Well I’ve just finished a book that I’ve been wanting to read for a long time, The serpent rising: a journey of spiritual seduction by Mary Garden. The book was originally published as a work of fiction under a pen name in 1988. However, in 2003 a revised autobiographical version with an updated epilogue was released.
Mary’s story is quite extreme, and her naivety is shocking, but the power of the transcendent experience is laid bare in her very candid account of seven years in India, under the thrall of various gurus and godmen. (more…)
I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s YogaFest in Brisbane. Last year I had a very enjoyable day trying different styles of yoga, listening to lectures on alternative health and just lying in the sun drinking chai, my idea of a perfect day. I’m planning on trying as many classes as possible this year, so I’ll be getting there early with my mat and $30.00 entry fee.
This is a really good value day if you’re into yoga or would like to get into yoga. Come with a friend and do as little or as much as you would like. This year there are 3 studios running concurrently so there’s plenty to choose from – 23 sessions in fact. A number of schools have information stands so you can chat to practitioners and find out all about their particular brand of yoga. There’s food, yoga stuff for sale, a chai tent with live music and a good vibe.
If you want to do one of the 9:00 sessions I recommend getting there at 8:30 because it might take a few minutes to register and find out where to go.
Facts
Where: The Old Museum building cnr Gregory Tce and Bowen Bridge Rd, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane.
When: Sunday 7 June, 8:30 - 6:00
How much: $30 [includes entry to all classes and workshops]
Website: http://www.yogafest.com.au/YogaFest/Welcome.html
Friday – A good start
Had trouble sleeping last night probably due to the unfamiliar surroundings and excitement. I was the first one in the meditation hall this morning and tried to do a few stretches before we began. The meditations all went well and so far so good with the silence. A third of the attendees are friends and I thought that would make it very weird but apart from a few awkward moments at breakfast we all ignore each other beautifully. Avoiding eye contact definitely makes it easier. What I am finding difficult however, is not sharing observations.
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Imagine spending four days on a mountain with 18 others in the pouring rain in SILENCE!!!
Well that’s what I just did at a meditation and yoga retreat at Springbrook, in the Gold Coast hinterland. Wow, what an amazing experience.
So, what was it like to be quiet for so long and devote every day fully to meditation and yoga?
Over the next week or so I’m going to try and express my experiences through a series of excerpts from the diary I kept.
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