Goodbye Pune!
Our last weekend is done here in Pune and we will be leaving tomorrow afternoon for our next adventures in Bangalore and Hampi. As of Sunday, my energy has plummeted a bit and the melancholy has set in. As always there is a lot unexpected of this trip, but also some things never change.
Prashant has been closing out the month with a lot of recap and details to continue in our work of this “yoga technology”. I am eager to get back home to books as I am sure my notes do not catch all the details of the various schemes and modes he tries so hard to convey. But, I feel I have a new appreciation for some of those modes I might not have understood previously, and will be definitely spending more time with them.
This morning, he made the point I make often to students that there are COUNTLESS ASANAS!! Not just these “postures” we “do”, but every action we do in this embodiment with sensitivity and awareness and a focus on body, mind, and breath, can be considered an “asana”. There is a whole range of ages in Prashant’s classes, and some students have been with him for decades, so he mentions a lot that as long as we are trying, not giving up, or never even starting because we “think we can’t”, then yoga is possible. So many things we “think” are not yoga are yoga. So, he proceeded to give us simple Savasana-like postures that we typically would not use for Pranayama and led us through our schemes of sound forms and confinements. Today we did the same exact scheme in each and every position to be sensitive to the small changes that occur. Endlessly fascinating in these endless possibilities.
We have been packing bags and sending off some of our spoils from the month – making last visits, last coffees, last hugs and last goodbyes. What I always forget is that a month is not enough for this learning process. We are settled, yes I miss home, but getting into the rhythm of RIMYI and India itself is just beginning. Jen and I have 2 weeks more of travel, but class and practice in the hall has its own vibe. I have found a new life and deeper connection to my Self and personal practice for sure. Since Jen was sick, we were not able to push each other as we typically would. My practice was more my own than in past visits here. We had so many “visitor specials” and other extra class to learn, so practice was always full of things to work on. Connections with folks from around the globe and close to home, not to mention connection with our teachers here is priceless. I will continue to process this trip for a while I am sure.
Today we spent an amazing afternoon out in the outskirts of Pune again. An amazing museum and lunch and tea by the lake reminds us of how beautiful this country is outside of the bustle of the big city. I look forward to our trip to Hampi.
So, until next time, Pune…NAMASKAR!
