoga Research Institute (where I take Ashtanga Yoga lessons), it was probably overpriced at 500rupees, oh well, it looks really nice :)

Fluffy

Fluffy (the Yoga Mandala cat) went away for a day (maybe because of the new kittens, apparently she was hissing at them) but is back today... the kittens are playing in the plant pots...

Seventeenth Ashtanga Practice

Today I somewhat managed Janu Sirsasana C (but I still can't rotate my left heel much if at all, right one isn't much better)
After that asana I completed a half vinyasa and started the Padmasana finishing sequence... Saraswati saw what I was doing and stopped me; she told me to jump through again (I do not know why, maybe she didn't see me do it already) and had me try Marichyasana A...No problem with the binding, but the forward fold is not happening.
(Link for Marichyasana A: http://ashtangayoga.info/asana-vinyasa/primary-series/index.html )

I tried the asana on my right side, Saraswati pushed on my back to help me get my body closer to the floor but when I came to the left side, she was helping someone else... so wasn't able to complete the adjustment.
I wish teachers would remember to adjust on both sides, I feel uneven otherwise!
Mind you to be fair, Saraswati is the best of the teachers in a long time...

After this I was told to finish... So another jump through and Padmasana Series followed by a quick Savasana... and I was done :)

Kittens @ Yoga Mandala

During the day of the anniversary festival @ Yoga Mandala, three kittens strolled up the entry way to Yoga Mandala. People said that this was auspicious and means someone is going to be married!

I found out that the kittens were not Fluffies kittens (the Yoga Mandala cat that is pregnant), but were in fact new kittens without a mother.

Sixteenth Yoga Practice / Yoga Sutra

Saraswati's class began today :) I have really missed the energy of AYRI.

As with everytime I have practiced here, my Ujjayi inhale has been really off, and the transitions from Chaturanga to Downward Facing Dog not smooth at all, this is especially so at the beginning of class (I notice this more in the morning, 8am is too early for Yoga ;) ) but by the middle to end of practice everything is good, I am really feeling the energy and the practice has smoothed out :)

Saraswati let me go all the way through to Janu Sirsasana C! I have not been able to turn my heel up for this (while practicing at Yoga Mandala), Saraswati told me to try myself (which apart from meaning what she says, also seems to mean that this is the last asana for today).
I asked Saraswati to help me with every new asana (remember Saraswati had stopped me before their trip @ Triang Mukha Eka Pada Paschimottanasana - oblique face one leg West extension posture (I can't remember the name of this either... here is the website: http://ashtangayoga.info/asana-vinyasa/primary-series/index.html ) and so I was very surprised that Saraswati let me progress so far!)
I attempted the asana the best I could and then completed the finishing Padmasana sequence and then to Savasana.
After Savasana, Saraswati asked me about my inability to turn my ankle, I told her I am having knee problems (left knee, was bad before I started Yoga) and then said not to worry, just take my time. This was really good to hear...

After the class I rushed to Yoga Mandala for Patanjali's Yoga Sutras class. The class is for five days (1 1/2 - 2 hours a day). At Yoga Mandala I ate breakfast (starving after Yoga always) and then to class at 10am.
There were only two other students in the class. Both are Korean (I am pretty sure) and one has difficulty understanding English. The teacher was intent on making sure that she understood everything, asking the other girl to translate as he went. The other girl kept saying that she understood but could not translate much. The teacher persisted and asked her to translate as much as she could (actually he said something like "tell her anything, she will atleast then have questions which I will be happy to answer!")

The rest of the day

So this brings us up to Lunch... I ate a Chocolate Pie @ Anu's, I wasn't in the mood to go anywhere and Anu's is not serving lunch until the 4th...

I am looking at options for places to stay. Not that I dislike where I am staying, it is just that it is a bit on the pricey side, so it is always good to see what else is out there. I was shown a one bedroom house which was really nice and quite reasonably priced, but it was a bit too dark for my liking.

