Yoga Ain't Cheap

Who says yoga is cheap?


I used to think yoga was less demanding (investment-wise) than other activities. You didn't need fancy equipment like those used in Pilates and TRX. No need for bike trails, boxing gloves or swimming pools.  All you needed was a mat. 

Pilates

Looking at my expense sheet, I have come to reconsider this notion. Yoga expenses in the beginning consisted of tops, bottoms, mats and towels. It was a slippery slope from there. Soon came the books, DVDs, lounge clothes, pillows, jackets, etc. 

Aparigraha aside, I do not regret the things I have bought. (Okay, maybe some of them. But most of them, I consider valuable and worthwhile :D) I know that a pair of shorts and a plain t-shirt will serve me just as well in my practice. I don't really need the technical gear. Or do I?

Beyond Yoga. Valuable and worthwhile :)

In my opinion, our yoga gear is a reflection of our commitment to our practice. It's true, we can practice in ratty houseclothes. But as I am the kind of person who takes care in my appearance (sometimes!) then I would also like to give the same level of attention and detail to a practice that I immerse myself in. 

So maybe I won't mind spending for a good mat and towel that I will use everyday. But I probably won't spring for "energy flow" sandals. (See here). Some people will! Kanya-kanya lang talaga...

Juil Sandals. They won't block your feet's natural energy flow

Sick Leave

Was sick over the weekend. Still recovering now. Skipped practice for 7 days. Went on antibiotics. Random thoughts that sprung up in my brain:

1. Is doing yoga in your head almost the same as actually doing yoga?

2. I should really use socks when teaching on cold floors

3. I'm always wishing I could rest more, but now that I am why am I really antsy to get back on the mat?

Will post more as soon as my schedule gets back to normal

A Yogi's Best Friends

Best Friend #1 - the chiropractor. Lower back pain, crick in the neck, tight shoulders - a trip to the chiropractor is a good way to relieve pain

Best Friend #2 - the girl who does your pedicure. Clean toenails are a must

Best Friend #3 - the manang who gives you a deep tissue massage. A nice soothing massage is a great way to relax after all the hard work

Ashtanga Yoga Lounge

On a whim, a bought a music CD from the recently concluded yoga conference. I normally don't buy "world music" but I thought, what the heck. I had already bought a ton of stuff at the conference and was probably over my luggage weight limit. One CD wouldn't hurt.

Stuck the CD in, turned up the volume and waited for the kitschy sitar music to start. Instead, some pretty chill lounge music started coming out.  Tracks like "Govinda Jaya Jaya" and " "He Ma Durga" were not folksy at all. (If you can call Sanskrit chanting folksy)

I highly recommend this CD to anyone who wants to spice up their practice with some cool sounds. It's also a great dinner party accompaniment :) 

The set is composed of 2 discs, with 12 songs each. Artists such as Donna de Lory, Oman Chali and Jami Seiber comprise the list.

Samadhi... aka Eating in Hong Kong

After yoga, what else is there to do in Hong Kong but eat? 

First stop, dinner at Peking Garden in Pacific Place. Great food, fast service, child friendly. You just need to book your table in advance as the restaurant gets filled up rather quickly.

Scallops with Broccoli

Baked Crab with Cheese

Peking Duck, specialty of the house

Steamed Cod Steak with Red Pepper

Spring Roll

Next, brunch in Cafe Gray at The Upper House. Located at the top floor of a swanky boutique hotel. Great view, attentive service, delicately flavored dishes.

Parma and Gruyere Quiche

Poached Eggs Florentine

Tagine Lamb Stew, Apricots and Pine Nuts

Onion and Truffle Tarte Flambee

Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate and Candied Orange

Lastly, merienda at Crystal Jade in Harbour City. Chinese fast food at its best.

Xiao Long Bao

Tofu Skin with Mushroom

Shanghai-style Pancake

Thanks Hong Kong for the yummy treats! The next Asia Yoga Conference is on June 7-10, 2012 but hopefully I won't need to wait till then to go back :)

Day 3 and 4: Asia Yoga Conference

 

Goodie bag for every conference participant

My haul: Anatomy books, a book by AG Mohan and an Ashtanga Lounge CD

Full house on Day 3. I counted about 100 participants

Ran into teacher Clayton Horton

Sharath talking about bandhas, and how engaging them will make lifts, jump backs and jump throughs "easy"

Getting my shirt autographed. Sharath was such a sport about it!

Day 1 and 2: Asia Yoga Conference

Banner up at 6 AM, Day 1

Getting ready: Toe tape, water spray, towels and Kleenex for early morning sniffles

(pardon the yucky foot)

Early birds filing in. Hi Roland! Hi Monique! Hi Matty!

Manila contingent. Represent! Thanks Matty for taking this picture

My claim to fame: Sharath placed his arm around me. Haha!

(It's not obvious in the picture, but he did!)