The Traveling Yogini Chronicles - Vol. 1

For nearly six months, I’ve been living as a self-proclaimed professional hobo; since I gave up my apartment at the end of June, I’ve been staying with family, subletting friends’ apartments and experiencing life in several different Toronto neighbourhoods along the way. While this has been a rather challenging endeavour, where I’ve often felt less than grounded and more than scattered, Operation Homelessness is about to pay off big time. My intention behind this hobo lifestyle has been two fold: first, to save money to travel; and second, to do away with having a lease and any other cumbersome responsibilities tying me down. At the beginning of December, I’ll be flying to Maui to study with Nancy Gilgoff, the first American woman to venture to India in search of Sri K Pattabhi Jois, father of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Everyday I’ll have the opportunity to practice with Nancy “Mysore style” in her shala, located in the middle of a tomato farm amidst the gorgeous Hawaiian countryside. It has yet to sink in that this trip is merely weeks away.

After absorbing all that I can from yoga on Maui, I’ll return home for the holidays and stick around for just enough of January to remind myself why I hate winter. At the end of the month, I’ll be off once again, this time with my father to Goa, in South India. Together, we’ll travel to Purple Valley Yoga Retreat Centre, where Petri Räisänen is hosting an Ashtanga intensive composed of daily Mysore practice, along with afternoon asana workshops, philosophy discussions, meditation and chanting. I’ve never been to India before, but have been told that Goa is a wonderful introduction to a country that can be otherwise mind-bending upon arrival from the West. Additionally, I’ve heard fantastic things about Purple Valley, which was recently featured in an online popular yoga blog. Plus, the fact that I’m going on retreat with my dad will make this trip extra-ordinary, and for this I’m feeling genuinely blessed.

After the retreat at Purple Valley, I plan to stay in India until the beginning of March and explore different regions. With several friends and teachers heading to the town of Mysore this winter, that will likely be a stop along the track. If you’re wondering what the heck I’m talking about when I say “Mysore style” yoga, I’m referring to the yoga practice that originated in this town - Mysore, India. In a Mysore class, students practice the traditional sequences - Primary, Intermediate and Advanced A + B - according to their own breath and ability, guided by the instructor who provides adjustments, gives new poses and ensures that each student stays on course as they progress through the series. Practicing Mysore style, I believe, is the best gateway toward developing a yoga practice that is truly your own.

While my journey will be taking me away from my classes and wonderful students at 889 Yoga, I promise to return (eventually!) and bring with me all the richness I’m sure to encounter from the wonderful instructors I’m fortunate enough to study alongside during my travels. And if you’re looking for a taste of yoga travel, I encourage you to venture beyond your comfort zone and try something different. Wherever the adventure leads, remember that yoga is a universal language - after all, home is wherever your mat is.

~Cecily