The Traveling Gypsy

As I alluded to in my Instagram post earlier this week, travel is not always glamorous but in fact can be down right awful. Usually we see the best slice of travel, maybe the sweet hotel room views, the cafe you had 2 mins to enjoy while on the way to the client site, maybe the river or street art captured while you woke up at 6 am just to get in that run or yoga class. I could go on and on especially about the downside of travel - but instead honeybuns let’s keep it upbeat. Here are my top survival tips for how to pack, what to store in your carry on, and how to make the most out of your travels so that you’re taking care of YOU along the way.

The Luggage situation

The Rollie 
I am a new owner of the Away The Carry-On - and LOVE it! The wheels glide so smoothly, I can fit all the things into it, and it’s so light weight. Definitely an upgrade from my ragged old Samsonite rollie. I also carry on always, ALWAYS, #always, even on my two week trips, I avoid checking my bag. I’ve had too many lost luggage incidents to deal with the stress that causes. So I pack light and keep everything close. 

The Pack
I recently upgraded to a new Patagonia Black hole 30L pack and couldn’t be happier. My old bag which was great - just wasn’t cutting it; I had a 25L Hershel. She was good for the last 4 years and was due for retirement after some rips and tears. This new pack can hold it all - definitely makes one or two week trips manageable. Whatever over flow that can’t fit into my Rollie goes into the pack. Complete with several pockets to keep me organized. There’s a pocket for everything. Air travel has become so much easier. May seem silly that I’ve put such an emphasis on luggage but it truly makes a huge difference. 

Next up, how to pack the right things

So it really depends on what kinda trip you’re taking but I practice the “Marie Kondo” method for what makes it way into my rollie. I opt for my favorite dress, jeans, sweater, shoes, and jackets. I do this because travel is stressful enough and if I feel good in what I’m wearing then I’ve at least got a thumbs up in that aspect. Nothing like arriving to your hotel and then realizing WTF did I pack? Why did I bring something that, 1) I am not comfortable in and 2) I don’t feel great in and 3) may not even be functional (yes I’ve packed a skirt without a top to complete the look). So I always pack my favorite staple pieces, I’m also guilty of all black everything with a few splashes of color. This is done for a few reasons. Mostly because I can rewear a majority of those items. Makes for easy mix and match outfits. And let’s be honest, if I spill something it’s usually not noticeable. 

Snacks

This is a KEY piece to any successful trip and I’m not exaggerating, you’ve got to make sure you have your snack bars, mixed nuts, dark chocolate goodies to help you when you’re so hangry you could hurt somebody. You also need to stay . as hydrated as possible, water, WATER, #water. Some of my favorite staples include:

• Justin’s nut butter packets

• Dark chocolate (been loving on Endangered Species)

• Macadamia nuts, Almonds, or any mixed nuts will do

• Purely Elizabeth Granola bars (grain free!)

• Tea bags

• Potato chips (GUILTY! Need this especially being grain free, gluten free)

• Paleo Beaming Granola

The Hotel situation

So, I’ve got about every hotel rewards program you could imagine, Marriott/SPG, IHG, Hilton … the list continues. What I find most critical in booking hotels is the proximity to a yoga, spin, or barre studio. It’s super important to maintain healthy workout habits when traveling. I focus mostly on yoga studios because that is how I survive travel. I need that grounding and centering that I can only achieve in a sacred studio space. I use the MindBody app to help me explore local places when on the road.

The Mantra

As I mentioned last week in my instagram post, a mantra is super important to have while on the go. Some of you may be wondering what a mantra is, so let me explain honeybuns. A Mantra is a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation. In yoga, chanting a mantra focuses concentration on a single thought or stills the mind in meditation. Last week my personal mantra happened to be the Maha mantra (Hare Krishna). When this particular mantra is said out loud it helps to enhance consciousness to the greatest possible degree.

