I had an amazing opportunity this weekend to be in the presence of two inspirational beings. Saturday night was blessed with kirtan at Avalaon Yoga with Jai Uttal. For those of you who have not heard of Jai you must pick up his CD and experience him for yourself. Jai is a beloved bhakti yogi who found his calling in music and kirtan while traveling in India. He interweaves the story of various indian dieties as he sings to them in heartfelt music. Kirtan means "to repeat", it is a call and response form of chanting performed in India's devotional traditions. Traditionally I have experienced Kirtan while growing up and attending events at the temples but more recently I have seen Kirtan growing in popularity in the Western world and becoming a significant part of the yoga culture. It is beautiful to see this blending of cultures especially in the form of music. Kirtan is a wonderful way to connect with the self and the surroundings. The music in vocals, the words, the instruments, and the energy created send vibrations deep into the layers of the self leaving one feeling blissful and free. Jai Uttal created an intimate environment and had people dancing and moving with joy. He also reminded me healing and energizing Kirtan can be. I was reminded of my retreat to Guatemala a couple of years back where I spent NYE chanting with a room full of yogis at the powerful Lake Atilan... what a way to bring in the year. Hmmm.... might be a good idea for this year.
As happy as I was with Saturday evenings event, my blissful weekend did not end there... Sunday afternoon was dedicated to Rolf Gates, yogi and writer. He is my daily inspiration with his book "Meditations from the Mat" and I had the opportunity to practice in his prescence. My event did not start out so blissful and as with life... shit happens. Traffic, timing, and chaos caused me to be late to class and I found myself standing outside a locked door feeling emotion rise while energy grew inside the studio. What to do... I sat at a table outside the studio thinking "life sucks" yes it happens to the best of us. Sometimes we just want to ask the Universe "why?" why do things have to be difficult and complicated... and perhaps even express some emotion towards the universe. It is at that moment you are suprised.... kinda like the universe replying back with " just kidddddding " . Thats what happened today, as soon I felt my self pity growing I look up and see movement in the studio, they took a break and the door unlocked. Yay! I did not miss the practice and went on to enjoy the next 2 and half hours flowing from one posture to another and smirking here and there at the lil joke I just experienced. Rolf left me with these thoughts to ponder on " Yoga is not the pose, it is how you are in the pose" , "The universe is a reflection of you and your thoughts". I'd like the universe to show love and compassion towards me therefore thats what I shall shell out.
Peace
MettaLove
