Mysore Diary, Jan 18

Yoga today at the main Shala, led class which is totally exhausting. IMG_0547 IMG_0551 IMG_0560 IMG_0557I 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
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Mysore Diary, Jan 17

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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.

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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

 

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Mysore Diary. Jan 16

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.
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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.
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pineapple boy

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at local orphanage “leave your unwanted babies here”IMG_0439IMG_9471

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The waiter at my favorite cafe works from 8:00am to 8:00pm.
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Love to you all!
Namaste Annie
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Mysore Diary Jan 15

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.
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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!!
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Mysore Diary Jan 14

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!
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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.
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Later, love Annie

Tuesday in Mysore (from Allynn’s view)

After coffee and Annie’s yoga, we began the morning strolling around streets we haven’t tried before.  Annie found a water pump and tried it outIMG_3432

Then we ran into our friendly pineappleboy

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I’m running low with my balloon supply here in Mysore, but he was upset with me the other day when I didn’t “balloon him up, so I was ready for him this morning:

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We took our first class in leading people thru past life regressions….  lot’s of fascinating, strange stuff that stretches our beliefs (in different ways than Annie stretches in yoga and I stretch in balloons).  When we left the class, our pineapple boy was walking in the streets.  I didn’t have any balloons left, so just played my ocarina (anybody remember the song “dance to the music of the ocarina”?) and he danced with his cart:

We stopped for tea before dinner, and ran into a decorated little sheep. I found I had one final heart balloon in my pocket so made it for the sheep… and played more ocarina music for him/her(?). We had a “connection”.

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A few steps from the tea there’s a hole in the wall clothing shop run by a woman with a beautiful energy and smile. Whenever it’s open and Annie is having tea there, she stops by to try on (& buy) some of the clothes. IMG_3444

Mysore Diary  Jan 13  

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

Allynn’s Mysore Monday

I got up early to make Annie her coffee before her 7am yoga class (it’s a 60-70 step walk up to the kitchen in our building).  Then I walked the 30-minute trek to the gym.  I keep taking slightly different paths there as I get to learn the area better (the first time I got really lost and walked for about 3 hrs never making it).  After the workout I began my walk back when a rickshaw driver signaled me to get in.  At first i tried to wave him on.., that I was happy to walk, when I realized he’s one of the local rickshaw drivers who gather around the yoga shala…  the ones I do balloons for every day.  So I jumped in as he assured me he’s on his way back to his “spot” and my ride was free.  So I sat, decorating his rickshaw with balloons as we drove down the street, and played my ocarina, surprising everyone we passed.

After lunch Annie and I took another rickshaw to the spice & flower market. Again, we drove with one of these local rickshaw drivers.  He passed a school and pulled over at one point, asking me to make a balloon for someone he recognized… how could I refuse?  I made the balloon and started playing the ocarina again.  They’re used to flute music here….  but don’t seem to be familiar with the little sweet potato I wear around my neck.

At the spice market Annie took photos and I shot video as one guy selling some stuff stuck to me like glue.  No matter how I said “no” he continued.  I got a kick out of his pleasant persistence and finally caved in and bought something (I never buy stuff.. that’s Annie’s department).  Then he asked if I had any American coins for his two daughters who collect coins.   I guess the mention of kids got me in auto-pilot.  Out came the balloons.  I promised myself I wasn’t going to do that at the spice market….  it’s too busy with too many people…. and I’m running low with my balloons.  That was the end of my video camera….  I couldn’t stop until everyone could see my bag was empty.

During the Rickshaw drive back I played more ocarina music.

Tomorrow begins our next adventure – our afternoons will be taken up with a course in past life regressions for the next two weeks.   Had anyone told me a month ago I’d be doing this, I’m not sure how I would have responded.   But what’s the phrase…. ‘when in Rome…..”  Time to leave the comfort zone again.

Mysore Diary. Jan 12

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.
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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.

IMG_0039We 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.
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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

Mysore Diary. Jan 11   

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.

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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!

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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.

FullSizeRender 2FullSizeRender 3I 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!

 


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

Sunday morning (Sat. night in the States)

We got up early so I could make Annie her coffee (60 or so steps up to the kitchen), then walked her in the dark to her 6am yoga class.  Since my gym doesn’t open this early (I found out last week) I came back to our apartment to make myself some oatmeal and check the email for half an hour before walking the 30-minutes to the gym.  It was nice being able to use the kitchen alone – without dancing around 3-6 others who are cooking their meals.  When I sat with my oatmeal and laptop I heard I wasn’t alone in the room.  I opened a bunch of drawers until BINGO….  a mouse came running out of the drawer where  someone was storing their potatoes.  It was almost like a cartoon as the little guy slid on the marble floors making a mad dash to get away from me.   He turned the corner just before me and he was gone.  Where?   I’ve no idea.

I’ve heard other young yoga students talk about the bugs and rats they’ve come in contact with here…  they always have an emotion of disgust (is that an emotion?) when they describe these experiences.    This brought back a memory of the only time we found a mouse in our house.  I quickly grabbed the vacuum cleaner putting a thin cloth in the hose (so the mouse wouldn’t get sucked up all the way and get hurt) and had Ozzie keep his eye on the mouth.  I aimed the hose, had Ozzie turn on the power and we caught him….. quickly we brought him outside and let him go.   My brother later told me, “he’s going to come right back into the house if you let him out just outside.”   But we never saw him again.

