Random Thoughts

It’s been a long silence after the initial ranting on this blog. But, hey, I did not have anything worth talking about.
Now I do have something to share. I have started with my 200 hour yoga alliance teacher training at Yoga Island (http://www.yogaisland.com) just last week.
It is overwhelming, intense, challenging and a little frustrating at times. Above and beyond all, it is a lot of FUN.
We started out with introductions. We are 7 trainees (including me). All are at different stages in life, different backgrounds but with one common passion which is yoga.
A very interesting group of cool women!
During the first weekend, we watched a part of a very informative movie named Yoga Unveiled (http://www.yogaunveiled.com). Sometimes I think as a person born and raised in India, I feel proud of the fact that Yoga was born in my homeland, it is a part of India heritage. I saw some familiar faces in the movie (B. K. S. Iyengar) but there were so many knowledgeable people I did not even hear of until then. It is humbling to listen to them talking about history and origin of yoga.
One lesson I learnt by watching the movie is that I have no right to feel superior as compared to other western yoga enthusiasts just because I am from India.
I may have the slight benefit of being able to pronounce the Sanskrit names right but I DO NOT have any bragging rights whatsoever. Knowing can take you only so far but doing it makes all the difference in the world. I can’t wait to watch the rest of the documentary.
We also started with our meditations. We talked about the 8 limbs of Yoga as well.
I have started reading “Light on Yoga”, every yogi’s bible written by B. K. S. Iyengar. I am planning to finish at least the first part before next weekend.
Another assignment was observing at least 3 classes taught by RYT certified teachers. I have observed 2 so far.
First one that I observed was taught by Sloan Park (owner of Yoga Island). What a wonderful teacher she is! It was interesting to watch her teach the class the sequence that I practiced in her previous class. I knew exactly how I felt doing it just a few minutes earlier. I remembered how my body was dying to go to child’s pose while doing and holding 3 legged dog. Watching a yoga class is a whole new experience. You notice things like the temperature in the room, selection of music, how the teacher is assisting and giving adjustments. Jasmin(another teacher at Yoga Island) was practicing. It was a delight to see her doing the sequence taught by Sloan. Her movements were so flawless. She was floating from one pose to another never moving hastily.
The second class I observed was taught by Mary just yesterday evening. Mary has a very energetic personality which was evident from the beginning chants of AUM.
She introduced me to the class and she said my name correctly (Yahoo! More power to her)
I plan to observe either a gentle or a prenatal class next.
I must admit that I was a bit scared when I started out with the training. I did not know if I am ready for it. Now I know I have taken the right step. I have started the journey of a thousand miles. It is going to be quite a ride!