Surprise at yoga today- Ruth, a teacher from Jivamukti’s studio in NYC  showed up.  I knew she has been coming here during the summer- so I was delighted  to see her- during winter.  She was a special friend of Patthabi  Jois and Saraswathi said
that she is one of her oldest students.
I learned something new about the pose Baddha konasana- that the elbows stay tucked into the ribs . And the pose is done twice- the second time with the soles of the feet facing up and the back rounds down- head to feet- I find that impossible, especially after so many years of lengthening the spine – not curving the spine.

Very exciting regression from Beatrice today in Past Life Regression school . Her story began at night time; she found herself outside, and slowly, an image of a lake appeared, with a palace beyond it. Turns out, she was a queen! And she loved to make paintings. Off to a good start. Going to her younger years it seems she grew up in a very poor family – the prettiest girl in the village- so everybody hated her. Around age 20 her parents took her to the palace one day so that the king could meet her- She  was unaware of all this until she saw the king and recognized how he responded to her.
Her parents were glad to give her away for the prestige involved. And she went from poverty to opulence. But  she had no feelings for the king- who was 50- and  she saw him as a dirty old man. She knew that 2 of the servants were fooling around with him- which she didn’t mind, as she was having her own secret affair with a court guard. She had plenty of time to pursue her love of painting, hated her husband, the king. And finally, all hell broke loose.  Her husband was away and she invited her lover into the palace. While they were having an amorous time, a knight dashed into the room, killing the  guard, in the queens bed!  Then she, feeling guilty and in despair, hung herself!  Wow- couldn’t make this stuff up!
I am enjoying the class. We have had 6 regressions and tomorrow we’re going to start practicing the relaxation trance on each other! Should be fun. The only challenge so far is that I feel very sleepy during the class – cause we’ve been hearing the relaxing  words over and over. I’m feeling sleepy.

Namaste, Annie

Elephant adventure- moon day
No yoga, Tuesday, because there is a full moon. So we decided to have our own field trip, while we are in the middle of South India, to get out of Mysore, see the country side,and hopefully, to see some elephants!
As we are driving now in a taxi, with a driver whom we met at the Green Hotel- where we stayed earlier in out trip, I am reminded of the landscape we saw in Bali, 20 years ago. We are seeing lush greenery, palm trees, goats and cows,junky looking ramshackle shacks and familiar looking concrete shopping malls. Children, some in uniforms, are getting into school buses, men milling about along side the road, and our driver is constantly honking his horn. I guess he is trying to pass the car in front – now it’s a bus- why are we in a hurry? I’m over being in a hurry in my life! Over it!!
If You Can’t Say Something Nice, Go To Your Room. My mantra?
Before my past life regression with Kumar, I was talking about my childhood- the animal hospital saga where I saw that my father was killing stray dogs and cats and no one helped me deal with my sadness over that- I was told- just don’t go in there – and at another time being told – if you can’t say something nice, go to your room – I was also told – if someone says how are you, you should say FINE – no matter what is going on. So – the day after my regression, which is aimed at finding a cure of my issue – dry mouth – I didn’t feel better – I felt depressed – because it didn’t work! Guess I am looking for a miracle.
A girl from Lima, Peru went thru her regression yesterday, Monday afternoon. Her main issue in life is that she is unable to make decisions about anything in her life- what to eat- what to wear- what to do- with her career- all that and it makes her crazy. Turns out her father deciced everything for her- said she should be an engineer- and she didn’t have a clue about what to do so she went to engineering school. Then she got an engineering job but she doesn’t like it. She is 27, quit her job and came to India to do yoga.
{Yes! – our driver has stopped for coffee!!! Wow- that was a treat!}
I call her Lima because I can’t pronounce her name and she comes from Lima. The first image In her regression- she was by herself in a wooden boat In the ocean! She was a BOY-barefooted, wearing shorts. As her story unfolded, she/he-was living in a town, going to school, having friends- and the father became sick and the family moved to live in the jungle. He quit school and lived a simple but boring life, in the jungle, climbing trees, gathering leaves and berries to eat. Years passed and he had enough of the boring life, living with his parents and he decided to take the family boat and go for an adventure all alone, and without many provisions. And this is where he had begun his journey- at the beginning of the regression. He drifted on the ocean for about 10 days, having a peaceful time. And then, loosing track of where land was, he panicked and eventually came to an island,where he spent the rest of his life, hunting and gathering. And he had built his own little house -he even hunted tigers- with a stone tied to a stick- I thought it was a fascinating story. At the end of his life, he had moved into a cave, covered the floor with animal skins and before death, made a special tea that he drank to help him die. Wow!
Cool story! Loved it
Now we are driving back to Mysore, after seeing the elephants and a monastery.
Loved the Elephants!!!! The place was lovely. A river scene with rafting- looked so out of place to see rubber Western style rafting boats. There were lots of boats but no boaters today- no rapids either. We got in a boat that carried us across the river to what I will call Elephant Island .It’s real name is Dubare Elephant Camp. It was quite a simple picturesque scene with a hill rising up from the river bank, that the elephants had to carefully traverse down – to take take their baths.

