I have missed writing here. I have missed introspection in public. I have missed taking notes after every yoga class I teach or take to just share it here afterword.
I am not sure who still follows me and who has given up on me a while ago, but I just moved to Mumbai, India.
Yes, India! And I finally got the jitters to start writing about yoga again.
I moved following my partner in his dream. It has been extremely challenging and I am not sure yet how I will survive this big step. But, they all say when you follow your heart, all will be ok, and I am hoping someone is right! Plus, I have a feeling Mamma India will have some surprises in store for me…some I cannot even see yet!
So, I have decided to write here once again, because I have no other way to practice my yoga the way I prefer in the city what better way than practice patience and while waiting. I have had a hard time adjusting to a routine that is both practical and not nerve racking with having to cross town to just bend in poses. I have made a mini yoga/meditation room in my home and I have used it as a creative/practice space, but the distractions are immense and the noise does not always help. Plus, I have an inherent belief that practicing next to other people, and learning more and different moves from teachers and other students is a very big additional self-control practice in itself.
But, aside from the obstacles of having to find the “perfect” yoga space for my inner-peace, I have to disclose that everyday in Mumbai must be a yoga practice day or else you will quickly lose your wit and collapse somewhere nobody will even find you. This city is massive, chaotic, noisy, unforgiving and constantly in movement, but it’s also layered with history, traditions, cultural spaces and so many diverse people. It makes the USA melting pot scenario look ridiculous. It is a city where you can plug in anywhere and everywhere and something will come out of nothing. A city where every single person I see crossing my way walking smiles as big as they can even if they have literally nothing and their homes is on the street corner. I have never seen so much empathy and strength and ruthlessness to live, to survive anyway they can.
Yoga practice in Mumbai feels to me as a daily practice that must be pursue off the mats as well as on. So, I am not fretting the studio or the perfect vinyasa, I am just going with the flow of what life is bringing about and trying to juggle it the best I can with the most grace and compassion for myself first as I am new to this all and it will take time to adjust.
Namaste!