A Penny for my Thoughts

Today was one of those days.  One of those magical days.  Brace yourself mom, I may "go all George Harrison" on you.

I was given the book Shantaram a couple weeks ago from a friend I had just met, Eugene.  The timing was impeccable.  It's like he knew what my mind and soul were craving.  Shantaram is a 933-page book; I am only on page 138 but I have already lost myself in it.  It's a story based on the life of the author, Gregory David Roberts, a robber and heroin addict who escaped prison and his nineteen-year sentence.  He fled Australia to the majestic country of India where he "came to find his humanity while living at the wildest edge of experience." 

It was a terribly rainy day in Melbourne so what better way to escape the dampness than to hit a cafe, sip on tea and lose myself in the words of a great story teller.  For the past few months, I have known that I want to go back to India and explore the entire country.  I have felt that a piece of my heart and soul are still there.  I have been trying to find the words to describe why India is the amazing place I believe it to be.  It always comes back to the people and the energy.  There is an excerpt from the book that struck a chord with me:

"You must be careful, here, with the real affection of those you meet. This is not like any other place.  This is India.  Everyone who comes here falls in love - most of us fall in love many times over.  And the Indians, they love most of all.  Your little friend may be beginning to love you.  There is nothing strange in this.  I say it from a long experiene of this country, and especially of this city.  It happens often, and easily, for the Indians.  That is how they manage to live together, a billion of them, in reasonable peace.  They are not perfect, of course.  They know how to fight and lie and cheat each other, and all the things that all of us do.  But more than any other people in the world, the Indians know how to love one another.  Without love, India would be impossible."

There is a magic in India.  If you can see past and just accept the hectic traffic, the sometimes awful smells, the rubbish and dirtiness in the streets, you too will fall in love.  It's a place where your mind is forced to open and embrace love for the people, the culture and just the enchanting place India is. 

As I walked home, I reminisced of my experiences in India.  I remember sitting on the steps at a beach in Kovalam with a couple of locals.  We chatted about life, love, yoga, India, and Canada.  I giggled as I remembered the older woman telling me to bring back some more Westerners for her younger friend and his friends to marry.  I remembered the little boy she had with her and how he wanted to touch me and hold my hand.  I remembered one man asking me if I had any Canadian coins for his son to bring to school.  I remembered eating a fresh pineapple the woman had just cut for me.  I remembered the smell of the Arabian Sea.  I remembered the feeling of true appreciation and the simple things in life that bring happiness.  Finally, I remembered that crow at the Ashram that flew over me telling me that I have made and am making the right choices and where my life is leading is exactly where I need to be.

I then began thinking about teaching yoga and the bliss I feel when teaching.  I had mentioned in a previous post how I was developing my own practise and how I wanted to take more courses before teaching asana classes.  It was the visit from my friend Gareth that changed that for me.  I realized that the aforementioned were just excuses and that ultimately, I was just lacking confidence.  He reignited the flame and gave me the boost and inspiration I needed.  It was a couple weeks after that a coworker had said to me that she always wanted to try yoga.  To her surprise and delight, I mentioned that I am a teacher; I now teach her and her friend two or three times a week.  And now that I am into teaching, I remember why I chose to pursue teaching.  The peaceful energy I feel among my students when our class is finished is what happiness and life are all about.

Melbourne has been an incredible experience thus far for a variety of reasons, many I have outlined already: the people I have met and the great vibe in this city mostly.  I suppose I should let you know that I have been working at a cycling apparel shop which allows me to talk about bikes and lycra all day long!  Along with that, I have working as a face-to-face fundraiser (which I have found a whole new respect for).  I've also been on my bike a lot and am starting to raise funds for my Ride to Conquer Cancer in October with two great guys I met when working for the Ride.  So basically, as I once proclaimed at the age of five, "Life is good!"

So do I know what is next for me?  No, should I?  All I know is that I continue to learn about the person I am and what life is all about - or at least how I believe I should live life.  To me, it's embracing every single day, never having judgment, appreciating the simple things, sharing my aspirations, listening to others' aspirations, inspiring others, turning negativity into positivity, and fulfilling my passions.

