Yoga Course Day 1 (and Cow Selfie #1)

Getting used to the thick woollen blankets as opposed to my usual duvet, which is customary in India, but they did the trick and I enjoyed a lovely 10 hour catch up sleep. Then into the main hall at 7.30am for our welcome Satsang (literally translating as “truth in company”, akin to a lecture but more fun/interactive).

A delicious breakfast (fruit porridge, some round suet type bread discs with a spicy sauce and banana), then we donned our white attire for the and induction Yejna purification fire ceremony. The chanting, and throwing of spices on the fire was symbolic of internal and external purification, ready to open our hearts and minds for the learning to come. We were blessed and each given a lovely fragrant garland of flowers, followed by dancing and mastering the Sita Ram Mantra (a devotional Hindu chant typically recited for peace, harmony, and spiritual growth).

After a lovely lunch, and hanging out with a cow that came to say hello, we enjoyed our first Anatomy and Physiology class, then a Hatha Yoga class. So many exciting new concepts and learning… I’m excited for the next 2 weeks!

Instead of summarising everything learned (the blog/book would be pages long!!) I’ll choose a message/thought from the day: Today, when talking about course expectations, we heard that a stringent goal should never be set. If one wishes to set a goal, this should be focused on a journey or process, not a destination or outcome (different to SMART goal setting that’s been drummed into is… I have a feeling I’m going to enjoy the contrasting [complimentary?] eastern vs western learning).

So my goal is just to engage with the rigorous programme of the next 2 weeks, enjoy, connect with myself, and hopefully pick up some breathing, meditations and asanas (postures) allong the way!Read more