The maha mantra is chanted for the benefits of the energies of the three Hindu deities referred to in the mantra. The name comes from the Sanskrit, maha, meaning “great”; man, meaning “to think”; and tra, meaning an "instrument" or "tool." A mantra, therefore, is an “instrument of thought.” The mantra goes like this:

Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare
Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare

I personally enjoy listening to mantras when flying, and Krishna Das is my go to! Peep him here on Spotify for lots of good songs, or view the Hare Krishna video on Youtube.

Your mantra doesn’t have to be the above, it could be as simple as “Love”, “I am okay”, or “Breathe in, breathe out”. Whatever phrase or word resonates with you is a great place to start. some alternative mantras that are very powerful are the below:

• “Aham Prema” (ah-hem-pree-mah) This mantra translates to “I am Divine Love,” a simple mantra to chant 108 times

• “Aum Gum Shreem Maha Lakshmiyei Namaha” (ohm-guum-shreem-mah-ha-lok-shmee-yay-na-mah-ha) ...

• “Om Mani Padme Hum” (ohm-mah-nee-pahd-may-huum)

Now, if this is the ONLY thing you take away from my post then my work here is done. As a society we need more meditation, so fly on little birds and spread your wings, sing your mantras high into the trees.

The Oils

Naturally I have my go-to oils that I always have with me. The list includes:

• Peppermint (aids digestion and sore muscles)

• Lavender (for skin, sleep, frizzy hair)

• Citrus Refresh (pick me up boost!)

If I’m traveling during a new moon, full moon, or in retrograde, then I usually pack one of the following:

• New Moon

• Full Moon

• Custom blend of Sage, Lavender, + grounding oils

I think that about covers the bases. Of course I always have a great travel hat, my sunnies, my crystals, and a good book to accompany me on the go. I would love to hear how you stay sane and healthy while on the go! Always love to hear about new travel trips and ways to make travel more efficient! Love & Light, xx

Anahata

Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a lovely holiday. I seem to have been doing so many things and a lot of nothing at the same time. Yin to my Yang. I spent the week between Christmas and New Years, eating a lot of oatmeal. Sleeping for 10 hours a day -- can we say hibernation? Getting my yoga on, and indulging in more cocktails than I'd like to admit -- hot toddy's and bourbon coffee are so good right now. Which is why Saturday was the BEST thing I could've done for myself. I attended another session of Breathwork with Brigitte. 

This time there were 30+ beautiful souls along for the journey. I was also fortunate enough to experience this next to Devin. I held his hand in mine and onward we went. The room as warm, and as Brigitte guided us through the breath I began to sweat. My mind went into so many directions it's hard to remember exactly what was going on. I remember feeling this intense gripping sensation in my hands. My right palm curled tight into a fist -- so tightly that one couldn't pry it open if they wanted to. In the hand that was holding Devin's I felt an electric current. As if there was a surge of electricity moving back and forth between his hand and mine. My arms then felt as if they were chained to the floor. I couldn't move them or uncurl my fingers. I just kept breathing in and out of my body, and tried to relax knowing this sensation was only temporary. I was quite fascinated by the electric feel that was projecting between our hands. This was of course not necessarily a new sensation - as Devin and I have experienced our energy bodies reacting to one another before, but the intensity of this was quite new. This went on for the entire active meditation portion. It reminded me of that small shock sensation one may have when you encounter and electric shock - such as a piece of clothing that has static electricity that zaps you a little bit. 

Once the active meditation ended, we were guided to soften and relax the breath and body, however, I still couldn't ease up on the grip. Then I started to convulse, right there on the floor after a few "calming" breaths. My chest was surging towards the sky and tears streamed down my face. At this point I was sweating profusely, and it felt and I'm sure appeared like I was having my own little dance party on my mat. Both Brigitte and Rick confirmed later, this was the case. #breathworkdanceparty? Anyways, after what seemed like forever my breath started to ease up and I began to grow a little chilly as my body started to relax. My arms softened as I was still experiencing tingling through my fingers and arms but it had become lighter. After the restorative portion of the breath, we were guided into a mini savasana. I tried to just relax as best I could, I was hyper aware of all the noises in the room, the beating of my own heart, the chill my body felt. It was a surreal moment as I laid there. Once Brigitte cued us to stir it took me a while to find movement, my hands still felt glued to the floor and my fingers felt locked into the fists I had created during the active meditation portion. I laid curled up on my side for a while before I felt the urge and ability to get myself upright. As I made my way up, others in the group started to share their experiences. It always amazes me the similarities that we all experienced, and yes I know we're all sharing that same energy, but we all have something different going on internally. Some had that 'fist of fury' experience as I'll dub it - others expressed feelings of a wedding and a funeral. Extremes on both ends of the spectrum. I felt exhausted, my mind was dull and my body felt like it had just been hit by a bus. Even today a few days later my arms are aching like I lifted something incredibly heavy.  

