A little tongue in cheek item about understanding shala speak here in Mysore. :-) Shala time and real time do not match. Be prepared to show up at the wrong time for a week. "One more" doesn't always mean its your turn to enter the shala (although you thought you were next in line). "what's your time?" usually means a) you are too early, b) too late, or c) your time is about to change. "Move" means can you please move. "Walk" doesn't mean its time to leave. You've got to get your hands closer to your feet in back bends. "Catching" doesn't mean someone is about to throw something at you. You are about to do something quite unbelievable (or not, in my case) in a back bend. "hmmmm" means your doing something good (I think) "The grunt" could be good or could be bad. Got to listen up here (a bit like when you have a baby and are unsure what that crying is for? milk, changing etc... the same

This is the nearest thing to Starbucks here in Gokulam Mysore. As far as I'm aware they do not sell coffee. "Coconut sweet or water?" is the request from the barista. It's a favourite hang out for many yoga students and local young people. The post practice fresh coconut is like nectar from the gods.

Took a day trip from Gokulam in Mysore to the monastery in Bylakuppe yesterday. Myself and some other yoga students took our life in our hands with a taxi ride that took a few hours (a taxi ride here is an experience in itself). Bylakuppe is a beautiful, tranquil place and attracts people from all faiths. I saw Christian nuns, women clad in burqas and of course many Hindus. There was a festival going on in the temple and I feel we were very lucky to have witnessed this.

Sleep is the best meditation. Dalai Lama Sleep. Mysore, India

So I'm here in Mysore India to practice yoga at the Ashtanga yoga institute. I could write a long monologue of my practice, the shala, the students, the gossip and all the other "stuff" that keeps the yoga students entertained when they are not practising asana. Instead I will give you a glimpse into the life of the people of India who are teaching me lessons every day that I am here.

Fear is a natural reaction of moving closer to the truth. Pema Chodron. When Things Fall Apart

The hugging guru Amma is currently here in Mysore India. It is said that she has embraced over 32 million people, spreading a message of love and compassion. Whilst I didn't actually get a hug myself (I couldn't wait until midnight), it was amazing to be part of this huge spiritual gathering and Amma was clearly offering hope to a lot of people both rich and poor. Amma is also the guru made famous by the book and film "Eat, Love, Pray" in which her ashram appears.

This made me laugh... A cow randomly standing outside a beauty salon, obviously waiting for it to open. Only in India. Below another cow just innocently hanging out? or destroying someone's front garden :-)

It is through the alignment of the body that I discovered the alignment of my mind, self and intelligence. B.K.S Iyengar

So my new mobile phone here in India is called "Guru Samsung"! This made me laugh a lot. No need to get up at 5am to practice yoga, read ancient texts, chanting, meditating etc... Just get yourself a guru in the form of a mobile phone ;)

So I have finally arrived in Mysore after an EPIC journey (both physically and metaphorically). I have the same room in the same apartment and practising yoga in the same shala with the same teacher as I did 11 months ago. A lot has happened in those months but especially in the past few weeks. When I registered at the shala I mentioned to Sharath that I have a healing wound in my chest. He gave me a reasonable time slot and told me to "take it easy". First two days of practice were on the stage. When placed here last year I was terrified. Having been through bigger issues since, I really didn't bat an eyelid -What's changed? I have Gratitude!  

Last weekend my husband and I decided to have a "mini break" and go and stay in a hotel. We didn't have a weekend to spare and didn't want to drive far, so we booked into this beautiful central London hotel called "Chandos House". Chandos house is a beautiful grade 1 listed town house, situated between Portland Place and Oxford Circus in central London. Its a small 17 bedroom hotel and a real hidden gem. It has lots of function rooms and is often used for medical conferences. It would make a stunning wedding venue for a London bride. You will not find this hotel advertised in many places, so if you're looking for a night in town, contact them early. To book  http://www.chandoshouse.co.uk/contact-us.aspx

Phew! That was a hot and sweaty yoga practise... Better get me some coconut drink.

So I should be sunning myself in India right now, but because London had some snow I am still waiting to start my journey. Yes, I was one of the many sat on the tarmac at terminal 5 for 7 hours on Friday waiting to be de-iced, blow dried and all the other scenarios we were told were happening to the plane. British Airways had looked after me when boarding the plane, and had allocated me two seats to myself (as I am recovering from a medical procedure). Having had the week from hell and not being able to control the outcome, sitting on this flight was fairly minor in the greater scheme of things. I understand we have no control over the weather but many European cities deal with snow on a daily basis, so I don't understand why an airport as large as this one gets it so wrong. We were shipped off the plane and left to our own devices. There was no information whatsoever. After waiting a couple of hours for my baggage, I overheard someone say "no more bags will be c

On Friday the 4th of January, I attended the celebratory funeral service of a truly "remarkable" man. An academic scholar who spoke 5 languages and who was awarded many accolades for his services both in the UK and abroad. At 81, he swam and windsurfed and indeed had the greatest enthusiasm and passion for life of anyone I have ever met (except for his wife). All of these things mentioned would be fantastic things to be remembered by. However, I will remember him for his: Compassion Humility Love for his family Interest in everyone's life Love of art and opera Acceptance of all beings Ability to encourage his children and grandchildren to be who they wanted to be Large gin and tonics and his passion for cooking We visited him in hospital a week before he died. Despite being very unwell, he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren and when one of them asked "what does namaste mean?", he knew the answer but was too unwell to articulate it.

This a great tip from Kino. I gave it a go and it worked like magic. I will definitely share it with my students.

Some beautiful words of wisdom for when times are hard: Bear patiently, my heart, for you have suffered heavier things. Homer