Full Circle
4.7.12
Day 5 in Taiwan. Hot and humid. I dare say it is hotter here at the moment versus KL. This go around I feel like I'm acclimating while taking the act of hydration seriously. Sweating during practice isn't an issue, obviously. Teaching, well, I sweat during that too. My last visit, for various reasons, I was thrown way out of balance and the raging heat didn't help matters. Mentally, I was in a different phase, now upon my return I feel more at ease and calm. What a difference a few years makes. Also, the fact of simply appreciating everything more, and not being so embroiled in what is out of my control. Maturity is another word for it, haha. It is always a hope that as the years go by I grow and center.
The students here are gracious and attentive. There is really no better word to describe it. Observing sincere willingness and the enthusiasm to learn can be quite infectious for a teacher. No matter what country, I can appreciate the various qualities that are brought forward. In my experience teaching yoga is about energy exchange. The synergy that takes place is often out of my control and many times I am lead by it. Or maybe a better way to describe it being a conduit of sorts. The intuitive guidance that comes seems to put all the pieces back together and fill in the gaps where needed. Often I wonder who is being healed in the process, me or them? In the giving and in the receiving there is an offering of wisdom that goes beyond what I can say in words.
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.
Kuala Lumpur Experience
Kuala Lumpur Skyline
Great View!
Elegant
Two weeks in KL went by really fast. In a blink of an eye, I am already at my next destination, Taiwan. My second trip to the island nation, quickly I feel at home. On the inside I'm really Asian. You didn't know? Hahaha. Through the course of the last four to five years I've had the opportunity to explore various Asian cities and there is an abundance to take in and enjoy in regards to the cultures in this part of the world. Number one being the food, haha! I'm biased.
Mangosteen! Delectable and Nutritious. Boo-ya!
Bubble Tea. My indulgence. Yum.
Green Tea. Ahhhhh. Love
Traditional Taiwanese Dessert
Brown Rice with Hijiki. Macrobiotic and Organic
Don't remember what this was besides a bowl full of veggies and rice.
Throughout my travels there have been a vast number of positives taken from every place. The contrast of what I become accustomed to allows for growth and the opportunity to broaden my perspective. I welcome it even though there are times when it can be uncomfortable. Frustration can loom and at the end of the day I am simply better for the experience.
Teaching in various countries what I find most interesting are the collective energies found in each community. Teaching in Taiwan again brings fond memories and new ones made while in Malaysia. Embracing a place enters into my cells and stays there. The sounds and smells bring it all back.
I extend a huge thank you to Ashtanga KL for having me before my departure to Taiwan for two weeks. It was a lovely, intimate group who practice in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's city center Westin Hotel. Teaching Mysore is really where my love lies, even though I find enjoyment in the various workshops I teach. The practice is expressed in beautiful color no matter where I go.
Chinese Buddhist Temple in KL city center
The beauty of KL is in it's diversity. An eclectic mix. A hodgepodge. Another type of melting pot. When I traveled by monorail to meet friends I was fascinated during the short ride. I saw an Islamic Mosque, a Chinese Buddhist temple, and a Hindu temple all in a short distance from each other. There's a pronounced muslim community and the city center is teaming with expatriates. I was told the Indian population was around 30%, although I don't know if that's exactly true. At any rate, it's a cool place. Even though I have never been to Singapore I've also been told KL is a bit edgier and not as organized. Travelers should be wary of bag theft as it is common place. I managed not to run into any problems. Just something to be aware of. Traffic is an issue. My only major gripe is it's not a city conducive for walking. A problem I have found with many Asian metropolises. Anyway, no two places are ever the same, it all goes back to contrast. A positive to traveling by car much of the time is I had the most lovely cab drivers during my stay. Maybe I was lucky or maybe that is another city trait that makes KL distinctly KL.
KL night traffic from high above
Awesome KL coffee shop, Lokl
Shopping, shopping, shopping. KL has it all.