I shared with Brigitte what I was feeling and had experienced. Tightness in the hands is often showing a blockage that one can have in our heart chakra. Even though the hands are clearly not our hearts, they are passages directly to it. She explained that this type of reaction meant I had fear in my heart. Let's rewind to get everyone on the same page about the fourth chakra. The fourth chakra, also known as Anahata, is the center of love and connection. A strong, balanced heart chakra allows you to live freely and openly from a place of compassion. However, a blocked heart chakra can interfere with your happiness and relationships in many ways. Some common symptoms of a blockage can include loneliness, fear, anxiety, inability to forgive. If this chakra is imbalanced in some way it means that somewhere along the line, there has been a disruption in your attitude and understanding of love. For me, I would say that I definitely have fear when it comes to matters of the heart. Not just in romantic relationships either. I've experienced pain in all types of relationships with those I've cared for. I've done a good amount of healing and meditation, but of course there's always more work to be done. I sometimes find my mind subconsciously going back to past experiences and trying to project that into the now, weaving small webs of doubt. The mind will play tricks on you, which is when you have to learn to shut it down and listen from the heart. You must also know your worth, and know that good things are meant for you -- that the love you show to others will be given back to you as well. Which is interesting. I was sort of surprised see what was blocked this time around and how ironic that Devin was there to share the experience with me. The hand that was holding his wasn't gripped shut. It was electric and moving energy. I told Dev about this and what Brigitte had explained to me about my fear and blockage in my heart chakra. His thoughts were that given what we had learned and experienced that perhaps his hand was helping to ground me. I like this explanation of course -- but that's me being biased. He too felt the current surging between our hands, but didn't experience any gripping or tightness sensations. How interesting that the hand that held his was open and freely moving of energy. This leads me to believe that my heart is open to him, I have always felt that but surly this supports that belief. I'm not going to analyze what happened much further, just keeping an open mind about it all and promising myself to try and keep my heart open too. In the meantime, I'm going to try a few of these techniques to help keep the energy moving and flowing. The below consists of meditations, affirmations, visualizations, suggestions I've pulled from various texts and online blogs. 

• Be green. Get out in nature. Even this time of year with all the snow! I also just acquired some new plants for the house. 
• See green. Visualize a strong, clear green light filling up your heart center—located in the center of your sternum and below your shoulder blades.
• Breathe green. Diffuse EO's such as lavender, beragmot, sandalwood, ylang ylang. 
• Be love. 
• Give love. 
• Listen to love. The songs or sounds that light up your heart. 
• Remind myself that the grass isn't always greener. 
• Practice yoga. 
• Forgive.

"The Heart chakra is such an important chakra, the centerpiece of all seven. It is the place where the physical and spiritual planes come together, and all of this rests on a foundation of love and gratitude. When it is open, there is much joy and love to be found in the world. This is why it is important for everyone to heal and grow the fourth chakra." - Mind Valley

If you haven't attended Breathwork yet and you live locally in Capital District I urge you to get to a workshop soon. This meditation is truly transformational. Thanks to Brigitte and Rick for guiding all of us on Saturday. xx 

Ashtanga Yoga (astau - eight; anga - branch, leg, limb)

The Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga is a style of yoga codified and popularized by K. Pattabhi Jois during the 20th century which is often promoted as a modern-day form of classical Indian yoga. Patanjali's Yoga Sutras' well-known eight limbs or branches, of which asana or physical yoga posture is merely one branch, breath or pranayama is another. Both Pattabhi Jois and Sharath Jois, his grandson, encourage practice of Ashtanga Yoga - all eight limbs. 