I was invited to a students house next door to check it out. It was very bright and airy, really nice, unfortunately no more rooms were available.

After all the looking around and chatting I walked back to the Internet cafe (I had a ride to the house but since I was visiting next door, I let my ride go back, so I had to walk back) and blogged/emailed away.

Dinner was at Gokul Chats, I had met a friend at Anu's and, we decided to take a break from the computer screen. I ate two masala dosa's, the best in town :)

After that, we returned to Anu's for more Internet blogging.

It was a bit wet tonight, many fireworks (to the point that it became hard to walk on the street for fear of someone lighting a firework in front of you)

No practice + Venkatesh discussion

I had purchased six classes at the Yoga Mandala, and now I have run out of credit. This and my right hamstrings are quite sore (a bit of a shock since the left side of my bodies always seems to have the troubles), have given me to the decision that I best take the day off from Yoga.
The hamstring issue is to the point now where I can barely fold my leg into half lotus.
Time will take care of the soreness, that or a good Ayurvedic massage, one or the other (or both I guess).
I went to the Kevinn for breakfast, Kevin agreed that it is good for me to just take the day off from yoga.

I went back to Venkatesh today (Venkatesh and Hema were very generous of their time and agreed to meet us at 10am even though their school is closed today) to talk about their Teacher Training Program. I was very impressed with both of them (I believe Hema is his wife). I was impressed enough to consider taking the Teacher Training Course, which would require 8 weeks of training with no option to practice Ashtanga (his course is Hatha based, but unique to him). There would be no time for Ashtanga because the course starts at 5am in the morning and finishes at lunch time. There is a mandatory Bhajan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhajan) every evening (5 days a week). The program is very intense and even if I could find an Ashtanga class with the hours that do not conflict, it would be extremely taxing on the mind/body (and probably the spirit as well)

Venkatesh & Hema seem sincere in their commitment to teach people Yoga, and not just hand out certificates. They stated that there would be self practice times where a teacher would merely sit and observe their practice to see how committed the student is, since they need to show committment to their practice to be a teacher. As part of the program there is Pranayama (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pranayama) instruction. This is specific to the individual, first you are taught correct seated alignment, and then just the basic Pranayama techniques relevant to the students particular situation. The aim is not to teach you how to teach Pranayama to others (since as he said this would require much more time and cannot be taught in the manner that people try to teach it... group lead class, non specific to the individual). We were told that most people do not have an awareness of Prana and that the course is aiming to help people experience this.

In fact, over and over again, the emphasis was on the experience of Yoga. We were told that in this school, hands on adjustments were never made, it was important for the student to receive verbal direction so that they can make their own adjustments, feeling the subtle effects (within) themselves.
They stated this is very unique for any school of Yoga. Excuse me, but I do believe that Sivananda (among others I am sure) teaches this way as well.
Even still, they were very convincing, and I may sign up for one of their classes soon. (Shame they are so expensive though...)

Yoga Mandala Puja

Moon Day + Yoga Mandala Anniversary

Today's breakfast was @ Tina's cafe... Vegetable omelet + fenugreek Roti (with Tomato Chutney) + 2 chai's (especially tired this morning) the omelet + Roti combination is about the most delicious breakfast combination anyone could ever invent. It was recommended to me by a friend, and it is a combination I would never have thought to put together.
No practice today, due to it being a Moon Day...

I looked for my credit card because I am short on money (I need to pay for some more lessons soon), I hunted everywhere for it, I spent 30 minutes completely going through everything. During this panic/effort, I decided that since I was touching everything, I might as well tidy up, put clothes in their respective piles etc..(you know shirts stacked on top of shirts, etc)
Well the last place to check was my small back pack that I have been carrying with me everywhere... surely it can't be in there, but I have checked everywhere else... and of course that is exactly where it was! This reminds me of last year, when in a panic I looked for my plane ticket to India: At the last second, I found the ticket in my backpack that I took to work every day. (Happens to be the same one!)

