On Sunday, the day after I arrived into Santa Fe,  my host Brenda drove myself and yoga teacher Julie to the Hanuman Temple in Taos. We had been invited by John Friend to participate in the Hanuman Chalisa( devotional song) at the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram.

It was my first time at an Ashram (ooohhh) and I was pretty excited to check it out( would there be people levitating!?!)  We were late( love getting lost) but  found spots in the crowded Hanuman Temple right up by Hanuman. I’m not sure if my nervousness was from my teacher beside me, the size of the illuminating Hanuman, because I didn’t know temple protocol( can I get up to visit the bathroom?) because the chant was new to me or if I was feeling the energy of 30 or so people all chanting together. I was abuzz( too much coffee??)  and I found it hard to offer my blessings and thanks because of the energetic pulse. I figured Hanuman would understand with it being my first time so I made my offering of organic Brazil nuts and made my way outside for the Merry Band picnic on the Ashram grounds( after about 10+rounds of the Chalisa).

After the delicious lunch and chai from the Ashram, a few of us were invited to attend the 2hr yoga class guided by John at the ShreeYoga Studio in Taos, a new studio run by three bright women, Suki, Amani and Genevieve, www.shreeyogataos.com

John opened the class by playing their beautiful gong, he was a professional drummer and to hear the sounds he invoked from the gong made the hairs on my arm raise up. It was a great way to get everyone's attention and everyone got quiet quick to soak up the sounds.

John’s theme for the opening of the class was honoring the goddess and Shri. I found it fitting especially since the studio was owned by 3 women. John talked about Saraswati, Lakshmi and Kali and inspired us to infuse the different goddesses’ attributes in our poses. Saraswati is the fundamentals, coming back to the basics, Lakshmi is the expansion in the pose, the beauty and Kali is the raw power needed to fuel the energy. Shri means ‘auspicious beauty’or ‘Absolute goodness’ and each pose combined the attributes of the goddess so as to embody and celebrate Shri.

I had the great pleasure of being assisted by Darren Rhodes( known as Anusara ‘s poster boy) for the pose Pincha Mayurasana. He is a great teacher and allowed me to find my way in the pose, even though I was fighting jet lag and altitude. Of course I had to put my best effort into it but I also felt his support which made the pose seem quite easy, so thanks Darren!! I’m very pleased to say that Darren and I are talking about his future trip to Ireland, accompanied by his wife, Bronwin whose album ‘Bhavana’ is a worthwhile investment to any good music collection( available on itunes)  Make sure to check out the poster Darren put together as it is a great yoga reference. Available at www.yogaoasis.com or www.anusara.com

John had us moving through a variety of poses and my favorite was one-arm Urdhva Dhanusana push-ups. I didn’t think it was possible  and I had to  cultivate so much Kali power to blast through and dissolve my doubts!

The studio provided some delicious snacks and more chai (yum!) after we could all gather together. It was an amazing day, especially with a quick trip back to the Hanuman temple with certified Anusara teacher from Texas, Becky. This time the  Hanuman temple was empty; with the quiet in the room I was able to offer gratitude for the extraordinary day and ask for blessings from Hanuman. It was so lovely and especially being able to shop in the ashram store again!! Then a visit to Whole Foods, where I took such pleasure in all the delicious offerings available and felt the abundance of healthy food choices around me, all the organic chocolate!!!!

The whole day was an amazing experience; to connect with the larger Anusara community, to re-connect with old friends and to meet new ones was such a blessing. It was also a great way to start my week of training especially with that extra practice with John. I felt so lucky to have taken part in a magical adventure with the Merry Band in the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico!

More experiences to be shared over the next few days, stay tuned! 

Jai Hanuman!!!! With Blessings!