Diary of a Yoga retreat - Day 6 - am class

Today is Friday. Traditionally we do a led class. This means that the teacher calls the postures and we all complete them together, including her (the teacher). Ashtanga Yoga is a set series of physical postures (asanas) . The same postures are practiced every time in the same sequence. The class practices together, uniting breath, movement and spirit.

Today, I felt absolutely amazing. Each breath had a sweetness to it, a power that joined the breath. My body was feeling liberated. I do love this practice.

To the right of me, my beloved teacher calling the shots. To the left, the sweet girl from Ubud, she is living here in Bali. She is also a yoga teacher and a cool woman.

Really this practice lights up my soul, every movement. Suryanamaskara B. Left foot turns out, right foot steps forward. Inhale the arms to prayer above the head. My heart lifts as my spirit soars and I feel truly fantastic. It has been six days now, morning and afternoon practice and my body is beginning to respond. Just like the books say it will. Hard to get the time to practice like this in my real world. Family life does not allow for morning and afternoon practice like this retreat does. This practice of yoga really works to unite the body, mind and soul. It just takes a little bit of time and practice. That is what Pattabhi Jois (founder of Ashtanga Yoga) says, "practice, practice and all is coming"

My period is nearly over and my energy is returning to me. Feelings of bliss and love overwhelm me and I am thinking I am starting to sound like a hippie from the hills. Byron is not so far removed from that is it not?

I look around the room at all the different people. It is comforting to know we are breathing the same, we are moving together. I am thankful for finding this practice at this time of my life.

Pattabhi Jois, of Mysore, South India also says that the Ashtanga Yoga practice is like a massage from the inside out and today I felt exactly what he was talking about. Today, I felt as though I was massaging out any impurities from my body and mind and definitely my soul. Really rather intoxicating actually. Yes indeed. Feeling good now baby"

My breath and body feel clear and free and open. It is a great situation and the view behind me does not disappoint this morning. Rice paddies and opening lotus flowers behind me. Never has the view from Ardo Mukhas Svanasana (downward dog) looked so good.

Every posture in that practice today seemed relevant, as though today, all the postures hit a spot within me that was needed.39 years of age I am. I am feeling stronger than ever before. I am regenerating myself. How wonderful.

Mentally, I have a way to go, I understand that. This yoga is helping me to drop some of my issues within and I feel if I continue with this practice that I will slowly but surely dissolve many of my hidden troubles and trips within. Also very comforting at this age. Old age is starting to look peaceful and welcoming.

We all lay down in sarvasana (resting pose) at the end of the class. Today I did not feel a twitch or a movement, nothing, very unusual for me. Normally I am itching to get going, into the world, get the kids and the day happening. Not here though, I have given myself this time to stop and relax and just be. It is working and that feels great.

I realize it was the correct decision to come here to Bali. Many of my friends questioned the worth of attending a 10 day strong retreat on a tropical island as the first break from my family in over 7 years. Today, it is very clear to me that the decision was the right one. I will return to my family replenished and ready to give them everything I have. I have so much more to give now, after this break.