Practice is fun

I sorted the bank thing out after calling fraud prevention. Phew that was a relief, I was able to pay the rest of my fees.

I went to the shala and saw Guruji to give the remaining money. He had a chat with me, I said Supta Kurmasana was very hard and he replied "Are you breathing correctly? When breathing correctly circulation is coming, warming the body, then flexibility is coming. One week, it is coming." I doubt very much that one week will do it, but hey I'll keep the faith. He has the best smile ever.

I was told about a conference he did at the Shala where someone asked "What do we do to work through the pain", he asked "where is the pain", she said "In my shoulders". He laughed and asked if she was married, when she said "no" he said "When you are married the pain in the shoulders will go".

Yesterday I went to the palace as well, it was beautiful and quite an experience. I was a bit worried about having to leave my camera at a special booth for 5rs. Cameras were strictly forbidden, they checked your bag. I also had to leave my shoes, and in one place a few years ago I had to buy them back after my visit to a temple, so I'm always a bit uncomfortable with that. I walked around the palace following the tour marked out by the ropes. It wasn't always comfortable as parts has pebbled and cobble stones to walk on. I did wonder about verrucas and foot fungus while I followed the large group around but decided to forget about it for now because I couldn't do anything about it. I got my shoes back from the big pile and also my camera intact. It was worth the visit. I've included a photo of the outside of the palace.

Practice today was brilliant, i had such a good time. It was hot and sweaty, just how I like it. It's good to practice with everyone else, good energy. Sharath came to help in the current challenge I face Supta Kurmasana, and we had a giggle because there is no way that my feet are going behind my head! But my hands bind which is a start I guess. Finishing is always really nice too, the ladies is quite a contrast to the main practice room, quiet, dimly lit, chilled, cooler. I'm much bendier here, it's hot which is a great help, my back feels open and good.

Afterwards I went to give my respects to Guruji. I have debated this for quite a long time. Why would you go and touch someone's feet? In India is is customary to do this sort of thing, it's a cultural difference to us westerners I guess. This justified doing it for me, I bow in China and South-Korea afterall, and respect those customs, why not here? I'm really glad that I did. After touching his feet he kissed me and gave me a enormous hug and a vibrant smile. "All is coming, all is coming".

This morning I did 3 hours of work after the coconut and breakfast, and then wandered off to the Green Leaf Food Hall for lunch. I had a huge Thali and a soup for 82rs, it's really very cheap here. Next I have to find the pharmacy where babu is expecting me. I have a sore throat, Ganesh says it's because it is chilly in the morning when I walk to practice. He says I should wear a woolly hat. Unsuprisingly I didn't pack one.

Tune of the Day: "Sunday morning" - The Velvet Underground