My journey with Ashtanga Yoga has evolved over the years. I first learned Ashtanga yoga and practiced the Primary Series with my first teacher Justin Wolfer in 2012. It was during our 200 hr TT that we would practice, usually during our Saturday morning practice or Sadhana. I really appreciated the practice and found it challenging, but I didn't totally understand the ways in which Ashtanga would forever change my life.

Let's start from the beginning and my introduction to yoga in general. I grew up as a highly active child, playing soccer, ballet, gymnastics, competitive swimming, softball, basketball. As I grew into a young adult I played field hockey and ran track. I was always a GO GO GO child. Constantly on the move, rarely did I ever sit still. One would rationalize a variety of reasons why this was so; divorced parents so activities kept me busy; my own desire and interest to be a part of a team; all of my close friends were involved with sports and so I too wanted to follow along; and I was fairly good a picking up new activities, they generally came with much ease. I found that I thrived when I was moving and so I've always kept in a constant motion of sorts.

Let's fast forward a few years ... I was post undergrad and had returned home that summer to ideally find a job in NYC and to save some money working as a Nanny. I'll never forget my first experience with yoga, which was at a local YMCA, I was so disturbed and turned off that I wasn't sure 'yoga' was for me. I attended the class, which was a 1 hour vinyasa flow. The instructor was noticeably late - 10 minutes past, which OK, that happens. He also arrived and was wearing very little clothing ... let's elaborate for a moment, picture very short shorts, zero shirt, mala beads hung around his neck and drooped down to rest on top of a rather large and hairy belly. I usually try not to judge, at least as I've matured, but I'm sure I was rather repulsed by this first impression, as I was young and often judgmental. I was positioned in the middle of the room, so that I would be able to see others and the teacher during class. As we sat the instructor proceeded to tell us about his very awful day, and complained for another 15 minutes. At this point, my mind was saying fuck, this guy is sitting here and using class as a form of therapy for himself. It was almost half past the hour and where was the yoga? I was so disappointed at this point that I lost interest very quickly. I don't remember the physical asana that took place after the class, all I could think about was this man and all of his negative energy flowing out into the studio.

Needless to say, it was a year and a half later before I wanted to try yoga again. This time I entered a heated studio at Hot Yoga Saratoga (HYS) and took my first ever Bikram class with owner Cindy Lunsford. I should mention that I arrived to class on crutches. Yes, I had broken my femur in a horrific ski accident and a few months had passed and here I was at hot yoga as a form of therapy. Cindy was so wonderful, she was very mindful and kept a close eye on me all throughout class. She offered modifications which allowed me to feel very comfortable and confident in class. For the first time since I broke my leg, I could really move my leg in ways that had not been possible since the accident. I immediately noticed an increase in my range of motion, it felt great to perspire and sweat so much after being cooped up and stationary for so long. The heat was a new challenge, but as the practice teaches you, it becomes a moving meditation. I was hooked. I started to go quite regularly after this. HYS also offered hot vinyasa classes, and this is where Justin enters my yoga world. I started to practice with Justin regularly over the next few years, which inevitably lead me to his very first Teacher Training. I remember having so much doubt in myself that I was "ready" to be a yoga teacher. I thought my leg is still recovering and I can't do all these poses, how can I ever be a yoga teacher if I can't do it all? Justin was very reassuring as I spoke these words to him, he said but of course you are ready. I started my journey into becoming a teacher and it was the best decision I could've ever made. This training was beyond unique, the other students in class are all so dear to me even many years later. I learned the meaning of a yoga family and yoga home. We allowed ourselves to be vulnerable with one another - sharing personal details of our lives. We would openly cry in our afternoon sessions, and Justin fostered such a supportive environment that this was OK. I usually find that people submerse themselves into a yoga training at very pivotal times in their lives. I know that I did. I was entering this practicing while still physically recovering from the ski accident. I recently had my heart broken and earlier in the year my Dad had been diagnosed with Cancer. I would say that this was a very hard time for me, so many moving parts and pieces to deal with. Rolling out my mat was the one time during the day that I was able to shut it all off. I was able to free my mind. The others all too had their battle wounds from life and it was truly the most remarkable experience I had experienced.

