Road To Mysore

A lot has happen this past week or so but I've been on a blogging slump. I just haven't felt like blogging. I think that's a first. The fact that so many of my closest friends here have left has been overwhelming. A part of me has left with them and I am sad to see them go. I have taken comfort from those who are still here and will be here much longer than I am. A few days ago I told one of the yoga students who lives here how I felt. She told me that if I ever felt overwhelm again to come and visit her. I don't know her very well, so I was pleasantly surprised she offered. It's nice to know I have someone I can lean on.

I've been here for over two months and I get adjusted every day from either Sharath or Saraswati. Yesterday I had my first Guruji adjustment. I think the stars were aligned yesterday because Guruji rarely adjusts beginners. He had just finished helping Gabriel who was practicing beside me when I started working on the utthita hasta padangusthasana. The next thing I knew he took my foot and I just surrendered into the posture. He is a very sturdy man. I felt comfortable shifting my weight forward. I've never expected Guruji to adjust me so it was a real treat. Sharath and Saraswati has alway had my back and they alway come over when I need them.

Aside from the Guruji adjustment, I got back Mari B on the right side. Ever since my left knee cracked over a month ago, I haven't binded on my right side. Saraswati helped me bind yesterday. Today my body felt stiff so it didn't happen. I know now that it's only a question of time before I can bind on the right side consistently again.

Last Monday one of my favorite ashtanga teachers arrived. I've only practiced with him twice about 4 years ago but when I met him then I was totally impressed. He is such a sweet and humble person. I couldn't help but take a glimpse of his practice. If there is one word to describe his practice, it would be... "peaceful". This morning I approached Eddie before practice and introduced myself. He said he vaguely remembered me. I didn't expect him to because a gazellion people go through his shala everyday. One day if I ever get the courage to live in New York, I would practice with him. For now I get to practice with him in Mysore. That's not bad at all :)

Last week during breakfast we notice a shift in the balance of power. Vincent, Rhonda and I noitced that we have been out numbered by the English. There were two and half Americans and 4 English on the table. I consider myself half American because I never really grew up there. Anyway ever since that day I have noticed that I have been surrounded by the English. I am slowly learning a new language. They insist that I learn "Proper English". I now catch myself using the words "fabulous, spendid and lovely" frequently. They have also tried to teach me "irony" which I still can't seem to understand. I think it's some sort of dry sarcasm. Kate frequently uses the word "cheeky" which seems to have a different meaning everytime she uses it.

Last Sunday, Kate, Rene and Nick hosted an English tea parteee. It was my first formal English tea parteee. Aside from the tea, Kate prepared cucumber and marmide sandwiches. I miserably failed my first English test when I took a bite at the marmide sandwich. I didn't make a face and I swallowed it but I told them it was "fabulously disgusting". No more marmide sandwiches for me in the near future. I was told that it was an acquired taste. I know it's not a taste I wish to acquire. The cucumber sandwiches I could take especially with cheese and pepper. I didn't realize that the English taste bud like the American taste bud could be so bland. I still prefer Asian food.