I just got back from a wonderful trip to BC. It's amazing how a road trip through the beautiful Rockies and a 4-day yoga conference with the Iyengar Association of Canada and Geeta and Abi Iyengar can bring clarity and rest to the mind, fire and power to the body, and peace and awareness to the soul!
Geetaji came to Canada for an event put on by the ascent magazine in an ashram, but decided to stay for another week and share her knowledge and wisdom with the Iyengar Association of Canada.
Geetaji came to Canada for an event put on by the ascent magazine in an ashram, but decided to stay for another week and share her knowledge and wisdom with the Iyengar Association of Canada.
Be certain that the posts to follow will be highly influenced by Geetaji's teachings, expect
- some words on tapas - and I am not talking about the Spanish appetizer, but the sanskrit tapas - a burning which involves purification and self-discipline.
- and surely something about shoulder and heart openers - my upper back has never felt like this before.
On the way to the Okanagan - at a lunch break stop at the Columbia River. Pilot Shelly was not just steering the Subaru perfectly, but was also sharing tales and stories of the area. After an 8 hr road trip and sharing a room, Shelly now knows more about me than she ever wanted to know ;). I on the other hand learned about the lake monster Ogopogo that lives in Lake Okanagan (imagine Nessie's cousin) from Shelly.
Trish celebrated her 55th birthday at the conference and Barbara picked out a wonderful cake made at the local bakery. Right on the first day, I learned a lesson of non-attachment: I was helping out in the bookstore and while I was swiping credit cards, the room where my bag was, got locked (well, it was the secured "locked" room - so this could have been expected). But I learned to let go of getting angry or upset about not having my wallet or shoes , instead I went on an afternoon trip in Penticton without shoes. If I had to pick a place in Canada: BC is probably the safest area in Canada to run around without shoes without being judged as crazy.
Oh, and it was a surprise for Trish, she didn't have a clue about the party! Some of the guests were even hiding in Trish's bedroom to surprise her on her special happy birthday!
Asana practice and lectures in the mornings and pranayama and chanting of the yoga sutras with Abi in the afternoon at the Penticton convention center. Accompanied by big dinners, one gala dinner with music and Geetaji, and a board meeting.
Ingelise, senior Iyengar teacher from West Van surprised Geetaji and the audience with a beautiful voice and thoughtful lyrics.
The leaves were out in BC, the fruit trees blooming, what else could you wish for!
Vrksasana Shelly on tree stump
There is even a beach!
At the gala dinner: the Calgary crew with special guest from BC
1 comment:
Sounds like fun times....glad you got away for a little re-charging of the spirit! =-)
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