Staying connected to my Gurus

Being away from London has forced me to go deeper into my own practise, to continually challenge myself and find new things to inspire me. I have been blessed with having the opportunity to practise amongst nature, in beautiful surroundings from sunrises over stunning mountains to sunsets to the sound of the ocean. But I have also had to practise wherever I can find a enough room, in cramped, dirty, noisy and hot spaces. I have also had to miss daily practises when travelling for extended periods of time but am learning to be able to meditate on bumpy bus rides and with people around me!

I have missed my gurus from home (namely Claire Missingham and Alessandra Pecorella) for their support, assistance and inspiration. I do still very connected to my teachers and honour them in my practise but nothing can quite match Claire's deep hands on assists to help me find space I never knew I had, her rocking music, rhythm and spiritual energy or Alessandra's creative sequencing and connection with nature.

Claire Missingham's Online Classes

Thanks to the joys of technology I can stay closer to my gurus! Claire Missingham has created a brilliant serious of superb online video classes available all for free! There's classes to suit all from Mama Flow for the lovely pregnant ladies out there, to a class for non-yogis to give it a go through to challenging dynamic practises. What a gift to make her teachings available to all and spread Vinyasa Flow across the world :). Check them out here: and enjoy!

http://vimeo.com/32294749top

http://www.claireyoga.com/new-video-classes


Alessandra Pecorella - Shabda Meditation CD

I was very happy when Alessandra Pecorella released her meditation CD 'Shabda' featuring Ann Malone's beautiful live, healing music from Ann Malone :). It's a wonderful series of three meditations which take you on a journey through the chakras using attention on the breath and Mantra.

"Shabda is the Sanskrit word for sound, spoken words that are uttered, whispered or repeated mentally. Sound is vibration with the power of creating a concept, an image in our mind. In this cd i explore the use of Breath , Awareness and Sound along the Chakra System."  Alessandra Pecorella
 

As I've mentioned before I have been lucky enough to receive Alessandra's teachings first hand with an introduction to some preparatory Kriya exercises. The exercises included chanting OM up and down the chakras with the breath and breathing a thread of light up and down through the central channel Sushumna Nadi from the root/Mulhadhara chakra to the third eye/Ajna chakra.

The CD explores similar exercises and Alessandra explains "these techniques are preliminary practises to balance and strengthen the nervous system of the practioner in preparation for Kriya Yoga".  I have been using this CD to open my meditation practise before entering into the deeper Kriya exercises I learnt in India. The CD is invaluable as it enhances my focus and coinnection to Sushumna Nadi and helps me to tune into the chakras.

It is also a beautiful coincidence that there is a meditation using Om Namah Shivaya which is a Mantra I have been chanting regularly, often 3 rounds of my mala beads. This Siddha mantra means 'perfect being', it creates harmony and helps to balance the chakras. The Mantra has 6 syllables which are each associated with 1 of the 5 elements which are in turn related to the specific qualities of each Chakra:

Om - Mantra of Light/Element is Ether/Third eye/Ajna Chakra

Na - Element is Earth/Root/Mulhadhara Chakra

Ma - Element is Water /Swadisthana Chakra

Shi - Element is Fire/Naval Centre /Manipura Chakra

Va - Element is Air/Heart/Anahata Chakra

Ya - Relates to Sound/Throat/Vishudhi Chakra

The Cd is available on Itunes http://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/alessandra-pecorella/id493042249

Check out Alessandra's website for further information and inspiration: http://alessandrayoga.com/meditation


The Primordial Sound of OM
One in All
Om Sweet Om
All in One

Om is in Cosmic Sound
Om is formless God
Om is Cosmic Light

Street Sign in Rishikesh, India

As I began using Alessandra's CD I was reading River Sutra by Gita Mehta and it related well to this particular extract that I wanted to share:

"Om is the three worlds
Om is the free fires
Om is the three gods
Vishnu, Brahma and Shiva"

"The first sound of Om is the manifest world
The sound of waking consciousness
The sound of gross experience

The second sound of Om is the unmanifest world
The sound of dreamless sleep
the sound of potential experience

The half syllable of Om is silence
The sound of the unmanifest world
It is the ultimate goal
The incomparable target"

Thoughts on Meditation

Meditation is salvation from the bad thought patterns which if left to grow take over the mind like weeds suffocating beautiful flowers.

