Saturday morning arrived and after an intensive week of theory and teaching exams all that was left was a final morning of Mysore practice. Somehow I felt more nervous for this moment. The Shala was filled with emotion as everyone was aware this would be the last day we would practice together. Inhale, 'vande gurunam caranaravinde...' I had set up my mat next to my friend Sandra, and with every inhale and exhale our bodies flowed in synchronicity to the vinyasas.
Finishing my 25th count of Uttpluthi I knelt on my mat, bowed my head and with hands in Namaskara I whispered the closing prayer - 'May the whole of all the world's be happy.'
One by one we rolled up our mats and congragated on the roof terrace. Mayanne and I hugged, as she shed a few tears. No one really said anything but we all felt something:
We acknowledged our feelings and then took our teacher Praveen for a Chai and a chat about our aspirations for the future. Then came the graduation ceremony. As with any Western education, you pay for the course and you'll get the certificate. I got mine, along with everyone else on the course.
So I now have a certificate stating that I have fulfilled the requirements of a 200hr Ashtanga YTTC. This is my stepping stone. The journey will now begin.
I found myself in a bit of a dilemma with regard to my place at KPJAYI. An existing injury has resurfaced, caused from years of swimming and incorrect posture. The tendons and ligaments in deltoid, mastoid and pectorals have shortened causing my shoulders to round forward. This is really prominent in the right and makes a horrid crunching sound. Well it got quite bad a couple of weeks ago and I've had to see an advanced physiotherapist. I have had to refrain from Marichayasana and Budjupadasana, modifying to a minimal posture :(
Recently I've heard things about KPJAYI, all of which are from people who have never actually practiced with either Sharath or Saraswathi so I know a substantial amount is bullshit. But I'm quite scared. I've heard that if you can't bind in Marichayasana D or jump through you are simply told to roll up your mat and are refunded.
After all my anxieties I finally emailed my teacher from London. She calmed me, highlighting that this is an experience to embrace and an opportunity that I will be sure to regret if I don't take it. Leo and I then met his friend and her teacher from Ashtanga Yoga Chile - both practicing under Sharath. Such kind people and very comforting to know that I have friends around me. My mind was made. I did it, I registered with Saraswathi. Now my excitement grows each day as I spends hours at night reading blogs.
Me and another girl have taken a sleeper train to Hampi, UNESCO site. I'm hoping that a few days of resting my body will leave me feeling fresh and rejuvenated for my return to Mysore; ready for the next stepping stone!
Finishing my 25th count of Uttpluthi I knelt on my mat, bowed my head and with hands in Namaskara I whispered the closing prayer - 'May the whole of all the world's be happy.'
One by one we rolled up our mats and congragated on the roof terrace. Mayanne and I hugged, as she shed a few tears. No one really said anything but we all felt something:
"Listen to your being. It is continuously giving you hints; it is a still, small voice. It does not shout at you, that is true. And if you are a little silent you will start feeling your way." OSHO
So I now have a certificate stating that I have fulfilled the requirements of a 200hr Ashtanga YTTC. This is my stepping stone. The journey will now begin.
I found myself in a bit of a dilemma with regard to my place at KPJAYI. An existing injury has resurfaced, caused from years of swimming and incorrect posture. The tendons and ligaments in deltoid, mastoid and pectorals have shortened causing my shoulders to round forward. This is really prominent in the right and makes a horrid crunching sound. Well it got quite bad a couple of weeks ago and I've had to see an advanced physiotherapist. I have had to refrain from Marichayasana and Budjupadasana, modifying to a minimal posture :(
Recently I've heard things about KPJAYI, all of which are from people who have never actually practiced with either Sharath or Saraswathi so I know a substantial amount is bullshit. But I'm quite scared. I've heard that if you can't bind in Marichayasana D or jump through you are simply told to roll up your mat and are refunded.
After all my anxieties I finally emailed my teacher from London. She calmed me, highlighting that this is an experience to embrace and an opportunity that I will be sure to regret if I don't take it. Leo and I then met his friend and her teacher from Ashtanga Yoga Chile - both practicing under Sharath. Such kind people and very comforting to know that I have friends around me. My mind was made. I did it, I registered with Saraswathi. Now my excitement grows each day as I spends hours at night reading blogs.
Me and another girl have taken a sleeper train to Hampi, UNESCO site. I'm hoping that a few days of resting my body will leave me feeling fresh and rejuvenated for my return to Mysore; ready for the next stepping stone!
Great blog. I hope the rest and recovery will ease your shoulder. Very proud of you Emma. Onto the next phase of your journey. Take care and enjoy x Aunty K
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