So I wish I had had the opportunity to muse while I was in the moment; however, no computer available. Pam did bring hers, but with her new found responsibilities, I did not have the desire to share my thoughts at 3:00 in the mornings. For those of you who don't know my friend Pam, she is part of my Kula, part of Jesse's girls (that is a whole other story). She was approached by Yoga Journal, the sponsor of the conference, to have her blog listed on their website for all the world to see. Pam is an AMAZING writer, and her blog is wonderful. I have her listed in my links and friends area...you should take a look-see. Anywho, with her obligation to her readers and fans, she spent any free time on the computer...her public awaits! Love you Pammy!!
So now I am back at home, back to my world. Still on somewhat of a high, getting back into routines and schedules. Before I go any further, I really want to thank those who made this adventure possible!!
First and foremost my husband Jason! He without a doubt is the best husband in the world. He supports me in my endeavors, and with out question or doubt, is behind me 150%. Thank you my love for your support and encouragement to go after my dreams. I could not do it without your belief in me!
Secondly my mom. She willingly kept my children while I was gone. She got them ready in the mornings for school, did homework with them, fed them, bathed them and made sure they got a good nights rest. All the while working full time, she still made sure my children came first...THANKS MOM!! I love you!
Thirdly, one of my bestest-estes-estes friends CJ. She picked my children up from school everyday, and bravely made the journey (with her boys in tote as well-totaling4 boys in her suv)to drop them off with my brother. Thank you again CJ for your support, and your bravery in toting my children all around Laredo for me. YOU ROCK!
Lastly, but definitely not LEAST, my brother Tony and his wife Veronica. They kept the boys at their house until my mom got off of work. Thanks for feeding my children if they were wanting a snack and dealing with the noise after a long day in the classroom with your own students. I appreciate it beyond words!
Okay, whew...can there be more? It took how many people to help so I could escape for a few days?? JEEZ! Well it worked it only took half of Laredo to help out, but I made it!
SO how can I possible condense this trip? I have so much to say about it, but I know you all don't have all day to read one blog...especially those from my kula who read 50 million others...(we like to read and blog in our gang).
So I will try this condensed version and may have to elaborate in future rants!
Total time gone- Sunday, Sept 21-Thursday, Sept. 25
Opening ceremonies on Sunday evening.
Every morning began with 45min meditation lead by a different philosophy scholar daily. Master class with the founder of the Anusara Yoga Method, John Friend, from 9:30-12:30. Different theme each day, but I will say this people...we were 800 students in the class...that's right 800! During the practice he wanted us up in handstand...okay so picture with partners...at different times 400 people going up into handstand (remember we are working with partners). AMAZING! Class each day enlightening, inspiring, energizing, invigorating, loving, challenging...I can go on and on.
Everyday I had a different afternoon workshop. Here was the deal:
**Monday- Noah Maze with "Hanuman's Leap"( basically a class where the end result is the splits- called monkey pose in English)Yeah BABY! Advil for me the next day..all day! oh yeah my body, especially the lower half, talked to me all day...well screamed really all day!
**Tuesday- Sarah Faircloth with "Draw into the midline"- arm balances---really cool party tricks!
**Wednesday- Sianna Sherman with "backbends"- no explanation needed. I was in some amazing pretzel poses folks...things I had never done before and poses I had not been able to get into I did. I left that class in such a high, with such a glow and kick ass spirit!
All my teachers certified Anusara Yoga teachers and ALL fab! There were so many classes to choose from, it was really hard, but I was very pleased!! More than very...very very!
I have to say though the first full day, Monday, I was really tired, and skipped a lecture with the philosophy experts(don't tell John Friend), and went to my room. Pammy skipped with me and we hung out and were in bed by 8:20. That really helped me for the rest of the time there.
I will post some pics soon, and elaborate then on some more key things about Estes Park YMCA of the Rockies, and the FIRST EVER Anusara Yoga Grand Gathering!