Meditation is like a dedicated gardener cultivating flowers to blossom and sowing seeds of creativity, liberation and intuition.

Meditation is freedom to evolve like a bird released from a cage for the first time, spreading their wings and flying high.

Meditation is space, like the universe it is limitless, beyond comprehension and ever expanding.

I Walk Alone

I walk alone; unaided and in fear of falling,
There are limitless hands to catch me,
But sometimes I can't see them in the darkness,
And sometimes I'm scared of stumbling soo hard that I can't get up,
I'm sorry to doubt whether you'd answer my screams,
And sometimes I think I might leap off into an abys never to return,
But you keep me right here, where I'm meant to be.

Ayurveda - The Wisdom of Life

Over the past year I have become increasingly interested in the principles of Ayurveda; the wisdom/science of life developed by the Himalayan Rishis in their meditations several millennia ago.
The Rishis understood the inherent ability of nature to balance itself and used the principles to create a healing science of cosmic harmony.

Ayurveda and yoga go hand in hand to create an art of appropriate living designed to achieve longevity and a balanced state of body, mind and consciousness. Ayurveda outlines practises to enable us to reach our full potential with thorough consideration of all physical and emotional stresses which impact our health.


"By seeing ourselves as a microcosm of life influenced by the wider world around us we may understand our true nature" Dr Jono Conduous: www.ayurvedabrighton.co.uk/


Ayurveda is an extremely complex science and I am just scratching the surface of trying to learn and follow the principles with the help of my Doctor Jono Conduous in London. Ayurveda outlines a system which evaluates the qualities of foods and their subsequent effects on the digestive system and overall health. There are five elements space, air, fire, water and earth and each individual has a unique combination of these energies which form the three doshas Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Most people have one or two prominent doshas which affects their overall constitutions. Ayurveda prescribes a holistic programme including specific diet, herbs, oils, and massages tailored to the individual constitution to bring them to natural state of optimum health. For example I am Vata-Pitta and being high in Vata means my mind can be up in the air, leading to restlessness and difficulty sleeping. By avoiding Vata producing foods (unfortunately that means bye bye to raw salads :( )and working on grounding meditations I have felt the Vata reduce improving sleep and feeling more balanced.

I am incredibly lucky to have found such a fantastic Dr and guide in Jono who I trust completely and and with his help feel much more healthier, calmer and energised. Jono was warned me to be cautious of who I saw in India and which ayurvedic treatments I undertook so when I was in Varkala I was cautious when checking out the various practioners and disappointed when some seemed to just want to sell packages before even assessing what would be appropriate for me and my constitution.
　
However I was drawn to Dr. Abin S.R at the S.M Ayurveda Panchakarma and Yoga Therapy Centre and I knew when we met that I could trust him as he radiated health with the clearest, purest eyes and glowing skin. After a long consultation in which he asked numerous health and personal questions and took notes with astute detail we discussed possible treatments and agreed to do a full body massage and Shirodhara.

My first ayurvedic treatment in India was very different to being in the comfort of Triyoga! I was treated by two women (in ayurveda it is traditionally same sex treatments) and they stripped me naked then put me in a little nappy to cover some modesty before lying down on a plastic massage table - none of the warm, fluffy towels, soft bed, dim lighting and soothing music here. But it was an excellent massage using lots of oil which my body clearly needed as was readily soaking up. They massaged over the whole body in tandem, working into joints and cracking fingers and toes. I then sat upright on a wooden bench for a wonderful head massage, softening temples and brows and stimulating head.