One other thing I am certain of is that I will return to India in the near future.  The compelling stories that fill up the pages of Shantaram have absolutely confirmed that for me.  Whatever else the future brings, only time will tell.  I'm just enjoying the journey.

Yes, today was one of those days.  Om shanti.

"...it unlocked this enormous big door at the back of my consciousness."                          ~George Harrison on India

Passing through a village in the state of Kerala, India on way to Neyyar Dam.

Thanumalayan Temple, Suchindram in the district of Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu.  L-R David from Galway, Aishwarya from Delhi, Tyler from Saskatoon and moi. Amazing, amazing temple. Amazing people.

A gorgeous autumn day in Melbourne.

The two Tracy's.  She is one person who has made Melbourne as awesome as it is. A friend for life.

"'Cause you gotta have friends..." Themed parties at their finest: Mafia.  L-R, Belle, Nina, Nick, Lisa, Damian, myself, Mick, Ingrid and Dev.

  

You can take the girl out of the country but you can't take the country out of the girl...

...and by that statement I mean the following:

I love the buzz of a city; I like the hustle and bustle, the city lights, the sounds, the entertainment and the excitement.  But I grew up in a small town where camping, fishing and just being in the outdoors was the best past time.  It is impossible to ignore that yearning for serenity and beauty that Mother Nature offers.  For me, being in the great outdoors is in my blood and an adventurous weekend was just what the doctor ordered.

Before my weekend adventure began, I had an awesome visit from a friend, Gareth, who I met through the wonderful world of travelling.  It was a day like we had that makes me love city life and everything Melbourne has to offer. After enjoying a Melbournian day complete with cafes, yoga, street art, relaxing in the park and parma (Chicken Parmesan with fries), I was excited to explore areas outside of the main city.

Melbourne street art at it's finest.  This is at Hosier Lane.

So what do you get when you have two Canadian (correction, British Columbian) girls itching for adventure?  Just that!  My friend, Nina, and I decided to have a weekend away and planned our journey the night before (typical...).  We wanted something epic but were not sure if anything would compare to the mountainous ranges in B.C.  After considering our options we decided on the Cathedral Ranges for an overnight camping trip.

First things first, we have to get there.  It's time to face the fear of driving on the right side..well the left side..wait, how does that work?   Anyway, opposite of Canada!  And I must say, I think I did a pretty stellar job but props definitely go out to Navigator Nina.  It took awhile for my eyes to stop drifting to the left and hugging the curb. Thanks to Neens for politely correcting me :)   Eventually, I got the hang of it and by day two it felt quite natural.

The road into Cathedral Range State Park.  This is Bernadette (Bernie), our rental for the weekend.

After two hours of driving through the beautiful Yarra Valley (this is wine country!), we reached Cathedral Range State Park.  Using a hand-drawn map and memory, we parked Bernadette at Ned's Gully car park, hoped we wouldn't get ticketed, threw our 35-pound packs on our backs, and off we ventured into the unknown range.

Up the hill we began and I soon realized that I haven't hiked a mountain for approximately eight months and forgot what a completely different form of exercise it is.  Must work on cardio - noted.  We had a short little break to enjoy the scenery (aka my heart was beating out of my chest and my lungs were shouting, "Amateur!").  As we munched on granola bars, both Neens and I spotted something in the bush.  I felt my heart rate increase (which I didn't think was possible at this point) and I felt that pit in your stomach feeling.  Basically, I was scared!  It was very hard to make out what creature was lurking but resourceful Nina was able to identify it as a Lyrebird.  Very cool!

After about another hour of hiking we then reached the peak.  My expectations were non-existent as to dismiss any potential disappointment but I can tell you, it was seriously breathtaking!  Sure, it's cliche, but I really felt at home.

So here I think that the hard part is over but the real hiking hadn't even began.  The next two hours consisted of some serious scrambling which I totally love but perhaps was ill-prepared for considering I was carrying a stupid amount of weight on my back.  About an hour in, my legs had started getting a bit shaky with trying to balance myself through the never-ending ridge. 



Ascent complete!  And this is why hiking is so awesome.  The rewards of breathtaking views are always worth it.

