Thursday, March 31, 2011

"That's good!"

*************Warning: Photo heavy post! Be prepared!**************

IMG_3695
As I re-integrate into the "real world," I have so much on my mind that I want to share and don't want to forget. Leaving Mysore has definitely bittersweet, but I think it was more sweet than bitter.

IMG_3696
On the whole, my experience was so amazing, unlike anything I have ever done before. Naturally I had ups and downs over the course of my stay there, but the ups far outweigh the downs, and I definitely feel I need to return sometime in the future.

IMG_3652
When I first announced my decision to visit Mysore for 2 months, most people's reacion was "Why?!?" I half-jokingly answered, "Yoga and the food!" I am going to miss 20 rupee (~50 cents) dosas.

DSC_5836
Thalis.

DSC_5198
Long, leisurely lunches.

IMG_3567
And the yoga. Imagine this room filled with 75 hot, sweaty bodies. Being able to open up your body and get into asanas deeper than you ever have.

IMG_3639
I took this secret photo from the ladies changing room. It's not the best quality, but you get the idea: practicing when the sun hasn't risen, a crowded room, people waiting in the foyer.

But one thing I almost forgot about was that I would meet some of the most amazing people from all over the world. The one thing we all have in common is the love for ashtanga yoga, which is everything.

DSC_5057
Marika from Sweden, Simon and Pardraig from Ireland, Ellie from America

IMG_3645
Sari from Finland

IMG_3669
Ellie, Emma from England, Adam from Canada

IMG_3670
Stanley from Singapore

2011 03 29 photo
China from America, Tania from Australia, Emma, Jill from America

IMG_3676
Laksmeesh from India

DSC_5300
Magnus and Anne from Sweden

I would like to give a special shout out to a few friends:
DSC_5809
Jill who was so warm and inviting when I didn't know anyone at all

IMG_3569
China was the best friend in a time of need

IMG_3599
And of course Rachel and Erik. I cannot even begin to thank them for inspiring me to get off my a$$ and come to India!

IMG_3659
Rachel is seriously the best.

2011 03 30 photo
I feel like I still have so much to say, but for now I will leave you with Sharath's last words to me as he finished dropping me back into backbends: "That's good!"

6 comments:

Cosmic said...

I've really enjoyed seeing and reading about your Indian Yogini adventures, thank-you for sharing them with us all! Lovely, heart-warming and profound post(you are soo Divinely-blessed, lovely lady!

xoxoxo

laura said...

Look at all the smiley faces! I am so glad to see that you've had such great adventures in your travelling and stay in India :)

hearts, laura♥
the blog of worldly delights

Rebecca said...

I'm glad that you loved your trip!

Megan G said...

Reading about your trip has made me smile - so I can only imagine how amazing it was for you. Hope you get the chance to go back soon.

Marie McGrath (The Joy of Fashion) said...

I'm sure its going to be a wonderful adventure! Kudos to you for being so brave and for doing something different!

www.thejoyoffashion.blogspot.com

emm said...

Hi, eek! I've read your blog off and on for a little while. I think I found you through Sally's blog. Anyway, I don't know where in Texas you are, but if you're in Houston (or visit Houston) and missing India's food, Madras Pavilion has wonderful vegetarian Indian food (dosai--yay!). Our family goes there about twice a month and they're so sweet to the kids. It's in the Montrose area. I took it as a good sign the first time we went that most of the tables were filled with Indian people. ;-)
Sounds like you had a wonderful journey, and welcome back.