I’ve returned for my second class and decided on the early shift, coaxing a very sleepy student from a Sunday morning slumber to come to his first Mysore class ever with me. When we entered, the studio was quiet, and it didn’t sound like anyone was there. It wasn’t until we took off our shoes that I heard a thump overhead. Aaaaahhhh… The regular early risers were well into their practice, but wait – when did they arrive?
At the top of the landing I introduced my friend to Keith, the mysore teacher, who of course welcomed him in without batting an eye. Shame on me for not preregistering Kevin because the room was just about full and the second shift hadn’t even arrived (note to self). But, as if preordained, there were two spots open on opposite sides of the main room. After our hellos and moments of getting acquainted, Keith sternly advised, “Don’t do what she does” which made me smile a little. It was a private joke for me; I’d gotten into the habit of wanting to be near new students in practice so they could watch me, and herein lies the treasure. There is only one teacher in the room besides yourself of course, and the biggest trap a new practitioner unwittingly falls into is setting up to watch an experienced student. I’m sure I did this when I began my practice (think being in the back of the room) and it helped sometimes but it also turned me into a spectator, frustrated me to no end and ultimately kept me from having my own inner experience.
So we began. Keith guided Kevin through Sun A’s and B’s while I moved through Primary. This time I hit the postures I’d missed last week, but then I forgot others! I can’t explain that one, but at least this time I was aware of missing them...progress. In these last two practices, I found parivrtta parsvakonasana with ease and marichyasana D appeared out of nowhere and I mean nowhere!!
“Were you watching me?” Kevin asked afterward. “No” was my instinctive response – I typically don’t watch anyone while I’m practicing. But I had to confess, “Your chaturangas looked great!” I'd stolen a few glances from across the room out of happiness for him because he’d pushed through fatigue to get on his mat, and he really is a good student. Kevin's been a vinyasa practitioner for a while now and I’d given him some suggestions in the past which he immediately grasped and applies in his practice. Even better, the next day he reported that he practiced his sun salutations again as Keith taught him.
Well, next I’ll attend led primary, which is always great fun because this class is chock full of traditional teachings. While I enjoy these practices a great deal, I've found that real the magic is in the mysore. More to come.
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