With two days until takeoff, I have had a rich opportunity to savor the range of pre-travel anxieties. Will I get sick from bad water? (Only drink from bottles opened in front of you, it is said.) Will I need an emergency root canal? (I addressed this by getting my last wisdom tooth pulled recently, as the thought of ayurvedic dentistry exceeded my cross-cultural capacity.)
However, with a bit of yogic contemplation, I've discovered my deepest fear: the Tom Delay factor. Mr. Delay took the art of making a fool of oneself to a new height by performing the cha-cha on "Dancing with the Stars." The sight of the Exterminator wiggling his butt for the camera, and getting down on his knees to the tune of the Trogs' "Wild Thing" revealed the potential of utter depravity in late middle age. Why should I be immune to this human frailty?
There is the fear of appearing a fool in front of the teachers in Mysore. If I'm a passable yoga student in Kentucky, where will I fit into the matrix of students at the World's Best Yoga Studio? Not high, I know. Worse than the fear of being thought a fool by teachers halfway around the world is the concern about one's friends and peers at home. What the dickens is this guy doing, they might ponder? Shouldn't he be on a tour of major league baseball parks, or at most riding a Harley-Davidson through the Rockies? Those activities might inspire mild disdain, but going to India invites full-bore derision.
One thing is for sure: no video of me doing the down dog will make its way to YouTube.
Cheers.
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No derision here, homes. You are a credit to your discipline and your country, a damn sight more than "The Hammer" can claim.
ReplyDeleteHere's a prayer to stick to your mat:
O God, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace; and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation;
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
And here's one we'll say for you (and for your family here) while you're gone:
O God, our heavenly Father, whose glory fills the whole creation, and whose presence we find wherever we go: Preserve Jim, Tey and their loved ones; surround them with your loving care; protect them from every danger; and bring them in safety to their journey's end; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
You know that the quality of the pose isn't in the physical execution of it. I think this is probably best known in India than anywhere. How can you judge whether someone is adequately engaging the bandhas? So, no judgment, at least not of the DeLay-type (who's dancing - if that's what we're going to call it - is simply enough to make you squirm).
ReplyDeleteAlso, I think ayurvedic dentistry may simply involve herbs, pulse diagnosis, abhyanga, and at worse, some sort of purging exercise. I doubt they would actually remove the tooth.
If in doubt, you should talk to Shae. She's had a medical encounter just about every time she's been to India (moped wreck, dog bite).
After having brazenly performed your pagan observances before Runge's neighbors on Lake Barkley, how can you worry about how they'll be received anywhere?
ReplyDeleteJim,
ReplyDeleteAs Yoda would say, "In situational awareness, not lacking are you". Looking forward to your posts.
Jim... Once there, you will discover how very well Laura's students are prepared for the whole experience, on the mat, in the shala and on the streets of Mysore. We have been so fortunate to have great teachers..and Sharath and Saraswati welcome Laura's students. My prayers and well wishes for your journey. Namaste, my friend!
ReplyDeleteHave a safe flight. We'll be thing of you during burned cabin this Sunday.
ReplyDelete