I went to Atmavikasa shala today (with friends) and met the person who runs it, Yogacharya V. Venkatesha (everyone seems to call him Venkatesh). We were interested in their Teacher Training Program (http://www.atmavikasa.com/ttrg.htm) but were told to read about it online and then call / come with questions. This may sound rude, but the fact is we came uninvited, just before Venkatesh was about to teach, so of course he had no time to talk.

Going to the Yoga Mandala, for their Anniversary party, the Rikshaw driver tried to charge us 1.5 times the fare because there were four of us. Today was not a day to mess with me (I think because all the Rikshaw drivers have recently been trying to play fare games with me) - I told him that what he was saying was complete, well add a nasty word, it didn't mention anything of the sort on the notice that is displayed by the passengers feet (great to read when it is dark, it is written on a black background low enough that no light would ever reach it).
Anyway, as expected the Rikshaw driver happily took what we gave him (I think we stil l gave over the stated fare). It is interesting to see them back down as soon as you complain in a loud voice. I think they think it is all fun and games anyway, but they try it on because they are trying to make a living, and as such they seem to have it pretty rough, I certainly know I wouldn't last more than a day in that job.

The party was very nice, they had a Puja (where 50% of everyone was talking as the proceeding were happening, even the Indians, shouldn't they know better?). The buffet/Thali dinner was really good, and finally there was a Grand Violin Concert (the same performers as last time) who were also talking throughout. There was a point where an Indian man looked back at all the foreigners in a disdainful manner. It wasn't good, and it made it really difficult to hear the music which was extremelly good (well atleast very good, it was hard to tell)

Back in Gokulum, we checked the Website of Venkatesh and called him for a meeting tomorrow.

We then went back to their house and hung out on the roof, watching the Dewali firework celebrations...

Walk down Chamundi Hill #2

Almost the end of the journey... arriving at a friend of a friend's house... still another couple of km's to the Rikshaw drivers that do not cheat you. (We were warned to avoid the ones located directly below the hill)
As you can see, today I decided to remove my socks, normally they get really dirty (because I leave them on), it would be simpler if I didn't wear socks with my shoes, but I don't like wearing shoes without socks (plus I tend to get blisters without socks), I don't like wearing sandals, and it is a bit time consuming to continually take ones socks off when entering houses... I guess I will put a sock in the whole conversation...

The walk down Chamundi Hill #1

Monkeys @ Chamundi Hill

Well I have to post pictures of the monkeys, I just have to...

Even more pictures @ Chamundi Hill

These pictures are of the building occupied by the Brahma Kumaris (I really wanted to take a picture of the whole building, but with the lens I brought today (50mm on digital camera) that just wasn't (easily) possible)

More Chamundi Hill pictures

The one below was taken with my "Hold camera anyway you like as long as there is no chance of being able to see through the viewfinder or know what it is you are going to take a picture of" technique... I think it came out better than if I had tried... If you are brave enough to click on this one, then please be sure to sit down and hold on to something so that you do not get too dizzy...

Chamundi Hill

I climbed the 1000 steps of Chamundi hill today with a friend, it was very tiring (and even the walk down wasn't much easier, I think the stairs must have been steeper than normal, or I am unfit... one of the two)

Here are the pictures from the walk/climb...

Fourteenth Ashtanga Practice

I woke up to the sound of drilling which was wafting from the general direction of next door, where a building is in its foundational state. This noise is unusual because up until now the activity has mainly been manual labour, not machine labour (although they did bring an excavation/digging machine to clear the ground, a few weeks ago)
I looked out the window and saw a huge drilling machine with an umbilical cable connected to the vehicle parked in the middle of the road. On the side of the vehicle was a sign that stated it was operated by a well-drilling/general drilling company. I took a few pictures and then left as the noise was quite unbearable.

