Hehe, I love puns. Hey America!
Well, after a bustling three days in Sydney, the Mangrove Satyananda
Yoga Ashram has been a welcome change of pace for many of us. Upon our
arrival, we were greeted by Jay and Chatan, who graciously walked us
through the beautiful campus and divided the group into our respective
living arrangements (thankfully, these rooms did not harbor any
disagreeable odors; I cannot say the same for our last accommodations,
but that’s another story). We were then eased into a lovely routine
that goes something like this: We begin each morning with a yoga
session at 5:30am in which we practice meditation and various
postures; although many of us were initially apprehensive in regards
to the excercises, we have come to realize that yoga is more intended
as a cleansing for the mind and spirit than a workout for the body.
It’s nothing too strenuous! After, we gather for a community
breakfast; all the meals served are vegetarian, but I think most
everyone’s been pleased with the menu. My own body has relished the
healthy change in diet- I’ve actually amassed a noticeable amount of
newfound energy. Next, both residents and visitors of Mangrove alike
assemble for an hour of practicing Karma Yoga, in which everyone
contributes their efforts to the basic upkeep of our living space;
this includes sweeping, kitchen duties, bathroom cleaning, and so
forth. The idea behind this is that by giving selflessly, one can
incorporate yoga into everyday life activity; in doing so, one not
only practices yoga, but lives yoga. (Or you know, something deep and
profound like that anyway.) After this, we are generally given some
free time to roam the grounds, nap, or journal. Our afternoons are
devoted to varying genres of yoga; I think the established group
favorite is the practice of Yoga Nidra, in which you lie in a cozy
room on pillows whilst being guided by a Swami with a particularly
soothing, accented voice through meditation; it’s a glorified nap
time- I could live here. In the evenings, beginning at 8:15, we
practice Mouna, or silence, all the way until we’ve finished breakfast
…Well, we’re supposed to anyway; it’s been challenging, but the
value of solitude and the opportunity to reflect has not gone
unnoticed! We’re only a few days in here, but I think an obvious,
positive change has come over the group; Mangrove has certainly
rejuvinated us both mentally and spiritually- just in time so that we
can truly make the most out of this last leg of our incredible
journey!
Bhakti and Shanti from the other side 🙂
Katie