Budapest

A few weeks back I had the pleasure of visiting the young and thriving Ashtanga yoga community at Bandha Works in Budapest, Hungary, and what a community it was! Enthusiastic, thirsty to learn, this community was formed only a year ago and the energy and unity they created within the year was truly inspirational to witness as well as experience. I loved every minute of my contact with the students and left deeply touched by their willingness and sincerity to dive into the heart of the practice with both feet! It warmed my heart. It energized my teaching. There's no doubt that heart of the student enlivens the heart of the teacher, and the learning goes both ways!

As a city I can't say enough about the beauty and history that is Budapest. The architecture, the history, the people! Everyone speaks of Paris, London, and Rome when planning to visit Europe but if you have the opportunity I would definitely put Budapest on the list!

Geneva

At the beginning of November I had the pleasure of traveling to Geneva, Switzerland to lead an Ashtanga yoga workshop there. One cannot deny one of the benefits of this work is visiting fascinating new places and meeting generous and warm hearted people and Geneva was no different. A beautiful city nestled between two mountain ranges, on a clear day you can see Mount Blanc in the distance, the highest peak of the Alps. The city is clean, affluent and surprisingly diverse, with more than 50% of its inhabitants being foreign. A french speaking city, whereas other parts of Switzerland are German speaking, I couldn't help but enjoy hearing french being spoken. Ooo la la!

The quality of life is high in Geneva and I was pleasantly surprised at how well mixed various cultures and races mixed together. It was very refreshing to see. The bonds we forge with others shouldn't always be defined by what makes us comfortable but also by what wakes us up to see another perspective, another way of life. Travel teaches me so much and it is also amazing to see this represented in some of the places I have the sincere privilege to visit.

WARSAW

Warsaw, Poland. For the past three years I've arrived during the first weekend of October as the Fall coloring begins to form. A beautiful time of year. A time of transition. I've done a fair amount of work in Eastern Europe and an affinity for this part of the world has begun to form. The people understand hardship and they also understand triumph. It's interesting being in places that have experienced a fair amount of upheaval as well as healing. When it comes to the city of Warsaw I love it. Right now it seems to be a good time for the people here. There is a vibrancy emerging bringing a sense of aliveness and change.

I feel grateful to have had the chance to return to many of the places I have done workshops. Each return there is a chance to more deeply get a feel for a place and the community. There is a familiarity and at the same time always new places to discover. Meeting yogis in various parts of the world once again bring to light how our sameness is much stronger than or difference.

Workshop in Belgrade, Serbia

This past weekend I was teaching in Belgrade, Serbia which was part of what was formerly known as Yugoslavia. Ashtanga yoga is making waves especially in Eastern Europe in that there is much growth in these areas and a new found interest in things such as yoga. Still on the fringe it is slowly gaining momentum especially with Vairagya Ranko being the main teacher in the city. He has unparalleled energy, discipline and focus for the practice and it is truly inspiring.

The city of Belgrade itself has charm and a bit of grit and I have to say I enjoy being there. With the Springtime weather everyone is out milling around the city and/or leisurely sitting at one of the many outdoor cafes. The one thing I can't get over is the smoking! They still allow smoking in most restaurants which is reminiscent of my childhood days when that was still allowed in designated areas inside. Here it is a free for all and the percentage of smokers is the highest in the world. With that being said, with things such as yoga becoming popular a contrasting consciousness is taking shape. I think the best part of Serbia is the people. Warm, welcoming, and affectionate, it is definitely the country's treasure.

Workshop in Cologne, Germany

As usual I'm late with my posts. Life keeps moving yet the rate at which I upload my photos and collect my thoughts seem to move much slower lately. In April, I traveled to Cologne, Germany in that I was invited to teach a weekend workshop there. It was my fourth trip sharing the practice of Ashtanga yoga. I will return this September as well. Cologne is a lovely city. My first trip I took the obligatory photo of Cologne's Cathedral, otherwise known as the High Cathedral of St. Peter. Let me tell you it is an awesome sight. Now, I take more intimate photos of the city. Such as this much smaller church above that remains nameless. Cologne is very quaint, green, bicycle friendly, city that has a welcoming rhythm to it. Everywhere I go it is a such a privilege to share this practice with others. Thank you, Cologne!

The next time I'll be teaching in Cologne is 12 - 14 September 2014 at Ashtanga Yoga Mitte. 

The Walkable City

I know I'm lame, but I had to post this video. One thing I definitely appreciate in regards to living in Europe is most cities are walkable from end to end. Another reason why I feel Stockholm is one of the best cities in the world. I can't imagine living any other way at this point and if I had to center my life around a car again it would probably be the closest thing to hell for me, hahaha. I exaggerate, but you get my point. This is something that ADDS to the quality of your life not the other way around. Watch.

Warsaw

I've been on numerous planes this year. I always have to take an obligatory shot once ascended above the clouds. It's my routine. I have a deep love for travel. I actually enjoy hanging out in airports. There is something about being in a space where people are headed somewhere or returning home, including myself. Airports are great places to catch up on reading and people watching. I find so much enjoyment in it, ok, call me crazy, but it's true!

Warsaw! My first time in Poland. I taught an extended weekend workshop at Yoga Republic a beautiful space in the heart of the city. I highly recommend it. Going in, I had a vision in my mind on what Warsaw was like, and let me tell you, it was nothing I expected. Warsaw is a vibrant city with an abundance of culture a buzz with creative energy. I've been told its the new Berlin.

It really comes down to the resiliency of the people, as well, with Warsaw being leveled to the point of utter destruction, during the Second World War, you can imagine what the rebuild must have been like. Also, with the downfall of communism there has been a multitude of change and transition happening. Just a few years ago they lost their prime minister in a plane crash along with many of their top government officials. In light of that, Warsaw has been on an upswing and it's exciting to see. Truly, when a city carries on through tragedy and strife a new strength and energy emerges. I enjoyed the Polish people and found them to be warm and open, and at the same time, a sturdy steadiness seemed to be part of their innate nature. A good balance.

Pawiak Prison - Warsaw, Poland

When in a new place I always love seeing the sites, getting a feeling for what a city offers in terms of energy, culture, social structure and architecture. One thing I appreciated about Warsaw were all the trees and park areas available. I love a city with it's green space and Warsaw definitely had it's fair share. There are many new builds in the process, however at the same time, the maintenance of their green space in regards to city planning seems to be an important factor they take into consideration.

I'm looking forward to my next visit. Already a plan to comeback in October of 2013 is in the works!