R. Sharath Jois in Stockholm
Photo by Bill Brundell
Photo by Miyoung Von Platten
Photo by Miyoung Von Platten
Photo by David Fredriksson
That's me on the far right!
Photo by David Fredriksson
Photo by Ida Fridh
I'm late posting on Sharath's first visit to Stockholm. Needless to say it was an amazing week. Took me a while to come back down to land! Sometimes I feel it is important to simply live in the experience. I cherish times such as these. What I love most is Sharath's profound simplicity in his teaching. There isn't room for anything extraneous or unnecessary and with such ease the essence of yoga pours through.
Guru To Go. A Portrait of R. Sharath Jois.
10.8.13
Tomorrow is the start of R. Sharath Jois's week in Stockholm as part of his European tour. I can't really explain what comfort it brings to know my teacher is in here in the city where I live. I am so looking forward to spending the week with him and the many other students who will participate. The above video was captured at his previous stop in Copenhagen and highlights just a glimpse of his inspiring wisdom.
Mysore. Is it Magic?
26.7.13
Outside KPJAYI
Mysore. Is it Magic? Yes, but not magic in the way you may think. Often I don't realize what is in the process of developing or what has been ignited until I leave. Something is always working just below the surface and can manifest in ways that may surprise, delight or even scare you, because truly it is about the unknown. I always find it interesting when listening to the criticism in regards to practicing at the source. Practicing here has a way of mirroring our own inner turmoil and then people blame the place. Be happy that it does because that is where the awareness can begin to shine it's wisdom upon our blocks and projections. Within that a new freedom can be found. I've had practices where I have felt shattered and broken, and often those are the best lessons that can be learned and experienced. If it wasn't worth it then I don't think I would continually feel the call to go back no matter how arduous the work is. Work that gives, and exposes, internally washing away the chains of conditioning.
You may ask why go then? Good question. Why? Well, I will tell you. It is like no other place to practice. May sound like a canned answer with no depth and meaning behind it, but really it is as simple as that. At first you don't even realize how deep it begins to work under the watchful eye of R. Sharath Jois, but words can't really begin to illustrate fully, and I'm not sure I am prepared to try. However, in the same light, to describe practicing at KPJAYI as about unicorns and rainbows is a fallacy. Simply put, it is what it is. What arises will be your lesson and your lesson alone. The thing that is most interesting is the intensity of practice has a way of aggravating what we cling to. We then have the opportunity to see what no longer serves us and the definitive change begins only when we decide to lean into those areas through what arises. If we continue to practice and ignore, then we still live in the same delusion. However, that in itself can be a lesson. When traveling somewhere to simply focus on practice is yes, in a sense, a luxury, but one that gives an opportunity to reduce our worldly distractions and responsibilities for a block of time to then tune into our internal landscape facilitated by the energy and focus generated in the room. Simply put, it feels amazing to be a part of it.
Another thing to remember is the community that encapsulates all when in Mysore reaches not only far and wide, but deep, colored by a vast array of cultures and backgrounds enriches the experience of being there. Much can be learned not only on and off the mat but also how we interrelate and learn from each other as students and stewards of this amazing process. My recommendation is to soak it up.
There will always be spinmakers and haters who will plant a seed of doubt about it all. Funny how some of the biggest critics who say it isn't for them have never stepped foot inside KPJAYI.
It is important to remember that it's not about getting or attaining something, it's about realization and recognition. I think that can be the frustrating part for those who feel they need an immediate payback, understanding or experience. All I can say is what develops is priceless. It's so much more than receiving a magical adjustment or given validation. Here you strengthen what cannot be seen with the naked eye. Never once has Sharath or being in the presence of Guruji when he was alive (however one could say he is very much alive there), have I gotten the impression that asana is of most importance. Quickly and clearly one learns just how minimal it is and in the same light how important the ritual becomes and the attentive awareness we open to as we touch a bigger and greater part of ourselves. The magic.
You may ask why go then? Good question. Why? Well, I will tell you. It is like no other place to practice. May sound like a canned answer with no depth and meaning behind it, but really it is as simple as that. At first you don't even realize how deep it begins to work under the watchful eye of R. Sharath Jois, but words can't really begin to illustrate fully, and I'm not sure I am prepared to try. However, in the same light, to describe practicing at KPJAYI as about unicorns and rainbows is a fallacy. Simply put, it is what it is. What arises will be your lesson and your lesson alone. The thing that is most interesting is the intensity of practice has a way of aggravating what we cling to. We then have the opportunity to see what no longer serves us and the definitive change begins only when we decide to lean into those areas through what arises. If we continue to practice and ignore, then we still live in the same delusion. However, that in itself can be a lesson. When traveling somewhere to simply focus on practice is yes, in a sense, a luxury, but one that gives an opportunity to reduce our worldly distractions and responsibilities for a block of time to then tune into our internal landscape facilitated by the energy and focus generated in the room. Simply put, it feels amazing to be a part of it.
Another thing to remember is the community that encapsulates all when in Mysore reaches not only far and wide, but deep, colored by a vast array of cultures and backgrounds enriches the experience of being there. Much can be learned not only on and off the mat but also how we interrelate and learn from each other as students and stewards of this amazing process. My recommendation is to soak it up.