I saw two men who were riding on top of an elephants back, going down to the river. I watched as they all went into the water. When one of the men wanted to get off the elephant, he held onto the top, slid down and the elephant picked up his front foot, bending his knee, which made a step stool for the guy who easily stepped down. At the river bank I loved watching these massive creatures lol around in water. They looked happy.

Elephant ride. I did it! I rode an elephant! But it was much easier than I’d thought it would be- it wasn’t just me up there- I was with others, sitting in a structure, roped onto the elephants back. We walked up a ladder to the top of an elevated platform, the height of an elephant, waited our turn and then stepped into this basket thing( metal) and sat down. I could see how the bare footed driver, – sitting just behind his head, dug his heels into a place behind the elephants ears- to guide him . I was relieved it was a very short ride. It was a little bumpy; I was only concerned that the elephant might decide to give me a big heave, and toss me out of the basket. But I made it ok and we enjoyed our day away in the company of such magnificent creatures.
On to lunch

and the Tibetan Monastery. I think I’m let Allynn tell you about that.

It was my day for the past life regression with Kumar on Sunday . I really tried hard all day not to think about it beforehand. It’s done in front of the group (

8 of us) which makes it for me sort of strange. It’s such a private journey . So- I had a most unusual session. I was living – in this lifetime, in Egypt, and the main image I saw was 3 gold pyramids! Presto- there are the 3 gold mantis costumes and the 3 gold shakti costumes! But- it gets even stranger- I was a designer of the pyramids and I was having problems with the gold that covered them. At the top, the gold was peeling back, to expose the area where harmonic sounds reverberate between them- and I was also having problems with the sound frequencies!
But there is more- I was an alien disguised as a human! And I was trying to keep it a secret. Well, it was the most unusual regression I have ever had and I was a man. Going to teen age years saw myself with my pals at a gladiator sporting event.
But then as a child I saw myself by my house on a river bank.
Then moving forward, to age 40, I was selling pyramid souvenirs!
Wow! Tacky! Then by age 50 I was nomadic- I’d taken to the desert with my tribe of wandering vagabonds. Age 60 I was running my own chai stand in a cave like village area and age 70 I was selling rugs.
My death was by suicide- I drowned myself. Pretty intense! I can’t believe I am really writing all this stuff! Entertaining I hope! I found it mind boggling. What a fun course!
Yoga- lots of room at yoga today. I guess today marks the middle of the month. Some people leave, and some arrive. I saw a couple enter and as the guy walked across the room I could tell he was brand new to yoga . It was in his whole approach.
And then I thought about it and wondered to myself, what was different about how he entered compared to an Ashtanga Yogi. And it occurred to me that the Ashtangi enters slowly, with reverence, feeling she is entering hallowed ground. Surveying the landscape, carefully walking a tightrope between the mats- which are about 4 inches apart from each other. This new guy walked in like he was at the grocery store. And sure enough, he is a rank beginner. His girlfriend pulled him in. Just an observation.
The takeaway- you can come for two weeks ( I guess you could be here for only a week but I believe you have to pay for 2- I’ll find out-
And you can definitely be a beginner. Saraswathi teaches a beginner class at 4:30 every day at the main Shala.
Something for everybody.
Namaste Annie

Yoga today at the main Shala, led class which is totally exhausting. I am trying to keep track of the counts for the different poses. Headstand is 15- pike headstand is 10. I have no clue how to do lotus shoulder stand – where the hands come to the knees. Saraswathi helped me with it, standing against my back. Feels like something I will never grasp. Yesterday in past life regression class Kumar led a man in a very intense past life. Tribal and violence and a sunami wiped out the village and I thought it would make a good movie, the plot was fascinating and complicated. This guy was the head warrior in his village but power struggles were always erupting and women and men were being killed. He became a tribal leader and at the end of his life he was hanging out with black psychic magicians who were nourishing him with green juice but he felt they were really plotting to poison him, so he had them all killed. Wow! Intense!!! I am having my session today, in 2 hours- I am trying not to think about it. We are starting to organize our departure from Mysore. Sad to realize that this adventure is drawing to a close. We will be going to the East coast for a few days and then back to Delhi, where Allynn has a show Feb 6. Talk later!
Bye Annie

I was awakened this morning by Moslem singing.  I believe that is what it is- a mournful sound that goes on for about 10 minutes. Then when that’s over the dogs begin their howling serenade en mass, as if they are inspired by the voices.  And the sound of motorcycles revving up and then the train comes thru town.
At past life regression class we had an interesting event occur. It was Stephanie’s turn. He husband, Moss, had his session two days ago. They live in a mountain village in Spain and she is a doctor- a general practitioner.
She started her session, talking to Kumar about herself -how she is never good enough. Always felt that way and  she spoke about how when she was little and her mother was pregnant and due to deliver the next day, her mother was tying her shoes and she kicked her mommy’s belly . Then the next day when the baby was born, it was dead.  Kumar  put her under the relaxation trance and she began to cry, right away. From there, the story became surprising and interesting.  Seems she broke her foot a while back, mountain climbing and as she was crying, Kumar noticed something different going on. Her body was tensing  up and he sensed there was a different energy in her body.  Her foot was hurting  and he began talking to her foot!  He asked if her sister, who died, was in  her foot, and she said yes. Then he asked her name, and Stephanie said, thru her tears, Maria. So Kumar was talking to Maria for the rest of the session.  It was bizarre and amazing !
Stephanie never had a past life regression. The whole 2 hour hour session was about getting Maria to leave Stephanie’s body. She has caused all sorts of problems for Stephanie, including making her feel like she is not enough, and breaking her foot. She is jealous  because she is not in her own body. And Kumar asked if she is ready now to incarnate  .  Then. Kumar introduced his master who is a ball of white  light and asked Maria if she would go with him . Maria  was hesitant  and Stephanie was  also hesitant about her leaving . But they agreed and the white light took her by the hand and they left.
Then it was over.  I was wondering if Stephanie had known about her sister being in her body all these years and I asked her and she said no.  Kumar went on to explain Schizophrenia – how multiple spirits- souls can live in the same body.  He told about  one woman with this problem and how the medical profession  gave  her drugs and told her to relax. And after 2 years, she met Kumar, and he released 14 souls from her body  and now she is fine, recovered, married and pregnant. What an exciting class that was.

