The road to Hana and Yoga
Yesterday, we drove to Hana. It's such a symbolic trip because it really is a journey not a destination. That is, there is nothing really to get to. You can stop along the way and see myriad waterfalls, go on hikes, visit botanical gardens, stop on beaches. Most people cruise the 42 or so miles, on a very windy road with more than 50 one lane bridges to get to the "Seven Sacred Pools" in Haleakala Park, and dip in these swimming holes. The "Seven Sacred Pools" is phrase that was made up by a hotelier who wanted to bring people over to Hana. But the phrase is a misnomer as there are more than 7 pools and they are not sacred! We decided to go on the hike right in Haleakala Park and we hiked up about two miles, crossing through a mystical bamboo forest to get to a gorgeous waterfall over a rock face. We passed along the way a huge banyan tree whose branches become roots. And again, the highlight was the bamboo forest- hundreds of bamboos, the soft knocking of the hollow tree makes such a sweet sound.
We were really spent not only from the long hour hike but from the drive back. It's two hours driving on a very windy road with no street lights and very sharp turns. I drove to and fro, which was crazy but I had to do it cause I notice that I got sick when I was a passenger, not when I was driving. I almost threw up one time my boyfriend was driving.
Today we took it easy. We went to Skeeter's practice at The Yoga Studio in Haiku. She really impresses me with her spaciousness and fierce strength. We focused on the theme of humility and she contextualized it by talking about the inner body versus the outer body. We focused on Pelvic and Kidney Loop. They are after all such a great complement to each other and Pelvic Loop helps ground you from the pelvis all the way down energetically and Kidney loop compliments that and from the waist it lifts you up. We had a hard class but it didn't feel hard. We probably did just one sun salute, just one! But then with some conscious standing poses and thigh stretches, we then ventured into Natarajasana, Full Eka Pada Bhekasana, Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Droppings with one leg forward, Urdhva and drop backs! It sounds really difficult but again her energy, the spaciousness that she holds, her encouragement to move from the inside and to pay attention to the breath was so powerful and sweet that it made the challenges accessible. I left feeling great and hope to return to her one last time before we leave.
Lastly, today I had an insight about vacations. They are like meditations. You know how when you meditate, how it takes like 15 to 20 minutes for the mind to start to calm down? And then comes the sweet stillness and quiet bliss? For the most part? Well, that's what I felt like today- we've been her almost 10 days and today I felt like I really dropped into Maui. Today I felt like I dropped into her relaxed mood and her mellow way. It takes a while to let go and truly surrender, even on a vacation.
We have a few days left- I'm already starting to miss Maui.
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