Thursday, February 24, 2011
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
It's been a month!
Yup, it's been a month since I've been back. I can't believe it!
It's very strange in a good sort of way--(I think haha)--people keep coming up to me (since I've been home) saying, "you look so different!" And then they sort of scan my face, like they are looking--I can't help but suspect they are looking to see if I've had some work done, some plastic surgery of some sort. But besides my hair being a little longer and being a couple of pounds lighter (really just 2 or 3), nope, it's the same old me. The only thing I can think of is, "Well, I've been to India recently. I kind of 'get it' now!"
A few people have said, not really asked, but stated, "It really is a life changing experience, isn't it?" My answer is, "yes, it is." But how? And how can one explain it...ah hem, I'll try!
It's kind of like being a parent--only those of us who have actually been parents know the experience. You can try to put it into words, but until you've actually lived it you really don't get it. And when couples are about to become parents and have all these predetermined ideas of how their baby and what there family is going to be, only those of us who have lived it just smile and say, "uh huh," knowing it never turns out exactly (sometimes not at all) how you visualize it. I can only write about my own transformation from visiting India. I feel bigger, huge, internally expanded. I have been the the other side of the world, really been there and smelled, heard, tasted, breathed, and seen it. My practice with Arunji's instruction has shifted and changed. I can access much more of my yoga practice now, and not just in my body, but it's in my breath, in my spirit, in my relationships. It comes across in my teaching too--I am watching more, sensing more, and able to describe more as a teacher. I appreciate the comforts we have at home more and do not take them for granted. I stop and hang around with my grandson more, we laugh and play a lot more than we used to. "Life is so short and fragile" I keep telling myself, so make each moment count and tell those you love how important they are.
Anyway, I've been so inspired that I can't wait to go back, and want to share India with others. So I've joined a new budding business, Hatha Global. http://www.hatharetreats.com/ We organize retreats mostly to India for now, but eventually we'll be adding some other exotic locations. And the synergy and opportunities in connecting with others has been amazing! Just one small example (there have been so many), I went to a farewell part recently to say goodbye to some old friends moving back to Kenya, and I felt so sad. But we are now in the process of planning retreats to Africa, so goodbye wasn't goodbye at all but a new healthy vein opening into my heart. And now I have an opportunity to work with some of those fellow teachers who have inspired me awed me over the years.
So, where to from here? This yogini is off to Mexico in a couple of weeks. I am bringing a beautiful group of students with me to Troncones, where we'll practice lots of yoga on the beach, soak up some sun and laugh, cry, sing and dance, and have a fabulous time with my good friend Zoreh. It is my third trip back there. Sorry, this time I'm all sold out, but stay tuned...I'll probably post a date for next year soon. And then in June, I have a retreat in Calistoga, Ca. and in October in Muir Woods, Ca. Check out my website for details about those! http://brentwoodyogacenter.com/retreats
If you're in the Bay Area, come take classes, workshops, Kirtan with us! We're always busy and always building the community!
Here's a recent pic from our latest Kirtan event which featured a slide show of India, Yoga dancers and of course, chanting! It was a great evening!
Om Namah Shivaya,
Sandy
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