Sunday, October 18, 2009

Astanga

An update on my sore back: a bit tender in some poses, but mostly better. Twists feel yucky but I feel better after. I wonder what I'll do to myself at my hockey game tomorrow?

Today, I returned to Beryl.

Whenever I get disillusioned sbout my Astanga practice, Beryl Bender Birch always sets me straight. I love that woman! I popped my beloved 'Power Yoga' DVD into the laptop this morning and spent an hour-and-a-half practising the full Primary Series with Beryl. At the end, she said: “See you tomorrow morning!” and I said: “Okay, Beryl!”

But will I? I guess so...

I have to admit, it *was* really nice to have all the time in the world to practice. I went for a longer walk this morning too - an hour up to the Big Park. And I made brownies. And meditated. And knitted.

Finally, a 'day off' that really feels like a day off. *happy sigh*

6 comments:

Mary said...

Hey Kaivalya, it's great to be hanging around blgoland again and see your still blogging strong! Look forward to catching up on your posts...but I reckon it might take me a while LOL.

I keep meaning to check out Beryl Bender Birch materials. I'll have to make a christmas holiday reading list.

Hope your back feels better quick smart and cheers to days off that really ARE days off! :-)

Jen Stevenson said...

Aaaah Kai,

I wish you could meet her someday. If her DVD gives you inspiration then meeting her in person would blow you away. I think she's an amazing woman. I just finished a week long training with her at her home in NY and what an experience! You have to catch her sometime, somewhere.

Hope your slump is just a little bump!
Jen

Michelle said...

Sounds like a perfect day. What are you knitting now?

Kaivalya said...

@Jen
I AM SO JEALOUS!!!!! Gosh, I would love to go to a workshop with Beryl. My friend Arturo has also studied with Beryl and speaks highly of her. Someday, someday...

@Michelle
Toques, Toques, Toques! I'm loving the toques. Thinking that I need to try a new pattern, though - challenge myself a bit. I'm trying to knit a sock. I've started it and restarted about a million times. Good thing I'm 'process knitter' (one who enjoys knitting for the process more than the end result) or I would go crazy!

Anonymous said...

What a delightful post! I'm a new reader AND a huge fan of Beryl! She has such a way of pulling us back to center. I read her book, studied her book, took classes, and follow her... I have recently created an iPhone App - continuing progress from Beryl's book. (I'll send you a promo code if you like.)

Beautiful day off you gave yourself! 'Hope your back feels better - you're doing all the right things. I'll be back. Sarah

Kaivalya said...

@Sarah
Welcome! Ah yes, "Pulling us back to centre"- that really sums it up well. I started my Astanga practice with Beryl's DVD, so it has always remained my 'safe place' to go back to when I'm feeling frustrated with the practice.

A Beryl iPhone app? That's so awesome! Erich Schiffmann has his own, so why not? It's about time! Definitely send me the promo code - I'd love to try it out.