April's Musings

Tuesday, August 30, 2005
"Yoga in the park"


Morning time New Delhi.

I go out the door, through the gate, down the road, across the lane and into the neighborhood park. Stone pathways are shaded by Ashok trees, a canopy of green covering the pathway in late August cools the warm morning. The scent of fragrant frangipanis sweeten the air. I breathe deeply, free from the house, free from my work, anticipating yoga in the park.

Delhi dogs and Indian crows scramble over bread scattered by two old gentlemen. Everywhere individuals are twisting, turning, bending, and stretching, limbering up for the day. Small groups are scattered throughout the large park, exercising together. Ladies sit on benches and sing hymns. Joggers lope by and elderly couples waddle through their morning "round." There are plenty of groups of male friends, retired perhaps, walking briskly or sitting on benches discussing animatedly—what?—the morning news and personal views?

Under the shade of the gulmohar tree my yoga class is being prepared. Yoga carpets are being laid on the ground, the guru’s assistant smiles at every new arrival and "namaste," the Indian hello, abounds. Nearby I hear the laughing of another yoga class—they must have started at 6:00. The laughter signifies the end of class.

Our class trickles in, the men seem to arrive on time, and the ladies wander in late. At 7:00 a.m. our guruji begins the class. Amidst the cawing of crows, the skittering of squirrels, and the light breeze of early morning, our Om begins. Cross-legged and eyes closed we breathe out the sacred sound of "Om" together.

I love this yoga group—at 54 I am the absolute youngest! Everyone has some different ailment, each with a personal limitation. Coordination is not our forte. Some can raise their legs a little, some a lot, and some not at all! As the master instructs in Hindi I look around trying to decide whose lead to follow. As soon as I fix on someone who seems to be accomplished, they turn out to have a neck ailment—spondylosis is big—and I need to choose another person to copy! I glance at the master; he shakes his head, and points to someone else to follow. There is no performance fear here!

The peaceful passage of a relaxing hour ends when we all stand, bend our knees deeply, and stretch heavenward with a big "Ha- Ha- Ha" as we let out belly laughs at the joyful and funny close of class, and Again, "Ha-Ha-Ha."

And Again, "Ha-Ha-Ha."

What a great way to start a busy day!