Ujjayi Sound Off

Days 6 and 7 of the training flew by- some did more flying than others- my brief moments of jump back bliss where few and far between. I did however practice with a dude who basically held my weight for a jump through- allowing me to jump through from Adho Mukha Svanasana to seated with straight legs. Never before has that happened in this little yogini's practice.

Saturday I practiced as David led and my practice partner adjusted me. The energy and breath were amazing. It was magic practice. David is a slow and steady counter- I expected him to be a slow counter- but one can never realize how slow is slow until you are holding your ass up in Uthpluthi for t---e---n breaths. Then the glorious words of "one last vinyasa to freedom!" Then inhale: exhale: inhale: exhale: inhale and exhale svanasana.

I then led a full primary to my practice partner- yep speaking, counting and adjusting. It didn't totally suck.

I was super hungry after that- having had a small breakfast- of course I had just that morning discovered August First an adorable bakery/cafe that serves fresh handmade muffins, brownies, scones, breads, etc. and coffee. Of course I didn't eat anything from there because I had to practice early and I like to be as light as possible (you know every little thing to achieve lift-off or an 'up' action!). The breakfast sandwiches looked and smelled amazing; by all the ooohhhing and aaahhhing coming from Angelika and Anne Marie I would say that they were great. It's okay: I went for lunch and got a curry tofu sandwich on baguette-- and a triple chocolate brownie.

The afternoon session was all Q &A with David and Shelley. The best. David is a great storyteller- his stories are best when not being told to you during navasana.... And apparently the mythical mystical Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth (Advanced A [3 and 4] and Advanced B [5 and6]) are in movie existence, featuring one David Swenson. Anyone up for a YouTube viewing party??!!

Saturday evening was kirtan session and party at the studio. It was also the time I slipped in the shower and hurt my psoas and back. Awesome.

Sad face = Sunday.

I adjusted my practice partner while David led and then I practiced as my partner taught. I started my practice going full force all out. Despite the foot fracture and twinged psoas and back. Because I am an ashtangi and a marathoner and I do everything I do with 200% effort and energy. Then David's words slowly and actually sunk in. Do your practice- despite what it looks like- get to the mat- it's that simple. From then I stopped reaching for jump-through-back, stopped going for the super tight lotus, just breathing. It was very freeing.

David was great throughout the week- he and Shelley knew my troubled relationship with Sirsasana A, and they helped me with it each time. I can't say that I am a master of headstand- but I do feel much more confident. And the fact that Shelley and David had complete faith in my ability- I think rubbed off.

And then it was over.