Life in an ashram, week 2
A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions. - Oliver Wendall Holmes
Week two is complete at the ashram, and can I just say that I am totally drinking the Kool-Aid?
I feel amazing. I’ve only eaten the food they provide, and I haven’t had any cravings or even really thought about food since I’ve been here. I realize we would all do better if someone kept us on a regular eating schedule and fed us healthy food.
It isn’t quite manageable in the real world, but it’s given me the opportunity to see that when you are truly nourished and eat regular meals, the cravings, and overeating fade away. It’s good insight. I’m unsure how to incorporate it into my life, but I’ll try it after I leave.
Another interesting part is that there are 22 of us in my program (and more at the ashram from other programs or just passing through), and no one skips the food that is offered or complains. The food is vegetarian, there are vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free options, and everyone happily eats what is provided. It’s truly amazing to see this group of people be simply grateful. Dislikes and preferences take a back seat to saying thank you for the hospitality and nourishment.
I also love how the yoga is making me feel. Yoga has been my main form of exercise for years, but I have neglected it in the past four years. It feels so good to care for my body in this gentle and supportive way again. I also love learning more about this ancient practice, from mantras and breathwork to asanas. The challenge each day is to incorporate those lessons into my own sessions.
I’ve had to do one practicum so far, and I’ll admit it was very nerve-racking for me to get in front of the group and lead everyone through. My voice was too quiet, I messed up some inhales/exhales, and I didn’t have the Sanskrit words quite right, but these people are so encouraging and helpful, and I’m excited to do better next time.
We had a brief pre-natal session earlier in the week that I loved. The woman who taught it lives in Ireland and is teaching a prenatal yoga teaching course in March in her hometown. I’d love to go and learn more.
We had great conversations about her classes and the similarities between prenatal and peri-menopause offerings. She was thrilled I was interested because she is beginning classes at her studio for peri-menopause.
I love this, but I also have been thinking, wouldn’t it be amazing if you could have women in yoga and support each other through all the different phases of life, learning from each other as we go?
I think maybe there is a craving for community, support, and mentorship among women. I know there are many groups out there, but it always seems like there is a prerequisite. You need to be a mom, a working mom, a creative, a small business owner, or in finance or law…it goes on and on. I have been thinking, wouldn’t it be nice to have a space for yoga, community, continuing education, and compassionate support? A place that you would feel great about inviting any woman you know to join you? A place that has yoga classes, tea, and comfy chairs for chats. A place to gather to learn from speakers and discuss with a group of diverse, intelligent, and respectful women. A place to learn from those who have experienced more of life and share with those who have experienced less. A place where you could invite your mom, your daughter, or both. A place to continue to fine-tune your good, good life, your bon bon vie.
Anyway, that’s what I’ve been thinking about this week, that and a lot of yoga!
Hope this note finds you all happy and healthy.
Namaste,
Bon