Afterwards we walked out side and Pineapple boy was waiting for us. We bought a papaya  and walked  to my favorite cafe where I sat and sketched. I need to begin studying the relaxation trance- we will be doing it on each other starting  soon.
Today I am getting my hair colored, then going to past life regression  courage.

See you- Love, Annie

 

 

 

 

At past life regression class last night, my dear husband had his regression done! He asked me not to talk about it until after mine is done, on Sunday. But I must compliment him and say Good job, Allynn! It is a lot to go thru . Our facilitator, teacher, Kumar is very gifted at this and it is remarkable, to watch the process. It takes about 2 1/2 hrs. I was on the edge of my seat, watching Allynn’s regression . It is all fascinating.
I felt more at ease at yoga today, and I actually feel glad that we don’t have it tomorrow. I tried another hair place. Tomorrow I have a 10:30 apt to get my hair colored. I did a bit of retail therapy today.

Collecting my Spring wardrobe so when I get home I’ll be one step ahead. I love the colorful clothes they wear here and the matching tops, pants and shawls! A bit much for me but pretty. Walking around town today I wanted to share with you some of the street life- things we see every day. The people here are very industrious and hard working.

pineapple boy

 

 

selling tea

at local orphanage “leave your unwanted babies here”

The waiter at my favorite cafe works from 8:00am to 8:00pm.

Love to you all!
Namaste Annie

Yoga- the room was packed today.and sweaty. And it was chilly outside so I was kind of looking forward to the hot room. As I walked up the stairs I said to a gal coming down- I’m jealous- you’re done- and she said- yea but it’s fun- all that jumping around like a kid (and I’m thinking it’s torture) and every day the whole time, I’m just thinking about that great tea and breakfast . The room is so crowded at 7:00 am, and there’s plenty of room at 8:00.
I have committed to doing all the jump thru’s, which is exhausting, and with each pose you are supposed to hold it just 5 breaths- and I have been holding the poses too long (resting in the poses, basically) so today I was trying to count the breaths and keep it going. As I was leaving, I saw Saraswathi in her office, sitting on the couch. You are supposed to bow to the teacher as you leave and go down on your knees and touch her feet! After I did that, I asked her if there is an age where one should stop this practice. She said no- you can always do this- do the poses that you are able to do. I asked her how old she is- 73 she said, after I told her my age. She told me Manju is her brother- 40 years younger than her- odd- I thought she said he was her son. She said he lives in California and teaches a lot in Europe. She told me that she practiced yoga for 30 years, 3 hours a day.

Past life regression training class was fascinating yesterday. Kumar regressed a young guy named Moss. It was very moving to watch the process and the way that Kumar did it was much more involved than anything I have experienced in my regressions. Allynn is having his done today and I am on Sunday. It’s all quite intense and I’m not sure I am up for doing it – but it is So therapeutic and helpful! Wowie Zowie!!

Later A

I am getting in the groove of the yoga. I was speaking with one gal here who is staying here for 3 months and she is now wondering- what was She thinking! Leaving the Shala, I saw the two children. I just had to stop and talk with them! To find out the scoop!

The taller one is 12, named Ander and his Sanskrit name is Arjuna. The smaller one is Paul- his Sanskrit name is Gopal (the name of baby Krishna). They are from Charlottesville, Maryland. Their father is an anthropology professor and their mother works in the finance dept for a tour agency out of Boston. They were happy to tell me all this stuff. They practice yoga at home 4 times a week and they are with their mom now who does yoga. Their dad was here but he left to get back to his teaching job. Most delightful gentlemen! We had chanting (Mon, Wed, & Fri) today at the main Shala at 11:30 am.
Our first class last night on past life regressions was fascinating and today we will observe as the teacher, Kumar takes one of the students (named Moss) back to a past life. Kumar serves chai tea and cookies mid way thru the class! Weather is perfection here.

