Back to work, although am hoping to keep up my yoga practice while here! My room does not quite provide the same tranquility as the rooftop in Lonavla, but my eyes are supposed to be shut anyway :) Here are a few pics from the week.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Back to reality...
And not anywhere near Pune, thank goodness. I have been to The German Bakery, definitely a tourist spot, luckily no one I know was there this weekend.
Back to work, although am hoping to keep up my yoga practice while here! My room does not quite provide the same tranquility as the rooftop in Lonavla, but my eyes are supposed to be shut anyway :) Here are a few pics from the week.
Back to work, although am hoping to keep up my yoga practice while here! My room does not quite provide the same tranquility as the rooftop in Lonavla, but my eyes are supposed to be shut anyway :) Here are a few pics from the week.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Afternoon update
The day vastly improved after that troubling conversation this morning, after an hour and a half of yoga, a full body massage, a nap, hours reading in the garden, and a mud bath - I'm feelin a-ok, if not still incredibly sore from the yoga. The massage was quite painful but blissful.
If only the food didn't make me want to hurl...no wonder people loose weight here.
A difference between this yoga retreat and what one might find in America is that there is little privacy - the naturopathy "girls" area is basically a couple of rooms with the women going in and out. If you are getting any massage (i.e., face, back, legs, arms, etc) other than a full body massage you are laid out on one of 4 tables in a row. The steams, baths, etc. are all directed by these women and lets just say, you can't be too modest here as they are coming in and out to check on you. Takes some getting used to and definitely not the "music playing, dark room" relaxing atmosphere we are used to in the states, but it gets the job done. I loved the mud bath today, its in an outdoor open air room and they put mud all over you and then you bake in the sun and then wash it off in the outdoor showers -- my skin feels so soft. I think outdoor showers are a great idea.
Anyway, off to afternoon yoga.
If only the food didn't make me want to hurl...no wonder people loose weight here.
A difference between this yoga retreat and what one might find in America is that there is little privacy - the naturopathy "girls" area is basically a couple of rooms with the women going in and out. If you are getting any massage (i.e., face, back, legs, arms, etc) other than a full body massage you are laid out on one of 4 tables in a row. The steams, baths, etc. are all directed by these women and lets just say, you can't be too modest here as they are coming in and out to check on you. Takes some getting used to and definitely not the "music playing, dark room" relaxing atmosphere we are used to in the states, but it gets the job done. I loved the mud bath today, its in an outdoor open air room and they put mud all over you and then you bake in the sun and then wash it off in the outdoor showers -- my skin feels so soft. I think outdoor showers are a great idea.
Anyway, off to afternoon yoga.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
I guess its all downhill from here...
Here is a conversation I had with my yoga instructor this morning as we were waiting for class to start and others to arrive.
Him: Do you practice yoga in your country?
Me: No, not regularly, sometimes.
Him: I can tell by looking at students and the muscles they have if they practice a lot. You, no.
Me: (Chuckle) Haha, yeah, no.
Him: How many years are you?
Me: 29
Him: (Snicker) You must practice everyday.
Me: Everyday?
Him: Everyday
Him: Do you practice yoga in your country?
Me: No, not regularly, sometimes.
Him: I can tell by looking at students and the muscles they have if they practice a lot. You, no.
Me: (Chuckle) Haha, yeah, no.
Him: How many years are you?
Me: 29
Him: (Snicker) You must practice everyday.
Me: Everyday?
Him: Everyday
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Om..Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
I have been saying that a lot these last few days. Its the prayer you say before and after every yoga session, meaning name of god (om) and peace (shanti). It is also a popular bollywood movie; however, I do not think the yogis know that.
I wish everyone had the opportunity to spend a few days concerned with nothing other than their own mind, body, and spirit. I think our society would be a lot happier and healthier if we did. While totally self-indulgent, also very important, afterall, we spend A LOT of time with ourselves, and according to yogic philosophy better to recharge those batteries or suffer a breakdown down the road (physically and mentally). Well, actually, yoga philosophy would say better to keep things in “tune” all the time so you do not have to worry about that. They have done a lot of scientific research here on yoga’s effects on the body, disease, mind, spirit, etc and it is quite fascinating. I have no doubts that 20 minutes of a yoga a day would save our healthcare system a whole lot of money.
Unfortunately, the cost of a retreat week like mine would literally be 10x more in the U.S., unless anyone knows where you can get a full body massage for $6. Nonetheless, its amazing what a little stretching and some down time to reflect can do for a person, luckily that can be done anywhere.
