It's quite an experience to throw all of your clothes out of your suitcase and immediately start packing for the next trip. With just about 48 hours in town before Tulum, I've got a full plate and not enough forks to get through it all. Given my practice history for the last week, however, there was no way I was going anywhere without a practice this morning. I have to say it was beautiful to get up, get changed and walk outside thinking "Shit it's cold... wait, this isn't cold... it's 60 degrees.. this is beautiful." One of my hosts from my trip to Chicago told me before I left that I'd return with a new appreciation for San Diego weather. I was insistent in that ping conversation that I already appreciated this beautiful place I lived... I now know he was spot on right (he's, afterall, quite a brilliant man), I DO appreciate the beauty of this climate all the more and I find myself thinking "Stop your complaining... at least it isn't Chicago."

Driving up to the studio I realized that Tim wouldn't be at practice this morning... he left for Tulum today. I was hoping that our lovely Kiran would be adjusting... I really needed some good strong and deep adjustments today and, frankly, Kiran is the master adjuster. Her adjustments beat just about everyone's adjustments that I've ever had. I thought practice was going to suck this morning -- but about halfway through I found a groove and drew in my focus. I'm trying to figure out Bhujapindasana right now. If I put my knees over my shoulders, I can't get my feet through my hands... it's like my feet are too big (they are pretty big). I can get down very much without grace but there's no way I can keep my ankles crossed... I've watched a few other advanced practitioners do this and they all seem to do it with their knees by their elbows as in my picture there.... but I don't get how to get into Titibhasana with your knees down there. With time, I suppose. I wanted to attempt Dwi Pada on my own again. I didn't mention that I was pretty surprised at getting myself into Dwi Pada so easily while I was playing around in the conference room in Chicago. I didn' t even have to lean against the wall... and when I went over I grasped my finger tips... so I really wanted to try it again as my hips seemed pretty open but I grew fearful in my ego and so I asked Kiran to help me. After she got me into it, I was surprised to find that I not only could touch finger tips but I could actually feel my hands. Badha K was a great joy today... even Rich told me I just let go of my hips...

And then came backbends..... and my back actually felt pretty good today... and I knew Tim wasn't there... and that Kiran was and I knew we could try some dropbacks..... so we did. I love that adjustment that she does (she'll have to explain it).. and I can feel the muscles in my legs via that adjustment but I'm still missing something crucial... but what a great adjustment and I really enjoy the experience of going up and coming down.... I'm trying to let go of the frustration... the mental process... the juice is in the absence of the thought.

I'm completely unprepared for Tulum... all my yoga clothes are unwashed, I haven't purchased half of the toiletries I need (sunblock, bug spray....), I haven't figured out what I need to bring for The Daughter... Heck, I don't even know what time my flight leaves. I'm sitting in my office today... teach yoga for kids at 12:30.... back to work and then scramble to get my stuff done and out of here in the morning. Then I'm outta here for 7 days.... I hear Tulum has an Internet connection in the main lobby this year... so you may just see a post or two from me... otherwise just lots of pictures when I get back.

Chow.