Later, love Annie

I had a lot of space at yoga today. About a foot on both sides!  The little boy came with a woman- has to be his mother. And I saw a man there who looked like he could be his father.  One pose that I have never known about until now is a headstand with the legs held half way down- in a pike position.  For 5 breaths. It is challenging!  Class continues to be exhausting but the sense of achievement when it is over is wonderful. I feel so elated to go into the tiny changing room, peel off my unitard and get into my clothes. It is cool in there and it feels so great to breathe the fresh air ! Then I love to wander the few blocks to the cafe and  drink their delicious chai tea and eat my favorite Indian breakfast. Today I got out my sketch pad and I noticed that those quirky girls from yesterday had written something in my drawing paper.  One of them sketched a face and a bird, and then she wrote their first initials and last names down, followed by-All of you-( I think she meant us) -Trancecenters.- So that is their name! Fascinating!
On my walk back to our hotel, I saw a man taking a leak right on the street and I stopped to take a photo so you could see.

Then I thought- this is the corner where the cookie shop is- so I sauntered over to buy a little package but then I noticed that the guy who was peeing was coming over to the cookie shop where he works! I turned and walked away .
Then I saw the dolled up cow beggars.  It is a sorry sight. At first it looks like a festive street circus act, but then the little children come at you with out stretched hands, barefooted and dirty faces and messy hair and at one point I was circled by two of these families with their 2 elaborately decorated cows! So I take a few photos and give them a little money and go on my way.

I took a nice long walk with Allynn and we came upon the tangerine house- it has a sign, saying rooms for rent, so out of curiosity we looked for a door bell but only found a phone number.  
Into a downtown shopping area I found a shady place to sit and I did a sketch.

Today we have our first class in how to conduct past life regressions.
Time for a nap .
Love Annie

Didn’t feel like going back to yoga today, after the high I had yesterday. Got up at 6:30, Allynn made me coffee and I got out by 7:00. The little boy was in class today. When I got there I had to wait about 10 minutes for a spot. It was a good spot, 2 spaces from the door but the rugs were overlapping down the middle of the space which created an odd lump beneath my mat – but the good news was that the window right in front of me, covered with a curtain, was open one inch, bringing in fresh air. I got into the groove of the yoga and all went well.
At breakfast I had an odd experience. As soon as I got to my favorite cafe, I noticed a table of attractive women, all wearing saris, looking at me and laughing.

How odd, I thought. Maybe I met them when Allynn was doing balloons one time. Maybe they do laughing yoga- who knows – then it occurred to me that I read somewhere that some guys in India like to cross dress. This would explain their outlandish behavior. Indian women are rather shy and reserved, not at all like these characters. I had my sketch pad out and was just starting to draw them when they all stood up and came over to see what I was doing . I was laughing by now as I was surrounded by this group of flamboyant drag queens. That was the only explanation! I showed them my sketches, and asked them to pose for a photo. -which they seemed happy to do. And I gave them one of my costume post cards with my Webb site- who knows- we may be kindred spirits.
Onto the beauty parlor. The lady there offered me some tea and said she could not get the color hair dye I’d requested. I was kind of relieved. I said how about a pedicure and a facial. So I had both of those ($10) and went to lunch with Allynn down the street at the lady’s home restaurant where we had the cooking class yesterday. It’s called Rishis. There we met a Russian couple (a yoga teacher and his student) from Moscow who are advanced Ashtanga practioners.

We enjoyed their stories about Putin. Seems that Ashtanga has made it to Moscow. They have both been to Mysore several times.
Next stop was the spice market. We got a rickshaw there, for the fun of it.

It is such a challenge to try to capture the energy and colors in photos. We bought some papayas, oil, and incense. Then home to our hotel for dinner in our upstairs kitchen- peanut butter on bread and watermelon. Then blog writing.
My friend told me those transvestites are a third sex and they are worshiped here. While my hairdresser said they are beggars and avoid them. Who knows which way the wind blows. And to all a good night.
Love, Annie

I had the happiest day ! The yoga rang my chimes. We could either go to the 6:30 or the 8:45 am class at the main Shala with Saraswati. I chose the early one and had a hard time sleeping again- cause I kept thinking about getting up at 5:30. I knew I’d have to get there by 6:00 to get a spot. Allynn made me coffee and walked me in the dark about 4 blocks to the Shala. A crowd had formed outside and I sat on the curb and waited with the others for the doors to open. Finally when they did, there was a wave of bodies, moving up the wide staircase, tucking their shoes beneath the ferns and we were on our way into the Mecca of Ashtanga Yoga!   The first item of business was to lay my  mat down and I quickly surveyed the landscape and noticed a vacant spot second row near center . I opened my mat, put it there and set off to explore the ladies changing room.  It was quite fancy, compared to the tiny space at Saraswathi’s home studio.  There are even shelves for storage plus stairs up to a second level where there are lockers! And 2 bathrooms WITH toilet paper! – you have to bring your own in India!  Getting to my mat I was thinking I’d rather have a less visible spot- to the side- back- but here I was, kind of front and center, and by now, the spaces were all taken. There was no turning back!  And the guy right in front of me was very tall, so as we got going, his heels were practically in my mouth during chaturanga.  So I backed up my mat 3 inches and I hoped I hadn’t imposed myself on the girl behind me! This is all so complicated! Yikes!
The room has a high ceiling and it was not oppressively hot. And  I was really enjoying being in the led class because there are so many things for me to learn.  First, I realized I am doing the jump backs wrong!  Silly me- wonder why it took me so long for me to figure this out. I am not lifting off the floor- with my hands under me- I spring forward- onto my hands (probably because I don’t have the strength to lift my body.) What a surprise to find this out so late in the game- and now I have a lot to try to figure out. I will work on this in class tomorrow.  We got to that pose I can’t do; Saraswathi was nice enough to stand behind me and help me balance (lotus shoulder stand – hands on knees) and finally class was over- one hour and 45 minutes. And I was feeling elated. I hadn’t embarrassed myself in my center spot. And after I had showered and I was walking with Allynn to our favorite cafe, this incredible feeling of joy rose up in me. I felt wonderfully happy.  I guess it was  the result of going after something I really wanted to do and every cell in my body wanted to do it too. I’ve been here, doing yoga for a week but being in the main Shala has all the photos on the walls, the history to it. And the feeling of the energy in the room during a led class where everyone is doing the the same poses together is quite powerful.  After breakfast and doing a sketch at the cafe we went to an Indian cooking class. It was quite delightful and impressive – to see the amount of effort to make this delicious food. I guess Indian women do not work out side of the home so they spend a lot of their time cooking.

