Following on from my recent downward dog tired post, I think (hope) I reached the nadir yesterday, and that it's onwards and upwards from now on. We have had two days off and so I thought I'd be full of beans, refreshed for beginning classes again. However, when pranayama class loomed I was already feeling sulky andContinue reading "Climbing out of the hole…"
Mysore bum
Yesterday we had a precious day off, as Vijay had his engagement party - quite a big deal in India, involving the priest chanting mantras for a good hour or so and a detailed look at the couple's joint astrological outlook (in order to determine the most auspicious date for the big day). To makeContinue reading "Mysore bum"
Downward dog tired
We had a led class again this morning, meaning we've gone full circle with Vijay - I can see how the days could start to merge into one dreamy yogic existence here. Sleep, do yoga, eat, chat in a cafe for rather a long time, drink fresh coconut, do pranayama, eat, socialise in a cafeContinue reading "Downward dog tired"
Institutionalised yoga?
I found out yesterday that I hadn't got in to study at the Pattabhi Jois Ashtanga Yoga Institute (KPAYI) in February next year and, since I applied, I've found out that obtaining a place is as fraught and nigh impossible as getting hold of Glasto tickets... For those that don't know, Pattabhi Jois is theContinue reading "Institutionalised yoga?"
Cow question time
Since my last post, I've had a euphoric back-bending moment, have been entered into a Karnataka State yoga competition (errr... hello?!) and have drunk many more fresh coconuts. But enough about me - today's post will focus on that very Indian of beasts - the common cow... 🙂 Cows are everywhere in India - atContinue reading "Cow question time"
Meat and sleep – the universe provides…
Today my body is hurting BIG-TIME. Last night’s back-bending class stretched muscles I didn’t know I had – and that’s coming from a yoga teacher/masseuse with anatomy training! Vinay’s teaching techniques were unusual – he has devised a series of stretching and strengthening exercises, almost like calisthenics, that prepare the body for back-bending. You repeatContinue reading "Meat and sleep – the universe provides…"
The slow count
This morning we had our first led primary series class with Vijay – it was a sloooow count, and I swear he slowed down even more for navasana (the dreaded boat pose, where you balance on your bum in a V shape) and utpluthih (where you lift up onto your hands whilst in lotus andContinue reading "The slow count"
Elvis legs
Well, so much for the much-anticipated lie-in… Despite new sheets, I slept fitfully and, as predicted, was woken at 5am by the orchestration of chanting (the bass line), muezzin (the melody) and Danny the dog howling (harmonies of sorts) - apparently from time to time he likes to provide enthusiastic accompaniment to the call theContinue reading "Elvis legs"
Return of the monsoon
Today I learnt that hareem pants are not good in a downpour – whoever said the rainy season had finished here has a lot to answer for… We were having lunch on the street with 25p man again (his pakoras are so amazing!) when we heard ominous rumbles that were definitely not emanating from ourContinue reading "Return of the monsoon"
Home sweet home
Today I thought I’d describe our new digs and our new home town. We’re staying in one of the five rooms at Yoga Mandira (I learnt that mandira means temple). It’s a lovely old-style building with a yoga hall at its centre, a shared kitchen, a communal seating area and an outdoors café to theContinue reading "Home sweet home"
frond yoga with Rebecca May 