Day Two: Rainy Vancouver

Day Two... A rainy Vancouver day mid-winter... On the island in an industrial building with some charms and picturesque surroundings, we meet for a week of Yin Yoga, theory, philosophy, practice, science... Not to mention the amazing food at the market here on Granville Island!

By yet another Herculean effort to get up at 4 am and prepare for an extended yin class with Bernie, proved successful against all of my previous stresses. It is a miracle even to me as I record it now. The alarm did not got off, but some spirit woke me out of one of my best sleeps in months.. From a huge cocoon of a king sized, cozy bed, with just the right weight of down covers, in a silent room with fresh air and darkness, I sat up unsure of where exactly I was.  I made two cups of coffee upstairs which my hosts have so generously made a simple task. I wash my nasty hair with a new shampoo without sulphates, and wow.. I'm feeling better from this prolonged nasal infection, flu, and eye woes..

Yes.. I think I am finally on the mend.. This sleep was so restorative.. Smooth moves to the car, to the Island.. And onto my mat, once again on time. My older sicker sister was not here and a brighter, more centered and rested woman took her place.

And then Chanting, ( familiar chant but with newer pronunciations ) and the meditation and Yin Practice begin.  Bernie is prompt.. I mean we start on the dot.. And that is how it rolls..

This particular morning practice is poetic. Bernie is more relaxed and his instruction is light and fun and fresh. I hear how much he loves what he does... And I relate. I hear phrases I wish I could have written down but I am in some extreme hip-opening asana; dragon in three versions, and trying to still my angry mind, and uncomfortable pelvis.. But I do it.. And the rest of the day I surf this wave of surrender in a glorious way. I mean, dudes.. The magic of Yin yoga is the missing link that heals the western madnesses of push, shove, be better, bigger, richer, smarter,.... Faster.. Agghhh. What a gift I have, hopefully to bring to my students; to myself.

Time is the gift.. Linger, marinate..breathe, be still.. Go cellular.

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