We learned how to prepare an ocra dish, a vegetable curry, dahl ( soup) and a bread out of whole wheat flour and water called chipatti.  You kneed the dough- let it sit for 30 minutes then make balls and roll it out into thin pancakes and fry it . Then we got to eat all this delicious food!

As we left the cooking class I couldn’t believe how gorgeous the day was – warm, the air was dry and clear and we began a walk and eventually went to a market place where stuff from all over India is sold.

I was looking for a dress and found leggings instead ($2.50).  What a happy day it has been for me and I am looking forward to yoga tomorrow.  I finished the workshop on Transformational Healing  and on Tue. Allynn and I are  starting a 14 day workshop on leading people into past life regressions. I bought my notebook today – not sure if I can sit still all that time- 2:00-5:00 every day! We’ll see – tomorrow I get my hair colored- should be scary!

 

Love to you all in the Land of Milk and Honey! Enjoy some hot chocolate you snow bunnies! Love and Namaste, Annie

So sad for me when it’s not a yoga day!  Never on Saturday!  No yoga! Don’t ask me why. What do I do with myself? Yoga! Odd that all week I felt great, getting up and today, without the fun of the whole scene, my back was hurting, my arthritis was kicking in;  I was feeling like an old lady. So I did some gentle yoga, to soothe my aching body and mind. And push-ups and squats and jumping jacks  and eye exercises and vocal exercises. Then I had peanut butter on bread, a tangerine, Allynn’s wonderful coffee, and then we went for a good walk with picture taking. I ran into a beauty parlor and made an appointment for Monday at 10:30 am. Color and a trim- risky, I know- but so what.
I adore walking around streets where we have never been before. I feel like I am seeing India with new eyes; for the first time – which is very exciting.

We have a wonderful friend who asked me ” isn’t yoga supposed to be done in a calm atmosphere? ” After reading my story about the circus of yoga here- which has led me to consider her point!  Yes- this is not a peaceful atmosphere. It has it’s own magic
which is hard to define . I would say, first , if one is not familiar with Ashtanga, it would be helpful to watch a video on You Tube to see how challenging it is.  At the Yoga Shala there is an electric atmosphere in the room. You can really feel the enormous passion  that everyone has .People  are concentrating so hard on the poses, and dealing with the sweat and  the crowding, that there is an exhilarating high to it all. Of course, the fact that they made it to India to do this adds to the magic!
Tomorrow , Sunday, we have the led class at 6:30 am- which after my experience last week- I will arrive early- by 6:00. Led means the teacher calls out all the poses. The other days of the week, we do the same thing, from memory, each on our own. We try our best to duplicate the timing and remember what pose is next! That is a challenge for me!
We found a great new restaurant right around the corner from our hotel.  It is in someone’s home. They just decided to offer lunch to the yoga community and it is all healthy vegetarian food.

It is so much food we don’t need dinner- so that simplifies everything, very nicely and tomorrow they are offering a cooking class- I am hoping Allynn will go and I can sleep or draw.  Namaste to all! Love Annie

Yoga is whipping my butt. Hot there today. Packed today. I waited 10 minutes today before I got a spot. Ten minutes into it I was drenched with sweat. Thru and thru. Soaked. But fun to do it and more fun when it’s over. Then I go into the cool changing room, peel off my wet clothes and stand naked, putting my wet clothes into a plastic bag. Too tired too tired. Then I make my way out, bow to the feet of the teacher and  take photos on the street on my way to the cafe for breakfast. Rest time.

 

Getting used to the routine here with the Yoga class. Suddenly there is a lot of extra space in the room- no lining up, waiting for a spot to do your practice. I haven’t a clue- don’t know where everybody went! Maybe this is standard- a certain number bite the dust and call it quits. So it was much more calm there. One new surprise student today- the young boy who attends class came with his brother! They look like they might be twins- not sure. The new one is not as adept as his brother. I am surprised to see kids here- who knew! I was sailing along near the end of my practice when I realized (watching one of the boys) that I completely forgot to do the standing poses! Yikes. When I got to the back ending sequence, Ms. Saraswathi was not around so I asked the guy assistant to help- which he did. Today I am not at exhausted as I’ve been afterwards.

