Contrary to before, my meditation in the morning has become a lot easier - not to say that my thoughts don't start wandering around- but I actually feel much more at peace sitting down on my block in the early morning before checking my phone or computer. It's really becoming part of my routine and I make sure to get up early enough to fit it into my schedule. What I have not been able to do is to fit in a series of asana in the morning - except for 108 core cultivations which I have been diligent about. I have been determined to work on arm balancing and inversions and actually do so but usually at night after I come home and not in the early morning but I guess it doesn't matter as long as you're doing it.
The one meditation technique that is so simple but yet so effective is the inhale - exhale counting the prayer beads - I am starting to love it, particularly because it is a challenge to sit still for more than 10 minutes and take time for the breathing. I am starting to understand more and more what 'praying on the rosary' in catholicism (not sure if the protestants also do it) means and maybe we people get hooked on it. I have also fallen in love with Snatam Kaur and particularly her song 'By thy grace' , actually listening to it for the 10th time since last night. No worries, not getting obsessive here, it's ok for chants to keep repeating them, right?
In terms of yoga, I actually decided to take a little a bit of a break of the Sonic yoga classes although I absolutely love them and already miss the great teachers but I think it's important to focus on my own practice and evolving it at this point and I really would like to attend my teacher's class on the island again so that's what I'm planning on doing tonight. Am curious how I will experience it differently now that I'm more familiar with the set-up and the concepts behind a yoga class.
With regards to teaching, I am also learning what 'beginner's mind' really means - I taught my third class at work yesterday and while I'm getting less and less nervous, I still see myself struggle in many ways- for instance, I am frequently at a loss of words to describe exactly the movement that I want the class to feel. So what happens is that I need to demonstrate the pose which is fine but at some point I want to be able to describe it well enough for them to feel it. Additionally, I realized it was almost impossible to do the breath of fire and count it for the class at the same time - will probably need to look into that a little. Would also learn how to teach guided meditation - hopefully there are some classes for that or maybe online tutorials... So much to learn so it's exciting. I guess it's perfect to be a beginner :-)
So off to my next two weeks of Sadhana - I have to say one of the hardest things not for me but with regards to expectations has been the not drinking part. People constantly ask you why you are not drinking or if there is anything wrong. Pretty screwed up since people who do drink don't seem to have to justify themselves...
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