Life is Short World Tour 2012 - Half-time analysis

Euro 2012 is currently on and I have enjoyed the match analysis on BBC1 with Gary Linekar and company.  So it’s appropriate that I do some analysis on my trip so far.

This is what I wrote when I started my trip

 Life is Short World Tour 2012

I had 2 main goals – Catch up with people and Expose my yoga practice to new & different environments and teachers.

On the social front, it has been Brilliant (I’m in the UK now … doesn’t feel right to use ‘Awesome’).  I have seen many old, dear friends (one whom I have not seen in 17 years) and family, enjoyed many laughs, met up with my ex-consulting bosses and colleagues.  I also had a long overdue holiday with my parents in Italy and am having a lovely time with my brother, sister-in-law & rapidly growing nieces in London.  These are things that you cannot put any numerical value on.  They are experiences I treasure and memories I will savour.

On the practice front, it’s been abysmal on an initial evaluation.  The injury I suffered on the 3^rd day of my trip was quite serious so I was not able to do my normal practice.  I did mainly self-practice and even on the rare occasion, when I practiced in the shalas, I did a very modified baby practice and I didn’t want any adjustments.   Upon closer scrutiny however, I am actually doing a better practice.  I am really watching and listening to my body; trying to figure out differences if I activate certain muscles versus relaxing & stretching other ones.  Yoga is about being present in the moment, the ability to surrender, letting go and trying to remain detached.  I think I succeeded in progressing in all those areas although I still have moments of frustration and doubt over my physical practice.

I was also fortunate that even with my injury, I was able to teach 6 Mysore classes (4 in Melbourne, 2 in Hawaii).  It made me realise how much I missed my classes back home.  The students were warm, receptive and gracious, a definite reflection on their teachers and the energy in their shalas. Definitely a trip highlight!  Many thanks - you know who you are :o)

I also learnt that being busy all the time isn’t necessarily always a good thing.  For me, when I do a lot, it feels good because I'm hyped up with adrenalin.  However, it can be overwhelming.  On the other hand, when I do less, I can savour every moment, every sensation.  When I have solitude, you have the quiet time to think, to reflect … and to fully appreciate what I have.

Ok, the whistle has blown, back to the second half.  Plus, Wimbledon has begun and the Olympics is next :o)