**Warning**  Mom, don't read this next paragraph.

I seriously almost fell over...and I don't mean scrape your knees fall on a rock, I mean tip over the ridge down the rocky cliff.  And not once but twice.  At the same spot.  Where it felt like I was tight rope walking.  On a cliff.  I lost my balance and my pack felt like it was pulling me to the right and for a brief moment, I felt my stomach leap into my mouth.  I steadied then literally four seconds afterwards, I almost lost it again.  I managed to recover before tumbling down the embankment and good news: I'm alive!  And honestly, I am stoked to go back (maybe not so much on my back next time though!).

We finally made it to the site and set up camp for the night.  Dinner consisted of salami, cheese and spinach bunwiches, Shapes, carrots and of coures goon (meaning cheap boxed wine).  After making some friends who had a (illegal) campfire, we were both knackered and decided to head back to the tent.  Did I mention it was 7:30pm?

The night did not end there though.  So yes, I am in Australia but yes, it does get freakin' cold!  I woke up in the middle of the night and had a memory of a camping trip a couple years ago on May long weekend that saw us waking up to snow in the morning.  It felt that cold here.  I then hear a shivering, desperate voice say, "Trrr-rr-acy? C-c-c-an we spoon??"  I shiver back, "Y-yy-yesssss." 

After a bloody cold night, morning arrived.  We packed up camp and started our trek back.  We took an alternate route; to be honest, I didn't feel like experiencing near-death again.  As we walked down the road back to Bernie, the sun was shining, the trees were lush and green, the birds were singing a tune and I had a "How amazing is this?" moment.  Sometimes I forget.  I am in Australia.  I live in Australia.  And there we were.  Just two friends on some beautiful and unknown road in Oz.  Literal.  And metaphorical.

Why hello Australia...you kind of feel like Canada!

Cathedral Peak!  Kind of looks like Pride Rock from Lion King.

Nina tackling the Ridge like a pro!

Much deserved vino.  And yes, we brought wine glasses...there is some class in us.

The night sky.  This is just one reason why getting out of the city is needed every once and awhile.

The descent.  A gorgeous Victoria day.

Couldn't be happier!

"Not all those who wander are lost."

Be Mindful. Be Present. Be Happy.

What does one do when unemployed?  For some, they may get stressed, worried, frantic...but for me, I bloody well will enjoy it!

Yes, I am looking for work but I also know what I want in a job.  Or perhaps it is that I know what I don't want as well.  I am being picky when selecting which organizations and roles I apply for so that leaves me currently being sans work.  If I need to work in a cafe for awhile, I absolutely will.  But in the meantime, I am honestly in one of the most wicked cities I have ever visited and I am going to live it up to the fullest.

The past month has been full of friends, food (and so much cheeeeese), bikes, swimming, wine and heaps (yes, I am speaking Aussie these days) of inspiration!  If there is anything I have learned since India, it is always to surround myself with positive people.  Positive energy is contagious but negative energy can have effects as well.  I try to turn the negative into positive but sometimes it just drains my own spirit.  Therefore, I have sought out those people that are naturally upbeat, that make me laugh, that spark my creativity, and those that I can just be my (very open) self around.  As a result, the past few weeks have been dinner parties, comedy shows, bike rides, swimming lessons, painting, yoga-ing, dancing in the streets, and just a whole lot of laughs.  Thank you to the awesome people I have met!

And now, I have been asked why am not teaching yoga right now - isn't that what I set out to do?  The answer is simple: I am still developing my own practice.  While I felt so much passion and love teaching my classes at my training, I personally want to learn and develop more.  I read an article the other day about the best jobs for people who love to travel.  A yoga instructor was on it.  The pro is that the demand is high but the con is that so are the number of inexperienced teachers entering the yoga world.  I will agree with that.  To me, yoga is not just about teaching a class; it is about teaching and inspiring a way of life.  While I am confident that I could teach a killer Baptiste-inspired class (thanks to the wonderful teachings of my yoga teacher, Brenda), I would not feel right without the appropriate training and a lot more knowledge. I am eager to take more courses on various styles and anatomy/physiology but of course this is going to take time and it will be something I work on over the next few years.  But while I am not actually teaching asana classes, I sometimes feel that I am sharing a yogic way of life anyway.  It's about taking the energy off of my mat into my daily life and if once a day I can inspire, spread a little peace, or make someone smile, then I have achieved what I have set out to do.

