The final week here has been good. I have been working steadily and can feel the effects of my practice. Certain poses feel easier, more even, or more sustainable. I have done Padmasana (Lotus Pose) and Malasana (Garland Pose) almost every day, and what a difference that regular application makes! My roommate Nina and I have worked hard on our Intermediate Junior III syllbus, and I have gained knowledge and confidence about that list of poses. I also feel I have deepened my understanding of the twists and turns of my body, and have better understanding of how to improve those asymmetries and work in a more balanced way.
Sustained, uninterrupted practice is one of the best things about being here, and I find myself wondering how I will be able to maintain the progress I have made when I return to my regular life. I do know that getting more practice time is essential, a gift I really want to give myself.
We had a special experience Wednesday morning in the pranayama class directed by Guruji and taught by Gulnaaz and Abhi. We started with inversions, and then proceeded to reclining and seated pranayama. The instruction was refined and yet simple, clear and profound. It has affected me for three days, making my breathing easier and fuller, and my mind quieter. Guruji gave the example of a leaf, whose outer edges are thinner and more sensitive than the center part of the leaf. We practiced breathing into a certain area of the torso with finesse (fine-ness) and refined awareness, like the delicate part of the leaf. It was just a beautiful experience. Our final class will be Saturday morning, another pranayama class with Guruji present, so it should be wonderful.
We leave tomorrow, so the packing has begun. It is a long return journey, and I look forward to seeing my husband, my friends and my home.