Practicing at SYC, Mysore

Practicing Ashtanga Yoga at the Sharath Yoga Centre | Part 1

19 days in and it feels like a good time to start writing!

It is my first time in Mysore and my first time practicing at the SYC. I'm also the first generation of around 200 practitioners who are here after Sharat's unexpected passing. It goes without saying that it is an interesting time to be here, as the Ashtanga community copes with a great loss.

Unlike the many prior decades under Sharat's guidance, this season students practice without a teacher and without any assistants in the shala; all in one batch, with the door opening at 4:10 in the morning.

Each morning Shruti or Shraddha (Sharat's wife and daughter) lead the opening mantra; a beautiful and heartfelt start to the practice. After that it's every practitioner on their mat, in silence, following their own breath and movement.

2 weeks in and I feel like I've finally hacked the schedule. I go to bed by 7:30pm the latest so that I can wake by 2:45am. Every morning my rickshaw driver Mahadev picks me up at 3:30; never a minute late. I'm in front of the Shala door around 3:45 and on my mat by 4:15.

And now I bet, You - the reader, just like us - the students, is left wondering - Why? Why would anyone do this? Why would you travel half way across the world to practice without a teacher? Why would you wake up at what can only be called middle of the night? Are we crazy?

(Yes, yes we are, but I'll save that for another post ☻).

Well, there's definitely been a lot of back and forth in my mind and in many of the conversations among other students here too. A big number have opted out or transferred to other Yoga Schools around Mysore. I was very (VERY) close to leaving too, but decided to stay after speaking to someone wiser and more experienced.

And I'm happy I stayed. The energy in the Shala is inexplainable. It's an energy that took generations to harness and this is likely the only place in the world where you can experience it. Hearing 200 people chant the opening mantra is enough to give you the chills every. single. morning. But, is it enough to keep me here for 2 months? Hmm..

So far I've been practicing the Primary series (needed some grounding), finishing around 6:15am, which surpisingly enough means I'm done before sunrise. After that I go home and quickly make my way back into bed for a 1 hour power-nap. I mean.. it's the only smart thing to do.

After practice I spend the rest of my day at cafés, eating out, reading and spending time with good company - with other practitioners or by my self. Optimising most of my free time to rest, self-reflect and set future plans into motion.

Until next time..

~ 'Remain open to new experiences, but be vigilant in observing.' - L.G. ♡

Currently reading: Awarness by Anthony De Mello

Listening to: ♪ Nevada by Kerala Dust