My 9th Practice

Many people were running late today and Sharath wasn’t too happy about it. In Finland, we have been taught, that when you go to a new shala, be always on time, tell the teacher names of your previous teachers, your own name and take a place, which the teacher shows you. After the practice I always try get teacher’s attention to say thank you for the class. I think that nothing really upsets more the teacher, than people who are running late and who don’t listen the given instructions. I also think that it’s so rude regarding other students, if you are late. I don’t want to steal their time with the teacher because of my excuses. It’s also nicer for myself to be on time, so I don’t have to rush so much around.

After the practice I heard quite many people saying that they were upset or tired. Some people said that Monday's practice always tough one for them. I don’t have problems with Mondays. I think that for me the last days of the practice week are always the hardest, because my body is so tired then. Cold weather and darkness affects on me more than the exact date.

For some reason Sharath called me in before the other students again. I practiced this time quite in the middle of the Shala, so there was people everywhere around me. I can see that I am getting used to it and it doesn’t bother me so much anymore. Seems like I am taking baby steps forward what comes to my curious mind. Okey, I have to admit, that there is one guy, whose practice is just so amazing, that it is so hard to resist watching him. I mean, I would almoust like to stop my practice, walk there, touch him and ask, if he’s real. Here you can easily understand, why the drishtis are so important...

I had a good practice again. American woman Lauri was assisting me with Uthita Hasta Padangusthasana. I think that Sharath showed her a mark to assist me with it. She also helped me with Marichyasana D on the left side, which I tried to close first time here. My ankle still hurts a bit, so I have to be really careful with that pose. Lauri assisted in a very soft and nice way, but she made me to work myself, too. Sharath assisted me with Supta Kurmasana. I just started to laught, when he started to move my legs and my hands opened at the same time and he said, that oh, you are doing it in a fast way and pushed me to the sitting pose within a second. Sharath is very funny. Like yesterday, when he kept the led class for the second group, he said (when the group was going forward too quickly) that who said Chatvari? Go back. You hear also often in the Shala: ”Don’t hurry!!” or ”Why you hurry?”, when people are doing extremely demanding asanas and trying to hang on there. Sharath is demanding, but in a really funny and friendly way. All his adjustments have been very light and soft here.

Here every practice is a treat. You go to the Shala, you do your best and if the practice is terrible, you just will accept it and move on. Petri once said that when you are practicing, try to keep a little smile on your face. I love that advise. Ashtanga is serious, but it isn’t that serious.