"The future depends on what we do in the present."  ~ Mahatma Gandhi ~

Emma, Jason and I.  The three of us met in Dublin three years ago and here we all are again in Melbourne celebrating St. Paddy's and both Em and Jason's birthdays again.  This just shows how amazing travelling is. You can meet people from all over the world and it doesn't matter how much time has passed but you have that one city or that one adventure in common - and you are friends for life.
  

Easter Sunday.  Myself, Alex, Pants, Belle and Karen.  Belle cooked us an amazing dinner!  Being of Ukrainian heritage, I wanted to contribute some traditional dishes that my family always enjoys at Easter time; however, my Paska (a sweet bread centerpiece) did not turn out!  I tried three times and it failed every time.  I do believe it was the yeast in combination with my oven :(  BUT I did make nalysnyky (crepes with a dill and cheese filling) and they were a great success!  Oh, I might have introduced the vodka shot tradition too...

My new bike!  So as I was saying about enjoying my unemployment in Melbs...this is a big part of it!  As most may know, I am participating in the Melbourne Ride to Conquer Cancer in October but I also developed a love for cycling from my Ride last year.  Life just wasn't the same without being able to cycle.  Cycling is awesome exercise, a great form of meditation at times, a great tool for networking, and just pure fun!  Cycling has brought me to some fantastic people here in Melbourne and it will definitely always be a big part of my life.

Check out my Ride to Conquer Cancer Personal Page

Home Away From Home

They say there's no place like home...well as much as I love my family, my friends and British Columbia, I have found somewhere that feels like home as well: Melbourne.

The past couple of months (holy, time flies!) have been really fantastic.  As soon as we returned from Bali, I started working at Melbourne's Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.  Yes, that's right - the Ride is here!  It's the first year in Melbourne and second year in Australia and it's having a great response.  I was working as a Ride Guide "recruiting" riders and aiding registered riders with their fundraising and training.  I say "recruiting" because what the job really entails is telephone sales to interested people.  Anyone who knows me, knows that this would just not fly in the long run....eight hours a day on the phone.  Where is the challenge?  Where is the creativity?  As much as I enjoyed speaking with riders (being a past rider myself!), my motivation decreased with the ongoing pressure of meeting quotas.  Ohh, the ongoing debate of quality vs. quantity.   

Melbourne's Ride Guides!  Niamh, Tracy and myself.

I explored further opportunities within the company including a Volunteer Coordinator but sadly, the nasty politics of the (virtual) office took over.  I know what makes me happy and this was not it. 

The people I worked with directly in the Melbourne office are all amazing.  Niamh (pronounced Neve), Tracy and Nathan (my manager) - much love!  I have much respect for the Ride and what it stands for.  The fundraising model they have created is brilliant and I really did learn a lot about how an event of this magnitude is put together.  Also, now I get to ride in October (see my personal page here)!  One more bonus: the friendships cultivated.

I said that Melbourne has felt like home and a big reason for that is the people I have met.  It seems that the friendship network keeps growing.  It started with Dev and Christian and meeting their friends, then meeting the friends of their friends, and so on.  Everyone is so open, friendly, and welcoming.  In fact, Dev's friend, Pants, was moving here from the UK so being two people new to the city and needing somewhere to live, we decided to find a flat together.  We are living in a highrise just outside of the City Centre (ten-minute walk) in the Southbank suburb.  It's very convenient to all the necessities and my favourite stop(s) of the week - the market.

View from our flat.  Melbourne sunsets make each evening wonderful!

My first cricket experience at the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) - probably my last too!  It's no hockey!

A night out in Melbourne.  Myself, Damian, Pants and Jason crossing the Yarra River.

So while I look for the next opportunity, I am also exploring Melbourne, hanging with friends, and mind-mapping some aspirations (and working to make those happen).  I have made some awesome connections and great friends in the past three months and life in Melbourne continues to be exciting.  I know there are great things to come - the crow in India was absolutely right :) 

Melbourne: My home away from home.