Retail Therapy: I went out shopping today to two little shops in Mysore and I found a classic Indian style dress with embroidery.

Yesterday, another fellow yogi asked if we’d like to go see a monastery on Sunday. I said- are you kidding? I’m in bed for 3 hours after this class! I can’t go anywhere. All for now.

Resting. Annie

I had a hard time sleeping last night because my yoga class time was changed from 8:30am to 7:00am. So all night I had that thought – is it time to wake up? Even tho I set my alarm and my i-phone alarm. Allynn did the sweetest thing! He found a coffee mug for me that is the size we use at home – not the doll size they have here – Plus- he found in the kitchen cabinet here a plunger style coffee maker and he bought ground coffee and cream! And he makes me coffee every morning! Wow! Hats off to Allynn! So today, energized by my delicious coffee, I got to my class by 7:00. I was amazed to see people leaving as I came in- already done! What time do they begin here? 4:30 ?!
So I got my stuff organized and because the room was already packed with about 30 people I joined the line of people at the back wall. So as we wait, I got a kick out of watching all the yogis going thru their poses. Then a space was open right by the door, so as people enter, they could step right on you! That is how crowded it is! So as we were standing there, that spot became available, and I didn’t want it- I guess someone took it. Then Saraswathi said we aught to go to the side room where students do their finishing poses and start our practice there- I thought sure- So I went there- a pleasant space that has a huge double bed in it! The marble floor is nice and cool and I did my yoga there- until Saraswathi announced that a space opened up in the main room-looking at me- so I got up and dragged my mat, only to discover, the one space available was the one right in front of the door! So there I was! Thinking how ironic life is- I continued my practice there and when I got to the back bending, she – Ms. S was right there to assist me. I was wondering if she would be strong enough to pull me up from a backbend. She was! Down and up 7 times. And it was fun. So, that was yoga. We had chanting at 11:30am and I went back to the House of Kumar for a 4 day class on Transformational Healing. Kumar is a totally brilliant guy with wonderful experiences to share and there are 10 people attending from all over the world. It is group therapy and we take turns, sharing whatever is troubling us about our lives. He had a lot to say about men and women. He said all men feel inferior to women because they cannot create life, as women can. And that is why they are so aggressive, angry, why they build big muscles, make buildings, all kinds of things- just trying to prove they are ok. Wow- what a revelation- I thought. Makes sense to me.
Walking along a road this evening, I saw this incredible scene. (lady with sticks)

Namaste,
Love Annie

Another charming day. At Yoga a new group arrived and it was more crowded than ever. So as I was on my mat, there was a line of people standing behind me against the wall, waiting for a space to open up. Since you are given a time when you should come, but there is never a start and stop time, people are constantly coming and going. It adds to a chaotic and entertaining atmosphere and when you get as far as shoulder stand in your practice, you move yourself and your mat to another, smaller adjoining room. And the teacher, Saraswathi, is orchestrating all this with her big voice. What a drama! A made for TV show! On top of it all, there is an all together new element going on here. I had heard that to be accepted as a student here, you needed to have done Ashtanga as a daily practice for 8 years. But no longer- Hey- now Saraswathi is teaching Beginners!
She had a group of about 8 eager beginners in a row, next to each other and she was giving them their own led class. Quite a lot of shuffling around! I could feel the wheels spinning in her head- I don’t get it- why she doesn’t find a bigger space!
The class takes place in her living room! Why can’t she find a gym space – Mysore is a pretty ritzy place- well- there is construction going on across the street- maybe it will be her new studio. I was determined to do all the jump thrus today which I did and it really took all the starch out of me. She told me to change my time (along with the beginner group) to 7:00am. No more sleeping in. And she said tomorrow I should do the drop backs- standing back bends which I stopped doing long ago- so this definitely is challenging and motivating my yoga practice.
Kumar’s story. When I had my session with him , I commented on a picture of a yogi on his wall – a large photo I recognized, of Rajneesh. I commented that hadn’t he been chased out of Oregon for tax evasion. He said the U.S. Government was not too happy when he purchased a large piece of property 120 miles wide. And they put him in jail on some trumped up charges and tried to poison him. Then he survived and moved back to India. A book was written about the whole thing, by Juliette Foreman, called Twelve Days That Shook The World. Meanwhile, he changed his name from Rajneesh to Osho- which means ocean, and he has a very luxurious meditation empire on the ocean on the West coast of India.
After yoga today I met a lovely couple from Randolph NJ who run 4 gymnastic studios. They have 6 kids who are now taking over the business and they are traveling and doing Ashtanga- together. Victor and Theresa. We had breakfast together and we started talking about Tinittus -which he has and he Also has dry mouth! He told me a long story about the benefits of vitamin B3- niacin.
And there is a paper on the subject called The True History of Niacin by
Abraham Hoover. He said it can cure Menares disease and a whole slew of problems! So I will be on the look out for that!
Well- we had a wonderful moment with Allynn and the boy selling pineapples. It was a real special joyous happening. Quite a crowd gathered.
Namaste and Love Annie