My stomach was feeling queesy so I decided to visit the Kevinn for breakfast. After filling myself with Homemade Muesli; a super vegetarian omelete; and a ginger, lemon and honey drink; I ventured forth to Anu's Internet cafe to print some essays from www.paulgraham.com.

Two things jumped out from the pages:
One was a quote from Trevor Blackwell "Watch people who have money to spend, see what they're spending wasting their time on, cook up a solution, & try selling it to them. It's surprising how small a problem can be & still provide a profitable market for a solution"
The other was from Paul Graham with regard to formulating ideas and asking questions... He basically said to ask questions instead of making statements about what you want to do... his example "Could one make a collaborative, web based spreadsheet"... assertions provide objection, questions invite exploration.

So I am trying to frame ideas more as questions, because I am finding myself objecting to too many of my (fantastic ;) ) ideas...

I left early for Yoga Mandala today so that I could eat lunch there, which consisted of a boiled egg, toast and masala chai (just assume that I am referring to masala chai when I mention chai) (due to the hefty lunch and close time proximity to my Yoga class)

At Yoga I again finished @ Marichyasana D, Sheshadri bound my hands on both sides, but my left side is especially tight, so it was quite a bit more difficult. The tightness was as close to pain as I can imagine, and then he twisted me further! I was very relieved to be released from the asana, and amazingly, I felt really good afterwards!

Since it was so late I decided to eat at the Yoga Mandala cafe; tonight I had a 'Cornish' Pastie with half a carrot soup.

No practice

Today is Yoga Mandala's day off (Mysore style Ashtanga is where you practice six out of seven days; each Shala (and sometimes each teacher within the shala) decides which day is the 'no practice' day, usually Saturday or Sunday.

I woke up late today, very tired. I think the late practice keeps me up (so much energy until about midnight each night).

I went to Tina's for breakfast.

I met some students @ AYRI buying a video. The video is a demonstration of Sharath being lead by Pattabhi Jois in many asanas from each of the Ashtanga series. The documentary was filmed in New York and is about 45 minutes long. From what I hear, it is very inspirational, and only 1000 rupees.

Anu's cafe is closed until November 4th, however they are serving Chai and Chocolate Pies, so lunch today was a Chocolate Pie (I can't keep away from them, they appear quite by magic, I swear).

In the afternoon around 3pm, I received an Ayurvedic massage. The massage left me itching (maybe the oils that are used? I will have to check with a teacher) but very relaxed and calm. There are several positions that I was put into that resembled Yoga asanas. The experience was quite new to me as the only massage I have received was a Western back massage in Florida (which was I hate to say, nothing much to talk about): I will definately sign up for another Ayurvedic massage while I am here.

In the evening I visited Gokul Chats. I ate two Masala Dosas. The dosas are a bit smaller than the ones in Florida, but they are 100% more satisfying, with none of the heavyness I often feel after eating them. There is also none of the ultra hot spicy stuff that is normally served in the US.

Thirteenth Ashtanga Practice

Today for a change, I went to Kevinn for breakfast. I am finding myself eating more and more each day! Maybe it is Mysore or the water (though I drink mineral water so it can't be that), but most probably it is the Ashtanga practice, today I ate the homemade Muesli, mixed fruit smoothie (Banana and papaya), the 'Kevinator' (some thick bread with ghee and honey on top), and Chai!
I stopped at some friends house who are staying next to the AYRI shala. From what I hear, the house is owned by Saraswati (Pattabhi Jois's daughter). There is a nice practice space upstairs (where I understand Saraswati has held classes) and about three rooms for students. The biggest concern with the rooms facing the road is that there is quite a bit of noise made by the students who are leaving practice in the early hours of the morning. The students cross the road to a coconut stand that is conveniently located there (and inconveniently located right next to the window where students sleep).
I chatted with one of the students about practice, about what we are visiting Mysore for, and all the possibilities for practice that are here. We both teach Yoga back @ our respective homes, so it was good to hear the similarities with what we were trying to accomplish, and the difficulty which were encountering deciding which direction to move towards. We ate lunch at Anu's, but today I stuck to the soup and before I had a chance to fill a plate of food, the staff had removed all the food! (actually a very good thing)

