clevermanka | Yoga with Gopi

I didn't realize until last night how much I missed my yoga classes with Gopi. I tried to go a couple weeks ago to the class at ECM, only to learn that she's not doing those anymore (although the website *still* says she does). I was a little annoyed and embarrassed that I'd dragged myself and two friends out to the discontinued class, but all irritation and grumpiness vanished during last night's class.

I forgot how gentle and concerned Gopi is about everyone in her classes. I mentioned that I was having thyroid problems (and a sore throat that day), and she arranged the session around poses and mudras that help stimulate and ease problems with the throat and throat chakra. I especially liked Shankha mudra, which is very pretty and graceful. I think I might start using it as a salute at the end of dance, instead of the usual palms pressed together (tadasana-style). We also did something that I don't remember its name, but can be described as "hangy-upside-down child pose with bar and ropes." I couldn't hold myself up in shoulderstand (had to hold my feet against the wall), but I did get into plow pose and hold it. Go, me! Anyway, all this to say it was absolutely wonderful to be back in class and I will never ever again stop taking yoga just because I think I don't have enough money.

I'm already looking forward to class next week.