Today was the first time I went to the second series led class!!!  I’m not sure why but I was a bit nervous about going – mainly b/c I wasn’t exactly sure where to stop in the practice…Sharath has given me to Bakasana in Second series during Mysore class, but I can go much further than that and I really wanted to…Not to mention it would be a terribly short practice to stop at Bakasana without having done all of primary first.  Luckily things worked themselves out quite nicely – after Bakasana I looked over to Sharath and he motioned for me to continue…I did Bharadvajasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana and Eka Pada Sirsasana – but he told me to stop after that…Although I did them all perfectly and I was curious to know why he made me stop there, I was not at all disappointed that I had to.  I was actually quite thrilled that he allowed me to do those three additional poses!!!  The practice was fantastic, minus the fact that it felt sooooooo short!  Once I stopped I went to the back of the room and did my finishing sequence while the rest of the class continued on through the led class.

            So, here’s how it works…Monday through Thursday is Mysore style, first batch begins a 5am (I’m in that batch).  Friday is led Primary for everyone – starts at 5am.  Sunday is led primary at 5am and led second at 6:45am ish…Not totally sure but it seems that once you are given Bakasana you start to attend the second series led class on Sundays (that’s how it was for me and I noticed the trend last time I was here).  In the led second series class you go to where you are supposed to and then you remove yourself to the back of the room to close out…But in led primary if you stop at a certain point you simply stop and then pick back up with backbends and finish out (must say I much prefer the format of the led second – although I was lucky in that I never had to stop during primary). 

            The led second series class was quite small – I’d say maybe 15-20 people, which isn’t much…But I know it will get bigger in the next month as more people come to Mysore.  After practice was over I went and paid my respects to Guruji as always, but today he seemed a little happier and full of life than usual (although I must say he always seems happy and full of life – but like the rest of us some days more than others).  I left the shala feeling quite content and truly happy!  What a great practice – yes another one…

            Today has been really busy for me in terms of research and learning.  Today my biggest feat was to learn how to add shopping carts to my website.  All I am doing now is really small stuff – but I want to learn in increments and not all at once – so if I can learn less sophisticated programs first and then move to more advanced ones than I figure I’ll have all my bases covered and understand things more extensively.  So what are the shopping carts for anyway?  Well I am creating my own line of women’s clothing and accessories, as well as yoga products.  Again, really small scale and really small steps – but I am learning so much I never imagined!!!  I have already made some Mysore rugs and Shavasana cloths – just a handful of each that I am selling on my website www.ashtangayogini.com/OnlineStore.html – these were kinda ‘learner’ products…I know now what embroidery I will offer and what colors I will use.  I have also made some ladies ‘back packs’ – they are simply gorgeous – I only have three colors right now but they are made from Mysore Sari’s and each bag has a large inner pocket.  Don’t have these up for sale yet.  Also creating two types of mat bags, two types of ladies purses, silk eye pillows made from Mysore saris, and some t-shirts with my logo (Shanti Halu Om).  The other thing I am working on right now is ladies wraparound skirts.  I have made about 16 so far and each and every single one is unique…There are only two of each design and even those two are slightly different so all my skirts are totally unique (can’t find anything like it anywhere else in the world).  I gotta say I am not only learning a ton, having an amazingly fun time, expressing my creative side, but also feel like I have found another true passion.  It’s a whole lot of work, but hey I’m in Mysore doing yoga in the mornings and have a whole day to spend as I wish – and I can’t think of anything else I would rather do with my time right now.  I have sooooo much to learn but I really enjoy every step of this unknown process and look forward to each new step and each new idea – and most definitely love to see each new idea come to life!

            I miss everyone back home terribly and hope all is well!  I can’t believe I’ve been gone this long and still have a good three months left in India.  I am totally grateful for this opportunity but have to say I am going through a major “I miss home, my family and friends stage”  I can’t wait to finally get home and see everyone again for the first time in a very very long time.  I love you all and wish you well.