Shortly after completing my 200 hr with Justin I left Upstate NY and moved to Washington DC. I had a very hard time finding a new "home studio". It's important to me to find a place where there is a sense of community, where you can feel safe, supported, and challenged. The people you practice with become family to you just like your teacher often does. This was missing for me. I struggled to find a place that fit into my definition of a yoga home. I started teaching at a nearby studio regularly, and also subbed at a few places around where I lived. Again, I was missing that deeper connection that I so longed for. It wasn't until I attended my first yoga retreat in Costa Rica and I came across the term "Rocket Yoga" and "Mysore". Two dear friends; Stephanie and Kat had been chatting about a studio called Little River Yoga (LRY) and wanted to try out a few classes when we got back to the States. Another friend of mine Emily, had also been talking forever about one of her teachers she really enjoyed named Carson, who also taught Rocket at LRY. All signs were pointing to LRY so upon my return home, I attended a class. I instantly loved Rocket Yoga. I took class with Maggie Lively and really enjoyed the playfulness and challenge of the practice. I was inspired by all of the other students in the room, in various arm balances and inversions. I was a fairly strong practitioner but had yet to master a handstand, I couldn't believe some of the postures that I was witnessing. I started a weekly date to LYR for Rocket classes, and very quickly I became addicted. It must've been after a few visits that I finally met the owner of LRY, Stair Calhoun. I chatted with her about Mysore because I was a bit intimidated. Even though I was a "Teacher", I wasn't comfortable for some reason. Stair just said, "You come". There I was the following Monday morning on my mat at 6 AM. This day has become another large milestone in my journey. Stair explained to me the entire Ashtanga Vinyasa system, the breath, the chants, the history. I often refer to her as my Yoga Mom. She proceeded to teach me in all sorts of ways; she gave me my own Ashtanga class to teach at the studio only a few months after starting in the Mysore program, she believed I was ready when I still doubted myself. She sent me to a weekend workshop with David Robson in Georgetown Yoga. We both attended Tim Millers Primary Series TTC in Tulum, Mexico later that year. She introduced me into the world of doTERRA essential oils, and I completed an AromaTouch Therapy training. I had begun assisting her in the Mysore room in the mornings on weekends. She was grooming me to someday have a studio of my own, and I am beyond blessed that she entered into my world when she did. I must also mention another wonderful teacher during my time at LRY, David Ingalls. David was so understanding and nurturing of my physical limitations, but always found a way to work with me. He taught me a lot about softening and I value his teachings so dearly. My physical body grew in leaps and bounds through the support of both my teachers through the Ashtanga practice. My strength and flexibility increased, I really started to listen to my body, and developed an awareness about it that had been missing before. I started to be mindful of the things I ate and what time I was going to sleep. Yoga became a top priority in my life at this time.

After a few years in DC I moved across the country to San Francisco, CA. Here I was again, small fish big pond. Not only was it hard to find a studio to teach at, but there was hardly any Ashtanga! I had just left Ashtanga Mecca in DC to arrive to a small community of Ashtangis. Don't get me wrong there was heaps of yoga, but little Ashtanga. I developed a home practice on and off, I found it hard to stay committed when I wasn't getting that touch point with a teacher to help me in my practices. I did find Asta yoga where I was able to get my weekly fix of Rocket and Led Primary on Sunday's with Renee and Scott, but as for a daily mysore practice, that went out the window a bit. I found I was doing a lot more hot vinyasa and Bhakti yoga, as this is the popular trend in the West.