Shirodhara
Shirodhara is an ancient treatment that involved gently pouring liquid over the forehead - the third eye/ajna chakra. Different liquids such as oil, milk, cocunut water are used to treat different conditions ranging from sinusitis, skin diseases such as psoriasis, hearing impairment, greying hair to insomnia or non-medicially for its relaxing properties. I had the warm oil treatment which releases any tension from the mind and nervous system and helping to reduce sleeplessness. 

After the full massage I was completely relaxed and lay down in savasana for Shirodhana where a hanging casket of warm oil is placed above the head and flows warm oil directly onto the third eye centre in a constant stream. The casket is moved gently from side to side, circles and figures of eight to massage the whole forehead in rhythmic motion. 

 This synchronizes alpha brain waves, enhances blood circulation to the brain and releases deeply trapped toxins. The total treatment lasted about 1hr 45 and afterwards I felt deeply relaxed, blissed out and profoundly peaceful and it was a struggle to move but the women got me up, showered and dressed me! The following day I enjoyed another Shirodhana treatment, even more than the first because I knew what to expect, and have been reaping the benefits of sleeping like a content baby for longtime afterwards.
 

In less than a year of starting to follow Ayurveda I have already enjoyed profound differences to energy levels, sleep patterns, digestion and general health and I look forward to learning more and going deeper into this science of life.

Travelling through Kerelan backwaters to Varkala

From Fort Cochin we took a local bus to Allapuzha, taking local transport really adds to travelling experience and I sometimes prefer it to being boxed in to tourist air conned buses watching the world like an outsider. On Indian buses couples can sit together but men and women without partners are seperated. It feels reassuring and safe to be squuezed in amongst the extremely friendly Indian women and accepted when they give my one of their children to craddle on my lap.

It's torrential rain throughout journey and when we arrive into Alllapuzha but with a stroke of luck it clears up enough so we can explore Kerela's famous backwaters by boat. The backwaters are unfortunately getting poluted by tourist visitors and its a duality that I often struggle with when travelling that on one hand by visiting places I am bringing income to the area but on the other hand I am causing environmental damage and disturbing the people who are not living off tourist trade. I think for any future travel I may do I would prefer to visit places for longer to be able to make an informed judgement about what to do and what may help rather than passing through to see all the highlights.

Travelling through the backwaters we then stay overnight at a homestay on the river bank with a lovely lady called Sudha and her brother. Sudha cooks us a range of traditional Kerelan dishes, and the others enjoy little fishes caught fresh from river, and get stuck in eating with our hands.

Having missed a day's practice due to travelling I rise early the next day for a complete 2hrs session on the river bank, its hot which helps open into postures. After breakfast at our homestay we jump aboard a houseboat to continue travelling south through the backwaters down to Kollum. It passes where the river meets the ocean and there are big, colourful fishing boats and Chinese fishing nets in action, attracting swarms of birds. We relax on the boat taking in the scenery, playing cards and are treated to big buffets of Kerelan food. We moore up on the water to sleep the night.
I wake up early to do a 2hr vinyasa flow practice on the deck of the boat as the beautiful morning light reflects on the waters. Then we arrive into Kollum, its a bright, bright sunshinny day so we decide to head to Varkala beach. Adam uses his brilliant batering skills to score two tuks tuks to take us direct for same price it would take us all to catch local buses. It's a great drive through Kerelan jungly countryside, brightly coloured temples and houses and we are giddily excited by first sights of the ocean and Varkala's dramatic red cliffs. We find beach huts not far from the beach and head straight there for a swim in the big rolling waves. I don't mean to judge on looks but one thing is for sure Varkala beach is full of good looking young people (unfortunately mainly couples!) strolling around with yogic bodies.

The place to be that night was the Chill Out lounge so we headed there after dinner like everyone else we saw on the beach that day to join in the open mic night, watch the fire poi, dance and relax on the big cushions.