In the end, all four of us climbed into a Rikshaw and we went to Yoga Mandala for practice (some of us for the first time, some of us recommending to try Yoga Mandala to those who hadn't tried it before)
I was told of a new way to attempt Kukkutasana, so today I thought I would try it, as according to the picture guide that Yoga Mandala hands out, this asana should be right after lolasana and therefore only two or so asanas more than I normally complete ( http://ashtangayoga.info/asana-vinyasa/primary-series/index.html ) (remember that most people skip handstand, apparently even in the main AYRI shala) of course I was confusing it with Bhuja Pindasana, but I didn't know this at the time.
Well things worked out quite well, but there was no way I was going to rock forward after balancing (I did the first day @ Yoga Mandala, that was enough to tell me I wasn't ready for it!), so this is where I completed my practice (with the usual Padmasana finishing series)

I ate a "Cornish" Pastie at the Yoga Mandala cafe. There is nothing Cornish about this pastie, but it was nevertheless delicious! I also consumed a small bowl of soup which was average to ok, and two glasses of Pineapple juice (very cooling after the practice)

Twelfth Ashtanga Practice

I took another Airborne today.
When a place is good to eat at, it is hard not to make it a daily habit, so today I went to Tina's cafe again!
After I arrived at Tina's, the cats and dogs fell from the sky.
I did manage to get a lift/ride back, so I stopped off at (guess where?) Anu's to use the Internet cafe, have lunch, and more Internet cafe!
Yoga @ Yoga Mandala (I bought six day's worth of classes). I reached Marichyasana D, tried to bind my arms myself, found that I couldn't (I haven't been able to on my own ever), so I waited for someone to help me, no one came (the shala has been busy with AYRI closing), so I stopped the practice here and completed the finishing asanas (Padmasana series)
I am feeling very happy to finish at this point every day, I feel that my body needs to open up, and that Marichyasana D is a gatekeeper asana to the rest of the series.

Started a game of chess with a friend (it is nice to find people who like to play chess, very few back home)

Updates - Pictures added!!!

New post for October 16th (you may need to click on Archives October (right hand side of screen) to re-load rest of blog (older posts are stored in Archives))
Pictures of Gokulum / Green Hotel

Eleventh Ashtanga Practice

Practice (@ 5pm) was very good today (although I was still a bit full from lunch, see below), a lot of strong adjustments (as usual) - I finished my practice @ Marichyasana D (and completed the usual finishing Padmasana asana series)
My hamstring (right leg) is sore, maybe the adjustments they make are too strong...

This morning I took Airborne, bacause of allergies or the start of something else, I am not taking the chance. I used a full pack of mini-tissues, but as usual during the day there were no or very few symptoms.
Todays breakfast was at Tina's (Hi-protein porridge and Chai) - I felt like I needed the warmth of a hot breakfast.
Coffee day coffee houses are aparently becoming popular (they seem very similar to Starbucks) - I went there to meet a friend and then walked to Anu's Internet Cafe for Lunch. I really overate. When visiting Anu's it is as though the normal signals to stop eating are temporarily shut down. Apart from soup and tons of food, I also ate their regular desert and shared a chocolate pie!
Another walk was in order, so we marched through a really nice park to the Yoga Mandala. I did manage one or two stops on the way (I guess I am not as fit as I used to be)


Back in Gokulum, I chatted with another friend about intermediate and advanced series Ashtanga practice and how some people feel it is not necessary to advance beyond Primary series. We concluded that the later series, other than improving the physical bodies flexibility and strength, it also helps to cultivate more awareness of the body as well as unlocking emotional blocks that we may have.

Oh, no dinner was required, I was far too full to eat!