As things often do, life and my practice have come full circle. I eventually moved back Upstate and I am honored to be teaching Ashtanga classes at Justin's studio, Rise Yoga Arts & Movment. Who would've thought I'd be back where I started with my first teacher and able to teach a practice that I am so passionate about. One that has helped to shape my life the past several years. Not to mention moving back Upstate has fulfilled my desires to be near to family and friends, but the yoga community or family is amazing. I feel blessed and fortunate to be surrounded with so many amazing souls.

Long story short (Ha!), Ashtanga has been such a large part of my spiritual and physical journey over the past several years. I've met amazing people in various shalas, while on retreats, at trainings, at conferences, and workshops all with Ashtanga being the common thread. This community is strong and soft, they live all over the world. My physical practice comes and goes, and I've learned to be OK with that. I can't always have a physical practice because of various reasons and this has allowed me to work on my spiritual development. The past few days here at Purple Valley have been hard for me. Since the Energy healing with Petri I haven't been able to practice. I have been tired and weak, I was feeling very low. I needed to just rest. Which is a hard concept for me to handle. Rest is not something I do well, and I often think I am resting when I'm still allowing busy-ness to invade my life. I've disconnected from all things the past few days, reading, practice, socializing, even eating has been difficult. Mostly I've been sleeping and relaxing by the pool and oh yes the occasional massage. Today was the first day that I felt semi-normal again, and I think I may practice for my last day here at Purple Valley. It's been a mental battle to tell myself that rest is OK, arguably it's necessary and needed. Just because we are not practicing our asana daily, does not make us a bad yogi, or any less dedicated. I often forget there are eight-limbs and asana is just one of them! Those physical pauses in our practice allow us to heal and grow in other ways. I've focused mostly on my breath and pranayama work. Additionally, I've really grown to love meditating more than ever. I got lost for over an hour in my mediation this morning while sitting by the pool. I've taken some time over the last few days to learn more about the energy body and ways to heal. This practice continues to give and I'm excited to see what lies ahead. I feel a shift within me that I can't exactly describe, but I know that all will be revealed soon. That's all for day, as it's the last afternoon here at Purple Valley and I plan to soak up as much sunshine and warmth as possible. 

The First Ten Days in Mysuru (Mysore)

I've adjusted to life in India somewhat. I'm still a bit jet-lagged, so that's not helping, but thank goodness for afternoon Chai Tea to help me through the day! I usually start my day with the rooster wake up at 4:30 AM. Yes friends, the local rooster here is my alarm clock. After he finishes, I snooze for another hour, and get up for 6 AM mysore practice. After practice, I shower, make French press, usually get in a few calls with loved ones, and then head to the studio for training from 9:30 AM - 3 PM. After training sometimes I stroll around town to explore, or head back to the school to rest and relax, until either backbending or dinner. I socliaze for a bit and then it's off to bed, usually before 9 PM. Pretty exciting I know! I'm loving it! So, I've finished my first week of Thai Massage training, and I have to just say, I AM STARVING! It's not because I'm not eating, because, I've found so many wonderful places to eat at, now that I've gotten over my fear of food that may or may not be safe for consuption. I think that it's just between morning Ashtanga, then 6 hours of massage, and every other day backbending with Sirnath, I'm working it, from every angle, physically, mentally, and sprititually.  So, naturally my snack bars and jars of peanut butter are not cutting it, and I've ventured out to explore some of the local cuisine.

A few pics below:

Poori plate - Hotel Highway 18 Annex

Idlis with coconut chutney + sambar

Masala Chai + Iron Man Smoothie - Khushi Cafe

Rava Idlies  

I usually have about an hour break for lunch during the day, so I venture to find something new to try! In addition to the above, I've had a Thali plate, Masala and Rava Dosas, Vegan Chocolate and Coconut Lemon Cakes, Juices galore, and lots more Chai Tea prepared in all sorts of various ways. Needless to say, I'm eating all the things and enjoying it! I should mention that I did come to India with two jars of peanut butter and this morning I polished off the second jar ... I've only been here for 10 days. I may have a slight addiction to nut butter. I am addicted to fresh coconuts, I'm going to be spoiled rotten by the time I leave India. Better find a way to get these Upstate.  

