Another quick update, with just a week left!
Friday morning I prepped some articles for Amrit and planned the yoga class I would be sharing with his teacher training group. Headed to Maa Yoga Ashram early afternoon, peak sun and heat, so took a rickshaw partway. Browsed the bookshelf in the office and typed up a blogpost for his website, then went up to the yoga hall to teach my Anahata (heart chakra) class. It was a beautiful experience with a lovely, small, grateful group. Later down to dinner with everyone, after which Chris from Newfoundland serenaded us all with his voice and guitar. I had been invited by Amrit (Dr. Raj) to stay a night at the ashram, so I then settled into my room. It was a lovely big room with mountain view, but the night was rough one. The dogs barked incessantly, screechingly high and loud all night. I was used to them disturbing my sleep from time to time, but never anything like this. It just didn't stop. I don't know how they didn't lose their "voice". After a few hours, I began having very un-yogic thoughts about them. I managed to doze off a few times, for a few minutes.
Then, at 7am, there was a soft but constant knocking on my room window, and when I drowsily opened my eyes and looked up, there was one of the staff peering in and pointing to a cup of chai he was holding. Slightly annoyed, but happy to be getting a nice warm wake-up drink, I opened the door and thanked him. I headed onto the balcony with my tea and watched a beautiful sunrise over the mountaintops. Took a book from Amrit's library down to the garden for some reading before heading to the office and writing a third article/post. Had breakfast out in the sun with the yoga group, did some more reading, then chatted with Amrit about my 'wellness community' project, and brainstormed some possible collaborations. Things are coming together very nicely and unexpectedly! Quick lunch before starting the long walk back, pausing once at the Honey Hut for refreshing cold coffee (needed a little energizing after my sleepless night). Back to my room for some downtime, then met Swati and Arnav to head to Children of the Ganges. It was their Saturday dance class, the last one I'd be attending, so for the first time, rather than just watch and film, I joined! Had lots of fun dancing with them, as they giggled at my Indian moves :) They remembered some of the French I taught them, and a few said 'Bonjour!" as they walked in :) Back home for an early night.
Today was the last satsang Mooji. While Prem Baba heals the heart, Mooji inpires us to remember who we are. Both have brought me so much this year. I had planned to go for my yearly Ganga dip on the way back from Mooji (half hour walk along the Ganga), but the clouds had covered the sky, and no spot called to me. Will now have to squeeze my swim into my busy last few days. I spent my then free afternoon starting my project mission statement and action plan (which Amrit suggested we work on together at our next meeting - giving me the little push I need to get this ball rolling!). Went to my last Trika bhajans tonight, beautiful as always.
A closing quote from Mooji about the meaning and purpose of satsang:
"Satsang is the invitation to step into the fire of self-discovery.
This fire will not burn you, it will burn only what you are not."
Friday morning I prepped some articles for Amrit and planned the yoga class I would be sharing with his teacher training group. Headed to Maa Yoga Ashram early afternoon, peak sun and heat, so took a rickshaw partway. Browsed the bookshelf in the office and typed up a blogpost for his website, then went up to the yoga hall to teach my Anahata (heart chakra) class. It was a beautiful experience with a lovely, small, grateful group. Later down to dinner with everyone, after which Chris from Newfoundland serenaded us all with his voice and guitar. I had been invited by Amrit (Dr. Raj) to stay a night at the ashram, so I then settled into my room. It was a lovely big room with mountain view, but the night was rough one. The dogs barked incessantly, screechingly high and loud all night. I was used to them disturbing my sleep from time to time, but never anything like this. It just didn't stop. I don't know how they didn't lose their "voice". After a few hours, I began having very un-yogic thoughts about them. I managed to doze off a few times, for a few minutes.
Then, at 7am, there was a soft but constant knocking on my room window, and when I drowsily opened my eyes and looked up, there was one of the staff peering in and pointing to a cup of chai he was holding. Slightly annoyed, but happy to be getting a nice warm wake-up drink, I opened the door and thanked him. I headed onto the balcony with my tea and watched a beautiful sunrise over the mountaintops. Took a book from Amrit's library down to the garden for some reading before heading to the office and writing a third article/post. Had breakfast out in the sun with the yoga group, did some more reading, then chatted with Amrit about my 'wellness community' project, and brainstormed some possible collaborations. Things are coming together very nicely and unexpectedly! Quick lunch before starting the long walk back, pausing once at the Honey Hut for refreshing cold coffee (needed a little energizing after my sleepless night). Back to my room for some downtime, then met Swati and Arnav to head to Children of the Ganges. It was their Saturday dance class, the last one I'd be attending, so for the first time, rather than just watch and film, I joined! Had lots of fun dancing with them, as they giggled at my Indian moves :) They remembered some of the French I taught them, and a few said 'Bonjour!" as they walked in :) Back home for an early night.
Today was the last satsang Mooji. While Prem Baba heals the heart, Mooji inpires us to remember who we are. Both have brought me so much this year. I had planned to go for my yearly Ganga dip on the way back from Mooji (half hour walk along the Ganga), but the clouds had covered the sky, and no spot called to me. Will now have to squeeze my swim into my busy last few days. I spent my then free afternoon starting my project mission statement and action plan (which Amrit suggested we work on together at our next meeting - giving me the little push I need to get this ball rolling!). Went to my last Trika bhajans tonight, beautiful as always.
A closing quote from Mooji about the meaning and purpose of satsang:
"Satsang is the invitation to step into the fire of self-discovery.
This fire will not burn you, it will burn only what you are not."
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