Crashing a Yoga Class

Sunday was a beautiful free day, which we all desperately needed from traveling/ touring/ learning about the 4 cities in a week. It began when I crashed a yoga session on the lawn of the Mayfair Lagoon hotel at an early 6am. I tiptoed out to the class, which was already in session meditating. A sari-ed yoga participant motioned for me to take a spot, and I unraveled my orange mat and joined in, loving that the class was not in English. After 15 minutes, the instructor acknowledged my presence. I was the only non-Indian, and only participant wearing Lululemon and Be Present gear, so I guess I didn’t blend in too well with the class. He said something in Hindi or Oriya (the local language), then spoke in English to me since he saw I didn’t understand his question. He noticed that I am familiar with yoga and was free to join the class. I thanked him and continued practicing.

The class was over 90 minutes and it was amazing to be instructed in a foreign language. I followed the movements (not the traditional vinyasa flow I practice), and loved the breathing techniques. We practiced each of the following techniques for about 10-15 minutes: kapalabhati (forceful exhales and an energizing breath), bhastrika (also more forceful exhales), nadi shodana (alternate nostril breathing). Afterwards we did a few more movements, and even had a bout of laughing yoga… yes, there really is such a thing, and even more funny when people were pointing at a monkey swinging from a tree during the session.

I thanked the instructor and then had a lovely chat with the women. A few of them had children in the U.S., and they said they would see me tomorrow for yoga at 5:45 am. I spent the rest of the day keeping healthy with a run, delicious breakfast, then massage and manicure at the spa. Just gearing up for another long week.

Monday morning I was the first one to join the 5:45am yoga class, and loved every minute of the 90 minute class. I took a photo with the women of the class and yes, they performed the yoga in their saris. I also exchanged information with a husband and wife whose son is living in NY and will be visiting the city for 6 months. It is always fun to find new yogis to hang out with :)