Rain, pitter patter…more rain. A little break in the downpour than softer … pitter patter… more rain.
Myself, feeling the pull of the kitchen where I was baking an apple pie, I made a resolve to get to the studio
… a commitment is a … commitment. I too kind of see the act of “loading” and “guiding” as “shugyo” …
Was tested as soon as I walk into the studio – lighting was a bit glaring – florescent lights are … florescent lights.
There are 2 hanging lamps lighting emitting faded warm lights – love them but so so dim … can’t see a thing:)
Then… the sound system dies the last 30 minutes… trying to fix it in vain.
While silence is golden – the mood was not set up for that kind of class so felt the need for sounds.
I am not running a monastic meditation session – it’s supposed to be relaxing, blissful yoga class!
If it had rained harder, the soothing white noise of raindrops would have been a perfect atmospheric but…
all you hear are doors shutting or voices from the other class that just got out.
Should I provide guided meditation or … ah, chanting instead of singing – yes, not even Karaoke style as there was no… accompaniment.
That’s called a cappella singing as I should know – the former choral singer. Singing without accompaniment – just human voices reverberating can be so enchanting.
Mahamrityunjaya Mantra is said to beneficial for mental, emotional and physical health.
“It is a moksha mantra which bestows longevity and immortality” known world over as a mantra of healing or victory over death – SO, why not?
It’s funny, that’s the chant that just came up… proving – repeated enough, anything can be retained.
Not knowing how it was being received, I stopped at one recitation while debating going to another chant or repeat.
I could have gone on and on…(but spared them, lol)
All these thoughts when the unexpected happens. It’s just like life. Sometimes things just don’t go as planned!
With lack of proper light, I was left to recite from memory … although affirmations are intuitive.
At this point ad lib – improvising … it is interesting how one feels the need to provide “content” when there is silence.
As much as my teacher’s class is completely silent and does not rely on any music, it is interesting how I felt the need for sounds.
Lights may not work, the sound system may not work, people may or may not show up…
but I was very much present. If this class was at Cal Berkeley or Stanford or any of the college campuses, or in the middle of bustling city…
the studio would have been packed…
as I have witnessed that – and have been one of those over-worked students to attend such classes in search for peace and clarity…
people are so stressed out or exhausted and many are hungry for a sanctuary where they can recharge in a healthy,
nourishing way… if only they knew where to look.
It’s not your couch although I am sure on this rainy evening, many may have done just that – lounging on a couch with a cat or dog on their tummy, watching Netflix…or some I know were at the over-crowded airport parting with their loved ones as Thanksgiving holiday weekend came to a close – all the more, impressed with those who showed up – they are true yogis, tending to their mind and body, re-configuring their nervous system for optimal health.
NEXT week – resolved for more HEAT, SOFT LIGHT & SOUNDS.