I started yoga yesterday morning at 7am in the basic class. It was very relaxing but more concentrated on breathing, stretching, etc – basically geared toward the 50 year old women that made up most of the class. I went back for the afternoon session and while a little more challenging, not the yoga I was picturing or have done in the past. So today I went to advanced. After 3 sets of sun salutations (done on a beautiful rooftop watching the actual sunrise) we (that is, me and my body) said “Yes, this is what we wanted.” One hour and 20 minutes later…we were not so sure. But really it was great, challenging but wonderful. I had forgotten how great I feel after a yoga class and am excited to hopefully be able to keep up some practice when I get back, both to the project and the U.S.
The treatments have been great, so far I have had a immersion massage bath, a back massage, a hip bath (maybe I am a 50 year old woman), and oil application on the back with steam. When I met with the doctor I told him I have a bit of back pain so a lot of my treatments are geared towards this. In ayeruveda treatments I have had a full body massage + steam, and some ear/face thing that supposedly helps ears, jaw, aging, etc. Basically they gave me a face massage, steam, and then poured some oil in my ears and gave me another massage. I still have cotton in my ears so hopefully when I take it out in 30 minutes I will still have my hearing!
There really is not as much down time as I thought, especially since I am still requiring at least one nap a day. This waking up at 6am and no coffee deal is a bit harsh. Other than that I have been sitting in the garden reading, walking the grounds, and then going to the talks/lectures. There was a great one yesterday on “yoga as a lifestyle.” The whole philosophy/science of yoga is very interesting, but I will spare you all here, although like a good student I did diligently take notes the whole time. They are really into cleansing the body and this morning at 6:30am I actually poured water in one nostril and come out the other (a weird feeling by the way). Double weird because my mind was saying to me: Sarah, are you seriously doing this? The answer was Yes and it was actually okay and my sinuses are clear. Supposedly tomorrow we are doing something with a tube and my nostrils and something about the tube coming out the mouth and I'm just not so keen on that one.
The food is..well, lets say this, it sure ain’t spa cuisine.
BUT to give full disclosure, I did have a minor rebellion today, the other side of my personality escaped (we all know I have two, constantly battling :)). Here is the thing. As much I might want to be, I’m not a yogi. And I’m not a vegetarian. And I’m not Indian. I’m a freakin American. I’m an overstimulated, overtechnologized American. So all this peace and tranquility is frankly a lot to take, despite reading Eat, Pray, Love and channeling Elizabeth Gilbert. I feel like all the time I should be contemplating my existence and body and peace of mind. And while I have very much enjoyed some peace and quiet and have done my share of contemplating, journeling, napping, reading, there comes a point. So today at lunch when I heard that two men have been sneaking off to a Chai stand everyday for some real tea, I decided to give in to my own desire. So after an hour of lovely reading outside (by the way, the weather is 70s and gorgeous, sorry for you snowed in…) I went to my room, grabbed my forbidden ipod and went out for a walk blasting my American music. The first song that happened to come up was Pink – So What, I’m still a Rockstar and it couldn’t have been more perfect. For 30 blissful minutes (another kind of blissful) I walked around listening to Pink and Lady GaGa with a big smile on my face. And I’m not the least bit sorry. If the Indians can walk around talking on their forbidden cell phones than I can certainly listen to some music. So there. And Yes, it is only day 3, so I doubt this will be the first ipod break. But after that little break from yoga land, I'm ready to get back to my stretching, contemplating, and sleeping. Just goes to show you, life is all about moderation.
So now off to Yoga class #2 for some OM, followed by a meditation class with a sitar player. I will try my hardest not to have the words to Paparazzi playing in my head!
I wish everyone had the opportunity to spend a few days concerned with nothing other than their own mind, body, and spirit. I think our society would be a lot happier and healthier if we did. While totally self-indulgent, also very important, afterall, we spend A LOT of time with ourselves, and according to yogic philosophy better to recharge those batteries or suffer a breakdown down the road (physically and mentally). Well, actually, yoga philosophy would say better to keep things in “tune” all the time so you do not have to worry about that. They have done a lot of scientific research here on yoga’s effects on the body, disease, mind, spirit, etc and it is quite fascinating. I have no doubts that 20 minutes of a yoga a day would save our healthcare system a whole lot of money.
Unfortunately, the cost of a retreat week like mine would literally be 10x more in the U.S., unless anyone knows where you can get a full body massage for $6. Nonetheless, its amazing what a little stretching and some down time to reflect can do for a person, luckily that can be done anywhere.
I started yoga yesterday morning at 7am in the basic class. It was very relaxing but more concentrated on breathing, stretching, etc – basically geared toward the 50 year old women that made up most of the class. I went back for the afternoon session and while a little more challenging, not the yoga I was picturing or have done in the past. So today I went to advanced. After 3 sets of sun salutations (done on a beautiful rooftop watching the actual sunrise) we (that is, me and my body) said “Yes, this is what we wanted.” One hour and 20 minutes later…we were not so sure. But really it was great, challenging but wonderful. I had forgotten how great I feel after a yoga class and am excited to hopefully be able to keep up some practice when I get back, both to the project and the U.S.
