Today is the last day and we will head back soon, to experience the same sequence again which includes (in this order):

Standing poses and Vinyasa

Hip openers and Hand balancings

Thigh stretches and Backbends

Forward bends and twists

Meditation and Savasana

Between each section there is a small meditation practice. We were asked before we got here, by the Anusara office via an email, to refrain from talking or using the bathroom during the practice. To treat the studio as if it was a mandir or temple. To embody a quality of introspection and devotion is how I took it- to hold the center so that we can practice with such focus and intensity. I does help to walk in to a room filled with yogis and not feel that out-of-control vata energy that very often is the case in these workshops. People seemed very grounded, centered and happy to be here. John is suntanned, seems calm and centered as well. It always is so nice to seem him and afterwards I got to spend a few moments with him and tell him how I was doing. In fact, after the practices, John invited all us to look at the Anusara Center that will open up in Encinitas in March. A bunch of us went to the location, right next to the Self-Realization Fellowship and right next to the ocean. It must be about 2,000 square feet of bright, warehouse-like space, with brick walls, windows and skylights. John has so many ideas and visions for the center and he really wants to make it a place where we share our yoga with the world. Then we all walked over towards Swami's beach to watch some whales (wow!) and the sunset.

As far as the practices themselves I thought it was interesting that we were all given the syllabi of poses we were going to do for four hours. Since you had the paper in your hand you knew what was to come, and it is quite intimidating to see all that is coming. My thoughts jumped a little bit into fear and worry that I wouldn't be able to do all that was asked. But as it usually happens, if you go one step at a time, one pose at a time, you end up doing it all. Also it helps that John is a master teacher of asana and he has a masterful way of getting you into the poses and keeping you there by connecting to your heart, to your mind and your sprit. I always learn so much from him. 

I am not sore this morning. I actually feel really good today (it helped that Mackie and I slept for 10 hours last night!). We are off to get some Acai bowls for breakfast and go to the practices for one more day!

Have a wonderful day everyone.