Parker has the earliest start time and I have the latest one they are giving out this time of year, 4:30 am and 7:00 am respectively. \u00a0This is Shala time and you have to figure that out (basically 20 minutes earlier). \u00a0 He is at Saraswati’s Shala and I am at the main Shala which is a 6 minute walk. \u00a0We are the first to arrive where he is is supposed to go and we sit outside the gate. \u00a0I thought it was going to rain on us and just then two men walked on by, thru the gate and up the stairs. \u00a0Parker took the opportunity to follow. \u00a0These guys knew the ropes and from what he told me they started their practice. \u00a0He waited for Saraswati and I told him to wait for her. \u00a0He would not have started even without that advise. \u00a0Best not to pretend that you know when you don’t and that seems to be the first thing one has to learn anywhere. \u00a0 She would teach him and we had time. \u00a0 His practice was nice with lots of sun salutations and the first part of standing poses. \u00a0 \u00a0Sit in lotus and rest. \u00a0It was an hour, it was good. \u00a0He will learn and I will let go. \u00a0Chanting class is at 10 am. \u00a0 This is out of the comfort zone but feels right here at this time and place and he is enthusiastic about the process.<\/p>\n
After I leave Parker, it’s 4:30 am and nothing is open for me to go and wait for my start time. \u00a0Parker has our key to the apartment. \u00a0So I figure I would go to the Shala and wait there. \u00a0I am in the waiting room and I look up and Sharath is there in front of me telling me I can’t wait here. \u00a0 I mention that I know my start time is later but that my son is taking practice now with Saraswati and I thought I could wait. He listens. \u00a0Anyway, \u00a0no problem, I go outside and figure I would wait outside on this nice bench just inside the gate. \u00a0It’s safe there and I figure I’m not bothering anyone. \u00a0Just then I hear Sharath talking to me from inside the window to his office and he tells me to come inside and take practice. \u00a0I was taken back and not sure it was him as it seemed that this was not something he normally does, talk to people outside from his window. \u00a0So I come back in. \u00a0The Shala is full and I really don’t see a spot. \u00a0Now what? \u00a0I am back near the door to the Shala and see a spot just in the corner near his office. \u00a0It was like it just appeared there, like an oasis. \u00a0 It is just next to the men’s changing room and no one in front which is sort of nice. \u00a0But his office is right there so I am working hard to mind my drishti and all. \u00a0Nice practices all around me and the breathing is steady and strong but not forced at all. \u00a0Energy is building all around me as I start and I feel a slight shake but it quickly leaves as I start my sun salutations. \u00a0I have been doing these a long time, no problem but I want to find my Bandhas and be sure to push through my heels and all that. \u00a0 \u00a0What I found in this mornings practice is that my practice just flowed. \u00a0It was easy and just as I got to Utthita Hasta, Sharath jumped up out of his seat on the stage to assist me. \u00a0I thought that was pretty cool. \u00a0Chuck knows how much I like that adjustment. \u00a0I think I may associate it with love.<\/p>\n
I kept moving and breathing and kept my head down in the forward bends to touch. \u00a0This is calming to me and I was working to maintain my \u00a0calm and not to let the mind wander too much. \u00a0I had a lot of mind stuff going on from my restless sleep and going over words and conversations in my head and then waking from a cool dream. \u00a0 Every asana felt right today, sat up took my legs in Supta Kurmasana, slide my arms effortlessly thru in Garbha Pindasana and then in back bends made an attempt to stand and just waited. \u00a0He assisted me again and when he said walk in, I walked my hands in. \u00a0Again, I did it some more. \u00a0I was really glad I had been working on this with Chuck. \u00a0Come up, sit down, push down and go.<\/p>\n
Upon leaving to go to the finishing room he says, “you come same time tomorrow.” \u00a0Then asks “how old is your son?” \u00a0 He smiles with my answer and I felt blessed, so very blessed to have made a connection . . . again.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Parker has the earliest start time and I have the latest one they are giving out this time of year, 4:30 am and 7:00 am respectively. \u00a0This is Shala time and you have to figure that out (basically 20 minutes earlier). \u00a0 He is at Saraswati’s Shala and I am at the main Shala which … Continue reading Oh Behave<\/span> ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/eatbreathedoyoga.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/08\/DSCN1939.jpg\" "\\"Parker\\"")
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