Saturday, January 08, 2011

The road to Mysore

2009 06 05 photo
In almost one month (33 days to be exact), I will be leaving on a jet plane to Mysore, India. I know it sounds like a random place to visit, but this journey is not just for fun; it will be to broaden my yoga practice. I practice Ashtanga yoga with Yannis here in Houston and have for, well, a pretty long time. I would say between 5-7 years, give or take. I will be practicing at the pattabhi jois ashtanga yoga institute for almost seven weeks.

When I got laid off from my job in November, the hubs and I discussed what my plans should be while looking for another job. Fortunately he just found a job when I was losing mine so we weren't in dire straits. One thing he mentioned was looking into going to India. We had talked to E&R, some yogis (and our instructors and friends) who go to India on a regular basis and they really encouraged us to look into it. Since the shala requires students to be there for at least a month, we decided now would be a good time for me to go. When else would I have an undetermined time off from work? So we booked my ticket on miles and got my Indian visa.

Fast forward to the middle of December. I received a call from my old work, wanting me to return on a part-time basis. They were also agreeable to me leaving for almost 2 months (unpaid leave, of course). And now I am planning a trip of a lifetime!

Currently I have been focusing on practicing as much as possible. At the shala, practice is from Sunday to Friday, with Saturdays and moon days off. I have slowly been getting my body used to practicing 6 days a week, although it's been difficult. On Monday I am having lunch with another yogi friend who travelled to India last year to pick her brain. From what I understand, the dress is very conservative, so I am going to have to rethink my summer wardrobe (the temperatures will be warm - upwards of 100 degrees! and dry, but tanks and shorts are frowned upon). I am also going to be getting some immunizations on Monday as well.

Please bear with me and my blog as we begin this journey!

11 comments:

None said...

How exciting. I've always been very interested in India. Looking forward to your posts about it!

Megan G said...

Good luck. I look forward to hearing about your adventures. =]

Unknown said...

congratulations on your big decision! i am so excited for you!

Nikki said...

Wow! I'm already a big fan of your blog, but I am so looking forward to these upcoming posts. It sounds like such a great adventure! Best wishes!

curls-and-pearls said...

What an amazing opportunity. Sounds fantastic, have a fabulous time and I hope your yoga practice becomes even deeper for you :)

Melissa said...

What an exciting opportunity for you! How awesome that your job will allow you to take the time off too. Congratulations!

Cosmic said...

See if you can pick up some local, lush and fragrant sandalwood as it's now scarce, I'm envious!

Cosmic said...

See if you can pick up some local, lush and fragrant sandalwood as it's now scarce, I'm envious!

LyddieGal said...

Sounds like it will be amazing, I'm glad you are so excited, and I can't wait to hear about your adventures!

Rebecca said...

Congratulations! It sounds like an amazing trip.

Angie said...

How strange!I've been to Mysore for a couple of nights 15 years ago on my way to even more south places in India!unfortunately me and yoga never crossed paths.Anyway,I have India in my heart and I hope you have a great journey!