I've recently forgotten why I enjoy blogging so much. Yesterday I felt like I was in the middle of a maze and I didn't know how to get out. All week, I have been going through a whole range of emotions which I had no control over. After I released my last blog entry I felt like I released all those emotions out to the universe. I instantly felt a sense of peace and calm. I'm still riding out the storm but I am at peace with it. I feel like I have better days ahead of me.
After blogging yesterday, I went to Avi's house for a Hanuka Celebration. I've never been to one so I thought it would be exciting. Most of the shala was invited so it was a pretty big group. I sat beside Johnny Smith who I had met 3 years ago at the Heartwood Institute in Gaberville, California. Johnny has been coming to Mysore for over 10 years and he talked about the old shala. I love hearing about the old shala stories. I wish I could say I was part of the old shala. I guess I can only experience the old shala through people like Johnny.
There was something really special about Avi's party. Avi was in Mysore last year so he knew a lot of the old students and a lot of them were there. He serve Hanuka donuts and they started singing Hanuka songs while lighting candles. He even had eggless donuts for the vegans in the house. There were about 40 people at the party but there were only 5 Jews. I thought that was funny but really cool. Most of us did not know what was going on but was just happy to be part of the celebration. I wanted to sing with them but I didn't know any of the songs. I loved the energy of the room. It felt so warm. I felt grounded and just so happy to be surrounded by lovely people. I needed to be there.
Avi is one of my favorite people here. I practice beside him everyday and we just draw from each other's energy. We save each other's spot and for the most part nobody messes with us. I think that's because we're heavier and wider than most yogis. He'll also been one of my inspirations here. Avi is about my size right now but at one point he was 295 lbs. His lost all his weight by having a daily asthanga practice. Like me, his tried everything but nothing has really worked. There's something about this practice because I've been slowly losing weight. I still have my beloved belly but when I look at my pictures when I first arrived, I can see the difference. Ashtanga rocks!!! :)
Earlier that day Jennifer and I ate at the Mysore Mandala in Laxsmipuran for lunch. After lunch Jennifer asked me if I wanted to see the old shala which was about a 5 minute walk from the Mandala. I've been wanting to see the old shala for a while but didn't know where it was. Jennifer was last here 3 years ago so she is part of the old shala. It was strange to see the old shala. It was such a tiny old building. The shala was closed so we peeked through the window. I was so excited to be there. I could not see the shala practice floor but I saw the legendary staircase to the finishing room. This is the same staircase they would sit on and wait for Guruji or Sharath to shout, "One more!" Jennifer said that Sharath still teaches there in the afternoon to the locals. We hope to ask Sharath if we can visit the old shala while he was teaching so we can see the shala floor. I would love to walk into the old shala, sit in a corner, close my eyes, take a deep breath and imagine how it used to be.
This morning I had a great practice. I've been really focused this week. Manju(Guruji's son) arrived last Monday and has been assisting all week. I got a lot of great adjustments from him. His adjustments are firm but gentle. I love his energy and sense of humor. I spoke to Manju briefly after practice. His really easy going and approachable. He said that he'll be with us until the first week of January and that he has no plans of travelling out of Mysore while his here. Nothing is definite yet but there seems to be a good chance the shala will not close in January. I'm crossing my fingers.