WEEKEND WORKSHOP

Well, the party's almost over. Just the weekend to go.

Yesterday began in a most unusual manner.  I had heard of JF's sense of humor and play, but have not experienced tons of 'out of the box' stuff -- he always is poised and polished, with a little humor on top to sweeten the package.  I got a taste of 'play' yesterday as we began our session.  He's in front of the group, it's 9:05 am, and he says "ok, lets get ready".  I'm expecting the chant, so I get ready. Sit tall, cross my legs, soften my eyes.

Instead?  He cues David, who starts the music in the studio. On comes the Beatles' song "Love, Love, Love".  Wow!  For the next few minutes everyone enjoyed the music and lyrics -- so appropriate after all we have been talking about this week. The group (all 147 of us) swayed along, held hands, or simply did their own expression of joy at hearing this departure from routine, such a great song.

Then, he calls an attendee to the stage who (I apologize for not remembering her name; I will never forget the beautiful hair, tho) is an opera coach and singing instructor, plus yoga instructor. She proceeds to explain her presence, stating that she realized the night before that her seva (service) to the community could be giving us some advice on using our voices in kirtan, chanting, etc. For the next few minutes, she gave us breath instructions, talked about using skull loop as a tool in chanting.  Good stuff.

Now, a real departure -- he asks this instructor to lead the chant. She graciously accepted the challenge and led the most powerful chant I've heard in a long time. We all were using our breath so effectively that the sound was full, energetic, yet we all were hearing one another (one of the key points to chanting).

From that point forward -- business as usual.  Lots of questions and answers. Then a 'rockin' practice. That means more challenging and moving at a faster pace. 6, yes 6, Urdhva Dhanurasana's in a row for me; plus a couple handstands; plus an attempt at an assisted scorpion. Fun, Fun, Fun.

Got to get ready for this morning.

Hope you have a great Saturday,