Monday October 12, 2009 brought about the first day of the Anusara Yoga Advanced Therapeutics at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Monastery in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The monastery is run by the cutest nuns (can you say that?) who walk around in big hats and brown robes; the grounds of the Monastery was built on a bed of rose quartz and is lovingly cared for.

The actually room we practiced in was a gymnasium but had been transformed in a mandir ( Temple) with the most amazing murties  placed auspiciously around. We observed temple protocol, no shoes (obviously), silence before and after the workshops and an acknowledgment of the ‘Source’ before entering and leaving. You touch the floor with your right hand, then your heart and try not to leave the room with your back to the murties, stepping in or out of the room with your right foot first. I forgot only once and yet still managed to feel like a naughty school girl.

This training was titled ‘Advanced Therapeutics’ but in my eyes it was ‘John and the Highest Teachings’ and to be honest, there is no way that I can even describe everything John talked and shared with us. I can tell you it was one of the most amazing workshops I’ve ever attended; John was at his best and every ounce, cell, particle, knowledge, insight and wisdom of his being was being downloaded to us. It  truly was a blessing to be there, a real gift to share in the experience and my teaching and understanding of Anusara Yoga will be forever changed.

The practices in the morning were about steady discipline, or at least my experience was. To be completely mindful of every moment, from the placement of hands, finger pads, feet, never wavering in the commitment to align to the highest, to be completely present in every breath and allow the flow of Shakti to EXPAND. It was totally awesome. Afternoons included talks from John, client work and therapy sessions; it was fascinating work and enriching to be a part of.

On Tuesday night I was invited to a special gathering in honor of John at our host’s house, Wendy. We shared bio-dynamic wine( who knew?) which I will now try to consciously drink from here on in( if you don't know google it!). We had delicious food blessed by John and shared in great company. There was even a little dance party with music played by Roger who rocked it out with great funk and groovy sounds( my favorite). I felt so welcomed and it was wonderful to connect with the greater Kula outside of the yoga venue and hang out with other teachers and John in a casual setting.

With John being  my main teacher and now that I’m moving through the certification process, it creates a relationship that allows for deeper transmission. And John being the incredible intuitive individual called on me and he reminded in his powerful yet gracious way what my Dharma ( duty) is.  I felt the tears welling up, because he spoke directly to my heart and  I managed to keep composed, just. Imagine a room full of your peers and your teacher who is speaking  so intimately to you, to those dark places you don’t want to share and he blasts straight in and gets to the point, reminding YOU of what is important. I of course, had to be in the pose pigeon at the time, nothing like hip and heart openers to make the experience even more intense! I cannot say thank you enough to him and I feel so grateful for that gift of remembrance, for his time and his blessings towards me.

Some of my favorite high-lights included the the Japa Mala meditation. This photo was taken by John and one can see the light sparkling in  the room being created by our chanting of  'Om Namah Shivaya' 

 Another amazing experience was the Gong Bath by Gong Master Richard Rudis.  This was an overwhelming sound journey of healing.  During the peak of it, I felt like my cells were being exploded out of my body and cleansed. Everyone's eyes were incredibly sparkling after and alight up from within from 1 hour of being 'Gonged'. I highly recommend attending a Gong bath if one comes near you, seriously. It was a wild ride!

As with any great workshop, the opportunity to meet many new friends is immediate and to see old friends. I fell in love with Charlotte and Jacqueline, who came from Trinidad and Tobago. We limed( hung out) and had great laughs, as anyone will do when hanging out with Trini’s. And to Meg and Paulette, Darryl-Lynn, James Higgins, Shea, Bill Dorgian and Tony who received his certification on Wednesday, so awesome!  I was able to connect with the Bliss Brothers, Primo and Peter, two amazing individuals  who will hopefully be stopping in Ireland in the future and many others. And many many thanks to my amazing host Brenda who put me up for the week. She is a wonderful person  with so much kindness and generousity; she helped make the trip even more special for me. 

 Also thanks to Kelly, John’s tour manager for her amazing ability to organize and look after so many details. I look forward to working on an Ireland experience that no one will forget when John arrives here next July 2010! It was a fantastic journey into Yoga, community and therapeutics and I look forward to sharing what I was given over the next upcoming months!

*don't forget Marc Holzman is here this week-end at Yoga Dublin! It will be more awesome asana! www.yogadublin.com for all the info!!!

With love and blessings!

Tahnee