Celebrating Holi in an ashram

Yoga Teachers' Training Week 2 (28/3 - 3/4)

Well, we are in Week 2 of the Teacher's Training Course. And it started with a bang, with Holi celebrations on Monday, 29th of March. Considering the environment, I wasn't expecting a pani wali Holi. But guess what, I was super excited to be wrong. We played with colours that stay on your face to tell the world that you have played Holi. Enough water to drench everyone and dance on the classic Holi songs. What else could you wish for a Holi away from home and in the pandemic? I definitely wanted to eat Dahi Baras, Puas and pakoras, and other delicacies associated with the festival.

While this was all great fun, we rushed for the lecture with our green, blue and pink faces after the celebrations. The ashram just gave you enough time for everything, not less, not more, so no getting carried away. The week started, the cycle of Satsang, Asana class, lectures and homework continued.

There was another hub for fun in the ashram, the Health Hut, a cafe-like place where snacks are served. You can find few worldly pleasures here, like CHEESE TOAST. Or the college cafe vibe, with some studies, some music and some dance.

On Thursday, 1st of April, we had Kriyas. The day I was waiting for. Well, why was I waiting for it? Did I tell you that I call Week 2 the Constipation Week? Wait... what? EmHm... Yes. Why would I do that?

Given the changes in routine, food, and, if I may say, lack of sleep, many people had different digestive struggles. Not just physical tiredness and aches and sores.

I was looking forward to the Kriyas class to tame my digestive juices. As well as awaiting a never before escapade. I had seen it on TV and wanted to experience it firsthand (but in supervision, yes, I was afraid).

We went on to one of the far ends of the ashram to try the Kriyas that involved water. We had to try Jal Neti, Sutra Neti, Kunjal Kriya and Vastra Dhauti. Not getting in the description of these, as describing it would itself make me tired. To say it wasn't easy would be an understatement, but it was an experience everyone must have once.

After the Kriyas, the exhaustion set in. We had a special Brunch awaiting. Though it was simple, the taste was sublime, khichdi, sambhar and boiled veggies. I am sure something like this is not your dream food. But yet when you eat it, you will be all for it.

On the week off Friday, we went on a jungle walk. We started at 6:00 AM. A boat ride amidst the tropical evergreen forest, what else do you need for a weekend. After a one-hour joyous boat ride, the walk began. We kept walking through the dense forest for about 2 hours, sighing with the uphill track and rejoicing the downhill.

Our destination was a beautiful waterfall with a pool to indulge everyone. Some dived, some swam, some sat directly under the waterfall, enjoying bliss. Everyone practised their most challenging asanas with the waterfall view for the Instagram world. Some sang, some played, and some dozed off.

With some help and supervision, I also finally managed to sit under the fall. Holding the rocks tight, sneaking half under the direct flow. Moving away, taking a breath and mustering courage once more. A refreshing experience, I must say. It felt like the timid child in me finally felt liberated. There was a joy but also caution. And soon, I came back to my comfort zone, on dry land.

We face the world with brave faces, often carrying all the fear inside. Sometimes these fears are buried so deep that we fail to recognize them. There may not be a solution always, but acceptance and awareness, in themselves, are powerful.

We spent quite some time here. After two weeks in the ashram, we were now technically out in the real world. Technically, because it was still a jungle, same people but little more lively, and NO internet.

We found great corners for ourselves to be alone when not having fun with the water. Some were meditating, some journaling and some singing. Perfect harmony.

Here, I found my mind to be still, with no thoughts of trying to accomplish one thing or other. I didn't want to read or listen to music. Just being there gave me a sense of tranquillity.

And by evening, we were back, all tired and thirsty. As an exception, the Health Hut opened. And we swarmed like bees to grab some food.

And Saturday Night came, I hosted the show. I don't have a picture, though it was great. And another breathtaking and fun-filled week came to a conclusion.