Tracy taking me on my first mountain bike lesson.  Now I get why Sheila and Stacey have 3+ bikes! Bikes are so fun.   

My first spill. Brush yourself off and try again!  I had a blast and can't wait to get back on the mountain!

Balinese Bliss

As my body finally adjusts to Aussie time, it's time to take off again!  Am I complaining?  Hell no!  I'm off to Bali with my friends, Christian and Dev, to spend Christmas and New Years in the tropics.  Nothing says the spirit of Christmas like these two opening their home to me while I get settled in Melbs and inviting me on a vacay during the holidays - so very appreciated!  But we are all "orphaned" children here in Melbourne (don't take that literally, ma and pa), so being with friends is the next best thing!  Christian's family is back in B.C. (as well) and Dev's family is in England.  Now here is the rundown of our Balinese experience:

Departure - what departure?  After waiting for a delayed flight for six hours, we are informed that the flight is cancelled.  This is a scene in itself.  I really don't get people at times; the cursing and yelling at flight attendants was just beyond stupid.  One of most outrageous lines of the night came from a whiny early-20ish girl standing behind me: "What did I do to deserve this?"  Seriously?  I almost turned around and cuffed the brat over her head.  Our thoughts on the cancellation can best be described by a mother who explained it to her young son: "The plane does not work.  It cannot fly.  It cannot get us there safely.  They are going to get us a new one."  This woman should have been on a loud speaker.  We are put up in a hotel and then leave the next afternoon.

View from Ellie's Hotel on the rooftop.

Ellie's Hotel - a piece of paradise.  We stayed just outside of Nusa Dusa at a small eight-room hotel managed by an English couple, David and Caroline.  Unfortunately, they were called back to England but we are assured that their staff will take care of us.  Take care of us they did!  The staff were absolutely amazing.  Made, Wayan, and everyone else: Thank you! 

Jimbaron - our first meal in Bali is that of amazing, fresh seafood in Jimbaron.  We were in absolute heaven.  Funny enough, a local band was coming around to various tables playing music for coin and I'm not sure what gave it away that Christian and I were Canadian (and that we're in love Bryan Adams) but we were serenaded with Bryan Adams' "Heaven".  The two of us girls swooned.  They were definitely very good and the singer had this amazing raspy voice that would make anyone melt.  A great start to our Balinese vacation!

Christmas - On Christmas Eve day, we head into the Bogan capital of Bali: Kuta. We have a day of shopping.  We get suits tailored and then go on a Secret Santa mission (although it's not so secret when there are only three of you). 

On Christmas morning, we get up and head to the rooftop to open our Balinese treasures.  We decide to make Christmas day a beach day.  We head to many of the well-known beaches including the now tourist/Eat, Pray, Love fan-destroyed, Padang-Padang.  However, we did find absolute serenity at Greenbowl Beach which was recommened by Ellie's.  It was 350 steps down and 350 steps back up but so completely worth it.  Crystal blue water, white sandy beaches, a couple surfers, and only three other people hanging out in the cave/shade.  After heat and sun exhaustion, we went to a well-known restaurant called Bumba Bali where we had an unreal, massive, four-course meal.

So while I truly enjoyed Christmas in the tropics, I definitely missed Christmas in the cold and snow. It's just too weird hearing and singing Christmas carols in 30+ degree heat.

On our way down to Greenbowl Beach

When we arrive at the bottom, this is what we see.

Bliss.

Christian and I splashing around at Greenbowl.  Best beach in Bali.

Dressed up for Christmas dinner.

The third course at Bumba Bali.

At the top of Mount Batur. 
We felt exactly how we looked in this photo.

Mount Batur - how does watching sunrise atop a volcano sound?  Uhh, amazing.  Ok, so now how about getting up at 1:00am and travelling for two and a half hours on winding roads?  Not so amazing.  But still a hike up a volcano and seeing the sunrise at 5:45am...amazing.  Shit, too bad there was no visible sunrise. 

