Sunday I'm stuck to the side of a blender.

I stormed down the block wanting to push over every parked scooter. I wanted to kick every Indian guy with tight eighties acid washed jeans in the crotch. I swung my arms into the air and yelled. I kicked up dirt and stomped on all things that would crunch. I wanted to give India a good kick in the balls. Some moments are like that. You're trying and trying and trying and India just says no and that is it. You have to give up, you have to surrender, you have to let go. And even moments like that pass and are quite comical in retrospect.

This morning was the led second series class which is supposed to begin at 6:15, but seems to really start at 6:30. I ran from the toilet to find everyone else standing on their mats listening to Sharath's announcements: conference today at 9:30am followed by tabla performance, and then "samastitihi!"

I practiced between Leecha (friend and fellow Tina's breakfast "server" [I was working at Tina's during month 1]) and Mauricio (the practice twin). I confess that I did a few pre-practice stretches. My rationale is that in New York I move a lot more than I do here and so I'm trying to level the playing field. But whatever, who cares anyway? I wore the long pants so that bakasana b was more guaranteed (I have to jump my knees to perch on my arms and balance and slippery arms make a crappy landing base). Boy could I feel my arms working in the next two postures and then came my last pose--eka pada sirsasana. I began to roll up my mat and Sharath stuck out his finger "one more". I quickly rolled out my mat once more and took the next pose--dwi pada sirsasana.

1. From down dog, jump legs into bhujapidasana position (legs crossed around arms while balancing on hands)
2. lower butt to ground
3. take legs behind head
4. take hands into a prayer position
5. breathe 5 times
6. lift butt off ground while balancing on hands
7. take 5 breaths
8. take bakasana -- crow pose
9. jump back chaturanga
10. I go back.

Off to the coco stand to meet fellow travellers to Coorg. Hoping to take a bus. Coffee and mountains here we come!

On being divided

I love that this is starting right where I left off in February--eka pada sirsasana and the second series split.

"How do you feel now that you're divided?" Ewa asks Mauricio over spilled fruit salad at Tina's. Mauricio is what I now call my "practice twin". I practiced next to him in a led primary series class a few weeks ago and it was so funny because we had all the same little nuances and practice styles. Olivia said it was like watching the boy and girl version of the same practice (nice drishtis Olivia). Afterwards we both admitted that the energy practicing next to each other was really strong. To be corny, it was like a horse being released to the wild and running with the wild pack naturally or something else really ridiculous. We vowed to practice next to each other in the led classes from that day forth but it hasn't happened. We aren't ever there at the same time so we promise each time that next class will be the day.

And even though last Friday we were practicing at different corners of the classroom, like twins, we both got "the split" the very same day. Saturday we had off to think about what was coming, and on Sunday at 6:15 am we had our first second series led class. (Search "led second series" on my MysoreMusings blog to see my thoughts last year on this event--it is funny!) I was so nervous because many people sit in the doorway to watch. I remained a little nervous and shaky for awhile and then finally started to let go and have fun. Sharath stopped both Mauricio and myself at Eka Pada Sirsasana and told us to "go back" which I learned means to take our mats to the back of the class and start finishing postures.

This is day four of second series only and it feels strange. My shoulders are tired. I feel heavy. My back muscles are sore. I'm shaky. I have bursts of energy and emotions followed by irritability, hunger, and naps. I feel really flexible some days while others I feel very tight. I think Ewa got it right--how does it feel being divided?

But I don't think it is just the yoga. I have a new practice time that I'm getting used to--4:45am. This means I'm up by about 3:15am--fun! Saturdays I get to sleep in though and Sunday's class is at 6:15 so I'm up by 5:15. Except that this Saturday I think I'm going to be up just as early as the roommates and I are planning a trip to Bandipur to go on a safari! Apparently elephant sighting are guaranteed...I'm getting used to being in India, of course, and my new apartment and roommates. I'm getting used to my boyfriend being here. I'm feeling like ladies' holiday is around the corner and that is throwing the whole mix to a new level of discomfort.

In other news, ex-evil landlady surprises yoga student with -- what's the word? -- generosity? Honestly? Non-greed? Me and the bf rode down to the old house and I rapped on the mail box while their evil little mutt glowered at me. Mrs. Bhat waddles out wrapped in her "house sari" with a surprising smile and kind eyes. I tell her I'm just here to pay for the laundry and I'm sorry I forgot and that I was giving extra for that and because the house cleaner also washed some of my "double occupancy" occupant's clothes. I gave her 350rs. She handed me 150 back and said that she (the house cleaner) had only asked for 50rs extra. I was stunned. And the package did not arrive at their house but she agreed to leave it with Anu and Ganesh (they run the internet cafe/restaurant down the road and are apparently good friends with the Bhats--go figure). But as the package was sent on the 18th and was supposed to arrive in 7-10, I'm obliged to begin some unwanted detective work. Dealing with the local Greenpoint, Brooklyn postal service is hell on earth, but this--this is being stuck in the black lodge on Twin Peaks. Wish me luck!