A gentleman who goes by the name Nand Lal made his way into the Yoga Room in the beginning of October to immerse himself in one full month of practice. I was told that his plan was to travel to Mysore to study at the shala. Since the shala was fully booked at the time he intended to go, he searched the web for plan B. The result: traveling to Dubai. Needless to say, I was overcome with many feelings - curiosity, happiness, and admiration. Nand lives and works in Saudi Arabia. This is his story - happy reading!
"My father used to practice classical hatha yoga since his youth. He taught my siblings and me when we were children and made us practice at least 3 days a week. He’d also make us wake up early for practice on weekends, which I dreaded! I loved sleeping in on weekends. When I joined college and was out of his sight, I immediately stopped practicing yoga!
In 2010, I found an Ashtanga yoga book by Anton Simmah in a medical university book fair. I kept the book in closet for so many years until I developed severe muscle spasms in my back. All medications provided temporary relief. One day while searching for some documents, I retrieved the book that’s been hidden away for so long. The book reveals some of the history and philosophy of yoga together with its more practical aspects. I used this book as a guide to start practicing yoga again, and I fell in love with the practice. I never thought I’d sweat so much and feel so energetic throughout the day. I ordered Melanie Fawer’s Mysore-style Ashtanga yoga DVD and David Swensen’s Practice Manual.
I have been practicing Ashtanga yoga for 6 months now. When I first started practicing Ashtanga yoga, I loved it so much that I practice six days a week since the beginning. I work and live in Saudi Arabia; I couldn’t find any yoga shala or teacher offering private lessons, so I practice at home with the help of books and DVDs. Despite yoga not being popular where I live and work, I am well aware of its physical, psychological and subtle benefits. Moreover, I’ve experienced it in my practice and daily life since I became more dedicated to the practice. If I don’t practice, it feels like something is missing.
I really wanted to visit Dubai since my uncle lives here and there are so things to do and experience in the city! After 5 months of self-practice, I realized it was time to study with a qualified teacher who can correct and assist me in my practice. So I browsed through the list of teachers on the KPJAYI website, I found that a level-2 authorized teacher, Nea Ferrier, is teaching Mysore-style at the Yoga Room.
When I attended my first Mysore class, it was as if I was practicing Ashtanga yoga for the first time! I strongly recommend that people practice Ashtanga yoga in presence of a qualified teacher. Mysore style gives you the opportunity to move on your own pace according to your own flexibility and strength. Everybody has his or her own roadblocks and challenges. For some, it might take days to move on to the next posture while it might take months for others. However, the teacher is equally focusing on all students and helping wherever required. By watching some advanced practitioners in the same class, you are inspired and motivated to someday reach their level.
I have developed great focus throughout my yoga journey, which has helped me a lot in my meditation. Also, I surprisingly get less angry than I once used to. Practicing under the guidance of a teacher for one month has set a good foundation for my practice. This will help me maintain a daily practice when I am back at home. Every posture challenges your body and mind, which is fun. I’ve lost around 8.5 kg since I started practicing and my waistline reduced from size 38 to 35. I think my wife will make sure that I practice everyday *laughs*!"