One of KL's many shopping centers, Pavilion
In Kuala Lumpur
21.6.12
As we speak I am in Kuala Lumpar. My first time here. Back in Asia after a long break. I arrived last Sunday and will be teaching here for two weeks then off to Taiwan. Discovering a new place comes most welcome. I'm staying in the heart of the metropolis and find this Malaysian city quite interesting and no doubt extremely hot and extremely humid. A departure from Sweden, that is for sure.
My travels here were pretty uneventful. A layover in Copenhagen, as well as, Bangkok. It felt like a long trek and yes my ankles swelled to twice their normal size. The joys of airline travel! Drink water, drink more water. Didn't really help though. In all layovers I made a beeline for Starbucks, haha. I'm so American. My only true indulgence when I leave Stockholm. Funny though, once I arrived in KL I quickly passed up Starbucks for illy instead. Better coffee, more pretentious, and no sizes you can takeaway as big as your head. Thankfully. There is nothing worse than an over caffeinated foreigner. Annoying.
My first impressions of KL?
- Wow, look at that skyline! With the tallest twin towers in the world it is an impressive sight and an architectural achievement. They are truly stunning.
- The cab drivers are chatty and friendly. Most strike up conversations with me. I love it. It's like having a therapist that runs on a timed meter.
- The heat and the humidity. Geeez. I've turned soft! Sweden has softened my resolve of such extremes. I used to revel in it. I'm doing my best to adjust and stay hydrated.
- FOOD. I had quickly forgotten the scope and variety of food offered in Asia. It can be overwhelming to have so many choices. At least for me it is. The food is relatively cheap too. Another plus.
- KL is cosmopolitan and diverse. It feels like a meeting place of East meets West, with a strong mix of the Middle East.
- Shopping. Loads of shopping. You can find just about every label here and then some. There is an abundance of malls in the city center. Found 50 wants and nothing I need, haha.
- Did I mention the heat and humidity?
- Traffic. It's epic.
- Where's the fresh air? There is none.
- It's hot here. 35˚+ (Celsius) everyday.
- When I walk around I feel completely out of fashion. The Asian cities have a way of making me feel this way, haha. Maybe I should shop more?
- Yes, it is hot and very humid. Repeat.
- Service!!! In Asia the service is the best. Hands down. At least, this has been my experience. Always offered a smile and assistance when needed. No eye rolling or hesitation. It is awesome.
As the trip progresses I'm sure I'll have more insight. Leading up to coming here I had gotten so busy I ceased blogging so I hadn't mentioned my upcoming trip. It's been off and on all year. Back and forth. Hopefully I can jump back on the bandwagon. I know I've been saying that almost every time I write, haha.
It feels good to be traveling again. I love discovering new places. The world is fascinating!!!
The Most Astounding Fact
25.5.12
When I think small and limited it never serves me; it never feels right. I think it is important to remember who we are and where we come from, and it still resides in the essence of humility as well as balance. Have a beautiful weekend!
How to Stop Screwing Yourself!
I love this talk. Yes, I know, I've been posting loads of videos lately. I'll be writing more, don't worry, haha. Anyway, this is a great vid. Too good to pass up. Let's move from FINE, to simply AMAZING. Have an awesome day!
Guruji, in Remembrance . . .
18.5.12
Today marks the anniversary of Guruji's passing, and the celebration of a life fully lived, and a love that continues to spread like wildfire. We thank you Guruji, for all that you gave, and for all that you did in service of this practice and for bringing the essence of yoga into our lives and into our hearts. We are blessed because of your tireless passion and the grace you bestowed, offering an example of a life fully expressed, open and unified!
Will Smith, Secrets of Success
I've always loved Will Smith's passion. There is so much truth in what he says.
Tara Brach, Acknowledging Suffering
CELEBRATE!
I listen to Tara Brach's podcasts from time to time. She always has such a beautiful way of communicating and illustrating core insights into living a more mindful life. For more info visit her website, tarabrach.com, and for podcasts click the menu option "audio talks."
Redefining The Present Moment
I've posted several videos of Michael Stone, and I came across this one as well. I was a bit surprised to see him without hair and a beard. At any rate, I wanted to pass along more information for those who maybe interested in his books, etc. Simply visit: www.centreofgravity.org.