KELLY'S GONE AGAIN
…AND HERE'S WHERE I'M AT.Archive for Yoga
#51. Paris: My To-Do, -See, -Eat, -Buy List
Well, I’ve finally said goodbye to Paris and, oui, I do miss it a little. I’ll relive it here by sharing some memories with you in the form of a list, 20-deep of random things to do, see, taste, hear and buy, should you find yourself in the vicinity. For one reason or another, they helped make my summer pretty splendid. Take from it what you like and, of course, bon voyage!
Sidebar: Update on Children’s Future International in Cambodia
Hi all, I got an update from Andrew Wolff of Children’s Future International in Cambodia, the organization at which I taught kids yoga in February. He’s put together a fantastic short clip of some of our “animal” yoga sessions, and though I’ve updated the original Post #7 with the link, I’m adding it here as a sidebar…
#30. Candidasa: Back to Business
I’m back in Ubud now, but let’s get caught up on the last few days, shall we?
So, all of that beach decadence made me feel like I really oughta’ up the devotional practice, which fit in perfectly with my already-organized trip out to the Gedong Gandhi Ashram in Candidasa. I’d wanted an excuse to get to the east side of Bali anyway, so the location was an added bonus. My purpose there was to learn more about the ashram, understand how it fits in within the larger community structure and, naturally, provide a little bit of service while I’m at it (it *is* named after Gandhi, after all).
#17. Rishikesh: A Day in the Life
(c) 2009 Todd Sykes.
I’ve been in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India for six days now. I’m equal parts happy and skeptical here, as half of the time I feel contentment and the other half I feel like I’m in some sort of yoga-based Jesus Camp. Being here often brings about a sincere snarkiness, making me wish daily that my former fellow yoga teacher trainee Barb was around, as a real-time, down-to-earth partner in crime to share my sentiments. More importantly, it requires me to focus on the most vital parts of yogic practice, namely kindness and nonviolence. I’m practicing those right now as I type another blog sans pictures, as my camera still isn’t working. I’ll add visuals soon but, for now, picture this:
#16. Rishikesh: Issues at the Ashram
(c) 2009 Todd Sykes.
Alright, people. So, I’ve been at the ashram for a few days now. The good news is I’m in India, and I’m still thrilled to be visiting this welcoming, multifarious and outspoken country. The not-so-good? Unfortunately, my conference experience so far leaves much to be desired.
#15. Delhi and Rishikesh: An Introduction to India
(c) 2009 Todd Sykes.
India is a place that tries your patience. It’s no wonder they invented yoga.
The country introduced itself to me on Thursday, around midnight, after I’d landed from Bangkok. Even at the start of that tomorrow, Delhi was absolutely electric. People are everywhere. They’re asking you questions: “Do you know your way, ma’am?” “Miss, taxi, TAXI?” “Where are you from?” “Where is your husband? Have you lost your husband?” “Need good hotel, miss?” My first impression of Delhi is largely formed by the clamor of these eager questions and, in their background, distant bhangra, jingling bangles and, of course, horns. I’ve never, ever, ever heard such loud of frequent car horns… and I do live in NYC.
#13. Lampang: Yoga for Elephants
So I completed my amateur mahout course this afternoon, and it was fantastic. I’d be perfectly happy to have done a longer training, though my thighs and side body are probably happier to be done.
#6. Battambang: Miscellaneous
Today, on the way back from school, I saw a woman passenger on a motorbike breastfeeding a baby. While it was in fast motion. On the highway.
I don’t really know what to post after seeing that. More this weekend.
#5. Battambang: The First Day of School
I’m covered in red clay. It’s what the schoolroom grounds are made of, and it gets in and on any- and everything. Shoes aren’t allowed in the room, so you spend most of the day barefoot, though the floor is cement and dirty and might as well be the bare ground.
I’ve been sitting a lot, reading to the kids, today. My favorite so far is Riti — he’s an energetic, super-fun kid of 12, who looks about 7 (malnutrition, no doubt). I taught a yoga class to him and the more “unruly” kids this afternoon – the first day of my “Yoga for Young Artists” program I’ve designed for the English School here in Battambang – and they did great. Really great. We sang the Om song, went on a “yoga adventure” to the jungle resulting in lots of animal poses, and sang the Namaste song to close. They don’t speak English, and I don’t speak Khmer, so a teacher translated. The kids had a wonderful time, possibly almost as much as me, even. *smile*
