|
In the Ashram, we wake to the sound of a bell at 5:30. I get up quickly so I have time to visit the kitchen for tea before meditation begins at 6. Of course, Benjamin has been there a long time already, baking bread and playing music.
|
When silent meditation begins, the sky is still dark. From the meditation room, we can hear the sound of the waves surging and crashing onto the beach. By the time we have finished chanting, it is 7:30, and the sky is bright.
|
At 8am, we begin 2 hours of yoga here, on this open, roofed platform overlooking the water.
|
Yesterday I tried my first headstand, with physical support from the teacher.
|
another headstand neophyte.
|
This Sivananda ashram is on Paradise Island in the Bahamas. The natural setting is lush and beautiful. It is my first experience of yoga in its spiritual context.
|
At 10am, we have our first meal of the day. Student volunteers of the ashram do the cooking and cleanup, but all guests are encouraged help, and everyone does dishes. Last night I worked in the kitchen cleaning huge pots and trays after dinner. It reminded me of being on kibbutz 25 years ago. And the funny thing is that the Swami and many of the yogis are Israeli.
|
This couple is here for a month doing ‘karma yoga’. This means they are committed to do 5 hours of work on the ashram each day, along with studying yoga and meditation. Painting, laundry, cooking, cleaning and office work – these are all jobs done by the karma students.
|
 |
This sounds like the makings of a profound spiritual experience! And your shots are great.......I especially love the vine and the one after it (of the deck.)
Carley · 2007-11-13: 11:33
|
 |
i think, but i don't know if i'm original: This sounds like the makings of a profound spiritual experience! And your shots are great.......I especially love the vine and the one after it (of the deck.). so: nice set!
pressapposky · 2007-11-13: 11:37
|
 |
Great sharing of spiritual and physical learning It looks like a wonderful place to be and find oneself
Lumierenatural · 2007-11-13: 13:17
|
 |
These are really amazing shots! And yes, Lucky is gone. He ran away when the garage door was left open and no one was home =*( oh well...
yessi222 · 2007-11-13: 14:55
|
 |
I agree with yessi222: amazing shots :-)
ronin53 · 2007-11-13: 15:14
|
 |
Superb! Great serie and nice people. Congrats!
davidcardona · 2007-11-13: 20:21
|
 |
*beaming*
tortoise · 2007-11-14: 00:41
|
 |
Very nice reportage! Standing on one's head can be rather lightning.
cavist · 2007-11-14: 09:33
|
 |
this is a fantastic set. it's always so stimulating to read one's blog when there are new things to be learned. this, as pressapposky stated, is definitely a beginning spiritual experience. enjoy your time there it seems absolutely amazing. lovely photographs.
MidsummerSilence · 2007-11-14: 10:13
|
 |
May I ask what Ashram you're visiting?
DurgaRising · 2007-11-14: 12:44
|
 |
Great photos.
maharba · 2007-11-14: 14:36
|
 |
Delightful!
Sheldon · 2007-11-14: 23:33
|
 |
Really nice work
Gallone · 2007-11-16: 15:38
|
 |
Thanks for having us sharing these moments with you... I should try one day to get rid of my stressed life somehow :)))
jendayee · 2007-11-19: 12:35
|
|
|
|
