“Magic is a shift in perception.” – Sharon Gannon

As many of you know, I spent this past month at Jivamukti Yoga’s teacher training at the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY. The experience was almost indescribable; other than to say it was absolutely beautiful, perfect in every way, and definitely magical (in every sense of the word.)

I kept a journal of some thoughts/experiences I had while at Omega – some to do with the training, some about the enchanting surroundings of Omega, but really just one or two lines of something that happened on that day.  Some entries more exciting than others, but all meaningful in some way.

♥Love and blessings to Sharon-ji, David-ji, Lady Ruth, Emma-ji, Gayatri, Tina, Tomo and Petros for sharing your knowledge and love, and for making what I already thought was going to be an incredible month even more incredible than I could have ever imagined. Also a special thank you to Tamar-ji – although you weren’t physically there, you were with me every step of the way ♥

Day 1

So much nervous energy! During intros tonight, Sharon gave my cookies a shout-out! I wasn’t even going to mention them! I was touched by everyone’s intro, and sometimes surprised. So very excited to start this journey 🙂

Day 2

My assist from Lady Ruth today was a pat on the head 🙂

Emma asked me to lead om-ing in our mentor group meeting today ॐ

Ruth demo-ed a shavasana assist on Sharon. It was beautiful to watch. Sharon looked like an angel ♥

Day 3

Everyone keeps telling me how great I look in bright colors – Jiva should rethink the black uniforms…Sharon gave me an amazing assist in crow pose; I really need to get this “ribs in” thing down – so difficult when you are upside down! I was dreading the kriya lecture, but neti-ing really wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. I kind of liked it…

Day 4

During our lecture today, Sharon said that if I were a dog, I would be a Pekingese

Day 5

Partnered with Lady Ruth during our afternoon practical for the Warrior II assist 🙂 Sharon-ji showed me an assist afterwards, and I got to practice it on Petros. Woah.

Day 6

IT’S SANSKRIT DAY!

Day 7

Manorama asked me to chant for her, and told me she was touched by my practice ♥

Day 8

Ruth’s eyes are magical.

Day 9

So happy I read the Hatha Yoga Pradipika before coming here…

Day 10

Feeling like I can really do this. Each day I am here I want it more and more.

Day 11

Actually enjoyed taking the midterm (I know, I am a super-nerd).

I was invited to Sharon-ji and David-ji’s table at lunch, and David turns to me and says, “So, I’ve heard you memorized Samadhi Pada. Why not the rest of it?” Oy…

Radanath Swami appeared on stage as we came out of shavasana in the chakra tuning class. What an amazingly perfect ending to a beautifully powerful class.

May 4th – Day off (kind of)

Ecstatic chant weekend – no words.

Sharon-ji pulls me aside to introduce me to Gaura Vani (!), introduces me as a Sanskrita (!!!), and tells him I paid my tuition in cookies 🙂

May 5th – Day off (kind of)

I helped build the altar for the next day ♥

Day 14

IT’S SUTRA DAY!

Day 15

I was using a block during standing spinal twist and Petros came over to give me an assist. He asked if something hurt me if I didn’t use the block. When I answered no, he took the block and literally threw it away. Literally. Threw it. Guess I don’t need a block in standing spinal twist…

Day 16

The field is covered in fog and the sunlight shining through the trees and fog is breathtaking.

Day off

First truly rainy day we have had since being here. I am enjoying it 🙂

Day 17

During walking meditation in the woods, there were these tiny orange lizards scurrying around. They were beautiful and blended in with the leaves covering the earth. I thought lizards only lived in warm climates, and certainly never thought of them being in NY. So happy I’ve discovered them!

Sandhi came into full fire-fly on my hips while I was in half-wheel, and then Emma decided to lie over me while I was in full-wheel. There must be something about my hips today…

This afternoon I watched a rabbit eating dinner. It would methodically bite dandelions from the bottom of the stalk and slowly pull the rest in it’s mouth. Then I felt like I was being rude by staring, and went back inside.

Day 18

Any knowledge I had in my brain has oozed out of my ears, and I know nothing.

Bhumikas. Enough said.

Day 20

I’ve taught two full classes, and took the final. It’s really weird to not have to study tonight, but I get to enjoy the open class tomorrow stress free! I can’t believe this is almost over!

Day 21

Graduation day! When called up to receive my official certificate, I am introduced by Emma-ji as being “from” the Jivamuktea Cafe 🙂 While I’ve always been a part of the Jiva family, and often even confused for already being a teacher, I can now officially say I am a Jivamukti Yoga Teacher. YAY!