After arriving at the base of Mount Batur at 4:00am, it was evident that there would be no sunrise; the fog was just too thick.  But up we went with our guide to make the best of it.  The hike itself wasn't too bad at all; I was surprised that I still had some gusto in me after the lack of cardio for the past six weeks.  When we arrived at the top, we were served hot tea which was definitely needed!  We sat patiently, all feeling rather nauseated however.  Our bodies definitely took a toll with getting up in the middle of the night, altering our food consumption, and then exercising at four in the morning.  The  best way to describe how I felt then and for the rest of the day is: epic hangover. 

While we did not see sunrise or the inside of the crater, we did encounter some wild monkeys!  These weren't the thieving type monkeys at such places like the Uluwatu Monkey Temple but more so mooching monkeys.  And perhaps a little bit possessive too.  There was actually a stand-off between wild puppy and wild monkey over a piece of bread.  The monkey won.

Contentment.

Puppy vs. Monkey

In one of the hot spots; it felt like a sauna here.

Descending down Mount Batur.

Sanur - on one of our last days, we took a trip up to Sanur which unintentionally turned out to be one of the best shopping days.  We came across a fantastic artist in the market and Christian and I bothed purchased artistic, canvas masterpieces for approximately $25 each.  My first piece of true artwork!

New Years Eve - Nothing says a rockin' new year like twenty questions and other words games. Why not throw some Domino's pizza, just one Bintang (beer), silk shirts, and a camera into the mix? Yup, that about sums how we brought in the new year. Oh and also with an insane amount of fireworks that made us feel like were in the middle of war field. One of the most incredible scenes I have ever experienced.

So that about sums up our Balinese holiday.  Beaches, food, temples, shopping, and great company.  I would definitely recommend visiting on the lone basis that Balinese people are so friendly and welcoming (reminded me of India!). The aforementioned are just added bonuses!

Below are some more photos of our time in Bali. Love, peace, and happiness!

Seafood dinner in Jimbaron

Dev with the largest statue of Vishnu in the world.

No trip is complete without a yoga pose somewhere spectacular. 

Tanah Lot Temple.  The temple is given the illusion of floating when the tide is fully in.

Tanah Lot sunset.

The beach front in Sanur.

Christian and I with our best finds of the day!

Blue Point Hotel. How we spent New Year's Eve day - lounging and swmming in the pool. This is Dolphin Dev.

Wheelin' on water.

Silk shirts at their finest.

Photo shoot continues!

The most insane amount of fireworks I have ever seen.  They lasted for about 30 minutes.

Om Shanti

It has taken me awhile to write this next posting as I really needed time to absorb the last month in India.  And I have to up front say that I am not a changed person in any sort of enlightened way.  For me, I feel like my month in India confirmed what I already knew...and maybe that's my "ego" getting in the way...but I knew in my heart ahead of time how I wanted to live my life and what kind of teacher I wanted to be...and now, I still feel the same.

So let me give you a glimpse into a typical Ashram (Teacher Training Course-TTC) day:

5:20am - the security guard rings the bloody bell that wakes you from screwed up dreams.  By the last week, I became so irritated by it that I started not hearing it (or maybe it was just selective hearing).  Much thanks to my awesome roommate, Niki (from Albuquerque), for waking me on those days that I decided not to hear the bell...but then there were also days that she needed the wake-up tap.  Anywho, literally roll out of bed, throw on the white pants and yellow t-shirt, maybe splash some water on your face, maybe just leave the crusties in your eyes.

6:00am - "Ommmmmmmmmmmmm"  It's still dark as I stumble my way to the hall and try and meditate with 150 other people.  People sneezing, coughing, burping, farting, oh the sounds and smells that come from meditation.  Satsang continues with our most favourite daily chant, wait for it, wait for it..."Jaya Ganesha, Jaya Ganesha, Jaya Ganesha Pahimam, Shree Ganesha, Shree Ganesha, Shree Ganesha Rakshamam..."

7:30am - perhaps my favourite time - tea time!  Delicious milk (Chai) tea under the tea tree.

