I feel like a fraud, or rather an imposter.

This week they are hosting a meeting for assessors/mentors/teacher trainers from around the world to address the problems with the current assessment model.

The pranayama class was taught by Prashant, but actually I should not say ‘taught’ because Prashant is currently not teaching.

He says I am not going to teach you anything you have to learn for yourself.

So that is what we did.

I observed a class with Raya this morning at 5.45am. It was a real struggle to get out of bed, but well worth the effort.

The thread was clear and strong and I want to share that with you.

Practice has never been so easy… with 80 people in the hall practicing with me.

It can be so hard and a chore to get on the mat alone in your living room and make a practice come to life.

To conjure up what to do, in what order and for how long.

I am reluctant to speak directly of anything here in Pune and the going on at the Institute because one thing more than anything that is conveyed in the teaching is that nothing is fixed, nothing is as it seems and we have to constantly remind ourselves that ‘it is my perception’ and my perception is coloured by so many things.

I miss my family very much, my 10-year-old daughter and 8-year-old son would marvel at everything I am experiencing here in India.

So today I invited them along for masala tea and to come food shopping with me.

I was a bit excited about attending Prashant’s class today.

I realised I would enjoy it much more if I didn’t go with expectations.

Like anything in life, we are disappointed when we have an expectation that is not met.

What would Prashant have to say about these sweets made to look like a strawberry.

Our first class this morning was with Prashant.

If you have been to RIMYI I do not need to say anymore, but for those of you yet to visit, let me share with you a little about his class today and in general.

We had our first practice at the institute today and OMG, the energy in the room was incredible and distracting.

Students rehearsing for a demonstration was the backdrop to our practice. The variety and choreography of poses were inspiring and I couldn’t help stop and watch every now and then.

My favourite thing about practicing in the hall is the energy of all the practitioners and the inspiration that comes. 

Getting to Pune, finding accommodation, eating safe food and registering at the Institute are some of the biggest things people worry about and that deters them from making the journey.

So I thought I would begin at the beginning.

I’m not going to rewrite the Pune Guide, although it could do with some updating:)

I will give you some essentials. I will put prices but they are always changing so keep that in mind.