Waking up at 4:40am isn’t always easy :( I slowly lifted myself out of bed, and made my way to the shower – couldn’t imagine ever going to practice without hot bucket bath…Not only b/c it’s considerate to do so (both for your teacher and fellow yogi’s), but also b/c I simply wouldn’t be able to get going without one.

As I walked outside to head to the shala I realized it was wet and rainy outside – but that didn’t dampen my mood (after said shower of course:) I put on my earphones and jammed out to some Hootie and the Blowfish this morning – totally suited my mood. I arrived at the shala pretty early – as I didn’t want a repeat of Friday’s sprint to the door…And, as it turned out, Sharath ran over with the led primary group – so we didn’t even enter the shala til about 6:25am or so.

When I entered the shala, I once again tried to take a spot close to the ladies locker room and away from the stage….But of course, Sharath looked at me and said, “You come here!” pointing to a spot right in front of stage – basically at Guruji’s feet - in the front of the shala. Ugh…I think he knows I don’t like to be in the front row – and b/c of that he always makes me go there…Whatever the reason, I acted as though I didn’t mind one bit.

Body felt a little tight this morning – due in part to the day of rest, the massage Friday, and the day of excitement and travel yesterday. Guruji always leads the Second series group on Sundays – and today I was oftly surprised that he kept things pretty slow (still faster than Sharath but much slower than usual)…Nice! Practice, in general, was quite nice once I found my groove. I practiced next to Nick, and a lovely lady whom I don’t know. My breath was good, and heat followed shortly after practice began. I wholeheartedly assumed I’d be stopping at Yoga Nidrasana as I had all week long…When it came time for Yoga Nidrasana Sharath came over and helped me get nice and deep in it. Afterwards, I started to get up to head to the back of the room and he told me to do one more pose – Tittibhasana A, B, and C… Now I’ve done this posture for a long time now – but I was a mess with it today in led practice (I’m assuming - but do keep in mind what they say about people who ASSUME things ;) that I had some difficulty with the asanas because it’s been almost three weeks since I last attempted them…But who knows). At any rate, I was extremely happy to be given the asana, and look forward to cleaning it up this week. In no rush – once he gives me the next posture – I’ll be stuck with it for quite sometime (forearm balance – but curious to see how much progress I will make with regard to jumping into Chaturanga from forearm while here in India – all in due time Krista)

After fumbling over myself in Tittibhasana (not that bad really), I picked up my mat and happily headed to the back of the room to begin closing sequence. Warm, sweaty, and glowing – I began backbends. And boy was I open today ;) I did several dropbacks – and realized that I could easily grab ankles today – so I did. Not only that but once I had my ankles, I was easily able to move my hands up my legs (like Sharath does to me) a few inches – not at the knees but close – straightened my legs, took deep breaths, and then stood up. Um…felt great. I blissfully flowed through the rest of closing sequence and took a delightful Shavasana.

On my way home, I stopped at a nearby produce stand and picked up some eggs, onion and tomato so I could whip up a little breakfast today (Sundays are holiday for Tina’s breakfast – so that gave me the opportunity to use the kitchen and make my own breakfast ;)

About to leave Anu's now and head back home to finish the last 15 pages of my book! I am sad it's almost over - but excited to start reading a new book ;)