Wednesday, January 06, 2010

RENEWAL




The body of the 30-year-old returned for today's noon master class - although there were times when I felt like I did back when I trained for triathlons (ie; nearly hitting the wall). The heart beat fast and there were gallons of sweat; the long holds are torture for ashtangis (as is doing poses you're not used to). As with the previous two noon practices, I felt like I was falling ill part in the middle of class, and a massive headache cropped up and then disappeared. Detoxing, I suppose.

Dharma reminded us in class that the mind plays tricks - like telling us it doesn't want to do this or that pose.

With his help I was able to Vastisthasana (the pose above)-to-backbend on the difficult/weak side, and for the first time I was able to go from BB back into Vasti. Plus he had me touching the toes in Kapotasana - for the first time in years. So much for the mind.

And the Savasana was out of this world.

Dharma spoke a lot at the end of class about meditation, ahimsa or non-harming (not eating animals, and how the compassion must extend beyond the loved ones and pets), what is temporary and what is real, and the nature of Brahman. It was magical.

Then it was time for a raw vegan lunch with L. at Caravan of Dreams.

And then two more classes with Dharma.

He took mercy on us in the 6pm class, which was a bit easier than the Monday evening one.

And Psychic Development was wonderful. At the end he spoke about forgiveness, among other things, and the need to be physically/financially comfortable when you are on this path. He also defined concentration, meditation and samadhi.

Plus Boodiba was there!

(Apparently she was thinking about forgiveness on the way to Psychic Development.

Dharma has a way of picking up on such things....)

3 comments:

  1. Anonymous2:56 AM

    It's quite grateful to read you, Cara.

    I think it might be the time for you to practice "metta bhavana".


    May all beings be happy.
    May all beings share my peace.
    May all beings be peaceful.
    May all beings share my dhamma.
    May all beings be liberated.

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  2. Oooh it was nice. I think "forgiveness" should be my motto for 2010.

    And it was TOASTY in there. Oooh for a steamy practice room. Nice. I'm going to check the work calendar for the spring Jewish holidays, when I get to the office later. Maybe I'll plan way far in advance to show up for a noon time class on one of those days...

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  3. Anon-
    Thank you. What is wonderful about having a teacher like Dharma is that they share specific practices for such things.... which is in fact very similar to the one you mention.

    Boodiba-
    It was so nice to meet you. You are so sweet! I can't wait to take a noon class with you.

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