In my first and last time in Mysore, Feb. and March 2015, I was often losing or leaving somewhere many things. I was losing my KPJAYI ID card, my credit card, my wallet, my bad habits, ect... but in the end of that season I found what i came looking for: a method, a practice in which I could keep myself-progressing towards self-awereness, in which I could keep myself awake, active and participating in life from within.
In the end of last season in Mysore I decided I would do everything to come back. And if the universe showed me an opportunity to come back I would just take it, and that’s what happened. Everything went smooth in the months between and nothing did stopped me. Well, when coming back I decided to do something that would make my expenses in Mysore/ Gukulam more accessible and cheaper. So I opted to do work in Khushis restaurant in exchange for my stay and food... so in order to be here at the source of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga I worked for it. So this work routine was kind of a challenge. I never thought I would be so resistant to fatigue with the rhythm I’ve putted myself into: practicing in early morning (4:30) then come back home rest a bit and then work from 8am to 1pm, 5 hours/ day everyday (except occasional holidays and day breaks). Serving coffees, smoothies, pancakes, fruit juices, fruit salads, homemade banana breads, almond milk and peanut-butter, which are good, tasty wonderful foods answering to all king of yogis cravings and desires. Making everyone pleased, satisfied and happy... most of the days before I had my breakfast I was serving about ten peoples’ big breakfasts and coffees. The challenge was there definitely, I had to maintain my energy level, be under control of it and manage it with vigor in order to have a fully sthira steady and sukha happy practice at 4am, and also to be able to be always there, at Khushis, from 8am to 1pm, with energy, serving people, and to enjoy myself finally. I had to keep my mind in the present moment (no wondering around), extending this yoga practice to rest of the day, and I’ve to say at some point in this busy mornings this would be challenging. Khushis can become too crowded sometimes. Can be a good deal of work, but i do get a great amount of “thank you” when people are happy and thats a thing i was valuing all the way. And now I’ve a lot to give too. I did also managed to join another classes in the afternoon: Sanskrit & Hatha Yoga Pradika, yoga philosophy, mantras & meaning; and did have energy for everything. And everything was ok. I was doing all i was meant to be doing... energy and supporting and amazing new friends and people were there, work was also keeping me away from too much socializing activities, just maintaining myself with focused... practice has been great, this year with Saraswati, I’ve showed my effort and dedication, and with her supported I ended up cultivating bigger roots for my sadhana... very happy with all of this!! Last week-end, last Saturday, was Sharath last conference of the season. The conference was at 9:30am and I was working from 8 serving breakfast because many students would come to have their meal before the beginning of conference. Of all chanting classes and conferences of these last two months I’ve only missed a few, because before two weeks ago there were three other work exchangers to replace me in my absence at Khushis, but now there was only me. So I had already informed Jeevan, Khushis owner, that I was going to conference independently of if anyone would have to be served in the restaurant. I did basically informed him previously that I didn’t care whether there was going to be any one there or not, i would definitely go to Sharath last conference. So when people started to leave Khushis to head on to conference, I had to make a decision: or I’d go to conference and not have my breakfast at ease or I would stay chilled in Khushis and have my deserving full and rich breakfast. Choosing between one and the other was not easy, a tough choice to make, I guess... I was eager to go and feel the energy of the master, to listen to what he has to teach us, to ear his laughter, to capture the knowledge of his and in between his words. All the knowledge that he tries to give us is just there. This opportunity I wouldn’t change for anything. But in order for me to not get too tired and create too much stress in the end, ‘cause right after I’d have to come back to Khushis and serve all the coffees that would feed all the students chattering. My decision, at last, was to stay and don’t go to conference, Sharaths last conference of this season in Mysore, and have my breakfast, my own comfortable good healthy breakfast at my own time. I did that! I had to choose between conference and work for stay & food, between the conference and eating at ease, in the end all for practicing at the source! working was consuming my energy but practice was feeding it, and it still did evolve! I became aware that all this sacrifice, that is also an experience, was definitely also creating the chance for my next return, not only for the saving of this bit of money, but also by feeding my commitment and will-power. I have to say that this season in Mysore I was also trying to prove myself something... haven’t figured out exactly... I think... some pride was there... Maybe that can do it all! that i can prove my independence and individuality! that I can cultivate my strength and rhythm at will (which is good)... I know this: that with stubbornness and need I did it anyway... that I could study, practice (a long one these months: primary and second till ekapada sirsasana, no split, every Mysore class) and still work serving people... it’s like doing any obligatory school with obligatory schoolwork, but being there really, with no obligation, wanting it, working for it, with my energy involved in it, with no falling asleep in class what so ever, no no no... maybe this is what was wanting to see it happen, proving to me and others (maybe more the family than anyone else) my dedication and effort... And no regret! so far it was good, no injuries, no traumas, no devastating energy breakdowns... all has been a success! and I’ve learned a lot this season and learned that still a lot is here to be learned or perceived... and I always remember this whenever I have a only tiny glimpse of the vast sky... heehee that is always there! Thank you ALL for this! …for contributing and being there, if only in a passing glance, with me in spirit throughout this immense eternal journey. All well to all. 03.27.2016 Sérgio Ramos
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