After a relaxing but fun day off we were back on our mats. This morning started with a few chants, some kind words about our progress from our instructors, and a new type of giving meditation. They gave everyone a trash bag and told us to walk the trails and beaches we've frequented since being here picking up rubbish.
After our finals debriefing
I was surprised how much trash was along the trails I've walked everyday since being here. It felt good cleaning this beautiful island up. I stopped at Whynam beach and did a meditation apologizing to the earth for humans neglecting their responsibilities of conservation. The early morning sun was radiating on my skin. It felt great.
After our hour walking meditation we were back at the Shala for our yoga practice. Vari did a great Primary Rocket Vinyasa Fusion class. It was strong and fun. Lots of pranayama mixed into the beginning. I felt dialed. Of course lots of clapping afterwards. It was a bit surreal walking out after class knowing that was our last two hour practice together.
After last full day of class. Ready for my exam tomorrow!
After class we had a mock test with our partners we taught to on Friday. This time Chelse taught me. She did great. We both finished feeling confident about our tests tomorrow. Class was dismissed for a 30min break. I went off to secure a room for Dennis. Most of the resorts have been booked up this week. I found him a room at LoveLip bungalows. It's my least favorite resort but it's only for 2 days.
I met up with Dennis at the Sanctuary resort. He looked tired but excited to be here. I showed him his accommodations and jetted back to class.
David did a class on the power of manifesting and yoga business building. It was nice but it felt like review of information I already knew.
After class I showered quickly and tracked down Dennis. He was having a Singha beer at The Sanctuary. We left to head to Whynam beach for a sunset drink. There were a bunch of locals listening to deep house music and chilling out in the sand. Dennis was super excited to be here enjoying this experience. The music was good, the air clean & warm, the beer cold, and the company pleasant.
We left after sundown and made our way back to Beam for a couple No Name appetizers and some more beers. Around 8:30pm we headed for The Sanctuary for dinner. Dennis was on cloud nine to be here. I could tell he had a long 48hrs of travel and was happy to here. It was good seeing a familiar face and I felt grateful to have my friend here for the conclusion of this training.
We parted ways and I made my way back to my Bungalow. It was a great last day of training. I slept sound.
Mon Feb 23
Our finals. I was up at 6:15am wide awake. I felt confident and excited to close this chapter of my training. I grabbed an apple, banana, and soy drink from the Beam. My walk up to the Shala was quite. I reviewed the moves in my mind. I haven't studied in 2 days. I know the MPS backwards and forwards by now.
We did a few chants and talked about the layout of the class test. It would be 11 teaching one on one, then switching student to teacher with the next 11 teaching. The instructors picked names out of the hat. I laughed because the universe really wanted to show me I could do this. I was paired with Patricia one of the older women in the course and I know she does modifications I don't know how to instruct on. Also the last 2 practice teaching sessions I've been distracted by views outside on the patio or by looking to see where everyone else was at in the series compared to mine. So to add to my plight I was placed outside on the patio with amazing views. Challenge accepted universe.
Patricia taught first. In other trainings she's been off with her time and has forgotten a few descriptions jumbled. This was a great teacher training on her part and I couldn't have been happier to be her student. I was very proud to witness her transformation.
We had a 15min break to reorganize everyone. I was up to teach. When our 1 hour began I took the first two minutes to give my introduction, ask Patricia to wiggle her arms and legs to connect to her body, and connect our breathing with ujjayi breath.
Our practice began and ended smoothly. She was a great student and I nailed every move even with her modifications. I wasn't even distracted by the beautiful views on the patio. Afterward we reviewed with the class. Patricia said she was super happy with my teaching and adjustments. She got into positions she had never been in before and that made me happy.
After breaking at about 10:30am I walked out of the Shala on cloud nine. In retrospect I might have been in shock that it was all over. A big weight was lifted but I was also a little sad my training was over.
I changed into some board shorts and headed off to grab Dennis. We met up with the rest of the group down at Whynam beach. It was great to have nothing we had to do. We floated in the ocean, sat in the sand, ate coconuts, drank beer, exchanged stories, and felt gratitude for our many blessings. It was a great day to be alive!
After the beach and my skin a little to sun kissed, Dennis and I grabbed some Singhas and headed up to Bamboo restaurant for our group dinner. We were about an hour early so we relaxed on the bluff patio overlooking the bay. Carly and Patricia joined us for a bit then we headed for the super long table for 28 people.
Dinner was excellent. Everyone was happy and conversation was laughter filled. I looked around the table multiple times and I saw nothing but smiles. It hit me in that moment I was really done and I would be parting from these great people. What an amazing journey!
After dinner I organized a few people to help me gather wood for a beach bonfire at Blue Beach where our Friday Fundays are held. With the wood gathered I got the fire going pretty quick. It was a perfect location. The rest of the group joined us after they paid their tabs.
It was a perfect evening to be on the beach. The fire warmed our souls and the buzz around the fire was pure happiness. Emiline brought down three Chinese floating lanterns. We signed one with our intentions and sent them flying. Two out of the three went into the heavens. It was gorgeous.
The group slowly tapered off and headed for bed. I was with the final crew when some guy down the beach decided to bless the evening with an awesome fireworks show. It was a great conclusion to an amazing day. I am blessed in this moment!!
Fun on the beach with a few classmates
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