House of Kumar   I was not disappointed with my therapy session with Kumar.  Although, I can’t say I experienced a healing miracle, either.
I am afraid these things take time, and I am only in Mysore for a month. My  dry mouth syndrome is not any better, after talking to Kumar for 2 hours ,but I did like his therapeutic approach.  He is a very gentle soul with a wise and spiritual style.
His session began with me sitting opposite  of him , chatting about my life story and then I moved to his cot where I laid down and he put me in a deeply relaxed state.  Then he asked me to imagine myself in different times and places in my life and I was drawing pictures with my mind and making connections. I did have  a few  revelations  and  but no real tears until I sat up , moved to the chair and started to feel really sad about my mothers’ 5 year illness and her death.
I felt good afterwards and Allynn and I took a rickshaw to our favorite place for dinner- the Green Hotel. It was a full moon  and a lovely evening to sit outside in their beautiful open courtyard dining area. And we had a sumptuous Indian meal. Glad today we have no tummy problems!
Because of the full moon, there was no yoga class today so I did my own practice in my hotel room and tried to do all the jump backs , according to their program. It is so much harder that way that again, I thought I might die. It will either kill me or make me stronger. So I rested afterwards and went to my favorite cafe for breakfast. Then I walked around this beautiful little village where we are – it is called Gokulam, Mysore.

And I photographed more of the chalk drawings that decorate the driveways. Looks like they appear on Monday, and they last for a week. They are lovely mandalas and they are called Sitting with God. The rest of the day was spent napping, lunching and strolling , collecting a few food items . We are making peanut butter and banana sandwiches for lunch. Our hotel has a very pleasant kitchen with an attractive dining room and even an outdoor terrace, looking over the whole city of Mysore. For dinner, if we don’t eat out, we have gotten in the habit of sharing a papaya with some more banana, tangerine, nuts- no muss, no fuss.  And this evening we went back to Kumar’s house for a free meditation in his rooftop abode.
He was having us meditate on our heart beat. I couldn’t feel mine. Allynn could feel his. I have more to tell about Kumar – too tired now- tomorrow!

Cheers and Smiles from sunny and warm India!

Love, Annie

I was glad my alarm worked and it woke me up at 5:45 so I could get to the 6:15 class.  Allynn was on his way to his gym and I was glad he was walking me in the dark to the Shala. I had just read a notice posted on a tree outside the Shala stating recent harassment to women yoga students has become a problem and be sure to walk together in groups. As we got close to the Shala, Allynn remarked “odd there are no yogis around.” And I wondered if I’d gotten the timing wrong.  But once inside the gate I saw all the shoes. And I took mine off and walked up the cool red tile steps and in the door.  Inside, in the entry way was a yogi on his mat in child’s pose and the manager guy who never smiles pointed to a spot next to him where I could put my mat. And I realized the Shala was full of yoga students already and I was late. Three more people arrived and  we had our own space for yoga in the hall which was facing the Shala room and I thought it was nice to be there on the cool marble floor, partially out of view of the teacher.
Then the class began and it was hot and very quickly I was a puddle of sweat. The teacher was Saraswathi.
And we were doing all the jump backs- between each side of every pose- which I haven’t been doing on my own. So I was dying and there are a few poses I have stopped doing which I was faced with and had a hard time doing ( lotus shoulder stand with hands holding knees which I never got) . Then finally it was over. I rolled up my mat and went out, seeing the next crowd outside, eagerly waiting to get in for the next class. During the class I noticed a couple in my little alcove  not doing the poses; hanging out, basically, just watching. I thought they had the perfect spot because they were really hidden, completely out of view of the teacher, who is walking around the room, verbally correcting people. There were no assistants; I guess it was too crowded. And I was thinking how I felt lucky to be there- as space was really at a premium.
Back to my hotel my “bed coffee” arrived at my door soon after I did . A welcome sight but the size of the cups are like doll cups! Irritatingly tiny! And as I drink it I am picturing the vente size cups at Starbucks – what are these people here thinking?
And I don’t have the nerve to ask for another- it is free – maybe I will – tomorrow. After a great nap where I felt like I’d just run a marathon – I could feel my heart still beating in my chest, we walked down the hill into the lovely sunny Sunday and had Indian breakfast with masala tea. It consists of a crispy crepe with some cooked chunks of potatoes inside and 2 kinds of dipping sauce.

And you get to use your fingers, tear it apart , and play with your food. No utensils are given.

After an hour there our fruit boy showed up.  Allynn made some balloons for him and then we walked a bit, marveling at the creative architecture in the buildings we see everywhere.

There seems to be no lack of unusual ideas about how to design buildings here. Looks like there are no restrictions on colors, size – the buildings sometimes are right next to each other  and most are surrounded by an enclosure – fencing or a wall and a gate at the driveway.

It’s a lot like Mexico as far as the variety of colors go. And a lot of it reminds me of a Frank Loyd  Wright fantasy or nightmare.  The wrought iron decor is mind boggling  and people take great pride in dolling up their homes.
Onto the next coffee shop, Allynn ran into s friend from the Green Hotel, I wrote in my notebook and waited for my doll sized coffee.  Which brings up another challenge here is the waiting game. When you place your order for coffee it might be 20 minutes before it arrives. And that is pretty much standard here. That is just how it is. There is nothing to be done about it.
We bought a bundle of fruit and carried it back to our hotel . Time for another nap. I have my transformational healing session in 2 hours. Better rest up for it.

