Monday, August 31, 2009

Yin

I dug out the Sarah Powers DVD today and did the 47 minute Yin Kidney practice today. Well, I did as much of it as I could before I fell ASLEEP. Geez! I love that DVD, but it's like yogic valium. I don't use it that often, but it *is* a lifesaver when I'm not feeling well.

Meanwhile, in another parallel and glorious universe, right here in my city, Ashtangis are happily practising led Primary with Sharath. And I'm missing it. *grump*

In retrospect, I'm relieved that I didn't sign up ahead of time like I had planned (I looked at the calendar and thought better of it). By the time my Lady's passes, I'll have missed it completely. So much for all of that fussing around, eh?

If I'm feeling a sense of regret, it's not so much about Sharath as it is about missing the sense of community in that room. It would have been fun to meet other Astanga practitioners and teachers, soak up the energy of a large room and just experience it.

Next time, I guess. Or maybe I need to go to India!

Or maybe I'll just go back to Shala Central for another led Primary - that was fun.

In other news, I finally broke down and got my hair cut. In an valiant attempt to avoid a Pema Chodron hair-do (why do stylists always do this to me?!), I loaded several photographs onto my iPod, depicting a very nice layered cut.

This one is my favourite:

I showed these to the Grumpy Gay Russian Stylist Guy and entrusted a summer's worth of growth to his capable hands. He didn't disappoint; he did a great job. It's shorter than I wanted (Seriously, what UP with that!?), but it looks fabulous.

Here's the thing: I don't want to *think* about my hair. I live in a bike helmet and spend a good part of my day rolling around on the floor and doing things upside-down. I want to run my hand through it and be done with it.

So I'm back to short hair. The experiment with longer tresses turned out to be short-lived.

5 comments:

Michelle said...

Oooh I like that haircut. I like short hair too. My hair is so thick and curly that it is almost impossible to grow out. I tried last year and it was going well, until it got humid outside. Then... not so well. I would like to see what you look like so I can put a face to the name, my friend.

Cara said...

Hello Kaivalya, I hope you've been well. I have once again come across your blog via a creative google search, and I thought I would drop a line to tell you the Sharath workshop is great. Just in case you were thinking of changing your mind, you can buy tickets at the door and there is still one day left. Cheers!

Kaivalya said...

@Michelle
I'll post some Kai-in-real-life photos in the private blog (I'll send you the link). I try to keep this blog fairly anonymous, though people do seem to find me anyway (*waves* at Cara).

@Cara
Ahhh! I'm envious, but the workshop just wasn't in the cards for me this time. Between my Lady's Holiday and teaching schedule, I couldn't swing it. I'm sure he'll be back eventually, right? By then, I'll probably have jump-throughs nailed down!

Cara said...

Yes, I imagine he will! But seriously I don't think one needs to have anything nailed down to attend. There were of course lots of advanced folks but the level of experience ranged from rank beginner onwards, and the vibe was relaxed and there wasn't any feeling that one needed to perform to any degree of proficiency. Trying your best seemed to do nicely. Certainly I had a couple of hard moments but was encouraged through them and once was even told I what I was doing was "very good" even though I felt it was anything but.

Enjoy the weekend!

Kaivalya said...

@Cara
That sounds really amazing! I will definitely try to go to the workshop the next time Sharath is in North America.