Fresh from yesterday's trip to the Yoga Show and my experience of being instructed by Yogi Ashokananda in a workshop on Sukshyam vyayam, the subtle energy body yoga exercise, an ancient and lost traditional yoga practice from the Himalayas that he has now brought to the West, I am all fired up ready for next Saturday's mini morning retreat, Spinning in Stillness. Firmly reminded at all times to keep our eyes wide open, we worked with drishti throughout the session - from nasagrai at the tip of the nose, naitrayohmadya (also called Broomadhya) drishti at ajna chakra in the brow centre and into bindu at the back of the head, as well as gazing at the wrist in a version of hastagrai. Never have I worked so strongly with drishti but what a way to focus the mind on your practice...watch out as this will be something I bring to my own teaching more often now! This was not a practice for the faint hearted, but it was worth every drop of sweat to feel that sweetest of deep relaxation at the close, and then moving into a wonderful meditation on the chakras & sushumna, visualising an open mouthed cobra...this too I intend to bring into my classes!
After a short break to take in more of the glorious colours and sumptuous scents of the yoga goods on offer, I made my way to the open class being offered by the KYTA to open the heart. More hard work, every second worth it. And you know what, I thought I would hate being on view as I practised, but once I put my heart into the practice I really did forget that we were being watched by so many of the show attendees. Kundalini challenges me in so many ways and is always so thoroughly rewarding as a practice, it humbles me every time as it presents me with my limitations and personal demons, but it gives so much in terms of drawing out my courage and tenacity!
As a teacher, there is always something new to learn, from another teacher, from a student in one of your classes, from your children, you only have to open your eyes & open your heart. I am grateful that I had such a potent lesson in both yesterday & hope that I can share all I experienced with those I teach & share my practice with. Om shanti, shanti, shanti.
