I spent the week practicing in a space called Yogabones with teachers Rolf and Marcie. Several people have been asking me about the yoga here and I've been taking my time to reflect. The week went something like this:
Friday-- Rolf's led primary class. My first day in the new space, getting used to unfamiliar conditions (namely a very hard marble floor that tilts upwards) and just praying not to faint again.
Saturday-- Alejandra and I did self practice on our little porch to make up for the practice day we missed due to travel. Felt good to practice at our place and reminded me that I can do this anywhere. Did urdhva padmasana (upside down lotus) with no hands for the first time!
Sunday--black moon. Day off practice
Monday--first day of Mysore-style practice at Yogabones (this means you practice a set sequence of postures to the rhythm of your own breath with teachers to watch and adjust you but not leading a synchronized class). A bit of confusion about Marcie's crazy shoulder exercises.
Tuesday-Thursday--three more days of Mysore practice. A few nice crushes from Rolf but overall didn't receive much attention from the teachers. No drop-backs because I don't know how to do them to Marcie's tastes.
Friday--self practice on the porch again, solo this time because my week at Yogabones is up. Nice and sweaty but not my most focused.
I am grateful for the experience though if I could do it all over again I don't think I would choose to practice at Yogabones for one week. It is more expensive to come for a short period of time than for a longer time, and it is difficult to establish a trusting teacher/student relationship so quickly. I felt a bit ignored and unimportant here, but I understand that teachers need time to observe my practice before adjusting me, and that they invest the most energy in their long-term students. Now more than ever I feel so lucky to have such amazing teachers in Olympia WA and in Austin TX. I am realizing the value of staying in one place and working with a teacher long term. This is where real transformation takes place.
Friday-- Rolf's led primary class. My first day in the new space, getting used to unfamiliar conditions (namely a very hard marble floor that tilts upwards) and just praying not to faint again.
Saturday-- Alejandra and I did self practice on our little porch to make up for the practice day we missed due to travel. Felt good to practice at our place and reminded me that I can do this anywhere. Did urdhva padmasana (upside down lotus) with no hands for the first time!
Sunday--black moon. Day off practice
Monday--first day of Mysore-style practice at Yogabones (this means you practice a set sequence of postures to the rhythm of your own breath with teachers to watch and adjust you but not leading a synchronized class). A bit of confusion about Marcie's crazy shoulder exercises.
Tuesday-Thursday--three more days of Mysore practice. A few nice crushes from Rolf but overall didn't receive much attention from the teachers. No drop-backs because I don't know how to do them to Marcie's tastes.
Friday--self practice on the porch again, solo this time because my week at Yogabones is up. Nice and sweaty but not my most focused.
I am grateful for the experience though if I could do it all over again I don't think I would choose to practice at Yogabones for one week. It is more expensive to come for a short period of time than for a longer time, and it is difficult to establish a trusting teacher/student relationship so quickly. I felt a bit ignored and unimportant here, but I understand that teachers need time to observe my practice before adjusting me, and that they invest the most energy in their long-term students. Now more than ever I feel so lucky to have such amazing teachers in Olympia WA and in Austin TX. I am realizing the value of staying in one place and working with a teacher long term. This is where real transformation takes place.
Dear beautiful daughter,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy to see your post this morning. I love your thoughtful writing and pictures. I miss being able to talk with you via Skype and hope we can connect soon.
Buckley send his love. Me too.
Dad
yes. i am figuring out the internet/wifi situation here and we should set a skype date soon
DeleteDear Julia, Thanks for the thoughtful post and pictures! I love you so much! What's next?
ReplyDeleteMom
Love and miss you Mama! Next is Agonda in southern Goa. I will write about it soon
Deletehmmm, outdoors. huh. how do you like that?
ReplyDeletethanks for the posts, it is nice to get more India time via Julia Vieau!
sending you love, strength, and flexibility. Embody the Ashtaupi! ;)
jen
yes! outdoors and under cover.
Deleteplusses: seeing the sun rise, hearing the birds, no lack of oxygen
minuses: pausing my practice to slap at mosquitos! hot, and verrrrry humid. and the carpet lumps in mysore are like soft cushions compared to this floor
thank you for the good wishes! miss youuuu