8:00am - run back to the dorm to change.  By the third week, what to wear was determined by what smelled the least (there was a place to do laundry but at this point, all vanity is out the door).  Asana (posture) class.  Sometimes relaxing.  Sometimes (ok, almost always) a circus.  Most of the time, I just ignored what was going on and focused on my mat, on my own practise...as yoga should be.

10:00am - what would we be served today?  I hope there's protein.  I hope there's iron.  I just hope I can digest it.  There's a topic that never got old...bowel movements...or lack of...or abundance of...let's just say it was a regular (no pun intended) subject between everyone.  Haha, I am reminded of a day trip four of us (two guys, two gals) took to Kanyakumari.  On the way back, desperation set in on all of us.  We got our cabby to stop pronto at a gas station as we all lined up with TP in hand.  When nature calls, nature calls, and nobody cares.

11:00am - karma yoga.  I was one of the lucky one's who did not have to clean the toilets (thank you to those of you that had to!).  Tyler (from Saskatoon) and I alternated with cleaning the back office as well as giving morning and evening annoucnements at meal times.

12:00pm - chanting and Bhagavad Gita class.  Back to sitting on our arses...which I think I forgot to mention prior.  There was a lot of sitting on our arses.  Morning Satsang, breakfast, lectures, dinner, and evening satsang.  Near the end of week one, my knees were in extreme pain from being cross-legged all week long.  By week two, I thought I was getting used to it but come week four, the pain returned. 

Anyway, chanting class.  The teacher, Swahalia, was an Indian woman who was quite captivating.  She had a beautiful voice and I was intrigued the first time I heard her speak and chant at our initiation ceremony.  In this class, we learned various chants (in Sanskrit) and their meaning.  All I can say is that I am glad there were 119 others chanting/singing...no one needs to hear a solo performance from this monotone voice. 

Half-way through our course, chanting class ended and Bhagavad Gita class commenced.  I found this class to be the most engaging and interesting.  Mohini is a child educator so she definitely has some teaching techniques.  Maybe not all were suitable when you look at adult learning principles but when you have a room of 120 people of all ages and cultures, I will give her props on her efforts.  In this class, we went through the chapters of the Bhagavad Gita and their significance.

1:30pm - tea time again.  But this time an herbal tea that was usually way too spicy.  A snack was also served which was usually fruit but in the last few days there was some interesting choices in snacks that seemed to contradict the teachings...deep fried broccoli anyone?

2:00pm - philosophy lectures from a man dressed in orange.  The topic would be interesting but then about five minutes in, the Swami would go off on a tangent and I would have no idea what was being said (thick accent included) and so very easily, I would lose interest.  That is until I start hearing, "Blah blah blah, abdha, blah, blah."  What is going on here?  This man is nuts.  Or as Sinead (from Dublin) would say in her awesome Irish accent, "He's f*cking demented."  Pardon mon francais, mama et papa.  I laughed and thought about the talking twin babies (click here if you don't know what I am talking about).  When I wasn't making "WTF faces" at the crew, I found myself staring outside taking in the beauty; a constant reminder that I was in India. 

4:00pm - Shamu Show.  Sorry, I mean this class was taught by Shambhu.  It was at this time when we were taught how not to teach.  At times, it was very frustrating because I know the kind of (asana) teacher that I want to be and I felt like this was not it.  I did not find a guru here; however it became clear to me that she is in Kelowna.  Yeah you, Bren :)  I dub thee, Guru Brenda Wowk!  Anywho, I just feel like there could have been more emphasis on the anatomy/physiology and it's relation to the postures.  And some inspiring teachers would have helped too. 

6:00pm - dinner.  If breakfast was really good, it was safe to say that dinner would be shite...and that the Health Hut would be a busy place in the evening.

8:00pm - satsang.  Same story as morning satsang.  Although, throughout the month there were a few presentations including traditional dance, martial arts, and sacred ceremonies - all very beautiful.  Oh and lest we forget the weekly Ashram Talent Show...which for the most part was entertaining.

10-11:00pm - chat, vent, bond, laugh, dance, sing, act crazy with the gals in the dorm.  Then crawl under my mosquito net and fall into a sleep which will no doubt be full of crazy dreams.

There you have it.  A day in a life of a TTC student (at least my experience!). 