_____

The Thai Massage training has been so wonderful. I'm really enjoying learning all about the body, energy lines, and meridians. It's been fascinating to explore the inner workings of the energy body. I also highly enjoy that after my morning mysore practice, I just have massage to focus on. I like being in a little India bubble here. It allows me to fully concentrate on learning. It's rare to have such an opportunity to do such things, and after this trip, I plan to really dive into all the things that I have been wanting to learn, do, see, and explore. Don't you ever just feel that your attention is pulled in so many ways throughout the day or the week that it takes ages to complete things? I do, and this has been a real experience to open my eyes to the fact that I often do WAY TOO MUCH. I'm that go go go girl and it becomes very exhausting. It's quite lovely to just focus and rest and let myself absorb everything in this moment. Be present and live in the now. I've been lucky enough to find some amazing yogi souls also here at Mystic School. They've allowed me to practice my work on them in the evenings. So I'm getting extra practice in to help refine the art of massage, and to learn the energy lines better. I seem to struggle finding the lines in the legs, so I can use all the practice I can get! 

I recently learned about Gua sha -- this is a Chinese technique that my teacher Raghu has learned, which litterly translates to scraping sha-bruises. Yesterday he performed a bit of Gua Sha work on my face! Yes my face, I feel as if I've had a facelift! The wrinkles are smoothed out and my face is full. He also did a bit of work on my upper back and neck. While it was not painful I've turned completely purple where the capillaries have ruptured under my skin. This morning I woke and felt amazing. Much looser in my neck and shoulder region. In my mysore practice I also felt really open and not nearly as tight as I had been. I tend to harbor tension in my shoulders so this was a wonderful surprise when I rolled out my mat at 6 AM.  Sorry for the graphic picture if this type of thing makes your tummy turn, but it didn't hurt, and trust me, it's purple today and this photo was just the beginning of the treatment. 

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The city of Mysuru or Mysore is considered an enchanting city, famed for it's heritage, markets, and the Mecca of Ashtanga yoga. Gokulam is the suburb in which I'm spending most of my days as this is where the shala is located. This area is considered quite 'posh' by foreigners and locals alike. I didn't get that impression upon arrival, but after seeing a few nearby suburbs, I'd have to agree. The sad part is that while this area is considered to be a wealthy area, it's still littered with trash, stray animals, and has heaps of sanitation issues. That being said, there is something very humbling and beautiful about the area. I have to admit I've got a new respect for India. I also consider this place to be another planet all together. It's been an adventure to walk through the various main roads and side streets around the shala. You can find lots of health food stores, vegetarian cafes, coconut stands, the famed chocolate man, Ayurvedic shops, clothing stores, and even a US Dollar store. However lovely it may sound, it's still heart breaking to see puppies that have been thrown away because they're female. Or trash that fills roads, yards, and parks. The local livestock are very malnourished, and eat scraps. A friend mentioned they saw a cow eating plastic. It's been hard to walk by everyday and not want to cry. To think that this is a 'normal' way of life, is scary. So I've rolled up my sleeves and tried to do my part day by day. Whether it's feeding the animals, or literally picking up trash. I know I am only one person, but I'd like to think that yes one person can make a difference. The other issue here is air quality. Usually the locals burn garbage 2-3 times a day. This causes thick white smoke to billow around my bedroom, into the shala, throughout the streets. I'm constantly walking around with a scarf over my face to avoid inhaling so many toxins. They're burning everything from yard rubbish to plastics, paper, you name it and it's probably going up in smoke. Moments like this make me really appreciate and understand how good we have it. I've got a week left until heading to Goa, which from the sounds of it will be another whole world in comparison. So that's all for now, going to enjoy the last few days in Mysuru. Xx 

A few snippets of daily life here: 

I call this the Buddha Box - Creative mailbox solution! 

The roosters who wake me every morning at 4:30 AM

Rangoli or Alpana - Made with rice flour, flower petals, colored sand, or dry flower. These patterns are created daily to help protect the home and bring good fortune. Folklore, Patterns, and practices are passed down from one generation to the next.