The moment I stepped into my Mysore apartment, I couldn't help but sigh. After long lines, long flights, and long conversations I arrived, with only the clothes I was wearing, my mat and my carried-on supply of Counter Culture coffee (oh, and a little Sam James for good measure). It was a tough journey; I won't lie. However, turning the key in the lock and opening the door into the life that I have here brought only one thought to my mind: home.
Settling in for my third trip has been unexpectedly easy. Even though I arrived a bit earlier than my luggage, I had everything necessary to make myself comfortable straight away. Opening the trunk that I had stored in February was like discovering a treasure chest - clothes, towels, books, sheets. The kitchen was stocked and ready, the old internet stick tricked into giving me service for those first few hours. My landlady prepared and shared fresh dosa and sambar so that I wouldn't have to venture into town in the rainy weather. Everything I found, everything I saw, and everything I was offered was a tiny gift that made me feel as though I had never left.
While it has been nice to have a chance to slide right back into Mysore life, I am also grateful for the gift of new friends. Bright smiles and enthusiastic conversations offer me a fresh perspective on the things which I feel I know so well. In the past ten days I have explored new neighbourhoods, revisited old and favourite destinations, made exciting discoveries, and had a chance to take in my world with new eyes. It's a lesson I've been taking into the shala with me. The first full week in the shala was incredible, and just like stepping across my apartment threshold, the familiarity of the practice made me feel comfortable. Linking up breath and movement in a way that I've done so many times over makes me feel safe and grounded. It's a feeling I linger over and savour, but is also imbued with that same sense of curiosity. I can't wait to find all the tiny gifts, unwrap them and discover what they have to offer.
Settling in for my third trip has been unexpectedly easy. Even though I arrived a bit earlier than my luggage, I had everything necessary to make myself comfortable straight away. Opening the trunk that I had stored in February was like discovering a treasure chest - clothes, towels, books, sheets. The kitchen was stocked and ready, the old internet stick tricked into giving me service for those first few hours. My landlady prepared and shared fresh dosa and sambar so that I wouldn't have to venture into town in the rainy weather. Everything I found, everything I saw, and everything I was offered was a tiny gift that made me feel as though I had never left.
Dr. Seuss Tree
