playfulness and acroyoga

Paul demonstrating some more complex sequences
with the experienced Sita.

Safety first: Joel spots as Paul brings Liz up to "throne."

I'm all for a disciplined practice, but I also believe in play--that with all this intense sadhana, asana and svadyaya (self-study), there's a real need to just break loose and have fun. Do things that are out of the ordinary. Move the body in different ways. Stretch the mind outside whatever boxes we're used to.

Occasionally, I like to go dancing, moving to an external beat, enjoying hip-induced lateral movement. I enjoy Sunday afternoons after conference when friends set up the slackline at the Park by the Krishna Temple. It's a light experience though challenging in its own way, walking across it, body wobbling to the line, trying to remember to breathe. And over the last three months we've built a little community there.

This month, my dear friend Paul Millage is here from the Pacific Northwest and he brings with him acroyoga. (I know, I know. Sharath would probably have a thing or two to say about this relatively "new" adaptation of yoga.) But I really enjoy getting flown, taking my yoga practice, usually bound to a mat, into a really dynamic 3-dimensional space. I feel really challenged by being a base, but it feels good to support someone. It builds trust and communication. And beyond all else, it's fun and playful. And with this intensely crazy practice, I sometimes just need to play.

If you would like to check it out, classes are by donation, based on your own means.
Paul is teaching:

Tuesday 2-4pm
at Saraswathipuram,
Yellow House right behind the Palace Honda Showroom

and

Fridays 2-4pm
at Anokhi's Garden, Gokulam

Paul is also offering daily between 10:30-11:30am private sessions of a combination of Restorative Acro Yoga/Thai Massage. Suggested donation is Rp1000. To make an appointment, call 9945226641.