Tuesday June 16th London and Donna Farhi's Yoga Intensive

Tomorrow is the last day of Donna’s intensive workshop. I woke this morning feeling heavy with exhaustion. I have slept fitfully most nights since I arrived. I’ve chosen to walk to the yoga venue at Primrose Hill each morning. It takes about an hour walking at a brisk pace. On my arrival at Triyoga I entered the large yoga room where around 50 people would be gathering yet again for a day of yoga in the hands of a very skilled teacher. It may sound like an impersonal environment with such a large group but Donna manages repeatedly to create an atmosphere of intimacy. With a combination of seriousness interspersed with lightness and humour she has guided our group of yoga practitioners to places that some of us reluctantly journeyed. From the strictest and most disciplined ashtangis to those practising freer expressions of yoga we are offered the opportunity to question her methodology. As well as experiencing my own trepidation it has been so valuable to listen to many of the participants sharing their feelings, doubts and awkwardness. Each day has been demanding, enlightening and at times downright confrontational. One of the many gifts this intensive has offered me is the opportunity to talk with other teachers and students as many express their fears and doubts. We come from so many different social, cultural and yoga backgrounds and yet again I am reminded of what we all have in common. We are human beings with our strengths and frailties meeting on the mat to continue on our quest for greater knowledge of ourselves and human nature. I again feel an internal turmoil and wonder where I am going to place myself and this knowledge. We have been encouraged to seek the truth of ourselves. To raise enquiries instead of being told what to do is a profound concept as we cultivate an ability to sense and honour our own experiences. This is yoga’s purpose.
I’m thankful to have a long summer break ahead of me to process the experiences from Donna’s teachings as well as the teachings of Jonas Westring from his Anusara workshop last weekend. We shall see what developments are made in next terms yoga teachings!!