I wake up with a dodgy stomach, I had been suprising lucky with only been ill once in whole trip so far and I put that down to taking grapefruit seed extract in water which supports stomach and digestive system. Varkala is filled with Ayurvedic Clinics and the day before I had popped into a couple to speak to the Dr's and get an idea of how they prescribe treatments. I was a disappointed that they seemed just to push to sell treatments rather than working to identify dosha and any healthcare issues etc

So as I strolled the cliff top I was really drawn to follow a sign off the path to an ayurvedic Dr. Abin S.R at the S.M Ayurveda Panchakarma and Yoga Therapy Centre. He was busy seeing a somebody and so I waited outside for 20 minutes while he consulted a patient without any pressure to book treatment. Then when I finally had chance to meet him I felt I could trust him as he had clearest, purest eyes and glowing skin and radiated health. He was calm and open and asked health and personal questions with astute detail. He gave me some ayurvedic herbs for my stomach problems (one which tasted vile and one that smelt vile) and said to eat only plain rice for next day or two.

In consultation with him we decided it would be best for me to do booked a full body massage and Shirodhara treatment in which warm oil is poured onto the third eye/forehead and helps to alleviate sleeplessness and good for the mind and intuition.

See forthcoming post on Ayurveda for further information.

Sivananda Yoga with Vasu at Bohemium Masala
I felt much better by the evening and the next day I woke up full of life and headed to a Sivananda yoga class with Vasu at the Bohemium Masala which several people had recommended. The Shala is set in secluded gardens so you can listen to sounds of nature when you practice. I get there early to do half hour kriya meditation before class. Vasu has a melodic voice, almost singing through the surya namaskas. Sivananda takes a very different sequencing of postures to my usual vinyasa flow which I don't understand but I am happy to mix up my practice, especially with a good teacher. I also I appreciated Vasu working with my on Scorpion encouraging me to arch back more to find the balance. The class ended with nadi shodhana and kapalabhathi.

Janardana Swami Hindi Temple

Later I wandered to the ornately decorated, colourful Janardana Swami Hindi Temple which is said to be 2000 years old and is an important Vaishnavite shrine. It was nice to be reminded that I really sm in india as Varkala is touristy though not in a brash or bad way. I was the only westerner amongst the hustle and bustle of locals eating thalis and offering prayers. Non Hindu's are not allowed in the temple but I took time to meditate and allowed chants to come to me for Shiva and Ganesh.

I walked back via the south end of the beach which I had read was a pilgrimage point for Hindu's to scatter their cremated ashes with the belief that the properties of the holy waters will extend to the soulds of the departed ones but I didn't see any signs of burial activity/pilgrimage on this occasion. I felt that as local Indians are unfortunately moved on from the northern end of the beach that it wasn't fair for me to then linger on their scared spot.

Varkala is yet another spot in India I would happily spend more time as has a wonderful vibe and overflowing with yoga and ayurveda. I hope to return sometime to do a full Panchakarma atleast 10 day treatment whereby can fully detox the body and undertake all the ayurvedic therapies.

Goa - beach, sun, fun, friends and laughter and you guessed it yoga!

After spending 3 weeks on my lonesome it was time to head south to Goa to reunite with my amigos in the travelling circus. I'd really enjoyed the liberating feeling of being left to my own devices, opportunity to meet people and the freedom to do exactly what I want and devote entirely to my practice with no distractions. However I missed the laughter of my dearest friends and sharing these experiences with my favourite people and I have more time when I return to India to fly solo and go deeper.

On the plane to Goa I sat next to a super nice Indian guy who was travelling on business to Baga where I was meeting the others and so we could share a taxi. Perhaps I should be more cautious of who I take a taxi with but in India I feel so intune with trusting my instinct. And I was right when the taxi didnt know where the hotel I needed to get to was he went out of the way calling his hotel to ask for directions, asking his friend to google it and then ending up taking another taxi to ensure I got there safely. Someone in India really is looking after me!

