I normally get help in Mari B & C but yesterday I was fortunate to get help from A to C. Saraswati stayed with me as I did my vinyasas between sides and postures. While she was helping me out she said, "You leave soon, when do you leave?" I told her I leave Friday next week. She smiled and said, "See you in LA." I smiled back at her and said, "Yes!" Not seeing them in LA is not an option.
In almost 4 months here in Mysore, I have always gotten an average of 3 adjustments per class. The least amount of adjustments I've gotten while I was here is 2 and it's only happened 3 or 4 times. Somebody once asked me, "How do you do it?" It's really simple. First of all, I'm a beginner and I cannot bind in Mari B and C on my own. If you wait patiently and they do expect you to wait. They will come over and help you. I'm guaranteed two adjustments per class. The other random adjustments I get has a lot to do with the fact I've proven to them that I'm here for the long haul. I will be back in September for another 3 to 4 months and hope to come back every year.
Practicing ashtanga in Mysore or anywhere else is not only about getting adjustments or getting into asanas. It's about respecting your teachers, respecting the practice and building a long-term relationship with your teachers. I've noticed that the people that get the most help here have been here for a long time and have been coming back regularly. It's difficult for any teacher to give you any significant help if your practicing with them for only one month(also known as a yoga tourist).
I'm sad to leave but I'm ready. I've been mentally preparing myself for this and I'm looking forward to practicing with Noah and Kimberly. I'm looking forward to going in a real movie theater(stadium seating of course), watching a good movie and eating popcorn(I know that's not the healthiest thing but I want to do it anyway...oh well).
They say that when you come to Mysore for the first time, you bond with the people you arrive with. Last Monday, Anthea left for Kerala and Rhonda(one of the original LA crew) left for LA. Phil, Reema and I are the only ones left. I've meet new friends but my bond with those who have already left is special. We were all newbies together and we learned the ways of Mysore often stumbling together. In the past 3 weeks, Jennifer, Luke and Laura from the LA shala arrived. They're all cool and we've had dinner and breakfast a few times but they're bonding with the people they've arrived with.
Phil was supposed to leave when the shala closes in March but with Rhonda leaving he pulled a quick one and decided to leave on January 18(3 days before me...sneaky bastard). I feel like it's time for me to leave too...8 days and counting.