The treatments have been great, so far I have had a immersion massage bath, a back massage, a hip bath (maybe I am a 50 year old woman), and oil application on the back with steam. When I met with the doctor I told him I have a bit of back pain so a lot of my treatments are geared towards this. In ayeruveda treatments I have had a full body massage + steam, and some ear/face thing that supposedly helps ears, jaw, aging, etc. Basically they gave me a face massage, steam, and then poured some oil in my ears and gave me another massage. I still have cotton in my ears so hopefully when I take it out in 30 minutes I will still have my hearing!
There really is not as much down time as I thought, especially since I am still requiring at least one nap a day. This waking up at 6am and no coffee deal is a bit harsh. Other than that I have been sitting in the garden reading, walking the grounds, and then going to the talks/lectures. There was a great one yesterday on “yoga as a lifestyle.” The whole philosophy/science of yoga is very interesting, but I will spare you all here, although like a good student I did diligently take notes the whole time. They are really into cleansing the body and this morning at 6:30am I actually poured water in one nostril and come out the other (a weird feeling by the way). Double weird because my mind was saying to me: Sarah, are you seriously doing this? The answer was Yes and it was actually okay and my sinuses are clear. Supposedly tomorrow we are doing something with a tube and my nostrils and something about the tube coming out the mouth and I'm just not so keen on that one.
The food is..well, lets say this, it sure ain’t spa cuisine.
BUT to give full disclosure, I did have a minor rebellion today, the other side of my personality escaped (we all know I have two, constantly battling :)). Here is the thing. As much I might want to be, I’m not a yogi. And I’m not a vegetarian. And I’m not Indian. I’m a freakin American. I’m an overstimulated, overtechnologized American. So all this peace and tranquility is frankly a lot to take, despite reading Eat, Pray, Love and channeling Elizabeth Gilbert. I feel like all the time I should be contemplating my existence and body and peace of mind. And while I have very much enjoyed some peace and quiet and have done my share of contemplating, journeling, napping, reading, there comes a point. So today at lunch when I heard that two men have been sneaking off to a Chai stand everyday for some real tea, I decided to give in to my own desire. So after an hour of lovely reading outside (by the way, the weather is 70s and gorgeous, sorry for you snowed in…) I went to my room, grabbed my forbidden ipod and went out for a walk blasting my American music. The first song that happened to come up was Pink – So What, I’m still a Rockstar and it couldn’t have been more perfect. For 30 blissful minutes (another kind of blissful) I walked around listening to Pink and Lady GaGa with a big smile on my face. And I’m not the least bit sorry. If the Indians can walk around talking on their forbidden cell phones than I can certainly listen to some music. So there. And Yes, it is only day 3, so I doubt this will be the first ipod break. But after that little break from yoga land, I'm ready to get back to my stretching, contemplating, and sleeping. Just goes to show you, life is all about moderation.
So now off to Yoga class #2 for some OM, followed by a meditation class with a sitar player. I will try my hardest not to have the words to Paparazzi playing in my head!
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Kaivalyadhama
I am officially a resident of Kaivalyadhama Yogic Hospital and Healthcare Centre, for a week anyway! While I consider myself to be a little bit of a planner, this was not thought out that well on my part. I knew I wanted to do some yoga and have some relaxation, so when a visitor said she was going t do some yoga at this place, I thought, hey, sounds good to me! So I signed up and arrived last night. Little did I know that I was coming to the oldest yoga institute in the world, in which the founder actually treated Ghandi. Little did I know I would be eating lacto-vegetarian and without COFFEE (more on this later). Little did I know that not only would I get to be doing 2 yoga sessions a day, but that I would get to naturopathy treatments, ranging from massages to mudbaths.
Today was just basic orientation and a rest day for me, this whole no coffee/caffeine thing may prove to be a challenge, I had taken 2 naps before 3:30pm! Haha, but really the main course starts tomorrow, this is the schedule:
5:30 am - wake up bell (which I will ignore until 6:15)
6:30 am - yogic shuddhi kriyas - apparently I will shoot water up my nose and it will come out of my mouth. Cleansing. So they say. Will report back on this one.
