It’s nearly time for this journey to launch. Already, there is some turbulence being felt in my little world. My nerves and emotions are beginning to shaken it up in a way similar to earthquake precursors. I’m making my best effort to remain calm.
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Jenn, our fearless leader has asked the TT (teacher training) students to bring an offering of cheese to Savira, our teacher in India. To this end, I spent my lunch in search of cheeses that “travel well.” In other words: Hard Cheese.
My simple query of the guy behind Whole Foods’ vast array of cheeses, yielding a few suggestions. I sampled each and selected some Dutch Gouda as my gift for the teacher.
These cheeses will travel well and make a delicious offering to Savira. Additionally, they are apparently great for backpacking trips as well.
Most people ‘round these parts call him Big Mike. I know him by the pen name he used when he 1st left his words of harassment encouragement on my blog months back. Since then, I’ve watched this dedicated yogi make his way through the teacher training program.
Through his own yoga practice, hours upon hours of assisting classes around the studio, his own teaching style was born. This morning I was honored to practice under his guidance for the very first time. I was awed by his presence, and calmed by his confidence as he lead us through the ashtanga primary series.
I find it most encouraging and inspiring to see this yogi go from the guy on the mat next door to the instructor at the head of the class. It’s pretty cool to think that, someday, that could be me.
Growing up, there were always lists upon lists floating around the house. Shopping lists, our lists of chores to be done, etc., etc., etc. My mom always used pencil, instructing us to do the same as we crossed out the items one by one. This allowed for the computer punch card, or piece of paper to be reused day after day.
I hated those lists! Along with homework, they were what stood between me and going out to play.
When I arrived at adulthood, however, there was a return of the lists. Not only in my job (most especially ICU nursing) but also in my personal life. With the framework firmly set I find familiarity, if not comfort, in crossing items off my lists.
Only now there appeared in electronic format: on my palm pilot, Outlook tasks, or myPhone reminders. This was much better! Yeah. Much better.
It comes in handy for tasks such as trip preparation…
The time is drawing near for us to pushback from our lives here in the US, speed down the runway toward a land afar, and spread our wings so as to see a world like none other. My teacher warns us that “Anything can happen.” She further advises us that it would be best to adopt the thinking that “whatever is happening is meant for us” to experience and grow from.
Already, my safe and routine world is starting to quiver. I learn that I do not have control over everything and that I must roll with punches so-to-speak. I find that I can actually enjoy things better if I let go of unmet expectations and simply be in the here and now. There will be time to read that book (or rather bookS), do that long run, shop, wash the dirty clothes, shampoo the dog and carpets…LATER.
Today is spent:
And when I am awakened by a phone call from India informing me that my 11:45 am flight from Dehli to Dharamsala has been further delayed, I remember my teacher’s words and thank the airline representative for calling.
Like YaYa’s post game snack, this is going to be a most excellent, life changing adventure for sure!