– bye – see you later! Annie

The bed coffee arrived on time! 7:30 and how sublime! No, it’s not good offee. I hate to tell you- it’s instant! But sugar makes it delicious.
I am consuming too much sugar here. When I order tea at my favorite cafe, it comes with sugar in it.  And if I order a cafe latte I add sugar or it is tasteless.  I forgot to photograph my breakfast this morning to show you an Indian breakfast but I got a picture of last night’s dinner from Tina’s Cafe.

We walked there- a mile each way and we may return tonight. I’m tired. I guess the massage wore me out!  When we arrived at the breakfast cafe, our friend Vanya was there. She’s the one from Montreal- I’ve got a picture of her with balloons.

And she was doing a watercolor painting – a tiny one as we sat there. I couldn’t believe it because I had my sketch book with me too and I took it out of my bag and got busy. I can’t believe how she and I have so much in common. Last night when we were walking home from Tina’s Cafe, I heard someone calling my name and I thought- nobody knows me here- but it was her- Vanya- and she was on the street in front of the place where she is staying- which happened to be a place we had originally signed up for and changed our minds. We went in and shared our bag of tangerines- which are incredible here and then another roommate appeared. She is a yogi from Poland named Agatha and she asked if we are Vanya’s’ parents!
This age thing is getting to me. I am glad to say I am not the oldest yogi here. I have seen a few with pure white hair, which always makes me feel relieved. But I do feel self conscious around all the 20 something’s. Just feel over the hill- like my days are numbered.  At least I am living a dream !
It was a little sad saying good bye to my massage girl friends today after my last massage with them. 7 massages feels like enough . All the oil in my hair is a little tiresome to wash out  and of course I have to take a nap afterwords- but what else do I have to do here?  No yoga today ( never on Saturday) but we have it at the main Shala tomorrow at 6:15 am. The led class, which I am So looking forward to. Hope I can get my bed coffee before I run out the door, I am a 10 minute walk to the Shala.  And late afternoon I have a date for a healing transformation . I hope it works!($50).
I’m trying to get Allynn to do a past life regression ($50) with the same guy. So we are leading the life of Riley. And enjoying it. The weather is perfectly wonderful- 70’s all day and lots of sun shine. Allynn is making friends all over the place!

It is fun to be a part of his entourage! And I get to take pictures! Cheerio and  let’s talk tomorrow!

Love, Annie

 

 

 

It’s only my second day here and I already feel like I’ve been here a while.  I have Very good news. They have something very Special here. It’s called Bed Tea or Bed Coffee! When you are in a hotel, like setting the alarm with the front desk, you can say I would like bed tea at 7:00 am. And they bring it to you- for Free! I don’t understand all aspects of it – like- do they use the hotel key to enter your room so you don’t have to get out of bed to open the door? When the whole point is that they are bringing you tea or coffee in bed? So it is new to me and I will let you know the intricacies of this concept- I love it!
My second day at the Yoga Shala-

Quite the crowd! Looks like it is a staggered schedule. I think it may begin at 6 or 7am. So basically, you show up at the time you’ve been given ( tho no one is checking) and you do your practice. There is a set series of poses, which you are supposed to know by heart before you come and you move thru the sequence, sun salutations  and all the rest in the Primary Series. I had heard, years ago that you should have been doing Ashtanga daily for 8 years before you were ready for the class here in Mysore.  But there was a girl in the class today who didn’t know from nothing! First time she’d ever done it. I guess there are exceptions to every rule. As I was finishing up my practice, I did headstand before shoulder stand- standard the world over- but not in Ashtanga. So it’s all in the details.
I had breakfast with a lovely yogi named Vanya, from Montreal; a costume designer who has many friends who work for Cirque! Small world. Then onto chanting class in the main Shala with about 300 yogis. And massage time (no 6) at noon.
Getting all oiled up is getting old and frankly boring. Thank goodness I have only one massage left- tomorrow, and then I’m moving down the street to another Ayurveda place where the guy does transformational healing( I have an appointment on Sunday)- and he does past life regression- and he does workshops on how to do that to others. His name is Kumar, and I went to one of his free meditation classes in a bamboo hut on top of his roof. He said something that cracked me and Allynn up – talking about himself- he said us Indian folk here in India do not do yoga- we sell yoga
Tomorrow is Saturday, and there is no Astanga class on Saturday. And Monday is a full moon so there is no class then either. So maybe I’ll go with Allynn in the morning to his gym and see if I can have a guest pass. Maybe I’ll do my Ashtanga there. I’ve always done it on Saturdays! And on full moons too. Maybe I’ve been working too hard- entirely possible. Tomorrow I’ll take a picture of the new Indian breakfast I’ve been eating- pretty interesting. Neither one of us are sick! It’s great and we’re going out for Indian food tonight- Whoopee!!!  
About the cow picture, after mandatory chanting class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, at 11:30 am, these 2 cows show up all decked out in Sunday finery ! And their owners ask for money if you’d like to take their picture! How innovative! They’ve figured out the perfect time – critical mass – when the most yogis are exiting the building – I fell for it and they were very difficult to photograph! So I’ll try again next time.

Love to you all! Have a lovely weekend. Namaste , Annie