This brings back another memory – when we stayed at an Ashram in Bali (Ozzie was about 3 years old and my mother was with us).  There was a sign outside our bedrooms saying that the philosophy here was not tho hurt any creatures, so if we wouldn’t bring any food into our rooms, they wouldn’t have to deal with the rats that might be attracted to our food.  My mother saw this notice and quickly hoped she could find a nearby hotel.

Saturday from Allynn

My trainer at the gym told me yesterday to take the day off…  7 days in a row doesn’t help the body.  He didn’t have to tell me twice.

I started the day by making Annie her morning coffee… then counting my balloons.  Although I brought bout 50 pounds of balloons to India, I left the “mother load” with our friend Sharon in Delhi.  i thought I brought enough for this month in Mysore….  but the rickshaw drivers, the pineapple boy, and others know my weakness… I can’t say “no”.   One set of rickshaw drivers (the ones who hang out near the Yoga Shala)  actually look out for me.  They call me over to sit with them each time they see me and decide which one will get a balloon from me.  After I’m done with that balloon, they are protective of me….  telling everyone else… “no more”.  I’m committed to perform a show for a preschool in two weeks, so I just put a show-worth of balloons in one bag (to make sure I don’t run out before the show).  I have to start rationing the balloons since I won’t get back to the mother load for another three weeks or so.

We took a stroll around streets we haven’t explored before.  Annie takes her time taking photos of everything.  I just walk along.  When she takes pictures of kids I see the “open door” and make balloons for them.  We saw a bull resting on its belly in the grass…  Annie said, “why don’t you se how close you can get to it.”  So I took out the ocarina and began playing my flute music … step by step getting closer and closer as she shot video.  I stared into his eyes and watched his ears thinking when a dogs ears go back he’s getting ready to charge.  If I’d see the ears go back and the feet start standing I was ready to hi-tail it to jump over the nearest fence.  I got within a couple feet from him when I chickened out…  finished my music….  tipped my hat… and walked away.  I’ll see if I can post that video tomorrow.

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It looks like I’m signing up to take a cooking class tomorrow.   Then starting Tuesday we’re both signing up to learn to lead people thru past life regressions (for healing purposes).  I’m the skeptic (the optimistic skeptic) but I’m thinking this will be fun….and the thought of being able to sit with people on the plane back to the states for so many hours, taking a number of them thru past life regressions ….  that sounds like a story in itself.  Years ago Virgin Atlantic had a deal that if you were a performing artist and were willing to entertain passengers on flights to Europe you could fly for free.   Maybe we can get free flights in the future offering past life regressions to passengers?

Mysore Diary Jan 10

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.
IMG_9748 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.
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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!
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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

Mysore Diary  Jan 9 

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.

 

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a word from Allynn for the day

When Annie took off for her early yoga class (a 5-minute walk) I took off for my gym – a 30-minute walk. This time I didn’t stop along the way to make any balloons and didn’t try to take any short cuts…. it took me 20 minutes which means this must be about 1 mile.

On the way back I looked for Annie in her favorite breakfast spot, but she had already gone.  As I walked back to our room a rickshaw driver stopped (with a baffled passenger)… asking me for a balloon hat.  As I twisted him his balloon, he seemed to be explaining to his passenger that I’m a famous balloon guy from the US.   As I continued I ran into a yoga student Annie met in class (they’re also taking a healing course together) we walked a block or so when we passed the spot 5 or 6 rickshaw drivers hang out at…. rickshaw drivers who “know” me.  They called me over to sit with them and mimed “balloons”….  so I excused myself from her saying “I have to get to work now.”  I’ve come up with a way that I don’t need to make all of them balloons…. I ask “who do I do today?”  They pointed at one guy, so I built a balloon helicopter on top of him.    They all laughed, took pictures, and then I continued to our room and Annie and I made our lunch.  We share a kitchen in this apartment/hotel building with the other guests.  There’s a group of about 6-8 Chinese yogis who always make the most intricate vegetable meals with rice.  Annie and I usually make Peanut Butter and banana sandwiches and have papaya with pineapple.

My timing was off today and I missed our pineapple boy.

Mysore Diary. Jan 8

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 askedIMG_9434 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. IMG_9432

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.
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Resting. Annie

Mysore Diary, Jan 7

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)
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Namaste,
Love Annie

Mysore Diary, Jan.6

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

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Pineapple Boy

Almost every day as we walk around the blocks near the P. Jois Yoga shala we run into this little boy (12 years old or so?). He’s bare-footed as he sells fruit from his cart. We don’t know if his folks send him out selling the fruit or if he’s homeless? It’s sad to see him selling his fruit while other kids are in school. He doesn’t speak English and we sure don’t speak Hindi or whatever language he speaks. The first day I made him a balloon hat and we bought a pineapple. Later that day he saw me and held a 10 Rubee bill (worth a couple cents US). and pointed that he’d like another balloon hat. I made him the hat, but didn’t accept the money… He handed me a pineapple (I thought of the pineapple song from the broadway musical – Cabaret). Everyday when I see him I make him something else. Since we can’t communicate with words, he whistles and mimes what he wants each day. Today we saw him while we were sitting having tea and breakfast at a little dive. The first time he saw me there he came over and the restaurant owners almost chased him away – not wanting him pestering their customers by selling his fruit as they’re eating. (I made him balloons anyway). This time I brought some larger balloons to “work” on his cart along with him. Annie shot some video and photos. Here’s a short video… 

Mysore Diary Jan 5 

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!FullSizeRender 5
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. FullSizeRender

FullSizeRender 4 FullSizeRender 3 FullSizeRender 2And 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

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