Week Two

After 16 days in India I am beginning to settle into the rhythm of life here. We were surprised by rain this week, which is very unusual for January, but I did enjoy the coοler mornings. Did lots of walking and travelling about in rickshaws. Enjoyed some home cooked food courtesy of our landlord Dheeraj"s mum. It is easy to be healthy here, and I am enjoying lots of fresh fruit and vegetables. Ishan Pure Veg is my favourite place to eat, the masala dosas and vegetable dishes are so delicious and budget friendly and their salted lime soda is a most refreshing drink in the heat.

We attend the institute every morning except Sunday and have a varied timetable and 2 or 3 hours of practice time each day. We are also on a rota to observe the medical classes. All the yoga classes are incredible here, and every class different. The hall becomes completely full (sometimes we use half mats to fit in!) and the whole experience is wonderful. The detail, demonstration, clarity of instruction, observation and the bespoke asana offered to those with injuries or conditions is incredible to experience. After every class I feel amazing and I can feel my whole being spreading, opening and my levels of awareness within my yoga practice deepening.

Sunday is our day off and this week it is Makar Sankranti, a major festival in India that celebrates the sun's shift into the northern hemisphere. It usually falls on January 14th and marks the beginning of longer days. The festival is dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, and signifies a new beginning. Some people headed out to the hills outside Pune to see forts, caves and the sun rise.

The celebrations include kite flying, bonfires, feasts, and dances. It's also a time for people to take a holy dip in sacred rivers as a gesture of thanks to the Sun. The festival is known by different names across India and is deeply tied to the agricultural cycle, marking the start of the harvest season. It holds great cultural importance and is celebrated with much enthusiasm across the country and as I found out it starts at sunrise with lots of loud music!

Highlights: Attending classes and being taught by Prashantji, Sunitaji and Abhijataji. I still cannot believe I am really here! Sunitaji included some asana within a class to help me personally which was a real privilege. Observing the medical classes and seeing the care, expertise, and the relief that the individual programmes are giving to each person. Walking in the cooler morning air to the swishing sound of the brushes the street sweepers use. A day of relaxation and swimming at the beautiful palm tree lined Marriot pool.