Make hay while the sun shines 🌞

Yoga Teachers' Training Week 4 (11/4 - 17/4)

The fourth week was a power-packed one. Winding up of a journey and a trailer for the paths ahead. An acknowledgement of the lasts and a desire to make the most out of every moment.

On Sunday, 11th of April, we had the pregnancy class followed by the Kids class on the 12th. This was REAL fun. We did things not thought of. Yes literally. For example, we got pregnant by stuffing clothing and bedding. The next day we became kids with some fancy bands, ponies and pigtails. Getting trained for the customized formats.

Wednesday, 14th of April, was Vishu, Kerala's new year. A beautiful experience awaited us. The previous evening during the satsang, we were informed that there will be no wake-up bell. There was a bell at the centre of the ashram. It starts ringing at 5:20 AM to wake us up and then throughout the day, to remind us of the satsang, asana class, lectures or food. We were asked if we wake up, we keep our eyes closed and go back to sleep till someone comes to get us.

I wake up to someone saying Om Namah Shivaya. Eyes closed, we are assembled in a queue in the Dorm. Holding each other by the shoulder, guided cautiously downstairs. 11 steps down, left, 11 down again, right, two steps and then the downward slope. Few more steps up, a few lefts here, and a few rights there. With each other's help and the staff volunteers, we reached the Raja Rajeshwari temple, waiting to open our eyes. One by one, everyone was brought to a place and asked to take a seat and then open the eyes. And what do I say about the view, in front of us was God's glory and magnificence. The temple entrance was decorated with a massive offering of fruits, flowers, vegetables, grains and spices. It is a custom in Kerala to wake up to this sort of abundance on this day.

We also got a delicious, mouth-watering treat, a Sadhya meal (Sadhya means banquet in Malayalam). On a different note, every time I am treated to sumptuous food, I wish there was a way to eat smaller portions of the delicacy for more days. I am still to make peace with the Indian custom of cooking more than needed on festivals and dry day on others. I don't know if this thought comes from greed or rationale. I guess it's more greed.😀 Your thoughts?

Thursday, the 15th of April, was also our last Gita class. It was accompanied by Gita aarti, puja and some dance. And we tripped on the beats of Hare Rama Hare Krishna.

Saturday, 17th of April, was the exam day. The exam was to start at 8:00 AM and continue till 11:30 AM. Yes, a three and half hour exam. To help sustain our energies till the end, we are provided with a mini breakfast. Mini because by now we are accustomed to gorging a FULL meal by 10 AM. It was fun writing a long descriptive paper after years. One of the best parts was you could just lie down and write.

And as we stepped out of the exam hall, a sense of relief or, should I say fulfilment, dawned in.

It was time to revisit all the beautiful spots for one last time and capture memories from wherever possible. The ashram had a beautiful terrace with a sunset view. Serenity is all you find here. Being a plant lover, every passing moment, I was also amazed by all the greenery, beautiful flowers, and enormous jackfruits.

It was 6:00 PM, time for the last dinner in the dining hall. A place where talking was not allowed. But today, boy, was it different. Seemed like the constant chirping of birds, birds that had just learnt to fly.

The satsang had an elaborate graduation ceremony and fun-filled performances. The highlight of the graduation ceremony was a little yoga teacher. A kid of the ashram's volunteer staff had joined us in our classes and was given a cute child certificate.

Reminiscing the past month, saying goodbyes and bidding farewells. It was the end of a course but the start of a new way of life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QbQNIZw5JB8