So looking back, it was an overall good experience.  Nothing to rant and rave about though.  I do however, appreciate what I learned and I do feel I have an excellent grasp on the beginnings (history, philosophy, etc) of yoga.  A solid foundation.  I look to take a few more courses that will emphasize the postures and the importance of alignment and a more indepth look at the relationship with anatomy/physiology.  And if anything, I LOVE to teach.  I was to teach a class at a time when I was feeling frustrated and drained but I was very much looking forward to teaching...and it was aMaZiNg!  Teaching brought back the passion, the love, and the knowledge that I made the right choice.  It literally re-energized me and I couldn't wait to teach another class!

Now let's talk about India.  Wow.  To put it into words: colourful, dirty, friendly, hectic, AWESOME.  Probably not for everyone.  Mom included.  She would have a heart attack in a taxi.  Rules do not exist on the road...passing anytime, on blind corners, and fast.  Wait!  That's a lie, the only rule is: honk your horn...at everything and everyone!  I'm not going to lie, we almost had a head-on collision one day.  Passing on a corner (on a hill).  Brakes were slammed on from both parties and we probably stopped within one inch from each other.  I still remember the look on Sinead's face.  And there I was laughing.  I just figured, this is how they drive all the time.  It works for them, so just be trusting.  For the most part I was; except, I got worried when I would see a dog on the road! 

Anywho, on our days off we took day trips to Kovalam and Kanyakumari.  Beach, fruit, shopping, temples, food, and relaxation.  Let me tell you, these days off made me truly appreciate all the little things.  From the taste of a delicious fresh squeezed pineapple to the feel of the ocean breeze.  Life is beautiful :) 

After our training, a big group of us headed to Varkala for our last days in Kerala.  It made it easier to say goodbye to some fantastic people as we got to just hang out in an awesome environment and then go our separate ways.  There a lot of fantastic people that I met at the TTC but I really want to give a shout out to Sinead, Ania, Tyler, Ivy, and Maria.  Thank you for your optimism, pessimism, intelligence, sarcasm, humour, openness, beauty, strength, fragility, and compassion.  I'm glad we shared in this crazy experience together!

So to close off on this chapter, I must share a moment that I experienced at the Ashram.  One morning as I stepped out of the dorm, a crow immediately swooped down over my head; I am talking a dive bomb here.  I felt it's feet, body, and wings fly over my head.  I stopped suddenly to catch my breath and to realize what just happened.  I continued walking but no more than five steps more and the crow comes back and flies directly over my head again.  "Holy sh*t."  A little freaked out, I continue walking with one eye up to the sky waiting for the crow to take me down.  I manage to make my way to the tea tree to pick up my yummy morning pick-me-up and then head back to the dorm.  As I start making my way up the first set of steps, I see this black object coming towards me from the side and whooosh, the crow did it again.  "What do you want from me??!!?"  I walk back into the dorm and am just amazed and stunned at what just happened.  I tell a few people and I hear various things, it's a bad omen, it's a good omen, it means magic, it means you were about to be attacked by many crows...I didn't know what to believe but I just took it as the craziest thing that happened to me in India. 

For the next couple days, I can't stop thinking about this crow.  I decide to ask Elizabeth (from Trivandrum) the significance of the crow in Indian culture.  The significance is plenty!  I could share many stories with you but I will share what the direct significance is.  If you see one crow it's not good; if you see two crows, it's good.  However, if a single crow flies over you, such as this one did, it is acting as a messenger.  The message being that whatever you have done in your past life and are doing in your present life is what is right for you.  Good things will happen in the choices you have made and continue on with the journey you live.

I had goosebumps and tears in my eyes as she was telling me the meaning of this encounter.  I wish I could say she was BSing me and that I am BSing you but this came from the lips of an amazing, smart and wise woman who didn't even know much about me and the direction I was headed.  And that my friends, is where I will leave off with my experience in India.

Om Shanti.

Nelly, myself, Tyler, Ania and Paula after our silent meditation hike.
And P.S. I apologize for the lack of photos - my camera crapped out on me so will need to wait for some friends to post some pics that I can share.  Thanks Nelly for this photo!