7 - 8:15 am - yoga
9 am - breakfast
9:30 am - noon - naturopathy treatments / free time
Noon - lunch
1:30 pm - 4 - naturopathy treatments
3:00 pm - herbal tea
4:30-5:30 pm - yoga
6:00 pm - lecture on something related to yoga or meditation
7:00 pm - dinner
8:00 pm - presentation on something related to yoga and/or individual silent walk
Should be great!! I am very excited to get back into yoga and the various treatments/detox sound relaxing. And obviously I will be learning a lot, and while all lectures, etc are optional, I think some of it will be really interesting. They are some great hiking trails behind the campus so I will definitely be outside a lot. There are a good mix of people/students here, they run some pretty intense yoga diploma courses and then run this hospital so a lot of older people come for treatments.
I have a stack of books to read, a journal to write in, and the out of doors to explore...here is hoping I don't need naps after every yoga session/naturopathy. But you know what? If I do, then so be it, this week is all about listening to that body of mine. More to come...
Today was just basic orientation and a rest day for me, this whole no coffee/caffeine thing may prove to be a challenge, I had taken 2 naps before 3:30pm! Haha, but really the main course starts tomorrow, this is the schedule:
5:30 am - wake up bell (which I will ignore until 6:15)
6:30 am - yogic shuddhi kriyas - apparently I will shoot water up my nose and it will come out of my mouth. Cleansing. So they say. Will report back on this one.
7 - 8:15 am - yoga
9 am - breakfast
9:30 am - noon - naturopathy treatments / free time
Noon - lunch
1:30 pm - 4 - naturopathy treatments
3:00 pm - herbal tea
4:30-5:30 pm - yoga
6:00 pm - lecture on something related to yoga or meditation
7:00 pm - dinner
8:00 pm - presentation on something related to yoga and/or individual silent walk
Should be great!! I am very excited to get back into yoga and the various treatments/detox sound relaxing. And obviously I will be learning a lot, and while all lectures, etc are optional, I think some of it will be really interesting. They are some great hiking trails behind the campus so I will definitely be outside a lot. There are a good mix of people/students here, they run some pretty intense yoga diploma courses and then run this hospital so a lot of older people come for treatments.
I have a stack of books to read, a journal to write in, and the out of doors to explore...here is hoping I don't need naps after every yoga session/naturopathy. But you know what? If I do, then so be it, this week is all about listening to that body of mine. More to come...
Monday, February 1, 2010
January
Its hard to believe January has come and gone, I realize I have been a bit slacking on my blogging duties -- it was a very busy month here. The minute I got back from my trip to the States, we had big groups here, the last of which just left on Saturday. At one point we had over 70 international students here, that takes quite a bit of coordinating! It was a lot of fun though and great to meet so many people. Other work has been good, our first newsletter finally went out (yay!), and I am working on lots of other projects although there never seems to be enough time to get everything done that I want too. We just opened a new preschool which is very exciting, it will run 6 days a week and give the kids 2 nutritious meals. We are almost finished a house across the street for that family of children that I wrote about in November, someone did some fundraising in Europe and we were able to build it really quickly (picture attached). We had Republic Day for India (pic attached) and Australia day when our group of Aussies were here. A friend and I made a homemade pinata out of plaster of paris...it was interesting but the aussies seemed to like it (pic attached). I saw a partial solar eclipse a few weeks ago. I went to Pune last week for a night with an anthropologist that has been here, she had a meeting at the university and I did some food and other shopping. I had a horrible stomach thing over the weekend, will spare the details. I watched a very interesting (if not one-sided against modern day birthing practices in the U.S.) documentary on giving birth called "the Business of Making Babies" for those of you who like that sort of thing (you know who you are, Ashley) I think it was from PBS. So that's a lot of random happenings from January!
Life in India continues to be interesting and sometimes dramatic. The longer I'm here the more I pick up on stuff between the staff, local politics, poverty. Not all of it very pretty. I was walking in the slum across the street and saw a little kitten tied to a rope...I won't tell you what will happen to that animal but you can guess. A lot of what is considered ok/not ok goes out the window when you are struggling just to find enough to eat. I was walking to my room one day and a group of kids surrounded me wanting to shake my hand (not unusual) but then I quickly discovered one of them had taken my key and coin purse. He was quickly found hiding in the field and nothing was lost, he comes from a family of robbers and they don't know any other life, his father got a "talking too/warning" (which is a nice way of putting it) by staff here because obviously that is not acceptable behavior. But needless to say I'm not shaking so many kids hands anymore!
That's the quick lowdown. I am heading this weekend for a week away at a yoga retreat, this is something I have wanted to do while in India and I'm very excited and slightly nervous about it. I'm not sure what a lacto-vegetarian diet is but I'm pretty sure its not what I'm used to :) I also do not know about waking up at 5:30am but I guess we will see, I will be channeling Elizabeth Gilbert to get me through it! Really it should be a nice break and time for reflection.
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