NYC Last Day, Sadly

What a great week. I’ve had a consistent practice with subtle yet profound observations. I spent the whole week front and center with Guruji standing right over me and Matthew at my side, certainly a sweet spot to practice in. In the past I’ve written about precise details of my daily practice and though there are a few things that stand out I’m looking at the practice as a single motion. I’m not breaking it apart or down to the asana level these days. It’s more about the flow and the energy than it is about getting into the proper form of this asana or that one. I try to work on that daily without attachment and maybe it’s settling in. I know that proper form is important but when practicing with Guruji and 180 other students form moves into the background and the transmission and flow of energy comes to the forefront. At least that’s the way I see it.

The few things that do stick out is that I actually got in a good Setu Bandhasana on Thursday with my feet becoming solid and being able to roll my head back until my forehead was touching the mat. The other change that is noticeable is from the adjustment that Guruji gave me in Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana. All he did was move my hand and press it firmly into my side higher than I usually do it. I instantly found the energy of uddhiyana bandha and straightened up. He did this adjustment on Monday and I’ve placed my hand there each day since and have been able to balance with “no dancing!”

Today, we ended class with the Mangala mantra and then everyone clapped wildly and gave Guruji a “standing ovation.” He seemed so pleased and grateful for our appreciation and respect. I was able to get a few pictures with him and one with both Guruji and Mathew. Teacher and teacher’s teacher, that’ll be a nice one for the altar. Because I was being a Guruji groupie I missed saying goodbye to many of the folks that I have been hanging out with this week. In particular, I’m bummed I miss giving my best to the folks from New England and the NYC yogis that kept order among the mats.

All right, time to pack up the stuff and make my way to the airport. I have to catch everyone up on the Alex Grey tip as well. I’ll simply share the fact that he did agree to let me use his images in my upcoming workshop and was really supportive.

I’m flying out with Rider and Shae from Kentucky. For whatever reason they’re routed through Detroit on their way back home and we’re on the same flight. More good people! I’ve enjoyed meeting all these yogis. It kind of reminds me of the old TOPY days but these folks, for the most part, seem to have their shit together!