Erin and I arrived in Gokulam on Tuesday morning around 6:30, red eyed from the long flight and freshly dusted by pungent particles that rushed in opened taxi cab windows from the wild miles between Bangalore and Mysore, we were greeted by our gracious hosts with boisterous salutations and delicious, hot chai and sweet biscuits. Thankful and think-less (aka exhausted) without hesitation, we accepted. Sitting and sipping — smiling — we had arrived, y’all.
This morning, Wednesday, after twelve-ish hours of sleep, we awoke for our first (home) practice in India…..at 3:30am. Cherished memory.
Tomorrow, registration begins. We’ll meet with our teacher, Sharath, and be assigned our practice times. First practice at the Shala will be on Monday!
The past couple of days have been productive. We’ve unpacked and settled in to our house, secured transportation in the form of a scooter, and got our internet and cell phones ready to go.
Now, time for dinner. Smoothie at Anu’s Cafe or Chaats at The Sixth Main?
Freshly blended and ice cold, banana, cashew, and fig smoothie at Anu’s Bamboo Hut. A quiet evening spent relaxing with Buggy, a very well loved black lab who lives here and the only other patron at the time. Perfect.
Hey, one more note! Remember this statement from last year?
Confession: I’m not a blogger or writer for that matter, I find it arduous to compose my thoughts and emotions into words to be exposed publicly — or even privately, see personal journal (there’s not one). I LOVE taking photos, however, and feel I convey my thoughts and emotions more effectively through images. I am eager to share this experience with you, I am overjoyed actually, because without you I am not me and this journey is not mine to be had alone, but ours. Beginning today, I will do my best to update the blog regularly through both words and images (ok, probably more photos – I can’t help it!).
It’s ALL still TRUE, however, a small but important change.
I WILL ACTUALLY make posts regularly this trip. Now that I, as the experienced Mysorian (I may have just made that up) I am, have the insight, ability, and courage to compose in all unusual situations and overcome all unusual challenges, i.e. unknown lengths of time without power. (side note: made possible largely in part by and a huge thanks to my editor from overseas, David Kimling and my local technical support, Jimmy Crow).
Thank you so much for your interest, love, support, and practicing yoga with me. I’m missing the studio’s warmth and charm and all of you who make Morning Glory Yoga so special.
More from Mysore to come. Cheers!!
Love & Gratitude from Gokulam,
Amy