There will always be spinmakers and haters who will plant a seed of doubt about it all. Funny how some of the biggest critics who say it isn't for them have never stepped foot inside KPJAYI.
It is important to remember that it's not about getting or attaining something, it's about realization and recognition. I think that can be the frustrating part for those who feel they need an immediate payback, understanding or experience. All I can say is what develops is priceless. It's so much more than receiving a magical adjustment or given validation. Here you strengthen what cannot be seen with the naked eye. Never once has Sharath or being in the presence of Guruji when he was alive (however one could say he is very much alive there), have I gotten the impression that asana is of most importance. Quickly and clearly one learns just how minimal it is and in the same light how important the ritual becomes and the attentive awareness we open to as we touch a bigger and greater part of ourselves. The magic.
Steady Practice
9.7.13
"You should not be practicing to have a “good” practice, but instead to keep steadiness within yourself. Practice happily regardless of whether it is “good” or not. Sometimes some postures will not be possible, but when you accept the good and the bad and everything becomes equal for you, that is yoga."
(R. Sharath Jois)
The above quote by R. Sharath Jois has been floating around lately and I thought I would share it as well. I can't express enough how important his words are. Remembering that it's the attributes and strength of character we bring to our mats that carry more weight versus how we perform and execute each asana. Obviously, it doesn't mean we don't still study and learn to more deeply inhabit the postures we practice, but going deep doesn't always mean being as flat as a pancake or as light as a feather. Everything equal. Embracing it all. Even in the mist of heaviness, ache, and stiffness.
Shattered
19.12.12
"He whose happiness is within, whose contentment is within, whose light is all within, that yogi, being one with Brahman, attains eternal freedom in divine consciousness."
(Bhagavad-Gita)
Shattered. That pretty much describes my practice today, and I wouldn't want to be any other way. I love practicing here. If I'm not willing to meet my edge then what's the point?
Instruction from Sharath
3.7.12
January 2012
I was given this photo which was extracted from the film documentary, Mysore Magic, in the bonus section of the DvD. Thanks to Lu, for passing it along! This is me with my teacher R. Sharath Jois.
Unprecedented
15.1.12
Practice today was one of those rare moments where everything felt like it fell into place. Doesn't happen very often, and when it does, it's like a little gift. One can never get too attached to these experiences, however, as well all know, they are fleeting.
With all that being said, there really is nothing like practicing here, and practicing with Sharath. I dunno if I can explain it. I'm not even sure if I can. He's simple in his approach, and it works. Translating the practice in way that goes beyond my understanding. I am not sure I want to. That would taint the experience. Just being in the space, enjoying the ride, is enough.
In Led Intermediate class today Sharath added a few unprecedented postures in Advanced A. Now that was interesting. What's up his sleeve I wonder? Hahaha. I can only imagine.
Do Yoga and Rock On
17.2.11
Joanie, David and Me
"If you are irritated by every rub, how will you be polished?" — Rumi
While practicing at KPJAYI in Mysore, India, during conference, Sharath talked about the importance of bringing a sense of joy to our practice. He pretty much explained if there isn't joy, then what's the point. Yeah, sure, there are days where it feels like it is the last thing I want to do. Sometimes my body hurts, other days I'm just plain tired. With all of that, stepping into the heart of what yoga is doesn't make joy a hard thing to find. Often what we are up against is our own tendencies that quite frankly need to fall away. I am beginning to realize that I only need to let the yoga do the work. All I need is to place my two feet on my mat and start breathing. The sequencing is there, no guess work required. I can deliberately dismantle my limits one vinyasa at a time, and it's beautiful. Rub. Rub.
Even though I've complained about being back in Stockholm, practicing with sub-zero temperatures outside, I really do believe if I can practice here, in the dark and in the cold, using tapas as my fuel, I can do it anywhere. Why should it be easy? Much of our obstacles are in the mind anyhow. If I think it's gonna be hard, then it will be. A little bit of momentum going in the right direction gives a world of benefit. Rub. Rub.
Ha! And why can't our practices be fun? What a concept! Doing, for the pure sake of doing, is what it's really about. When relaxing into this mind state, it's amazing what can develop. We enter into a place of discovery that amounts to endless possibility.
Rub, Rub, and rock on.
bloopers
A.G. Mohan
12.1.11
While practicing at KPJAYI in Mysore, India, my teacher R. Sharath Jois, hosted A.G. Mohan during one of our Sunday conferences. It was an absolute honor to be in the presence of Mr. Mohan along with his stunning wife, Indra. An open discussion, students were able to ask questions, inquiring into his life and relationship with the illustrious, and often fiery, Krishnamycharya, for nearly 20 years.
Hearing him talk really drove home as to what becomes of a person who adheres to continuous long term practice with sincere devotion. It's a beautiful thing. Both A.G. Mohan and his wife, Indra emanated peace, light and love. I was quite moved, because it was more than the words that were spoken, it was an energy that only my heart could read, but my mind could not.
To learn more visit his website here.
Hearing him talk really drove home as to what becomes of a person who adheres to continuous long term practice with sincere devotion. It's a beautiful thing. Both A.G. Mohan and his wife, Indra emanated peace, light and love. I was quite moved, because it was more than the words that were spoken, it was an energy that only my heart could read, but my mind could not.
To learn more visit his website here.
