Monday, February 23, 2009

Back Home

It has been over a week since I came back home. I and my sister came with the same plane. We met at the Mumbai airport. Of course I got to Mumbai much earlier than my sister who was coming from Pune with a taxi. I came with the latest plane form Goa which was at 7PM. Therefore, I was in Mumbai at 8PM. Unfortunately, I decided to go to the international section of the airport right away after lending, and I was almost going to end up in the street. Due to security reasons they were not letting people in before 3 hours prior to the flights and my flight was at 5 am next morning!!! But I looked at the security guy with big eyes and told him that I came with the latest plane form Goa for my flight which is next morning at 5AM, and so he let me in. Of course I had to wait a long while until check in. So, under a roof at least, I put my bags on a trolley and sat at front corner of the trolley and waited until 2 AM. After check in, I realized that Mumbai airport has been renovated, not yet totally finished but much nicer. Then my sister joined me around 3 AM. It was lovely to see her after 5 months. We both talked a lot about our separate adventures… And the Turkish airlines plane was new this time, for the first time in 3 years! They usually give the oldest planes that are falling a part (at least inside) and stinky… But this one very new with individual screens for each seat, etc….

So, just like that a week past by. It is cold here in Istanbul. It was snowing this morning.. Was really cold yesterday.. And I am trying to move into my new house! It is all very exciting. Practice is fine. I have been practicing in my sisters living room at 5:30-6AM with her cats watching me… Bakasana B still sucks. I try to jump up to hand stands with two feet together, but with much joyfully and going up with one feet kicking began to be easy again just like before…I think with my attitude easing, things getting easier and some day I will do whatever I am working on, no worries.

Regarding teaching, I will begin this Sunday, March 1st, at Cihangir Yoga. Hopefully, Mysore program will blossom! Well, immm, there is also a very exciting news about a Teacher Training I applied for. I got the news today, I got accepted to this amazing ashtanga teachers’ 1 month long Teachers Intensive. I am so excited. I am so blessed, - a note for myself: never forget that Maya!

I hope to stay calm, positive, and full power (as Rolf told me when he was saying goodbye to me)!!!

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Reflections almost

The time I spent here with Rolf and Marci has been very good for me. When I first came from Mysore, I was in a different state of mind, more scattered, easily distracted… During these last three months, I became more, much more concentrated and insightful. I went through despair to laughing about the challenge I have in my practice, which has been the most valuable lesson. At this point, I enjoy the fact that I cannot jump up to hand stand, jump to Bakasana B… yes it is fun, I cannot do it, so lets work on it and be joyous about it, play with it, not get frustrated with it and it is getting better with this attitude. So, working hard with a light attitude that I have learned… I am also learning to see the good things about my practice, not only the “what I cannot do” but also so many that I Can do… It is a challenge not to loose perspective in this practice but having a good teacher at these moments makes a difference… Their easiness about our challenges, reminding us the patience and lightness that is required to accomplish and move forward…

Now, I am in my room spending one of the last three nights that are left in Goa. There are tears in my eyes… I cannot help. Ohh me so foolish thinking when I saw those who left before me crying “such drama... I will stay away from tears when leaving…” and I am already in tears here in my little room. Well, why three days early you would ask… because Rolf is leaving tomorrow afternoon for Singapore to do a workshop, he will not be here during my last two days… so already it is time to say goodbye to him. Yes, he is a person just like Osho describes, very innocent, child like… very simple person, very straightforward, very open heart, very gentle heart…. He is the best teacher in the world, and when I say that I do not mean that he is just the best asana teacher, I mean that he is the best teacher from whom you see how to be in this world. Is there any more valuable lesson one can have?

I am thankful to the universe for having this opportunity to be here with my teacher. I hope that one day I can be such a being as well who has light and love for herself and therefore, can bring light and love to other people… And I want to thank both Rolf and Marci for teaching us, for sharing their knowledge with us and bringing such a nice group of people together. I find the practice in Goa with Rolf and Marci priceless… thanks a lot!