Arriving into Baga I was shocked by how touristy, brash and tacky it was, it felt more like Magaluf than India and the laid-back hippy vibe of Goa that I dreamed of. But it was great to see the gang, enjoy drinks on sunny terrace and go for dinner down on the beach. Next morning I did long vinyasa flow practice on the terrace, I am finding that I want to slow down and hold asanas for longer which is enabling me to increase flexiblity and move deeper into postures, especially my hips which have typically held tension, stress and emotion. Then we headed to Morjim beach which is near deserted except a few bamboo huts. It's beautiful to swim in the warm sea and soak up the sunshine (and the endorphins it releases) - much closer to the Goa I envisaged. We hang out in a hippy beach shack adorned with Bob Marley posters then watch a stunning sunset glowing reds and pinks.  I could never get bored of watching the sunrise or set, everyone is soo uniquely beautiful.

The following day I woke up early for another deep, slow vinyasa practice on the terrace and then I taught Sarah, Emma and the Adams, it felt great to share. Sarah and Emma have done a number of classes with me but it was both the Adams first time but was delighted that they got in the zone and enjoyed it, saying they had felt tired but immediately felt energised for the day.

Then we trekked to Arjuna beach, going through river up to our thighs and taking overgrown path winding around the coastline (most people take a boat) and deserted coves. Arjuna is the eptimomy of the Goan dream; an idyllic crescent moon of golden sand met with calm turquoise water and lined with curving palm trees and cool laid back beach bars. They even serve falafel, hummous and pitta (a staple of diet at home which sorely missed) happy days!  Great day topped off with another stunning sunset :).

We spend our last day in Goa down at Baga beach, despite being touristy we find a relaxed spot away from the endless coconut, massage and jewellery sellers and touts to chill. As the sun starts to go down I did my practice watching the ocean, flowing with the big waves and closing with blissful meditation on sunset. We go for dinner at Darjeeling street cafe and have yummiest Momo's (little dumplings filled with vegetables) and 6 different special home made sauces. We end our time in Goa as begun relaxing on our terrace.

Up early for last yoga session on the terrace, my basic self practice seems to be atleast 1hr45 these days so very blessed to have the time and space to dedicate to it. Then taught Sarah, Emma and Adam - so nice to that Adam came back for more and is genuinely interested and focused and can share my passion with my best friends.

One problem with living completely in the moment in India is failing to plan and arrange travel to next destination which in this case meant that was unable to book an overnight train to our next stop Kochin, Kerala as there was no availability. This resulted in us enduring a gruelling 26 hour bus ride which certainly tested my ability to remain calm and at peace! To make a bad journey worse we had to change buses 3 times, each time downgrading to a less comfortable bus, the paan chewing bus driver was driving like a mentalist and the man opposite me was violently and loudly repetively sick in the middle of the night. Things went from bad to worse when our bus hit a tuk tuk which led to a heated debate in middle of road, attracting everyone from neighbourhood before the driver agreed to pay off the owner of the written off tuk tuk. This is the second time I have been on a bus that has crashed, thats 2 out of 3 night buses a pretty scary statistic and just extremely grateful noone was hurt.

Travelling out of of Time
Time when you are travelling becomes meaningless. There is something I like about being long journeys, being in a kind of limbo outside the routine of time, no choice but to be there and accept that. Exchart Tolle states that Time is and Illusion and in some way perhaps these long joins help you break that illusion.

"To be identified with your mind is to be trapped in time: the compulsion to love almost exclusively through memory and anticipation. This creates and endless pre-occupation with past and future and an unwillingness to honor and acknowledge the present moment and allow it to be. [...] Time isn't precious at all, because it is an illusion. What you percieve as precious is not time but the one the point that is out of time; the Now. Thatis precious indeed."
When you are stuck on a bus for 26 hours all you can do is allow the present moment be so perhaps there is something precious about accepting that.